By Daniel Mackrell
Tommy Brewer has signed for Hampton & Richmond Borough after taking a break from football, and has said that he is now happy to be playing for the team he watched as a kid.
Brewer, 20, said he was originally going to join the Beavers from Lewes last year, but the deal never went through.
Instead, Brewer took time out from football, telling fans on Twitter that he had “fallen out of love” with the game.
He said: “I was travelling to Lewes to play, and was playing with a mate, but I wasn’t getting paid.
“I had £30 in expenses, but it was costing me around £90 a week. So I thought enough is enough for a while.”
However, he will not have to worry too much about travel costs this upcoming season with the Beveree being on his doorstep, and the potential to play for his local club has brought his love back.
“I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans. I’m at home and I can’t wait to start playing,” he said.
Brewer was a regular at the Beveree as a teenager, and is excited at the prospect of playing with midfielder Stuart Lake, who recently resigned for the club after a successful spell at Basingstoke Town.
Lake was part of the Hampton squad when they won promotion to the Blue Square South in 2007.
Brewer said: “I used to watch him play when I was younger, and I can’t wait to play alongside him.”
Hampton & Richmond finished mid-table in the Ryman Premier Division last season, but Brewer has said manager Paul Barry has higher targets this time around.
And Brewer is also ready to adapt to please his new boss in any way he can.
He said: “Paul has said to me that they are looking to reach the play-offs and win promotion with a young side.
“Normally, I’ve been willing to play anywhere on the field, and have played at right-back on a number of occasions.
“Although I’d like to settle into midfield, if I have to do a job, I’ll do a job.
“I’m happy to play anywhere on the field. But I’d love to play more in midfield and try to get a few goals.”
Reunited: Stuart Lake has rejoined the Beavers, much to Brewer's delight
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