Sam Sloma is on the lookout for a new club after Dagenham & Redbridge decided not to renew his contract.
Sloma, who scored the club’s first-ever league goal at the start of last season, joined the Essex team in July 2006. The GB Maccabiah Games player also scored in the club’s penultimate match of the season, a 3-2 victory at Darlington which helped maintain their League 2 status.
The left-footer, whose previous clubs include Wimbledon, Wingate & Finchley and Thurrock, remains upbeat about his future. “I had a brilliant time at Dagenham,” he said. “We discussed a new contract but could not agree terms so decided it would be best to go our separate ways. It came as a bit of a surprise but I believe it is the right time to move on.
“In the end, the team’s style of play did not suit me after we changed our system. A lot of the boys were surprised to see me moving on but I’ll take a few good memories away with me.” Daggers boss John Still said: “Sam was hugely influential in our promotional season and I want to thank him for the service he gave this club and wish him every success wherever he plays next.” Currently on holiday in America, Sloma could be open to offers from abroad, but admits: “It would have to be a very good offer to take me away from England. I have spoken to a few clubs and am confident of being able to clinch a move that will keep me playing a good standard of football. I’ve been in contact with a couple of big league clubs and a some ambitious teams in the Conference.
“I am still enjoying my football and am keen to sign a two or three year contract for a club that would consider letting me play at the Maccabiah Games next year.”
Planning for his future, he has set up a nest-egg and recently became a broker for a new luxury car company.
In 2002, Sloma was one of the players forced out at Wimbledon who were victims of the failed ITV deal which saw the firm go into administration. He also played for the Milwaukee Wave United in the American A-League.
St. Albans City striker Paul Hakim has committed himself to another season at the club. Hakim, 25, scored five league goals in 18 appearances in the Blue Square South League after rejoining the club, after being released by Stevenage Borough.