Soccer Shorts: Hockton drops Margate transfer bombshell

Margate’s star striker Danny Hockton has dropped a bombshell this week, by handing in a transfer request.

A statement issued on their club website www.margate-fc.com said: “The board of directors have received a written request from Danny Hockton.

“Danny confirms his wish to play at a higher level in the pyramid, and in accordance with Danny’s wishes, the club have notified all clubs in Conference South, Conference National and Division Two of the Football League of his availability.

“Danny’s contract with Margate remains in place until the end of next season and the board of directors will require a transfer fee.”

Hockton scored 40 goals for the Hartsdown Park outfit last season.

Dartford boss Tony Burman has made his second summer signing, with former Sittingbourne defender Jamie Coyle arriving from their Ryman League Division One South rivals Dulwich Hamlet.

The 24-year-old captained the South Londoners last season and was rewarded for his efforts by being named in the FA squad along with Darts striker Jay May earlier in the month.

Burman told www.dartfordfc.co.uk :  “Jamie will be an excellent addition to the squad for next season.”

Burman snapped up fellow defender Adam Flanagan from Ryman Premier League side Folkestone Invicta last weekend.

MISSING PIECE IN THE JIGSAW?  New signing Jamie Coyle (right) signs a one-year contract for Dartford following his move from Dulwich Hamlet.

Photograph taken by David Skinner - courtesy of www.dartfordfc.co.uk.

Maidstone United’s joint-manager Lloyd Hume was delighted to announce the signing of highly-experienced central defender Ben Lewis.

Lewis becomes the third reported player to leave Welling United during the close season, the other two being Danny Kedwell and Jamie Day, who have both signed two-year contracts at Blue Square Premier club Grays Athletic.

Lewis, who can play as a midfielder, has played for a host of clubs, mainly in Essex.

He started as a youth at Heybridge Swifts, before playing at both Colchester United and Southend United, where between the two clubs, made over 20 Football League appearances.

He has also played for Chelmsford City, Grays Athletic and Bishop’s Stortford and in 2005, he helped St Albans City gain promotion into the Nationwide Conference, before moving to Kent club Welling United in September 2006.

“I am really delighted to have gained the services of Ben,” Hume told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“He is a real quality footballer, who has played in the Football League.

“He’ll add some real steal to our side along with some depth to the squad.”

Meanwhile, many of the players that helped the Stones clinch the Ryman League Division One South title last season, have re-signed for the club.

Sam Tydeman, Jason Barton, Craig Roser, Simon Austin, Aaron Lacy and Nick Hegley have signed.

And Mo Takaloo, Alex Tiesse, Errison Ahwan, Mario McNish and Nathan Paul have all signed contracts, whilst former Stone, Craig Wilkins has signed from Dover Athletic.