NEW SIGNING | Andrews signs from Torquay

Striker Corie Andrews has signed for Wealdstone on an 18-month deal from fellow National League side Torquay United.

The 25-year old joined the Gulls in the summer from AFC Wimbledon and has played 14 times for them this season.

A graduate of the Crystal Palace academy system, Andrews moved to non-league with Whyteleafe after leaving the South London club where he had spent time out on loan at Margate and Kingstonian.

He then moved back to Kingstonian where an impressive nine goals in 11 games earned him a move to AFC Wimbledon after the K's season was curtailed by the pandemic.

Andrews then made a name for himself in the National League whilst out on loan at Aldershot Town, scoring nine goals in 20 games for the Shots in the first half of last season, earning him a loan move into League Two with Colchester United.

Described as a 'natural goalscorer', Stones fans will know Andrews well for scoring a brace for Aldershot at The Vale in the sides' 2-2 draw last season.

A happy Wealdstone manager Stuart Maynard has been a fan of Andrews for a while and admits he had nearly signed him previously.

"We're delighted to get Corie over the line as he's a player we've long admired, to the extent that we had him in our office before but for certain reasons the deal never happened.

"He's a forward that thinks goals and plays off the shoulders of defenders which we need in our group as he's offers something slightly different to what we've got, so he'll offer good competition and variety in our forward line.

"We'll need to get him used to the way we play, as it's a new philosophy and structure, but Corie is eager to learn and improve, so he'll be a big asset to the team and this club."

The club can also confirm that the Wealdstone FC Supporters Club's purchase of £10,000 worth of shares have helped fund the signing of the Torquay forward.

Supporters Club Chairman Mark Randall was just as delighted as Maynard. “Every Wealdstone supporter knows that the January transfer window is a key opportunity to strengthen the squad, and Wealdstone FC Supporters Club are delighted to help do this.

"We all see how hard Stuart, Matt, the backroom team and, of course, the squad have been working this season and hope that this £10,000 investment will only support them further.

"Thank you to all our loyal members and fans who continue to support our events even during difficult times. Without their efforts and the hard work of my fellow committee members, none of this would have been possible.”

And a gracious Stones boss Maynard was equally as happy, "We as a management team are also incredibly grateful to our Supporters Club for their help in securing this signing.

"Our fans are like nowhere else and we're incredibly appreciative of them digging deep, particularly in this current living climate, where people are having to really budget financially how they live their normal lives.

"I hear it all the time from other teams how good our fans are and how they make an atmosphere at both The Vale and away, I'm just incredibly proud that I can say their support goes beyond what we see at games, they really do play a massive part in making us compete in this division in every sense and more."

Andrews will wear the number 10 shirt for the Stones and goes straight into next week's squad to face Oldham Athletic. We're delighted to welcome him to the club!