Goalkeeper Harrison Chamberlain has signed for Cray Valley PM after being released by Colchester United at the end of last season. The 20-year-old, who never made a senior appearance for the U's, has linked up with the Isthmian League South East Division club where he spent time on loan last term.
This news comes as Colchester United currently sit 8th in League Two with 7 points from their opening four games. Their recent form reads LWWD, with 5 goals scored and 5 conceded, leaving them just 2 points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers. The club's current standing can be tracked on our standings page.
Harrison Chamberlain is a 20-year-old goalkeeper who progressed through Colchester United's academy system. He signed his first professional contract with the club in the summer of 2024 and played regularly for both the under-21 and under-18 sides during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium. Despite featuring in pre-season for the first team, he did not make a competitive senior appearance for the U's.
His development was recognised at the end of 2023 when he was included in the League Football Education's (LFE) 'The 11'. This initiative highlights eleven under-18 footballers across the country for their outstanding efforts both on and off the pitch. Chamberlain gained valuable experience away from Colchester during the 2023-24 season with loan spells at Brightlingsea Regent and Folkestone Invicta.
Cray Valley PM is managed by Kevin Lisbie, a former Colchester United striker who knows the club's setup well. Chamberlain is already familiar with the Millers, having spent a period on loan there last season. He started for them in a 2-0 defeat at Croydon Athletic on Bank Holiday Monday, just after completing his move.
"He started the Millers’ 2-0 defeat at Croydon Athletic, on Bank Holiday Monday," Harrison Chamberlain said, confirming his immediate involvement. The move provides the young keeper with a clear pathway to regular football in the Pitching In Isthmian League south east division, a level where he can continue his development.
Chamberlain's departure was part of the club's end-of-season decisions, with the goalkeeper being one of several players released. Colchester's current squad details are available on our squad page. The U's have begun the campaign solidly, building a platform with their 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss from four matches.
Their defensive record of 5 goals conceded is matched by their 5 goals scored, resulting in a neutral goal difference. The team's upcoming schedule, which will test their early-season form, is listed on our fixtures page. Chamberlain's exit follows a pattern of young players moving on to seek first-team opportunities elsewhere, a common occurrence in the development pathway of professional clubs.
Harrison Chamberlain now focuses on establishing himself as Cray Valley PM's number one goalkeeper. His immediate task is to help the team improve on their Bank Holiday Monday result. The move represents a fresh start in a familiar environment, offering the chance for consistent match action that was not available at his parent club.
The Colchester Gazette first reported the transfer, confirming the keeper's switch to the Isthmian League side. For Chamberlain, the priority is playing regularly and using his experience from Colchester's academy to progress his career in the non-league system. His first professional deal, signed in 2024, has now led to this permanent move following his release.
