Category: Signing Reaction

YOUNG UP TRUMPS – HENRY PUTS PEN TO PAPER

Academy product signs on the dotted line. 

Henry Young signed his first contract with the club this week, following his 18th birthday. The young midfielder has made 5 appearances so far this campaign, including his debut away at Slough Town when an injury in the warm up to Josh Anifowose meant that the manager would give Young the nod. Playing next to the experienced James Dunne has helped the youngster grow into his role and we look forward to watching Henry develop as the season continues.

Young in action during a recent match against Chippenham Town – Picture Steve Johnson

Mike Sandmann from the academy was quick to heap praise on the midfielder. ‘I couldn’t be more pleased for Youngy and adds to the list of Academy boys progressing into our first team. This club has been great at giving these young players opportunities and Youngy has taken his with both hands. He is still only going to keep improving and has the right character and attributes to have a great career. At the Academy we will continue the hard work developing these young players and hopefully we continue to introduce a few more as the season progresses.’

Congratulations Youngy, and good luck for the rest of the season.

A WEEK OF INCOMINGS

We take a look back at this weeks incomings at the club.

As well as the arrival of our new number one in Billy Terrell from Bournemouth, we cast an eye over a host of other signings.

Brundle Add’s an additional four to his squad

Mitch Brundle has made more additions to his playing squad in preparation for the beginning of the National League South season starting on Saturday against Torquay United with Charlie Naylor, Olu Durojaiye, Oreofe Bello and Roman Charles-Cook.

Charlie Naylor joins the Whites after spending 4 years in America. He played for the West Virginia Wesleyan College playing 38 games and scoring 4 times. The 6ft 2 defender you may recognise from pre-season friendlies often playing with the number 15.

Olu Durojaiye started last season playing 2 games for Peterborough Sports in the National League North before moving to Haringey Borough where he played 31 times scoring 4 goals. The 30 year old midfielder has also played for the likes of Maidstone United, Dartford and Welling.

Exciting forward Oreofe Bello joins from Isthmian League outfit Carshalton United. You may recognise him from pre-season where the striker often wore the number 14 and scored a hat-trick against Ayelsford!

Finally, attacking wing-back Roman Charles-Cook joins from League 2 side Sutton United’s academy after having two loan spells last season at Cray Wanderers and Harrow Borough. Roman also made his international debut with Grenada last June too.

Squad numbers are still to be decided but will be revealed shortly.

Welcome to Dover lads!

Article written by Bradley Kesby – Media Team and River End.

BRUNDLE HOLMES IN ON RICKY

Ricky Holmes joins the Whites.

Mitch Brundle got his man as Ricky Holmes puts pen to paper on a deal to become Brundles Player – Assistant manager for the 2023/24 campaign. The midfielder/forward will add valuable experience to the squad as well as a good pedigree in coaching.

Holmes began his football career with Southend-based clubs before joining Chelmsford City in 2005. After a successful stint with the team, he moved to Barnet in 2010, where he scored his first goal that November. Despite a foot injury in January 2011, he went on to have a successful 2011–12 season. Holmes then signed with Portsmouth in 2013, followed by Northampton Town in 2015, Charlton Athletic in 2016, and Sheffield United in 2018 where he rejoined Chris Wilder.

Holmes signing for Sheffield United. Pic courtesy of Sheffield United Website

In 2018, he had loan spells at Oxford United and Gillingham.  Holmes rejoined Northampton Town in 2020, signed with Southend United in 2021, and joined Farnborough in August 2021, where he spent two seasons, including a spell on the coaching staff.

Welcome to Crabble, Ricky.

*Subject to National League and FA clearance.

COYW

 

DOUBLE AWARD WINNER RETURNS

Myles Judd returns to Crabble.

With the squad for the coming season now beginning to take shape, Gaffer Mitch Brundle was delighted to be able to get Myles Judd back through the door for his third year at the club. The no nonsense defender was voted the LFE Apprentice of the Year in 2016/17 while at Leyton Orient, where he starred for the O’s in League Two.

