Chesham United have kicked off their summer recruitment drive by signing veteran forward Barry Hayles as a player-coach.

The 43-year-old is a recognisable name in English football having played for clubs such as Fulham, Sheffield United, Millwall and Plymouth Argyle in a professional career which has spanned 21 years.

A Jamaican international, Hayles was most recently plying his trade for Truro City with whom he helped earn promotion to the Conference South last season.

The striker, who played against Chesham in the Southern Premier last term, is looking forward to undertaking his first coaching role at The Meadow.

He said: “I am really pleased to be coming to Chesham and starting a new chapter in my career as player-coach.

“I am really looking forward to the new season and working with the team that Andy is assembling to hopefully challenge again at the right end of the league.”

Hayles accumulated over 400 appearances in the Football League following spells with eight different clubs, scoring 144 goals along the way.

The most famed spell of his career was helping Fulham reach the Premier League in 2001 – where he scored 12 goals in his first season in the top flight.

“I have tried to sign Barry before, so it is great to finally get him to the club,” said Generals boss Andy Leese.

“He is incredibly fit, and still loves the game. He has a lot to offer on the pitch still, and now off it as well as he looks to start a coaching career.

“Barry started his career in Non League and has seen the game at all levels. He will be a major influence around the younger players just as Darren Purse was last season.

“He has good contacts in the game as well and Jon (Meakes) and I are looking forward to working with him.”

Leese’s business didn’t stop with the addition of Hayles, however, as he moved to bring in two more new faces to the club.

Attacking midfielder Brad Wadkins, who previously played in the youth, reserve and first teams at Chesham, returns to the Meadow alongside Matt Taylor, who has joined from St Albans.

Wadkins played 47 times for the Generals during the 2011/12 season, scoring nine times, before leaving to join Hendon.

Leese said: “Brad did well as a young player here before trying his luck elsewhere, and last season at Aylesbury FC he really found some form.

“At 21 I feel he has matured and will provide us with the quality as well as the hunger you get from young players.”

Fellow new addition Taylor is a central midfielder and has dropped down a division in order to join United.

“He has been at St Albans City all his career, and will add quality and a real desire to do well to the group,” said Leese.

“I am really pleased to get both lads in and I am sure they will keep the experienced lads on their toes and well as benefitting from being around them as we look to the future.”