Ryan Charles leaves Bishop’s Stortford to sign for Aveley

Ryan Charles’ time at Bishop’s Stortford has come to an end after he completed a move to Aveley.

The popular forward, nicknamed Spider, will join up with former Blues Ryan Henshaw and Ollie Peters at the Pitching In Isthmian League, Premier Division club.

Charles, who was a member of Stortford’s Isthmian Premier title-winning side in 2022-23, scored 42 goals in 211 appearances.

He also made his international debut last season after featuring for Saint Lucia in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Charles’ new team Aveley were relegated last season after finishing bottom of National League South.

Staying at the RDA Stadium for the forthcoming campaign are retained players Brad Russell, Rashawn Scott and Mark Haines.

Midfielder Russell enjoyed a good first season with the Blues, netting 10 goals in 40 appearances and being named Manager’s Player of the Year by boss Steve Castle.

Winger Scott, who was at Chelsea and Reading as a youngster, also made a good impact last term thanks to seven goals in 35 outings.

Experienced centre-back Haines has also committed to another year with the Blues and will combine his playing duties with a coaching role as part of Castle’s backroom staff.

Stortford have added another friendly to their pre-season schedule, with National League side Southend United due to visit the RDA Stadium on Saturday July 19 for a 3pm kick-off.

The Shrimpers missed out on promotion back to Sky Bet League Two last season after losing 3-2 to Oldham Athletic after extra time in the play-off final at Wembley.

The Blues’ friendly at Walthamstow has been switched from Tuesday July 15 to Thursday July 31 (7.45pm).

And Stortford’s players are taking part in a T20 cricket match against Thorley at the latter’s Thorley Lane ground this Friday (June 27). The action gets under way at 6pm and food will be available courtesy of Stort Biltong.