SQUAD NEWS: Reds Onto a Shaw Thing!
Quorn Football Club have confirmed the signing of former Coalville Town forward Luke Shaw.
A familiar face to local non-league fans, Shaw achieved legendary status at Owen Street with his winning goal at Notts County as the Ravens beat the former FA Cup winners to progress to the first-round proper in the 2022/23 season.
“I wanted to sign last summer, but I think my number was lost getting passed to Bez” joked Shaw, revealing that he’d signed for Quorn because, like many others have said, he enjoys the way player/manager Ryan Beswick wants to play football. “I’ve watched them many times in the past two years and always enjoyed the style of play.”
Born in Nottingham, Shaw, who recently became a proud Father himself, started playing football from age five with local side Clifton All Whites. After being spotted at grassroots level he spent several years on the books with Notts County’s Academy, before leaving at 16 to join Ilkeston Town, breaking into the first team at 18. A couple of years later Shaw made a step up with Grantham Town, where he came under the tutelage of Adam Stevens, who he followed to Owen Street.
Luke scored 45 times in 198 games, earning hero status with the Ravens as they embarked on a couple of incredible cup runs. As well as reaching the first round of the FA Cup, Town also made a run to the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy. “They are some incredible memories” admitted Shaw, revealing that “scoring the winner at Meadow Lane after being at Notts County for so many years was a full circle moment, and going to Charlton Athletic in the following round was an incredible day.”
“Obviously I was there with Tim (Berridge), so I’m looking forward to joining up with him again, and Billy Kee was with us at Coalville for a while as well, so will be nice to have some familiar faces. Of course, I’ve played against Bez and Mason Frizelle many times over the years, so I know them quite well too.”
Shaw’s time at Coalville ended with injury, before the club took voluntary relegation. Luke took some time out to rehab, before stepping up to the National League North with Leamington. Around Christmas time he joined Belper Town for more regular minutes to aid his return to full fitness and is now raring to go. “I’m hoping to stay fit throughout the season and be a regular choice in the starting 11 for the Gaffer. Ultimately I just can’t wait to be playing in front of the fans and enjoying the style of football that the Gaffer wants to continue.”
Welcome to Farley Way Luke.