Vilhete`s Back at Wood

....signing of Mauro Vilhete from Barnet on an initial three-month loan.

Vilhete, who enjoyed two successful spells with Wood in 2011/12 season and again in 2012/13, was very popular with both players and supporters alike and should in what is a familiar environment settle in quickly..

Born in Portugal, he moved to Barnet at a young age and in 2009 turned down a youth scholarship with Aston Villa to sign for his local club.

He subsequently made his first-team debut for Barnet in 2010 at just 16 years old, becoming the clubs youngest ever player to play in the football league.

The following season he was sent out on loan to Boreham Wood to get some first team experience and he put in a number of very good performances for somebody so young. After his loan was up he returned to Barnet and following their relegation from the Football League to the Conference in 2012, became a more permanent fixture in their side at either right back or right wing.

Vilhete went on to score the two goals in the 2-0 victory over Gateshead last season, which won the Bees the Conference Premier title and promotion back into the Football League.

After a number of League appearances for the Bees this term, manager Martin Allen has agreed that he can return to the Wood on loan for three months.

On getting the Vilhete deal done, new Wood boss Luke Garrard said: “Mauro is a local player who we know very well through his previous loan spells with us. Martin Allen doesn’t see him figuring for Barnet at present but obviously wants him to remain sharp and with us taking him for three months, he will get game time and will give our squad a better balance down the sides”..

“I spoke to the chairman about the possibility of signing Mauro, David Stephens and possibly one other player, when we discussed the managers` position. He was very supportive of my plans but concerned that with recent additions and every player now back to full fitness, that It would be a struggle to keep everyone happy, unless I addressed the squad size”…

“I have taken that on board and re balanced the squad and addressed any possible budget issues. I may need to put somebody out on loan in the short term but have achieved in the main what I wanted to do.

“Zane Banton has gone back to Luton, Matty Whichelow has gone to Chelmsford City for three months and with Graeme Montgomery and Ben Nunn also out on loan at St Albans City for three months our lads are getting game time.

“I don’t want to be a manager who makes change for change sake, I want to settle on a squad of around 18/19 quality players, with the luxury of another three or four out on loan getting game time, who can be called back if needed.

“That’s now almost done and barring any injuries or call backs, I can reassess things when the transfer window opens again in January.”

Garrard concluded: “The budget and the loans whether in or out, needed to be addressed as early as possible. Our two new additions have really pleased me as they will add strength in depth to our ranks. The chairman has shown not only belief in giving me the job but by backing me with the signings of both Mauro and David Stephens.”