Portsmouth sign Louis Dennis from Bromley: He's been absolutely brilliant for us since he’s been here and especially this season

KING Louis Dennis has parted company with Bromley to sign for League One side Portsmouth on a two-year contract.

Pompey manager Kenny Jackett has snapped up the highly-rated attacker on a free-transfer.


KING LOUIS: Portsmouth have snapped up Louis Dennis from Bromley on a free-transfer.
Photo: Ed Boyden - www.edboydenphotos.co.uk

Dennis, 25, who scored 21 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions last season, joined Bromley in February 2014, after being released by Dagenham & Redbridge.

During his time at Hayes Lane, Dennis became a cult hero amongst fans, making over 150 appearances, contributing 47 goals and being renowned for his spectacular skills and finishes.

Dennis played a key part in helping the Ravens reach The Buildbase FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium, scoring twice in the Second Round 4-1 win at Blyth Spartans, before netting another brace in a Third Round Replay against Workington, as well as the vistal equaliser in the Quarter-Final Replay at Spennymoor, which the Ravens went on to win 2-1 in Darlington.

More importantly in the Trophy run was his brace at home to Gateshead in the Semi-Final First leg, sealing a 3-2 win on the day and helping the club to a 4-3 aggregate win.

Manager Neil Smith told www.bromleyfc.tv: “I’d like to say good luck to him! He’s been absolutely brilliant for us since he’s been here and especially this season.

“I made the decision to play him as a number 10 this year and it worked well, he scored 21 goals. The way he’s played and some of the goals he scored will be memorable, and he’ll always be welcome here. I wish him all the best and hope he keeps up the good work, and I hope our paths will cross again on good terms in the future”.

Chairman Jerry Dolke added: “Louis is a brilliant player, and he’s proved that this season with some sensational performances in our National League campaign and FA Trophy run. I’d personally like to wish him the very best of luck at Portsmouth. The stage is yours, Louis!”

Dennis scooped both the manager’s and supporters’ player of the season awards at last Saturday’s presentation afternoon and was also named in the Vanarama National League team of the season.

On Twitter, Dennis said: “First and foremost I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone associated with Bromley FC.  I had a thoroughly enjoyable four and a half years with the club, which I’ll never forget.

“I’ve got so much to thank my team mates, staff and fans for but a special mention has to go to Jerry Dolke, who has supported me since the first day I walked through the door.”

Bromley suffered a double heartbreak at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, losing on penalties to Brackley Town, who were third-placed finishers in the Vanarana National League North.

Bromley, who finished in ninth-place in the Vanarama National League, led through Omar Bugiel’s 19^th minute finish but Brackley equalised through Roger Johnson’s own-goal just 19 seconds before the end of normal time.

Bugiel broke thousands of hearts when he blasted his penalty over the bar when scoring would have won the silverware for Bromley.  Bromley captain Jack Holland struck the right-hand post, while Brackley snatched it 5-4 on penalties.

Bugiel Tweeted: “Got to put my hands up for what happened at Wembley! Got caught up in the moment when it mattered the most. Just want to apologise to all Bromley supporters and also say a massive thank you for being part of the journey we’ve been on this season!”

Holland, meanwhile, insisted the club will come back stronger following their Wembley heartbreak.

The central defender said: “To the fans, I want to thank you for all the support you have shown this year and the atmosphere created yesterday was nothing short of incredible!  The commitment and passion you guys show week in week out honestly means everything to me and the team. We will come back stronger!”

Dennis added: “I wish things could’ve ended on a high with a win at Wembley on Sunday, but unfortunately the fairytale ending wasn’t to be.

“It’s every boy’s dream to play at Wembley and as a team we achieved that.  Gutted we couldn’t end this season on a high but a huge thank you to all you fans you have supported us! This squad’s been unbelievable all season so let’s take all the positives and build on them.”

On his move to Fratton Park, Dennis added: “Absolutely delighted to sign for Portsmouth FC! Thanks for all the welcoming messages and I literally can’t wait to get started on this new journey.”

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv