Phoenix Sports captain Jack Hopkins leaves to sign for next-door neighbours VCD Athletic

VCD ATHLETIC’S newly-appointed manager Nick Davis has revealed his first signings at the club.

The former Sittingbourne and Ramsgate boss took over the Crayford-based club on 11 July to replace Keith McMahon who was in charge for five years.

Goalkeeper Nick Blue, attacking midfielder Ayman El-Mogharbel and winger Henry Ikeije have been retained from last season’s squad that were sitting in the top eight at the time of the coronavirus health pandemic in March.

Attacking midfielder Luke Griffiths, who played for Faversham Town last season, was the last player to be signed by McMahon.

Three players arrive from their next-door neighbours Phoenix Sports, left-back or centre-half Ashley Probets, centre-half Jack Barry and central midfielder Jack Hopkins, who was also their captain.

Hopkins and Probets were named on Phoenix Sports’ retained list which the club released earlier in the month but have now departed to join their Isthmian League South East Division rivals.

Former Dartford defender Taylor Fisher has put pen to paper to play for the Vickers.

Attacking midfielder Mateusz Wkidarczyk has left Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Bearsted to join Davis at Oakwood.

Davis has confirmed that set-piece specialist Probets has been appointed player-coach, while Jason Powell and Damien Hopkins also join the management team.

Davis said: “Pre-season training commences on Saturday 1 August and more signings will be announced in due course.”