Pic: Andy Nunn
DAYLE SOUTHWELL has been backed to successfully make the step up to the Football League after the Boston United striker secured a move to Wycombe Wanderers.
The 22-year-old former Grimsby Town youngster has been one of Non-League's most prolific strikers over the past two seasons with Boston in the National League North.
His record of 54 goals in 86 appearances for the Pilgrims had plenty of professional clubs taking an interest.
Southwell was named in the National League North team of the year and he also won his first England C cap earlier this month against Slovakia U21s.
League Two side Wycombe have won the race for the young striker's signature and he has signed a two-year deal with the Chairboys after they agreed a fee with Boston.
Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth said: “Dayle is a player who's been on our radar for some time and I'm thrilled to be able to bring him here.
“There were a lot of clubs looking at him but we know we can offer him a real opportunity to make his name in the EFL and develop his potential even further.
“He's a physical striker who knows where the goal is and I'm confident that his all-round play will benefit us. It's a great step up for Dayle and I think he could prove to be a really exciting signing for us.”
Boston chairman David Newton added: “The club would like to put on record our thanks to Dayle for the hard work and dedication that he showed while playing at Boston United.
“We are delighted that Dayle has progressed to such an extent where he will now be playing professional football at League 2 level.
“We wish him well and look forward to watching his career develop further.”
