Welling United sign defender Jay Rich-Baghuelou: Mark Goldberg made it clear that he really wanted me at the club. We discussed my development, the opportunities I would get, his plans for the club and I wanted to be a part of it

WELLING UNITED manager Mark Goldberg has unveiled the arrival of former Dulwich Hamlet centre-half Jay Rich-Baghuelou, 19.

 

Rich-Baghuelou moved to the UK from Australia just over 18 months ago and holds dual Australian-French nationality.

Prior to moving to the UK he was at Gold Coast City. However, it wasn’t long before his performances for Dulwich Hamlet at youth and first team level caught the eye of EFL clubs and last season he enjoyed very positive trials with Reading (Championship) and Charlton Athletic (then in League One) but a move didn’t materialise.

“I’m ambitious and like any young player I obviously want to play at as high a level as possible,” Rich-Baghuelou told www.wellingunited.com.

“But for me, at this stage of my career it’s all about development and I believe the best way for me to develop is by playing competitive first team football.

“Personally, for me right now, I think first team football is more beneficial than going to a League club and playing in the under 23s.

“I’m here now and I’m delighted to be, so I’m fully focussed on the season ahead and as long as I’m here I’ll give 100% for this club.”

Standing at six foot five, Rich-Baghuelou says he wants to dominate rival Vanarama National League South strike forces.

He said: “I’m the type of player that likes to compete and dominate. I like to play on the front foot; I relish an aerial battle, a tackle and 1v1 duals, but most importantly, I can play a bit too!

“The technical side of things is something I’ve really focussed on over the last couple of years and with the hard work I’m putting in I believe I’m improving week by week, game by game.”

Rich-Baghuelou jumped at the chance to join Goldberg at Park View Road.

“I first heard of the interest a few weeks ago. There were discussions with Mark Goldberg and he made it clear that he really wanted me at the club. We discussed my development, the opportunities I would get, his plans for the club and I wanted to be a part of it.”

Meanwhile, Goldberg has agreed terms with winger Gavin McCallum, 31, to stay at Park View Road next season.

The Canadian scored seven goals for the club last season, helping Steve King’s side finish in third-place in the Vanarama National League South last season.

The Wings lost 1-0 at Woking in the Promotion Final and beat Brentford 1-0 to win the London Senior Cup on 9 April.

Welling United open their pre-season campaign with a trip to Bostik Premier Division side Margate on Saturday 6 July 2019 (15:00).

Visit Welling United’s website: www.wellingunited.com