Terry White's plans for the 2014/15 campaign continued to take shape today with the addition of a first brand new signing to a playing squad that the U's hope will have propelled them to promotion back to the Premier Division by this time next year.
Dave Cook is a player that United have coveted for some while. The thirty year old earned himself a reputation as a free scoring central midfielder in an almost seven year spell with Hythe Town that ended in February, ironically in the Kent side's 3-2 defeat the Pilot Field, after which the Town skipper moved to Ashford United, although he was unable to fire the Nuts & Bolts to glory in the Southern Counties East League title race.
His lengthy stay at the Reachfields Stadium saw him achieve cult hero status though, with his goals helping Hythe to the Kent League title and the first round proper of the FA Cup in a momentous 2010/11 season. Two years later, Cook found the net twenty-eight times to finish as the leading scorer in Division One South, as Hythe secured fourth place, only to lose 3-0 at Faversham in their play-off semi-final.
Goals from midfield have been in somewhat short supply from United's point of view in recent seasons, with Lee Carey the last out-and-out midfielder to reach double figures for a single campaign back in 2007/08. Sam Adams has of course scored on plenty of occasions throughout his time at the Club, although from a variety of different positions, including the middle the park.
Having now agreed terms with Cook though, the U's will hope that he can buck that trend and provide goalscoring support to the likes of Adams, Ade Olorunda and Kenny Pogue, who are amongst an ever growing number of players to have committed to join United for next season. Talks also remain ongoing with several other members of last year's squad, but Tom Vickers will be one noteworthy absentee when the new campaign kicks off, having undergone an operation on his ruptured Achilles tendon that will likely require at least six months' rehabilitation. Everyone at the Club wishes him well for a successful recovery.
Another terrific signing, and just the type of player we require. Well done Terry, on getting your man, and DW on his continuing financial support. Heard a few rumours of other players we are chasing, and if successful, it could truly be a memorable season. Very excited already. Welcome to the Pilot Field Dave.
Let's hope the next signings are decent full-backs or will it be the two Sams? Looks like a very decent squad being put together.Well done to all concerned in putting it together.
Yes this does look very exciting and a much more experienced side than last season's. Which leads me to ask if anyone knows the likelihood of Ben Judge being with us next season?
Thanks Pat. BJ came to mind because I bumped into an AFC Wimbledon supporter this morning and he enquired about Ben - he reckoned Ben was the best central defender AFC had had.
BJ cannot come back unless he trains with the team at least once a week this was said about all players I hope we stick to this principle even though I am a BJ fan.
Yes, DC, that is a fair principle and one which I would support. The essential thing for me is that team matters have to be done as Terry White wishes. It is very good that he has made such a strong start to building his chosen team.
