STRATFORD Town have completed the permanent signing of striker Callum Ebanks following a successful loan spell with the club last season.
Released by Cheltenham Town at the end of the season, Ebanks has returned to the Bards after helping the club remain in the Southern League Premier Central last term.
Ebanks scored four goals whilst on loan at Stratford last season.
Ebanks said: “I came to Stratford because everyone makes you feel so welcome and makes me feel at home.
“I just could not say no, especially as Gavin [Hurren] has helped me so much in my career so far. I just want to be scoring goals for Stratford.”
Bards boss Hurren added: “Callum was released by Cheltenham and, not surprisingly, had a lot of interest.
“The relationship that Callum and I have built over the last few years is how he came to this football club.
“He’s valued by the players, management team, the fans and I think everyone at the club will be delighted we’ve got Callum over the line.”
Stratford Chairman Jed McCrory said: “Our big signing this season is Callum Ebanks.
“He’s had a lot of clubs go for him and we’ve all got our shirt buttons out to pay him but by far he’s come here for football reasons.
“I’d also like to say to the fans that got behind him and made him feel so welcome that was a big big part of why he’s signed for this football club.
“The fans bought into him and made him feel at home, made him feel loved and he’s mentioned how this club really got to him and why he wanted to come back here.
“I think he’ll definitely go back up the leagues, he’s more than good enough. Callum is going to have a big season here.”
And the club have also confirmed that key defender Paul McCone will captain the club next season.
The news comes after former skipper Will Grocott opted to leave the club having made more than 250 appearances for the Bards since his arrival in 2016.
