BREAKING NEWS:

Hoddesdon Town have pulled off a STUNNER in the transfer market, signing goal machine Stuart Zanone from Hutton FC in a move that will have fans buzzing!

Zanone, a prolific striker known for his eye-popping scoring record, has been ripping up defences in non league football for many years, and now, he's set to bring his deadly finishing to Lowfield, in what could be a game-changing moment for the Lilywhites.

The signing is being hailed as a major coup for Hoddesdon, with Zanone’s experience and goal-scoring prowess expected to give their promotion hopes a massive boost. Having played in what used to be known as the Ryman Premier League at Step 3 of the National League System (NLS), Stuart brings a high level of expertise, knowledge and skill to the dressing room.

Last season, Zanone was the main man for Dunmow Town FC, where he scored a jaw-dropping 38 goals in 33 games during their successful run to the Thurlow Nunn Division One South play-off finals. The season before that, he was even more impressive as he notched a staggering 61 goals in 36 games as Dunmow won the Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier Division in style.

Incredibly, during his spell at Dunmow, it took Zanone just 58 games to reach a staggering 100 goals for the club—a feat that cements his place as one of the most lethal finishers in non-league football. And if that wasn't enough, he’s already off to a flyer this season, bagging 15 goals in 13 games and leading the chase for yet another Golden Boot, ahead of Billy Titley (13) of May & Baker and Reece Simpson (12) of AS London.

Hoddesdon are no strangers to Zanone’s goal-scoring prowess either, as he netted two goals across two games against them last season while playing for Dunmow. He scored one in a 2-0 win at Lowfield and added a consolation goal in a 4-1 defeat as Hoddesdon triumphed away from home back in March. Stuart also featured for Hutton in the recent game between the two sides, with Hoddesdon running out 2-0 winners on that occasion.

Zanone’s career has been a rich journey across non-league football, particularly in Kent, where he turned out for clubs like Erith, Thamesmead Town, and Herne Bay. His experience doesn’t stop there – he’s also plied his trade closer to home with stints at Waltham Abbey, Cheshunt, and Welwyn Garden City. His vast experience across multiple leagues makes him a true veteran, known for terrorising defences wherever he’s played.

But this isn’t the first time Zanone has set the non-league world alight.

Back in the 2014/15 season, he tore up the Bostik League South East Division with Ashford United, where he smashed an incredible 47 goals in 39 games. His unbelievable haul included a stunning seven-goal performance at Lingfield, a match that instantly became part of local football legend. He bagged a hat-trick in the first half of the Southern Counties East Football League fixture and followed it up with an incredible four more in the second period to claim a new club record. At the time, Zanone remarked “I can remember every one – I think the sixth was my best. I scored just the one tap in and the rest were all good goals and all seven were with my right foot!”

What makes Zanone’s story even more remarkable is that he’s not just a goal machine on the pitch – he’s also an ex-soldier, having served in the military before his footballing career took off. His discipline, resilience, and determination, honed in the forces, have clearly translated into his goal-scoring heroics.

And to top it all off, Zanone currently resides in Harlow, making the move to Hoddesdon a perfect fit for the local hero to continue banging in the goals.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time the name Zanone has graced the pitch at Hoddesdon. Both of his brothers, Sam and Jack, had short stints with the club back in the early 2010s.

Hoddesdon Town gaffer Simon Riddle couldn’t hide his delight, adding "We’ve been tracking Stuart for a while, and we know exactly what he brings. He's a natural-born finisher, and his presence will lift the entire squad."

Zanone’s goal tally and Golden Boot-winning heroics have earned him a reputation as one of the deadliest and most determined strikers in non-league football. The fans can expect fireworks as the new man gets ready to light up Lowfield!

We are also pleased to announce the re-signing of goalkeeper Ethan Gannon. Ethan has played a huge part at Hoddesdon in past seasons, often deputising for regular stopper Liam Nugent and it is great news that he has joined us again, further bolstering an excellent squad.

It’s a HUGE statement of intent from Hoddesdon, who have their sights set on climbing the league this season, and with Zanone leading the line, the sky’s the limit. We would like to welcome Stuart and Ethan to Lowfield and we hope they enjoy their time with us. They join a talented squad who have played together for a number of years now and we look forward to everyone playing their part and helping the Lilywhites challenge for honours.

Welcome to the Zanone Zone – it's going to be a belter!

#COYL