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Leamington have completed their second transfer of the extended close season by snapping up prolific striker Lance Smith from National League North rivals Hereford.

The frontman started his career at Littleton and Badsey Rangers in the Midland Combination before joining his home town club Evesham United where he spent three successful seasons, hitting the back of the net 74 times in 154 games.

He then joined Hereford ahead of the 2017/18 campaign as they continued their rapid rise back up the Pyramid, and Lance was well among the goals as they won the Southern League Premier Division at the first attempt.

Last season was a frustrating one for the 28 year old as he missed a large part of it while recovering from an ankle injury, but he was still able to return and play his part in keeping the Bulls away from the relegation spots.

On signing for Brakes, Lance had this to say: 'I'm delighted to sign for Leamington. After a long journey with a niggling injury I finally feel like it's fixed and I'm ready for a new challenge.

'Paul Holleran has been in contact with me ever since it happened and he has shown constant support, which has made my decision to join Leamington easy. I believe the club is the perfect fit for me at this stage in my career and I am looking forward to meeting everyone there, and to hitting the ground running when it is safe and possible to do so.'

The manager was pleased to have finally been able to tie up a deal for a player he has been tracking for some years now: 'I'm obviously delighted - it's third time lucky really! We've tried before with Lance. He had to go under the knife at the back end of the previous season to sort out an ankle problem but it's fixed now and he's in great condition.

'He's the type of number nine that I think the fans will enjoy watching - he's a very hard working, honest player and will weigh in with his fair share of goals, so we're delighted to get him on board and we look forward to working with him.'

We would like to welcome Lance to Leamington Football Club and wish him a successful time here.

Photograph © Bulls News

Leamington have completed their first piece of business in preparation for the 2020/2021 campaign by snapping up Kyle Morrison from Alvechurch.

The 24 year old Birmingham based defender has spent the last two seasons with the Worcestershire club in the Southern League Premier Division, his second spell there after beginning his career at Lye Meadow as a 16 year old, where he spent 3 years gaining valuable experience in the Midland Alliance and the Midland League.

His performances caught the eye of then Halesowen Town boss John Hill, and Kyle switched to the Yeltz where he racked up over 120 appearances in the Northern Premier League in a 3 year period before returning to Alvechurch in 2018, helping them to the play off final before captaining the side last season.

Manager Paul Holleran was pleased to have snared another bright young talent from the 'Church after signing Josh March last summer, and said 'I am delighted to get Kyle on board. He has spent the last few seasons at Step 3 and is a very reliable, robust player. He is still young but has played well over 200 games at that level. He reminds me a lot of James Mace when he first came to the football club.

'We are looking forward to working with Kyle. He has displayed all the right attributes but it was his desire to play Step 2 football and for Leamington that impressed me most.'

While predominantly a centre back, Kyle is also comfortable at right back, and had this to say upon signing for Brakes:

'I'm delighted to have signed and really excited to get started on my new challenge. Leamington FC seems like a great football club with good people involved throughout. Paul has always had a close bunch of lads with good team spirit, and I am looking forward to getting involved!'

Photograph © Ian Mcvie, Alvechurch FC