Wealdstone have completed the permanent signing of 20-year-old defender Jake Sheppard following his release by Championship side Reading.

The full-back initially linked up with the Stones towards the back end of the 2017/18 campaign, joining on loan in March, and impressed at Grosvenor Vale with both his consistency and versatility.

Sheppard had previously spent time with Dagenham & Redbridge the season before last, and manager Bobby Wilkinson has moved quickly to snap the player up following his departure from the Madejski Stadium.

Known for his pace and the ability to play further up the pitch, Sheppard was also capped at both Under-17 and Under-21 level for Scotland.

His arrival continues a busy summer overhaul for the Stones, with a dozen players arriving and as many departing the National Leaguers with Wealdstone keen to build on last year’s 11th-place finish in National League South.