Ex Millwall captain Alan Dunne signs for Bromley: The opportunity to assist where possible on the coaching front and being a local boy it ticks all the boxes for me

BROMLEY manager Neil Smith has unveiled the signing of former Millwall and Leyton Orient defender Alan Dunne, 34, as player-coach.

Smith said last weekend that he was keen to bring in a defender, a striker and to add to his management team and he has delivered on all three fronts today.



DUNNE DEAL: Bromley manager Neil Smith welcomes former Millwall and Leyton Orient defender Alan Dunne, 34, to Hayes Lane.
Photo: Bromley FC

Dunne joined Millwall at the age of eight and progressed through their Academy being making his debut first team appearance on 19 March 2002.  The defender spent 23 years at the club, making almost 400 appearances for the Lions.

Dunne replaces Steve Lovell who quit Hayes Lane to team up with Adrian Pennock and Jamie Day at League One side Gillingham on 4 January 2017.

“I’m delighted to be here, really excited,” Dunne, the former Millwall captain, told www.bromleyfc.tv/site.

“I’ve spoken to Neil Smith and (chairman) Jerry Dolke and the vision for the club, where the club wants to go and their passion for Bromley FC has really inspired me.

“I can’t wait to get playing. I’ve spoken with both Neil and Jerry regarding the opportunity to assist where possible on the coaching front and being a local boy it ticks all the boxes for me.

“I want to make an immediate impact and help get the club up the table and challenging at the highest levels.”

Smith added: “It’s brilliant. He comes in with vast experience, he trained well yesterday with the team and the team have taken to him really well.

“He is coming in as a valued asset not just on the pitch as a player but also off it as a coach. He is a great acquisition for the club.”

Smith has also brought in two young players on an initial one-month loan period.

Charlton-born defender, Aaron Hayden, 20, and striker Brandon Hanlan, 19, arrive on an initial one-month loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic respectively.

Smith told www.bromleyfc.tv/site: “Aaron Joins us from Wolves.  He is a young man eager to learn the game, he is dynamic and has great enthusiasm. Bringing in a fresh face can give everybody a lift at the club.”

Hayden, who is yet to make his debut for the Championship club, has made appearances whilst out on loan to Newport County and Hemel Hempstead Town.

Hayden added: “I’ve been in and around the first team at Wolves but struggled to break in so I wanted to head out and get first team football and I hope this is the place for me to come and progress and assist the club in climbing the table.”

Charlton Academy graduate Hanlan has joined Bromley on loan until February 18th.

Hanlan made a breakthrough into to the Addicks first-team ranks this season, making his senior debut off the bench in the opening-day defeat at Bury, before starting for the first time at Cheltenham Town in the EFL Cup three days later.

He has made a total of 15 appearances for the Addicks this season, while also playing an important role in Jason Euell’s U23 side, and will now join the Ravens to gain some more valuable first-team experience at Hayes Lane. 

Bromley fans must pay a staggering £21 to watch their side at Dagenham & Redbridge tomorrow.  The Ravens are in 13^th place in the Vanarama National League, while the Daggers go into the game in the top four.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv/site