Blackburn sign Louie Annesley from Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar
Wednesday 30 January 2019 14:34, UK
Blackburn have signed former Chelsea youth player Louie Annesley from Gibraltar Premier Division champions Lincoln Red Imps.
The 6ft 4in centre back, who is a Gibraltar international, joins the Sky Bet Championship side on a two-and-a-half-year deal through to June 2021 and will work under U23 boss Damien Johnson.
Born in London, the 18-year-old was on the books of Chelsea as a youngster, before starting his senior career at non-league club Cobham.
Speaking to Blackburn's official website, Annesley said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed, it's all done now and I'm really looking forward to getting started.
"It's been a frustrating time with the wait, but it's finally sorted and it feels great.
"It's the biggest opportunity of my life so far. I'm absolutely buzzing. I was sitting in my room in Spain when I heard of the interest and then was catching a flight the next day back to England.
"It's still not sunk in, but I'm sure it will do now. It's a brilliant feeling and it's great to be back in a professional setup. I'm delighted to be putting pen-to-paper here.
"Everything here is different. We'll have programmes, gym work, training intensity. Everything is suited towards you, and is built to help you, which is good because that will help you help the team.
"I'm a calm, composed central defender who isn't afraid of a tackle. I like to play out from the back and can also play in midfield if needed."
