Seventeen-year-old forward Quaine Bartley has joined Cray Wanderers on a work experience loan for an initial 28 days.
Quaine will link-up with the man who struck the vital penalty to take us back into the league as Danny Kedwell is currently manager at Wanderers.
Loans Manager Michael Hamilton believes the opportunity to play Isthmian League Premier Division football at this stage of his development will be great for his career.
"We always prioritise a player’s development over results for our academy team,” said Michael. “Though there would have been benefits of keeping Quaine in with the U-18s, this agreement serves as the perfect opportunity for him to take the next step in his development.
‘I need to mention the Under 18s management team, as without their support over the last few months Quaine wouldn’t have made the progress he has. They have put specific plans in place to elevate his game. James Oliver Pearce (Under-18s manager) has been pivotal in Quaine’s development, not just as a player, but also as a young man. Credit must also go to Jenna Richards and Liam Connor as they put Quaine on a specific physical development programme that has paid dividends.”
Former Dons striker Jon Main is also on the coaching staff at Cray Wanderers, who host Brightlingsea Regent today, a game in which Quaine could make his debut.