Brownlie Brings In Several New Signings

Son of former Premier League star included in `Stoke`s newcomers.

Danny Vickers has joined Southern League Division One South club Basingstoke Town for the 2020/21 season.

The highly-rated midfielder joins from Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) Premier side Alresford Town where he follows earlier new signings Daryl Wollers and Shaun Dallimore.

Manager Dan Brownlie told https://btfc.co.uk: “I’m really pleased to be able to bring Danny in. In truth, he should have been playing this level years ago but for various reasons, it’s never happened. Danny has been on my radar for quite some time, but the stars have finally aligned in getting him in. He’s yet to feature during pre-season as he damaged his hip whilst training for the now-cancelled London Marathon. He’s a couple of weeks from featuring.

“He’s a top lad and most importantly a real winner. He’s got real enthusiasm and bundles of energy – he’s an old-fashioned box to box player and covers a lot of ground over a game. Whilst he does his defensive work with great tenacity, he’s also a good attacking threat. To add he’s a Basingstoke boy so it helps with the culture”.

Brownlie had earlier added James Smith, Julian Schwarzer and Lloyd Snell to his squad.

Smith arrives from Combined Counties League Premier Division side Badshot Lea.

He was previously with Badshot Lea`s league rivals Fleet Town.

Brownlie added: “James came to my attention last year when I went to watch someone else that Badshot Lea were playing. He’s a strong boy and deceptively quick, and he packs real heart. No doubt, he is one of the busiest men alive – his application and desire to be here and for the season to get started is unrivalled. He did, however, pick up an injury during pre-season; so we’ve not seen too much of him in a Basingstoke shirt, but he has shown real promise and we are pleased to have him on board.”

Schwarzer is a 20-year-old goalkeeper and son of former Middlesbrough, Fulham and Australia international goalkeeper Mark.

He started out in the Fulham youth side, spending two years with the under-18s.

In the summer of 2018, he signed for German side FC Pipinsried before joining Isthmian South Central outfit Harlow Town in March 2019.

Brownlie said of the young keeper: “Julian has really impressed us over pre-season. He’s a top lad and true professional in the way he goes about his work, he’s had a great education in football which we’ll no doubt benefit from. To have two keepers of such high quality in our ranks is a real positive, both Paul and Julian will be working with our keeper coaches Geraint and Lance.”

Lloyd Snell is a product of Basingstoke`s youth system.

The 17-year-old can play in a plethora of positions including full back and as an attacker, having scored over 30 goals for the under-18s last season.

Brownlie said: “I’m really pleased with Lloyd. He’s still got lots to learn as is expected at such a young age, but the rate in which he can process and then implement information is very impressive. He’s got a real talent which we’ll be looking to push even further but he’s been making a name for himself in training and more recently in games – he’s found confidence in his own ability and it’s now our job to ensure that he fulfil his potential”.

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