As pre-season has now finished we felt it would be a good time to update you all as we move into our FA Cup game against Corinthian on Saturday. Pre-season has gone well and we have been able to work on a number of things and look at a number of new players throughout our 7 games. As is always the case in pre-season results are not important but we are pleased to have recorded 4 wins and although performances could have been better at times,the application and effort of all of the boys has been excellent. We have had some tough tests during pre-season against higher league teams which have ensured our fitness levels are where they need to be going into the start of the competitive season.
We have managed to retain all of last year’s squad and have made the following signings:
- Kane Smith
- Steve Butcher
- Sam Wilson
- Amir Zureiqi
- Kyran Connelly
- Marshall Taderera
We are pleased with the players we have added to the squad as it now gives us competition in all positions which we have not always had over the last couple of season.
Most supporters will know plenty about Kane, who joined us on loan last year and we are delighted that he has signed up for the season. Steve is a massive signing for the club and joins us from Hastings United. Having played professionally for Gillingham and had spells at Maidstone and Ramsgate he brings with him a lot of quality and experience at a higher level whilst still being in his early 20s.
Sam Wilson is a striker who had joined us from local football but has made an excellent impression in pre-season and was on the scoresheet against K Sports. Amir is a young player from Dover Athletic u18s, he is an attacking midfielder who has done well during pre-season. Marshall is a striker who was with us last season but did not feature a huge amount, he has done well in pre-season and scored at Lydd after coming on as a substitute. Finally,Kyran joins us from Dover Athletic Academy, primarily a defender Kyran has represented Kent and will add further competition for places along the back line. We would like to welcome all of the new signings to the club and hope they have a successful season with us. We are still talking to players and hopefuls of making at least one more addition over the coming week.
We have been handed a tough start to the season but all of the boys are looking forward to it. We play Crowborough, Sheppey, Cray Valley,Canterbury and Whitstable within our first 6 league fixtures. These are all sides that will be pushing for promotion and will be a good test for the boys. First up is our FA Cup game at Corinthian which is always a very difficult place to go. Corinthian are a well organised side with technically good players but the boys are looking forward to travelling there and are hopeful we can pick up a positive result.
We would like to thank you in advance for your support for the boys in the early weeks of the season and we hope to see as many people at the Charles Ground as possible this season. We have a young and committed side who will give 100% every week and we hope it is an enjoyable season for all.
Come on you hoops!
2 Responses
Come on Deal.!!!
A new season upon us and its great to announce the squad.
A young team who are developing their skills and gaining so much experience.
I’m always impressed by the teams attitude and I can’t wait to see the lads kick off the season. They have stuck together and that is important.
I wish everyone at the club the best of luck for the season and will be behind the lads starting at Corinthians.
Come on Deal.!!!!
Good to see the new additions to the squad.
Let’s hope they’re given their chance to be in the squad and not just “warm the bench”
Is there one more as well,with the announcement on the back page of the Mercury stating there will be a “new face set for cup tie”,or is he one of the above listed in the report?