To say new Deal Town manager Darren Anslow feels let down after his first training session on Tuesday night is a huge understatement.

Anslow, who was appointed Paul Murray’s successor last month, was fuming after only five local players turned up.

The former Sevenoaks Town boss and Cray Valley coach said: “I said after I was appointed that I would give those who were here last season the first chance to impress me.

“I spoke to them on the phone and they all told me they would turn up.

“But what happens, just five do – to say that is a bit of a let down is putting it mildly.

“I think it is disrespectful to me and the club to be honest.

“They have had their chance now and blown it. I can assure you that there will be no second chances.”

While he was angry with those locals who failed to show, Anslow did say he was impressed by those who did.

He said: “I thought Andy (midfielder Andy Miller) and Sam (defender Sam Short) looked good, so that was a positive to come out of a terrible night.”

Make sure you visit www.kentonline.co.uk on Friday to find out Deal’s opponents in the early rounds of the FA Cup and FA Vase.

Read the full story in Thursday's East Kent Mercury.