Bradley Hudson-Odoi says he is delighted to be back at Wealdstone and believes the club are capable of pushing for promotion under Bobby Wilkinson this campaign.

Hudson-Odoi returned to the Vale last month from Hampton and Richmond Borough after two seasons away, with the winger one of 14 new faces that Wilkinson has added to the squad this summer.

The 28-year-old winger enjoyed a successful stint with the Stones last time around, scoring 15 goals during the course of the 2015/16 campaign, with that form seeing him named as the Junior Stones Player-of-the-Season.

But having tried his hand in the National League with both Sutton United and Eastleigh since, the winger is now targeting a swift return to the division with Wealdstone this season.

He said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back. This club has always had a big place in my heart. When the gaffer gave me a call, it was a no brainer for me to come back and see the great fans again, play in front of a fantastic atmosphere and hopefully, get this club promoted back to where it should be, which is the highest tier of Non-League football.

“My hopes are to get us as high up the table as possible. With the squad that we’ve got and the manager that we’re working under, we should be pushing for promotion.”

On his time with Hampton and Richmond Borough, Hudson-Odoi added: “It was really good at Hampton and Richmond Borough. I came off a big injury and went to Hampton on loan and I thought I did really well. I think I played 28 games and scored ten goals, which is a good return. I had a good time at the club and have very fond memories. I wish them all the best but for me now, it’s onwards and upwards.”

Wealdstone finished in 11th place in the National League South last season under Wilkinson’s stewardship, ten points outside of the play-offs, although the Stones almost secured a spot in the FA Trophy final at Wembley, but they were unfortunately knocked out in the semi-finals by Brackley Town.

This will be Wilkinson’s first full season in charge of the Stones, having taken over from Gordon Bartlett last August after the long-serving boss stepped down after 22 years at the helm.

Wealdstone started their pre-season with an entertaining 3-3 draw with Bracknell Town just over a week ago, although Hudson-Odoi played no part after his wife went into labour.

But the 28-year-old can’t wait to get back on the pitch and he is looking forward to working under Wilkinson during his second spell with the Stones.

On Wilkinson, Hudson-Odoi said: “I’ve heard so many good things about the gaffer. He’s been great with me. Since I’ve come in, he’s been honest and told me where he wants me to play. He’s pushing me both mentally and physically and taking me to places that he knows that I can get to from a physical point of view. I believe he’s going to get the best out of me.

“Pre-season has been good. It’s been hard. When you come back for pre-season, it’s always dreaded. But for me, it’s been really good so far as everyone has been pushing each other through it.

“I’m getting fitter and stronger and game by game, I’m getting sharper. It was unfortunate that I couldn’t play against Bracknell as my missus was giving birth but now, it’s back to work.

“It’s time to work hard and we’re all pushing ourselves and each other. That’s what is good about this group – there’s no egos and we’re all pushing each other to try and get the best out of each other.”