Brakes sign hotshot striker Smith from Bulls

LEAMINGTON have completed their second transfer of the 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 relegation.

Lance said: ‘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.’

Holleran 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.”