First Team

Welcome to Kettering Towns First Team Players and Backroom Staff 

Kettering Town’s First Team Players Coaches and Staff

Goalkeepers

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Goalkeeper
Height
1.83
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Dan a goalkeeper joined the club in January 2024 after the demise of Nuneaton Borough. He previously played for WBA, Walsall U18, Rugby Town (loan), Tamworth, Worcester City, Alvechurch, Corby Town (dual), and Nuneaton Borough. A former WBA youth team player. Dan kept a clean sheet on his debut as the Poppies ran out 1-0 winners at Hitchin Town and played an instrumental part in the Poppies success at the business end of the season. A superb shot stopper with physical presence making him one of the best goalkeepers in this division.

Dan Jezeph

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Goalkeeper
Height
6'6
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Jason, the 6’6” shot stopper, has previous played for Basford United, Belper Town, Worksop Town Clipston, Loughborough Dynamo, Corby Town, Boston United and Chesterfield.

Jason played against the Poppies for the Steelmen in 2022, with Kettering running out 1-0 winners at Steel Park.

Welcome Jason, we hope you enjoy your time at Latimer Park.

Jason Alexander

Defenders

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Defender
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Connor originally joined the Poppies in December 2020. The Kettering born defender previously played for Sunderland U23, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and had had spells on loan at Boreham Wood, AFC Telford United, Walsall and Kilmarnock. He made his Poppies debut in the 1-1 draw at Brackley Town making impressive strides during the 2021-22 season as the Poppies finished in 8th position in the Vanarama National League North. He also chipped in with 3 goals along the way and was voted by his peers as the ‘Players Player of the Season’, a fine tribute to a fine man. Connor left the Poppies though in June 2022 to join Peterborough Sports. After two seasons away Connor under manager Richard Lavery’s new look squad.

Connor Johnson

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Defender
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Ben a defender is another welcomed addition to ‘Lavs’ new look squad. He has previously played for Burton Albion where he came through the Brewers Academy set up playing three League One appearances for Albion. Ben also played on loan at Kidsgrove Athletic, Tamworth, and Redditch United before signing for Coalville Town where he featured in our final game of last season for the Leicestershire club at Latimer Park.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               


Ben Hart

Nationality
itaItaly
Position
Defender
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Sidik a central defender was signed by manager Richard Lavery during the closed season from Belper Town. His previous clubs include Shepshed Dynamo, Loughborough Dynamo, Harborough Town, Nuneaton Borough, Stratford Town, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, St Ives Town, Kempston Rovers (loan) Soham Town Rangers and Lada Pilgora (Poland). Sidik originally played at Hemel Hempsted (youth) and Boreham Wood (youth) before joining the Corby Town academy. While with the Steelmen he had loan spells at Sileby Rangers, Yaxley, and Daventry Town. A tall imposing defender with a physical presence that makes him a powerhouse at the back.

Currently on loan at Shepshed Dynamo.

Sidik Atcha

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Defender
Current Team
Peterborough United
Past Teams
Bishop’s Stortford FC, Dereham Town FC, Kings Lynn Town FC, Peterborough United, Welling United FC

The club are delighted to announce the loan signing of left back Aaron Powell, who joins the Poppies for the season from Peterborough United, having had previous spells on loan at both National League North and South level with Kings Lynn Town, Welling United and Bishop Stortford, the Posh U21 defender also played at Dereham Town.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Aaron Powell

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Defender
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Hitchin Town FC

KTFC are delighted to announce the signing of left back Daniel Emovon to our squad.  Daniel is no stranger to Latimer Park as he was an unused substitute in Hitchin Town’s 4-0 win last season.  He has previously played for Hemel Hempsted Town, Ware, Clapton FC and Wingate & Finchley.  KTFC welcome Daniel officially to the club and wish him every success with the Poppies. Daniel featured in the two home friendly games against Basford United and Lye Town.

Currently at Wellingborough Town (Dual).

Daniel Emovon

Nationality
codDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Position
Defender
Height
1.87
Current Team
Bedford Town FC, Kettering Town Football Club

KTFC are delighted to announce the signing of centre-back Harlain Mbayo, who goes into manager Richard Lavery’s squad to face Halesowen Town on Saturday.

The former Gloucester City, Cheshunt, Cohb Ramblers, Airdrieonians, Truro City, Aberdeen U20, Albion Rovers, Oxford United U18 and DC Congo U19’s. Born in DC Congo (Kinshasa), Harlain played in the recent 4-1 friendly win against Lye Town. We would like to welcome Harlain to Latimer Park and wish him every success while with the Poppies.

Harlain Mbayo

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Defender
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Spalding United FC

Kettering Town Football Club are delighted to announce the return of centre-back Lewis White. Lewis made 59 appearances scoring 3 goals for the Poppies since making his debut against AFC Fylde in August 2022, before joining Spalding United where he made a substitute appearance against the Poppies recently in Kettering’s 4-0 home win.

