When teenager Flinn Filler scored on his debut earlier this season, another young Kings striker would’ve been instantly reminded of his breakthrough moment towards the end of last season.

Jake Tibbetts burst onto the scene with a handful of goals in the last weeks of the 2023/24 season following a strong year playing for our Under 18’s in the Southern Counties Floodlit League.

Now a fully-fledged member of our 1st team squad, Tibbetts reflects on those closing months which set him on the path to senior football.

‘It felt great to have that opportunity and be able to give something to the team and getting myself a few goals too. Having the chance to come in and play alongside the likes of Rayan Clarke and Louie Collier did help me a lot.’

As well as Clarke and Collier, Jake reflects on the influence of other senior players last season including the now retired Rene Howe.

This season, having joined pre-season training a little later than some, he counts one of our new signings among those he sees as being able to have a continued impact on his upward trajectory.

‘I’m trying to learn from those around me all the time. Watching Rene last season and being around him towards the end of the season he taught me a lot especially with my aerial battles. This season with Lance (Williams) coming in I get to see how another experienced striker plays, so I’m trying to pick up on a few things he does and apply it to my game.’

Despite his youth, Tibbetts is ambitious and sees his progress from age group football to senior football as just the start.

‘The ambition is always to have that starting striker position but with Lance and Qasim (Khan) this season I know it’s going to be a challenge, so just taking my chances when I come on and get a few extra goals for the team and hopefully get some good results.’

There are sure to be plenty of opportunities for Jake to continue to impress at The Orbital Fasteners Stadium and there will be plenty of interest from our current Under 18’s squad as they look to follow the trail he has blazed.

This interview is taken from the Digital Programme for our home fixture against Northwood on 21st September, which is available to download HERE