Redditch United sign Kyle Belmonte as forward takes step up

Belmonte, who left Evesham at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, had attracted interest from clubs at Steps 5, 4 and 3 across Worcestershire but he has been snapped up by Matt Clarke.

The big character of Belmonte will join another big non-league personality at The Reds next season in former Halesowen Town striker Jamie Insall.

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— Redditch United (@RedditchUtd) June 20, 2023

"I’ve been a long admirer of Kyle," said manager Clarke. "I’ve watched his progression from Bewdley and his last two seasons at Evesham.

"We did try and sign him about 18 months ago, he’s had two really good seasons at Evesham at Step 4 being, I think, their player of the year two times in a row and their leading scorer from midfield.

"He can play as a number 8, number 10 and number 9 so he gives us a lot of variety and versatility. He’s a very talented boy, again he courts a bit of controversy on the field, he doesn’t take prisoners nor does he make friends on the pitch, but he’s a winner and he just really wants to win.

Kyle Belmonte was Evesham United's player of the season last season (Image: Stuart Purfield)

"He’s got a lot of qualities and is a big lad at 6’3 so he fits that profile of us being better physically.

"He’s a really exciting prospect that’s still got a lot of improving to do, but he could go on and go through the levels.

"He’s done the Step 5, the Step 4 and this is a good opportunity for him to prove to people that he can be a very good player at Step 3 and I think he can do that.
I’m really excited to be working with Kyle."

The former Worcester City youth team product will make the step up into Step 3 of non-league for the first time after years at Worcester Raiders and a season and a half with The Robins. 

Kyle Belmonte spent a season and a half with Evesham after spending the majority of his career to date with Worcester Raiders (Image: Stuart Purfield)

Having steered Evesham to safety in the 21/22 campaign, Belmonte's 13 league goals in the Southern League Division 1 South rocketed Evesham into the play-offs in 2022/23.

But now he is ready for a new challenge. 

"I felt like the time was right for me to leave Evesham," he said. "That decision was made with the chance to make the step up, which I also feel is the right time.

"I have had a few chances here and there at this level but it has never been the right time and never really worked out. I probably haven't been good enough but now I feel like I am ready, I am prepared, more mature and now ready to make that step.

"I want to score some goals, chip in with a few assists but mainly I run about and kick people because they're too good or quick for me!"

To listen to the full interview, follow this link.