More New Arrivals at the Arden Garages Stadium

Several more new Bards.

Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Division Central club Stratford Town have made several new additions to their squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign getting underway.

Forward James Harding arrives at the Arden Garages Stadium from Vanarama National League South side Hungerford Town.

The 24-year-old, a former Hartpury College student originally from High Wycombe, played for National League outfit Maidenhead United as a youth and then Beaconsfield Town.

He joined Gloucester City after moving to the college in 2016 but was hampered with injuries.

He made an impression when signing for Southern Division One South club Cinderford Town midway through the 2017/18 season after spells with Slimbridge and Yate Town.

The 6`1” striker signed for Hungerford in May 2020.

Attacking midfielder Bradley Johnson has also checked in.

Johnson started playing at the age of 6 when he was at Newcastle United but after four years with the Magpies, he was released at the age of 10.

He then joined Leeds United where he remained until he was 17.

At the time Johnson was offered a youth contract with Leeds, but the interest from Premier League giants Manchester City was too good to turn down.

However, he was released by City at the age of 21 after tearing his ACL and damaging the meniscus cartilage in his knee.

This led to an 18-month lay-off before he enjoyed a two-year spell in Australia and New Zealand.

Another forward, Owen James, has also become a Bard.

The 20-year-old has previously spent time on loan with Stratford.

He joined Isthmian South Central side Chalfont St Peter in the summer of 2020 after being released by League One Oxford United, for whom he made one senior appearance.

He spent time on loan with Chalfont in 2019/20 and also had temporary stints with Oxford City and Bracknell Town as well as Stratford.

Defender Michael Hopkins joins from Southern Premier Division South side Swindon Supermarine.

The 30-year-old signed for `Marine in February 2018 from Southern Division One Central outfit North Leigh.

Before joining the Millers, he had spells at Didcot Town and Hungerford Town after playing in the Reading academy since a youngster.

Also signing for the Bards ahead of the new campaign is Cardiff-born centre-back Jack Turner.

The now 21-year-old spent eight years on the books at Championship side Bristol City.

He captained the under-16 and under-18 sides and completed a two-year full-time scholarship at Ashton Gate.

After leaving the Robins, he went to Loughborough University to study accounting and finance and played for the university side in the United Counties League Premier Division.

He stepped up three levels by signing for National League North side Kettering Town in October 2020.

And the final new arrival – for now – is 19-year-old midfielder Caine Elliott.

He joins the club from United Counties League Premier Division South side Rugby Town.

He came through the Rugby Town academy at Butlin Road, run by former Stratford coach Liam O`Neill.

Stratford Town Web Site