Stones sign former Premier League star Adrian Mariappa
Wealdstone FC is delighted to announce the signing of defender Adrian Mariappa from Salford City.
Mariappa, a former Watford star, brings a wealth of experience to The Stones. His arrival marks a significant boost to the club's defensive line-up as we prepare for the National League campaign.
Adrian Mariappa, 37, began his professional career at Watford, where he graduated from the club's academy. Making his senior debut in 2005, he quickly established himself as a reliable and versatile defender. Over the course of seven years, Mariappa made nearly 250 appearances for the Hornets, becoming a fan favourite.
In 2012, Mariappa signed with Premier League side Reading, where he continued to impress despite the club's eventual relegation. His performances caught the eye of Crystal Palace, leading to a move to Selhurst Park in 2013. At Palace, Mariappa was a crucial part of the squad, helping the team to maintain their Premier League status over several seasons. In total, Mariappa has made 167 appearances in the Premier League across his career.
After a brief return to Watford in 2016, Mariappa continued to demonstrate his unwavering consistency and leadership on the pitch. His second stint at Vicarage Road added another 97 appearances to his name, underscoring his importance to the team.
Following his time at Watford, Mariappa joined Bristol City and Burton Albion, before moving to Salford City, where his experience continued to shine in League Two.
"Adrian has a fantastic pedigree and for us to secure his signature is a huge bonus for the football club," said Stones manager Matt Taylor. "He will be a big character within the squad and his leadership skills will be vital for the upcoming season."
On the international stage, Mariappa has been a stalwart for the Jamaica national team, making his debut for the Reggae Boyz in 2012. Since then, he has earned over 60 caps, representing Jamaica in multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups and World Cup qualifiers, often wearing the captain's armband. His contributions have been vital in raising the profile of Jamaican football on the global stage.
Adrian will wear squad number 19.