Pic: Andy Nunn
ETHAN PINNOCK has moved into professional football with Forest Green Rovers after progressing through the famous Dulwich Hamlet youth system.
The 23-year-old central defender made his Hamlet first team debut in August 2010 against Whitstable Town and went on to become a fans' favourite at Champion Hill.
Originally a winger or full-back, Pinnock was converted to a centre-half and flourished in his new position, helping Hamlet win the Ryman South in 2012-13.
He played 50 times last season as Dulwich narrowly missed out on promotion from the Ryman Premier, losing out to East Thurrock United in the play-off final.
Pinnock made over 200 appearances for the London club, scoring 13 times, but has now moved up to the National League with Forest Green.
He has signed a two-year deal after last season's promotion finalists agreed an undisclosed fee with Dulwich.
Rovers boss Mark Cooper told the club's website: “He's been on our radar for a while; we've been offered a lot more experienced players but this kid has got real potential and is ready to play in the team now.
“He's 6ft 2ins, very quick and aggressive and he has a very cultured left-foot – there are not many of those around.
“And the way we want to play, high up the pitch, it's important to have plenty of pace in defence. There were a lot of clubs interested in him, so to capture him underlines our ambition again.”
Pinnock added: “I'm delighted with the move and buzzing to get started.
“The way the manger wants to play suits my style, as I like to move the ball around on the ground and you don't always get that opportunity as a central defender, although at Dulwich we did try to play as well.”
