AFC Totton
Perri Iandolo is sponsored by Scott Beck Paving Ltd
MIDFIELDER PERRI IANDOLO has signed for AFC Totton, just a few days after leaving National League South side Maidstone United by mutual consent.
An academy graduate at his hometown club, he played for The Stones at U16, U18 and U23 levels before two loan spells during the course of last season took him first into the Isthmian League South East Division with Faversham Town, and then into the National League South with Hemel Hempstead Town.
He made his National League debut almost exactly a year ago, as a substitute in a 0-2 defeat at Southend United on Good Friday 2023. Maidstone were subsequently relegated, after finishing bottom of the 24-team Step 1 division.
Described by his former manager George Elokobi as a player with flair, Perri has made a total of 13 appearances in all competitions this season, including as a 74th-minute substitute in Maidstone’s remarkable 2-1 victory against Ipswich Town at Portman Road in the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup in January.
His brother Ellis, who is five years Perri’s senior, also came through the youth ranks with Maidstone United before moving to Swindon Town in 2015, and going on to win the League Two title with The Robins in 2019/20. After eight years at the County Ground, Ellis joined Colchester United at the start of the 2023/24 season.
Perri admits to having become frustrated by what he regarded as a lack of first team opportunity at the Gallagher Stadium and was keen to seek advice prior to walking away from the Kent-based club.
“I know Joan Luque and he told me AFC Totton is a real family club, pushing hard for the Play-Offs. I also spoke to my brother and my Dad to let them know what I was thinking, and they both encouraged me to make the move if I thought it was the right step,” explains the 21-year-old.
“Jimmy Ball told me the team was doing well but he needed more bodies in midfield; he sees me as having the potential to help improve the squad ahead of what will hopefully be a positive end to the season and to be part of a competitive squad next year.”
“I see myself as a Step 2-level player with a good shout of making it at Step 1. I wasn’t getting as many games as I would have liked at Maidstone, but playing for Totton provides a potential route back to the higher levels of non-league football.”
Perri describes himself as a No.10 or No.8. Asked to liken his style of play to a well-known professional footballer he opts for James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur, although being a fan of Liverpool, the player he most admires is The Reds’ Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Stags boss Jimmy Ball commented of his new signing:
“I’m pleased to be bringing Perri into the club. He’s a very technical, dynamic midfield player. He’s good on the ball and brings a lot of experience to the squad from his time at Maidstone United in the National League and the National League South. I’m looking forward to seeing him out on the pitch, making a positive contribution to the team as we head into the business end of the season.”
Perri made his AFC Totton debut as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Beaconsfield Town, coming on to add some fresh impetus into the midfield during a period in which the visitors were threatening to get back into the game despite trailing two-nil. The new man then played an integral part in the move that resulted in Ethan Taylor ending the match as a contest with Totton’s decisive third goal.
Perri Iandolo is sponsored by Scott Beck Paving Ltd
By Ben Rochey-Adams
