Soccer Shorts: Tom Ripley and Tom Wynter announce their retirement

Here are tonight's Soccer Shorts articles with recent summer transfer news
 

ASHFORD UNITED manager Tommy Warrilow says he is looking for his side to build on their 6-1 win over Rochester United ahead of their pre-season trip to Vanarama National League side Dover Athletic tomorrow.

“We will be looking to build on Saturday’s impressive performance against Rochester United,” Warrilow told the club website.

“Obviously to face Dover Athletic provides a different kind of test for our players.

“I expect us to be disciplined as we might not see a lot of the ball, but building up fitness will be the biggest factor for us in this match. The more minutes and rhythm we can get into the players, the better.

“On Thursday we debriefed the kind of things I want to see on Saturday to make sure we are in good stead to welcome supporters back at the Homelands on Tuesday when we take on Margate.”

DOVER ATHLETIC manager Andy Hessenthaler has signed AFC Wimbledon striker Aaron Cosgrave, 21, on loan for the entire 2021-22 Vanarama National League campaign.

Former Hull City midfielder, Ryan Hanson, 20, has signed permanently for his home-town club.  The former Dover Boys Grammar School student, joined Hull City in the summer of 2019 after being released by Crystal Palace, where he spent five years.

He joined Crystal Palace after impressing while playing for the Dover Athletic under 13s.  Hanson started playing football for Dover Rangers when he was six and has also represented Dover District and Kent.

GLEBE newly-appointed manager Harry Hudson has signed goalkeeper Sheikh Ceesay, defenders Antone Douglas, Jamie McGeoghegan, Dami Olorunnisomo, Matt Parsons; midfielders Ryan King- Elliot, Helge Orome and strikers Lauris Chin, Aaron Watson and Jamie Philpot ahead of his first game in charge of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club.

HOLMESDALE manager Lee Roots has signed William Polius after impressing him during pre-season.

“William has quicky become known around the camp as ‘big man’, boasting a presence and a build of that of a man mountain,” Roots told the club website.

“William was particularly impressive on our return phase training in April and also in games in May, especially against Margate’s first-team.  We are delighted to have William signed and on board for the season.”

Reflecting on Donell Sama’s arrival to the newly-promoted Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club, Roots added: “Donell is truly a speed wizard of a player if there ever was one. Donell offers pace that really does have to be seen to be believed.

“He was excellent in our return phase games, ending that period as top goalscorer.  He offers great experience from his time at Phoenix Sports and Greenwich Borough and we are delighted to get down to work with Donell this season.”

Aaron Amartey will also be playing his football in Bromley this season.

“Aaron is extremely direct and a versatile player,” added Roots.

“He has been excellent throughout pre-season training and I am very excited to see Aaron linking up with the rest of the squad and we are delighted to have him at the club.”

Roots has also snapped up former AFC Croydon Athletic man Charlie Hackshall.

“Charlie is an extremely gifted and talented footballer and offers excellent experience from plying his trade in the Premier Division before with AFC Croydon Athletic.

“He returns for his second spell under my management and I am truly delighted to have Charlie signed and on board with us for the season.”

HYTHE TOWN defender Tom Wynter, 31, has announced his retirement from the game.

PUNJAB UNITED manager Chipie Sian has retained the services of George Goodwin, William Johnson-Cole, Max Ovenden and Stephen Ratcliff.

Sian has signed former VCD Athletic defender Dominic Vincent, who has dropped down a division from the Isthmian League South East Division to the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division to play his football in Gravesend.

SEVENOAKS TOWN centre-half Tom Ripley has decided to leave the club after seven years playing for Micky Collins.

“It’s a hard decision when it comes but time for me to hang the boots up,” said Ripley.

“I can’t thank Micky Collins enough for the last seven years. I’ve met some of the best people. Being club captain is the proudest moment of my career and I’ll be along as a fan for life.”

SITTINGBOURNE manager Darren Blackburn has signed former Cray Valley (Paper Mills) goalkeeper Joe Docherty from their Isthmian League South East Division rivals.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS manager Richard Styles has signed central midfielder Jordan Johnson ahead of their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign.

The Football Association has issued the following statement:

"The FA has provided an update on ‘non-elite’ football in advance of Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap.

On Monday 19 July, England will move to step 4 of its roadmap in easing Covid restrictions. This means that almost all legal restrictions of social contact will be removed.

However, the Government is encouraging people to act with caution. Our guidance has therefore been updated to reflect this.

This updated guidance which covers Steps Three-Six of the National League System (NLS), Tiers Three-Six of the Women’s Football Pyramid and grassroots football (including Regional NLS Feeder Leagues), comes into effect on Monday 19 July and until then all participants should follow The FA’s guidance for Step Three which can be found here. You can read the Government guidance here.

The full guidance document can be downloaded below and should be referred to for further details. The summary key points are:
1. On field adaptions for playing football are no longer required
2. No limits of how many people can meet
3. One metre plus rule removed
4. The definition of close contact remains the same, however the rules on self -isolation will be changing from the 16th August.
5. Face coverings no longer required by law, but recommended in crowded indoor settings and may be mandated by some clubs or facility providers.
6. Changing rooms can be used, however participants should use their own judgement and minimise use where possible to avoid close contact in a crowded area for a prolonged time.
7. No capacity limits for spectators but good practice is encouraged
8. Hospitality is permitted without restrictions.
9. NHS Test and Trace QR codes not required by law but encouraged.
10. Free NHS lateral flow testing is available to clubs and The FA encourage clubs to take this up.
11. No domestic travel restrictions. Participants should continue to follow Government advice on international travel for any fixtures/ tournaments.

This guidance document applies to all youth and adult football and futsal, including all formats of the game, both indoors and outdoors.

We would like to thank you once again for playing your part in helping to get our game going again. By observing Government guidance and the football-specific protocols, we can look forward to ensuring the transition back to enjoying football is as smooth and safe as possible."