Welcome to Southam - Scott Lindley & Adam Neale

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

Scott Lindley

The Saints added strength in depth and experience with the signing of this Coventry native. The former-striker turned-midfielder has taken the pitch for a number of Coventry-area sides including Nuneaton Griff, Coventry Alvis and Coventry Spartans (who went on to become Coventry United) where he played for six years and secured promotion to the MFL Premier Division. After trials with Crewe Alexandra and Leicester City Scott found his central lying midfield role when he was moved from winger to his now preferred position in the middle of the pitch. Even though he scored 50 goals in one season as a striker he has found that his midfield spot puts him closer to the action and allows him to get “stuck in” and enjoy the match more. Not only was playing adult, first-team football as a teenager an honour for Lindley, but it provided him with an invaluable challenge and experience that fueled a career filled with league winning campaigns and cup titles.

Adam Neale

Southam’s newest centre-half came to the club to renew his passion of playing and to take advantage of the opportunity of the great setup here at Bobby Hancocks Park. While it might have been friend, Shane Osborne, who convinced him to come to training and see for himself, it was the squad, brilliant facilities and positive opportunities that ultimately led to him staying. “Everyone in the squad is highly talented and have made me feel very welcome, which has enabled me to settle in quickly. The club as a whole is ran very professionally...I’m excited to see what we can achieve as a club this season.” The former Rugby Town junior started his career playing in goal. As he made the transition to mens football he joined Rugby FC as a keeper and quickly realised the outpitch was where he really wanted to be. Neale has taken the steps, worked hard and is now shining in his preferred cen-

27 However, his most cherished memory to-date includes featuring in the final of the Coventry Charity Cup for Coventry Alvis in 2019 which was played at Ricoh Arena in front of a proper crowd including his biggest supporter in his mother, who sadly passed away in 2020. While on a brief hiatus from playing for Coventry United Scott joined Rich Kay, who was managing Leamington Hibernian and got a taste for the coach’s approach and style. After only ever playing for MFL sides Lindley was easily convinced to re-join Kay after being able to see the professional setup, grounds and future aims here at Southam United. “This is a massive club, one that should be competing at a much higher level than Step 7, so it was exciting for me to feel that I can come here and hopefully play a part in putting this club back to the level it deserves. You only need to see the amazing facilities...which wouldn’t look out of place at Step 4, or higher, to know this is a club with huge ambitions...now that we’re back on the National League System.” Scott praised the Southam environment for allowing the players to achieve there best, and found that while it is still a new squad, everyone has been extremely welcoming and some of the nicest lads he’s played with. Not only has Lindley found success on the pitch, but he’s also done so as a DJ playing house music in bars and clubs, as well as an adventurer and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2016. Welcome to Southam Scott!

tre-half position. Always eager to learn, Adam has shown the ability to slot into an already settled back line and provide the focus and expertise needed to succeed at very competitive level of football. With the attacking opposition expected this season it is a very welcome asset for Southam United to have such depth in the position. Away from the pitch Adam likes to follow Aston Villa, home and away, with a group of his mates, and also enjoys being with friends and family. Welcome to Southam Adam! •

Rich Says:

“Scott is a player I had at Hibs and has gone on to have a very long a successful non-league career. Scott is the most experienced player at the club and along with his football ability I knew his experience and attitude would bring a lot to the changing room. Scott’s demeanor around the club is exemplary and sets the standard of how you should conduct yourself in a team environment. Scott is getting fitter and sharper with each passing week and is a valuable member of an increasingly competitive squad”

“Adam has only recently joined the club and again arrived short of a pre-season. Its taken a months worth of training to really get Adam up to speed physically but he has already shown in recent games to be a very dominant centre-half. Adam’s attitude and commitment has been first-class and like all of the squad a very coach-able player. He is always asking the right questions to progress his game and I have no doubt he will enjoy a successful first season as a Saint”