Wickens rejects EFL offers to remain with Stones

Stuart Maynard has revealed George Wickens turned down loan moves to two Football League clubs and another riding high in the National League in a bid to continue to his development at Wealdstone.

The 'keeper joined on loan from Fulham in the summer and has performed with such maturity between the sticks for the Stones, keeping eight clean sheets in 21 appearances, that he has attracted interest from teams higher up the ladder.

However, he has showed admirable loyalty to manager Maynard, who had no qualms in pitching the 20-year-old into a thick of a National League season, and demonstrated his affection for the club, whose fans have taken him to their heart, by pledging his future to the boys in blue for the rest of the season.

“It’s great to have George turn down offers from EFL clubs to stay with us here at Wealdstone," said Maynard. "He’s made a decision based on the environment he’s now in. We have always tried to create an environment where young players can make mistakes, but learn from them and go on and thrive.

"He’s loved his time here and he’s become a major part of what we do on the pitch, and off it. The relationship he has with us as a management team, his teammates and the fans was a huge factor in him staying. As a young man, he deserves a lot of credit for staying loyal and wanting to finish the season with us. We’re delighted to keep him and know he will go on and have a great career in the EFL.”