12thmay05

Pennock signs pair from former club

WELLING UNITED manager Adrian Pennock has made his first three signings of the close season, reports www.nonleaguedaily.com

Defender Lee Gledhill and striker James Pinnock have signed one-year contracts with the Park View Road side after leaving Pennock's former club, Nationwide Conference outfit Gravesend & Northflee and former Fleet goalkeeper Jamie Turner has signed from Tonbridge Angels, where he spent two seasons.

Gledhill was formerly with Barnet before joining the Fleet in January 2004.

Pennock said: "Lee is the sort of player that I want in the team. He is a winner and I'm delighted that we've got him."

Pinnock failed to hold down a regular place with the Fleet but Pennock believes that he will be a valuable asset in Nationwide South next season.

"I've known James since his Gillingham days," added Pennock. "He is a neat finisher but is also very good at holding the ball up and bringing others into play.

"He has been in and out of the Gravesend team but played regularly when they had their unbeaten run in the Conference at the end of last season."

Roy Essandoh’s dream of a return to full-time football with Gravesend & Northfleet has been dashed by his release.

The club’s 29-year-old top scorer was the highest profile casualty when manager Liam Daish announced his retained list.

After scoring twice in the Fleet’s 3-0 win at Farnborough Town last month, Essandoh expressed excitement at the prospect of returning to the full-time game having previously played for Motherwell, East Fife and Wycombe Wanderers.

He said: "I work at a sports centre so it would be easy for me to make a return to full-time football, which I would welcome."

Also leaving Stonebridge Road are defender Nathan Bunce, winger Moussa Sidibe, who spent the last month at Welling United, and goalkeeper Paul Wilkerson.

Daish has agreed new deals with Lee Protheroe, Ben Surey, Jimmy Jackson and Player of the Year Justin Skinner.

He also added: "I’m talking to a player and a new signing could be imminent."