Lewis made the dream start to his second spell with the club, scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 away win at St Ives Town.

Lewis White

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Defender
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Barwell Football Club, Hinckley Town FC, Kettering Town Football Club, Nuneaton Borough FC, Oadby Town

Kettering Town are delighted to announce the signing of centre-back Declan Towers. Declan originally joined the Poppies in 2018 (making his debut against Hitchin Town), having previously played for Hinckley United and Barwell.  He made 41 appearances scoring 4 goals during the Poppies Championship season leaving that summer for Nuneaton Borough and later Aylestone Park. On a dual registration from Aylestone last season, he played one game for Kettering under Richard Lavery, winning the Man of the Match Award as the Poppies secured a 2-0 home win against AFC Sudbury.

We would like to welcome Declan back to Latimer Park and hope he has a successful third spell with the club. Once a Poppy always a Poppy. COYP!

Declan Towers

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Defender
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Connor Johnson

Aaron Powell

Midfielders

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Midfielder
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Devon, a midfielder joined the Poppies during the 2024-25 pre-season campaign joining his former Quorn manager Richard Lavery at Latimer Park. A Coventry City graduate (along with his twin brother Dion, who also had a spell at the Poppies), he also played for Nuneaton Town / Borough and Leamington.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Devon Kelly-Evans

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Midfielder
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Dan, a central midfielder who joined the Poppies in August 2023 after previously playing for Stoke City U21, Wrexham, Gateshead and Hereford in the Vanarama National leagues. Dan scored on his debut in the 2-2 draw against Halesowen Town with an excellent strike, he chipped in with 5 more goals last season proving to be a valuable asset for the managers new look squad. He made a huge impression last season winning a trio of awards, the coveted ‘Supporters Player of the Season’, the ‘Directors Player of the Season’ and the ‘Kettering Town ‘Supporters Trust’ Player of the Season’.

Dan Jarvis

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Midfielder
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

KTFC are delighted to welcome back Gary Stohrer who has been absent from the side since injury curtailed his 2023-24 season. On the road to recovery, he has been training with the first team during his rehabilitation and has had a short spell with Daventry Town to gain match fitness. Gary previously made 236 first class appearances in his eight seasons with the Poppies scoring 8 goals. He is the only member of the squad who gained promotion out of this Division in 2018-19 and was inducted into the ‘Kettering Town Hall of Fame’ at the 2021-22 club presentations.

Gary re-joins Richard Lavery’s side at an exciting time and we hope he can continue to enjoy his career with the Poppies.

Gary Stohrer

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Midfielder
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Kai is an attacking midfielder signed by manager Richard Lavery after impressing during pre-season. Noted for a trial at Barcelona when he was 7, Kai went onto to play for Beaconsfield Town U23, St Ives Town, Wellingborough Town, Wellingborough Whitworths, Cogenhoe United and Wantage Town. He has massive talent and definitely is one to look out for this season.                                                                                                                                                      

Kai Fifield

Nationality
albAlbania
Position
Midfielder
Height
1.7
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Andi is a former Albanian U21 international born in Tirana. He is a midfielder who has previously played for Grimsby Town, Alfreton Town, Harrogate Town, Redditch United and a 6-year spell at Boston United before joining Coalville Town. The all-rounder who is a set piece specialist is a welcomed addition to our new look squad having played against the Poppies for the Ravens in both league fixtures last season.

Andi Thanoj

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Midfielder
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Wes was a Richard Lavery signing during the closed season having joined the Poppies from Coalville Town. Wes’s career began at Anstey Nomads, before spells at Nuneaton Borough, Wrexham, Gateshead, York City and Brackley Town. He has played at the highest levels of non-league football and has featured against the Poppies in the past for Brackley and last season’s final home game against Coalville Town.

Wes York

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Midfielder
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Kettering born Luca, a young forward, is in his second season with the Poppies. He made his debut against Stourbridge last season, scoring his first goal away at Alvechurch in the 1-1 draw. Luca an exciting product from the Kettering Town Youth Academy has also played on loan at Desborough Town and Harborough Town (two spells last season) where he was a member of the Bees promotion side.









Luca Miller

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Midfielder
Height
1.75
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Barnet FC, Celtic, Grays Athletic, Gulf United, Hereford United, Kerala Blaster, Leyton Orient, Norwich City, Omonia, Scunthorpe United, Sheffield Wednesday FC, Southend United, Wellington Phoenix

KTFC are excited to announce the signing of experienced forward Gary Hooper, among others he has played at Conference South and National level, the Championship, League One, Scottish Premiership (Celtic), Premiership (Norwich City) and the National League.

