Walton & Hersham boss Chuck Martini says Jason Pinnock’s chances of becoming a Swan have been dealt a blow after he tore his hamstring on Saturday.
The striker had been playing for a place in Martini’s Ryman Division One South squad, but came off the bench in the weekend’s 1-1 draw at Tooting & Mitcham only to make a swift return.
Fellow trialist and midfielder Tommy Williams has penned a deal to become player-coach at Stompond Lane and Pinnock had been expected to join him in the squad for the coming campaign.
But Martini admits that plan has been thrown into doubt now the frontman is sidelined.
“It happened when he went into his first challenge after he came on as a sub, and it looks like he’ll be out for while,” he said.
“He has been playing for a place and I don’t see him making the start of the season.”
Martini has been boosted by the arrival of Havant & Waterlooville striker Chamal Fenelon and Fulham youngster Richard Barroilhet – a French U19 international in his second year as a young pro at Craven Cottage.
The Swans chief has picked up former QPR trainee Jonathan Munday, on a dual registration with Maidenhead, and will also run the rule over a mystery Italian Serie C player.
“Richie has been sent here on loan to toughen him up a bit,” he added.
“He certainly has the quality and is very highly thought of by Fulham.
“There is no doubting his ability he just needs to adapt to the English game.
“I can’t pronounce or spell the Italian lad’s name, I just call him Rob. He wrote asking for a trial. He has a good CV, so we’ll take a look.”
The Swans, who had Phil Williams on the scoresheet again at the weekend, host Blue Square South Maidenhead United on Saturday and Martini is upbeat.
He said: “We are deliberately playing teams from a higher level and there have been plenty of positives. I wish the season started sooner.”
The Swans beat Kingstonian 2-1 on Tuesday with new signing Chamal Fenelon getting on the scoresheet.
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