KEY TRIO COMMIT TO THE WANDERERS
Dorking Wanderers have today announced that captain Barry Fuller, midfielder Josh Taylor and striker Alfie Rutherford have all signed extended contracts with the club.
Barry arrived at Wanderers in August 2020 after enjoying a long and successful period of his playing career in the Football League. He captained both Gillingham and AFC Wimbledon to League Two play-off success, before leaving Gillingham at the end of a second spell with the club at the conclusion of the 2019/20 season. With well over 500 career appearances to his name at the time of joining Wanderers, manager Marc White immediately named Barry as captain and his experience, leadership and consistency has been admired by all in the past couple of years as the club has achieved National League South promotion and a first ever Surrey Senior Cup triumph last term. Towards the end of last season Barry overcame an enforced spell on the sidelines to feature for Wanderers in the play-offs, and scored a memorable goal to set Wanderers well on their way in the semi-final victory over Oxford City. At the age of 38 Barry is showing absolutely no sign of slowing down, and the club are pleased he has extended his stay.
Josh joined Wanderers in May 2021 after leaving Havant & Waterlooville. Following a steady start to the 2021/22 season after overcoming injury, Josh quickly became one of the first name's on the team sheet for Marc White as his adaptability and technical qualities as a midfielder came to the fore and were acknowledged and praised by all, making him a key figure in Wanderers success both in the league and cup last term. He was the match-winner in the 1-0 win against title rivals Maidstone United at Meadowbank last season, as well as scoring the decisive goal in the unforgettable 4-3 comeback victory over Dulwich Hamlet in the final home game of the regular season. Having started this season in very much the same vein of form as he finished the last, everyone at the club is delighted Josh has signed a new deal.
Alfie joined Wanderers in May 2020, also making the switch from the south coast from Havant & Waterlooville. After his first season at the club was curtailed early due to the global pandemic, the striker went on to have a truly outstanding season last term. With 32 goals scored in the league and play-offs combined, Alfie clinched the division's golden boot award, netting 5 hat-tricks along the way and scoring the winning goal in the play-off final as Wanderers defeated Ebbsfleet United 3-2 after extra-time to secure promotion. A very popular figure around the club who's contribution last season will live very long in the memory of all Wanderers fans, Alfie's extension to his existing commitment made in January 2022 again underlines his dedication and passion for the football club.
Manager Marc White added: " Having finished last season at the end of May, and having zero time to construct our squad for the new level, the focus for this season has very much been on team building. Securing these boys for years to come is just the start and shows how committed they are to the club. We are all delighted that they have put pen to paper for the Wanderers".