Romford Raiders forward Frankie Harvey

Marshall delighted to keep key men

Romford Raiders defenceman Julian Smith

Romford Raiders player-coach Danny Marshall will welcome Julian Smith back to Rom Valley Way next season and give Frankie Harvey the chance to relaunch his career after injury.

But he will be without the services of Tyrone Miller, who has decided to join home-town team Streatham.

Marshall is also hoping home-grown forward Harvey can rediscover his fine form, before knee surgery early last season ruled him out of nearly all of the 1011/12 season.

He added: “My heart went out to Frankie last season. He’s a great kid and was getting frustrated near the end of the season.

“He was a big loss and could’ve put 70, 80 maybe 100 points on the board.

“We did well without him, but maybe with him we might have won the play-offs as well.”

As for the return of big blue-liner Smith, Marshall said: “I get on well with Julian, he’s a good lad on and off the ice and no trouble at all.

“He does what he is told and is the type of sold, stay-at-home defenceman you need. He gets better each year.

“I know a few teams were after him, but he has stayed loyal. He’s enjoyed his time at Romford and is just the type of player I want around me.”