Long limbed forward set for another season at Hassocks
Tall striker Jamie Wilkes will continue to dazzle the Beacon faithful with his long limbs and giraffe-like stature after signing for another year with Hassocks.
The rangy Wilkes contributed four goals from 36 appearances last season after re-joining the Robins for a second spell from AFC Uckfield Town.
Wilkes first came to prominence with his home village club Lindfield, setting the Mid Sussex Premier Division alight before joining St Francis Rangers in the 2019-20 season.
He made 10 Southern Combination League Division One appearances for Rangers before the first Covid-19 lockdown.
With his keen eye for talent, it was little surprise that Dave John spotted Wilkes and offered him an opportunity in senior football at the start of the 2020-21 season with Hassocks.
Wilkes started out in the Under 23s at the Beacon, making seven appearances and scoring once. His form soon pushed him into first team reckoning and four substitute appearances followed before Covid-19 brought another campaign to a halt.
The 2021-22 season saw Wilkes move to AFC Uckfield Town. He scored twice in 34 appearances with the Oakmen, becoming a popular figure with whoever ran the Uckfield Twitter account at the time.
He returned to Hassocks a year ago but in amongst a summer of high transfer activity at the Beacon as James Westlake set about building his new-look squad, the return of Wilkes almost went unnoticed.
He soon made his mark, however, with his first goal for the Robins arriving when Roffey were beaten 7-0 on August Bank Holiday Monday.
It was a proud moment for Wilkes and his watching friends and family, including father-in-law Steve Spies.
A Robins legend, Spies once scored two own goals, gave away a penalty and got sent off in a single game when playing for Hassocks IIIs against Wisdom Sports in 2007.
Of Wilkes’ three further strikes in the 2022-23 campaign, one was a genuine Goal of the Season contender against Horsham YMCA at the Beacon in February.
Collecting possession from Phil Gault 40 yards from goal, Wilkes embarked on a mesmerising run 20 yards up the pitch beyond two desperate YM challenges and drilled home a low shot via the left hand post to complete a 4-0 win for Hassocks.
The technical ability displayed when producing such a goal is not the only strength Wilkes has. He also possesses remarkable football intelligence, leading many to predict a bright future in management.
Before that though, the Robins will be looking forward to more goals and assists from Wilkes in 2023-24. Especially if he ends up playing in a pair of Hassocks shorts which actually fit him.
