Dover Athletic youngsters' hit the big time and pass with flying colours

DOVER ATHLETIC are delighted to confirm that defender Lloyd Harrington has signed a one-year deal this week.


The teenage prospect has recently graduated from the Academy to the first-team squad, selected by Nicky Forster for the last two league games (against Tonbridge Angels and Sutton United in Conference South) at left back.

Harrington has represented England Schoolboys this season alongside Dover Athletic team-mate Tom Axford. He has been near ever-present in the Academy side for two years and a regular goalscorer.

Academy manager Michael Sandmann told www.doverathletic.com: "We are extremely proud to have a second Academy and Abbey School player (after Sean Raggett) to step up into the first team and be rewarded with a contract.

"Lloyd has been an excellent character to have part of the Academy for the last two seasons and his development has gone from strength to strength. He has been a pleasure to coach and is always wanting to improve, asking questions to help his game.

"He has a strong, likeable character that stands out from the group and this reflects in his mature performances. I know he will now work harder than ever to earn a regular place in the first team.

"Lloyd has shown he is able to stand up to the challenge with performances against Tonbridge and Sutton. His technical ability particularly shone in these games which was extremely pleasing to watch.

"I know if he continues to work hard in training, Nicky Forster and Steve Brown will bring the best out of him for a bright future with Dover Athletic."

Meanwhile, Tom Axford represented England Schoolboys on Thursday in an International against Scotland at Newcastle United's St James’ Park Stadium.

The match was broadcast in full live on Sky Sports 2.

Both Tom and fellow Academy defender Harrington, now part of the first-team squad, have been capped by England Schoolboys already this season, giving them an opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition in their age group.

Sandmann has praised the efforts of both players in achieving international call-ups and becoming part of Nicky Forster's first-team.

He said:  "Tom has worked extremely hard to be part of the England set up, his work rate in training has been rewarded with this opportunity.

"To represent your country live on Sky Sports, as well as playing at St James Park is a real honour. Everyone at Dover Athletic and The Abbey School (in Faversham) are extremely proud of him."

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com

Havant & Waterlooville  v  Dover Athletic
Blue Square Bet South
Saturday 14^th April 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Westleigh Park, Martin Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5TH