Ex-QPR & Leeds trialist joins U’s

Hastings United manager John Maggs has been busy trying to bring fresh blood into the football club. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

Suleyman Bah, a left-sided player whose last club was Dulwich Hamlet, played for United’s under-21s on Monday and is expected to be in the first team squad at Merstham tomorrow (Saturday).

United manager John Maggs said: “He’s a pacey boy and his pedigree is very, very good. He’s looking to get back into league football, but he’s prepared to come and play for us at Hastings. He’s a very, very fit boy with plenty of energy.”

Maggs is also hoping to sign Charlie Slocum in time for tomorrow’s Ryman Football League Division One South fixture. Slocum played under Maggs at Crawley Down Gatwick and is currently at Tonbridge Angels.

“I’ve got an agreement with Tonbridge that he can sign for us on a dual registration,” Maggs added. “He’s mainly a right-back and he is decent. If his registration goes through, he will also be in the squad on Saturday.”

Michael Aladeton, a striker who has played in Finland previously, featured for the under-21s in their 2-0 loss at home to Maidstone United. Maggs said: “He needs games. He won’t be involved Saturday, but I will have another look in an under-21 game or League Cup game.”

Maggs has invited four French players who have played at a very good level in their homeland to training next Thursday, although they would need to receive international clearance before they could make an appearance.

The Pilot Field chief hasn’t yet spoken to Eastbourne United AFC striker Ryan McBride, the subject of a recent seven-day approach from United.

Maggs said: “He’s a menace and he could be an asset to us if we can get him right and get him committed to the club. I might do another deal with a striker by the weekend, but there’s a lot of work to be done in that area.”

Sean Ray made his comeback from injury for Eastbourne United on Tuesday night in their 3-2 defeat away to Bexhill United, but Maggs said the central defender “needs a couple more run-outs”. Jack Shonk has decided to leave the club believing that his opportunities would be limited.

Maggs added: “We’ve got some decent players already at the club and it doesn’t mean there’s going to be a mass clearout. If I can add to the squad to make us stronger then I will do it.”