The club are proud to announce that striker Colby Bishop has secured a move back to the Football League with League 1 side Accrington Stanley. Colby has signed for an undisclosed free with add ons, penning a three year contract with the Lancashire club.
Joining us in summer 2017 from Boston United, Colby did not score his first goal for the club until his eighth game, grabbing the winner in a 2-1 success at FC United of Manchester, but he really hit form towards the end of the year, bagging a hat trick against Spennymoor and scoring a stunning goal in a win at Tamworth before his season came to an untimely end on Boxing Day against Brackley Town, but not before he had scored to help us to a draw.
Colby made his return around 10 months later on October 27th 2018 against Darlington, scoring a penalty in a 2-2 draw, and went on to enjoy a fantastic season, scoring 29 goals in 36 games. His total over his two seasons with Leamington is 37 in 58 games, a superb ratio.
In what turned out to be his last game for the club Colby signed off in typical style on Tuesday against Walsall, with a goal.
Manager Paul Holleran said ''I'm absolutely delighted for Colby, who has been a model professional while at Leamington Football Club. I always thought there was a strong possibility that this scenario would occur which is why I recruited strikers Kaiman Anderson and Josh March to the club during the close season.
'I truly believe that there is a possibility that Colby could achieve at an even higher level of football. To recover from a serious ACL injury in 9 months is testament to his professionalism, desire and his work ethic. I'm sure that all Leamington fans wish him well for the future.'
Chairman Jim Scott had this to say: 'Whilst it's disappointing to lose Colby so close to the start of the season we felt we couldn't stand in his way of achieving his ambition of full time professional football again, particularly with it being in League 1.'
'This is also a good news story for the club as it is further proof that young players will get an opportunity at Leamington to progress their careers. In the last 7 years, Jacob Blyth, Danny Newton, Courtney Baker-Richardson and now Colby have all made the move to the full time professional ranks of the Football League'
'We would like to thank manager John Coleman and Accrington Stanley for the manner in which they have conducted themselves during the negotiations.'
Brakes fans will get an opportunity to see Accrington in action at the start of next season when they bring their squad down to Warwickshire for a pre season friendly.
On behalf of all at Leamington Football Club we would like to thank Colby for his tremendous efforts during his time with us, and wish him all the very best going forward in the next stage of his career.
