Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Ed’s up for United move
HAYES & YEADING MAKE FIRST TWO SUMMER SIGNINGS
HAYES & Yeading United have made their first two new signings of the summer.
Manager Paul Hughes has secured the services of former Luton Town and Forest Green Rovers defender Ed Asafu-Adjaye and ex-Aston Villa professional midfielder Scott Bridges.
Both players, who plied their trade for Royston Town in the Southern League Premier Division last season come with vast experience at a higher level and the double swoop has delighted Hughes, who has been busy since the season ended lining up targets.
On Asafu-Adjaye, 29, Hughes said: “Ed is someone myself and Holmesy [Peter Holmes] know well from our time at Luton Town together. He was an up and coming defender in those days and someone everyone felt had a bright future. He established himself as a professional at Luton and won the FA Trophy with them back in 2009.
“He’s had a couple of long-term injuries that have set him back over recent years, but he played regularly last season at Royston Town, making more than 50 appearances for them.
“We feel fortunate to have signed a fit version of Ed because he is an experienced, tough and very reliable player with good quality on the ball. He is a great addition to our squad.”
Bridges, 25, was released by Aston Villa in 2007, having spent two years as a professional at Villa Park. He joined Banbury United while other clubs have included Aylesbury United, Ardley United and later Royston, where he was skipper. As a teenager he earned a total of nine England caps at U16 and U17 level.
Hughes said: “Scott is someone we have admired for a long time. I feel he is one of the best players in the league above and we are delighted to have secured his services for the coming season.
“He is physically very strong, a tough competitor and a hard tackler, but all of those qualities sit alongside a superb technique and a creative edge.
“He is an excellent midfield player and will score and create goals for us, but will also graft and put his foot in when required.
“I think the crowd will enjoy watching him play this season.”
Hughes has been working on his squad and ensuring he keeps the players who impressed from last season.
He added: “We have kept the majority of the squad that finished last season so strongly, so we are pleased with the group we currently have.
“We have targeted three more players that we feel will make a difference to us and I hope to get those players signed up within the next 10 days.
“There will be plenty more twists and turns before we kick off the new season, but we are always ready to move quickly when it comes to the recruitment of players if we have to.”