Academy prospect Michael Wratten signs professional contract at Dover Athletic

DOVER ATHLETIC manager Andy Hessenthaler has handed left-winger Marshall Wratten, 18, his first professional contract.

 

Wratten has put pen to paper on an initial one-year contract following a string of fine performances for Dover Athletic’s Academy side.

Wratten has already had a taste of first-team football, featuring as a substitute in Dover Athletic’s FA Cup First Round tie at Bury last November, plus he went to Isthmian Premier Division side Margate and Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Hollands & Blair on loan during last season.

As well as winning five trophies in his time with Whites’ academy, Wratten was also second top scorer and contributed the most assists in Mike Sandmann’s team during their last campaign.

Sandmann told www.doverathletic.com:  “Marshall’s development has been fantastic.  He has played a huge part in our success and we are delighted to see him sign for the first-team.

“The Academy is all about progressing players and supporters will see a young hungry player that is determined to be successful.”

Meanwhile, Hessenthaler has appointed centre-half Kevin Lokko, 23, as captain, with summer arrival Michael Woods given the role of vice-captain.

Lokko was voted players’ player-of-the-season by his team-mates last season.

Dover Athletic have confirmed their shirt numbers ahead of the new Vanarama National League campaign:

1. Yusuf MERSIN
2.  Joshua PASSLEY
3.  Bobby-Joe TAYLOR
4.  Scott DOE
5. Kevin LOKKO
6. Will DE HAVILLAND
7. Jai REASON
8. Michael WOODS
9. Inih EFFIONG
10. Jamie ALLEN
11. Jack MUNNS
12. Ricky MODESTE
13. Lee WORGAN
14. Alfie PAVEY
15. Kurtis CUMBERBATCH
16. Paul ROONEY
17. Joe BEDFORD
18. Oscar GOBERN
19. Steven RIGG
20. Marshall WRATTEN

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