Valley Sign Former Blackburn Youngster

Rugby Town have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of versatile 18-year-old midfielder Dan Shaw.

The highly-rated youngster, who began his career at Aston Villa’s academy, signed a professional contract with Blackburn Rovers last summer before gaining senior experience during a short loan spell with Alvechurch in the Southern League Premier Cnetral last season.

Valley boss Grant Joshua was delighted to finally get the deal over the line: "I’m pleased to get Dan in and sorted – I wanted it wrapped up a few weeks ago but things get in the way in non-league and signing good lads isn’t an easy process.

"The talent and potential for this lad are huge, but he will quickly realise this isn’t academy football.

"He’ll have to earn his stripes and be prepared to dig in at times – and I know just by speaking to him at training last week that he’s got that bit of devil in him, and I like that.

"It’s up to us as a club to get Shawry back enjoying the game again. He understands and is ready to fight to get into our 16, because it’s not easy at the minute.

"He’s had some good offers over the past couple of weeks but, for whatever reason, didn’t fancy them. One session with us and, with the size of the club, he fancied it and wanted to get it done ASAP.

"The biggest plus for me is that he’s a pretty local lad and I know the supporters will get behind him as everybody loves to see the emergence of a young, local player.”

Shaw becomes the latest addition to Joshua’s new-look Valley squad who are looking to build on last Tuesday's win at Wellingborough when they host title favourites Corby Town at Butlin Road on Tuesday.

Meanwhile forward Leo Wood has left the club to join Redditch United, midfielder Sam Ellis is set to join Coventry United on a dual registration basis while goalkeeper Ben Newey has also departed.