With the start of the 2016-17 season on the horizon, Manager Carl Abbott has finalised his squad over the last few days with the addition of several new players.
The squad are now in a week of rest and recovery as they prepare for the visit of Heanor Town in the Emirates FA Cup on Friday evening, including seven new additions.
Coming into the club are full backs James Williams, Shaquille Lee and Kian Jackson. Williams joins from Coleshill Town, while left sided player Lee counts Brocton and Chasetown among his former clubs. Jackson, a local eighteen year old right back, has had coaching with the Muzzy Izzet Academy and impressed in pre-season.
Also joining the squad is Tom McCrystal. A former Kidderminster Harriers central midfielder, Tom is working his way back into the game after a few years out.
Finally, forwards Kieran Miller, Kevin Charley and Nick Wellecomme have also linked up with the squad. Miller played one game for AFC last season, as a substitute away at Lichfield, and will offer a different threat as a powerful striker.
Former Barwell man Charley is an experienced centre forward, who also has higher level experience with Stratford Town, while Wellecomme counts Hednesford Town and Stafford Rangers amongst his former clubs, joining from Kidsgrove Athletic.
On the new additions, Abbo said: ‘We feel the additions we require have been made, and the squad is now complete for the forthcoming season.
‘With a host of players unavailable for the Heanor game through suspension and holidays, Nick will initially come in to help us in this FA Cup game and we will hopefully see more of him as the season progresses, around his family commitments.
‘Kieran is a real wildcard capable of moments of brilliance, but will also frustrate in equal measure. Kevin has been a fine example to the younger players and will be a huge influence around the club.
‘Tom has great vision and is a wonderful passer of the ball, and has worked tremendously hard in pre-season. The three defenders are all young, and all have bags of potential. James is tall and athletic, Shaquille quick and defensively sound and Kian will take time to acclimatise to the non-league game.’
A warm welcome all of the new faces ahead of the start of the season on behalf of all at Hinckley AFC!
