OPPOSITION FOCUS | Dorking Wanderers (H)

The Key Info

Founded: 1999

Nickname: The Wanderers

Manager: Marc White

Stadium: Meadowbank Stadium

Capacity: 3000

The History

Founded in 1999, Dorking Wanderers have had a spectacular journey from park football up the non league pyramid. Founding members of the club Mark Lewington, Ian Davidson, Lee Spickett, Penny Gregg and current manager Marc White entered the club into the Crawley & District League, immediately experiencing several promotions. They relocated from Big Field Brockham in 2007, to Westhumble, transforming the area into a senior level football ground. In 2015, another promotion meant that the Wanderers reached Step 4 of non league. After spending 2 years at that level, Wanderers eventually achieved promotion to the Bostik Premier League and had another relocation to their current stadium, Meadowbank. They achieved promotion in their first season to mark their 20 year anniversary to the National League South. After the Covid Pandemic, Wanderers saw another promotion to the National League in the 2021/22 Playoff Final against Ebbsfleet United. Their first taste of relegation came after two seasons in the National League and whilst hopes of an immediate return were crushed after Playoff defeat, the Wanderers will be keen to put things right this season.

The Manager: Marc White

Marc White has been the key figurehead in Dorking Wanderers’ history, being a founding

member of the club and overseeing 12 promotions in 23 years. Alongside management,

Marc White is also the owner and chairman of Dorking, being a key force behind recruitment

of players. His style of management was heavily published in the non-league channel Bunch of Amateurs, who have documented the growth of both White and Dorking through non-league. Initially playing for the club, White has been an incredible driving force behind the growth of Dorking Wanderers.

The Skipper: Charlie Carter

Charlie Carter has shown his captaincy quality, leading by example in his exceptional performances, showing excellent creativity as an attacking midfielder. His experience in the National League and League Two has helped Carter to develop his performances and make him a threat to opposition defences. His CV includes representing clubs such as Woking, Chesterfield, Eastleigh and Stevenage, which has given Carter the opportunity to play with outstanding talent. Over his time at the club, Carter has shown his quality consistently and is a player to look out for. Carter will look to guide his team towards promotion back to the National League this season.

Start to the Season:

Dorking’s start to the season has been one of mixed emotions for Dorking Wanderers, as they look to bounce back from playoff heartbreak last season. The opening game of the season saw the Wanderers show determination as they overcame a 2-0 deficit to come back and draw 2-2 away at Chippenham. Having fallen behind in that game, Hampton & Richmond looked to show a common theme, with the Wanderers eventually losing 0-3 at home. Finally gaining some momentum after their loss, the Wanderers returned to Meadowbank to face Slough who’s start of the season has looked bleak, so far gaining only 1 point from a potential 6. Dorking’s class shined through, cruising to a comfortable 2-0 win to get their first win of the season.

LAST THREE:

HOME WIN 2-0 VS SLOUGH

HOME LOSS 0-3 VS HAMPTON & RICHMOND

AWAY DRAW 2-2 VS CHIPPENHAM

ONES TO WATCH:

Name: Alfie Rutherford

Joined: July 2020

Position: Forward

Rutherford began his career at Moneyfields FC before transferring to Bognor Regis at the beginning of the 2015/16 season. The following season, he transferred to Havant & Waterlooville, before going on a loan to Eastbourne Borough. After 3 seasons at the Hawks, Rutherford transferred to Dorking Wanderers, looking to make his breakthrough. His best season at the Wanderers came in the promotion-winning season of 2021/22, where Rutherford scored 30 goals, winning himself National League South Golden Boot. He already has a goal to his name this season, with an equaliser away at Chippenham in injury time.

Name: Jason Prior

Joined: February 2023

Position: Forward

Forward Jason Prior has played an instrumental role in the rise of Dorking Wanderers through the divisions, with spells between 2018 and 2022. Eventually his move became permanent in 2023, following his departure from Havant & Waterlooville. Prior is a striker who possesses many qualities, including his ability to find the back of the net and hold the ball up. Manager Marc White has sung the praise of Prior on numerous occasions, as his

physical presence and a strong eye for goal make him a threat to defences across the division.

Name: Brennan Camp

Joined: May 2024

Position: Right Back

Having signed for the Wanderers ahead of last season’s campaign, Brennan Camp was quick to take the right back spot for his own, consistently showcasing his quality. Camp has shown the ability to show composure in an organised backline, as well as his attacking prowess, which has seen him score on occasions. In the last fixture at the Focus Community Arena, Camp found himself on the scoresheet, after slotting the ball into the bottom left hand corner before the half time mark. The Tudors defence will be wary of Camp’s threat ahead of this season’s matchup, with the right back already registering a goal to his name in this campaign.