Adams 'Delighted' To Recapture Caine

Rugby Town manager Carl Adams is 'delighted' to have secured the signing of fans' favourite Caine Elliott from Leamington.

The 22-year-old re-joined the club on Tuesday earlier in the week although he was not eligble to play as Rugby exited the the Emirates FA Cup after a replay at Hednesford Town.

The popular midfielder scored 26 goals in 118 appearances for Rugby in his first spells with the club after graduating from the club's youth team.

Adams said of the signing: "Obviously we never wanted Caine to leave us in the first place but I am delighted that he is back with us."

Caine was integral in helping the team achieve promotion from the UCL Premier South in 2022/23 scoring 11 goals and picking up almost every Player of the Season trophy at the end of the campaign.

He however turned down a deal to stay at the club to play at a higher level and joined newly-promoted Southern League Premier Division Central side Halesowen Town.

Caine scored two goals in 34 appearances for The Yeltz last season before joining National League North side Leamington in the summer but after finding opportunities limited he has signed a contract at Butlin Road until May 2025.

Adams continued: "We all know his quality and after his time away at a higher level he will have only improved.

"He is young, energetic and determined and I believe he will only get better. He will be a brilliant signing for us and will complement the players we already have."

Valley youth team graduate Elliott originally signed for the first team in July 2019 after impressing during pre-season and his energy and workrate was very impressive in the Rugby midfield and after the Covid-interruption he left to join Stratford.

Caine re-signed for the Rugby Town in August 2021 after a brief spell with Stratford Town and after returning from his brief stint away, Caine went from strength to strength and signed a 14-month contract in March 2022 before scooping a plethora of Player of the Season awards and subsequently helping the club to promotion the following season.

After leaving to join Halesowen, Caine did re-join Rugby on a short term loan in October 2023 but was re-called to Halesowen in November