Youthful Thatcham ready for challenge, as Romeo refurbs squad
Thatcham Town Football Club have announced a flurry of returning players and new arrivals ahead of the new campaign.
Manager Yashwa Romeo was delighted with the progress made, as the club faces a new challenge with away games in Devon and Cornwall.
“They’re young, happy to travel and are eager to play at the level”, he said when asked about his squad.
First to be announced was the club captain, Callum Willmoth. Now 33, the midfielder won the league and cup double at Thatcham, before a spell with Hungerford in the National League South.
A bricklayer by trade, Willmoth is regarded as the squad’s natural leader, with Romeo saying how he’s “an absolute legend on the pitch and massive off the pitch with what he does”.
“Very important to keep him onboard”, he said.
Joining Willmoth in midfield is new signing Jenson Mansel, a skilled playmaker formerly of Hartley Wintney.
Also returning is the newly appointed vice-captain, left-back Kyle Daniel-Spray.
A former Reading FC academy product, the 19-year-old arrived at the start of last season and had a campaign to remember, winning the Manager’s Player of the Season award.
“He’s a big coup for us”, said Romeo, “a very important player last year”.
“Thirteen assists and three goals, he’ll have a big part to play.
“He’s such a talented footballer, so we’re going to push him further forward.
“It’s his football knowledge. He’s not a massive talker, but he sets the precedent, sets the tone. Players bounce off of that”, he said.
Making up the rest of the defence will be highly rated right-back Tinashe Gwavava, 6 foot 9 centre-back Andrew Matthews and academy graduate Oli Bourne.
New signing Jacob Winchcombe also comes with great excitement, the 20-year-old centre-back having made an appearance for Swindon Town’s First Team.
Former Wantage captain Will Edwards will provide defensive cover, whilst centre-back Jacob Wilson also joins on loan from Slough Town.
“Even though he’s 19, he’s got that arrogance about him, he wants to compete and win the ball. Slough hold him in high regard.”, Romeo said.
Game changing midfielder Mo Ceesay is a returning fan-favourite, with the former Girona youth player going into his third season with the club.
“Mo is a fine specimen of a footballer! A manager’s dream”, said Romeo.
“The only place he didn’t play last year was left-back, he even went in goal at one point.
“A phenomenal footballer, super athlete, super fit.
“He got seven or eight goals, but when the injuries hit I had to put him at centre-back.
“He’ll be playing on the wing or at ten now, he’ll bring a lot!”
Another re-signing who drew praise was 17-year-old Owen Clark, with the former Brentford and Oxford United youngster hoping to seal a starting spot.
“Owen’s got a big future. Big future!”, his manager said.
“He’s probably my most technical player! Very cute on the ball”
“We’ve had loads of Step 5 teams asking if they can have him. I’m like, ‘No!’, he’s massively in my plans.”
Adding to the attack is wideman Sam Tanner, with the former Reading City player having scored 9 in 42 appearances.
Jacob Wallace is a teenager who scored multiple hat-tricks for Newbury FC on loan last season, whilst Lewis Slade is a 17-year-old attacker with plenty to offer.
Off the pitch, local youth coach Craig Waters will join Romeo’s staff, adding new energy.
“I wanted to reach out to someone within Thatcham who hasn’t had that chance”, said the manager.
“He’s put on a few good sessions, the feedback from the lads has been great. They’re enjoying the intensity of what he’s done.
“I’m excited to see what he can bring and I hope he can help my knowledge as well!”
