Weston-super-Mare AFC have made their sixth signing of the summer transfer window with attacker James Waite returning to The Optima Stadium having last played for the club in the 2020-21 season.
The exciting, 25-year-old attacker will join The Seagulls upon the expiry of his contract at his current club, Newport County, where he has made 93 appearances for the club in his two-and-a-half-year spell there.
Before his most recent move from Newport Waite had already had a stint at Weston during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons in which he scores a combined 19 goals and six assists in 30 appearances.
Waite has also played for National League North team Hereford FC, Ireland Premier Division side Waterford FC, and Welsh Premier League side Penybont FC, as well as making a few appearances for his academy team Cardiff City which included a substitute appearance against Luton Town in the 2019 Carabao Cup.
He also has international experience having played for Wales’s u19 and u21 squads in the past.
Waite spoke about signing for Weston and his excitement about his return to The Seagulls Squad. He said: “I’m delighted to be back.
“I’ve been here before, I know the place well, I’ve played under (Scott Bartlett) before, he knows what he gets from me, and I know what I’m going to get from him.
“There are a few familiar faces in the side that I know from last time, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone.
“I like to create and score goals. I like to get the ball, go at players and link up with those around me. I want to get people off their seats and play attacking, expansive football”.
Weston manager Scott Bartlett has already worked with Waite from his first 2019-21 stint and knows the attacker can bring energy and creativity to the Weston squad.
Bartlett spoke on the qualities Waite can bring. He said: “James is a fantastic signing for us, he’s every bit a Football League player.
“Technically excellent, very sharp, he’s a good finisher and can unlock doors for us, he will certainly be one of the best forward players in the league.
“The fact he can play off a forward, either in front or behind, is a big plus for us.
“Obviously we know him well, he’s a great character, he works tirelessly for the team, and we are delighted to have him”.
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