Southam United vs Milton United Matchday Programme

WELCOME TO SOUTHAM UNITED

After a successful 2021/22 season in the OSL Prem, and a promotion to step 6 football, Head Coach Richard Kay made it no secret that he was out to find players to bring the squad to the next level and compete in the new league.

An extensive off-season and preseason allowed Kay and his staff to look at a number of new players interested in joining the club, and by the time the first match rolled around on August 3rd, he has made his selection. Today we highlight 4 of those new players he has brought in to bolster an already young and exciting club.

MITCH BOE The 27 year old centre- half comes to Southam United via Coventry Alvis, and has also featured for Long Buckby, where he stayed for 2 years, and AEI Rugby, where he got his start in men’s football.

Although the towering defender looks perfectly at home on Rich Kay’s back-line, he hasn’t always occupied that position. After playing in a more central midfield role when he was younger, the new Southam United addition grew to 6 foot and confidently moved to the back line, where he is able to play at any position.

Boe’s experience will undoubtedly help the squad, on-and-off the pitch, as the season progresses. Having won the Birmingham County FA Cup and the Coventry Telegraph Cup at the Ricoh with AEI Rugby, some of his favourite footballing memories, he will bring a winning mentality to an already ambitious club.

It was exactly this ambition that brought Boe to Southam United and with the ever-evolving new set up he hopes to help the team progress through the leagues.

Outside of matches on Saturday, Boe is a big Leeds supporter and tries to get to as many matches as he can. >

CHARLIE FITZMAURICE

Last season new signing, Charlie Fitzmaurice, played for local rivals Stockton FC after just finishing University and looking to get back into Saturday football. That time saw him complete a successful 3 years playing at Nottingham Trent University.

Prior to his time in Nottingham Fitzmaurice started his playing career at Leamington, having progressed from the youth team to the first team, before moving to Central Ajax in the Midland League to get game time and experience. It was his time at Leamington that he sees as one of the highest honours of his playing career so far.

“I always followed them as a kid, so just to be able to train, and be part of the squad, was an honour for me.”

Similar to Mitch Boe, Charlie started on the pitch in the midfield, and even as a striker when much younger, before moving to his now preferred position at centre-back. His experience in this position has easily shown, picking up important minutes already in preseason and the first two league matches next to centre-half partner Adam Neale.

Like many of our other signings, Fitzmaurice cites the growing ambitions of the club as his reasoning for joining this year.

“It is a big club, with so much potential to keep getting better and better. The lads are class as well as all the staff. Its an exciting club to be a part of.”

Apart from football Charlie loves music and seeing live shows. He also enjoys playing golf, watching boxing, football and Formula 1.

ANDY YEATES

If experience and leadership was on Rich Kay’s shopping list, he found it in folds with new signing Andy Yeates. The 31 yearold comes to Southam from Long Buckby, where he played for 7 years. During that time, not only did Yeates gain time playing under Kay, but he also captained the side and received valuable leadership experience. The midfielder also played for Southam before his time at Long Buckby as well as playing for other various sides in the area.

Like most young football players, Andy started playing up top, but over his career he has found a successful home in the central midfield, where he likes to establish possession and control the speed of play.

Having had an already successful career, Yeates calls out two specific experiences that top the list.

“Winning Player of the Year at 21 years old in the Midland Combination League, which was voted for by all the managers in the division has been one of my greatest honours so far. And this was in a team that only finished mid-table. Also winning

promotion with Long Buckby to step 5 was a great honour as well.”

Having already played under Rich Kay at Buckby and Hibs, it seems it was a no-brainer for Andy to come and join the rapidly progressing side here at Southam.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for the club and only left when I did due to the club folding. So, I am happy to see where the club is at now.”

Outside of football Yeates enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching sport, going to the gym and the cinema.

SOL BLOOMER He may be quiet off the pitch, but new addition Sol Bloomer certainly lets his play do the talking.

Last season he played his football for Leamington U23’s/ reserves and also spent a few games with Balsall & Berkwell FC, after finally finishing the last 2 months of the season with Chelmsy Town. He has also played for other local teams such as Leamington Hibs and AFC Coventry Rangers.

Its no surprise Head Coach Rich Kay was happy with gaining the commitment of the experienced 23 year-old, as he is one of the more versatile new additions to the squad. An attribute that could prove handy as the season progresses.

“My preferred position would be playing as an attacking midfielder or as a winger. I originally started as a box-to-box midfielder, but as I got older have developed more into a forward player, but have also played as a fullback in men’s football.”

In his short time already with Southam United, Bloomer has found a very fond memory in playing under the lights and winning the Bobby Hancocks Cup this season. He also says that some of his proudest moments include playing at Kidderminster Harriers playing ground, St. George’s Park and receiving his first start in men’s football playing for Leamington Hibs when he was 17 years old, a club where his brother and other close family members played.

In discussing his reasons for joining Southam, Bloomer realizes the levels the club has set its sights on and is excited for the opportunity.

“It is a very well respected club in the area, with very good facilities. I’ve really enjoyed my time getting to know everyone and the coaching staff and players all work very hard to be the best. I’ve been made to feel part of the club and have been encouraged to express myself on the pitch. I look forward to trying to help the team win games.

Off the pitch Sol’s favourite things to do are photography, training and listening to music.