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Wealdstone surprise fans by signing 37 year old former Premier League regular

Wealdstone had a surprise for their fans this week by signing 37 year old former Premier League regular Adrian Mariappa.

It’s been quite the career for the defender, who departed League Two outfit Salford City last month.

He’s played over 500 games over 19 years, also for the likes of Watford, Reading, Crystal Palace, Bristol City, Macarthur and Burton, as well as making 64 appearances for Jamaica.

But now he has taken to life in non league, is straight in with the lads for pre-season training ready for the 2024/25 season, with Wealdstone hoping they can do better than their 16th place finish for the 2023/24 National League campaign.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Wealdstone FC is delighted to announce the signing of defender Adrian Mariappa from Salford City.

Mariappa, a former Watford star, brings a wealth of experience to The Stones. His arrival marks a significant boost to the club’s defensive line-up as we prepare for the National League campaign.

Adrian Mariappa, 37, began his professional career at Watford, where he graduated from the club’s academy. Making his senior debut in 2005, he quickly established himself as a reliable and versatile defender. Over the course of seven years, Mariappa made nearly 250 appearances for the Hornets, becoming a fan favourite.

In 2012, Mariappa signed with Premier League side Reading, where he continued to impress despite the club’s eventual relegation. His performances caught the eye of Crystal Palace, leading to a move to Selhurst Park in 2013. At Palace, Mariappa was a crucial part of the squad, helping the team to maintain their Premier League status over several seasons. In total, Mariappa has made 167 appearances in the Premier League across his career.

After a brief return to Watford in 2016, Mariappa continued to demonstrate his unwavering consistency and leadership on the pitch. His second stint at Vicarage Road added another 97 appearances to his name, underscoring his importance to the team.

Following his time at Watford, Mariappa joined Bristol City and Burton Albion, before moving to Salford City, where his experience continued to shine in League Two.

On the international stage, Mariappa has been a stalwart for the Jamaica national team, making his debut for the Reggae Boyz in 2012. Since then, he has earned over 60 caps, representing Jamaica in multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups and World Cup qualifiers, often wearing the captain’s armband. His contributions have been vital in raising the profile of Jamaican football on the global stage.

Stones manager Matt Taylor said via the club website: “Adrian has a fantastic pedigree and for us to secure his signature is a huge bonus for the football club. He will be a big character within the squad and his leadership skills will be vital for the upcoming season.”

As mentioned, Wealdstone surprise fans by signing the 37 year old former Premier League regular…

@chrisrutt3: Ffs that’s decent

@timparks3: Good choice Adrian! And great work by those who made it possible … You’re gonna be massive for us πŸ’™

@HC15OnTour: Like Mariappa, always did well for us & comes across as a top bloke. Great signing. I would walk 500 miles πŸ”΄πŸ”΅

@hderek485: Excellent – a proper local Wealdstone boy who started with St Joseph’s

@GZ_Sports22: 🚨🚨| Adrian Mariappa still going strong πŸ’ͺ🏽

@TrueBlueStone: Wow – Adrian Mariappa. What a great signing that could turn out to be. Welcome to the Stones!

@maxpalace03: Fairs that’s fucking mental

@BallinginSurrey: What a signing πŸ‘Œ

@BradleyJC08: WHAT A SIGNING!!! πŸ”΅βšͺοΈπŸ‡―πŸ‡²πŸ‡―πŸ‡²

@ItsJustiice: Yeah fair

@Olivia121994_: Wow!

@Charlie__Bear13: Fucking hell forgot he existed

@UncleRonSr: #WatfordFC Mariappa playing 19 times for us in 2019/20 cost Watford relegation. The mind boggles as to how bad he could be 5 years later at 37 going on 38

@smalljdee: He’s still playing 😱

@FinlandHornet: A local Harrow lad πŸ‘ Fantastic signing πŸ‘

@curtiz58: A fantastic addition, his experience is much needed

@sampatterson19: Great signing. Can’t wait to see him get going, loads of experience to add to the squad

@eaglism: Good for you lads, Never let Palace down filling in all across the back 4, top man

@Alfie7Smith: Unbelievable signing this.

@OllieBoletta: How’ve you done that then

@peterwealdstone: Brilliant signing πŸ‘

@jdh2003_: Cracking signing

@wfcbubl: What a player he was for us. Great signing for you

@orns87: Fair fucking play

@riobeare: Management highlighted we needed leaders and we have done exactly that. Couldn’t get much better experience. Great head to get in πŸ”΅

@NickDuGard1: A huge signing for Stones. Still fit as a fiddle and will add valuable experience to the squad

@McElhinneyLibby: Here we go 😍

@Jessaroo1881: Yes Aidy!! Go smash it. Born in Harrow and playing for Wealdstone. Local lad is pleased. #WatfordFC #Stones

@rio_woolf: Very good signing for the level tbf

@tyler_braddick: Brilliant move for him and Wealdstone.

@ohffslea: So who wants to go to a Wealdstone game with me?

@stoneskiPL: In the midst of β€œit’s so over” , I found there was, within me, an invincible β€œwe’re so back” .

@WatfordPod: If you need your fill of Adrian Mariappa, he’s staying local!

@RobGWarren4: Class, good excuse to get the tick next season.

@Wheddsta: Fair play

@LeoWerin: There’s a name signing. Matty Taylor wanted experience and certainly has it here.

@heyit5sam: How does non league pull these scoops off

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