We’re pleased to confirm the signing of Kiban Rai following the expiry of his contract with Newport County!
The 20-year-old made his first-team debut with the Exiles in a 3-1 defeat to Salford City in League Two at just 17, and his first professional goal came as a 96th-minute equaliser against Premier League Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
Rai became the first player of Nepalese descent to sign a professional contract with an EFL club and he went on to make 30 appearances for Newport County, including lining up against the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Raphael Varane in an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Rodney Parade.
The attacking midfielder joined Merthyr Town on loan in January last year and though injury cut the spell short, helped them to the Southern League Premier South title.
You can hear Kiban’s first interview as a Shot by clicking HERE
On signing Kiban, Tommy Widdrington, said: “Kiban is first and foremost a really exciting prospect.”
“Having played in The EFL as a teenager tells you the quality is in there and having met and chatted with him, I feel we can provide him with the kind of platform his skill set requires.”
“I understand there will be conjecture connecting Kiban with the Aldershot connections with the Nepalese community but, as I explained to Kiban himself, he is here on merit and we are looking forward to working with him because of his football ability.”
Head of Recruitment Jamie Hedges added: “We’re delighted to get Kiban sorted. He’s a very talented player who’s dipped his toe into the EFL at a young age and been in and around it for 2/3 years.”
“We both now feel that we could be the right environment to push his career on. He’s an energetic, exciting footballer who wants to be positive and take players on and hopefully score and assist goals!”
Kiban’s home, away and third shirts are available to sponsor for the 25/26 season! Contact our Commercial Manager, Mark Butler, at mark.butler@theshots.co.uk for more information