Gary has previously played for Grays Athletic, Southend United, Leyton Orient (loan), Hereford United (loan), Scunthorpe United, Celtic, Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday, Wellington Phoenix (New Zealand), Kerala Blaster (India), Omonia (Cyprus), Gulf United (UAE) and Barnet.

With over 500 appearances and 200 goals throughout his career, Gary will add his valuable experience to Richard Lavery’s new look and exciting squad.

We are delighted to see another player with undoubted quality join the Poppies and hope that Gary has an enjoyable and rewarding time at Latimer Park, welcome Gary.

Gary Hooper

Forwards

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Forward
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Isiah a midfielder was signed by manager Richard Lavery during the closed 2024-25 season from Cheshunt. Isiah has previously played for Cheshunt, Chalfont St Peter, Harrow Borough, and Leverstock Green FC, he also had trials with Barnet. Isiah will bring a different approach to the squad with undoubted energy, physical ability with a good eye in front of goal







Isiah Noel Williams


Nationality
engEngland
jamJamaica
Position
Forward
Height
188
Weight
84kg
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Barnsley, Blackpool, Boreham Wood FC, Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday FC, Southend United, Spalding United FC, Swindon Town FC

Richard Lavery has added to his squad with the experienced signing of striker Nile Ranger. Nile has previously played for Newcastle United, Barnsley (loan), Sheffield Wednesday (loan), Swindon Town, Blackpool, Southend United, Spalding United, Boreham Wood.

An England U19 international Nile had a pre-season at Barnet, he has played in the Premiership, Championship, League One & Two, the National League and a short spell in the Northern Premier Division One South/East.

Nile has undoubted ability and should offer a different dynamic to the Poppies squad

Nile Ranger

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Forward
Height
1.7
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Tyree a Nottingham born winger joins the Poppies from Quorn FC where he played under Kettering Town manager Richard Lavery and is very highly rated. Tyree is a pacy midfield / winger with a good eye for goal who will give opposing defenders plenty to think about, he has also played for Derby County U23, and Ilkeston Town and will be a welcomed addition to the Poppies new look squad.










Tyree Wilson

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Forward
Height
1.79
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Burton Albion, Charlton Athletic, Colchester United, Coventry City, Northampton Town, Tranmere Rovers FC, Watford FC, Wealdstone FC

Kettering Town Football Club are delighted to announce that former Northampton Town loanee Marvin Sordell has joined the club.

Marvin a greatly experienced forward, played for Stuart Pearce’s Great Britain Olympic side in 2012, having played for England Under 20 and 21 sides.

He has previously played for Burton Albion, Coventry City, Colchester United, Burnley, Charlton Athletic (loan), Bolton Wanderers, Tranmere Rovers (loan), Wealdstone (loan), and Watford. Marvin has played in the Premiership (with Bolton), Championship and League One. He has been out of the game for a while but wants to be back in the game he cherishes. We would like to wish him every success and hope he enjoys his time at Latimer Park, welcome Marvin.

Richard Lavery said, “I am pleased to get another player with plenty of experience coming into the club, Marvin  has been out of action for a little while but we believe he can add another dynamic to the squad.”

Marvin Sordell

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Forward
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Coalville Town, Leicester City, Rushall Olympic

Manager Richard Lavery has been busy over the festive period, the Club is delighted to announce the signing of versatile forward Terell Pennant from Rushall Olympic. Terell can play on either wing, in behind the striker or leading the line himself, he has pace and an excellent work rate.

Terell’s career began at Leicester City featuring in their U18, U21 and U23 sides, he played in the Premier League International Cup, Premier League 2, and the Football League Trophy.  Before being released by the Foxes he made 3 EFL Trophy appearances during the 2022-23 season. On leaving Leicester, he joined Coalville Town before joining Rushall.

Manager Richard Lavery said, “I have been after Terell for a little while now, and I am delighted he is joining us. He will give us that extra special creativity and adds a different dynamic to the squad. I am sure he will become a fans favourite as we go into the new year with a huge incentive, promotion, I am sure you will all give him a huge welcome”.

The Club would like to welcome Terell to Latimer Park and hope he has an enjoyable and successful time at the Club.




Terell Pennant

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Forward
Height
1.80
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Accrington Stanley, Biggleswade Town FC, Bishop’s Stortford FC, FC Halifax, Maidstone United, Peterborough United, Royston Town FC, St Ives Town FC, Stevenage

KTFC are delighted to announce the signing of experienced striker Jonny Edwards. He has been prolific with his former club St Ives Town and indeed scored 3 goals against Kettering for the Ives in their two wins last season.

