Defender Sam Beard signed on a permanent contract from Dorking Wanderers at the beginning of July 2021 after undisclosed compensation was agreed between the two clubs. He initially joined on loan from Dorking Wanderers in April 2021 and put in several extremely impressive performances during his short time with the club. During his first spell at the club, Beard won man of the match award on his debut away to Maidenhead United, before putting in a string of consistent shows before the end of the campaign, making him a firm fan favourite. Before joining the Bees, Beard played a critical role in Dorking Wanderers’ rise through the divisions, winning two promotions in his five seasons with the Wanderers. He’s had a strong impact on the two previous campaigns as well. He helped them into the National League South Play-offs during the 2019/20 season, before being a part of the side that was top of the league in the 2020/21 season before the campaign was declared null and void.