Morley Makes Valley Return

Defender Stephan Morley returns to Butlin Road nearly 20 years after making his debut for the club.

Morley rejoins Rugby following a distinguished non-league career which has seen him make hundreds of appearances at Steps 2 and 3, most notably with Leamington where he clocked up nearly 300 appearances across the Southern League Premier and National League North.

The 38-year-old also enjoyed spells with Brackley Town, Tamworth and AFC Telford United, making over 250 appearances at National League North level, while more recent years have included time with Bedworth United, Coventry United and Shifnal Town.

Steph originally joined Rugby in July 2007 after beginning his career with Kettering Town and quickly became a popular figure at Butlin Road.

He famously marked his debut with a superb long-range strike at Clevedon Town and later netted memorable goals against Hemel Hempstead and Banbury United before initially departing for Banbury at the end of the 2007/08 season.

A return followed during the 2008/09 campaign, where he helped steer the club away from relegation and picked up the Manager’s Player of the Season award before continuing his career higher up the non-league pyramid after making 75 appearances for Valley.

Manager Grant Joshua believes Morley's experience and mentality will be invaluable to the squad heading into the new season: "We spoke to Steph early doors in terms of coming in with us this season.

"It’s a no-brainer with his leadership skills, quality and the fact he’s a born winner with a win-at-all-costs mentality.

"We had players last season who said they wanted to win but I never really believed they had that mentality and desire to break past that barrier when it got tough. That’s exactly what this signing represents.

"He knows how to win and relishes playing for a massive club, which again some players couldn’t cope with last season."

Joshua says Morley has been brought in to help drive standards both on and off the pitch. "He’s not coming in to pull any punches. He’s been brought in to help us win things and set the highest standards on and off the pitch. "

"I know he’s excited about the season ahead and I'm delighted we’ve landed another experienced lad who’s had success at much higher levels."

Morley joins other new signings Aaron Nuttall and Louis Samuels in Grant Joshua's new-look squad along with retainees Rivel Mardenborough, Ryley Nicholson, Harrison Nee and Sam Tye.