Leatherhead Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of three players to strengthen Hayden Bird’s squad in the final third of the season.
Goalkeeper Amadou Tangara signs from Sevenoaks Town. The former Bognor Regis Town ‘Player of the Year’ has previously played for Hayden at Merstham and also Junior Kadi at Dulwich Hamlet. The imposing goalkeeper was considered a key player in the success of both clubs. Both Merstham and Dulwich Hamlet reached the Isthmian League Premier Division Play-Off Final with Amadou. Indeed, in Dulwich’s promotion campaign he saved two penalties in the Final.
Powerful central defender Jerry Puemo returns from his loan at Carshalton Athletic. Jerry is now fully fit, having been frustrated by injury during his time at Colston Avenue.
The third signing is another familiar face and proved immensely popular at Fetcham Grove. We are delighted to confirm the return of Ibrahim Olutade, who signs on loan from Walton & Herstham, for the rest of the season. Ibrahim enjoyed a very successful spell at The Grove under Nicky Bull and re-joins the club, adding firepower to The Tanners forward Line.
“We have reached a key stage in the campaign and have added three big characters to the Dressing Room,” explained Hayden. “As we approach the business end of the season, I felt we need more experience and more physical presence in the team. The new players will not only make us stronger but their experience will help the young players in the squad.”
“In welcoming Ams, Jerry and Ibz, I’d like to thank everyone at the Club who made these key additions possible. I would also like to thank Scott Harris at Walton for his co operation in bringing Ibrahim to Leatherhead.”
“As we approach the business end of the campaign, we are in an excellent League position. However, we are surrounded by very good teams, all of which are enjoying an excellent season,” emphasised the Manager.
“We have a number of big games ahead of us. Amadou, Jerry and Ibrahim will add the extra quality, physical presence and as I mentioned, add the experience we need. With a number of injuries to key players last weekend, it was easy to identify we lacked the strength in depth to beat Marlow. That’s why we have acted this week. Going into Saturday’s game, we still have injuries but the new players will help us.”
“With an important two and half months on the horizon, the signing of these players signals our ambitions to do well between now and May. With twelve League games and possibly two play-off matches awaiting us, we want to give it absolutely everything to cap an amazing season for Leatherhead.”
The Manager confirmed Amadou, Ibrahim and Jerry will all be in tomorrow’s Match Day Squad at RPV.