Brakes hope to boost goals-for column with double signing

Leamington manager Paul Holleran knows he knows he must increase his side's goal threat if they are to make up for this season's play-off heartbreak.
Striker Ryan Rowe has joined Brakes.Striker Ryan Rowe has joined Brakes.
Striker Ryan Rowe has joined Brakes.

Only five teams scored fewer goals than Brakes last term in the Southern Premier, with three of those suffering relegation and Holleran has made pepping up his attacking options a priority.

“At the higher end of the pitch, going back to when we won it (in 2012/13) we had goals from Doddy and Lee Chilton,” said Holleran. “We need goals from more areas and the players we are looking at are youngish, pacy and give us a little bit more.

“The trouble is, other people are looking at them as well.”

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However, despite the competition, Brakes have already recruited former Stourbridge striker Ryan Rowe, who Holleran hopes can emulate the success of Danny Newton.

“You look at players who have had one or two seasons off it and that can go again.

“It was the case with Danny Newton who had lost his way a bit and then found it again with us and it worked out well.

“Ryan still scored 20 goals last season although he scored quite a few for Lye.

“He needs to get back on the pitch regularly.

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“He felt he wanted to play in the right environment to get back among the goals.

“There’s no doubt a switched- on Ryan Rowe in the right shape will do a good job for us.”

Joining Rowe at the New Windmill is former loanee Robbie Thompson-Brown.

The 23-year-old has flitted around a number of clubs since being released by Kidderminster Harriers, including spending a short stint at Brakes, but Holleran believes he is now ready to fulfil his potential.

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“Lots of young lads drop out of pro clubs and are thrown to the lions.

“They get no help and it takes them a couple of years to sort themselves out.

“The most important thing for them is to be in and around the first team.

“Robbie benefited from playing 40 to 50 games last season and hopefully he will bring that momentum to Leamington.”

Connor Gudger and Richard Taundry have also agreed terms, joining Jamie Hood, Tony Breeden and Jack Edwards in committing to Brakes for the 2016/17 campaign.

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