By, Danny Caro
1 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Division One champions Oakwood have started planning for next season in the Premier Division by signing Hendon United Sports Club captain Josh Bentley.
The transfer was announced the day after the JC MSFL end-of-season awards and is seen as a big statement of intent from the team, co-managed by Ric Blank and Alex Schock.
Speaking about the move, Bentley told JC Sport: "I have had some great times at Hendon which was capped off last season by winning the treble.
"I am now looking for a new challenge and I believe Oakwood are a really strong team. They are a great bunch of lads and I'm hoping that I can help them achieve success in their first season in the Premier League."
Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank commented: "Josh's ability, experience and leadership will be invaluable to us and we're really looking forward to getting him involved.
"His winning mentality was a key reason for Hendon's success over the years and we are confident his will to win will be of huge value to Oakwood."
Paying tribute to Bentley, Hendon boss David Garbacz said: "Josh has been an unbelievable player for Hendon over the years . He has seen it all and won it all and enjoyed the pleasure of lifting three trophies last year as our captain . As he approaches 30, he decided that he wanted a new challenge with a new up-and-coming team and Oakwood fitted the bill perfectly.
"He remains one of the toughest midfielders around and we are all going to miss him terribly - not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well where he is mates with everyone and very popular. We wish him all the best for next season and I’m sure he’ll be a big success with his new club."
"Hopefully we’ll meet up in a repeat of this year’s Morrison final. Every team has to make changes each year and we will be making three or four close-season signings like last season which will only make us stronger in our quest to retain some trophies. Josh Lipman takes over as club captain."
Oakwood also announced that they will add a B team, led by Ian Tussie and Ben Polak.
Blank went on to say: "The boys are out scouting the far reaches of Europe as we speak. Last season was great, but this season promises new challenges and even more excitement."