Signed from: Rugby United

Brakes debut: 27/08/05 v Sutton Town - FA Cup Preliminary Round - Drew 0-0

Appearances (2005/06): 22 starts, 1 sub appearance 

Paul Shepherd only played for Leamington for one season, but will always be fondly remembered by Brakes fans for the huge part he played in our cup runs during the enjoyable 2005/06 campaign. 

'Shep' made his debut in our first FA Cup tie for almost 18 years, a 0-0 draw against a monied Sutton Town side. Nobody dreamt that Leamington would go all the way to the first round proper, but they did exactly that. He saved a penalty in the marathon shoot out in the replay at Sutton, then having been replaced by Richard Morris for the 1st Qualifying Round tie at Kidsgrove, Shep was to come on in the second half for the injured Mozza, the home fans rubbing their hands together with glee mistakenly thinking he was an outfield player, but Shep ensured our passage into the next round with an unbelievable save right at the end of the game. 

The next round tie against Midland Alliance rivals Oadby Town went to a replay in Leicestershire, and once again Paul was the hero, saving two penalties to book our passage into the 3rd Qualifying Round against local-ish rivals Woodford United, where he was afforded a quieter afternoon as Alex Rodman took centre stage to fire us to within 90 minutes of the competition proper. 

Of course, the win at Osset Town in the 4th Qualifying Round took us to Colchester United in the !st Round proper, but sadly Shep was denied the chance to step out on possibly the biggest stage of his career as Jason Cadden decided to pick Richard Morris in goal. Whilst understandly crestfallen with the decision, the way in which Shep accepted it was a credit to him, and he was still fully involved in what was a memorable day for the club despite the result. 

Paul still played a big part in the rest of the season, featuring in a number of league and cup games, winning another penalty shoot for us in the League Cup against Coalville Town. As he was replaced by Morris for the semi and then the final of that competition, it was perhaps not really surprising that he did not remain at Leamington for the following season. Nevertheless, he has a special place in our history for his considerable contribution to an unforgettable season.