Brentford sign Chatham Town’s teenage forward Sam Sene-Richardson after an outstanding first full season in the Isthmian Premier Division

Chatham Town academy graduate Sam Sene-Richardson has completed a move to Premier League club Brentford after leaving the Chats.

The 19-year-old will begin the next stage of his career with Brentford's B team after earning his opportunity following an outstanding breakthrough campaign at Step 3.

Sene-Richardson scored 11 goals and provided an impressive 27 assists during his first full season in Chatham's first team, performances which earned him the club's players' player-of-the-season award. He also collected the young player-of-the-season prize for the second successive year.

The forward had already established himself as one of the club's brightest prospects, having won the supporters' player-of-the-season award the previous campaign before signing his first senior contract on his 18th birthday.

His first Isthmian League goal arrived in August 2024, while earlier loan spells at Fisher and Staplehurst Monarchs had seen him make an immediate impression in men's football as a 16-year-old.

Chatham chairman and manager Kevin Hake believes Sene-Richardson's rise through the club's academy is one everyone connected with the Chats can celebrate.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Sam. Everyone at the club is incredibly proud to see him earn this opportunity with Brentford.

“Sam has been part of our academy from a young age and has worked tirelessly to get to this point.

“He’s never expected anything to be handed to him. He’s listened, learned and improved year after year, progressing through the academy ranks before forcing his way into the first team through his performances and attitude.

“He’s a fantastic example to every young player in our youth set-up of what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and a