Hood rejects Barwell advances to commit to Brakes

LEAMINGTON have beaten off the advances of a string of clubs to retain the services of centre-back Jamie Hood for the 2012/13 season.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Jun 2012, 13:51 BST

Big-spending Barwell are known to be one of the sides who were courting Hood but in choosing to remain at the New Windmill, the former Halesowen and Atherstone Town defender completes an encouraging few days for Brakes boss Paul Holleran.

“We are delighted that amid speculation and offers from other clubs, Jamie Hood has decided to stay with Leamington for a third season,” said Holleran.

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“This is another important piece in the squad jigsaw and ensures continuity in defence, where we had one of the best records in the division last season.”

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Supporters’ and players’ player of the year Stephan Morley has committed to Brakes for next season, joining James Mace, Michael Tuohy, Nathan Vaughan and Neil Barnfield in agreeing terms.

Midfielders Lee Chilton, James Husband, Richard Batchelor, Matt Dodd and Alex Taylor have also agreed to stay with the club as they look to make up for the disappointment of missing out on the play-offs.

As revealed last week on Twitter (@CourierSportEd), Holleran has bolstered his attacking options with the addition of Dean Perrow from Chasetown, with the striker set to be joined in a new-look front two by Lewis Powell.

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Powell, 22, is the son of former Brakes caretaker manager Wayne, and joins from Southern League Premier Division rivals Chippenham Town.

He is no stranger to Leamington fans having scored twice in a 4-4 draw at the New Windmill in the 2009/10 season and again in the reverse fixture and leaves Hardenhuish Park having notched more than 50 goals.

“Lewis comes with a proven goalscoring record at this level,” said Holleran.

“He’s had a bit of bad luck with injuries here and there, but he is two-footed, technically very good, is a clever, tidy player and I’m looking forward to seeing him perform in a Leamington shirt.

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“The thing that stood out for us is that like Dean Perrow, he was very keen to come to the club and is hungry for success.”

Meanwhile, Mansfield Town are the latest addition to Brakes’ pre-season schedule.

The Blue Square Bet Premier Division side will visit the New Windmill on Saturday July 14 (3pm).

Brakes will also be facing a Leicester City XI on a date yet to be announced.

Pre-season schedule

Tuesday July 10 Sutton Coldfield Town (a)

Saturday July 14 Mansfield Town (h)

Saturday July 21 Coventry Sphinx (a)

Saturday July 28 Brackley Town (h)

Saturday August 4 Nuneaton Town (a)

Saturday August 11 Worcester City (h)

TBA: Leicester City (h)