Bromley boss Andy Woodman brings King Louis Dennis back to Hayes Lane

BROMLEY manager Andy Woodman has pulled off a summer transfer coup by enticing Louis Dennis back to Hayes Lane.
 

The 28-year-old scored 47 times in 156 appearances for Bromley between 2014-2018, making his final appearance for the club at Wembley Stadium in The FA Trophy Final, which ended in penalty heartbreak, losing to National League North side Brackley Town under the legendary Neil Smith.

Dennis started his career in the youth ranks of Watford, before making the move to Dagenham & Redbridge. It was there where he would sign his first professional contract, going on to make nine appearances for the then EFL League Two outfit, scoring once.

During his time with the Daggers, Dennis spent time on loan at Bedfont Town, Welling United, Grays Athletic, Canvey Island and Hayes & Yeading United.

Dennis arrived at Bromley in February 2014 after being released by the Daggers.

He made his debut as a second-half substitute away to Dorchester Town, scoring in a 3-2 defeat. He would go on to make 14 appearances in the 2013-14 campaign, scoring four times.

The following season, that of 2014-15, is one that will live long in the memory of Bromley supporters, with Mark Goldberg's side sealing the Conference South title.

In his 38 appearances that season, Dennis contributed with eight goals and played an important part in the Lillywhites’ title victory.

His first season in the National League saw him combine with the likes of Moses Emmanuel and Anthony Cook, in what supporters referred to as the ‘flair gang’. Though injury limited the amount Dennis played during that year, he made 24 appearances, scoring six times and assisting many more.

Dennis remained with Bromley for the 2016/17 season, as the club began to establish themselves as a National League outfit, ending the season with seven goals in 27 matches. However, it would be the following season when Dennis would really make his name in the National League.

In what was a special season for Bromley, Dennis hit the headlines, having been converted from a winger to a striker by Smith. In a season where Bromley played an extraordinary amount of fixtures due to an FA Trophy run and a number of replays, Dennis returned a prolific 22 goals in a total of 53 appearances.

Perhaps the most memorable of these, was a brace at home to Gateshead in the FA Trophy Semi-Final First Leg on 17 March 2018, where his stunning double helped Bromley not only to victory that day, but a 4-3 aggregate victory over the two legs and a place in the final at Wembley Stadium.

It was during this season that Dennis attracted the attention of a number of League One and Two sides and eventually signed for Portsmouth following the expiry of his contract at Hayes Lane.

Over a four-year period, Dennis had established himself as a fans’ favourite, as well as being an entertainer, frequently scoring stunning goals.

A year at Fratton Park followed, before Dennis moved on to Leyton Orient. He would make 47 appearances at Brisbane Road, scoring five times, before Bromley manager Woodman acted quickly to bring him back to the club.

Having featured as a trialist in the Lillywhites’ pre-season schedule so far, Dennis has already scored against Fulham and assisted Bromley’s third against Crystal Palace.

“I’m really chuffed to get Louis in the building. He has the bit between his teeth which is great, and he has an affinity with the football club,” Woodman told the club website.

“But that was yesterday, and we’re here with Louis Dennis today. I think he has unfinished business not only here but in his career, where he’s been unfortunate really in the sense that he’s had a couple of good moves which haven’t worked out.

“My job is to make sure that Louis Dennis makes everyone realise what a mistake they’ve made not bringing him to their football club. I’m delighted to have him, he’s a great professional and character, and it’s exciting to have him in and around our club.”

Dennis added: “I’m really happy to get this deal over the line. I’m really excited to be back here and am looking forward to helping take this club to the next level”.

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