Big-name signings (15.06.06)

MAIDENHEAD United boss Carl Taylor continues to turn heads in the transfer market, with his latest signings, Dwain Clarke and Adrian Allen, putting pen to paper this week.
Both have strong footballing pedigrees, but Clarke’s signing in particular will send shock waves through the Southern League.
The 28-year-old midfielder was a regular in the starting line-up for Canvey Island in the Conference last season, prior to which he played for Lewes and Aldershot, having begun his career at Luton.
Lightning-fast striker Adrian Allen, also 28, returns to York Road for the third time.
Allen originally made his name at Leyton Pennant in the late 1990s and signed for Maidenhead in March 2000, in time to help the Magpies win promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division.
He then moved onto Hampton & Richmond Borough with former York Road supremo Alan Devonshire in the summer of 2003, and then Leyton in July 2005.
Meanwhile, negotiations continue both with members of last season’s squad and new transfer targets.
Many are already asking how the club can afford such a glittering line up, but manager Carl Taylor is assuring fans he will not be burying the club in debt.
He said: “It’s not how it looks. We have a very tight budget and it’s being adhered to. But we are working with reward structures this season. There will be bonuses for winning promotion and so on.
“The likes of Dominic Sterling and Dwaine Clarke have had offers from other clubs, even in the Conference, so they’re not coming here not to get promoted, and fans will see that on the pitch.”
And Taylor is still intent on adding to his burgeoning squad.
He added: “I have the foundations of what I want, but I’m still talking to another two or three players.
“I’m very happy with the way things are progressing. The air of enthusiasm is phenomenal.”
Apart from higher-league pedigree, another notable quality of Taylor’s recent signings is pace.
He said: “I like to attack teams. Last season we fell short, but now I have a lot of athletes in, and all the signings so far are runners. They’re all quick, but they’re also pretty experienced.”
On the down side, striker Neville Roach has returned to Basingstoke Town, to which Taylor said: “He’ll learn.”

Maidenhead United FC Ltd’s share offer closes on June 30, and finance director Peter Griffin is urging fans not to miss out.
He said: “It’s going very well. And as the money comes in we’re putting it straight back into the ground.”
Application packs have been sent out this week to all supporters for whom the club has an address.
Anyone who did not receive a pack and would like more information should contact Griffin at Maidenhead United Football Club, Vandervell House, Vanwall Business Park, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 4UB.
Alternatively, telephone 01628 509090 or email pgriffin@pharmalinkconsulting.co.uk.
An inaugural shareholders meeting is planned after the offer has closed.
The club is also looking at new ways of raising money to finance ground improvements and their promotion push.
At the top of the agenda is an appeal to local businesses to get behind the club and promote their firms at the same time.
Griffin explained: “I would like to hear from anybody who wants to put an advert in the programme, or take a board around the pitch.
“No reasonable offer will be refused, whether its as a match-day sponsor, a youth team sponsor, or the reserves.
“It doesn’t even have to be cash. We’ll also take services.
“We’re looking to work with local businesses at all levels and we’re keen to build up relationships.”

Carshalton Athletic have failed in their appeal against the Conference’s decision to overlook them for a reprieve in favour of Leigh following Canvey’s resignation.
This means the Robins will play in the Isthmian League and finally removes any doubt that United will be playing in the Southern League next season.

United’s pre-season friendly with Dulwich has now been switched to York Road, while former Magpie Spencer Collins has agreed to bring Walton Casuals to Maidenhead for a friendly on Thursday, August 10.
Friendlies against Ashford Town, Brook House and Leyton are also in the pipeline.
FIXTURES
Saturday, July 22: Slough Town (H)
Tuesday, July 25: Thatcham Town (H)
Saturday, July 29: Marlow (H)
Saturday, August 5: Beaconsfield SYCOB (A)
Tuesday, August 8: Hanwell Town (A)
Thursday August 10: Walton Casuals (H)
Saturday, August 12: Dulwich Hamlet (H)
Southern League season starts on Saturday, August 19.

Training resumes on Saturday, June 24 at Cox Green School, on Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday nights

The Maidenhead United Youth team have already begun pre-season training on Monday nights at Altwood School from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Throughout June there will be trials for new players.
The league season starts on Wednesday, August 30, FA Youth Cup ties permitting.