Goalkeeper James Tonkin signs contract to stay at Deal Town

DEAL TOWN head coach Steve King has revealed the club has signed goalkeeper James Tonkin on a contract until the end of the 2021-22 season.

 

Tonkin has made over 100 appearances for the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club.

“Tonks is a key member of our squad and we are delighted he has signed a contract,” King told the club website.

“He is a massive part of the dressing room and I know he is determined to keep helping the team push forward and achieve success.”

Winger Troy Howard has also committed to the club for this season.  Both players helped Deal Town reach the FA Vase third round before losing 4-1 at home to Binfield on Saturday 10 April 2021.

Binfield went on to reach the final but lost 3-2 to Warrington Rylands at Wembley Stadium on 22 May.

Tonkin and Howard will be joined by Liam Hark, Alfie Foster, Kane Smith, Macauley Murray, Billy Munday, Ben Chapman, Sam Wilson, Ben Cardwell, Connor Coyne, Jack Paxman and Harry Alexander in Derek Hares' squad.

Lee Scott, meanwhile, is expected to miss the entire season as he needs to have an operation on his injured shoulder.

The backroom staff has also been strengthened during the summer with the arrival of Rob Edwards, who will add both sport science and coaching support and joins the backroom team along with Kieron Hollier, Dean Hill, Brenton Duke, Dave Briggs and Dave Dadd.

"This ensures that the players are fully supported during the season and gives us the best chance of putting in high levels of performance on a regular basis," added King, who shares the same name as Dartford's manager.

"The club is in a great position, despite the effects of the pandemic, and will look to continue to go from strength to strength.

"We are lucky to have an excellent board of directors, loyal and talented playing squad and excellent supporters at the club and we will be doing our best to bring both entertainment and success in the year ahead."

Deal Town kick-off their new league campaign at home to Chatham Town on Saturday 31 July 2021.

Visit Deal Town’s website: www.dealtownfc.co.uk