Wealdstone have completed the signing of highly rated goalkeeper Rikki Banks.

Since the devastating leg injury to Jonathan North in March, finding a replacement stopper has been manager Gordon Bartlett’s main priority this summer.

The Stones are looking to push on from last season’s huge success that only just fell short of honours at the final hurdle with their Ryman Premier play-off defeat.

The 6ft 3in 24-year-old began his career at Crystal Palace and then spent two years at Worthing following his release in the summer of 2006.

Banks helped them reach the Ryman Division One South play-offs in 2007. The shot stopper then joined Stones’ rivals Lewes in 2008 where he won player of the year awards in each of the next two seasons.

The Brighton-born goalkeeper then joined up with Conference National neighbours Eastbourne Borough in the summer of 2010 before being loaned back to Lewes later that year.

Meanwhile, Wealdstone have learned their potential opponents in the opening rounds of the cup competitions next season.

In the FA Cup, Bartlett’s side will take on either Biggleswade Town or AFC Hayes who will visit the The Vale on Saturday, September 8, in the first qualifying round.

The FA Trophy will see either Chertsey Town or Tilbury travel to Wealdstone on Saturday, September 29.

Meanwhile the FA Youth Cup has given the Stones a trip to Hanwell Town.

The Stones’ first pre-season friendly gets underway a week on Saturday when they entertain Gianfranco Zola’s Watford.