First-team registered, U23s’ full-back Oliver Broe’s promise of the chance to earn his place in his new side Widnes’ starting line-up was evident as he made his debut in their FA Trophy qualification on Saturday.
The academy’s full-back says his reason to join Widnes is to “give myself a better opportunity of regular first-team minutes consistently” and was introduced to the home Widnes fans as a 70th-minute substitute in the 2-0 victory over Brighouse Town.
Broe’s Farsley first-team non-contract hasn’t stopped him from transferring internally in the Northern Premier League Division One West from Bootle where he was frustrated at a lack of playing time.
“The [Widnes] manager was very open with me before signing and told me what he expected from me and that he would give me a chance to earn my shirt and keep my place,” says Broe.
“I wasn’t happy just sitting on the bench at my old club and thought I needed a great start with a new club.
“I’m hoping to nail down my position in the team and become the first choice right-back in the squad. That will come with good performances in matches and constant hard work and dedication in training”.
Fellow U23s Asa Mitchell and Oliver Russon have also transferred into step 8 this season and to Glossop North End, a promotion from step 9’s Thackley and Sildsen respectively. Russon featured in the first of two matches between Glossop and Widnes already this season, a 3-0 victory in the FA Cup. It ended 0-0 in the following league match.
Broe’s next fixture? – former club Bootle at the DCBL stadium, Tuesday 28th September, 7:45pm kick-off.