Paul Holleran has continued his squad building for the forthcoming season by turning to young emerging local talent with the acquisition of striker Callum Stewart.
The 21 year old, who lives little more than a Ben Usher-Shipway long throw from Your Co-op Community Stadium, spent time with the squad during pre season last year, scoring in a warm up fixture at Boldmere St Michaels before returning to Coventry Sphinx, with whom he had enjoyed a fantastic first season in senior football, scoring 40 goals in 44 games. He repeated the feat again last season as Sphinx won the United Counties League Premier Division South to win promotion to Step 4 for the first time. Prior to joining Sphinx, Callum worked with our former first team coach Liam O’Neill at Rugby Town’s academy.
Upon signing for his home town club, Callum had this to say: ‘I’m delighted to sign for Leamington, and obviously being from the town I’m really excited to get going. I know a couple of the lads from last year, and I’m really looking forward to meeting the rest of them as well.’
Both manager and player feel that the time is right to test the water at a higher level. Holleran said ‘Callum is a local boy who has had a couple of seasons in mens football. His stats and performances don’t lie, and he deserves the chance to step up and have a go. I think he feels in himself - which is important - confident that he can do it, and we believe he’s got the ability, so we’re hoping that he can come in in pre season, get his head down and start adapting to the club and to the level.
‘What people have to remember is that scoring goals is scoring goals, no matter what level you score them at. We are looking forward to working with Callum.’
We would like to welcome Callum to Leamington Football Club, and hope he enjoys a long and successful spell with us. We also look forward to seeing his father Sandy back at Brakes games.
