Stiffening up the backline
HINCKLEY AFC can confirm the signings of defender Jay Lee and goalkeeper Jacob Wood, writes Liam Gibbs.
The duo join from Corby Town and Kettering Town respectively, and add further emphasis to the squad’s nature of combining youth and experience.
A centre-back with a wealth of knowledge of the non-league game, Lee has been at Corby for a season-and-a-half, and has great experience of higher levels.
He started out as a youngster on the books of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, initially moving into non-league as a striker with Kettering Town.
With nearly 100 appearances to his name for Kings Lynn Town along with spells at AFC Rushden and Diamonds and Rugby Town, he will add leadership to the group and made national headlines two seasons ago for taking a swig of a supporter’s pint during a goal celebration.
Manager James Jepson said: “I’m delighted that Jay has decided to join. He is a winner, experienced and will help our younger players.
“He is currently recovering from a knee injury but we are hoping he will be ready to feature in some pre-season games.”
The more youthful of the two additions, 18-year-old goalkeeper Wood worked with John Ramshaw at Kettering Town last season.
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Jepson said he’s been pleased with the young stopper’s progress in pre-season and is pleased to have him on board.
Meanwhile, the draws have been made for the early rounds of the Emirates FA Cup and Buildbase FA Vase ahead of the new season.
Jepson’s side have been dealt a home tie in the FA Cup when the competition kicks off in August. They also received confirmation that they are exempt from the FA Vase until the second round proper for the second consecutive year following another impressive run last term.
Leicestershire rivals Anstey Nomads will be the visitors to the Welfare Ground in the first match at AFC’s new home in Ibstock for the extra preliminary round tie, which will be played on Saturday, August 11.
Anstey finished second behind Dunkirk in the East Midlands Counties League last term, missing out on promotion on goal difference. The winners of that tie will be at home to Clipstone, of the East Midlands Counties League, or North East Counties League side Barton Town in the preliminary round two weeks later.
In the FA Vase, AFC’s second consecutive run in the competition saw the club reach the fourth round before defeat by eventual semi-finalists Marske United last season.