Hornchurch have confirmed the signings of goalkeeper Mason Terry and forward Angelo Balanta as Daryl McMahon continues to bolster his squad ahead of their first National League South campaign since 2012.

Terry, 19, joins the Urchins from West Ham on a season-long loan deal having spent the last 10 years in the Hammers academy. The agile shot stopper joined the Premier League club as a nine-year-old after being scouted playing for Sunday league side Essex All Stars.

He worked his way up the age groups and represented the Hammers in their recent FA Youth Cup success, starting all six matches and conceding an average of one goal per game as the club claimed its fourth title. 

Terry's fine form was rewarded with a professional contract ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, spending the season on loan at Concord Rangers and catching the eye of McMahon in games against the Urchins.

“We are delighted to secure Mason’s services for the season, and I would like to personally thank West Ham United for entrusting us with such a talented young player for the season,” said chairman Alex Sharp.

“Mason was outstanding for Concord last season and must have made 10 fantastic saves against us before we finally secured a 1-0 win. Mason shows maturity beyond his years and is a real physical presence who I think will benefit from playing in the NLS with Hornchurch, although I’m very sure he will play at a much higher level in the near future.”

Veteran forward Balanta, born in the city of Cali in Columbia, moved to England as a youngster with his family and joined Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

He spent time on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, MK Dons and Yeovil Town during a seven-year period on the books of QPR, before making a permanent switch to Bristol Rovers in the summer of 2014.

After spells at Dagenham & Redbridge, Carlisle United and Boreham Wood, Balanta adds a wealth of experience operating in the lower tiers of English football.

“I’m so pleased we've been able to attract someone of Angelo’s talent and experience of playing at a higher level to the club,” added Sharp.

“We saw the impact Sean Scannell’s skill and professionalism had on the whole squad last season, and, in Angelo, we’ve signed a player who will make and score goals but also help our current players reach new levels as well with his wealth of experience.

"Angelo is a real crowd pleaser and I know our fans are going to love him and give him a very warm welcome to the club."

Prior to confirmation of the new additions, Urchins also announced their final retained list ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Under contract: Liam Nash, Ade Yusuff, George Saunders.

Retained: Femi Akinwande, Sean Scannell, Ryan Scott, Mauro Vilhete, Nathan Green, Tommie Hoban, Nathan Bertram-Cooper, Quentin Monville, Remi Sutton, Dion-Curtis Henry, Ollie Muldoon, Tom Wraight, Joe Christou, Lennon Peake.

Departing: Lewwis Spence, Jordan Clark, Lewis Manor, Michael O’Donoghue, Joe Wright, Jack Taylor (loan), Thomas Avgoustidis (loan), Makise Evans (loan).