Rooks revolution gathers pace

The Rooks management team have unveiled Nicky Wheeler as their latest signing as the on-going rebuild at the Ryman League's Dripping Pan gathers pace, writes Kevin Brook.

The 22-year-old right-footed wide man spent seven years with Charlton Athletic, playing alongside the likes of Johnjo Shelvey and Carl Jenkinson, and was also a Lewes U18 player before taking a break from the game.

His appetite recovered, Wheeler was at Whitehawk for a short spell before moving to Burgess Hill Town where he had a major impact in his first full season with the Leylands Park club. A prodigious talent on either flank, Wheeler was an early target for Garry Wilson and Danny Bloor who've now made a raft of signings in the last seven days as they prepare for the new Ryman South campaign.

Wilson said: "I am excited at the prospect of seeing Nick play for Lewes Football Club. He was identified as one of our priority targets when Dan and I first discussed the playing staff, and we are very pleased he has joined us here at the Pan. It is really encouraging when talented footballers share our thoughts and plans and want to be a part of what we're trying to build here."

Bloor echoed his colleague's comments and added: "Nicky is someone we've monitored for a good while now. He is an excellent fit for what we want to do and is one very exciting player.

"Like Garry, I'm really pleased he has chosen to come here with us and I think the fans will warm to Nicky very quickly. It speaks volumes for what we are trying to do here. I believe we are on the right road now but we are only at the start of the journey."

Wheeler has no doubts he's made the right move and said: "I have been so impressed with everything at this club, the management, the coaches, the attention to detail and the fact that they have worked hard to have me involved here. I have had a number of clubs ask about my plans but once I visited Lewes FC to speak with Garry and Danny, I knew I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.

"I played so much football as a youngster that I lost my love for the game for a while. Thankfully, I have been able to find that again and now I want to play at the highest levels I can, so I'm really pleased to be here at Lewes. I know the club has a great and passionate fan base and I hope my game will suit them. They love their wide players here and I hope that will continue with me."

For more Rooks news visit www.lewesfc.com of follow the club on Twitter @lewes_cfc