Twin defenders Tia and Morgan Searle join after successful trial this summer

Ryan Dempsey has bolstered his defensive options ahead of the new season with the signing of twin defenders Tia and Morgan Searle.

The duo appeared twice during our pre-season games this summer, starting in the 5-0 win at Welling United and the 4-0 success over MK Dons U23s at Champion Hill.

Last season they played their football in Tier 3 with Crawley Wasps, with Morgan playing in 17 National League Southern Premier Division games, and Tia in 15. Prior to joining Crawley last summer, they worked with Jamie Broughton in the Crystal Palace Development side, appearing alongside other Hamlet players past and present in Izzy Franklin, Eman Kassem, Lily Price and Saskia Reeves-Priestley.

Tia is left-footed played predominately and will likely operate as a left-back, although she is also adept at playing at centre-back or wing-back. Morgan by contrast is right-footed and plays as a centre-back, but can also fill in on the right side of defence.

"I’m really looking forward at starting my journey with Dulwich," said Tia, "all the staff and players have been very welcoming which will help me push on to have a very successful season with a great bunch of talented girls."

Morgan added, "I am really looking forward to the season ahead at Dulwich Hamlet with the amazing girls and coaches."

"We tried to get Tia and Morgan in last year because of their qualities both on and off the pitch," said Ryan, "they both possess great leadership qualities, their communication is very good and both are energetic."

"They can both play in multiple positions, and they fit the profile in what we were looking for this summer in terms of age and how much they want to learn and develop. Having played Tier 3 football last year, they have gained invaluable experience, and since coming in they have fitted in really well with the group and impacted the games they have played."

"We always want to bring young players into the club and help them to develop and move up the pyramid, but also help us to move towards Tier 4 and Tier 3 and Tia and Morgan will help with that."