Gordon Bartlett hopes Josh Hutchinson and Josh Urquhart can be the next rough diamonds he polishes up for bigger things after admitting the Stones cannot compete financially with the big boys of the National League South.

Striker Hutchinson was brought in from Potters Bar Town during the summer and scored his first goal for the club in Monday’s 3-1 win over Bishop’s Stortford. Meanwhile, defender Urquhart arrived from Isthmian Division One North outfit Harlow Town.

Wealdstone’s budget is far smaller than many of their league rivals and but Bartlett praised the duo after stepping up the football pyramid to join the National League side.

He said: “They’re two lads who have come from lower levels and whenever you get players like that there are going to be question marks.

“Their attitude and hunger to learn and do well has been a credit to the pair of them. Josh Hutchinson deserved his goa and I’m delighted for him.”

Harrow Times: Josh Urquhart darts down the flank for Wealdstone. Picture: Steve Foster/Wealdstone FCJosh Urquhart darts down the flank for Wealdstone. Picture: Steve Foster/Wealdstone FC

The Wealdstone boss has had previous success with other players spotted playing at lower levels ‒ notably Tom Pett and Jerome Okimo, who are both now at League Two side Stevenage following spells with the Stones ‒ and says it is the only way the club can operate.

“We can’t go after the big boys so we have to try and find a little gem,” he continued. “They don’t always work. But Hutchinson and Urquhart I’ve been very impressed with.

“During pre-season, we had long lists of players to sign, most of who are playing at National League South or National League level. We are not one of those clubs [that can sign those players] unfortunately.”

Harrow Times: Josh Hutchinson hurdles a challenge against Bishop's Stortford on Monday. Picture: Steve Foster/Wealdstone FCJosh Hutchinson hurdles a challenge against Bishop's Stortford on Monday. Picture: Steve Foster/Wealdstone FC

The 59-year-old also admitted that although the process is time consuming, it can be extremely rewarding for the club.

He said: “Over the course of the season, I watch a hell of a lot of players. It’s not just me – it’s the management in general. You do have to go out and at times it’s an absolute waste of time and you think: ‘Why the hell am I doing this?’”

“But somewhere along the line you find one. And it might only be one a season and God knows how many games you go to do that, but you keep doing it, because if you don’t, someone else will.”