On the eve Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Horsham, Leatherhead Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of two players.
Following confirmation that Mikey Allen faces up to three months on the sidelines with a fractured wrist, Manager Hayden Bird has moved quickly to sign Arsenal goalkeeper, Brian Okunkwo on loan.
In addition to completing a deal with the Emirates shot stopper, Hayden has also added wing-back Kalani Barton to his squad. Having spent ten years at Selhurst Park, Kalani arrives at Fetcham Grove having recently left the Premier League Club in the Summer. .
“I’m delighted both Brian and Kalani have signed for Leatherhead,” said Manager Hayden Bird. “Signing two such talented young players can only be good for the Club. Both are exceptional prospects.”
“Brian is very highly regarded at Arsenal. We needed to replace Mikey and are fortunate to have been able to sign such an excellent goalkeeper.”
“Kalani has impressed everyone. Having spent a decade in the Crystal Palace Academy, he has recently been training with Manchester City. Like Brian, Kalani clearly has a big future in football ahead of him. We are delighted both players have decided to join Leatherhead.”
“I’d like to thank Ben and Chris at Arsenal for helping us sign Brian so quickly. Losing Mikey was such a disappointment. However, we will support him in his recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the Training Ground when he is fit and ready.”
“To be able to replace Mikey with another young goalkeeper from a top Premier League clubs speaks volumes for the direction Leatherhead are going in. Needless to say, we are very grateful to everyone at Arsenal in addition to Jonathan, (Brian’s Agent), who played an integral role in the loan deal.”