New Wealdstone boss Sam Cox believes his side still need “one or two” signings for a positive start to the upcoming National League season after a 2-1 win over Slough Town in their final pre-season friendly.
Deon Woodman headed the Stones in front after just ten minutes before their latest summer addition, Nathan Tshikuna, doubled the advantage soon after.
Slough’s Jaiden Drakes-Thomas grabbed a late consolation for the visitors, but Cox’s side held out for a momentum-building win ahead of their 2025/26 National League campaign.
Cox said: “We’ve got a really tight squad, and we knew it was going to take the period of pre-season to get the bodies in the building we needed, and we’re probably still not quite there.
"We probably still need to add one or two, and we know we’ve had to be patient with what we’ve been given.
“It’s going to require a squad of 18-20 to get through this long season, but they’ve been fantastic.
"It’s not easy to take such information on in such little time. The way we’re asking the boys to play and the identity we’re trying to give the boys in such a short time is going to take time.”
Tshikuna joined the club on Friday and went straight into the starting line-up to face Slough.
Cox added: “Nath was someone I’ve admired for a while. He offers great experience at this level, and was someone we identified early on in pre-season.
"But as we say, we have to be a little bit more patient with some of those boys that go off elsewhere and stuff doesn’t quite come off for them.
“When we get an opportunity to sign them, we have to try to get them through the door, and we’re delighted to get him over the line.
“He’s a great lad first and foremost. I want good character and good people, and he fits that mould, and I thought he was excellent."
Cox also provided an update on Tshikuna’s fitness after he seemed to go down injured late on in the win.
“He picked up a little knock towards the end," he said.
"We hope it’s nothing too worrying, but I thought he complimented that midfield four very well, and we look like we’re in a good place if we can keep them fit.”
Wealdstone begin their season when they welcome last season’s National League South champions Truro City to Grosvenor Vale on Saturday.
They entertain Wolves U21s in the National League Cup on Tuesday (7pm), having also been drawn to face Leicester, Nottingham Forest and West Brom's youngsters in their group.
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