Lined up in a 3-5-2 formation

1 GK – Elliot Justham: We played in the same kids team where he played left back. Many years later, after making the move to goalkeeper, he came to East Thurrock and demonstrated he was worthy of playing at a higher level. His great performances deservedly landed him a move to Luton Town. Still very young for a keeper, he has bundles of ability so I’m sure he will have a great career in the Football League.

2 CB – Chris Smalling: We played in the same team from the age of 11-15 at Millwall. Chris was always very athletic but, to be honest, was not the best defender. But he has improved massively having gone via Maidstone and Fulham to a Manchester Utd and England regular.

3 CB – Rob Swaine: Captain at Bromley and a massive factor in them achieving promotion last season. He is a good leader who is strong in the air and always drives the team on. He also chips in with a few goals.

4 CB – Joe Keith: Played with Keithy at East Thurrock when he was coming to the end of his career, but he still showed the quality he had on a weekly basis. His delivery is very good and he likes to think of himself as a set piece specialist, when he isn’t boring people with his football league stories.

5 CM – Reiss Gilbey: One of the hardest working players I’ve played with and also he had a lot of ability. 100 per cent committed, he never let his 5ft stature hinder him. Shame he knocked the football on the head to go and earn tax free money in Dubai, although he has offered me a free trip if I put him in this line up! Cheers Gilbs!

6 CM – David Rainford: Ex-captain at Chelmsford City, he was another strong leader who was also a very good player. His drive and determination helped bring out the best in people and I really enjoyed playing alongside Dave in my short spell at Chelmsford.

7 RM – Sam Collins: Recently suffered a horrible injury but, knowing Sammy, I am sure he will come back stronger than ever. He always pops up with important goals and assists for me both at East Thurrock and Concord, so it was an easy pick for me!

8 CM – James White: Whitey is a big, physical presence, strong in the air and very good on the ball which takes a lot of people by surprise considering his size. He played next to Nicky Cowley which was a very strong midfield pairing. He has all the attributes to play at a higher level and he’s good in the changing room.

9 ST – Diego Tristan: I played and trained alongside him in a few friendlies while on trial at Deportivo La Coruna in 2007. His touch and finishing were unreal. I learned a lot from him in a short space of time.

10 ST – Greg Pearson: I played alongside Greg while at Bishop’s Stortford. I was young and Greg was great to play alongside. He was bought by Burton Albion at the end of the season.

11 LM – Lewis Smith: Probably the most frustrating player I have ever played with but he has so much ability and can change a game in an instant. He has recently found his scoring boots as well which is good for East Thurrock and could be a real player if he controlled his temper! Also, including him might mean the other players in the team get a touch of the ball this weekend.