SQUAD NEWS: Ben Blythe Joins Reds

Quorn Football Club have confirmed the signing of former Leamington defender Ben Blythe.

Yorkshireman Blythe’s football journey began in his back garden, as Dad introduced him to the game at just two years old. After signing with his local grassroots side, Ben was snapped up by his hometown side Leeds United. Moving on, Blythe was a teammate of Ethan Bojang in Doncaster Rovers’ Academy, graduating into the first team and making his professional debut as a substitute against Peterborough United in League One at the end of the 2020/21 season.

Blythe made his first start for Rovers the following season, before going on loan to National League North Farsley Celtic. Championship side Swansea City purchased Blythe from Doncaster, placing him in their Under 23s set-up. The Swans sent Ben on a season-long loan to Barry Town United in the Cymru Premier.

Following the conclusion of his Swansea City contract, Blythe moved closer to home, joining Bradford ( Park Avenue ), close to his birthplace of Leeds. Last season the young defender joined Spalding United, making 13 appearances for the Tulips, including as a substitute against the Reds in the 1-1 draw at Sir Halley Stewart Field. A brief loan to Bourne Town was followed by a dual-registration with Leamington, where he was a teammate fellow Methodists new signing Tim Berridge.

Now a Father himself, Ben works as a teaching assistant at a primary school and looks after his young son, but still manages to finds time for his first love, the beautiful game. “The style of football the gaffer wants to play is exactly how I want to play” said Ben, continuing “I want to play consistently and make 40 odd appearances. I don’t know any of the players from last season personally, but I’ve played against them and I know some of the new signings as well. With the calibre of players we have, we should be in and around the play-offs.”

Welcome to Farley Way Ben.