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Arsene Wenger signing and fan favourite secures transfer five years after Arsenal exit

Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson.
-Credit: (Image: Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)


Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has signed for Bromley in League Two.

The 32-year-old has ended his time as a free agent after most recently playing in Australia for Newcastle Jets. The boyhood Gunner made the move to North London from Charlton Athletic as a 19-year-old making 70 appearances for the club after being signed by Arsene Wenger.

His career spans across numerous clubs such as West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham, as well as a spell with Melbourne City. Following his release from the A-League, Jenkinson has kept up to speed on the Professional Football Association's (PFA) pre-season programme to allow out-of-contract players to showcase their talents to clubs.

Jenkinson's chance to sign for Andy Woodman's side came after a text to the Ravens boss, after the pair spent time together at the Valley with Woodman as the goalkeeping coach for the Addicks. "It's good, I'm glad it's over the line, the international clearance has dragged on so I'm happy it's sorted out, done and dusted," Jenkinson said after signing.

"He's (Andy Woodman) has been someone I've always followed, what his son is doing as well, it leads to me reaching out a couple of weeks ago and saying, 'can I come in and train?'

"I wanted to keep fit, maintain my fitness and we have that relationship so it was nice that he said yeah and it led to this.

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"It's a great group of lads, down to earth, it's nice to step into their environment. They've done very well over the last couple of seasons with what they've achieved to where the club is now.

"Something I want to do is help the club progress and these types of things, give my all to push on again."

On playing for Arsenal and for Wenger, Jenkinson is looking to utilise his experience and help Bromley achieve their ambitions in their first ever League Two campaign, following promotion via the playoffs from the National League.

"Amazing, playing for your boyhood club and to have the opportunity to pull that shirt on is one that not many people get in life. It's something that I'll always have and cherish. Fond memories, you learn a lot from the best, at the end of the day. I played under some of the best managers in world football so Arsene Wenger, he revolutionised the game in England, you learn a lot from him and the players you play with.