Vanarama National League Southend United have swooped for Slough Town midfielder Leon Parillon as they bid for a play-off spot and a shot at a return to the Football League.
The move is a blow for the Rebels who are enduring a tough run of form under manager Scott Davies, but the ever pragmatic Rebels boss was pleased to be able to see another player progress.
Speaking on the official club website, he said: “As a management team, we are gutted to lose someone of Leon’s quality but we are so pleased to have played a part in his progression. I know that Yella will miss his car school buddy; those two have created a strong bond over the past 18 months which has certainly helped Leon along the way.
Parillon, who played 77 times for Slough scoring eight times, began his career in the youth teams at Luton Town and Aston Villa before joining Oxford United on a scholarship. The midfielder had had a loan spell with the Rebels in 2022 before joining permanently in 2023.
Slough have seen several departures in recent weeks including defender Lexus Beeden and Kweku Lucan, but have been able to bring in the experienced defender Guy Hollis and Australian defender Lewis Miccio from St Albans City.
The Rebels have also re-signed defender Edon Pruti on a contract until the end of next season from Farnborough. Pruti left Arbour Park in 2022 to join Brentford ‘B’ and then League Two Hartlepool United.
Davies said: “At just 22, left footed and with very good experience for someone his age, he’s a perfect addition to our squad. Edon is keen to get back to full-time football and has seen stories like Leon Parillon moving on and believes that Slough are the best club in helping him do that.
“He’s turned down other offers elsewhere, which always bodes well for me as it shows that we have secured someone who wants to play for Slough Town.”
