Summer Round-Up: Squad News and New Signings

We've been quiet here at UTAS over the summer, but it's been busy over at the Abbey. We take a look at what's been going on. Next: Some new faces and contract renewals.

After the excitement of the great escape United have been busy adding to the squad this summer. We already knew that Harrison Dunk, Fejiri Okenabirhie and George Thomas had signed up for 23/24, but since then Paul Digby and Ryan Bennett have extended their contracts at the Abbey.

Digby is the heartbeat of the team, and since joining in 20/21 has been pretty much the first name on the teamsheet. A tough central midfielder, Diggers has become a fan favourite for his commitment to the side, running through brick walls for the team. Ryan Bennett signed in January and immediately bought bags of experience to the defence. In particular watching him guide Liam Bennett through games has been a real joy to watch. With almost 100 Premier League games under his belt for the likes of Norwich, Wolves and Leicester, Ryan will prove invaluable this coming season.

There's a few new additions to the squad too, with hopefully more to follow. First to sign was goalkeeper Jack Stevens, from Oxford United. Only 25, Stevens has played almost 100 times in League One for Oxford and Port Vale. Next through the door came left-back Danny Andrew who's spent the last four seasons at Fleetwood, where he's made over 150 League One appearances. Andrew previously made six appearances at the Abbey back in 2012-13 on loan from Cheltenham, and is a left-back who can also get assists higher up the field.

Some much-needed additions up front came in the form of Ipswich forward Gassan Ahadme. Previously at Burton, Ahadme joined the Blues last season before being loaned back to the Brewers. He's not had the most prolific time in front of goal, but with tuition from Barry Corr and Mark Bonner he could be a rough diamond.

More experience was added as Jordan Cousins joined the squad. Previously with Charlton, QPR, Stoke and Wigan, Cousins adds some real pedigree to the side, playing all but one season in his career in the Championship, his solitary spell in League One resulting in Promotion.

Finally, an off-pitch addition following the departure of Gary Waddock at the end of last season, Kevin Betsy joins as our new assistant manager. Having managed England at every Youth Level up to the Under 18's, Betsy then spent time in charge of Arsenal's youth setup before joining Crawley as First Team Manager in 2022.