Trenkel joins Wakering as player-manager while Rafis also off for pastures new

Redbridge boss Terry Spillane admitted the club will go through a transitional period as they now look to push for a Ryman One North play-off spot after their FA Cup heroics.

Already departed is goalkeeper Adam Rafis and midfielder Dan Trenkel, with the latter set to become player-manager at league rivals Great Wakering Rovers.

Higher league clubs had expressed an interest in Rafis and Spillane has decided to bring in Joe Wright from fellow Ryman One North side Cheshunt.

“We have already started to get the ball rolling with some of the changes,” he said.

“Higher clubs had come in for Adam over the last six weeks, and he still believes he can test himself higher.

“We had known about Dan leaving for some time, but now it gives some of those fringe players a chance to stake a claim for his spot.

“Dan is Wakering through and through and we knew that something may happen.

“Nothing has gone on underhand and Wakering is his club really. They put in a seven day in on Sunday, the day after the FA Cup and we spoke to Dan about it and we knew it had been coming. He still has something left as a player as well, and I wish him all the best, except when he plays against us!”

And the Motormen returned to Ryman One North action with a 1-1 draw at Chatham Town, though they had to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men after Matt Turpin was sent off.

Vinnie Durrant had put Redbridge into the lead in the first half, but they were pegged back just before the break through Jason Barton.

This weekend Redbridge are in league action when they host seventh-placed Brentwood Town