Dawson pens lengthy deal to stay at Thamesmead

Dawson, 18, has been playing for Thamesmead Town since the age of thirteen, and has penned an extension to his contract, which will keep him at Bayliss Avenue until May 2011.

“He’s been outstanding,” McMahon told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight. “He’s come through our youth ranks, he’s just turned 18 and I’ve not seen a better central midfielder in the league.

“He’s been my best player, even on Saturday (Maldon Town manager) Stuart Nethercott was really impressed. When we played Ramsgate, Jim Ward was interested in him - he’s definitely one to watch.”

Speaking about the contract, McMahon also spoke about Dawson’s attributes.

He said, “We’ve got him for quite a few years, he’s extended his contract until 2010-11. We’ve had him since he’s 13 - he’s been an exceptional player.

“If I was in a higher level, I would be looking for someone like him (because of) his energy, his engine from box to box is superb and he’s the best player I’ve seen in the air - he’s beating players that are six or seven inches taller than him.

“He’s got no fear, he’s been excellent keeping his position and his all round game is very good. He can only get better.”

The Mead are in 16^th place in the Ryman League Division One North table with 31 points from 31 games and McMahon can continue his plans for next season as the club are thirteen points clear of the drop zone.

And McMahon was pleased that his side came away from Maldon Town with a 1-0 win and he’s confident ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to Great Wakering Rovers, a side that are four places higher.

“We played really, really well, definitely deserved our win,” McMahon said. “The last five or six games we’ve played really well and not had the rub of the green, but Saturday we played well from start to finish and thoroughly deserved our three points.

“I’ve set a target of 35 points and we’re not too far off now. We’ve opened up quite a bit of a gap from the bottom two and we’re playing well and I’ve got no doubts that we’ll be playing Ryman League football next year.”

McMahon added, “We’ve added a few players in the last few weeks. I’ve signed people like Lee Dawson on an extended contract and we’re looking at next year, but we’re looking to finish off the last quarter of this season and finish as high as we can.”

Looking ahead to their trip to Burroughs Park tomorrow night, McMahon wants to remain unbeaten against the Essex outfit.

“We’ve played them twice already this year, we drew 2-2 in the league and beat them 2-1 in the FA Cup.

“They’re on quite a good run as well, but we’re playing well enough to get three points.”

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

Great Wakering Rovers v Thamesmead Town
Ryman League Division One North
Tuesday 3^rd March 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Burroughs Park, Little Wakering Hall Lane, Great Wakering, Essex SS3 0HH