By David Richardson
EXPERIENCED centre-back Paul Lorraine has joined promotion hopefuls Cray Wanderers in pursuit of a new challenge as player-assistant manager to Tony Russell.
The former AFC Wimbledon, Woking, Ebbsfleet and Welling defender suffered a serious knee injury in September 2014 and was released from Whitehawk in March after making 15 appearances.
He signed for National League South Dartford that month, but played once before Russell came calling.
“It all came out of the blue a little bit,” explained fans' favourite Lorraine, who captained Ebbsfleet for four years.
“I spoke and met with Tony for a good few hours and I soon realised that Cray are a big club and the potential they've got is massive.
“I trained for a week with them to see how it was, and I really liked what I saw, so I decided to sign.”
Lorraine has been plagued with injuries throughout his career.
“Fitness wise, I've pleasantly surprised myself,” he added. “It's the first pre-season I've done in a couple of years and I'm a lot fitter than I thought I might be.
“I've played two 90 minutes in a row now, which is a good achievement for me and, hopefully, I'll keep going from strength to strength.”
A chance to try out management proved to be too tempting to turn down for the centre-back.
“I've had no real aspirations to be a manager before, but I've been captain for most clubs I've played at,” added Lorraine.
“I thought it was a good opportunity for me to pursue at the age of 32. I'll be 33 in October. To be honest, it's a really good decision at the moment. I'm really enjoying it.
Responding
“I'll give it my best shot and continue to play and help out Tony. The players are responding really well. I can't ask for much more. They've really made the transition into the assistant manager role very easy.”
Cray missed out on promotion last term, losing in the play-off semi-finals, but Lorraine reckons they can go one better this time around in the Ryman South.
“We've spoken to the group and every game we play we're looking to win, whether that's a league, friendly or cup game. We're aiming to get promoted.”
Cray have also added ex-Ipswich Town and Bristol City winger Danny Haynes and supporters' player of the year Grant Basey.
