Soccer Shorts: Maidstone United sign star striker Scott Rendell

Here are today’s Soccer Shorts articles.

CROWBOROUGH ATHLETIC have lost the services of Luke Leppard, who has signed for Isthmian League South East Division side Three Bridges.

CROYDON manager Liam Giles has signed former Farleigh Rovers’  leading goalscorer, captain and centre-back Kieran Rufus and Kieran Dias has returned to Croydon Sports Arena following spells at Warlingham, Farleigh Rovers and Walton Casuals.

CUXTON captain Shane Godden has been retained by the Kent County League club along with Ashden Clare, Josh Simmons, Stuart Thorley, Sam Green, Jake Beckett, George Hawkins, Sam Harris, Brad Beckett, Jake Brissenden, Jordan Wylie, Tom Welch, Josh Carpenter, Rob Aldermen, Tommy Parsons, Rhys Bailey, Dan Hanshaw and Danny Rowe.

EBBSFLEET UNITED have retained the services of Australian goalkeeper Jordan Holmes, 23.

“I believe in what we, the club and manager (Dennis Kutrieb), want to try and do next season, be that in the National League or the South,” Holmes told the club website.

“What’s in place for the new season, it is something to believe in here and I’m delighted to get the deal over the line.

“We don’t know exactly the situation for next year but if we do have to do it the hard way, I want to be part of the resurgence that brings the club back.  The fans have been great with me and I want to repay that.”

ERITH TOWN have retained Russell Bedford, Steadman Callender, Sam Fairweather-Oates, Danny Gannon, Taylor McDonagh, Fred Obasa, Liam Rosenfield, Joe Bingham, Harry Ebdon, Harry Gamble, Josh Jackson, Dan Nash, Michael Power and Jack White.

FAVERSHAM TOWN manager James Collins has unveiled the signing of winger Damien Ramsamy, 28.

“Damien is a player I’ve admired for a number of years. I’ve tried to sign him a few times but have never been able to get a deal over the line,” Collins told the club website.

“He had his best spells at Fisher and Beckenham and we want to help him regain that impact.

“He’s another wide player, which gives us plenty of options and competition in those areas – something we identified as a priority this season.”

A club statement added: “The club is now awaiting news of a start date for the new Isthmian League season after The FA announced it was putting together a comprehensive action plan in the wake of the Government’s confirmation that team sports could restart soon.”

HOLMESDALE manager Lee Roots has signed three goalkeepers again for next season with Nathan Edwards, Lewis Mitchell and Jake Hennis putting pen to paper for the Bromley based club.

James Teodorescu, James Shield, Jordan Eels, Dan Carpenter, And Nwitua, Edson Oliviera, Jamie Rawsthorne, Samuel Adenola, Nathan Palmer, Andy Constable, Rymell Samms, Germaine Jeannoel, Max Ash and Jack Brown will play their football at Oakley Road.

LORDSWOOD manager Neil Hunter continues his squad building by signing goalkeeper Hayden Chipping from K Sports, striker Kieran Oliver from Faversham Town and right-back Eddie Morrant from Hollands & Blair.

MAIDSTONE UNITED have unveiled their first two summer signings.

Striker Scott Rendell, 33, has arrived from National League side Eastleigh and has dropped a level to sign a one-year deal.

“I am delighted to sign for the Stones. I’ve worked with the gaffer before and excited to do so again,” Rendell told the club website.

“It’s going to be a challenge for every club next season but I can’t wait for it to start and do some positive stuff on the pitch.

“I’ve played here before and know how good the atmosphere can be. If we can start with some good football and get some positive results, then this place will be rocking and that will make it a hard place for opposition teams to come.”

Chief executive Bill Williams added: “Scott was a player Hakan Hayrettin wanted to bring to the club and I am very pleased to get the deal done for him.

“With an impressive playing career of more than 500 appearances, Scott’s reputation speaks for itself and he brings that experience and leadership every team needs up top.

“As we know from when he’s been on the opposing side, he can be a right handful for defenders and I am delighted he will be in our colours next season.”

Centre-half Joe Ellul, 31, has also left a National League side to play for National League South football for Maidstone United next season, having left Maidenhead United to sign a one-year deal.

“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity,” said Ellul.

“I’ve got family who live nearby so was aware of the club and its past.

“At this stage of my career I really want to put down some roots and be part of building something special.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Maidenhead, they were excellent to me and I wish them every success in the future.”

Williams added: “Joe had a standout season with Maidenhead. He was one of those we really wanted but knew there were clubs higher up who were showing interest.

“To get this one over the line is a mark of this clubs ambition to get back to the National League and I was really impressed with Joe’s commitment and eagerness to bring part of achieving that.”

RAMSGATE manager Matt Longhurst has unveiled the signing of highly-rated and highly sought after striker George Nikaj, 17, who has been picked up from the Dover Athletic Academy.

“George is somebody who’s scored over 50 goals a season for three consecutive seasons,” Longhurst told the club website.

“He was previously part of the Charlton Youth Academy until they brought in the new rules of players needing to be within a certain distance of their training ground, forcing him to leave. 

“We had been keeping our eyes on George for a little while prior to lockdown and he impressed. He’s also highly thought of in the Thanet area.

“I am delighted to be able to bring him to the club where he will be given an opportunity for senior football and given the squad number 15.”

RUSTHALL have announced the departure of defender Robbie Bissett, who has played for the Jockey Farm outfit for two seasons.

SNODLAND TOWN manager Luke Wallond has returned to his former club Staplehurst Monarchs United to sign captain Will Philips-Reid, defender Jim Matthews, midfielder Reece Hunt and striker Josh Brown.

Three players have been snapped up from Kent County League outfit Thanet United and they are defender Lewis Stevens-Toomey and midfielders Adam Turton and Niall Salisbury.

Captain Steve Sage, defender Lee Sayer, midfielders Brad Webb, Dan Ashton, attackers Josh Brown, Omar El Mantawy, Sam Wich and the versatile Scott Higgins have also put pen to paper for the club.

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