Eastbourne Borough are delighted to announce the signing of forward James Alabi.
The striker has an abundance of experience at a higher level, most notably with Chester, Leyton Orient and Bromley, and gives the Sports an added dimension in the final third.
And Alabi, 30, can’t wait to get going at his new club.
“I’m here to get going and get some goals,” said the striker.
“I’d like to think over the years I’ve been a target man, but as I’ve grown older I’ve developed my game and I love doing the nasty work, bullying defenders, and chip in with a few goals.
“The gaffer, the chairman and a few of the players I know have told me good things about the club.
“I wanted to go somewhere where I could help a club, not play for the sake of it, but to grow and help the club progress.”
Alabi began his career in the youth ranks of Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic and Stoke City, where he signed his first professional contract.
He had various loan spells before joining Ipswich Town, where after a short loan spell with Grimsby Town, joined Chester in the summer of 2016.
“He’s effective in what he does and will help the group to move forward…” – Adam Murray
He was the National League side’s top scorer during the 2016/17 season, which saw him sign for Tranmere Rovers in July 2017. He failed to make an impact there and spent much of the 2017/18 season on loan at Dover Athletic. James joined Leyton Orient in July 2018 and helped the side win the National League title that season.
The following season saw him loaned out to Eastleigh then join Bromley when he was released in June 2020. He spent two seasons with the Ravens before moving on to Maidstone United, where he played in the National League in 2022/23.
He ended last season at Bath City, where after recovering from a long-term injury he helped the Romans finish in the National League South play-offs.
Alabi comes with plenty of experience at a higher level, and First Team boss Adam Murray is looking forward to getting him in the squad.
“James adds experience and something that is different to what we currently have,” he said.
“He’s effective in what he does and will help the group to move forward.”
Alabi will wear number 35 and is available for selection for tomorrow’s National League South fixture with Hornchurch at The ReachTV Stadium.
