Defensive midfielder Josh Tobin has become new Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley’s first signing having joined on loan from League Two Bromley until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old is known to the Glovers’ boss after the pair worked together during the player’s time in the academy at Premier League giants Chelsea and later during a loan spell at Walton & Hersham during the 2023-24 season.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy third round tie with Maidstone United, Rowley said: “I have worked with Josh for 18 months or so, he is a lad with a lot of skill and talent and found himself playing for (Walton & Hersham) after he was released by Chelsea and then he got a move to Bromley. Since then he has had a few injuries and not been able to get in there first team, so I thought this was a great opportunity to get him in.
“He is someone who is able to cover three or four different positions, he has a lot of skills in his toolbox, so I think he adds a lot of depth and will be really beneficial to us. He grew up playing as a centre back, so he can play anywhere across the back, he has most recently been playing as a holding midfield player and last year he played higher up the pitch as a number eight or number ten, so we will see. I see him mostly as a midfielder though.”
Tobin made his Bromley debut last month as a second half substitute in an EFL Trophy defeat to AFC Wimbledon, having returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.
Having left the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022, Tobin has spells at Cray Wanderers and Margate before linking up with Rowley and his assistant Darren Simpson at Walton in January 2024. His form there earned him a move in to the Football League at Bromley and he was awarded a professional contract in May this year.
We assume the new recruit will be available for Saturday’s FA Trophy third round tie with Maidstone United at Huish Park.
Welcome to Huish Park, Josh!
What’s a defensive midfielder?
I would say Darren Way was an example of a Yeovil Town defensive midfielder. Relentless energy, ball-winning tenacity, but always capable of getting the team moving again.
If you wanted a higher level example, depending on your age – Claude Makelele is the classic. Busquets for Barcelona, Gennaro Gattuso for AC Milan, perhaps. I’ll steal your ball and your soul, that type.
Well put Dave, very good examples, let’s hope he can be as successful as Darren was.
Good luck to the lad