Defender Tom Broadbent has joined the South Shields ranks ahead of the Mariners’ first pre-season training session.
Thomas William Broadbent – known as Tom – was born on February 15th, 1992 in Basingstoke, Hampshire
He joined Southampton’s Academy at the age of 10 and also spent time in the youth set-ups at Portsmouth and Bournemouth
Broadbent made his senior debut in National League South with Bognor Regis Town as a 16-year-old, and he also spent time with Chichester Town, Pagham and Selsey
He had numerous jobs while continuing his football ambitions, including in a supermarket and as a labourer and carpenter, before joining the Army at the age of 19
The 6ft 3in centre-back served as a Lance Bombardier in the Royal Artillery, and among his postings was a five-month stint in Afghanistan in 2014
Broadbent also represented the Army at football at Under-21s and senior level, and played in an Army vs FA Legends game at Reading FC, where he was coached by England legend Stuart Pearce
During his time in the Army, he also played semi-professionally for Farnborough, Petersfield Town and Hayes & Yeading United, who he captained in the 2016-17 season
He was nominated to take part in ceremonial duties at the 2017 FA Cup final, and handed out medals from the Royal Box at Wembley
Broadbent left the Army in the summer of 2017 to pursue his football career and swiftly joined League One side Bristol Rovers, who his Armed Forces manager had recommended him to
After one-and-a-half years and 36 appearances for Rovers, Broadbent switched to Swindon Town in January 2019
He spent two-and-a-half years with Swindon, who he helped to the League Two title in his first half-season with the club
Last season was spent in the National League with Eastleigh, who he represented 32 times
After moving to his partner’s native North East this summer, Broadbent now has a new club and new challenge at South Shields
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