Omarr Lawson has told Dulwich Hamlet boss Gavin Rose that that he will not be putting pen to paper on a new contract this summer...

Omarr Lawson has told Dulwich Hamlet boss Gavin Rose that that he will not be putting pen to paper on a new contract this summer after setting his sights on a move into Championship Football.

Lawson, who came through the ranks of Rose’s ASPIRE Academy, to stamp his mark in the Hamlet first team has previously had trials with Portsmouth and Watford, though outside events put the kybosh on both, the former due to the due financial straits Pompey find themselves, the latter due to a change of ownership and emphasis at Vicarage Road.

However, Dulwich Hamlet would still be entitled to compensation for the youngster, though Rose was none too happy with the manner in which affairs have been conducted.

Lawson impressed on trial at Watford late last season. However, the dismissal of manager Sean Dyche dismissal put the mockers on a move there.

The Hornets recently changed hands after the Pozzo family bought the club from former used car salesman Jack Petchey, appointing Gianfranco Zola as the manager and looking to use the team as a proving ground for young Italian players rather than homegrown ones.

Speaking to the South London Press Champion Hill supremo Gavin Rose said, “Omarr’s been advised by his advisors to not sign an extension to his contract, so we haven’t continued the Watford thing as a club because there is not much in it for us.

“As far as I understand, because of the takeover, Watford won’t be doing any trials at the moment.

“Omarr’s registered to us via his contract, so there is still compensation. The lad has come through our academy and first team but I would not imagine it would be much because of the channels he is looking to do it through.

“I’ve got the feeling that the lad is being advised certain things that don’t sit too well with him. It is a big step going from Dulwich to Championship football - the lure is playing tricks with his mind. We are all very disappointed. Myself, Junior Kadi and Kevin James have worked really hard with the lad for many years and now he has got to a certain level other people have taken an interest. This is what happens.

“But we’ve got the situation where many other lads are loyal to us and the club.”