Defender released and returns to Cray Valley PM The club can confirm the departure of defender Cem Tumkaya.

The 25-year-old was mutually released from his contract at the end of last week, and has returned to former club Cray Valley PM. Cem signed for us during the summer from the Millers, having played 236 games for them between 2016 and 2023.

The defender then appeared in eight of our friendlies during the summer, scoring what proved to be the decisive second goal in our 3-1 victory over Millwall U23s. His debut came on the opening day of the season, replacing Ade Shokunbi in the 23rd minute of our draw at Hashtag United following the early red card to Manny Parry, and scored an unfortunate own goal in the second half.

His full debut came a week later against Hastings United, when he replaced the suspended Parry in the starting XI, but he would sadly taste defeat, and gave away a penalty late on, with the Us running out as 2-1 winners. Cem has returned to the Millers, where his father is the club's President, and was an unused substitute in their FA Cup tie with Northwood at the weekend.

Everyone at the club would like to thank Cem for his short spell here with us, and wish him the very best for the future.