Welcome to Southam - Jay Lawes & Ryan Harris

WELCOME TO SOUTHAM

The Saints have added some new faces to the squad this summer with Scott Lindley and Adam Neale among them - Here’s what you need to know about the pair

Jay Lawes

It was big news when this former Rugby Borough player signed for Southam United, and he’s been writing headlines ever since. With 5 goals in 3 matches, and a hat-trick on his home debut, Jay is a very exciting addition to an already strong Southam side. Lawes started his football career playing at Admirals when he was 5. A few years later at age 7 he signed for Coventry City after also having trials at clubs like Leicester and Aston Villa. It wasn’t until he played a year for Mount Nod after being released from Coventry City that he decided to step away from football. But coming back to the game seemed to always be in the cards for the sharp-shooting forward. “I started playing again at seventeen on a Sunday with some mates and then joined Rugby FC a few years later”. Like a few members of the current Southam squad, Jay left Rugby FC after the merge with Borough, and has now found a new chapter at Bobby Hancocks Park. Supporters will be used to seeing Lawes in front of

Ryan Harris

It doesn’t take long to see that Southam’s newest defensive addition is full of energy and passion for the game. Not only has he already found a permanent home in the Saint’s back-line, but he even scored in his debut for the club. Its easy to see that Ryan’s move to Southam will be a positive one. A long-time Rugby Town player, Harris started for the club at the age of 4, working from mini football through the age groups, MJPFL team and eventually the youth team. He found success, winning a fair few trophies in his long spell with Rugby Town, and has fond memories of not only the very first one but also the team trophies at Rugby Town when they won the double in their first season in the Cov Minor League A. Positionally Harris seems to find himself enjoying life on the right side of the pitch in a wing role. Having great pace its no surprise that he’s found success at both the right win and right back positions. “I would like to say I’m a right winger, however, most people that know me and have played with me will say I’m a right back. “Well, they say that right backs are failed wingers, but I would say playing right back and right wing came about from being a fast player and knowing the game well enough to know how to play both positions...Plus I love a good tackle”. After Rugby FC folded Ryan was looking for a few club to join and listened when friends suggested Southam. “They mentioned Southam and that the

27 goal, causing problems for opposing goalkeepers, but his versatility is what will prove to be a very valuable asset. “My preferred position is the number 10, but I do also enjoy playing up top. I started my career playing up front and then moved to left-wing. I then spent most of my time at Coventry as a left-back”. Its easy to see that Jay is very comfortable on the pitch, and that might come from having played against some of the best, and on some big stages. Having the opportunity to play against teams such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa and playing tournaments in venues such as St. Georges Park, has not only provided valuable experience, but he describes these moments as some of the best moments of his career. After a few matches for Rugby Borough Lawes found he wasn’t enjoying his football and the small contingency of former Borough players who had moved to Southam encouraged him to try out life as a Saint. “Going to the ground and seeing the setup, the manager and the players helped my decision to join them. “The team at Southam is full of quality players that were very welcoming. They are a great bunch of lads and we have gelled really well as a team in our opening games, and it was displayed in our cup game against Coventry Copsewood the other week.” Everyone following Southam United is excited to see the heights that Jay Lawes will reach this season, and opposing teams will be sure to fear his goal scoring prowess. Welcome to Southam Jay!

club was being ran well with some great players in there to make it even better. After the first session it was clear I was going to enjoy my football here”. “The squad and club is quality. For a team that is still growing and learning how to play with each other I believe that we are the best team in the league. The boys all get on well with each other in games and in training and I’m sure the fans can see that we are all enjoying playing. We all work hard for each other and for a new team that is a huge thing for me. Welcome to Southam Ryan! •

“Jay has settled really well. I had all but signed Jay in the summer to replace Levi as our number 9 but i had to be patient to finally get him. No question he has been a great signing and has made a big impact already with his general play and goal return. It was important I took my time in replacing Levi with the right quality and profile of player. Jay has hit the ground running and is really enjoying the environment and his football. The Southam number 9 shirt is historically a big shirt to wear. Some great forwards have worn the shirt, none more so than our record club goalscorer and club legend Bobby Hancocks. There is more to come from Jay and hes already a fan favourite ”

“Ryan, or better known as Flash in the dressing room due to his speed and pace, has also been a top signing. Ryan is very versatile in either playing at RB or further forwards. Hes a big character with superb leadership qualities. Another signing that really improves the starting 11 not just the overall squad. Again I expect a big season and very consistent performances throughout the season. ”