Signing Dean Standen is probably the biggest in the club's history, says Thamesmead boss McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon has unveiled former Margate midfielder Dean Standen as his first summer signing, writes Stephen McCartney.

The much-travelled 29-year-old has put pen to paper to sign for the Bayliss Avenue club last Friday, having signed from their Ryman League Division One North rivals Maldon & Tipree, who are jointly managed by former Dover Athletic and Cray Wanderers goalkeeper Glen Knight.

“It’s a massive signing for the club, most probably the biggest in the club’s history,” McMahon told www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk.

“Dean’s experience at playing at a higher level – including Luton in the Football League – will be invaluable to us.

“He is only 29 and still has a lot to offer.  He is really positive about next season with us.  He is someone that we can build a team around and he will help the youngsters we already have.”

The Mead boss also said that there will be a few more additions in the next couple of weeks, but he was pleased to announce that goalkeeper Sam Mott (who scooped three player-of-the-year awards last season), left-back Ashley Probets, central defender Lewis Tozer and midfielder Lea Dawson have all re-signed for next season.

Meanwhile, Thamesmead require a first team coach for next season, following Hugo Langton’s decision to leave the Bayliss Avenue based club last month.

Those interested in this post should email their CV in the first instance to Keith McMahon at keith@maine-plc.com.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the successful applicant.  The applicant must be at least a UEFA B coach,” added McMahon.

Billy Burgess, who was one of five players to be released by Dartford boss Tony Burman last month, has found himself a new club.

Right-back Burgess, who started his career in the Welling United youth set-up and later moved to Braintree Town for five seasons, before he spent the last two seasons at Princes Park, making  73 appearances for the Kent club.

Maldon & Tiptree joint-manager Knight told his club website, www.maldonandtiptreefc.co.uk, “This is a massive signing for us.  I’ve known Billy since he was a teenager playing for my youth team at Welling.

“Since his departure from Dartford he told me he wants to enjoy his football and loves the ambition of Maldon.

“I must give credit to him and a few others at the club because there are still players in the modern game that play for the right reasons and want to just enjoy their football.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk