Squad Departures 24-25

As we prepare for the 2024-25 season, the following players have not returned to the squad:

Jake Cass
As you may have read elsewhere, popular striker Jake has called time on his playing career, having remarkably returned from injury to help us to promotion to the National League South last season. After scoring in a pulsating debut win at Horsham in January 2022, Jake went on to notch 34 goals in 71 appearances in a Town shirt, and earned the club’s Golden Boot award for the 2022-23 season.

Jonathan Hippolyte
Something of a cult hero among Town fans despite his short time with the club, Hipps joined in December 2023 and instantly endeared himself with a debut goal in our sensational comeback against Dulwich Hamlet. Further vital strikes against Haringey Borough and Llantwit Major followed in his 19 appearances for the club. He leaves to continue his career elsewhere.

Joshua Okotcha
Central defender Joshua joined us in November 2022, making his debut in a 2-1 win at Felixstowe & Walton. Ever since, he put in several assured performances at the back and won praise for some crucial last-ditch challenges. He earned 12 clean sheets in 38 appearances and leaves having won last season’s Isthmian Premier playoffs.

James Richmond
Another popular centre-back, former Merstham captain Jimbo joined the club at the start of the 2022-23 campaign, and quickly became an established member of Town’s back line. Clocking 67 appearances across two seasons, he weighed in with 14 clean sheets, 5 goals and 5 man-of-the-match awards. He leaves to continue his career elsewhere.

Gucci Soulya-Osekanongo
Promising midfielder Gucci re-joined the Towners in the summer of 2023 and played a prominent role at the beginning of the season, featuring on our European tour after returning from a stint out on loan. He made 17 appearances in blue and white, and has since signed for newly-promoted step 3 side Bedford Town.

We extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to all five as they depart the club.

Members’ Meeting

Ahead of our first ever season in Step 2, an important reminder that our annual pre-season members meeting takes place this Thursday, July 11, in Butlers’ Bar starting at 7.30pm

Chairman Paul Reed will provide an update on player movement and our financial situation. There will also be a discussion on volunteers as well as ground development plans.

Manager Gavin Macpherson will join the meeting to lay out his plans and hopes for the season and take questions from the floor, accompanied by at least one player.

This is the time to renew your membership if you haven’t done already and also for any new members to join.

Solomon Signs for 24-25

We are very pleased to announce the addition of defender Alex Solomon ahead of next season.

A Cyprus U21 international, Alex was part of the academy setups at Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient, and Leicester City. Capable as a central or left-sided defender, he is no stranger to the club, having initially signed for the Towners during the second half of the 21-22 season before moving on to Hampton & Richmond. He began last season with the Beavers before making 25 appearances – including in the Isthmian play-off semi-final – for Wingate & Finchley. He has also worn the shirts of Kingstonian and Swedish side Ytterhogdals IK.

“Alex is a versatile player with step 2 experience”, said gaffer Gavin Macpherson. “Having recently left the pro game Alex is keen to play at a high level and is hungry to succeed. He impressed me last season and adds further competition which is crucial. I am, however, still working hard to add to the squad”

Welcome, Alex!

President Roger

Huge congratulations to ETFC life president Roger Reed, father of Town chairman Paul Reed, who has just been named president of the Isthmian League.

Roger received the accolade at the league’s recent AGM on the same day Marcus Wyllie picked up his trophy as Golden Boot winner and our promotion to National League south was also celebrated.

Roger (pictured, far left, with the ETFC family) had already been made a life member of the league, a rarity in itself, and now takes on the presidency after acquiring almost legendary status.

“It’s an ambassadorial role and I’m incredibly proud,” said Roger who, at 77, takes over from Lord Richard Rosser who passed away earlier this year. “I was totally gobsmacked and consider it a great honour to follow in the footsteps of Richard.”

Well Done, Christine

Congratulations to ETFC director and board member Christine Hamilton who has been awarded the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Enfield, along with two other recipients, Glynis Vince and Terry Neville OBE, for their invaluable voluntary work towards the community in the borough.

The title awarded by Enfield Council is the highest honour a borough council can bestow, and is given to those deemed to have rendered “excellent services” to their area.

“It was such a surprise to me to receive the award and I’m incredibly thankful,” said Christine who was Mayor of Enfield in 2017-18 and is a tireless supporter of local charities. “Everyone at the council now knows about ETFC, our history, where we are now and our recent promotion to the National League South.”

WATCH▷ Welcome Billy Leonard

Click the play button above to watch Billy Leonard’s first interview

We caught up with our first summer signing of 24-25, midfielder Billy Leonard, on joining the club and making the step up to the National League

Nembhard The Next To Join

We are delighted to welcome defender Joash Nembhard to the club as our fourth summer signing.

A centre-back by trade, though also adept at left back or at the base of midfield, Joash is another player with extensive experience at step 2, having represented the likes of Havant & Waterlooville, Hemel Hempstead Town, and Dartford, where he ended last season. The 26-year-old has also worn the shirts of Staines Town and Welsh side TNS, with whom he won the Cymru Premier in 2019.

“I’ve always said we would need signings with experience of the level”, added manager Gavin Macpherson. “It’s important for me that we sign lads with the right personality, temperament and qualities to suit an already talented group. I believe both [Joash and Nana] will add something in all departments.”

Welcome, Joash!

Town Bring In Owusu

We are very pleased to announce the addition of forward Nana Owusu following his departure from Walton & Hersham.

Capable as a centre-forward or winger, the 28-year-old brings plenty of National League experience with the likes of Dulwich Hamlet, Maidenhead United, and Oxford City, for whom he was top scorer in the curtailed 2019-20 season.

Welcome, Nana!

Town Seal Deal for Smith

We are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Jack Smith following his departure from Dartford.

An all-action defensive midfield player, Hertford-born Jack spent his early career with Stevenage, making 29 EFL appearances and winning their Young Player of the Year award in 2021, before embarking on two stints at National League South level with the Darts. The 22-year-old has also gained loan experience with Braintree Town, Kettering Town and King’s Lynn Town.

“Jack will undoubtedly strengthen our options in midfield”, stated gaffer Gavin Macpherson. “Still in his early twenties, Jack has Football League experience and a step 2 pedigree. Being local he already understood what the club is about and looks forward to getting started and meeting the supporters.”

“I’m really happy to be here”, added Jack. “Can’t wait to get started and meet all the fans.”

Welcome, Jack!

Key Dates: National League South 24-25

The National League have confirmed the key dates for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Supporters can start making plans when fixtures are released on Wednesday 10th July, with the opening day of the season kicking off a month later, on Saturday 10th August. The National League South season will conclude on Saturday 26th April.

Festive fixtures will take place on Saturday 21st December, with Boxing Day & New Year’s matches commencing as usual. Unlike in previous seasons, the Christmas and New Year schedules are no longer reversed – so teams will not play each other within a short time frame. Boxing Day fixtures will now be reversed with Good Friday, and New Year fixtures with Easter Monday.

Confirmation of key dates for the 2024-25 season:
▪ Fixture Release Day – Wednesday 10th July 2024
▪ Opening Day – Saturday 10th August 2024
▪ Final Day [South] – Saturday 26th April 2025