Super striker Callum Ebanks will be back at Stratford Town and looking for promotion
FANS’ favourite Callum Ebanks has agreed a new deal with Stratford Town prompting boss Gavin Hurren to admit it was “massive” to secure the services of last season’s leading scorer.
The Arden Garages Stadium outfit had faced competition from a number of National League sides for the former Cheltenham Town frontman who scored 24 goals last season before missing the run-in with a broken foot. Now he wants to improve on that tally and steer the Bards to promotion.
“Just missing out on the play-offs really hurt but that’s football and we just have to go again this season,” Ebanks said.
“I’ve always had aspirations of playing higher but it’s not the right time at the moment and it felt right that, after the injury, I came home to Stratford Town to score a few more goals and then we can see what happens.
“Stratford has always felt like home and it always has done ever since I was here on loan [from Cheltenham Town]. Gav is a good friend and has always got the best football out of me so I’m happy to be working with him again.
“It’s exciting to see the players that have come in and this could be the year – 100 per cent. I think it’s time I won something! I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we had a chance.”
Ebanks is the third out-and-out striker signed by the Bards in the last week, following on from Reece Styche and Andre Wright. Deals have also been done with Owen James and Tyrell Hamilton.
Hurren said: “We have managed to keep the bulk of the squad from last year and added players with the profile we have been looking for and with the ability to improve us and get us over the line this season.
“I want to win the league and I believe the squad is good enough to compete. There are some fantastic teams and it is going to be tough but it is good for the players to test themselves.
“For me, I have been working with Callum for the past four seasons and I am a massive believer in him. He is a fantastic young prospect who is constantly developing and he needs a club that can help him get to where he wants to go. This is the right place for him at the moment. He has had a lot of interest shown in him and, after just one full season in men’s football, that’s a great credit to him and to his teammates who have helped him get to the level.
“It was a disappointing way for him to end the season but he has good people around him, not only his amazing family but also everyone at the football club who will help him.
“Getting Callum signed is great for us and for the fans who supported him so much last season, he was one of the fans’ favourites. It is a massive signing. If I’m being honest I didn’t think we were going to keep him but all credit to the chairman who managed to get the deal done.”
