Former loanee winger Sam Pearson has signed for Yeovil Town on a permanent deal following his release by Bristol City.
The ex-Wales Under-21s international was let go from Ashton Gate earlier this month having started last season on loan at Huish Park and finished the campaign at League Two side AFC Wimbledon. His last appearance for the Dons came in a 1-0 defeat at Grimsby Town at the end of last season on May 8th.
He played 11 times, scoring twice, under former Glovers’ boss Chris Hargreaves and speaking ahead of Saturday’s game with Hemel Hempstead Town in National League South, manager Mark Cooper made no secret that he sees the addition as a long-term one.
He told BBC Somerset reporter Jack Killah: “Sam has always been on our radar because of where he’s been playing, he went in to the League with AFC Wimbledon and did really well there and we have been tracking him ever since.
“When we got the opportunity to bring him to the club, I spoke to the owner (Martin Hellier) and asked ‘can we do it?’ and I think he is a really good one for us.
“He is another one that fits with our recruitment plan of players who can help us, not just this season, at any level we get to. He’s a really good player, really sharp, and aligns with our forward players and one we are really excited about.”
Pearson adds to the Glovers’ attacking options with the likes of Jordan Young, Will Dawes, Dylan Morgan and Frank Nouble, not to mention top scorer Rhys Murphy, which Cooper believes will be required as the business end of the season arrives.
He added: “It gives us the chance to keep it fresh. The way we play in those wide areas or with a number nine and a number ten that we try and interchange, we have got a real variety there.
“If you take Jordan Young, Dawes, Dylan Morgan, Frank and Jordan Stevens to come back, it gives us a real freshness. Whilst we are playing Saturday-Tuesday, we can change things.”
The boss added he expects Pearson to go “straight in to the squad” for the weekend, and suggested there would not be an further outgoings in the near future. Strikers Alex Fisher and Malachi Linton are currently out on loan at Oxford City and W*ymouth respectively.
Cooper added: “We have still got a small squad. For Saturday, I think we have 16 players available, so we do not want to lose too many of them. So hopefully Sam will go straight in to the squad on Saturday.“
Good signing. Hopefully we can keep taking it step by step, and continue the progress.
They’re getting into some good habits the players. Will stand them in good stead ahead of (we all hope) a return to National League…(a proper test)
#uptheyeo