Dolke: Nic could return to Bromley (From News Shopper)

Dolke: Nic could return to Bromley

3:42pm Tuesday 13th January 2009 in Sport By Paul Green

BROMLEY owner Jerry Dolke says the Lillywhites will have first option to sign Nic McDonnell should the fans’ favourite decide on a return to football.

The striker shocked the Hayes Lane club late last week by announcing he no longer wanted to play after becoming increasingly frustrated by the number of yellow cards he was picking up and his shortage of goals.

McDonnell became something of a living legend at Bromley after firing in 74 goals in 147 appearances in Lillywhite colours and his unexpected departure has rocked the club’s supporters.

However, Mr Dolke said he fully understood McDonnell’s decision and had some good news for fans by revealing Bromley have retained his registration.

He said: “Nic just wasn’t enjoying it and decided to take a complete break from the game.

“That is totally down to him and we respect his decision because you could tell he wasn’t enjoying it sometimes.

“We’ve kept his registration and everyone knows Nic has a great affection for Bromley FC.

“When he is ready to come back I am absolutely certain he will pick up the phone to us.”

Mr Dolke added: “It is a big loss but we’ve seen the likes of Gareth McCleary and Sam Wood go before and life goes on. This is just another challenge for us.

“We played against Havant without Nic and there was a good response from everyone out there.”

Bromley were put on the market last summer, but Mr Dolke confirmed he has yet to receive a concrete off for the club.

He said: “We have had some interest from a couple of parties, but we have had no bids as of yet. It is business as usual.

“We took the decision 12 weeks ago to reduce our budget and who knows where we may have been in the current economic climate had we not done so.

“Bromley will go to the end of the season now with what we’ve got and one of the positive things to come out of the financial situation is the opportunity it has given to younger players from our reserve and academy sides to get into the first team.

“Harry Harding is a great example. The younger players are seeing him hold down a regular place in the team and this acts as an inspiration for them.”

Meanwhile, heavy rain has forced the postponement of tonight's Kent Cup tie with Maidstone at Sittingbourne's Central Park.