GIFTED Alvechurch forward Jake Wakeling has expressed his gratitude to the Lye Meadow club after sealing a dream move to Premier League Leicester City.
The 2016 champions of England – again flying high in the table and flourishing in Europe – have swooped to snap up former West Brom prospect Wakeling after his superb start to the season with Church.
After signing his first professional contract, Wakeling wasted little time in making an instant impression with the Foxes as the half-time substitute netted the fourth goal – a clinical left-footed strike into the bottom corner – in City’s Development squad’s impressive 5-1 Premier League 2 victory over Spurs on Monday afternoon.
The pacy Wakeling had been a revelation for Church with both his forward and wing play in what has been a mixed start to the Southern Premier Central campaign for the club. The highlight was a dazzling hat-trick in October’s 5-0 victory over Barwell.
After sealing his move to the East Midlands, Wakeling tweeted: “Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Alvechurch.
“I loved my time there and am grateful to all the players and coaches for helping me in the next part of my journey, especially (chairman) Richard Thorndike for believing in me when no-one else did. Appreciate everything Church!
“I’m proud to have signed my first professional contract with Leicester and am looking forward to the next chapter.”
Wakeling’s former Alvechurch team-mate Joe Hull tweeted: “Go and smash it mate. You deserve it for the goals you scored and how hard you worked to get it.”
Meanwhile, Step 3 (Alvechurch and Redditch United) and 4 clubs have been asked to vote on whether the league season will remain paused.
Votes must be submitted by Wednesday night and results will be published on Thursday.
Alvechurch are currently due to return to Southern Premier Central action at home to Lowestoft Town on Saturday, whilst Redditch are scheduled to host Tamworth on Saturday, December 12.
Jake Wakeling is a tough prospect for defences to handle. Picture by Ian Macvie.
