Poppies snap up Morley after his departure from Leamington

Steph Morley, pictured in action against Kettering Town last season, has signed for the Poppies after leaving Leamington. Picture by Peter Short

Kettering Town have signed experienced left-back Stephan Morley after his departure from Vanarama National League North rivals Leamington was confirmed earlier today (Tuesday).

It marks something of a homecoming for Morley as he returns to the Poppies where he played as a teenager at the start of his career 18 years ago.

Since then, he has racked up 294 appearances over two spells with Leamington, scoring 19 goals, while also having spells at other clubs including Corby Town.

And injury ruled him out of the early stages of this season and it was confirmed today that he would be leaving Leamington to seek first-team football elsewhere and that will now be at Kettering.

Leamington boss Paul Holleran paid tribute to Morley following his departure and said: “It is bitterly disappointing that Stephan is leaving us after almost 300 games for the club

"He has been an excellent servant and professional during both spells with us and I have enjoyed working with him immensely. It has been great watching him develop over the years and he will be sadly missed.

“Stephan has suffered a few setbacks with injuries recently, and he feels that at this stage of his career he needs regular football. I understand and respect his decision.

“It is always disappointing when things come to an end, particularly with players that have been with me for a long time, but in football that is the nature of beast sadly.

"Stephan and his family will be sorely missed. We wish him well with his next move in the game and he and his family will always be welcome back at Leamington.”