Fifteen players retained for 2023/24 season
The club can now confirm it's retained list for the upcoming season, with fifteen of last season's squad that secured the club's highest finish in 37 years confirmed as remaining at the club for next season.
Staying at the club are:
Dante Baptiste
Ashley Charles
Mason Barrett
Tarryn Allarakhia
Nathan Ferguson
Olufela Olomola
Giovanni McGregor
Sam Howes
Micah Obiero
Dominic Hutchinson
Alex Dyer
Jaydn Mundle-Smith
These twelve players join the trio of skipper Jack Cook, striker Corie Andrews and winger Charles Clayden who were already contracted for next season.
Contract discussions remain ongoing with both Max Kretzschmar and Sam Habergham.
Leaving the club are:
Lewis Kinsella - Joined the club last summer from Aldershot Town and made 13 appearances, enjoyed a run in the side before an injury sustained in December disrupted his season. Spent the latter half of the season on loan with Gosport Borough, a wand of a left foot, we wish Kins all the best with whatever comes next.
David Sesay - A popular member of the squad and club since joining from Barnet in November 2021, made 29 appearances in his two years at the Stones, also helping the club with our community outreach with his DHF soccer schools ran with teammates Olufela Olomola and Dom Hutchinson. Earned a call up to the Sierra Leone AFCON 2021 squad whilst at the club and enjoyed a brilliant loan spell at Weymouth this year where his two goals in 24 appearances helped the Terras secure National League South safety on a dramatic final day, he'll be missed at The Vale.
Simeon Akinola - Joined last October as a free agent, scoring two goals in his first two appearances, both against former club Boreham Wood, he made eight appearances in total. Started a role at JP Morgan & Co in February through their athlete transition programme and we all look forward to Simeon's progression both in the game and in his professional life.
Joel Taylor - Left-back who joined in March from Notts County to help with the Stones play-off charge. Made three appearances at the club during his short stay and we wish Joel all the best with his next move.
Malachi Napa - Joined in the summer following a successful trial period. Made nine appearances at the club before joining Dartford in a successful loan spell in the second half of the season, where his three goals in 30 appearances helped guide them to the play-off positions.
Our loanees have also returned to their parent clubs:
Sonny Lo-Everton - Joined the Stones in March for a second loan spell, this time from Derby County. Scored once in his 12 appearances, finishing off a great team move against Solihull Moors.
Charlie Barker - Another who returned to the Stones for a second spell. Barks has been formidable at the back this season, adding 30 appearances to his name after spending the start of the season on loan at Hemel Hempstead Town from Charlton Athletic.
Lewis Simper - Imposing centre midfielder who joined in March from Cambridge United. Lewis made six appearances at the Stones in his short stay here and he has a promising career ahead of him as he returns to his parent club.
Tarrelle Whittaker - Skillful winger who joined from Swansea City in February. Earned a reputation at the Stones for having a fierce shot on him, winning goal of the season for his effort against Brentford B, beating his other effort a low effort against York City.
We thank all departing players for their services to the club and wish them all the best with their future careers.