Dartford have today confirmed their first signing ahead of the 2024/25 season, with Denzelle Olopade signing on the dotted line.

Olopade becomes just the third player confirmed to be in Adrian Pennock’s squad for the upcoming campaign, with contract extensions previously awarded to academy products George Whitefield and Olly Box. Confirmation has yet to be given on the future of Sam Odaudu, despite signing a two-year contract last term.

The 22-year-old midfielder spent the previous season with Erith and Belvedere, while also featuring for Phoenix Sports in 2024. He also spent an extended period at Ramsgate between 2021 and 2023.

Prior to this, Olopade spent his academy days playing for Norwich, before making the switch to Crystal Palace in 2020. According to the club statement, Pennock has followed Olopade since his time with the Canaries and believes that he is now ready to step up to Isthmian Premier Division (having played in leagues below). 

As a player, Olopade provides defensive stability, while also being relatively press resistant and composed on the ball. He has shown an eye for goal from the edge of the box, but it is unlikely that a good goalscoring tally will be required of him next season. In 18 recorded U18 Premier League games with Norwich, he scored two goals and provided two assists.

Following the departure of Jordan Wynter, strengthening in defensive midfield was made a priority at the club. Wynter played in black and white for six seasons, being the club’s longest-serving player in the absence of former captain Tom Bonner last season.