Yado Mambo has revealed Hayes & Yeading United manager Tristan Lewis’ powers of persuasion were the key to him pitching up at the Conference South Club.
Lewis snapped up the centre-half as a replacement for departing skipper Dean Inman after the fans’ favourite moved across to play for landlords Maidenhead.
Having started his career at Charlton, big defender Mambo enjoyed successful loan stints at the likes of AFC Wimbledon and Shrewsbury before being released by the Addicks.
He joined Ebbsfleet in 2014, where he first came to the attention of Lewis, and the United manager believes he has signed a player with huge potential.
And Mambo, who came through the academy at Charlton Athletic, said that the decision to join United was a no-brainer after speaking with the manager.
“Tristan really sold the club to me,” said the defender. “I really like the direction that the club is going in, and I want to be a part of that.”
United were embroiled in a relegation scrap for most of last season but Mambo has set the club’s sights higher this term.
“I didn’t come here for another relegation battle. I came here to win promotion. I think we have the right personnel in the squad to kick on. And if we don’t get that then we’ll definitely aim for the play-offs.”
Taking possession of the armband from Inman brings added pressures but Mambo, who will be playing alongside the returning Ben Gerring, believes United’s new central defensive pairing can soon win over the crowd.
“There’s going to be pressure replacing Dean,” he added. “He was the fans’ favourite and he scored goals, so hopefully I can come in do a good job and hopefully be a fans’ favourite myself.
“Ben’s a good lad. He’s a very funny guy and we get on really well, so hopefully we can reflect that on the pitch. All the lads really get along with each other so that will definitely help the team spirit going into the new season.”
United this week confirmed the signings of Gillingham defender Devante McKain, St Albans midfielder Howard Hall, Northwood striker Ismael Ehui, Oxford United defender Aiden Hawtin, Chelmsford striker Evans Kouassi and former England U19 midfielder Jake Nicholson, who was at AFC Wimblledon last season.
However, Christian Smith and Michael Thalassitis have been allowed to leave the club ahead of Saturday's curtain-raiser at home to Whitehawk.
