Bartlett backs striking sensation

By David Watters

Wealdstone

Stones manager Gordon Bartlett believes his new striker Lewis Putnam can take the Ryman League's Premier Division by storm.

Putman, 22, signed from Spartan South Midlands League outfit Oxhey Jets this week after scoring s remarkable 82 times last term to end the campaign with their 'Player of the Season' accolade.

The tall striker, whose exploits in front of goal last season were featured on Sky Sports, had trials at Wycombe Wanderers in April and has been attracting the attention of a number of Non-League clubs.

Stones manager Bartlett told the Premier Division club's official website - www.wealdstone-fc.com - that he'll be happy to wave goodbye to his new forward one day but only after he's improved him as a player.

Bartlett said: "I am delighted that Lewis has agreed to join us. This move offers a new challenge in his career after his fantastic record at Oxhey Jets and we are only too keen to help him achieve his ambition of playing at a higher level.

"Lewis is fully aware of our reputation of developing young players and he has the hunger, desire and natural goalscoring instincts to succeed at this level.

"I am confident he will put pressure on our current strikers, but also learn a great deal from experienced front men such as Chris Moore, Peter Dean and Scott McGleish."

Putman is Bartlett's third signing of the summer and follows in the footsteps of attacking midfielder Jack Hutchison and the versatile Jerome Okimo who can play in midfield or defence.

Hutchison won Wingate & Finchley's 'Young Player of the Season' award in May for his performances in the Ryman Premier last season while Okimo picked up the 'Supporters Player of the Season' honour at Chalfont St Peter.

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