Wycombe Wanderers: Dayle Southwell jumped at EFL chance after 54 goals for Boston United

After hitting 54 goals in two seasons at Boston United in the National League North, Dayle Southwell has his EFL chance.

And the new Wycombe Wanderers striker is eager to grasp his opportunity.

Southwell, 22, became Gareth Ainsworth's first summer signing at Adams Park earlier this week by penning a two-year deal with the Sky Bet League Two club.

It sees him return to full-time football – something he has been eyeing up ever since his release from Grimsby Town in the summer of 2014 – and is just reward after two years of hard work in a factory off the field, and hot goalscoring form with the Pilgrims on it.

"When I was released by Grimsby and was going into part-time football and getting a job, you suddenly think you're on your way down," the front man told Chairboys Player HD. "But I always believed and showed what I could do at Boston in part-time football.

"When this opportunity [joining Wycombe] came about, it's one that I jumped at because I've always wanted to get back into full-time football.

"My first impressions have been brilliant – the facilities, the training ground; everything about the club and the welcoming I've had on social media – it's all been very overwhelming."

I am now delighted to sign for @wwfcofficial and get my chance to play in the football league. Can't wait to get started!!!⚽️
— Dayle Southwell (@daylesouthwell) June 21, 2016

While Southwell backs his own ability, it's fair to say Wycombe boss Ainsworth, who dropped into non-league football himself during his playing days, is an admirer.

The Chairboys boss revealed he had been tracking Southwell for a period of time and is eager to see the striker make his mark in the EFL.

"I’m thrilled to be able to bring him here," Ainsworth told wycombewanderers.co.uk.

"There were a lot of clubs looking at him but we know we can offer him a real opportunity to make his name in the EFL and develop his potential even further.

“He’s a physical striker who knows where the goal is and I’m confident that his all-round play will benefit us. It’s a great step up for Dayle and I think he could prove to be a really exciting signing for us.”