Walthamstow Strengthen Title-Winning Squad

Pitching In Southern League Division One Central newcomers Walthamstow have managed to keep hold of the core of the squad that won the Essex Senior League last season.

However, joint bosses John Mackie and Terry Spillane have added strength in depth as they embark on their Step 4 adventure.

Goalkeeper Emmanuel Olajide joins Stow from Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side Harpenden Town.

The 31-year-old has experience at Step 4 level with Barking and has also seen service with Biggleswade United, Colney Heath, FC Broxbourne Borough, Hatfield Town and Bush Hill Rangers.

Defender Bradley Empson is a 22-year-old who came through Isthmian League Premier Division side Enfield Town`s youth set-up and was with the Watford academy for a couple of years before being released.

He can operate equally well at full-back or in midfield and spent part of the 2018/19 season on loan at Hertford Town.

He moved to Isthmian North outfit Hullbridge Sports in July 2020 after a spell in the USA with East Tennessee State University Buccaneers and then joined Southern Premier Division South side Harrow Borough in October 2020.

He returned to Walthamstow’s new league rivals, Hertford, on a more permanent basis in August 2021.

It’s in midfield that Mackie and Spillane have made more changes and additions.

Dan Brock joins after impressing against Stow last season for Southend Manor.

He had joined the Essex Senior Leaguers in January 2022 from Isthmian North neighbours Great Wakering Rovers.

Ruben Campbell is an exciting signing from another former Essex Senior League rival, Cockfosters.

The 23-year-old can play in midfield or defence and made 19 appearances and scored 3 goals last season, having come through Cockfosters` reserve side.

Mackie and Spillane also raided Cockfosters for 21-year-old central midfielder Kaidyn Michael.

With League One Cambridge United as a youngster, he made 16 appearances last season, scoring one goal.

Lucas Schreiber is another of the ex-Cockfosters contingent.

He can play in midfield or up front, but is most comfortable at left back

He had a spell in the USA with the Drury Panthers and has also been on the books at London Lions and Cuffley

Micah Jackson is a 26-year-old attacking midfielder who signed for Walthamstow from Isthmian League South Central side Chalfont St Peter.

He was recruited by another Isthmian South Central outfit, Northwood, from Enfield Borough in November 2021, where he played his football for the previous three seasons.

He had netted 8 times in 14 appearances before his transfer and prior to that he had a short spell at Cockfosters.

Stow have added two more new forwards to their squad.

Matthew Walsh is a big, physical presence in attack.

He joins Stow from Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side Hoddesdon Town.

He has previously been with Isthmian Premier side Enfield Town and spent time on loan with Colney Heath in Division One Central last season.

Also joining Walthamtow, albeit temporarily, is Demaray Anyadike.

The 19-year-old is a right winger who has plenty of pace and is always a handful for defenders.
He came through the ranks at Vanarama National League side Southend United and spent from August 2021 with Stow’s new league rivals Harlow Town on a year-long `work experience` arrangement.

But he returned to his parent club in January 2022 after having made 17 appearances for the Hawks and was immediately sent out on loan again, this time to Isthmian North outfit Hullbridge Sports.

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