Give me five! Rams reveal new players
RA M S B O T TOM United have announced the signing of FIVE new players as the 2021/22 season gets underway.
Forward Godwin Abadaki, midfielder Joel Earps, Will Hall, goalkeeper Tom Stewart and winger James Murphy have all joined the club as they aim for promotion in the Northern Premier League.
Abadaki has joined the Rams from fellow Northern Premier League side Buxton.
The 27-year-old came through the ranks at Rochdale before moving to Huddersfield and then into non-league with spells at Hyde United, Shaw Lane, Stalybridge, Northwich Victoria and Mossley.
He was a part of the side that won the Conference North with Hyde United in 2011/12 and the Northern Premier League Division One South with Shaw Lane in 2016/17.
On joining the club, he said: “The manager attracted me as I’ve worked with him back at Shaw Lane and I know what he’s about and what they demand.
“Pre-season has been good. It’s been tough, but I’ve kept in good shape and I can’t wait for the start of the season – it’s been a long time coming.
“We have a good squad of players and we have to have a goal of promotion or giving ourselves a chance to get promoted when coming to the end of the season.”
Abadaki’s brother Osebi is a former Rams player, who played for the club in the 2014/15 season. Osebi is now at Barwell FC.
Manager, Lee Donafee said: “I’m delighted that Godwin has joined Ramsbottom. He’s a player I have previously managed so know him well. He’s a great lad and he is a great addition to this Rammy side. Godwin can play in a number of positions and cannot wait for him to get going.“
Also joining Ramsbottom United is midfielder
Joel Earps. The 26-yearold has recently moved to the local area from Nottingham.
He’s most recently played at Wisbech and Yaxley, who this season have both moved into the newly formed NPL Midlands Division.
Football is popular in the Earps family – his sister Mary currently plays for Manchester United
Women and has 36 caps in an England shirt from youth to senior level.
Speaking to ramsbottomunited.co.uk after signing, Joel said: “The main attraction for me was the manager combined with the togetherness and general feeling around the club.
“The support from the very first session was amazing, I felt very welcome and at home. The manager has been very supportive and really helped my confidence coming back having barely played, given Covid.
“Secondly, the style of play the manager is looking to instil is a big bonus.”
On his aims for the season, Earps said: “For me personally, it’s silverware and promotion. I would love to win something come the end of the season!”
Manager Lee Donafee added: “Joel has come in mid-pre-season. He has improved in the latter stages which has resulted in us signing him. I believe there will be more to come from Joel and he is a welcome addition to the club.”
The Rams have also confirmed the loan signing of Will Hall from Altrincham.
Hall joins the club on the eve of the season and will join the club for a period of a month.
The 19-year-old has had spells previously at the club at a junior level and has also spent time at Salford City and Whitchurch Alport.
Donafee said: “Will has come to us on loan from Altrincham, I would like to thank Phil Parkinson for his support in getting this deal done. Will has been with us now for a few weeks and we are all delighted he’s come home.
“As a Rammy native, Will is no stranger to the town and came through the Ramsbottom youth teams.
“He has all the attributes to go as far as he wants in the game. I’m grateful we will be playing a part in his football education and progression. He’s a top lad with a great personality and is a great addition to the club.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tom Stewart has rejoined the club after a spell away with Stalybridge Celtic.
Stewart made 31 appearances for the club during the null and voided 2019/20 season.
He has appeared in a number of pre-season friendlies and has already played a competitive game this season making an appearance for Bury AFC in their opening NWCFL fixture.
Donafee said: “Having previously worked with Tom at Ramsbottom to bring him back is a massive coup for the club.
“Tom is a wellrespected lad within the squad he’s been here before knows the group and knows what’s needed to be here. Fantastic addition.”
The fifth player announced by Ramsbottom United is winger James Murphy.
The 24-year-old has played in the Welsh pyramid for the majority of his career so far, having spells at Rhyl, Newtown and Airbus UK Broughton. More recently he was at North West Counties side Litherland REMYCA before joining the Rams.
Speaking to ramsbottomunited.co.uk after signing, Murphy said: “The step-up attracted me to sign the better standard of football and the manager being keen to sign me it really helped me make my mind up.
“It’s great to be playing again after so long off, the aim was to just stay fit and keeping ticking over as we didn’t know when we could be back in, but now it’s back and the season is starting I’m buzzing for it.”
Donafee said: “James Murphy is a player who was on our radar, I was delighted when he agreed to join us and since he’s come in with us he’s been impressive, James is an exciting young player and will be a valuable member to the squad.”