Former Reading Midfielder Lands New Club

Aldershot Town have completed the signing of former Reading midfielder Ethan Burnett, as officially confirmed on the club’s website.

The 21-year-old was released by the Royals this summer after spending time on-loan at Havant & Waterlooville having risen through the Southampton academy, and the midfielder had been on trial with the Shots, and now joins Tommy Widdrington’s side ahead of the start of the National League.

What’s Been Said?

Speaking to the official club website, Shots boss Widdrington said, “Ethan has done very well since joining us both in training and in the games during pre-season.”

“He has very good pedigree having spent time at both Southampton and Reading and we feel he brings a slightly different skill set to the other central midfielders we have in the group.”

“He has a great engine, and times his arrival into advanced areas very well whilst also showing good game understanding. He’s another player I feel needs a platform to perform and he could go onwards and upwards but will certainly provide good competition for places at this time.”

Aldershot Town’s Head of Recruitment Jamie Hedges spoke following Burnett’s arrival at the club.

“Ethan has been in with the group for a little while now and has shown he is more than capable of being in and around it.”

“He is a physical midfield player with a great engine who arrives in and around the box well to look to score goals, we look forward to developing Ethan further.”

Burnett joins an Aldershot side that is hoping to improve this season following their 18th placed finish in the National League, finishing only 5 points above the relegation zone.

Writer’s View

Ethan Burnett seems like an exciting addition for Aldershot Town. He still has potential to advance up the leagues with him only being 21 which will give him the platform. First-team football at the Shots will help him develop as a player and his combativeness in midfield and engine will bring a bright spark to their creativity as they look to finish higher than their 18th place finish last season.