VETERAN defender Stephan Morley has returned to Rugby Town almost 20 years after the full-back made his debut for the club.
The 38-year-old originally joined Valley in 2007 and spent a single campaign with Rugby before departing for Brackley Town and then returning to Butlin Road in the 2008/09 campaign.
He has since enjoyed a distinguished career in non-league football and made almost 300 appearances for Leamington.
Morley has played almost 250 times in the National League North and becomes manager Grant Joshua’s third signing of the summer.
Joshua said: “We spoke to Steph early doors in terms of coming in with us this season.
“It’s a no-brainer with his leadership skills, quality and the fact he’s a born winner with a win-at-all-costs mentality.
“We had players last season who said they wanted to win but I never really believed they had that mentality and desire to break past that barrier when it got tough.
“That’s exactly what this signing represents.
“He knows how to win and relishes playing for a massive club, which again some players couldn’t cope with last season.
“He’s not coming in to pull any punches. He’s been brought in to help us win things and set the highest standards on and off the pitch.
“I know he’s excited about the season ahead and I’m delighted we’ve landed another experienced lad who’s had success at much higher levels.”
Rugby have also signed winger Aaron Nuttall after he spent time at Lutterworth Town, Rugby Borough and Corby Town last season.
The 21-year-old impressed for Hinckley Leicester Road in 2023/24 as he won the Northern Premier League Midlands young player of the season award.
Joshua added: “I’m looking forward to working with him. There are bits of his game where I think we can improve an already top player for this level and above.
“He needs to settle somewhere after a few moves last season and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to come here and be a part of this new-look squad we’re putting together.
“He’s rapid, dynamic, can go past you on the inside or outside and he plays with no fear.
“He’s going to be a huge asset in our aims and ambitions for the next couple of years.”
And Valley have also added Louis Samuels to their squad with the winger the club’s first summer signing.
The 30-year-old scored 26 goals for Aylestone Park in the United Counties League Premier Division South last season.
Joshua said: “He’s been a club target for a few years now, so I’m happy we can deliver this signing to our supporters going into the new season.
“He’s a proven player and a proven goalscorer – over 20 goals at Step 4/5 in each of the last two seasons. I feel he’s really coming into his prime and that’s brilliant for us.
“It’s important we add goals into the team after last season.”
Valley have also retained the services of Rivel Mardenborough, Ryley Nicholson, Harrison Nee and Sam Tye for the 2026/27 season although Caine Elliott and Josh Thomas have departed the club.
