Tasty pre-season

New signing - Raheem Sterling-Parker

We have boosted our already impressive array of forward talent with a first new signing ahead of next season, writes James Barrett.

Sterling-Parker: going for goals

Although we hit over 100 goals in the Ryman South last time out, player/manager Peter Adeniyi believes his squad should’ve scored more and has wasted no time recruiting forward Raheem Sterling-Parker.

And the former Harrow Borough and Enfield Town player, whom hit 16 goals during a disrupted season for Chipstead, can’t wait to get going at Colston Avenue.

“I feel a bit disappointed with last season because an injury kept me out for two months and stopped me reaching a personal target of 30 goals,” said Sterling-Parker.

“But I’ve already started training with a view to being ready for pre-season. I can’t wait to get started with Carshalton.”

Two of Sterling-Parker’s goals last season came at Colston Avenue as Chipstead inflicted a 3-2 defeat on us, but our style of play left a lasting impression on him.

“I came off thinking ‘wow, these guys play great football’ and I never forgot that,” he added.

“There were a few clubs after me once the season finished but I was focused on speaking to Peter first, I actually contacted him.

"We arranged a meeting and thankfully everything was settled very quickly. I wasn't concerned with money or other things, I'm just wanted to join a club that plays good football and I can't wait to start preparing for the new season."

The 22-year old also spoke of wanting to win titles and medals and he believes we can offer him the chance to start doing that. 

"I enjoyed my time at Chipstead, they gave me the freedom to play my game but we struggled all season," he said.

"I want to win things and I think the squad Carshalton has is more than capable in winning the league. I'll promise to work hard and hopefully bring a few goals to the party."

Bradford and Price sign up for 2017/18

After just missing out on the Ryman South play-offs last month, we have begun plotting for the new season by securing two of our brightest lights, writes James Barrett.

Top goalscorer Tommy Bradford, whom hit 31 goals last season, and defender Bobby Price will both be at Colston Avenue come August after extending their contracts for another season.

Bradford: 31 not out

Both players have come through the ranks at the club and reaffirms our policy of backing talented youngsters at first-team level.

"I was more than happy to stay with the club for another season despite ending the season with mixed emotions," said Bradford, whose most recent goal tally was a seasonal best since breaking into the first-team five years ago.

"It was a great season for me personally but I'm still disappointed we didn't make the play-offs.

"It was the first time a lot of us had been in that position of chasing promotion, so we should learn from that experience and go again next season.

"Both the boss and the chairman want us to push on and I'll be aiming to carry on where I left off in August."

Price, who predominately plays at right back, finished with a career best nine goals and also skippered the side numerous times last season. He also claims to be only too happy to remain a Robin.

Price: adding goals to his game

"I spoke to Paul Dipre about next season and everything seems positive both on and off the pitch," added the 21-year old, remarking on both manager Peter Adeniyi staying and an upcoming new clubhouse being planned.

"I really enjoyed this past season and, although we just missed out, the push for promotion was exciting. We are encouraged to play good football under Peter and I like the fact the club continues to back its youth.

"I think we have to be a favourite for promotion next season, especially keeping players like Tommy, and I can't wait for pre-season to get started."

Club chairman Paul Dipre added: "We have a lot of talented youngsters who, under Peter's leadership, can shape  very exciting future for us.

"The next two seasons are key for the club's development and players like Tommy and Bobby will help us get to where we need to be."

Look out for an interview with new signing Raheem Sterling-Parker next week.

Interview - Peter Adeniyi

Player/boss Peter Adeniyi will remain at Colston Avenue next season and is "quietly confident" he can improve on his first year as a manager, writes James Barrett.

After a real rollercoaster season of unbeaten runs and unexpected defeats, we missed out on a Ryman South play-off place by one point but the club rarely dropped outside the top seven as Peter vastly improved on our two consecutive mid-table finishes.

And Adeniyi had no doubts about committing himself to another 12 months in the Carshalton hot seat.

"Despite the disappointment of missing out on the play-offs, I've really enjoyed my first experience of management," said the 37-year old midfielder.

"It's been a privilege to work with an exciting group of young players and they deserve all the credit for taking our season right up to the final game.

"I've got the full support from both the board and all the staff so, all in all, it was an easy decision to continue this adventure."

Adeniyi and chairman Paul Dipre have already begun shaping the squad for next season's assault on the Ryman South, with 16-goal Chipstead attacker Raheem Sterling-Parker joining last week.

Tommy Bradford, our top scorer with 31 last season, and regular captain Bobby Price have also pledged to wear red again next season.

"The two main reasons I think we fell just shy of the play-offs were the amount of long-term injuries we suffered coupled with the failure to convert so many of chances we created," Adeniyi explained.

"We scored over 100 goals last season but we should've had even more. When we lost games it was mainly down to our own wastefulness in front of goal, so someone like Raheem will give us a slightly more direct route in that sense.

"Everyone knows how talented our young players are however and they can now back that up with experience of being in a promotion battle.

"We'd like to retain the majority of this current squad, which is why keeping the likes of Tommy and Bobby is important, while trying to add maybe four or five new faces to give us strength in depth."

Adeniyi also wants his positive relationship with the fans to continue moving forwards.

"The fans have been so supportive, even their criticism has been constructive, and I hope they continue to encourage our young players and keep Colston Avenue rocking next season," he added.

"I love coming in to work at Carshalton and I'm quietly confident we can go one step further next season if we all stick together."

The new Ryman South season will begin on Saturday 12th August with fixtures being announced sometime in July.