JIAH Medrano has become Leamington’s second summer signing whilst Devon Kelly-Evans has agreed a new deal ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Medrano arrives from Northern Premier League Midlands side Shepshed Dynamo having featured on dual registration at Nuneaton Borough last season.
And the 20-year-old is comfortable operating at full back or in midfield and primarily plays down the left-hand side.
Medrano said: “I will always give 100 per cent for the badge, the fans and the team, and I am looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started.
“It’s a big season for us all, and together we can make it a successful one.”
Brakes boss Paul Holleran added: “Our recruitment this year will be a mixture of players from the level above, but also two or three that we feel are the right age that have performed really well at steps three, four and five.
“Jiah is one of those players and was highlighted as one of the best defenders in a tough division last season.
“He’s a young lad that we’ve watched a few times last year and he’s performed very well. He’s taken a similar path to a few players and has gone and got good experience at Shepshed, and the next step now for him is hopefully to come to Leamington and step up.
“We are very much looking forward to working with him.”
And Holleran received another boost after key midfielder Devon Kelly-Evans turned down interest from elsewhere to remain with the Brakes next season.
The 26 year-old has made over 80 appearances for Leamington since joining from Nuneaton two season’s ago.
Kelly-Evans had offers from teams in the National League North and the Southern League Premier Division Central but opted to remain with the Brakes for the 2023/24 campaign.
Holleran said: “We are over the moon that Devon has agreed to stick with us for next season. He is a popular member of the dressing room and I know how much the fans rate him.
“He has been a consistent performer for us over the last two seasons, and will be a huge asset going forward into the next nine months.”
Kelly-Evans added: “It’s nice to continue my journey with Leamington going into my third season with the club, and with my 100 appearance milestone coming up.
“Thank you to the support too, especially the away following. It makes a massive difference and we hope to see you all down at Your Co-op Community Stadium and at away games in the forthcoming season.”
