BARTLEY Green Illey have added to their attacking options with the signing of exciting prospect Umit Eminoglu.
The 2o-year old, who can play as a centre forward or in midfield, has previously been at Aston Villa, Banbury United, Hednesford Town, Littleton, Halesowen Town, Redditch United and Barwell.
The dual Turkish-English national, born in Solihull, spent 11 years in the Aston Villa academy and was a regular goalscorer for them in the Barclays Premier Academy League prior to being released at the end of the 2012/13 season.
Umit has been capped for Turkey’s under-16 side and their under-18s.
In the winter of 2013 he moved into non league football, signing for Conference North club Hednesford Town but was also on dual registeration with Evo-Stick Southern Premier side Redditch United. More recently he has been signed to Banbury United.
He said: ‘‘I’m pleased to be signing for Bartley. Ultimatley, I’ve heard very good things on how everyone is pulling in the same direction to move the club forward and I know first hand how good the current management team are at developing youngsters. For me it’s about going out there to start enjoying my football again.
"The Gaffer is a real good friend so if I can help him out in the process, I’ll be happy.’
Manager Aaron Blackwood added: ‘‘To get someone of Umits calibre onboard is terrific it speaks volumes of what myself and Tony Round are trying to achieve here at Bartley, he’s a very gifted player and a natural goalscorer who will complement the forwards we’ve already got at the club.
"He is a no-risk signing for us and I look forward to him scoring goals for Bartley Green Illey’’.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here