Former Burnley and AFC Wimbledon youngster earns deal after impressing Hakan during the summer.

Hakan Hayrettin has secured his fourth striker of the summer as Richard Pingling joins the club.

Richard has appeared in five of our six games so far this summer, appearing as half-time substitutes against Altona '93 and Bromley, before starting from the outset against Aveley. He also played the first hour of our 3-1 win at Welling, with his most recent appearance coming in the draw at Tooting & Mitcham.

The 24-year-old has been on the books at both Burnley and AFC Wimbledon, before being released from the professional game.

After struggling to come to terms with his release, Richard represented the likes of Eastbourne United, Merstham and Meridian, before a move to Croydon truly reinvigorated him after reuniting with friend and manager Liam Giles.

After a brief spell at Horley Town, Richard returned to Croydon and would score 18 goals in 25 games during the 2021-22 season. After beginning last season with Epsom & Ewell and then Lordswood, he also had another strong spell at the Trams, before ending the campaign with Haywards Heath Town.

"I'm pleased to be part of the club." said Richard. "All the boys have welcomed me since I arrived on trial, and it has been an enjoyable summer here."

"It is a great set-up, and there has been some hard sessions, but they've been really enjoyable."

"I am proud to be able to represent the club this season, it has been a hard journey through the leagues to get to this stage. I took some time out and have played at some lower levels, and it now feels amazing to be at a club like Dulwich with its history and background."

"I do think goalscoring is my best attribute, I may not have scored yet this pre-season but I think I can get into the right areas and I know how to put the ball in the back of the net, and the fans will see that very soon!"

"Richard has impressed me with his work rate both in matches and in training during pre-season," added Hakan, "and now he knows he needs to work even harder to show me what his qualities are."

"He's shown good pace to move into the channels and make runs behind the defence, and I think he will learn from the likes of Elliott, Danny and Adrian. He has also been willing to work hard defensively too, which I admire."