AFC Sudbury Make First New Signings

Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central newcomers AFC Sudbury have announced two new signings ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Defender Tom Dickens joins Marc Abbott’s squad from Isthmian League Premier Division side Cheshunt.

The 20-year-old had signed for the Ambers, then members of the Vanarama National League South, in the summer of 2022 from Welling United.

He originally progressed through Cambridge United's academy and signed his first professional contract with the club in 2020.

A week after penning pro terms, Dickens was one of four Cambridge players sent out on loan to St Neots Town until the end of the 2019/20 season.

After making 9 appearances for the Saints, scoring once, Dickens was loaned back out to the club ahead of the 2020/21 season.

In his second spell at the club, Dickens made 13 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.

In July 2021, Dickens joined National League South outfit Chelmsford City on loan until the end of the season before being recalled by Cambridge in December 2021 after making 18 appearances in all competitions for the Clarets.

In January 2022, Dickens made his debut for Cambridge, coming on as a late substitute in a 2–1 EFL Trophy win against Portsmouth.

In January 2022, he returned to Chelmsford on loan but the end of the 2021/22 season, he was released by Cambridge.

He moved to Welling in the summer of 2022 and made 7 appearances before switching to Cheshunt, who sent him back out on loan to St Neots, where he added 20 more games to his Saints` tally.

Abbott told his club’s website: "Tom is a left footed centre-back that can play in a back four or a back three depending on the system required. Tom has an excellent left foot with a great passing range. He can defend the box, back to goal or in behind having had experience at Step 2 with both Chelmsford and Welling United. I think it's an excellent signing that the Sudbury fans will very much enjoy watching throughout the coming season."

Also moving to Sudbury is goalkeeper James Bradbrook from former Isthmian League North rivals Stowmarket Town.

He had moved back to Stowmarket in 2019 from Isthmian Premier side Brightlingsea Regent, having arrived at Regent from Needham Market in the summer of 2018 after a very successful loan spell the previous season.

He brings stability and confidence to the back line.