Daryl McMahon signs five-year contract at Ebbsfleet United: I will be doing everything I can to move this club forward

EBBSFLEET UNITED have confirmed that manager Daryl McMahon has signed a new five-year contract with the club.

The Fleet sealed promotion back into the Vanarama National League after beating Hampton & Richmond Borough and Chelmsford City in the play-offs after finishing runners-up to Maidenhead United in the regular 46-match campaign.

Chairman Dr Abdulla Al Humaidi told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk: “Daryl has done a brilliant job at this club, initially with the youth academy and for the past two years as first-team manager.

“The quality of the football played has been outstanding and despite the disappointment of losing the 2016 Promotion Final (to Maidstone United) on penalties in his first full season, Daryl galvanised the squad and got his just rewards this season with promotion to the National League.

“He is dedicated and committed to this club and conducts himself so professionally at all times and is a great ambassador for the club. I want him to know how much we appreciate what he does and I want him to feel secure in his role; offering him this long-term contract demonstrates our confidence in his ability to continue the progress made in the last two years.”

McMahon told the club website: “Over the past two years the club has backed me 100% and as a young coach it is vital I have time to help me to develop as a manager and learn my trade without the pressure some managers face week on week.

“I love this club and feel totally comfortable with the support structure around me and our supporters can rest assured that I will be doing everything I can to move this club forward.

“I want to see the team and the stadium develop in tandem and I want to put this club on the football map. The supporters were brilliant towards me and the players last season – and if we can maintain the attendances we saw in the latter stages of last season I promise them that we will entertain them and always give total commitment to the cause.”

A club statement added: “The Fleet manager has been busy in negotiations with players and the club will confirm any new deals publicly as soon as we are able.”

MAIDSTONE UNITED have unveiled the signing of Joe Pigott, who has signed a deal with his home town club for next season.

The former Charlton Athletic striker, who joined the Stones on loan from Cambridge United at the end of January, had attracted interest from clubs in the Football League but wanted to return to Maidstone after talks with Jay Saunders.

“I am really pleased to be back, I loved my time here when I came on loan. Jay spoke to me, we were keen to get something done and I am really excited for next season,” Pigott told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“The run the team went on to get out of the position we were in when I joined was pretty amazing and hopefully we can carry on that momentum next season. Who knows what we can achieve.

“We’ve got a really good selection of strikers that will be a threat to any team and I am looking forward to playing alongside the lads again.”

Chief Executive Bill Williams added: “What a great bit of business this has been by Jay and I was delighted to sign the paperwork on his behalf today. This is the third member of the strike force that he wanted to sign for this coming season.

“Personally, I think Jay and the club have been very fortunate in signing three such talented players and I look forward to them reaching their full potential with us here at Maidstone United.”

BROMLEY will play host to Crystal Palace as part of a fun packed Family Day on Saturday 29 July to celebrate the opening of the club’s new stadium FIFA 2* Quality 3G pitch.

The Ravens have finished in fourteenth-place and the top ten in their first couple of seasons sitting at the top table of non-league football.

A club statement, which was published on www.bromleyfc.tv, said: “The Family Day will kick off from 9am onwards with our Bromley FC Juniors, Bromley Ladies and Bromley Academy all taking part in fun and games on the new pitch ahead of the big kick off at 3pm as Bromley take on a Crystal Palace XI.

“There will be plenty of activities for the family throughout the day with soft play, face painting and a large inflatable speed cage. There will also be an outdoor beer tent and BBQ food on offer. It promises to be a fun packed opening day for our new stadium pitch and mark the beginning of our 125-year anniversary celebrations.”

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv