Kent Football United boss Sam MacNeil unveils his summer signings

KENT FOOTBALL United manager Sam MacNeil has today unveiled the club’s summer signings.

The club were granted permission to change their name from Erith & Dartford Town at last weekend’s Kent Invicta League annual general meeting.

They continue their groundshare agreement at VCD Athletic’s Oakwood ground in Crayford and MacNeil is looking to improve on last season’s fourth-from-bottom finish.

MacNeil, who has appointed Grant Duff as his assistant manager, is delighted to complete the signing of Dave Abe, a quick footed, pacey flair player who has moved to the club from AFC Totton.

MacNeil told the club’s website: “After completing his University studies in Southampton, he has moved back to London and so Dave signs for Kent Football United.  His experience and ability will help guide a set of good quality, young footballers.”

Michael Odejobi, 18, has been retained from last season’s squad.

MacNeil added: “He’s a fantastic young player, high energy and commitment to the cause and our player-of-the-year last season.  He’s excellent at full-back or centre midfield.”

Jason Sowle has joined the club from Kent League side Corinthian, after appearing for Tonbridge Angels in season 2009-2010 and Folkestone Invicta the following year.

MacNeil added: “We are also delighted to capture Tamar Bilal, a very experienced centre half previously at Dartford and VCD in the Kent League under Ricky Bennett.  He had a couple of games for Sittingbourne in the Ryman South and has represented North Cyprus.”

Conor Humble, a central midfielder, has also joined the club from Corinthian and prior to that spent three seasons at Thamesmead Town.

Charles Ofor has completed his move after moving to England from Belgium.

MacNeil added: “Charles completed successful seasons at semi-pro clubs OH Leuven and HO Bierbeek abroad in previous years.”

Samuel Adebanjo also signs after spells with Kent Invicta League outfit Meridian as a defensive midfielder.

Former Tilbury and East Thurrock reserve team player Marcus Kamutero has joined the club and will play at right full-back.  He has been described by MacNeil as “a promising young player,” who had six first team call ups to the East Thurrock first team.

Winger/forward Myles Warren, previously with VCD Athletic, Erith & Belvedere and Cray Valley (Paper Mills) signs along with Ola Ayoola, a strong central defender who was part of Darren Anslow’s Cray Wanderers reserve side, who dominated the Kent League during the 2010-11 season, also previously of Dartford.

Meanwhile, MacNeil has signed three under 16 youth players to the first team squad for the coming season.

Goalkeeper Alex Kozakis, midfielder Liam Simkins and striker Jack Dimmock have all been training with the squad.

MacNeil added: “These boys will be playing in the Kent Intermediate Cup and Hospital Trophy in order to gain senior experience. It is part of showing how our club promotes youth development into the senior section.”

The club begin their pre-season campaign with a trip to Rochester United on Saturday, 7 July 2012.

Visit Kent Football United’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/kentelitefootballclub