Terms like transfer kitty, war chest, spending spree, highly rated, test the resolve, weighing up, on the radar, rumour mill, price tag, held to ransom, come and get me plea, red alert, stumbling block, tug of war, exit door, last ditch, slammed shut and words like swoop, splash, vultures, raid, wantaway, triggered, scupper, hijack, protracted and saga, are all things that aren't included anywhere in this article...

The new season kicked off this weekend and Hoddesdon registered a handy opening day win, away from home, against League newcomers Coggeshall Town. Goals from Connor Casey and Callum Bennison ensured the points came home from Essex and set the team on a positive trajectory for the season.

During the summer, Manager Simon Riddle has been working hard to add to his squad and we are pleased to announce some new signings for the 24/25 season.

Jonah Evans
Well known in non-league circles, Jonah has vast experience at many levels, having represented a few local clubs that include St Margaretsbury, Hertford Town, Wodson Park and most recently, Wormley Rovers.

Jonah, 27, re-joins the club after a period away, having been an ever present in the club squad during the Gavin Kelsey and Alec Ward era. He featured heavily in the reserve squad that went on to win an impressive League and Cup double in the 2015/16 season.

A right sided defender or right wing back, Jonah offers the ability to play in more than one position.

Evans spent last season at Wormley Rovers, who secured promotion to the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division, and he amassed 40 appearances across all competitions, including 31 starts for the 'Worms', and so will surely bring great quality and a winning mentality to the team. Jonah is a local lad who lives in Ware

Bailey Collins
Another local lad who resides in Turnford and has appearances for Wormley, as well as Sunday sides including Broxelona.

Collins can play as a centre half and a centre forward, so brings more versatility to the team. Let’s hope the 26-year-old is as good as putting the ball in the opponent’s net, as he is at keeping it out of his own!

Antoni Fusco
Based in Harlow, Antonio also comes with good pedigree across local football.
Having played for Hoddesdon previously, back in 2016, predominantly as a reserve player, Fusco has since gone on to represent Hadley, Hertford Town, Wodson Park, Buntingford Town and most recently, Sawbridgeworth Town.

He is an attacking player who flourishes on the wing with good pace and ability to beat a player, so we look forward to seeing Antonio light up Lowfield and provide the forward players with plenty of assists.

Kai Butler
Kai is a Goalkeeper who played for Oracle Components last year and helped them to a 9th placed position in the Herts County League Premier Division. A regular starter in the side for the last two seasons, Kai is also a Goalkeeper coach with the Tottenham Ladies set up. He represented Tottenham at Youth Level.

The 20-year-old stopper also resides in Hoddesdon, so it is great to see him sign with his hometown club.

Lawrence Healey
Turning 26 a few weeks ago, Healey is a regular starter for Bishop’s Stortford Wanderers on a Sunday and makes the step back to Saturday football, having previously been registered with the likes of Haverhill Rovers and Langford.

He was their Player of the Year for the 21/22 Season and as an attack minded player, is no stranger to scoring goals.

The Bournemouth University graduate, who hails from Dane End, is a big Spurs fan, works for a local bank by day and was a regular starter for the Suffolk FA Under 18 side as a teenager.

There are one or two more new signings to announce, and this article will be updated accordingly.

We welcome all our new signings to Lowfield and hope they enjoy a long and successful career with Hoddesdon Town FC.