Pennock's waiting game
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Dartford manager Ady Pennock on the players’ market so far this summer as he discusses signing striker Callum Jones from Chelmsford City
Dartford boss Ady Pennock believes it’s been a players’ market this summer - but he expects that to change soon.
Pennock has made relatively slow progress throughout the close season as he prepares for the Darts’ 2024/25 Isthmian Premier campaign.
Fumnaya Shomotun has left Dartford for National League South side Tonbridge this summer.
He has signed goalkeeper Jacob Marsden and striker Callum Jones from Chelmsford, while playmaker Samir Carruthers has also returned after a season with the Essex club.
But Pennock explained: “When the season finishes, up until now, it’s the players’ market.
“They’re dictating what they want and they want more money than ever! But the club have got their pre-seasons and seasons to start to plan for.
“So, it does change. The players and agents are dictating a little bit more money at the moment - that’s something you have to be very aware of.
“That’s why I’m not making any rash decisions but we’re okay.
"We’re in a good place.”
Jones, a former youth-team prospect with Colchester, will link up with Dartford upon the expiration of his contract with Chelmsford this summer.
On the 24-year-old, Pennock stated: “Callum is a young lad.
“He’s a good age. He’s a workaholic - he works his socks off. He’s a good size at 6ft 1in and he’s very eager to do well.
“I’m very pleased to get him on board, to be honest. He’s a great character, as well, a very good lad.
“I met his family at the stadium. He has a good family behind him. He has that fire in his belly to do well.
“It’s never that easy but he has the attributes to do well as a footballer and, more importantly, is a very good character.
“With Jacob and Samir, he has got some familiar faces for him in the changing room.
“Jacob and Samir have both said that he’s a good player and a great lad.
“I hope he’ll be a good one for us.”
Leaving the Darts for National League Souths Tonbridge is forward Fumnaya Shomotun.
Nigerian-born Shomotun, 26, made 16 appearances while he was at Princes Park after initially joining under caretaker boss Tony Burman, scoring twice.
On Shomotun’s departure, Pennock said: “I don’t blame him at all.
“Players don’t want to drop down to the Isthmian League. Every player wants to play as high as they possibly can.
“We wanted to keep him but - just like the majority of the players we offered contracts to who aren’t staying - most don’t want to drop down to the level. I totally understand that.
“I just want to wish him all the best because he’s a great lad.”
Pennock was scheduled for more talks with more potential summer signings this week.
“Nearly every day, I’m talking to players,” he revealed.
“The structure, the stadium and the supporters are there. It’s a very good football club.
“With the players we have brought to the stadium, they have all been very impressed with the stadium and the facilities.
“But we will just see what will happen because I’m not in any rush.
“It’s always a busy day at this time of the season but it’s a good busy.”