Dover Athletic signing Jack Parkinson: Leyton Orient didn't feel like the right move for me

Sunday 09th August 2015

JACK PARKINSON says he rejected a move to League Two side Leyton Orient to sign for Dover Athletic.

The 26-year-old, who helped Maidstone United win the Ryman Premier League title last season, has turned down an Orient contract to play Vanarama National League football at Dover Athletic.

Parkinson told www.doverathletic.com: “I have played a couple of games for Orient in pre-season and they offered me a deal, but it didn’t feel like the right move for me.

“I want to be playing football and doing well in the side and once I heard the ambitions of Dover and what they are looking to achieve I knew this was right for me.”

Parkinson, who has also left his Academy role at Maidstone United, could have lined up with former Dover Athletic captain Connor Essam at Brisbane Road.

He said: “I spoke to Connor about Dover and he spoke very highly of the club. I know a few of the boys here already – Liam Bellamy, Stefan Payne and Mitch Walker – and everyone has had only good things to say about the setup here.”

Chris Kinnear guided Dover Athletic to a top-eight finish last season and also to The FA Cup Third Round when they lost at home to Premier League side Crystal Palace, but Parkinson was an unused substitute in yesterday’s opening 2-1 defeat up at Barrow.

“What Dover achieved last season was incredible and it is my aim to help the club improve on that,” said Parkinson.

“Everyone would like to play in the Football League, but that is not on my mind at the moment. I have just signed a deal with Dover and very happy to be here. I want to have a good season, play as many games as I can and help us finish as high as we can.”

Dover Athletic will be looking to bounce back when they host Kidderminster Harriers at Crabble on Tuesday night (7:45pm).

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com