Three of United's bright young stars are set to continue their Pilot Field careers, with Liam Foster, Harvey Hanifan and Tyrell Richardson-Brown all having agreed terms and signed Ryman League forms for the Club ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.
All three players were handed their senior debuts by Nigel Kane in the second half of last season, with Richardson-Brown in particular making a significant contribution to the U's ultimately successul battle against relegation.
Blessed with lightning pace, and initially utilised as a right winger, Richardson-Brown was latterly transformed into a lone striker and responded to the challenge in impressive style, scoring some crucial goals, including one in the final day draw at Walton & Hersham that helped to preserve United's place in Division One South.
Versatile defender Hanifan joined the Club in October 2014 and had made only a handful of appearances for the Under 21s before being called upon to partner skipper Sean Ray in the heart of the U's defence away to Worthing in mid-January. Injuries prevented the twenty year old from cementing a regular First Team place throughout the remainder of the season, but he will be back to fight for a centre half or right back berth this term.
Still only eighteen, midfielder Foster is very much one for the future. Having scored seven goals in thirty-six games for the Youth Team over the past couple of seasons, Foster then made a successful transition to the Under 21s during 2014/15, and earned himself a First Team debut in February, becoming a familiar face in the senior squad under Kane's tenure.
The full list of players now signed is as follows.
Sam Adams, Sam Cole, Sam Crabb, Sam Cruttwell, Liam Foster, Harvey Hanifan, Jack Harris, Max Hollobone, Josh Pelling, Sean Ray, Tyrell Richardson-Brown, Ollie Rowe, Jack Walder.
Personally I hope that's it from last years squad, as they weren't good enough then, so too expect a dramatic improvement isn't realistic. I would like to see another 6/7 that can improve us sign.
I don't think there are many left Chris, Just Holden, Bankole, McLean and Marlon Patterson. Think I would have rather had at least 3 of those sign than the 3 just mentioned. Tyrell and Hanifan need a lot of work but are decent prospects for the long term future whereas young Foster looked way out of his depth last season but lets see what a pre season does for him this year.
As has already been mentioned, we absolutely have to sign a left back as number one priority, a centre back, a couple of midfielders including one wide player/winger and an extra striker, then we should just about be there. At the moment we are well short but hopefully the trial game will bring along a few extra players.
I'm very happy about Tyrell; and I would be happy if Bankole and Kyle Holden re-joined too; but there's no denying the need for quality players to be first choice to fill the positions John mentions.
Very pleased that we now have Richardson-Brown and Hanifan on board but really not convinced about Foster as he just didnt make an impression last season and definitely did not look ready for the 1st team. Definitely would like to see Holden, Bankole and Patterson back
Tyrel very good to have him back he is a good prospect. Hanifan and Foster be surprise if they are more than squad players. agree about Holden hope he signs
Sadly if you think the players we had last season can get us promoted, I believe you are very wrong, just take a look at Peacehaven (2014) and Burgess hill (2015) how many of those you want back would have played for them. With the exception of our experienced and proven players, resigning so many of last years failures makes no sense.
Can't disagree with you Chris. Sam Adams and Razor apart lets not forget how dreadful we were throughout the whole of last season under 3 different managers. I've been going to Pilot Field for 30 years and that was the worst football I have ever seen at times. Yes, this is a new beginning and a new era for the club, and I know exactly what the new directors and everyone involved with the club want to achieve but going back to the same old players wont work in my opinion. Still early doors at the moment and some decent signings so far so lets give the new management team another month and see who else arrives.
I really don't think there is a huge difference between any us on this. I agree with Peter about Foster and Hanifan - they're not first choice players in my book. Tyrell, Kyle and Sam Cruttwell are players with true potential. They might or might not improve through the year. I believe Bankole is in that category too, though somewhat further forward. I don't think it right to see them as any sort of failures, even though they played in a team which at times was desperately poor. (Actually, we did improve in the final six weeks of last season - not just in terms of results -and that shouldn't be forgotten either.)
Certainly we need at least three or four more quality players and they're not to be found in what is left of last year's squad. It will indeed be a strong team which clinches the automatic promotion spot from this league and at the moment we are some distance from assembling a credible team to aspire to that. But yes, it's down to the management team to do it their way, so let's hope for more positive news soon.
I'm surprised people are querying signing Kyle & Ollie in particular, think Ollie did as well as anyone throughout his two spells here and Kyles a great prospect. Marlon I'd have for his experience and noticeable quality even at 32, plus he can play several positions.
-- Edited by Dan on Friday 10th of July 2015 09:11:50 PM
He was there before he rejoined us so wouldn't be too surprised. Shame but I suppose Walders the same type of player and was regarded as a good player at Ryman Premier quality ( last seasons injuries withstanding )
-- Edited by Dan on Friday 10th of July 2015 09:53:42 PM
-- Edited by Dan on Saturday 11th of July 2015 10:41:06 AM
