Matt Ruby hopes he can help centre back partner Dean Inman fulfill his potential and become a Football League player.
Ruby returned to Hayes & Yeading this summer after four years away, during which time he spent two years partnering Inman at the heart of the Hampton & Richmond Borough defence.
But while Ruby was at Maidenhead last season, Inman, who had a trial with QPR a few years back was making a name for himself with Hayes & Yeading , having made the move from Beveree.
The two have now been reunited, although Inman was suspended as Ruby made his second full debut in Saturday's Conference South curtain-raiser, a 1-0 win at St Albans.
Ruby said: “I know Dean well and know what he is capable of. He's got the ability and all the right attributes to play at a higher level.
“If he works hard and keep his head down there's no reason why he can't make it there – that's why he has been the captain as such a young age.
“If I can help him to make it by taking some weight off his shoulders, that would be great. That's the plan anyway.”
Ruby also insists he is feeling fitter than ever, despite a career-threatening injury two years ago which pretty much put an end to his time with Hampton & Richmond.
He added: “I dislocated my kneecap and was out for six to seven months, but I ended up sidelined for longer as I wanted to make sure it was right before returning. However, I'm feeling better than ever now.”
In Inman's absence, Matty Harriott, who like Ruby has returned for a second spell, skippered the side against St Albans and marked the occasion by bagging the winning goal.
Yet another who has come back for a second stay with the club is striker Dan Wishart , whose return from Alfreton Town was announced last Friday.
Two others also joined the club on the eve of the game and sat on the bench against St Albans – striker Myles Stephenson from North Greenford United and winger Trecy Bambi, a former trialist.
Hayes & Yeading have their first home of the season on Saturday when they entertain Concorde Rangers at York Road.
