Wealdstone sign former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Ricky Wellard

The ball-playing midfielder first came on to Bartlett’s radar almost a decade ago when he was playing at Ashford and the manager’s patience and determination has now paid off.

The 28-year-old former AFC Wimbledon midfielder, who was part of the Wombles’ rise into the Football League, should add creativity and size to the Stones midfield next term.

The 6ft 4in player had a spell with National League South rivals Hemel Hempstead Town last year and counts Cambridge United, Salisbury City and Welling United among his former clubs.

Wealdstone CEO Mark Winkworth said: “We are really pleased that Ricky has put pen to paper and committed his future to the Stones. Ricky will add greatly to our midfield and his guile on the ball will allow us to create more in the forward areas.

“As importantly, his experience at the heart of the AFC Wimbledon team that won promotion to the Football League is exactly what our club needs to drive forward with its ambitions.”

Wellard becomes the club’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of striker Elliot Benyon, experienced midfielder David Hunt and fellow midfielder Danny Green, and more new faces could be on their way to the Freebets.co.uk Stadium before the squad return for pre-season training on June 23.

And the summer signings have not just been restricted to the team on the pitch.

Off the field, former Enfield Town manager Steve Newing has joined the management team and will work alongside Bartlett and player coach Scott McGleish next season.

Bartlett said: “After the last couple of seasons battling to consolidate our position in the National League South, we see Steve’s strong character and knowledge as another important building block as we look to continue our playing development and progress up the pyramid.”

Fans will be able to get their first look at how the new-look team is shaping up when they host Queens Park Rangers Under-21s on Saturday, July 2 at 3pm.