Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson found himself a free agent in recent weeks, but he has now found a new club.
Jenkinson joined Arsenal in 2011 as Arsene Wenger spotted his potential at Charlton, but despite some great moments, he never managed to establish himself as a starter.
Nevertheless, Jenkinson recently admitted that he had no regrets over his time at Arsenal, even if it came too early in his career. As a boyhood Arsenal fan, he was never going to turn down the opportunity to play under Wenger.
The defender spent the last few years playing in Australia, but the 32-year-old was without a club heading into this season after leaving Newcastle Jets.
Jenkinson is still keen to keep his playing career going, and he has now signed for a team in the English fourth division.
Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson joins Bromley FC
Jenkinson has now signed for League Two side Bromley FC in Greater London, where he will reunite with former Charlton coach Andy Woodman, and the one-time England International has expressed his delight over the move.
“It’s good. I’m glad it’s sorted out now, all the international clearing stuff and that was dragging on a bit,” he stated.
“So I’m really happy it’s sorted out now and it’s done and dusted.”
“I know Woody [Woodman] from just when I was a kid coming through at Charlton, he was the goalkeepers coach for the first-team.
“So just one of them, when you know someone, Woody was always so easy to get along with, even as a young lad like a YTS boy coming through, so I knew Woody pretty well from when I was young.”
Jenkinson has also revealed how the move materialised, as he recently started training with Bromley as a result of his connection with Woodman.
“Then obviously you go off on your careers and you go on different paths, but he’s always been someone who I’ve known, I’ve kind of followed what he’s done and also what his son’s [Freddie Woodman, goalkeeper for Preston North End] doing as well,” he added.
“That kind of led into me reaching out to Woody a couple weeks ago and saying, ‘Can I come in and train?’
“Because I wanted to keep fit and maintain my fitness, and we have that sort of relationship where I could ask that question, so it was nice that he said yeah and then it’s led to this.”
Carl Jenkinson joins former club of Dennis Bergkamp’s son
As an Arsenal fan, Jenkinson would have grown up idolising legends including Dennis Bergkamp, who has a surprising connection to Bromley.
The Dutchman’s son, Mitchel Bergkamp, joined Bromley in January 2023, making 10 appearances as they were promoted from the National League for the first time ever last season.
Dennis Bergkamp was a world-class superstar in his playing career, but he was occasionally seen at Bromley last season to support his son, who is now a free agent.
Jenkinson’s arrival in Bromley continues their connection with Arsenal, and fans will be keen to see the former FA Cup winner enjoy playing in England again.
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