In a major piece of positive news for Mousehole AFC, striker Jorome Slew has moved six steps up the non-league pyramid to sign for full-time professional club Chester.
The 19-year old joined Mousehole’s newly-established Academy in July after being released by Championship club Sheffield United. He had played and scored regularly for The Blades’ Reserves before his promising progress was dealt a set-back by a broken leg.
Mousehole’s Academy Director Jason Blunt, who was appointed in June, brought Jorome in soon afterwards as part of the club’s strategy of offering full-time training and regular first-team football for young players released by their professional clubs.
Jorome made an instant impact with The Seagulls in pre-season and scored superb hat-tricks in each of the first two away League games of the new season as well as two more crucial goals in the League Cup win at previously unbeaten Ludgvan. He quickly became a club favourite not only for his dynamic play, but also his willing contribution to youth training.
Following recommendations from Jason Blunt, Jorome came to the attention of several clubs back in his native Yorkshire. He had extended trials with Championship club Barnsley before signing for semi-professional Northern Premier League side Goole AFC, for whom he scored within minutes of his debut two weeks ago.
This week, Chester moved to bring Slew to the Deva Stadium with the club currently lying in the lower reaches of the National Conference – effectively the ‘fifth Division’. If selected, Jorome will make his debut in front of the BT Sport cameras in the live coverage of the Chester versus Dagenham & Redbridge fixture this Saturday (25th) at 12:30pm.
Jason Blunt was upbeat about the news: “I always knew Jorome had the potential, but having a broken leg and being released by Sheffield United severely dented his confidence. I’m absolutely delighted that we at Mousehole have played a big part in getting him back on track. His ambition is to be a full-time professional footballer, so going to a club like Chester could be the start of a journey back to the level he wants to – and should – be at. We’re now developing a relationship with Chester FC to create some initiatives that will be beneficial to Mousehole. In the meantime, we intend to carry on our policy of attracting more of the young Joromes down to Mousehole, as they can make a big contribution to the club, as well as playing men’s football, putting themselves back in the shop window, and looking after their own development away from football. A good example of this is Max Hill, who was released by Leeds United Academy and has come down to Mousehole, established himself as first-choice centre back, won himself an apprenticeship with a local company, and is studying for professional qualifications at the same time.”
Mousehole Chairman Tim Richardson added: “We wish Jorome all the best and will be keeping an eye on his progress from afar. His scorching start to the season will be long-remembered, but apart from anything else he showed the technical qualities that other players can aspire to, and helped the club in the first stage of its own ambition to raise the standard of football in this part of the world.”
