GRAYS Athletic owner and manager Mick Woodward is bracing himself for a bumper summer pay-cheque of more than £1million, thanks to the success of two of his former stars - Michael Kightly and Aaron McLean.

The duo have performed superbly since leaving the Recreation Ground, with Kightly starring at Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers and McLean helping Peterborough United to win promotion from League Two.

Between them they are now worth around £6 million and with Woodward insisting on a 20 per cent sell on clause for the pair when the departed midway through the 2006-07 season, his own summer spending kitty could be about to be boosted significantly.

"I've spoken to Barry Fry at Peterborough and whoever wants Aaron has got to put in a minimum bid of £2 million," said Woodward.

"He's scored 33 goals this year and he will easily adapt to the higher level. With talk of this new FIFA ruling coming in allowing five foreign players, clubs at the top are going to be looking for homegrown talent.

"I think you'll see Michael Kightly move very shortly too. I know Everton, West Ham and Blackburn have come in for him and a club has put in a £4million bid already.

"We can't wait for these boys to move on because we've got 20 per cent sell on clauses but you probably won't see anything happen just yet. People will see who they can get rid of first. West Ham are going to have a good clear-out because they've got too many Big-Time Charlies and they want players who are hungry. Kightly fits that bill perfectly."

Benfleet boy Kightly, who began his career at Southend United, has become one of the hottest prospects outside of the Premier League and has represented England at under 21 level.

Manchester United also expressed an interest in the former Chalvedon School pupil last season but Wolves are determined to keep hold of the 22-year-old.

"I was very surprised by Mick Woodward's comments because we've received no bids or enquiries for Michael Kightly," said the club's chief executive Jez Moxey.

"Our chairman Steve Morgan went on record at the end of April with a clear and unequivocal message - our best young players are not for sale.

"We've got an exciting young team at Molineux and we are building something special which Michael wants to be a part of.

"We will not allow this kind of rumour or speculation to disrupt our plans."

l GRAYS Athletic have signed striker Jamie Taylor from Dagenham and Redbridge on a two-year contract following a successful loan spell last season.

The 25-year-old scored nine goals in 17 appearances for Grays.

Taylor had previously struggled to make an impact for the Daggers in League Two, netting only once in 16 outings.

Meanwhile, two players have left the New Rec.

Midfielder Ben Watson has joined League Two newcomers Exeter City, while goalkeeper Ross Flitney has been released.

>CAMBRIDGE United have snubbed an offer from Blue Square Premier rivals Stevenage for ex-Canvey Island striker Lee Boylan.

>ESSEX Olympian League Shell Club Corringham will be managed by Brendan Walshe and John Curtis next season and are on the lookout for a new sponsor.

Shell have arranged pre-season friendlies against higher league opposition, including Southend Manor, Great Wakering, Hullbridge Sports, Burnham Ramblers, and Concord Rangers.

To sponsor, call secretary John Robbins on 07771 533852.