REDDITCH United have signed highly coveted midfielder Kyle Belmonte from Evesham United.
The midfielder was the Robins top goalscorer last season with 13 goals as Evesham reached the Southern League Central Division One play-offs.
Belmonte previously had a spell at Redditch in the 2017/18 season and returns to the club having played for Worcester City and Kidderminster Harriers during his youth career.
Reds boss Matt Clarke said: “I’ve been a long admirer of Kyle, I’ve watched his progression from Bewdley and his last two seasons at Evesham.
“We did try and sign him about 18 months ago, he’s had two really good seasons at Evesham at step four and was their leading scorer from midfield.
“He can play as a number eight, number nine and number 10 so he gives us a lot of variety and versatility.
“He’s a very talented boy, he courts a bit of controversy on the field, he doesn’t take prisoners nor does he make friends on the pitch, but he’s a winner and he just really wants to win.
“He’s got a lot of qualities and is a big lad at 6ft 3in so he fits that profile of us being better physically.
“He’s a really exciting prospect that’s still got a lot of improving to do, but he could go on and go through the levels.
“This is a good opportunity for him to prove to people that he can be a very good player at step three and I think he can do that. I’m really excited to be working with Kyle.”
Belmonte added: “I felt the time was right to leave Evesham, it’s a chance to step up which I feel is the right time.
“I’ve had a few stints here and there but it’s never been the right time, it’s never worked out, I probably haven’t been good enough.
“I feel I am ready now, I’m prepared, I’m more mature and I’m ready to take the next step up.
“Matt’s asked if we can challenge the top five and get into the play-offs, I’m an attacking midfielder, I’d like to score a few goals and chip in with a few assists.”
Redditch have also brought in young midfielder Jez Abbey who won Shifnal Town’s Young Player of the Season last term, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists.
Clarke said: “Jez Abbey is a very talented boy, who’s very young. His brother [Jed Abbey] has done very well at Alvechurch and Jez is a year younger.
“I think with Jez, he’s a work in progress. So last season he had a really good season with Shifnal, scoring 13 goals from midfield.
“He’s one of those that has the ability to play at our level, he did spend a bit of time at Alvechurch last season training but it didn’t quite work for him.
“We’re going to give him a chance to come in and showcase what he can do and what he does best. Hopefully, he does enough and can be part of the team.”
