Dulwich Hamlet boss explains why former Charlton youngster’s deal was terminated

EXCLUSIVE

Dulwich Hamlet manager Paul Barnes says Joe Osaghae’s contract was terminated after he defied their orders on training with a rival National League South club.

The goalkeeper, 21, signed for Hamlet in the summer after being released by Charlton Athletic.

Barnes told the South London Press: “We had a discussion about him needing to play and we fully supported him – but he was a contracted player and it needed to be on our terms. We wanted to bring another goalkeeper in before he signed for someone else.

“After the conversation with him and his agent he was invited to train with another National League South club. We said we wouldn’t allow that, as he was a contracted player, but he still went ahead and trained with them. We used the opportunity to cancel his contract as he was in breach of it.

“We feel it is well out of order, going to train with another club after we have told him he is not allowed to.”

Barnes is not expecting to make any signings before the size of his squad is trimmed down.

“I inherited a squad with too many boys under contract so we can’t bring anyone in until we have moved a few on,” he said.

Dulwich have lined up a friendly against a Chelsea XI at Champion Hill next Saturday (1pm).

Barnes is friends with former AFC Wimbledon head coach Mark Robinson, appointed in the same role at development level by the Blues in May.

Before that Dulwich have back-to-back trips to Taunton Town – first in the FA Trophy on Saturday and then again on Tuesday in the league.

Kreshnic Krasniqi is still serving a four-game ban for his red card in the 3-2 win over Hampton & Richmond.

Captain Jack Holland and Andre Blackman are both injury doubts while Jamie Splatt, Dan Smith and Josh Hill are definitely ruled out.

“We are bare bones,” said Barnes. “We’re hoping we can get one or two back for the Tuesday game and be a different proposition.”

PICTURE: ROB AVIS