Despitethe fantastic finale to the last campaign, when the club collected their first ever national prize by winning the FA Umbro Trophy, the new Canvey Island soccer season will get off to a sombre start at Park Lane tomorrow (Saturday).

The whole club is reeling over news of the shock death last weekend of one of Gulls' most stalwart supporters, "Mad Al" Jenkins, who died in his sleep at the age of 54.

"Mad Al" will be remembered at the ground on Saturday afternoon when a minute's silence is held in his memory prior to the friendly with Dr Martens League Premier Division Crawley Town.

There seems certain to be a big turnout of club fans, officials and players on Tuesday when "Mad Al's" funeral service is held.

The cortege will leave the family home in Link Road - which was covered by Al in Canvey posters and colours prior to their FA Umbro Trophy final 1-0 success over Forest Green Rovers at Villa Park in May - at 2pm.

The funeral itself will be at 3pm at Basildon Crematorium with a reception then following at the Park Lane clubhouse.

There have been a couple of departures from the large Islanders' first team squad during the summer - defender Craig Davidson and striker Steve Clark.

But, although there are likely to be one or two trialists in action for the home side, it's likely to be closer to the start of the Ryman League season on August 18 before manager Jeff King decides on the one or two additions he feels are required to give his star-studded squad the fine-tuning required.

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