Stamford AFC have made their first move of the summer, bringing in Baller League forward Tyler Winters as Ant Fenton begins reshaping his squad ahead of the new campaign.
The 20-year-old arrives at the Zeeco Stadium after a season that took in Northern Premier League football with AFC Rushden & Diamonds and a wider audience through Baller League UK, where he featured for Yanited FC in the televised six-a-side competition shown on Sky Sports.
Winters Becomes Stamford’s First Summer Arrival
Stamford AFC have confirmed the signing of forward Tyler Winters, making him the Daniels’ first new addition of the summer.
“We are excited to confirm that forward Tyler Winters joins Stamford for the upcoming season,” they said on social media. “Welcome to the Dannie’s Tyler.”
Winters joins after spending much of last season with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, having previously come through at Peterborough United and later had spells with Spalding United and Peterborough Sports. It is a move that gives Stamford a young forward with senior non-league experience, but also one whose name has reached a different audience over the past year.
His Diamonds spell ended before the conclusion of the season after an on-pitch incident involving teammate Bruno Andrade, with both players later made available to pursue opportunities elsewhere. That will form part of the wider context around the signing, but Stamford’s decision suggests they see the footballing upside and believe the player can settle quickly into Fenton’s plans.
“I am delighted to welcome Tyler to the club,” added boss Fenton, who recently replaced Graham Drury.
“He is a fantastic addition to the squad; a natural finisher who can’t wait to get started.”
Baller League
The striker was part of the Baller League UK setup, playing for Yanited FC in the competition’s first season. The format, built around shorter matches and featuring a mix of footballers, creators and personalities, brought Winters onto Sky Sports screens, where he was among the more productive attacking players involved.
That profile is not the reason Stamford have moved, though. Fenton’s comments point towards a more traditional footballing attraction: a forward who can finish chances and give his side something fresh at the top end of the pitch.
He’s also in need of a fresh squad. 11 players have left The Daniels this season, with a handful following Graham Drury to Peterborough Sports. They include goalkeeper Tom Jackson, defenders Jordon Cooke and Jack Keeble, midfielder George Hobbins and striker Leon Lobjoit. They’ll line up against Stamford this season in the Southern League Premier Division Central following the Turbines’ relegation.