Abbott snapped up by Wrexham
12th December 2008TeamBath FC player Steve Abbott has joined Blue Square Premier Wrexham on a full-time professional contract.
Abbott, who has made more than 100 appearances in TeamBath colours since joining the club in 2006, was snapped up by Wrexham manager Dean Saunders after impressing during a trial with the club.
The 26-year-old has signed a deal that keeps him at the Racecourse Ground until the summer of 2010. The deal includes a knock-on fee, with TeamBath receiving a slice of any subsequent sell-on of the player.
Ged Roddy, TeamBath FC manager, said: “Steve has been great for us and I know he’ll be the same Wrexham. They will learn very quickly that he’s an accomplished player and a leader.
“When I asked Steve to come here it was to get an education and an opportunity, and he has taken that,” said Roddy.
“I’m delighted with the sell-on clause. There were a number of league clubs sniffing around him and I think Steve is capable of league football.”
Head coach Andy Tillson added: “It’s great for Steve and we’re really pleased for him. It’s also great news for the football programme.
“Wrexham are a league club playing non-league football at the moment,” he added. “They’ll soon be back in the league, it’s just a matter of time.”
Abbott completed a degree in Coach Education and Sports Development at the University of Bath and then went on to do a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
Wrexham will travel to Bath to take on TeamBath FC in a friendly before the start of the 2009/10 season as part of the deal.
Abbott was a member of the England Universities team that won the 2006 British University Games.
Roddy said Abbott’s move has opened the door for some younger players to stake a claim for a regular place in the TeamBath starting line-up.
“We’ve had to re-adjust the way we play and do things differently since losing Steve, but that’s given players like Shaun Benison and Matt Cooper their chance.”
That strike partnership is likely to join forces again for the FA Trophy tie at home to Lewes tomorrow (Saturday), a 3pm kick-off at Twerton Park.
Andy Caton is also available for selection after recovering from a groin injury.
Abbott is the latest player from the TeamBath football programme to secure a full-time professional football contract. Former TeamBath player Matt Taylor is now a regular with Exeter City while Sean Canham is on the books of Notts County.