01/06/24
From my first phone call with Scott, it was clear to me where I wanted to play this season
John Gilbert
We are delighted to announce the signing of exciting 23-year-old attacking player John Gilbert from Walton & Hersham.
John joined Walton & Hersham in the summer of 2022 from Walton Casuals. During his time with the Swans, John won promotion from the Isthmian League, South Central Division via the playoffs, and last season his team finished in 7th place in Southern League Premier South, just outside the playoff places.
He previously played for Maldon & Tiptree, having started in the youth side at Walton & Hersham before working his way through the academy at league rivals Metropolitan Police. He went on to win the Isthmian Youth League, Surrey Under 18 County Cup and Isthmian Youth League Champion of Champions with the Met. That earned him a trial with Premier League Southampton in May 2017, and he became a first-team regular with the Met in 2018/19.
John had the following to say upon signing for the club: “I am very excited to be joining this ambitious and historic club.
“From my first phone call with Scott, it was clear to me where I wanted to play this season. The manager shared his thoughts on how I can impact the team and his football philosophy which matches my own.
“I will look to contribute plenty of goals and assists, whilst working hard for the team.
“After the club went close to reaching the playoffs last season, I see no reason why we cannot go one step further this time round.
“I cannot wait for the season to start. Come On You Rebels!”
Manager, Scott Davies commented: “John is someone that I’ve admired as a footballer for a few years now. I first saw him play against Beaconsfield Town a couple of seasons back and he was head and shoulders above anyone on the pitch that evening.
“Since then, I’ve kept an eye on his progress but it’s been really difficult to take him during an extremely successful time at Walton & Hersham, but finally the time is now.
“Nobody is coming in to replace any of the players that have departed, but I liken him to Johnny Goddard and he’s someone that I really do feel the fans will appreciate with his quality and tenacity on and off the ball.
“With all that being said, I’m delighted to have him on board.”
John joined Walton & Hersham in the summer of 2022 from Walton Casuals. During his time with the Swans, John won promotion from the Isthmian League, South Central Division via the playoffs, and last season his team finished in 7th place in Southern League Premier South, just outside the playoff places.
He previously played for Maldon & Tiptree, having started in the youth side at Walton & Hersham before working his way through the academy at league rivals Metropolitan Police. He went on to win the Isthmian Youth League, Surrey Under 18 County Cup and Isthmian Youth League Champion of Champions with the Met. That earned him a trial with Premier League Southampton in May 2017, and he became a first-team regular with the Met in 2018/19.
John had the following to say upon signing for the club: “I am very excited to be joining this ambitious and historic club.
“From my first phone call with Scott, it was clear to me where I wanted to play this season. The manager shared his thoughts on how I can impact the team and his football philosophy which matches my own.
“I will look to contribute plenty of goals and assists, whilst working hard for the team.
“After the club went close to reaching the playoffs last season, I see no reason why we cannot go one step further this time round.
“I cannot wait for the season to start. Come On You Rebels!”
Manager, Scott Davies commented: “John is someone that I’ve admired as a footballer for a few years now. I first saw him play against Beaconsfield Town a couple of seasons back and he was head and shoulders above anyone on the pitch that evening.
“Since then, I’ve kept an eye on his progress but it’s been really difficult to take him during an extremely successful time at Walton & Hersham, but finally the time is now.
“Nobody is coming in to replace any of the players that have departed, but I liken him to Johnny Goddard and he’s someone that I really do feel the fans will appreciate with his quality and tenacity on and off the ball.
“With all that being said, I’m delighted to have him on board.”
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