JAMES MORTON SIGNS FOR THE SEAGULLS
Weston-super-Mare AFC are delighted to announce that central midfielder James Morton has signed for the club following a successful pre-season trial.
The 24-year-old Bristol City academy product has previously spent time on loan with Chippenham Town, Bath City, Forest Green Rovers, Grimsby Town and Gillingham.
On securing James’ signature, Manager Scott Bartlett said:
James is an excellent player, he will no doubt go back up the pyramid in time.
“I’ve watched James run games for Forest Green Rovers in League Two, he was outstanding so from then he has always been on our radar but never really a realistic signing.
“He was a little bit behind but came in and trained initially during pre-season and we involved him in some games to help us and him, and he has enjoyed it.
“I’ve said time and time again that we are very professional and our environment is good, Weston-super-Mare AFC is a great platform for players.
“Above everything else, he is a good person and wants to do well, and we are delighted to have him”.
On signing, James said:
I’m really happy to sign for Weston-super-Mare and I’m excited for the season to start.
“The feel of the club has been very welcoming and enjoyable of which I’m very grateful for.
“I feel it’s the best place for me to develop as a player and enjoy my football”.
James is available for selection in today’s season opener against Havant & Waterlooville.
About James
The midfielder originally had a trial with Bristol City at the age of seven, which proved unsuccessful. He trained with Southampton for a couple of years, before joining the Bristol Inner City Academy. He was snapped up by Bristol City at the age of 14 in 2013, signing his first professional contract at the age of 18 in April 2017.
In October 2017, he got his first experience of senior football when joining National League South side Chippenham Town on a one-month loan, scoring one goal in two appearances and being an unused substitute three times.
In December 2017, he joined National League South side Bath City on an initial one-month loan which was later extended until the end of the season. During his time at Bath, the young midfielder made 16 appearances and was named an unused substitute seven times.
In the summer of 2018, he returned to Bath City for a second spell on a season-long loan. During his time at Twerton Park, he scored one and assisted five across all competitions as he helped the Romans reach the National League South playoff eliminator where they lost out to Wealdstone.
In the 2019 summer, he got his first break in the Football League with a season-long loan move to Forest Green Rovers, assisting two goals in 17 games while being an unused substitute 15 times.
He made his Bristol City debut as a late substitute during September 2020 in a win over Exeter City in the Carabao Cup.
Later that same month, he joined League Two side Grimsby Town on a season-long loan and made nine appearances while being an unused substitute once. He was recalled early by his parent club on New Year’s Eve 2020.
In February 2021, he joined League One side Gillingham on loan until the end of the season, making one appearance and being an unused substitute eight times.
In July 2021, the midfielder joined League One side MK Dons on trial with a view to a permanent transfer, which eventually fell through due to a change in management at MK.
In September 2022, he returned to Bath City on loan until the end of the season where he made 43 appearances, scoring two goals and assisting two while being an unused substitute four times. He helped Jerry Gill’s men win the Somerset Premier Cup 2023.
In the summer of 2023, he departed Bristol City upon the expiry of his contract.
If you would like to sponsor James for the forthcoming season, then please email secretary@wsmafc.co.uk.
Everyone at the club would like to welcome James to the club, and wish him all the best when pulling on the Seagulls shirt.
