Margate is destined for great things and I hope our paths cross again soon, says Charlie Allen

MARGATE regret to announce that midfielder Charlie Allen has mutually agreed to leave the club after his contract expired at the end of the season.

Allen, 22, who joined the club in March 2014 played a major role in the 2014/15 season as the Blues won promotion to the Vanarama National League South, however travelling arrangements combined with the player’s desire for a new venture means he leaves Hartsdown Park.

Allen, who regularly travelled from Oxford to Margate every home game, described the travelling as a ‘nightmare’ and is now looking forward to a new venture.

“After speaking to Terry about the travelling and my own personal venture we both mutually agreed that it was best they we go our separate ways,” Allen told www.margate-fc.co.uk.

“I would personally like to thank everyone at Margate FC and I will always have a soft spot for the club. The club is destined for great things and I hope our paths cross again soon”.

Margate manager Terry Brown paid tribute to Allen, who scored 13 goals last season despite suffering a knee injury that kept him out for over two months.

“Charlie had a magnificent season for us scoring 13 goals. He made a huge contribution despite the injury which ensured we won promotion in the play-offs,” said Brown.

“I, and I am sure everyone at Margate Football Club would like to wish Charlie all the best in whatever his next move is”.

Brown has unveiled his first summer signing by bringing in former Dover Athletic midfielder Solomon Taiwo.

Taiwo, who was released from the Vanarama National League club at the end of last season, has also featured in the Football League with Championship side Cardiff City and League Two side Luton Town.

The 30-year-old centre midfielder will bring “considerable talent” to Hartsdown Park next season according to Brown.

“Solomon was one of mine and Stuart’s first targets this summer and we are absolutely delighted to be signing a player of his calibre,” said Brown, who sealed promotion from the Ryman Premier League via the play-offs.

“Solomon will bring composure to the side as well as lots of energy to our midfield. He is a great passer of the ball and is a real winner and the Margate fans should be excited about seeing him in action”.

The Nigerian first joined Chris Kinnear’s Dover side on loan from League Two Luton before making the move permanently in January 2015. Taiwo played over 25 times for the Whites last season.

Former Cardiff City manager Dave Jones who signed Taiwo for Cardiff in the Championship for a fee believed to be £250,000 once described the former Bromley player as a “great prospect who is comfortable on the ball”.

Visit Margate’s website: www.margate-fc.co.uk