Shrewsbury's Vlad Paternoster Leaves for Braintree

Shrewsbury's Vlad Paternoster has joined Braintree on a free transfer. The 20-year-old centre-back made his Iron debut in their 3-2 win over Chesham United in National League South, on Saturday. Paternoster, who spent time in the Tottenham Hotspur and Shrewsbury Town academies and played for Hemel Hempstead Town in National League South, joined Luton after a successful trial in June, 2024. He then signed a professional development contract for the Hatters later that summer and went on to feature on the bench for the club in the Vertu Trophy.

Shrewsbury face a tough start to the season, sitting 22nd in League Two with 0 points from 1 game. They are 3 points behind leaders Walsall and have a next fixture against Oldham (away, 2027-02-27).

Braintree Sign George Evans on Loan

Braintree have also brought in striker George Evans on loan from League One side Bromley. The 19-year-old has made five first-team appearances for the Ravens including four in the EFL and scored in their 2-2 draw with Barnet, last season. Evans enjoyed an excellent debut against Chesham, scoring his side’s second goal and also providing an assist, earning him the Braintree supporters’ player of the match award for his performance.

Shrewsbury's Vlad Paternoster's Career Path

Paternoster, who was born in Milan but raised in England from the age of one, made his debut for Braintree in their 3-2 win over Chesham United in National League South, on Saturday. He has played for several clubs, including Hemel Hempstead Town in National League South, and has also had a loan spell at Welling United last season. Paternoster was released by Luton in May and has now joined Braintree on a free transfer.

Braintree Boss Steve Pitt on New Signings

Braintree boss Steve Pitt told the club’s website: “They were both absolutely outstanding. You could why Vlad was bought as a 17-year-old by Luton from Shrewsbury. You can see the potential that he’s got and I’m hoping that we unlock that, particularly with our track record with young players over the last couple of years. I’ve been monitoring George for a while now. George has been understudy to my old friend Michael Cheek who played for me 14 years ago and is still somebody that I keep around me and vice-versa to this day. I did my due diligence on George but most importantly I spoke to Michael and he was absolutely glowing in his praise for the lad. I thought we saw today he’s a throwback - he’s a proper orthodox centre-forward who’s still got a lot to learn. He’s quite raw but I thought he brought energy, he occupied centre-halves, he never stopped running for 80 minutes and he deservedly got his rewards. What a finish for the third goal, by the way. It’s the beginning of what I believe will be a very fruitful relationship between myself and George, Braintree Town and Bromley and long may it continue.