Pic Courtesy of the LFE Website.

Awards were to follow Myles to Crabble where last campaign he won both the Andy Fisher shield for Away Supporters Player of the season and the Simon Harris shield for Supporters Player of the Season. The Simon Harris Shield was presented by Simons son. Judd then chose the Pilgrims Hospice as the recipient of the £200 cheque kindly donated by the Supporters Club. Looking back over recent history, there have not been many players who have received the award and stayed the following campaign, which is a sign that we are heading in the right direction again.

Judd receiving the Simon Harris Shield

Welcome back to Crabble, Myles.

*Subject to National League and FA clearance.

COYW

ATTACKING OPTIONS BOLSTERED

Imran Signs.

Mitch Brundle adds more firepower to his squad with his latest signing, Imran Kayani. Kayani was at Slough Town last campaign as well as loan spells at Kingstonian and Hanwell Town. The 21 year old forward can operate on both flanks and through the centre. His electric pace and quick feet cause defenders all kinds of trouble and we will be looking for plenty of that this coming season.

I am delighted to have signed for Dover. Excited for this new chapter and already looking forward to meeting all the fans. – Imran Kayani

His squad number is yet to be decided. Welcome to Crabble, Imran.

*Subject to National League and FA clearance.

COYW

OJEMEN PUTS PEN TO PAPER

Whites make first summer signing.

Boss Mitch Brundle today secures his first signing of the summer to bolster his squad, adding to his already retained list. Peter Ojemen left Margate this summer after impressing during their quest for Kent Cup glory, which ended in a penalty shoot out victory for the ‘Gate. Ojemen had his sights set on playing at a higher level and the club gave the young defender their blessing to depart Hartsdown Park.

The 22-year old Defender can play at either Left-Back or in the Centre, and adds further versatility across Brundle’s new look back line.

Delighted to get the first one over the line. He’s ready to step up at this level after playing over 150 games by the age of 21 and we look forward to bringing him here.

Courtesy of Margate-fc.co.uk

Ojemen featured heavily last season for Margate, barely missing a kick. His previous clubs include Corinthian Casuals, Barking FC, Fisher and Welling Town.

Delighted to get this deal done  and look forward to showing people what I can do this season.

Ojemen will wear the number 4 shirt. Welcome to Crabble, Peter.

COYW.

WELCOME BRANDON

Brandon Pierrick puts pen to paper on a deal with the Whites.

Pierrick Brandon Leroy Keutcha signs as a free agent to bolster Mitch Brundle’s squad and add more excitement to this new look Dover squad. Known as Brandon Pierrick, the 21 year old winger will be looking to make a good impression at Crabble after having already appearanced in the Premier League, Scottish Premier League and Danish Superliga.

Pierrick made his debut for Crystal Palace in the 2019-20 season and then moved north to Kilmarnock to gain some more experience on loan. The next stop on his footballing journey took him to Denmark and Vejle Boldklub where the winger made a handful of appearances. The Whites had to wait for International clearance before announcing the deal. 

Pierrick will wear the number 32 and is available for selection this weekend.

We welcome you to Crabble, Brandon.

VIDEO: MANAGER’S UPDATE

Watch what manager Andy Hessenthaler has to say about his first three summer signings Ricky Miller, Ben Williamson, and Reda Johnson.

 

DONE DEAL FOR MUNNS

Dover Athletic are delighted to announce the signature of midfielder Jack Munns on a two-year deal from July 1st.

The 25-year-old Londoner joins having spent last season with fellow National League side Dagenham & Redbridge.

The attacking midfielder spent his early years with Leyton Orient, Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic, before moving to Cheltenham Town in 2015, winning the National League title in his first campaign with the Robins.

Munns netted nine times in 60 appearances during two seasons with Cheltenham, including a hattrick against FC Halifax Town in October 2015.

He then moved to Hartlepool United following the County Durham side’s relegation from the Football League in 2017, before moving back south to join the Daggers in September 2018.

Welcome to Crabble Jack!