PLAYER MOVEMENT AT THE OPTIMA

Former Hereford FC striker James Waite arrives from Cardiff City on a short-term loan deal, subject to international clearance.

Tom Llewellyn has joined Mangotsfield United on loan, while Alex Byrne has departed The Optima Stadium.

Manager Scott Bartlett said:

It’s no secret we have been after a striker as a replacement for Ben Whitehead and we are delighted to have James on board.

“James will compliment Nick and Owen nicely and provide us with a different dimension.

“Regarding Alex, he is a good lad and a good technical footballer.

“Sometimes in football you have to make difficult decisions to move forward. We wish him well.

ABOUT JAMES

Waite has progressed through the academy ranks at Cardiff City and was offered his first professional contract in 2017 after impressing in the U18 side.

Waite joined National League North side Hereford FC on loan in February 2019 for his first experience of senior football, joining the Bulls until the end of the season. Waite made nine appearances, scoring two goals, assisting one and was an unused substitute twice during his spell at Edgar Street.

The 20-year-old sent the summer on tour with Cardiff’s first-team in America, before Waite made his first-team debut for Cardiff City in August, appearing as a substitute in their Carabao Cup encounter with Luton Town.

Everyone at the club welcomes James into the squad, while wishing Alex Byrne all the best for the future and wishing Tom Llewellyn all the best while with Mangotsfield.