Maidenhead United sign talented midfielder Ruben Carvalho from Wingate & Finchley

Ruben Carvalho with manager Alan Devonshire

--

Maidenhead United's second signing of the summer, Ruben Carvalho, has said he's looking forward to bringing entertainment and success to the club next season after stepping up from the Isthmian League Premier Division.

The talented midfielder, similar in style to the departing Ashley Nathaniel-George, dazzled for Wingate & Finchley at step three last season, scoring 17 goals and laying on seven assists in 30 games as the side finished fourth in the table.

Having finished in the play-offs, they were beaten at the semi-final stage by the eventual winners of the play-offs Egham Town, however, Carvalho had a splendid season for the team and feels he's now more than ready to showcase his skills in the National League.

His performances last season saw him collect the supporters’ player of the year award and also finish joint top scorer for Wingate & Finchley.

Nicknamed 'The Non-League Neymar' on social media by UrFreshTVSport, this is an exciting signing by the Magpies, who've already bolstered their defence with the addition of Tyrese Dyce from Slough Town.

However, several key players from last season are set to move on including Ashley Nathaniel-George, Zico Asare, Sam Beckwith and Charlee Adams.

Speaking to the club after meeting with his new manager Alan Devonshire and some of the Magpies coaching staff, Carvalho said: “I’m feeling very excited. I can’t wait to get started and to meet the fans.

“The pitch (York Road) looks pretty big and I’m excited to bring some entertainment to the club and some success. I can’t wait to get going.”

“I’m 100 per cent ready,” Carvalho added. “That’s it.

“I hope to see you (supporters) soon, I hope to entertain you and I hope to bring goals and a lot of assists and a lot of success to the club.”

Stepping up from step 3 won't be straightforward for Carvalho, but Devonshire and chief scout Lee Devonshire clearly feel he has the attributes and ability to take the move in his stride and perhaps springboard his talent to an even higher level in future.

Chief Scout Devonshire revealed: “Our awareness of Ruben first came from his days at Rising Ballers and after a stint at Charlton Athletic he found himself back in non-league.

"Over the past 12 months he has really blossomed at Wingate at Step 3. A talented attacking midfielder with quick feet, ability to go past a man and strong technique off both feet he has the potential to kick on at Step 1 and beyond.” 

The reaction to his signing on social media has generally been very positive.

THE NON-LEAGUE NEYMAR: Ruben Carvalho - @Rubinho10__

The @WinFinchleyFC midfielder has unbelievable ability on the ball, dribbles with left or right foot, comfortable going either way, great balance, strength & agility. His free kicks are a joke as you can see from the… pic.twitter.com/h6s2RhY7RK

— urfreshtvsport (@urfreshtv_sport) February 23, 2024

Ruben Carvalho - Maidenhead

The Magpies have a brilliant record with young players, and Carvalho is sure to be the next talent they uncover

He’s a quality dribbler, who loves to run at his man. He’s able to cut inside too, so is a real danger due to his ability to go both ways pic.twitter.com/ENphmGkkUP

— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) June 16, 2024

With Dyce and Carvalho having agreed terms the club will likely be looking to add two or three more names to the squad before the campaign gets under way on August 10. The fixture list will be released a month prior to this on July 10.