Bromley’s deal for Mitchel Bergkamp – the son of Arsenal great Dennis – is not a publicity stunt

Bromley boss Andy Woodman has insisted that the signing of Mitchel Bergkamp is not a publicity stunt.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder is the son of former Arsenal and Holland legend Dennis, who won three Premier League titles, picked up four FA Cups and claimed the PFA Player of the Year award in 1998.

Bergkamp senior also won silverware at Ajax and Inter Milan.

Bromley’s new signing formerly played for Dutch side Almere City as a youngster, making 47 appearances in all competitions for their U21 side, scoring seven and picking up two assists. He had a trial with Arsenal and also spent time with Watford’s U23 side.

“I was lucky enough to work with Mitchel at Arsenal, so I know his qualities,” said Woodman, who was head of goalkeeping at the Gunners before taking over at Hayes Lane. “I can assure everybody that it’s definitely no publicity stunt.

“He’s got to get into the team. Nobody has got a given position at this football club.

“Mitchel understands that. I put the challenge to him: ‘Do you want to come and be a part of something until the end of the season?’

“He didn’t bat an eyelid. He is a really grounded young man, and he doesn’t have an ego – there is no other side to him other than someone who loves football and wants to be the best.

“He has been good around the group, and that’s really important. Whoever we bring into our club then they not only need to be a good footballer, they also have to be a character.

“He certainly ticks all those boxes. It’s brilliant to have him onboard. I’m looking forward to getting him match fit and getting him ready to make his debut at some point soon.”

Woodman confirmed after Saturday’s 4-1 victory at home to Yeovil Town in the National League – which moved the Ravens four points off the play-off places in the table – that more signings would be coming in.

When pressed on how many new acquisitions he wants to add to his squad, Woodman said: “You always want more, but it’s the quality of what you get in the door, rather than the quantity.

“We have to make sure that we put the quality around the group that’s already here to make sure that we can get into this back half of the season and try to maximise as many points as we can to try and get ourselves in the fighting back at the top.

“We want to keep pushing this group of players. Because we haven’t got many resources, we can’t afford to get signings wrong or have a huge squad.

“If we get a few injuries, it can knock us, but the boys have dug deep all season. We’re at an important part of the season now – we have to keep going.”

Forward Michael Cheek, who has been Woodman’s most used player as Bromley boss, making 82 appearances in all competitions, recently signed a new contract extension.

The 31-year-old has scored 57 goals in 151 appearances since joining from Ebbsfleet United in 2019 and scored the winning goal in last season’s 1-0 FA Trophy final victory over Wrexham at Wembley.

“Michael has been a really important figure at this football club,” said Woodman.

“It’s easy to argue what some players can’t do, but Michael Cheek does the most important thing players need to do at the top of the pitch, which is putting the ball in the net.

“The real art now is to try and to keep improving his game, working on his game, and keep him scoring.

“Myself, the fans and everybody associated with the club are delighted he has committed himself to stay.

“Now we have to make sure we keep maximising Michael Cheek and making him better every day for what we’re trying to achieve.”

MAIN PICTURE: JOSH TINDALL/BROMLEY FC