The evergreen Stephan Morley has his sights set on joining the exclusive 300 club at Leamington after agreeing a new deal for the 2021/2022 season.
The experienced left back made just over 200 appearances for Brakes in his first spell at the club between 2010 and 2015, lifting the Southern League Premier Division title as Paul Holleran’s skipper in 2013, and had hit 250 by the time last season was brought to a premature halt in February.
Having returned to Leamington from league rivals AFC Telford United early in the 2019/20 campaign, Steph spoke about how he feels it has gone so far, and the prickly subject of his departure after his first spell with us:
‘After coming back halfway through the season before last, I started off a bit slowly but I hadn’t played much football after a niggly calf injury that wouldn’t leave me alone, but I think after the first few games I was back to being myself - quite a reliable performer week in week out. Last season I think I picked up where I had left off.
‘Before the season had ended early this year I had already agreed for this season with Paul. I’ve had options as I did last year when Gloucester came in for me, but I’m at a completely different stage now. I love being at Leamington and I have enjoyed my football more than ever since returning!
‘I don’t think I’ve spoken about leaving the club before. I left to try and better myself with my career path. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and the Corby option at the time seemed like it would be best to start coaching etc, but that never really took off. Since returning to Leamington all the players and staff have made me so welcome it’s felt like I never left the club. I know a few fans still aren’t that keen but I’d hope they all know I give my all from my previous spell and since my return. I think I’ve played over 250 games now, so it’s a club that’s been a massive part of my football career, and still is! It’s a great non league club run by great people. I’m buzzing to be all sorted and signed up for this coming season, and think that if we’re able to keep the core of the squad and add a few we will kick on from the form we had last season.’
