Maidenhead United announce signing No.5 as Zac Bell becomes a Magpie

Maidenhead United have signed their fifth player of the summer, with the 21-year-old defender Zac Bell putting pen to paper ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Bell joins Tyrese Dyce, Ruben Carvalho, Joseph Ajose and Nathan Ferguson in committing to the Magpies ahead of their eighth successive National League campaign.

Barring a few notable departures - including Sam Beckwtih and Zico Asare - the Magpies have managed to keep the core of last season's competitive squad together and with the players now back in pre-season training, the process of getting fit and sharp ahead of the National League curtain raiser on Saturday, August 10 has begun.

Zac is a 21-year-old defender who progressed through the Bristol City Academy and into their u21s side before having spells on loan in the National League South with Bath City, Yeovil Town and, most recently, Taunton Town.

He's also represented Wales at different youth levels.

Last season he impressed for Taunton in a difficult season that ultimately led to the club's relegation from the National League South.

“I'm buzzing and excited to get started,” said Bell. “Firstly, it's a good bunch of lads and there's a lot of experience in there. So, I'm looking forward to learning off them. I'm buzzing to get going.

“Yeah, 100 per cent. I think (making the step up) will be good for my learning as well because I'm still young and learning. But I'm excited to get going.

“I'll be aggressive in my challenges, and I can bring a bit of excitement, a good cross and delivery.”

Bell's signing was announced as he linked up with his new teammates for the first week of pre-season training. If you'd like to sponsor the Magpies' newest recruit, email commercial@maidenheadunitedfc.org.

The Magpies play their first pre-season match at Holyport this Saturday, July 6, 12.30pm kick-off. United then visit another local rival, Flackwell Heath for their second warm-up game at Wilks Park on Tuesday, July 9, 7.30pm.

Preparations for the campaign continue at Binfield on Saturday, July 13, 3pm at The Iconic Stadium, while The Powerday Stadium will host Maidenhead's fourth friendly against Hanwell Town on Tuesday, July 16 (7.45pm kick-off). The fifth consecutive away friendly sees the Magpies go to Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, July 20, 3pm kick-off, before the Magpies play two higher-profile home friendlies against West Ham United's u21s team at on Wednesday, July 24 (7.30pm) and AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday, July 30 (7.30pm). The side's last friendly is away to Farnborough on Saturday, August 3 with the league campaign kicking off a week later.