Leamington rebuild continues with two more signings

The 21-year-old Palit, who hails from Oldham and is currently studying at the University of Leicester, can operate in defensive or attacking midfield positions as well as out wide.

He finished last season at Hinckley AFC, hitting the goal trail in their final two games.

Palit also spent time at Shepshed Dynamo and Barwell prior to this.

“A rich tradition of this football club is finding lads who are slightly under the radar but turn into something special,” said Easterlow.

“Raj is only 21 but he has all the ability. Not many footballers have the technical qualities he has off either foot. I’m really looking forward to seeing his progress this season.”

The player himself is pleased to finally have the chance to link up with a manager who has been on his trail for some time.

“Scott’s watched me play and tried to sign me before, but the timing was never quite right,” he said.

“Now everything’s aligned and I’m ready to fully commit.

“He already knows what he’s getting from me as a player, and with the vision and style of football he has for this season, I’m excited to play for a manager like Scott who’ll allow me to express myself and give everything for the club.”

Palit began his career when he was picked up by Huddersfield Town's Academy at the age of 11, before going on to spend time at Manchester United, Bradford City and Hull City. While at Bradford he spent time out on loan at Tadcaster Albion.

Easterlow has also filled one of the most important positions in his squad with another local lad.

Followers of Coventry City may be familiar with the name Cian Tyler.

Leamington born, the 24-year-old worked his way up through the Sky Blues' Academy from the age of eight, signing his first professional contract in 2020 and an extension in 2023, by which time he was regularly involved with the first team squad.

He spent time out on loan at Hereford in the National League North, and also played International football for Wales from U15 to U21, but unfortunately a recurring wrist injury put paid to Cian's time in the professional ranks, and he announced his retirement in August of last year.

However, having taken stock of his situation, the highly thought of young goalkeeper decided to take a year out before returning to playing on a part time basis, where the preparation and training for games would not be as rigorous as the full time schedule, which unfortunately exacerbated the problem that eventually forced his premature retirement from the full time game.

The player could barely hide his delight at the prospect of getting back on the pitch – and at his hometown club, saying: “I'm incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to get back playing again and what better place to do it than here?

“I've had time to focus on myself, build up my body and develop a deeper understanding of the game through doing my coaching badges.

“It's a privilege to be able to represent the place I call home, so you can count on me giving my all every single game.

“Scott is trying to build something special and I'm looking forward to playing my part in that.

“Being away from football hasn't been easy, and I knew it couldn't be a forever thing.

“I've got more desire to succeed now than ever before and this is the perfect chance to get back doing what I love whilst hopefully pushing the team in the right direction.”

Easterlow was also delighted to get the deal done and said: “Cian is yet another local lad with outstanding ability.

“He's had some time away from the game but is raring to go now.

“He is everything we have been looking for in a keeper and I’m really pleased to have got this one over the line.”

Leamington's 2026 pre-season will start in Southam, with Easterlow's outfit playing Midland League side Lye Town at Bobby Hancocks Park.

The Flyers finished ninth in the Premier Division last season, just eight points outside the play-offs, under the management of Richard Ball. Leamington last faced Lye back in 2018, with a comfortable 5-1 win for the Brakes at home in the Birmingham Senior Cup Second Round.

Kick-off for this game will be 3pm on Saturday, 4th July, with entry to be 'Pay What You Want'.