Cowes Sports have strengthened their side ahead of the new season by signing Connor Kelly from Newport and Jordan Cook from Shanklin.
Electric-paced Connor Kelly is one of the most exciting (and arguably the best) striker currently playing for an Isle of Wight side. He is Newport’s top scorer this season with 24 goals.
The 26-year-old Ryde Academy teacher has made over 300 appearances in Newport colours, scoring in excess of 100 goals.
Connor has told Island Echo:
“I’m buzzing to have signed for Cowes. It’s a really exciting project they are building at Westwood and something I wanted to be a part of, so I couldn’t turn it down.
“Also, for me personally, it allows me to play at a higher level, which I wanted to do this season.
“Hopefully, it will be a successful season ahead.”
A delighted Cowes manager Max Draper has said:
“Connor has been on my radar since I took over at Cowes, but we have sadly not been in a position to get it over the line. He knows how much I respect him as a man but as a player, we all know what he can bring.
“He’s joined a young exciting team and will be part of our journey next season. It is a coup for the club with numerous clubs keen to get him on the Island and the mainland, and we have no doubt he will fly and be a leader in the next chapter for him.
“He’s excited and so are we.”
Connor Kelly will form part of a formidable striking formation likely to include Cowes captain John McKie and a fully fit Jimmi Burton.
There will be intense competition for places, with Eli Ahmed, Connor Furmidge and Caleb Neale also looking to be included in the starting line up.
Cowes captain John McKie says:
“It’s absolutely fantastic to welcome the best players on the island to the best club. We’ve said for a long time that we need one strong Island side competing at the highest level possible, and with Connor and now Jordan on board, it’s paving the way for this to become a reality.
“Connor’s pedigree speaks for itself, and the potential front line we now have available is – without question – one of the best in this league.
“Hopefully, we’ll bring in more quality to add to what we have, but we’re looking really strong already.”
Shanklin’s Jordan Cook has also agreed to join Cowes Sports.
Jordan came to the attention of Island football fans in the final of the Island Echo Challenge Cup when he picked up the man-of-the-match award despite being on the losing side. He has been player-of-the-season for Shanklin twice since joining the club from Brading Town.
Cowes Sports have announced:
“After being a key component of Shanklin’s incredible couple of years and their league and couple double Jordan Cook has agreed to join for the 23/24 season.”
Jordan has told Island Echo:
“Buzzing to have signed for Cowes and really looking forward to getting started. After speaking to Max and the management team, it was project I wanted to be a part of.
“Let’s hope we’ll have a successful season! Up the Yachtsmen”
Cowes Sports expect to make further announcements of new signings over the next few days. Details will be published on the Island Echo football page and Cowes Sports’ Facebook page.
