DANNY Dafter has completed his first signing after being appointed as the new manager of Aveley.

Darren Phillips has made the move to Parkside from local rivals Tilbury.

The central defender played a key part as the Dockers’ form improved under boss Marc Harrison.

Phillips followed Harrison to Chadfields after departing Isthmian North rivals Basildon United.

And Phillips - who also counts East Thurrock United, Burnham Ramblers and Basildon Town among his former clubs - went onto make 21 appearances for Tilbury,

Phillips went head-to-head with Aveley four times last term.

The defender was involved for Basildon twice in the space of just seven days, where he suffered defeats in the Isthmian North and FA Trophy, before getting the better of the Millers in both domestic fixtures in the colours of Tilbury.

While Phillips has agreed to join Aveley, a number of players have departed since the play-off semi-final defeat to Heybridge Swifts last month.

Sam Bantick, Lamar Johnson, Adam Bailey-Dennis and Amir Berkane have left in search of pastures new.

Bantick joined the Millers from Coggeshall Town in March and had a prolific spell, scoring 10 goals in nine appearances and grabbing a further six assists.

The winger claimed a hat-trick in a victory over Mildenhall Town, while he also recorded braces against Barking and Soham Town Rangers.

AFC Sudbury, Tilbury and Brentwood Town also conceded Bantick goals and the former Heybridge Swifts attacker was keen to insists he enjoyed his short stint at Parkside.

Bantick said: “It’s a great club with some great people.

“I would like to thank all of my team-mates and all the fans for welcoming me into a team doing so well.

“I’d also like to thank everyone else involved, especially Chris Smith, Danny Dafter and Gary Heywood for making my short time with the club an enjoyable one!

“I wish Aveley all the best next season.”

Johnson’s second spell at Aveley has also come to an end.

The goalkeeper made close to 50 appearances during his first stint with the club, but he returned last term and made a further seven outings.

Johnson claimed three clean sheets as Aveley finished the campaign in second place.

Bailey-Dennis has departed after making five appearances.

The central defender, who joined following a lengthy spell out of football due to injury, enjoyed four victories in Aveley colours and registered a solitary goal.

Ipswich Town academy product Berkane has ended his second spell with the Millers.

The central midfielder made the move to Parkside after studying in the United States of America.