Premier Division Club Updates

Some clubs have been busy announcing managerial appointments, new signings and player retentions, while others are keeping their plans firmly behind closed doors for now.

Petts Wood & Holmesdale FC have emerged as one of the busiest clubs in the Premier Division during the early weeks of the summer as preparations continue under their new identity. Former Sutton Athletic manager Peter Nolan has been appointed Joint First Team Manager alongside Andy Constable, with several familiar faces following him to the club. Former Sutton Athletic and Erith Town captain Ryan Mahal strengthens the defence, while Conor Evans, Joel Wakefield, Ben White, Frank Little and Tunmise Akanni have all made the switch from Sutton Athletic. Elsewhere, versatile midfielder Paul Lee joins from Phoenix Sports, prolific former Rusthall striker Charlie Clover arrives after several impressive seasons at Step 5, Armani-Jordan Martin signs following spells with Hythe Town and Fisher, experienced defender Michael Fenn arrives from VCD Athletic and Freddie Warwick completes an increasingly impressive list of additions.
The club have also secured the services of several key players. Tony Musoke returns for a second spell after previously spending three seasons with Holmesdale, while Mecca Maxime-Samuels, Fyn Rutherford and Lewis Heywood have all committed for the new campaign.

Phoenix Sports have also been active throughout the summer. Captain Akheem Belford remains alongside Jamarie Brissett, Louie Downey, Ben Morrison, Khayrie Harris, Ryan McCourt, Harry Barnes and Taylor Fisher. Midfielders Zak Bryon and Lee Bird return after spells away, while Steve Townsend and Joe Chalker arrive from Beckenham Town. Manager Jake Goodman stays in charge despite the departures of Lyle Della Verde, Jensen Grant, Paul Lee, Tyller Whitlock Davis and Kieron McCann.

Tunbridge Wells have retained the core of last season’s squad, with Ryan Hine, Kieran James, Ashton Maylon-Chantler, Brad Austin, Owen Punselie, Daika Montague, Mo Alaka, George Bentley, Jack Gallagher, Rhys Bartlett, Darmando Lawrence, Tommy Penfold, Rory Ward, Matty Dunmall, Ollie Hyland and Regan Corke all remaining at Culverden.

At Rusthall, Jimmy Anderson begins a ninth season in charge after last year’s heartbreaking play-off final defeat. Charlie Clover and Dan Blunn have departed, while Christian Lawal, Dan Atta and Rajan Sahni arrive. Thompson Adeyemi, Josh Reid, Reece Hobbs, Jesse Hammond, Robbie Bissett, Frank Griffin, Jeffrey Njunga, Louis Anderson and Jack Kirby are among those staying as the Rustics look to challenge again.

Sutton Athletic have confirmed that Jack Glassborrow, Ashdon Day and Cameron Reardon are among those remaining with the club.

Ahead of their first-ever season at Step 5, SE Dons have made an eye-catching start to the summer. Experienced midfielder Anthony Cook has joined a squad that retains much of last season’s promotion-winning side, including prolific forward Femi Akinwande.

Following last season’s second-place finish, Fisher have retained the backbone of their squad. Conor Darwish, Tyron Mbuenimo, Don Macauley, Flavio Jumo, Eric Koduah, Jake Lovell, Alex Kozak, Eden Deh and Jack Gibbons all remain, while Temi Alaka and Ali Taylor Kamara strengthen the squad.

Kennington have also confirmed a number of player retentions, including Joe Mant, Adam Phillips, Charlie Owen, Joe Fisher, Fin Dent, Brad Walledge, Elliott Moore, Ryan Philpott, Ardian Sulovari, Alfee Wincott, Euan Biggleston and Tom Scorer.

At Erith & Belvedere, Gary Alexander remains in charge for 2026/27 as the Deres continue to build. Former VCD Athletic manager Ross Baker joins the coaching staff, while midfielder Jack Sammoutis and centre-back Marcus Travers become the club’s first confirmed signings of the summer.

After narrowly missing out on the play-offs with a sixth-place finish, Bearsted have shown their intent by signing Adam Molloy, Matt Day, Ross Ibbertson and Clark Woodcock. Conrad Lee, Sonny Jackson, Joe Wilson, Nathan Light, Dan Melvin, Reuben Jones, Aidan Clarke, Luka Radojevic, Ashton Mitford, Ryan Blake, Jake Embery, Sam Stace, Danny Keyte and Richard Jimoh have all committed their futures to the Bears.

Corinthian begin a new chapter under recently appointed manager Mason East, who arrives after a successful spell with Whitstable Town Under-23s and has already spoken enthusiastically about the challenge ahead.

Snodland Town have also ushered in a new era following the appointment of Connor Dymond as first team manager, with the club launching a special anniversary season ticket offer to mark the occasion.

Faversham Strike Force have announced the signing of promising youngster Jude Leberl from Dover Academy.

At Hollands & Blair, Darren Blackburn has stepped down due to work commitments after guiding the club to a seventh-place finish, narrowly missing the play-offs following an impressive second half of the season. Assistant manager Ian Draycott has been promoted to take charge of the first team.

Larkfield & New Hythe have also seen changes in the dugout, with Fraser Walker ending a successful three-year spell as joint manager during which the club won two trophies and achieved its highest-ever league finish. Tony Reid remains in charge, assisted by Sian Fitzpatrick. Jahmal King, Antwon McKenzie, Connor Collins, Jay Wade, Alton Leeward, Steven Famose and Sam Fitzgerald have all committed for another season, while Lauris Chin, Ezekiel Bademosi, Alfie Powell, Daniel Gebor and Tobe Uzor all arrive as new signings.

There have also been managerial changes elsewhere in the division. Newly promoted AFC Greenwich Borough have parted company with Reece Parara, with Tony Russell taking charge, while Beckenham Town begin a new era under Adam Griffin following the departure of Del Oldfield.

With pre-season fixtures now getting underway, supporters can expect plenty more news on player signings, managerial appointments and club developments over the coming weeks.

We’ll continue to bring you the latest updates from around the Premier Division as preparations for the 2026/27 season gather pace.

Last updated – 14th July