Graeme Lee has completed an exciting piece of transfer business by capturing the signature of former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad James on a permanent deal.
The 24-year-old was a free agent after leaving the Championship outfit at the end of December but now Moors boss Lee has moved to bring him to The Brewery Field.
Highly rated James, who had been on the books at the Riverside since he was just 13, has overcome a long battle to return to fitness which has seen him on the sidelines since 2022.
Lee has first-hand experience of working with James having been in charge of Boro’s Under-23s when the talented young keeper broke through to become a regular in the side.
James also gained his first senior experience when he spent time on loan at Billingham Town, while he got a taste of National League North in 2019/20 when he made a season-long loan switch to Gateshead.
After a short stint at Aldershot Town, James joined Hartlepool United on loan in 2021. He went on to become their hero in the National League Play-Off Final at Ashton Gate when he saved the crucial penalty in a shootout victory over Torquay United which sent Pools back to the EFL.
Injury struck at the beginning of the following season as he suffered a broken ankle, but he’s worked hard to return to fitness and is now determined to get his career up and running with Moors.
“It’s great to get the deal done to bring Brad into the Football Club,” admitted Lee.
“He’s a player I worked closely with during our time at Middlesbrough together and I know he’s not only a very talented goalkeeper but he’s also a really good lad.
“Unfortunately, he has missed some time through injury, but he is now fit and ready to get his career going again, and I am thrilled he’s chosen to do that with us.
“He will be a great addition to our squad, and I am really looking forward to working with him again.”
James linked-up with his new teammates for the first time at training on Thursday night and he will now be eligible to make his debut when Moors travel to Chorley on Tuesday.
Photograph Credit: Mark Fletcher (Shutter Press)
