Welcome To Southam United

WELCOME TO SOUTHAM UNITED

As the 2022/23 season has progressed in the Hellenic League Division 1, Head Coach Richard Kay has sought to strengthen his squad through the additions of some returning and new players.

These new players have come into the team in a wide variety of different roles, but all have added experience as well as energy to a Southam side that is looking to make waves in their new league. Today we meet the new players and get some background to where they’ve been and what they’ve achieved before coming to Kay’s side.

RYAN KING After a need for another goalkeeper arose in September the club needed to bring in a strong option to challenge and support

Lewis Hudson in goal, and Ryan King was just the man the Southam coaching team were looking for.

Having started his career at Banbury United he went on to have trials with Coventry and Oxford, opportunities that he sees as some of his biggest honours, before taking a small break from football altogether. When he decided to come back to the game a few seasons ago he started back at his previous club, Banbury United, before making the move to Southam United.

After an initial start in goal when he was younger, King excelled and loved the position so much that he never looked back and has been enjoying his time between the sticks ever since.

In speaking with some mates about their time at SUFC, King made the move this autumn and has praised what the club stands for as well as the chemistry and close-knit bonds within the team, something he wishes to be a part of and also grow.

When he’s not on a football pitch Ryan enjoys going fishing, meeting up with mates and spending time with family. >

KASEY SMITH

For a Southam team in transition nothing is more important to the coaching staff than young talent ready to come in and make a difference right away. With Kasey Smith the impact is already noticeable.

Seen starting in the midfield already this season Smith may look so comfortable in the position because that is where he started as a youngster and has always played there going forward. After going through the Rugby Borough Academy and then on to Stockton FC, the young midfielder has found a home in Richard Kay’s Southam United plans.

In his successful career so far he has reached the 3rd round proper of the FA Youth Cup and sees scoring in the 2nd round against Morecambe Academy as one of his highlights.

Being local to the club brought him to Southam, but the good level of play is what gets him excited about he future going forward.

“[I] think the club has a great set up with good coaching and management who have made me feel very welcome when joining.”

When he’s not on the pitch at BHP he enjoys watching Manchester United play.

CRAIG WATKIN

After a successful promotion season last year it was important for SUFC management to bolster the back-line in preparation for a new league and stronger competition. In doing so they have brought in Craig Watkin as a versatile defender to do just that.

Last year saw him playing his trade at Stockton FC before making the switch to Southam in the autumn. The success and experience from his career will assuredly be on show this season. Successes like winning the Telegraph and Charity Cups at the Ricoh in Coventry, to name a few.

While Centre-back is his preferred position Watkin has also played at left-back for many years of his career, a skill that Head Coach Rich Kay will find important as the matches come thick and fast throughout the rigorous season.

Craig credits friends already at Southam for igniting his interest in the club, and after he was invited to join the squad he never looked back.

“Its a club with great potential and hopefully it keeps moving in the right direction.”

BRADLEY GODDARD Although he’s been playing for 15+ years, Bradley Goddard is still a young player eager to build and show his talents in this Southam side.

The player who prefers playing on the left wing, came over from Leamington’s U23’s side after winning the league last season. And although the left is where he’s the most comfortable, Goddard also plays on the right, where he enjoys being able to cut onto his stronger left foot.

Bradley is no stranger to winning trophies and for some of his favourite memories its remembering how the whole team contributed and worked hard to get those results. A trait all Southam supporters will be happy to see him bring to this SUFC side.

When Goddard’s Leamington coach encouraged him to look at Southam to get into men’s football it was the higher physical level which intrigued him, and his thoughts since joining have all been positive.

“The Manager and coaching staff, as well as the lads, have all been very welcoming and supportive, and I could not have asked for a more welcoming entry into a new team.”

Outside of football Goddard is studying Physiotherapy at University and enjoys going to the gym, and fitness in general.

Welcome to Southam lads!