Kentish Football 
Bromley sign winger Dean Lodge on non-contract terms from Kingstonian
Friday 21st January 2011
BROMLEY head coach Hayden Bird says tomorrow’s opponents Ebbsfleet United were the best side that his side has faced this season, writes Stephen McCartney.
The Lillywhites travel to Stonebridge Road for the Kent derby tomorrow on the back of two disappointing results during the past week.
Last Saturday they crashed to a 1-0 home defeat to Basingstoke Town - hours after Mark Goldberg parted company with the club - and came away with a point in a frustrating goal-less draw at Lewes in midweek, despite missing numerous chances and the Lewes keeper pulling off a string of fine first half saves.
Bromley climbed above The Fleet in fourth place in the Blue Square Bet South table on Wednesday night with 39 points from 24 games - just one place and one point above Liam Daish’s side, who have five games in hand.
This will be the two Kent club’s third meeting of the season. They two sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Hayes Lane and The Fleet thumped Bromley 4-0 at Stonebridge Road in an FA Carlsberg Trophy tie.
Bird admitted: “Ebbsfleet were the best team we’ve played this season. When they beat us 4-0 they were worthy of that four-nil, no doubt about that, but you will see a new Bromley at Ebbsfleet on Saturday.”
Kingstonian winger Dean Lodge signed for Bromley on non-contract terms from the Ryman Premier League high-flyers yesterday afternoon.
Lodge, who is currently training with Crystal Palace, signed for Bromley following discussions with Bird and club owner Jerry Dolke.
Bird told www.bromleyfc.net: “Dean has been training with us for a few weeks now, during which time he has impressed everyone. We decided we needed to strengthen by adding another winger and Dean fits the bill perfectly. He is quick, has good technical ability and is looking forward to the challenge of Blue Square Bet South football.”
The former QPR youngster’s former clubs also include Northwich Victoria, Beckenham Town and Basingstoke Town.
Bird revealed the current situation concerning Harrison Dunk, who missed the trip to Lewes on Wednesday night.
"To keep our supporters updated, on Tuesday afternoon the club received a firm enquiry for Harrison from Crawley Town. Crawley asked to meet Harrison on Wednesday afternoon and requested permission for him to play in a game versus Rushden & Diamonds.
“The situation with Harrison is a simple one. Although he is very happy at Bromley and indeed very committed to Bromley, he also has aspirations to play professional or full time football.
“Although we do not want to lose any of our best players, in the same way we did with Sam Wood, Garath McCleary and Ryan Hall, we will never prevent a player from realising his ambitions. With that in mind, the club gave him permission to talk to Crawley. No fee has been agreed and Harrison will definitely be back with us on Saturday.
“Although I’m sure our fans would have preferred Harrison to be playing on Wednesday night, I’m equally certain you all respect it would be unfair to deny Harrison an opportunity to progress.
“Personally, I would love Harrison to be with us for many seasons to come, but with so many Conference and Football League clubs interested in him, as a club we must respect the players wishes."
The Lillywhites boss also confirmed that there was a possibility of players coming and going within the next few weeks.
Bird said: "There is every chance we will see one or two additions to the Bromley squad. Although we are happy with the squad in general, it’s always important to improve and if the right players become available we will be looking to add to the team.
“With the budget remaining at the same level, this may inevitably result in some movement both ways."
Bird, who was Goldberg’s assistant, continued, "In keeping the management team the same until the end of the season, in true Bromley tradition, I would ask all of our fans to get behind us. You may rest assured everyone on the staff will work around the clock to bring the best possible results to Bromley Football Club and if we continue in the same vein as the last two games, I’m sure we will start winning matches on a regular basis.”
Bird says he is happy to sit down with supporters at a meeting to discuss matters at Hayes Lane.
It’s my intention to keep supporters fully updated with all team affairs through the (club) website,” he said.
“Equally, I’ve always considered communication between management and fans as vital and would love to arrange a Meet the Management Evening very soon. One thing I’m sure of, if we all pull together in the same direction, we’ll reach our goals that much quicker."
Quotes courtesy of www.bromleyfc.net
Ebbsfleet United v Bromley
Blue Square Bet South
Saturday 22nd January 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9BA
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd