The club is delighted to announce the signing of extremely promising young goalkeeper Pat Nash following his departure from Aldershot Town.
The Aldershot native only just turned 22 at the end of May, but has already had quite the journey in the game.
He started his academy journey with Reading at seven years old, but after seven years, was deemed too small by the academy and was released.
After two years out of the game, he signed with Everton as a 17-year-old in November 2021.
However, the work did not stop during his two year hiatus from academy football, and coaching came from an unlikely source.
Former Rangers player Lee Robinson who runs the Youtube channel The Modern Day GK saw some clips, and saw himself in the 15-year-old Nash.
He invited him up to Newcastle to train with him and take part in some coaching sssions, which ranged from using non-stick gloves designed by Robinson to improve his handling, to sessions in Okkulo, a specialist centre that adjusts light levels in a room to help train the eye and quicken reaction time.
Youtube videos featuring Nash received millions of views and caught the attention of socuts and players alike, including goalkeepers such as Pepe Reina, Michel Vorm, and Joe Hart.
Through this recognition Nash was able to secure trials at a host of clubs such as Sunderland, Newcastle and Tottenham, but his height was still a sticking point.
Eventually he impressed on trial made the switch up North , but he didn't stay long, and this time it was on his own terms.
After making 12 appearances at U-18 level and being named as a substitute for an U23 match, he wanted the guarantee of a loan move to a men's team, which the club were not prepared to give him at the time, so Nash rejected the contract extension the Toffees offered and bet on himself.
After a brief spell out of the game he appeared for Whiteley Bay in the Northern League Division One, and quickly rose through the non-league system.
After just a few months at Step Five, he made the move to Farnham Town in January 2023.
He quickly made another step up to National League Aldershot at the end of the 22/23 season, but was loaned back to Farnham for the 23/24 season, where he made history.
He was an integral part of a Farnham side who were Invincibles in the Combined Counties Premier Division South, with Nash keeping an astounding 31 clean sheets in 38 league games.
Over his two spells at The Town he made 77 appearances and kept 40 clean sheets, picking up a Pitching In Isthmian League Golden Glove award too.
He then joined Sholing FC for the 24/25 on loan from Aldershot, making 24 league appearances.
Last season he made eight appearances for Aldershot in the National League and the National League Cup, mainly serving as their second keeper.
Hear from our new man in between the sticks HERE! in his first interview.
Welcome to the Bev, Pat!
Watch our new addition all season long and secure your SEASON TICKETS HERE!
Up The Beavers!