Cumberbatch "surplus to requirements"

Marc Cumberbatch has been released by Dover Athletic as part of a squad-trimming measure, writes Justin Allen - www.doverathletic.com

The club signed the defender from Ashford Town as cover after our squad was hit by a string of injuries.

But Craig Cloke and Daniel Braithwaite are set to return to the first-team squad for Ryman One action at Leatherhead on Tuesday evening.

With this in mind and the fact he was struggling to hold down a first-team place, boss Clive Walker decided Marc was now surplus to requirements.

Chairman Jim Parmenter said: "Marc was a decent enough player but he was never going to get into the side ahead of Craig Cloke and Daniel Braithwaite.

"We increased our squad over the limit we wanted because of injuries to several key players, following the two Dartford FA Trophy games, and now these players are returning to action.

"It seems pointless to stretch our budget on players who are not going to figure in a big way in Clive's first-team plans.

"It was our decision to let him go - and obviously wish him every success wherever he decides to play his football. He hasn't found a club as yet."

Striker Carl Rook, of course, had his contract cancelled a few weeks ago and was a free agent. Horsham snapped him up after putting in a seven-day approach for the player.

But Mr Parmenter said: "Carl was brought in when we thought Tommy Tyne was going to be out for a lot longer than he was. He hasn't really managed to hold down a first-team place and, once we signed James Dryden, he was a couple of places down the pecking order.

"It's pointless having a big squad once injuries have cleared, so we've cut our cloth accordingly."

Dryden, who got injured in a skiing trip, could be back in a week - although on the cautious side he may have to wait another seven days before returning the side.

The chairman said: "Dryden's injury is not too bad and I'm hopeful he could be back in a week, maybe two. He'll certainly be playing a big part in the remainder of our games."