With the dust settled following the conclusion of the previous campaign, Marc White reiterates the club’s target and ambitions, on and off the field, for the 24/25 season:

“Following the disappointment of the season that has just finished, I can assure fans and followers that the absolute aim is to bounce back into the National League at the first time of asking. We of course acknowledge and respect that we will be competing in a National League South division next term with many great clubs, featuring many top players and coaches, and we will no doubt encounter challenges along the way, but we believe that our squad and general infrastructure is solid, and one that will play a leading role next term. Irrespective of our playing division at this point in time, we will continue to build a professional playing structure within the football club which will enable us to meet our targets and ambitions in the immediate future and in the year’s to come.”

It was announced yesterday that midfielder Charlie Carter will be the Wanderers captain for the upcoming 24/25 campaign, and Marc White has commented that following the signing of Jordan Norville-Williams already in the close season, “2 or 3 further new signing’s should be expected in the next few weeks”.

Confirmation of Dorking Wanderers retained list ahead of the 24/25 season:

The following players remain under contract with the club:

Aaron Kuhl
Alfie Rutherford
Bobby Joe Taylor
Charlie Carter
Dan Pybus
George Francomb
James McShane
Joe Rabbetts
Josh Taylor
Matt Briggs
Niall McManus
Tony Craig

The following players have signed new contracts:

Barry Fuller
Callum Kennedy
Dan Gallagher
Isaac Philpot
Jason Prior
Jimmy Muitt
Luke Moore
Seb Bowerman

The following players will be leaving the club:

Archie Procter
Cameron Black
Harrison Male
Harry Ottaway
Haydn Hollis
Jack Jebb
Matt Everitt
Slav Huk
Tom Blair

Further to confirmation of the players who will remain with the football club for next term, Marc White provides the following injury update:

“It’s key to note that behind the scenes 7 players are currently recovering from injuries and are undertaking various treatments and specialist appointments at this time. These are George Francomb (Hip), Dan Pybus (Achilles), Seb Bowerman (Foot), Matt Briggs (Hamstring), Niall Mcmanus (Ankle), Dan Gallagher (Hernia) and James McShane (ACL)”

With 9 players confirmed to be leaving the club in the close season, Marc White adds the following personal comment regarding their departures:

“As always, I like to write a narrative around players that have been with us for a period of time, they are always sorely missed.”

Slav Huk

“A true inspiration to so many Wanderers fans and followers, Slav has been with the club for 9 seasons, earning countless accolades along the way, and is simply the definition of a club legend. If Slav could pick up the whole club on his own and create success he would – he is selfless, an absolute warrior, and Dorking Wanderers would never have been so successful without ‘The Incredible Huk’. Sometimes, when looking at the modern selfishness that some footballers possess, I look towards Slav to remind myself of what we are really looking for. He is loyal, he puts the club first, and he never fails on effort. He has been influential in coaching (and inspiring) so many youngsters at the club over the years, and also inspiring me! I often speak publicly about how Slav defines the Wanderers spirit, we should always remember the basis in which this club exists and the spirit of those that got us where we are today – Thank you Slav!”

Harry Ottaway

“I am gutted to say goodbye to Harry. For all those that know him, he is the epitome of the Wanderers spirit, and is a true gentleman on and off the pitch who has glued his team mates together on many occasions. Harry has been part of many famous occasions and moments in the last few years, I’m delighted that both myself and Harry have experienced some of these amazing football feats together playing all over the UK and on television given our non-league roots, something I know Harry really appreciates. Whenever Harry pulled on a Wanderers shirt, he gave 110%, he lifted the crowd and everyone knew he would give his all for the club. He is a legend of a man – not just in Dorking Wanderers but in non-league football. Harry – I will miss you!”

In addition to the previously confirmed departure of Harrison Male, also moving on from the football club are Haydn Hollis and Tom Blair, who both arrived at Wanderers midway through the past campaign from Ebbsfleet United and Havant & Waterlooville respectively. Going on to make 31 appearances in red and white, Haydn’s debut for Wanderers against Aldershot Town will live long in the memory of Wanderers supporters with the defender earning the ‘Man of the Match’ award on his first appearance and heading home the winning goal in front of the packed-out Bank and Family stands at Meadowbank. Joining the club just before Haydn last October, Tom would also go on to make 31 appearances throughout the 23/24 season for Wanderers, scoring 6 goals, including the memorable match-winning strikes away at Hartlepool United and York City.

Marc White adds: “Haydn and Tom joined us ahead of the winter period of last season, and I would like to thank them both for their contributions during the campaign. I wish them all the very best for the future as they continue their football journeys elsewhere.”

Furthermore, the quartet of Archie Procter, Cameron Black, Jack Jebb and Matt Everitt, who all spent time out on loan throughout the 23/24 season, have not been offered new deals ahead of the next campaign.

“I wish Archie, Cam, Jack and Matt all the very best with the next chapters in their football careers.”

In addition to the changes taking place on the field, Dorking Wanderers can also today provide an update regarding the personnel and structure of the football management team. James Edmonds officially takes the role of First Team Head Coach, and Mitchell Elliott will return to the club as First Team Kit Man from the start of pre-season. First Team Coaches, Carl Downs and Craig Vernon, will both depart the club in the close season. Marc White adds the following:

“Carl stepped up and joined us in the first team management set up after an impressive spell looking after our U18s side, and has successfully contributed across the past 3 seasons, enjoying many successes with the club. I’m sure Carl and his family will remain close to the club, his loyalty is much respected.”

“Craig is a personal friend of mine who has been part of the club for over 15 years. In varying roles, including club captain, he has been a key contributor to the environment and we have shared a wealth of success and fun together. His loyalty to the Wanderers is huge and we still expect to see lots of him at Meadowbank – he is a club legend!”

Dorking Wanderers full pre-season schedule ahead of the 24/25 campaign will be confirmed in the week commencing May 6th.