Welling United manager Ryan Maxwell on the signing of former Southampton youngster Zuriel Otseh-Taiwo

Welling United took their chance to pounce for ex-Southampton youngster Zuriel Otseh-Taiwo.

The full-back, who came through the academy at St Mary’s, has joined the Wings after manager Ryan Maxwell became aware of his potential availability.

He’d caught Maxwell’s eye playing for Herne Bay last season but the 23-year-old looked set to sign elsewhere this summer.

However, an opportunity to have a look at him came up and, after spending a couple of weeks with Welling, appearing as a trialist against Maidstone and Braintree, he’s on board for the new Isthmian Premier season.

“Although we knew about him from his time at Herne Bay, he was with another club and when I’d spoken to his agent, he said they haven’t offered him the correct deal as yet,” said Maxwell.

“It gave us a window of opportunity that we took, he wanted to come and have a couple of sessions with us, and it was quite clear, quite quickly, that he was a very good player.

“He’s got a very good grounding, being at Southampton, and he’s a young man with a lot of potential.

“He performed very well against Braintree and Maidstone and was very comfortable on the ball as well.

“He’s fitted in very well, the lads like him a lot, and he’s got a great attitude.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him because he’s got some real tools but also he’s very studious, he asked me a lot of questions, and I love that about a young player.”

Maxwell has one more player on trial but the squad is virtually complete.

They continue preparations with away friendlies at Hutton tomorrow, Punjab on Friday and Buckhurst Hill on Saturday.

“We’re always looking to improve but the squad is very settled,” said Maxwell.

“We’re working on our style of play now with the players we have, so