Three late signings as Leamington get set for the new season
Relegated Leamington kick off the new season away at big-spending Real Bedford in the Southern League Premier Central on Saturday before Anstey Nomads visit on Tuesday night.
The final week of pre-season saw them beat Yate Town 3-1 and sign three more players in Chris Wreh, Louis Rea and Koby Arthur.
Versatile midfielder Rea has joined on a month's youth loan from Championship Birmingham City and boss Scott Easterlow said: 'Louie is a lad who I have known since he was a young boy, and with that I have always followed his path at Birmingham City closely,.
“He is a local lad, but make no mistake he’s here on ability.
“He’s a big strong lad which will only help him at this level.
“I know he’s pleased to be representing his hometown club, and we are equally as pleased to have him here.”
Experience American forward Wrea, 30, is the son of Christopher Wreh, the Liberian striker who had a spell at Arsenal, and joins after leaving Banbury.
“Chris has a proven track record of scoring and assisting goals at this level, and we’ve been talking to him for a while, so naturally we are pleased that he will be wearing a Brakes shirt this season,” said Easterlow.
Attacking midfielder Arthur is the latest player to shed the 'trialist' tag and officially sign.
Arthur has played for Birmingham's first team and ended last season at Darlaston Town.
“Kobes is a player with great ability; he just needs to find his best form on regular basis,” said Easterlow.
“He’s had a little set back in pre-season with injury but he’s showed us more than enough of what’s he is capable of.”
In the final friendly on Saturday, Owen Farmer gave Brakes an eighth minute lead and Kyle Finn flicked home a second off the post just after the break.
Experienced Yate striker Chris Zebroski pulled one back but Eric Yahaya made it 3-1.