26thjune03

Sampson adds two more to Dartford squad
Tommy Sampson, manager of Dr Martens League Eastern Division club Dartford, has added two more new faces to his squad.

Joining from league rivals and neighbours Ashford Town is midfielder Paul O'Brien, while moving in from newly-named Ryman League Premier Division side Thurrock FC is defender Steve Pashley.

O'Brien, 27, is a former England Schools representative who began his career with his home-town club Dover Athletic, where he made his first-team debut at the age of 18.

He first transferred to Ashford in the summer of 1996 and was then snapped up by Margate for a £4,000 fee when the 'Gate achieved promotion to the Nationwide Conference.

Steve Pashley was a favourite with Purfleet supporters, but wasn't a regular last season after returning from East Thurrock United in March to begin his fourth spell at Ship Lane.

Apart from the Fleet, Pashley has also worn the colours of Aveley and Hornchurch, and Sampson was pleased to have secured his services: "Steve has spent eight years at Purfleet and again, at 26, has a great wealth of knowledge. Either at central defender or right back and even in midfield, Steve has good defensive qualities "

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