FIRST WORD | Tarryn Allarakhia

Wealdstone's newest signing Tarryn Allarakhia attributed the club's style of play as a main factor into why he rejoined the Stones.

The 24-year-old spent time on loan from Crawley Town in 2018/19 and scored four goals in 18 appearances to help fire the Stones into the National League South play-offs that season.

Allarakhia was at Woking last season, where he made 20 league appearances, and Stone boss Stuart Maynard was quick to move when the midfielder became available.

“It’s been a frustrating last couple of years, but hopefully this year will be a positive one," said Allarakhia. “When I was here on loan, I wanted the ball to feet and to create chances and this is perfect the way the gaffer wants to play. I’m working hard already, so this season should be good. I just want to create chances, score goals and the manager’s style suits that." Allarakhia played together with Nathan Ferguson at Crawley, and said "Fergy and Cookie [Jack Cook] have both helped me settle in well.”

Allarakhia trained this week at the Harefield Academy and quickly became acclimatised to the sessions put on by Maynard and his assistant Matt Saunders. "We’re starting to do patterns of play already, and I’m enjoying every minute of it. Ideally, my aim is to get ten goals and ten assists. It’s a big ask but I’m confident I can do it.”

Stones fans can watch Allarakhia in action for the first time on Tuesday night at 7:30pm, when Maynard takes his side to Silver Jubilee Park to face Hendon in their first pre-season friendly.

By William Bewsey