SEAN BRAIN has thanked Bromsgrove Sporting boss Paul Smith, the club and the ‘amazing’ fans for the support they have given him during his time at the Victoria Ground following his move to Rugby Town.
The 21-year-old sharpshooter came to the Rouslers in 2014 from Stratford Town and since scoring on his debut against Alvis Sporting Club, he has blossomed at the VG where he finished as the club’s leading scorer in Midland League Division One last season with 22 goals in 48 appearances.
After turning down a move to Southern League Division One South & West side Evesham United two months ago, Brain has continued his rich vein of scoring form into the new campaign, netting eight times in 11 appearances.
However, on the cusp of making his 100th appearance for the Rouslers tomorrow (Saturday) at Pelsall Villa, the young striker will now ply his trade two levels above in the Northern Premier League Division One South after accepting a move to Butlin Road-based Rugby today (Friday).
Brain told the Standard he is ready for the challenge which lies ahead and thanked the Sporting management team for making him the player he is today following his Stratford woes.
He said: “I feel good and ready to get started as I feel I am ready to make the step-up.
“I have already scored eight goals in 11 appearances for Bromsgrove so if I keep that up with Rugby, I can’t see why I can’t do well.
“It’s a shame that I cannot be there to make my 100th appearance but everyone at the club has been brilliant – I can’t knock the work the board, the staff, the players and the fans have done.
“Bromsgrove was my first proper adult team and they gave me the chance to play after being on the fringe at Stratford.
“I would just like thank Smudge [Paul Smith] who has always been there for me, both on and off the pitch and I would also like to thank the fans and the club for making me feel so welcome.
“The foundations for the club to progress are there and I hope they go on to win the title – they deserve it.
“My favourite moment as a Bromsgrove player will always be winning the Les James Challenge Cup at Walsall.”
Brain’s departure comes just a day after Sporting announced the signing of prolific goalscorer Jason Cowley on a dual registration from Redditch United.
Smith admitted the timing of Brain’s move was not ideal but with new Rugby boss Gary Moran guaranteeing the young striker a first team start, he said it was a move which would have been ‘silly’ to turn down.
“Sean is a very good footballer. He’s a bit rough round the edges but he has got all the ability and attitude to play at a good level of football,” Smith said.
“I told him to take the move to Rugby because it would be silly to turn it down when he has been promised a guaranteed start.
“Sean has developed bucket loads in the time he has been here, not just as a player but as a man. He came to Bromsgrove as a boy, moody and arrogant but he’s grew up so much in the 18 months to two years that I’ve managed him.
“He’s always had raw talent and we wish all him all the best.
“The fans have taken to him really well and hopefully it isn’t the last time we have seen Sean in a Bromsgrove shirt.”
