This club is on the up, and it’s a place you really want to be around, says Bromley winger George Porter

BROMLEY manager Neil Smith has signed attacking midfielder Kyle De Silva, 24, from FC Eindhoven, who play in the Dutch second tier, where he spent the past two years, making 49 appearances and scoring four goals.

De Silva started his footballing journey at the Crystal Palace Academy and youth set-up, spending a total of 10 years with the Eagles.

During his time with Palace, as well as being a regular in the Under-23 side, he made seven first team appearances, the first of which came in January 2012, being named in the starting line-up to face Derby County in the FA Cup.

Along with a short loan spell at Barnet, De Silva represented Notts County prior to his move to the Netherlands.

Smith told www.bromleyfc.tv: “I’ve been watching Kyle since he was at Palace and then at Notts County. We tried to sign him last year, but he had to see out his contract in Holland. He’s done that now and we’re pleased to have him on board, and I’m sure he’ll excite the supporters with his style of play.”

Smith has re-signed a couple of players that helped his home-town club finish in a personal best finish of ninth-place in the Vanarama National League table on a club record of 70 points and a trip to Wembley to lose to Brackley Town in The FA Trophy Final.

Striker/winger George Porter, 25, who was born in Sidcup, will go into his third season with the Ravens, after initially linking up with the club from Welling United.

Porter said: “This club is on the up, and it’s a place you really want to be around. Everyone here has shown belief in me and now it’s time for me to repay that even more so.

“I’ve always given my all on the pitch and I’m looking forward to continuing that into next season. Hopefully, as a team, we can go one better and really achieve something special.”

Smith added: “I’m really pleased George is remaining with us. He’s a firm fans’ favourite now and each week I see an improvement in his game. Now I need him to keep putting in great performances, like he did against Leyton Orient, every week and keep showing the passion he has demonstrated in his time with us.”

Smith has also announced that he has retained the services of versatile 22-year-old defender Dan Johnson.

Johnson, who has played at both centre back and left back, goes into his third season with the club, having first signed in the Summer of 2016 from Isthmian League Division One South side Herne Bay.

Johnson is also a coach in the academy, helping to nurture the club’s young talent. During his time with Bromley, he has been called up to Paul Fairclough’s England C side.

Smith said: “It’s great to have DJ on board for another season. He’s been working very hard and I think next season will be a big one for him if he takes his opportunity. He’s been very patient and I think now he’s ready to show us what he can do.”

Johnson added: “I’m delighted to sign a new deal here. The club’s moving in the right direction and has the capability to achieve something next season. I’m looking to build on last year’s performances and have another successful season.”

Smith has, so far, made a couple of summer signings with former Maidstone United winger Bobby-Joe Taylor coming in from league rivals Aldershot Town.

Louis Dennis has left Hayes Lane to sign a two-year deal at League One side Portsmouth on a free-transfer.

Left-back Tyrone Sterling, and winger Iffy Allen and full-backs Kristian Campbell and Ben Wynter have been released following the expiry of their contracts.

Bromley’s Contracted Players for next season:
Goalkeeper: David Gregory
Defenders: Jordan Higgs; Jack Holland; Dan Johnson
Midfielders: Bobby-Joe Taylor; Adam Mekki; Kyle De Silva
Strikers: George Porter

Visit Bromley’s website:  www.bromleyfc.tv