“The team always comes first” – Spurrier hoping to enjoy football and bring entertainment to Bishops Cleeve

Summer recruit Lewis Spurrier says he is looking to bring entertainment to Bishops Cleeve this season, but admits the team will always come first in the list of priorities.

Former Forest Green Academy man Spurrier, made a goal-scoring start to life at Kayte Lane, netting in Cleeve’s 8-3 win over Hereford Pegasus in their opening pre-season friendly on Tuesday night.

Spurrier and fellow signing from Malvern Town, Jack Watts, scored first half goals before Ross Langworthy came on for the second half and bagged a hattrick himself in a positive opener for Paul Collicutt’s side.

Following the game, Spurrier spoke to Severn Sport about the game and starting with a bright individual display and goal.

“I thought the boys were great last night,” said Spurrier. “You can see there’s so much quality all over the team and we’re using these games to get us ready for that first game of the season, so naturally we are in good spirits after a display like that – but we still have work to do!

“It’s always nice to get on the scoresheet, especially when you’re coming into a new club and what to show the lads what you’re about, so hopefully I can continue to kick on from here,” Spurrier added.

Spurrier is one of five new signings so far for Bishops Cleeve, with key minutes into the legs of the midfielder, Watts, Joe Keeping and Luke Payne – with Toby Holland also able to take part in the warm up as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.

The Mitres have friendlies coming thick and fast, with the visit of Cheltenham Town on Friday night, before taking part in the 2025 Severn Sport Shield at Gloucester City next week.

Collicutt’s men face Longlevens in the Second Semi Final, with either a third place play-off or final to contest on Saturday 12 July.

After Malvern Town’s play-off final defeat to Evesham United last season, Spurrier received a number of offers before deciding to join Cleeve and he admits that ambitions both on and off the pitch, played a factor in him making the move.

“There were a few reasons [for joining Cleeve], firstly speaking with Colly [Paul Collicutt], he came across amazingly and you can tell he looks after his players.

But you can also see that the club are trying to go places on and off the pitch and improve on what was already a great season last year.

The squad is amazing and we’ve got some serious competition for places!” Spurrier said.

Last season saw Bishops Cleeve unfortunately beaten in the play-offs by Malvern Town and were only a few silly results away from seriously fighting for the Southern League Division One South title and Spurrier believes he can play his part in another successful campaign at Kayte Lane.

“The general consensus in the changing room is that we want to be right up there, and any improvement on last year will do that!

For me, I just want to enjoy my football and entertain on the pitch for everyone at club. If I can add a healthy amount of goal contributions to that then I’ll be buzzing. But the team always comes first!” Spurrier added.

Bishops Cleeve are back in pre-season action on Friday night, when they welcome Cheltenham Town to Kayte Lane. Kick off 19:00