Wembley winner joins St Mirren in loan move from Brentford

Ellery Balcombe became St Mirren’s second signing of the summer today.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper joins the Buddies on a season-long loan from English Premier League side Brentford.

Balcombe will replace Zach Hemming between the sticks as he returns to parent club Middlesbrough following an excellent Premiership campaign.

The English Championship outfit look set to give Hemming a chance to be part of their first-team operation next term.

Balcombe – who signed a four-year contract extension with the Bees last autumn – joins Peter Urminsky in the first-team keeper ranks at Ralston with the pair working under goalie coach Jamie Langfield.

He arrives with 72 senior career appearances under his belt having enjoyed loan spells at Boreham Wood, Viborg FF in Denmark, Doncaster Rovers, Burton Albion, Bromley, Crawley Town and Bristol Rovers.

Balcombe made his Bees first-team debut last August in the second round of the League Cup and was the hero after saving two penalties in a shoot-out win at Newport County.

The sides had drawn 1-1 at Rodney Parade with Brentford going on to prevail 3-0 on spot-kicks.

Reflecting on his big night, Balcombe said at the time: “It felt amazing. I’ve been here a long time, since I was eight, so to finally get a debut, I can’t really describe the feeling.

“My mum was here so I’m delighted she was here to see that. I like to think I’m decent at penalties so I was full of confidence going into the shoot-out.”

Two years ago, he was part of the Bromley team which beat Wrexham – owned by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds – 1-0 in the final of the FA Trophy at Wembley.

Delighted Buddies boss Stephen Robinson said of his new recruit: “Ellery is someone I’ve really liked. I’ve watched Ellery for a while.

“His distribution is very good, he’s commanding in his box and I believe he’s someone that will enhance our already good record of goalkeepers.

“We were keen to keep Zach but we spoke to Middlesborough and he’s their player so we have to respect that. He’ll go back for pre-season and fight for a No 2 jersey there but we knew that would come.

“Ellery was somebody that we had been speaking to and keeping close watch on. He was our first choice to join and we’re delighted to have that over the line. It gives us a real base and our squad is taking shape nicely now.”

Shaun Rooney was Saints’ first signing of the summer while James Scott’s January transfer window loan move from Exeter City will be converted into a permanent two-year deal.