Josh Owers has completed a permanent move to National League South side Yeovil Town on a free transfer as his contract at Bristol City expires.
Owers was among those who the club confirmed last month would be leaving once their contracts end at the end of this month and the midfielder has followed former Robins academy teammate Will Buse by moving to Huish Park.
The 21-year-old, son of former City midfielder and BBC Radio Bristol co-commentator Gary, spent time on loan with the Glovers last season along with temporary stints at Bath City and Gloucester City.
Despite being a regular performer and captaining the Under-21 side over the last two seasons, Owers has been unable to make the first-team breakthrough under Nigel Pearson and has seen former colleagues Omar Taylor-Clarke, Sam Bell and Joe Low all move ahead of him in becoming a part of the senior set-up.
“Josh is a player we know well and fits the local profile of footballer we are after. He’s young, hungry and desperate to be a footballer,” said Yeovil boss Mark Cooper. “He can play a few positions which gives us great options when it comes to our squad. He’s a good size, athletic and left footed, I look forward to working with him again.”
Cooper is rebuilding his squad in the wake of relegation from the National League with local businessman Martin Hellier also completing a takeover of the troubled Glovers after years of mismanagement under former owner Scott Priestnall.
For Owers it gives him an opportunity to earn regular first-team football and work his way back up the pyramid after he wasn’t afforded the opportunities his performances in the U21 set-up at City perhaps warranted.
“I’m really happy to be here. I’ve known about the interest for some time. I’m just happy now to get it done and be ready for pre-season,” said Owers.
Of the 12 senior and U21 players who are out of contract at the end of the month and being released by City, Owers is the fourth to have found a permanent home.
Left-back Jay Dasilva has signed a four-year contract with Championship rivals Coventry City, goalkeeper Buse was confirmed as a Yeovil player last month while midfielder Joe Porton has joined Melksham Town in the Southern League Division One South.
Nathan Baker retired last season, while Nigel Pearson has revealed that Andy King will be staying on in a player/coach capacity and the club still have a contract offer on the table for Tomas Kalas. Han-Noah Massengo is still expected to leave BS3 despite being presented fresh terms, primarily as a safeguard to ensure compensation.
That leaves defenders Taylor Moore and James Taylor, midfielder James Morton and Prince Henry as those without new clubs yet.
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