Dulwich Hamlet gear up for start to their campaign – as they bring former Crystal Palace man back for another Champion Hill spell

Dulwich Hamlet kick off their season with an FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Corinthian Casuals tomorrow.

The government are set to reveal a rescue package for National League sides, who are no longer going to be able to welcome supporters due to the rise in Covid-19 cases.

Hamlet have made a number of signings in recent weeks with former Crystal Palace attacker Reise Allassani returning for a third spell. Former Colchester midfielder Tariqe Hyde has signed a one-year deal along with ex-Leyton Orient keeper Charlie Grainger.

“We’ve been working as if it is all systems go – knowing in the background that it might not be,” said Dulwich manager Gavin Rose. “We’re told there is going to be some kind of help from the government but we don’t know yet what that actually is.

“We’ve got a commitment to our players to try and do the best we can and fulfil their contracts. If the government is able to help out and take some of the burden in the short term it makes life a lot easier.”

Allassani’s form in his first stint at Champion Hill earned him a move to Coventry City for an undisclosed fee in 2018, only for a second serious knee injury to rule him out.

“Our league position wasn’t great last year and performances weren’t great collectively as players and management,” said Rose. “We felt we needed to start again and recruited a new group.

“There are still some of the guys from last season and people we’ve had from previous years but this time it is a considerably younger group.

“It is a group that still has a lot to prove to itself. It is really good for me to work with them and their ambition as well.

“Tariqe was on loan at Dartford last season and did particularly well in the two games against us. I’ve known his dad a few years and found out he was available.

“Charlie is a good guy and a good goalkeeper. He has got his best years in front of him.”