by Pablo Woolls-Blanco
Mousehole have completed their fourth signing of the summer, securing the services of versatile Wing Back Ryan Barrett. The 22-year-old was at Newcastle United for 10 years, making it all the way to their Under-23 side, before brief spells at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and National League side Blyth Spartans.
Barrett also has Welsh international honours at Under-16 and Under-17 level, becoming Mousehole’s second Welsh signing in a week, after Morgan Lewis’ addition last Saturday.
Barrett brings Mousehole’s summer business to four key signings, as preparations for a historic first season in the Southern League continue for Jake Ash’s side.
Explaining his reasons for moving from the north-east to the south-west, Barrett commented:
“To be honest I had a few conversations with Fletch and Jake and had a really good feeling about it. I needed to get somewhere where I was going to be playing good football. When I heard about Mousehole, I just went for it, so I couldn’t be happier to be here.”
Barrett was present at Mousehole’s Tuesday night fixture against Exeter City at Trungle Parc, and shared his first impressions of his new home:
“It was lovely. It was a nice surprise. It was rammed and the support was fantastic. I was really impressed with the lads, it was great!”
Speaking before his first training session with the club and ahead of his debut against National League side Dorking Wanderers on Saturday:
“I can’t wait. It’s been a few months since I’ve played regular football. I’m just looking to get started as soon as I can – I’m really looking forward to it.”
Manager Jake Ash commented on his delight at securing the services of Barrett:
“We’ve been really fortunate to get Ryan on board. I started talking to him earlier in the summer and he was looking for a new challenge and somewhere he could get a regular run of games after things being a bit ‘stop-start’ after his time at Newcastle.”
On what he believes Barrett can bring to the Mousehole squad:
“Given his background, he obviously has a fantastic pedigree. He has real quality on the ball and I think because of that he will be able to play in a variety of positions for us.”
After Barrett completed his first training session with the group on Thursday night, Ash spoke on the defender’s qualities:
“It’s clear already from training that he has a fantastic character and presence which will be so important for what is still a young group. I’m really excited to add all of Ryan’s qualities to the core we have.”
