Stratford Town boost attacking options with signing of Jordan Patrick

STRATFORD Town have boosted their attacking options with the signing of former Luton Town and Cambridge United striker Jordan Patrick.

After spending some time away from football, the 27-year-old made his return in Wednesday night’s Birmingham Senior Cup clash with Coventry City's under-23s.

Patrick was highly regarded at Luton, where at the time he became the youngest player ever to play for the Hatters, aged just just 16 years and seven days.

His burgeoning talent earned him a trial at Liverpool, before stints with a host of other clubs, many at National League North/South level.

Town’s head of football, Thomas Baillie, was delighted with the capture of Patrick, who will give the in-form Mike Taylor some much-needed support going forward.

He said: “Having had a conversation with Jordan, he was very excited to sign for Town to kick-start his career again. He can see what we are trying to achieve at the club.

“Full marks to Mike Taylor, he’s been absolutely superb, but he needs support and Jordan will give us a great option.

“He’s a powerful player, knows where the net is and he will bring plenty of experience to the squad.

“Jordan’s a player, who, many years ago would have had people telling him how great he was.

“He’s a different person now, settled with a family. I’ve told him he can forget all that hype now and just concentrate on his football.”

Meanwhile, Town have also completed the signings of goalkeeper Richard Walton and winger Ty-Rhys Paul-Jones.

Walton joins on loan from Matlock Town, with a view to extending it for the rest of the season.

Walton spent three years at Lincoln City before switching to Matlock in the summer.

However, a new job in Birmingham has since forced Walton to relocate, handing Town the chance to make their move.

The signing of Walton also signals the end of Ross Etheridge’s one-month loan spell at the club.

Speedy wide man Paul-Jones, 18, was at Walsall’s academy before more recently turning out for Grimsby Town’s youth and reserve teams.