Sheppey United unveil the return of prolific striker Dan Bradshaw but Faversham Town smash their record transfer fee to land striker Warren Mfula

SHEPPEY UNITED manager Jack Midson has unveiled the return of prolific striker Dan Bradshaw, following his departure from Chatham Town.

The 32-year-old scored 126 goals from 150 appearances during his first spell with the Ites.

The Holm Park club have retained Danny Leonard, Richard Hamill, Connor Wilkins and Eddie Allsopp – but have sold 28-goal striker Warren Mfula to Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division big-spenders Faversham Town for an undisclosed record transfer fee yesterday.

Sheppey United CEO Shelley Holtam said in a statement: “As soon as we heard there was an opportunity, we knew this was a chance not to let slip.

“We know how much supporters wanted to see Dan back at the club.  I’m sure everyone will be pleased to see Dan lead our attack next season.  He brings goals, experience and that willingness to succeed.

“This signing is another statement of our intensions to build on the progress made last season.”

Midson guided Sheppey United to a top-seven finish (65 points from 38 games) in their maiden campaign in the Isthmian League South East Division.

Bradshaw added: “It was always a hard decision to leave the Ites in the first place and I had every intention of coming back at some point.

“The supporters are great and being this is where I live too, I’ve always had a close connection to the club.

“Sheppey is a progressing club, both on and off the pitch.  The facilities just get better and better each year, with the pitch being one of the best you will play on.

“Even when I’ve been away, I’ve always looked out for the results and kept in touch with supporters, club officials an the players – some of which are still here and I can’t wait to work with them again.

“I’m looking forward to pre-season starting. We’ve got some great players here and there’s no reason why we cannot be pushing up the top of the league.”

Midson has high hopes that his new number nine will deliver the goods next season.

“Although I’ve never played with Dan, I played opposite him and always been impressed with how he reads the game, his movement and deadly finishing,” said Midson.

“You don’t often get the chance to sign top quality forwards and when this chance came about, we jumped straight on it.

“This shows the clubs intensions by signing a player like Dan, but still within realistic and sensible means after some negotiations and not stretching the club.

“Dan loves the club, the supporters respect him after a great previous spell and he will be a great fox in the box type forward that will bring goals.

“There will be an expectation for him to be among the league top goalscorers and with the way we play, and the players we have such as Danny Leonard and Richie Hamill, I’m confident he will produce the goods.”

Sheppey United revealed that they have sold Mfula to Sammy Moore’s relegated big-hitters.

A club statement said: “We are disappointed to announce that Warren Mfula has finalised his sale to Faversham Town for an undisclosed fee despite everyone here at the club doing all we could to keep him under his current contract.

“We wish Warren well at Faversham Town and hopefully he can get back to enjoying his football with Warren knowing the door is always open here at Holm Park if things don’t work out.

“Thanks also to Gary Smart (Faversham Town chairman) for making the sale such a seamless process.”

Faversham Town were relegated from the Isthmian League South East Division last season, finishing second-from-bottom, despite having one of the highest playing budgets in the division.

Smart said in a statement: “Yet again another amazing signing for the club.  Warren is a proven goalscorer at our level and the above and possibly the level above that.

“Warren and Gary Lockyer along with Jefferson Aibangbee would give problems to any defence.

“We are so pleased to secure his signature. Warren becomes Faversham Town’s undisclosed record signing.  This announcement yet again puts a stake in the ground of our intentions not just for this year but for many years to come.”

Visit Sheppey United’s website: www.sheppeyunitedfc.co.uk