We are excited to confirm the signing of forward Louis Moult.
Louis, most recently with Crewe Alexandra, reunites with manager Kevin Wilkin, having played for him twice previously, at both Nuneaton Town and Wrexham.
Louis featured in our pre-season fixtures against Walsall and Stafford Rangers as a trialist, and Kevin’s relationship with the experienced striker helped to bring about a speedy agreement on a deal.
“Yeah, I took Louis to Nuneaton with me and then to Wrexham from there; obviously he got a good move to Motherwell and restarted his Football League career. We've sort of remained in contact over the period and had a sort of chat with him at the end of last season. His time at Crewe was coming to an end, so he was actively exploring options and what the next sort of stage of his career looked like, and this is where we find ourselves.”
Asked about the assets Kevin feels Louis can bring, Kevin explained:
“We needed to add a little bit of experience in light of Jimmy (Armson) moving on and just with where we are as a group, so that fits nicely. We had a discussion about where it's at; I wanted to see him in training, which he did, and he ran really, really well. He's looked after himself; he's in good nick for his age, and he’ll bring that bit of quality.”
“People will say he's a clever footballer with a good touch and a real eye for goal. I think if we can give him the chances and opportunities to score, I'd like to think he's more than capable of doing so, and he has done all his career. He's quite a clever player; he understands where to be, with good movement, and he’ll bring added competition to that front line.”
At 34 years of age, Louis has got plenty of experience to impart, another factor that attracted Kevin towards striking a deal.
“You're always trying to strike that balance of youth and experience. Sometimes it comes together just how you want, and sometimes it doesn't. I know what Louis is all about; he will work hard for the cause, which is really important. He’s never been a fast player, but he can get around the pitch, and his level of fitness is pretty good. Hopefully, he'll tie it nicely with what we've got.”
As he alluded to, Louis’s scoring record in both of his previous spells under Kevin earned him a move to SPL side Motherwell, and consistent scoring for the Lanarkshire side over three seasons resulted in a switch to EFL Championship side Preston North End.
Injury restricted his impact at Deepdale, and he moved to Burton Albion, but returned to Motherwell on a season-long loan; regrettably, this terminated early due to injury.
Dundee United came calling, and Louis contributed eighteen league goals as they won the 2023/24 Scottish Championship and promotion to the SPL. He added to his Tangerines tally as they secured a fourth-placed finish in the following season, but was released and joined Crewe.
Departing Gresty Road at the end of last season, Louis has now linked up with his former manager at the SEAH Stadium and should feature in our final pre-season fixture on Saturday (1st August), when we host Tamworth in a 3 pm kick-off.
We hope to see as many of you as possible ahead of our season opener on 8th August, when we entertain Brackley Town, and all that remains is to say:
Welcome to the Bucks, Louis!
PS You may want to make sure you have your Bucks smartphone app notifications switched on, with more signings on the near horizon.