Former Manchester City youngster George King has become Deal Town manager Darren Anslow’s latest signing.

King, who can play in midfield or up front, was released by City in May 2012 after completing a two-year scholarship with the Premier League champions.

Anslow said: “He’s floated about a bit since then, including having a little spell at Maidstone. He’s still only 20 and will come straight into contention this weekend.”

Anslow has also put in a seven-day approach for a player from Woodstock Sports, who are Deal’s opponents away from home on Bank Holiday Monday (kick-off 1pm).

Before then, Deal take on Cray Valley PM at the Charles Ground on Saturday, as Town return to league action following Wednesday night’s dramatic FA Cup extra preliminary round replay win over Phoenix Sports. Town won 8-7 on penalties after the tie had finished 3-3.

Anslow added: “There was a marked improvement in our performance on Saturday (when Deal drew 2-2 with Phoenix) compared to the Rochester game in midweek but it’s all about little building blocks when you are putting together a new side.”

Cray Valley PM were one of Deal’s bogey sides last season.

The clubs met five times in league and cup, with the former Paper Mills outfit winning four times. They finished seventh in the Southern Counties East last season but have made a sluggish start this time around, losing twice in the league and then going down 3-1 at home to Raynes Park Vale in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Cray Valley were also in action last night (Wednesday) against Fisher.
Anslow added: “I am familiar with Cray Valley. I was there for a little while a couple of seasons ago and their assistant manager, Martin Barnard, was my assistant when I was manager at Sevenoaks.

“I also know Paul Gross, the Cray Valley manager, well and, like us, they are rebuilding and it takes time.

“Although they haven’t started well, they are a decent side and the fact is, there are no easy games in this league."