International defender Freeman signs for Leamington

The 23-year-old, who made his international debut against San Marino in 2024, has impressed alongside Nat Kelly in central defence during the Brakes' pre-season friendly schedule.

“I'm buzzing to be here and can't wait to get the season started,” he said.

“Having worked under the manager before, I know what his expectations are and what he will want us to achieve as a group and I'm excited to be a part of it. I'm ready for a new challenge and this feels like the perfect place for me.”

Having begun his career with spells at Walsall Wood, Barnt Green Spartak, Highgate United and Studley, Freeman joined Barwell in the Southern League Premier Division Central in 2023/24, playing against Leamington in their early season victory at Kirkby Road.

He then played over 20 games under Brakes boss Scott Easterlow at Racing Club Warwick the following season, before switching to Sporting Club Inkberrow, helping the Worcester village club to promotion from the Hellenic League at the first attempt, into the Southern League for the first time.

Having begun last season with Stourbridge, Freeman returned to Inkberrow, as they finished comfortably in mid table, before linking up with his former manager to try to win a place in his new squad, which he has done after some solid performances in defence.

“Rubes is a player I have worked with before and has always had potential,” said Easterlow.

“The most pleasing thing for me is that he looks in better shape than ever before and that can only be good for him and us moving into the season.”

Easterlow has also moved swiftly to sign up one of the trialists that has featured in each of the pre-season friendlies so far.

Nathan Kabeya, who appeared at right back in the 5-1 victory over Lye Town, was one of a number of players who impressed in a team playing together for the first time, and had a hand in two of the goals; providing the cross for Owen Farmer's second of the afternoon before winning the late second half penalty that Farmer dispatched for his hat trick-goal.

He also started the game against Walsall, and appeared from the substitutes bench against Sutton Coldfield Town and Brackley Town.

Kabeya began his career alongside Farmer in Wolverhampton Wanderers' Youth system, before spending two years at Lincoln City, where he spent time out on loan at Bromsgrove Sporting. He then moved on to Northwich Victoria after being released by The Imps, and then had spells with Lye Town and Shifnal Town before a season at Coleshill Town and Rugby Town.

Easterlow came across Kabeya during his time managing in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division, and had kept tabs on him since then.

“I’m really pleased for Nath - he’s someone we invited in for pre-season having caught our eye at Step 4 last season,” said Easterlow.

“He’s a full back who’s comfortable on either side. His performances this pre-season have already shown he belongs at this level.”

“Even after the first couple of sessions, coming in as a trialist, the motivation has been that this is a team I want to play for,” said Kabeya.

“That's made me go harder and it's ended up with a good outcome, so I'm excited for the start of the season.”