Men's football news
Centre back Khinda-John joins us from Eastbourne Borough having spent five years over two spells with our East Sussex neighbours. A graduate of the Crystal Palace Academy, Khinda-John counts Ebbsfleet, Woking and Chelmsford amongst his former clubs and boss Hugo Langton was delighted with the signing: “I’ve worked with Kiran before and know him well. It was important we replaced Frankie and Tom with real quality and we have that with both Kiran and Christian Frimpong. I’m delighted with the acquisition of Kiran”
Also returning are two faces that will be familiar to the Rooks faithful.
Keeper Nathan Stroomberg made his senior bow for the Club in the 2015/16 season opener against Leatherhead and has been part of the first team squad since. After spending 2018/19 out on loan in the County League with Saltdean United, Nathan became first choice for the Rooks in the 2019/20 season and was a near ever-present last season, making the most appearances of any player in the Isthmian League Premier. “I didn’t know Nathan when I arrived but his performances before lockdown were excellent” said manager Hugo of Nathan. “I’m chuffed he’s staying on and we will keep working with him to make him even better than he already is”.
Back at the Dripping Pan for a third spell is Luke Blewden. The forward first came to the club during Garry Wilson’s reign and made an immediate impact, scoring 12 goals in 25 appearances. Luke returned to the Club in 2018/19 scoring seven goals but following a stop start campaign, departed at the end of the season, playing for Hythe Town and then Tunbridge Wells before taking a break from football. “When I heard Luke was coming out of retirement to play again I was straight on the phone to him” said Hugo. “We are building him up slowly and gradually through pre-season. His record speaks for itself and we all know what Luke brings to any team”.
The Club can also announce Christian Frimpong as the new first-team captain. The gaffer explained: “His values and football thinking mirror my own. He has the respect of his team-mates and I think he’s going to captain the team brilliantly”.
COYR!