Mildenhall Town add four new signings ahead of Isthmian League North Division opener against Grays Athletic
Ahead of his newly-promoted side getting their Pitching In Isthmian League North Division campaign under way next month, Mildenhall Town manager Phil Weavers has made four additions to his squad.
Josh Collins, Owen Wallis and Jordan Chipps will all provide a combination of defensive options and versatility, while Ryan Swift has arrived to bolster the attacking ranks.
Left-footed Collins has come in from Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division side Long Melford, for whom he has featured on more than 100 occasions. Thirty-two of those appearances came last term, from which he scored three goals.
Weavers said: “Josh has done very well for us during pre-season. He can play left-back or centre-back and that versatility we be important for us.
“He’s quick, physical and bringing him in was a bit of a no-brainer.”
Wallis, meanwhile, has signed on at The Riverside Stadium following a stint playing professionally in Sweden.
The centre-back, who can also play holding midfield, has also previously captained Norwich City’s Under-23s alongside playing for Tamworth, St Ives Town and Godmanchester Rovers.
“Owen was injured for a while last season but you can see once he gets up to speed he’s going to be a very good player for us,” added Weavers.
“He’s a good all-round player, he’s comfortable on the ball and is defensively sound.”
Former Cambridge United academy player Chipps has joined from neighbouring Soham Town Rangers.
The youngster, who can be utilised either at full-back or in midfield, was the Greens’ leading appearance maker last season with 41 outings – scoring four goals in process.
“Jordan is a young lad who is very versatile and very talented,” said Weavers. “We struggled last season when the likes of Ben Nolan and Callum Anderson were unavailable, but Jordan gives us some good cover and competition.
“We’re confident that he’ll continue to develop into a very good player with us.”
As for Swift, he will be looking to make up for lost time after sitting out the majority of last season at Cambridge City with a knee injury.
The forward last turned out on a regular basis for Dereham Town during the 2022/23 campaign when his 46 appearances yielded a return of nine goals.
“Ryan had the knee injury last season but from the conversations I’ve had with people about him he was flying before that,” added the Mildenhall boss.
“He’s come in for pre-season and along with Josh Collins he’s arguably been the stand-out player in our friendlies. He changed the game when he came on against Thetford the other day.
“He’ll give us something different to what we’ve already got up front.”
After taking on Soham in the Emirates FA Cup on August 3, Mildenhall will begin their new league campaign seven days later at home against Grays Athletic.
