The club are delighted to announce to signing of another local youngster as Paul Holleran wraps up his preparations for our return to the National League North.
This is a 'return' of sorts for Leamington born Teddy Rowe, who was snapped up by Aston Villa after being scouted from the Brakes junior section as an 8 year old, and remained with the Birmingham club until the end of last season.
Teddy made his first team debut for Villa from the substitutes bench in an FA Cup 3rd Round tie against Liverpool in the 2021/22 season, and prior to the beginning of the following season he signed his first professional contract.
A loan spell at Gloucester City last season saw Teddy score his first goal in senior football, and gave him valuable experience for what is to come this season.
'Speaking to the gaffer and seeing the history of players who have been here going into the full time game it was a pretty easy decision to come here,' said Rowe. 'Being a local lad also helps, knowing people all around the club. Me and my Dad have been coming to games for a number of years as fans, so it will be nice to walk out finally as a player.'
'We've been aware of Teddy for some time,' said the manager. 'Obviously he is known to people at the club, being a local lad, and I believe he and his family were at Telford supporting us in the Play Off Final.
'We'd actually seen Teddy at Gloucester last year when he was on loan. As well as being in one of the best academies in the country he has been out and had a taste of non league football as well. I think that in the three or four games he has been involved in, people can see what a different dimension he brings.
'We were keen to do something with Teddy, and I think that where he is at the moment, he has taken stock of it all, like a lot of youngsters released from professional football clubs. He's got to try and build himself back up again, maybe with a slightly different identity; he's got to get used to this level of football, but he's got all the attributes to do that. I couldn't see any reason why he can't do the same as other lads we have had at the club, and some that are here at the moment. It's been really good having him around the place; he's a really good kid, and it was very easy because it was something he wanted to do. We think he will be a good asset to the squad. He can play in a number of positions, and we are really looking forward to working with him and seeing how he develops this year.
'He has a really good pedigree, and comes from a really good family, and they are always good starting blocks. We are hoping he can settle in and blossom here, and we'll see where he goes.
Although they are no strangers to the football club, nevertheless we would like to welcome Teddy and his family, and hope he enjoys a successful time with us.
