Merstham snap up ex-Dulwich Hamlet and Welling midfielder Xavier Vidal

Pic: Andy Nunn

MERSTHAM boss Hayden Bird reckons his “jigsaw is all but complete” after the signing of attacking midfielder Xavier Vidal.

Vidal was on the verge of breaking into the professional game while at Dulwich Hamlet, spending time on trial with Birmingham, Bolton, Brentford and Oxford.

After failing to secure a deal in the Football League, he moved up to the National League last summer with Welling United.

He made 28 appearances in all competitions for the Wings, scoring four times, but fell out of favour following the exit of boss Loui Fazakerley in late January.

Vidal spent the last two months of the season on loan at National League South side Hemel Hempstead and will be returning to the Ryman Premier next season after signing for Merstham.

It’s a big signing for the Moatsiders and boss Bird said: “The jigsaw is all but complete now. Xavier has been on the radar for a number of weeks, so we are pleased to welcome him to Merstham Football Club.

“As a midfield player who can play in a variety of roles, there is no doubt he is an excellent acquisition.”