Paget Becomes Latest New Crusader

Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South new boys Hungerford Town have made a new signing and seen two more of last season’s squad commit for the 2023/24 campaign.

Versatile defender Louie Paget joins the Crusaders from former Vanarama National League South rivals Farnborough.

The 25-year-old had moved to Boro in late February 2020 from neighbours and then-Southern League Premier Division South rivals Hartley Wintney.

He is an athletic player who came through The Row’s youth team set-up and is their former under-18 captain, signing Southern League forms in August 2015.

He is a versatile player who can play at full back or anywhere in midfield.

He signed dual forms with Isthmian South Central side Leatherhead in January 2022 and then returned to Hartley Wintney, also on dual forms, in late October 2022.

Matt Berry-Hargreaves and George Smith have both agreed to remain with the Crusaders

Berry-Hargreaves, 23, is a defender who re-joined Hungerford in July 2019 from League One side Oxford United.

He originally came through the Hungerford academy, making a handful of first team appearances as a 17-year-old before joining Oxford as a scholar in the summer of 2016, progressing with the U`s to be captain of their youth team and then rewarded with a one-year professional contract on completion of his scholarship.

He played for Oxford’s under-23s in 2018/19 but also gained experience on loan with then-Southern League sides AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Banbury United.

Hungerford boss Danny Robinson told his club’s social media: “It was clear to me just how much love MBH has for Hungerford. He has another year on his contract but for him to honour it is massive for us. His family played a huge part in his decision as well & that just shows what a brilliant character he is.”

Smith is a midfielder who joined Hungerford from local side Kintbury Rangers in 2019.

He has shown some traits that can’t be put into people - a combative midfielder with the ability to smell danger and break things up.

He signed dual forms for Thatcham Town in September 2020.