These are exciting times for Walton & Hersham as they battle it out amongst the front-runners in the Pitching In Southern League Premier South.
After agonisingly missing out on making the play-offs at the end of last term, the Swans were installed as one of the favourites for promotion going into the current campaign and they have certainly lived up to that billing since the turn of the year.
Following a 5-2 reverse at leaders, Merthyr Town, in their final game of 2024, the club has gone on a 14-game unbeaten League run that has included 11 wins to leave them sat in third place in the table with 70 points to their name.
Playing an integral role in this impressive form is front-man, Johl Powell.
He joined the club at the turn of 2024 and since then has contributed over 40 goals and assists in all competitions.
Now as the club prepares to face the final run-in to the end of the season, Powell has provided a timely boost with the news this week that he has agreed a new deal, which runs until May 2026.
“I am over the moon to sign this new deal,” Powell told us. “As soon as it was offered to me, I had no doubts in signing it; I’m really enjoying being part of things here at a club that is making great progress and has an extremely bright future.
“This season has gone really well for me; there’s no doubt that it’s been by far the best of my career so far and I think that’s down to the people around me. The management team and my team-mates have been fantastic and considering this was a new team put together over the summer, to be sat third in the table at this stage of the season is fantastic.
“As a group we’re looking forward to the run-in. We go into it full of confidence and hopefully we’ll be able to pick up as many points as possible to finish as high as we can to take our place in the play-offs.
“There are some good, strong teams battling it out at the top end of the table and we relish being part of such company and showing what we are capable of. Our goal is promotion, just like all of those teams around us, and we’ll be doing everything we can to achieve it.”
The capture of Powell on an extended deal has delighted manager, Billy Rowley, who added: “He is a top player for us and everyone involved with the club is delighted that he has agreed to extend his deal here.
“His character and determination is the embodiment of what we are all about as a club and exactly what we want – and need – in our team.
“I first came across Johl as an Under-13 player at Millwall and even at that young age, his work ethic and eye for a goal were clearly evident. He’s dedicated to his craft and takes his football extremely seriously.
“He is an absolute pleasure to work with.”
A home game against Basingstoke Town awaits Powell and his team-mates this weekend.
IMAGE: Walton & Hersham FC
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