Wealdstone boss Bobby Wilkinson believes it was crucial that the National League South side acted quickly in the transfer window this summer.
Wilkinson certainly hasn’t been hanging around, bringing in 12 new faces recently, with the likes of Yado Mambo, Montel Agyemang, Matt Lench, Marvel Ekpiteta and Bradley Hudson-Odoi all moving to the Ruislip based club among others.
Ricky Wellard, Matthew Whichelow, Dan Fitchett and Ryan Sellers were among 12 departures from Grosvenor Vale as part of Wilkinson’s summer clear out, with former Watford man Eddie Oshodi also leaving the club, having decided to retire from playing football.
Wealdstone’s early activity may have come as a surprise to many, but boss Wilkinson believes it was crucial that the Stones acted quickly in the transfer market, as the club aim to build on last season’s 11th place finish in the National League South this campaign.
Speaking to the National League’s website, Wilkinson said: “We decided we needed to act quickly and decisively. We wanted to get our business done early and we have been lucky enough to get a number over the line inside the first month.
“They are all players who wanted to be a part of things here and we have made some quality additions.
“We needed to shake things up to give us the best chance of progressing. I’m delighted with what we have done. Attitudes have been first class so we are very happy.”
The Stones have also confirmed their pre-season schedule as well, which will kick off on Saturday, June 30 away to Bracknell Town.
Away trips to Marlow, Swindon Supermarine and Flackwell Heath will then follow, before Wilkinson’s side take on Alan Devonshire’s Maidenhead United in their first pre-season friendly at the Vale on Tuesday, July 17.
A trip to Uxbridge will then follow two days later, before the Stones will then take on their second National League outfit in the space of a week when Gary Waddock’s Aldershot Town make the trip to Grosvenor Vale on Saturday, July 21.
The Stones’ pre-season schedule will then conclude on July, 24 with a trip to Staines Town before the National League South season kicks off on Saturday, August 4.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here