‘Top professional’ leaves Brackley Town and returns to Birmingham City after injury blow

Pendleton may have only made 13 appearances for Brackley, but he made a terrific impression on the St James Park faithful and will be missed by all involved with the football club.

The 20-year-old spent the first part of the season at Yeovil Town - also in the National League - but saw his spell at Huish Park cut short back in November after 14 outings.

Following a brief spell back with Birmingham’s academy squad, Pendleton then headed out for a second loan of the season, agreeing to join Brackley until the end of the campaign.

That turned out to be an excellent decision all round, as Pendleton featured predominantly as a right-back or right wing-back and impressed from the get-go, with his work rate and exemplary attitude standing out.

The Blues youngster may have only been with Brackley for a few months, but he left an indelible mark and was recently nominated for the club’s player of the season award.

Pendleton was one of those sidelined as Saints boss Andy Whing had just four players on the bench for Easter Monday’s 1-1 draw with Boston United, with an injury crisis taking hold.

Responding to his recall, @BrackleyTownFC posted: “Wishing Byron Pendleton all the very best in his recovery.

“A real positive during his time with us, a top professional and a pleasure to have in the red and white. We’re proud of the impact he made at Brackley.”

Pendleton would have loved to turn out for the Saints on a few more occasions, however his injury sadly ended that possibility.

The defender reflects on his time at St James with gratitude and he’ll be keeping an eye on how Brackley get on.

Posting to X (formerly Twitter), Pendleton said: “I would like to say thank you to all the staff, players and fans of Brackley Town FC.

“Since arriving, I have felt loved and welcomed like I am one of your own, thank you for the opportunity you have given me to build as a player and person.

“I wish the best for the future.”