**Paul Holleran has ended an eight year wait to sign Luke Shaw - and says that Leamington have got themselves a player who will thrive in the National League North.
**The 29 year old, pictured above in a game against Leamington in August 2023, last played for Coalville Town in early March 2024, when he unfortunately suffered an MCL and ACL injury to his knee. With the subsequent upheaval at Owen Street, Shaw was left without a club last season as he set out on his rehabilitation journey, but with former teammate and good friend Tim Berridge already at Leamington, he was able to complete his rehab by training with Brakes towards the back end of last season, and has now decided to join the club as he looks forward to getting back on the pitch again.
'I first tried to sign Luke eight years ago, when he was at Grantham Town,' reflected the manager. 'I then tried again while he was at Coalville. He has been one of the best attacking wide players in the Midlands in Non League football before he unfortunately had an ACL injury at the end of the 2023/24 season.
'He has had the operation and gone through his recovery, and having had a great deal of experience of dealing with this type of injury at Leamington we have been able to help him along with that. 'Luke had lots of options, but he chose to come here to continue his career, which is fantastic for us. I said to him when I tried to sign him all those years ago that I felt he could be a good National League North player. 'It is always interesting to see the drive and determination of players to come back stronger from these injuries. Luke is in great condition now, and we are very much looking forward to working with him this season.' Having started his career at Ilkeston Town, Luke spent brief spells at Belper Town and AFC Telford United either side of his move to Grantham Town, where he first played under Adam Stevens, who took him to Coalville in 2018 when he returned there.'After 15 months out and 10 months of hard work and dedication through my recovery, I’m beyond excited to be so close to stepping back onto the pitch,' said Shaw.'It’s been a long road, but the support I’ve received from my family, friends, and now my new club - especially Paul (Holleran), with how welcome he has made me feel, and also providing me with this opportunity that I'm very grateful for. I just hope I can repay him this coming season!'We joked the other day, as he initially tried to sign me when I was 22 and I chose Coalville at that time, so yes, he has contacted me a few times previously!'Me and Timmy (Berridge) have a great relationship on and off the pitch - I really hope the fans get to see the best of him this season - he’s a top player. I hope I can be a small part of the reason he will be a success this season.'
In the three seasons prior to his injury, Luke scored 36 goals, and provided as many assists for his team mates. We would like to welcome him to Leamington Football Club, and hope that he enjoys his time with us and is able to return to the form that saw him do so well with Coalville.
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**Paul Holleran has ended an eight year wait to sign Luke Shaw - and says that Leamington have got themselves a player who will thrive in the National League North.
**The 29 year old, pictured above in a game against Leamington in August 2023, last played for Coalville Town in early March 2024, when he unfortunately suffered an MCL and ACL injury to his knee. With the subsequent upheaval at Owen Street, Shaw was left without a club last season as he set out on his rehabilitation journey, but with former teammate and good friend Tim Berridge already at Leamington, he was able to complete his rehab by training with Brakes towards the back end of last season, and has now decided to join the club as he looks forward to getting back on the pitch again.
'I first tried to sign Luke eight years ago, when he was at Grantham Town,' reflected the manager. 'I then tried again while he was at Coalville. He has been one of the best attacking wide players in the Midlands in Non League football before he unfortunately had an ACL injury at the end of the 2023/24 season.
'He has had the operation and gone through his recovery, and having had a great deal of experience of dealing with this type of injury at Leamington we have been able to help him along with that. 'Luke had lots of options, but he chose to come here to continue his career, which is fantastic for us. I said to him when I tried to sign him all those years ago that I felt he could be a good National League North player. 'It is always interesting to see the drive and determination of players to come back stronger from these injuries. Luke is in great condition now, and we are very much looking forward to working with him this season.' Having started his career at Ilkeston Town, Luke spent brief spells at Belper Town and AFC Telford United either side of his move to Grantham Town, where he first played under Adam Stevens, who took him to Coalville in 2018 when he returned there.'After 15 months out and 10 months of hard work and dedication through my recovery, I’m beyond excited to be so close to stepping back onto the pitch,' said Shaw.'It’s been a long road, but the support I’ve received from my family, friends, and now my new club - especially Paul (Holleran), with how welcome he has made me feel, and also providing me with this opportunity that I'm very grateful for. I just hope I can repay him this coming season!'We joked the other day, as he initially tried to sign me when I was 22 and I chose Coalville at that time, so yes, he has contacted me a few times previously!'Me and Timmy (Berridge) have a great relationship on and off the pitch - I really hope the fans get to see the best of him this season - he’s a top player. I hope I can be a small part of the reason he will be a success this season.'
In the three seasons prior to his injury, Luke scored 36 goals, and provided as many assists for his team mates. We would like to welcome him to Leamington Football Club, and hope that he enjoys his time with us and is able to return to the form that saw him do so well with Coalville.