Jonny has previously played for FC Romania, Royston Town, Biggleswade Town, Maidstone United, FC Halifax, Woking (loan), Accrington Stanley (loan), Hull City, Dunstable Town, St Albans City (loan), Ilkeston Town (loan), Bishop’s Stortford (loan), Peterborough United, Peterborough United Youth and Stevenage Youth.

Manager Richard Lavery said, “This is a great signing which will give us a new lease of life going in to the game on Tuesday night against Bromsgrove. Jonny is a prolific goal scorer in this league, over the last two seasons I think he has scored 30 plus goals, so he adds cutting edge quality to the squad giving us different options in the final third. He is a player we have been after him for some time, but obviously at the time he decided to stay with St Ives, so I am delighted to finally capture him. It shows the ambition of the club, we are always looking to bring quality into the squad and we believe we have done just that”.

We would like to welcome Jonny to Latimer Park and hope he has an enjoyable and successful time with the Poppies.

Jonny Edwards

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Forward
Height
1.66
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Braintree Town, Buxton FC, Nuneaton Borough FC, Rugby Town FC, Southend United, Stourbridge FC, Stratford Town FC, Tamworth FC, Wrexham

Callum returned to Kettering Town in December 2024 from Braintree Town, having previously played for the Poppies during the 2020-21 & 2021-22 seasons. The former Northampton Town U18, Rugby Town, Wrexham, Tamworth, Stratford Town, Stourbridge, Nuneaton Borough and Buxton player scored 19 goals in 35 sensational appearances while with the club before a move to Southend United for an undisclosed fee in January 2022. A fantastic addition to the squad who gives manager Richard Lavery a different dynamic in his title chasing side











Callum Powell

Nationality
engEngland
Position
Forward
Height
1.80
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club
Past Teams
Accrington Stanley, Biggleswade Town FC, Bishop’s Stortford FC, FC Halifax, Maidstone United, Peterborough United, Royston Town FC, St Ives Town FC, Stevenage

KTFC are delighted to announce the signing of experienced striker Jonny Edwards. He has been prolific with his former club St Ives Town and indeed scored 3 goals against Kettering for the Ives in their two wins last season.

Jonny has previously played for FC Romania, Royston Town, Biggleswade Town, Maidstone United, FC Halifax, Woking (loan), Accrington Stanley (loan), Hull City, Dunstable Town, St Albans City (loan), Ilkeston Town (loan), Bishop’s Stortford (loan), Peterborough United, Peterborough United Youth and Stevenage Youth.

Manager Richard Lavery said, “This is a great signing which will give us a new lease of life going in to the game on Tuesday night against Bromsgrove. Jonny is a prolific goal scorer in this league, over the last two seasons I think he has scored 30 plus goals, so he adds cutting edge quality to the squad giving us different options in the final third. He is a player we have been after him for some time, but obviously at the time he decided to stay with St Ives, so I am delighted to finally capture him. It shows the ambition of the club, we are always looking to bring quality into the squad and we believe we have done just that”.

We would like to welcome Jonny to Latimer Park and hope he has an enjoyable and successful time with the Poppies.

Jonny Edwards

Coaches and Staff

Manager Richard Lavery

Nationality
engEngland
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Richard was appointed manager of the Poppies in February 2024 in succession to Jim Le Masurier.  It was a return to the club for ‘Lavs’ as he was the assistant manager to Marcus Law during the 2018-19 promotion winning campaign. He was known as formidable player throughout his career having played for Hinckley United (under former Poppies manager Dean Thomas), Nuneaton Borough, Corby Town, Barwell, Telford United and Coventry Sphinx. He was also the assistant manager at Hinckley and Nuneaton, before taking over as manager of Quorn AFC. He brought to the Poppies former coach Tom Cherry who was with him at Quorn. ‘Lavs’ had a difficult mandate joining the club who were floating around with the prospect of relegation.  But an upturn in results, with five consecutive wins turned the corner with safety achieved with 4 games remaining. The rebuilding for the 2024-25 season began in earnest.

First Team Coach Tom Cherry

Nationality
engEngland
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Tom Cherry was previously at Hinckley AFC as a first team coach. He has previously been part of the backroom team at Barwell and has recently moved to Kettering Town along with Richard Lavery. Cherry and Lavery had a successful period at Quorn AFC, where they achieved promotion and had a strong season

First Team Coach Frankie Fry

Nationality
engEngland
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Goal Keeper Coach Bradley Wilson

Nationality
engEngland
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

First Team Coach

Kit Man Malc Lewer

Nationality
engEngland
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

First Team Kit Man

Sports Rehabilitator Michael Hunter

Nationality
engEngland
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

Sports Rehabilitator for the First Team

Kit Man Dan Willis

Nationality
engEngland
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

First Team Kit Man

Kit Man Aaron Lewer

Nationality
engEngland
Current Team
Kettering Town Football Club

First Team Kit Man and Analyst

Player Statistics