It’s been a busy recruitment period for the men’s first team management assembling a squad for a new challenge after last season’s promotion.
With 40 league games compared to 24 last season, and plenty of far-flung trips to Essex and Hertfordshire, a big squad is going to be required.
The core of last season’s squad has been retained for a tilt at the Eastern Counties League Division One South – see the full squad as it stands here.
There are some eye-catching new additions, from promising young players to others with plenty of non-league experience.
Below are the details of the new players signed up by Geoff Ocran and his management team…
Joshua George
26-year-old ball-playing centre-back who played for Sporting Bengal and Barkingside last season and Romford, West Essex and Glebe before then. An injury has kept him out since mid-September.
Adam Sidky
Classy former Worthing and Waltham Abbey defender aged 29 made his debut against FC United of Manchester and scored his first goal for the club at Basildon Town.
James Goldring
Calm, deep-lying midfielder, good passer both short and long, previously of North Greenford United. Aged 29.
James said: “Really excited to play in front of amazing fans. Can already see how important the club is in the community and that it is very much an ambitious club on the ascendancy which is an exciting journey to be part of.”
Callum Hosier
Former Horsham YMCA and Burgess Hill Town midfielder aged 28 started the season in fine form but has been ruled out with an injury since August.
Jeffrey Twumasi
Combative all-action central midfielder with a crunching tackle. Aged 28 but a non-league veteran with plenty of experience, having played at North Greenford United, Bedfont Sports, Molesey, Guildford City FC, and Hanworth Villa.
Jeffrey said: “I was trying out with a few teams over the summer but Clapton CFC won my heart instantly. The players were welcoming straight away and coaching staff where very clued up and I love the style of play. I love the fact that the club is very community based and I really do enjoy the fans support. I’ve never experienced an amazing fan base like this throughout playing career.”
Patrick Baird
Attacking midfielder, 23, whose international clearance has come through having played Lowland League football for Edinburgh University for four seasons. Expert in dribbling, short passing and tight spaces.
Patrick said: “I want to play for Clapton CFC because they are a big community team. The atmosphere around the club is really positive and welcoming. It’s brilliant to see the supporters get behind social movements which I’ve always grown up wanting to see more of in football. On top of that, the level of football is really competitive and hopefully I will enjoy being a part of it.”
Adil Ali
Talented centre-back, aged 20 previously with Barking Youth. Adil is combative in defence and talented in possession with a great ability to play a pass.
Adil said: “I’m a ball playing defender who can transition play from defending to attacking at a high level. Clapton is my local team and allows me to play to my strengths.”
Joel Akuwudike
Young, pacey winger with a wicked cross and a stinging shot, he made his debut against Hoddesdon Town in September and scored his first goal as a sub against Cannons Wood later that month. Only 20 but had played against us several times having been with Sporting Hackney since 2018.
Terry Amoafo Anim
The 25-year-old former Redbridge FC, Sporting Bengal United and Athletic Newham winger made his Clapton CFC men’s first team full debut in September and scored his first goal as a sub against Hackney WFC in October.
Alasdair Gurney
The former Cardiff Corries and Salts FC utility player made his Clapton CFC first team debut during a hectic October.
He joined the development squad in the summer but was quickly called up to the first team.
Sam Marchi
Comfortable at centre-back or a left back, Samuel is a talented and technical defender. He joined us after moving to England from America, where he played Div 1 College football, and made his debut against FC United of Manchester.
Taylan Gul
Striker who joined from Brimsdown where he was top scorer with 16 in their promotion season last season, he scored in both his first two games for Clapton CFC.