10th June 2026

Kingy gives an update on the retained players list, management team update and news of the first new signing of the season.

After the news of Zak Hammond and Owen Wilkinson both signing contracts with the club. We are delighted to announce that the following players have agreed to sign for the club for the 2026/27 season:

• James Tonkin
• Joe Reeves
• Alfie Foster
• Jacob Strouts
• Callum Davies
• Jack Penny
• Alex Green
• Josh Vincent
• Morgan Page
• Jack Paxman
• Macca Murray
• Ben Chapman
• Tom Chapman
• Wes Hennessey
• Jamie Kennedy
• Rory Smith
• Ashley Miller

As ever we are delighted that the boys who finished the season with us will be signing again for the new season. This continuity allows us to continue to push after two excellent seasons at Step 4. These players are all proven performers and really want to do well for the club and it is rare in modern football to see such great loyalty, which is always appreciated. 

As well as the players listed above, we will also be looking to strengthen the squad at the right time. There will also be several other players who will be with us in pre-season including players coming back from injury along with a number of our promising U23/U18 players who will feature prominently in our pre-season campaign.

Management Team

I am also delighted that Dean Hill, Kieron Hollier, Dan Levey and Rob Edwards will be continuing to be part of the First Team management structure this year. Rob is making a slight change of role as he takes on the role of Head of Physical Performance as well as his physio and coaching responsibilities. As a result, the U23’s will now be managed by Danny Smith and John Brayne with support from the First Team and U18 Management Team to ensure a clear pathway for all our young players.

Josh Vincent

As well as staying as a player we are pleased to announce that Josh Vincent will be taking on a player-coach role this season as he steps up to help support the management team.

JV is well respected in the dressing room, and we are delighted he has agreed to take on this role.

Kane Smith and Aaron Millbank

Unfortunately, injuries have meant that both Kane and Aaron will be retiring from football and as a result will not be signing for the new season.

They have both played a massive role in the development of the club over the last few years and were key in us getting promoted to Step 4. Kane has been a brilliant captain and has led the group of players brilliantly, even when suffering from injury.

Azza is a brilliant character who was our top scorer when we won the SCEFL league and has had a brilliant career.

We will be honouring the role both boys have played before our friendly against Ramsgate on Tuesday 7th July and hope you can all be there to help us recognise their enormous contribution to Deal Town.

New Signing

We are delighted to be able to announce that we have signed midfielder George McIlroy.

George has recently returned from playing in Australia and has Step 4 experience with Whitstable before he took time away travelling.

He is a player that we have tracked for 3 or 4 seasons, and we are delighted he is now back in the local area and are really pleased to have signed him.

He is a combative midfielder with an eye for a goal and will be an excellent addition to the squad. Welcome George and we hope you enjoy your time at the Charles Ground.

Remember, that our first friendly kicks off on Saturday 4th July at home against Faversham Strike Force, tickets are available now and also that season tickets for next season are available to purchase from the club shop.