We are delighted to confirm the signing of Owen Wardell on loan from Lithuanian side FK Be1.
The 20-year-old winger has joined up with the Bankies for the rest of the season, having previously spent time with Bonnyrigg Rose and Broxburn Athletic.
Manager Gordon Moffat explained: “We were aware of Owen from his time on loan at Broxburn when he really lit up this division and when a chance came up to get him on loan from his club in Lithuania we jumped at it. Owen is still only 20 and is a ball carrier with pace, skill and a real direct style in how he attacks full backs. It’s been no secret that we are continuing to try to add legs and energy to the group to help us with the demands of this level and Owen is another who fits the bill perfectly in that regard.”
Owen added: “The chats with Moff have been good and it ticks a lot of boxes: a good style of play, a great support and I’m looking forward to getting back playing. I’m quite a pacy, direct wide man and I want to get crosses in the box. I think I’ve got an eye for goal and will shoot but I just like being direct.”
The road from East Lothian to Eastern Europe is one less travelled, but Wardell explained: “The move out to Lithuania just came about through agents. They took me under their wing, wanted to help me improve and get me full time football. Everyone was saying they were proud I went and did it because a lot maybe wouldn’t want to step outside their comfort zone. I met lots of pals for life from lots of different countries and backgrounds which was brilliant. Obviously everything from the living standards to the food and the language was different but I’m really glad I did it. The team was struggling a bit in the first half of the season but the second half it completely changed. I think I had about 10 goal involvements in the last eight games so I want to bring that here.”
Our thanks to match secretary Matt Bamford for liaising with FIFA and BE1 in securing international clearance for Owen.
