With pre-season training getting underway on Saturday, Johnson ‘Drax’ Hippolyte has moved to rebuild a squad decimated by off-season departures.

The Maidenhead United FC boss announced three signings this week in the form of former Magpies goalkeeper Chris Tardiff, midfielder Bradley Quamina and forward Staforde Palmer.

Tardiff, 27, returns to York Road from Bognor Regis Town to replace the departed Shane Gore - who Drax revealed wanted too much money to stay.

“Chris is a good signing for us,” Drax said of the former pro. “I spoke to him and he had a few options - many paying more money than us.

“But he knows what we’re all about and wanted to come here.”

It is the signing of 23-year-old Quamina from Woking which has really excited Drax though.

He will help fill the void left by Ben Surey, who has gone travelling, and ex-club captain Ashley Nicholls.

“He’s a good young lad who I’ve known for a while,” said the boss.
 
“He’s a Conference level footballer and brings a lot of energy and good tackling.

“With losing Surey and Nicholls we needed some experience in the middle.”

Palmer, 21, was joint top scorer for Hayes & Yeading United last season and joins the Magpies on a three-month loan.

“He’s one I’ve liked for a while,” said Drax. “He’s a proven scorer in our league.

“He’s a local lad and is good for us.”

After speculation around the future of Mustafa Tiryaki, Drax revealed the Turkish hitman will leave the club this week.

“If I’m honest we’re losing Mustafa in the next few days,” he explained.

“I understand why he wants to go and he’s had an offer from a Conference club and one in our league.”

Pre-season training starts at Bisham Abbey on Saturday with around 15-20 trialists set to attend.