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While Brown's involvement in the first-team squad was limited during his debut campaign, the potential for his development was evident to all whenever he made an appearance from the bench. Recognising the need for Haydn to gain valuable experience, the club arranged a dual-registration loan move to Step 5 side Uttoxeter Town. During his time at Uttoxeter, Brown flourished, scoring 8 goals in 15 appearances and earning numerous Man of the Match accolades. His standout performances have now earned him a place back in the Gresley Rovers squad.

Commenting on the signing, manager Carl Abbott expressed his delight at bringing this homegrown talent back into the fold. "We saw a lot of promise in Haydn last summer, but the step up to Step 4 football proved more challenging due to his slight build and lack of experience," he explained. "However, the rapid development I witnessed during his loan spell at Uttoxeter Town has been incredibly impressive. Haydn is now ready to make his mark at Gresley Rovers moving forwards."

Abbott emphasized the significance of retaining Brown, a lifelong Rovers supporter, at the club. "This is exactly the kind of signing our club needs right now - a young, hungry player who represents the passion of our supporters. I'm confident this will be a breakthrough season for Haydn, and I'm excited to see him flourish in a Gresley Rovers shirt."

Abbott concluded: "The signing of Haydn Brown, a product of the local community, signals Gresley Rovers' commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and providing opportunities for young, ambitious players to shine at the club.”

Abbott also confirmed that Ryan King has agreed to join the club. Abbot said, "Ryan is a player I have wanted to work with for some time, ever since I first came through the doors here. We are fortunate to have such a talented group of local players in that age range in this area and Kingy might just be the most naturally gifted among them but unfortunately for him, injuries and misfortune have not been kind to him."

Abbot explained that King had recovered from a double knee operation to return to playing for Stapenhill last season, where he hit some "quite incredible form." However, Abbot noted, "Just when it appeared things were back on track, he has been hit with another injury blow. But the positive news is that his knees are now rock solid."

Abbot said the club will be patient and support King as he undergoes another relatively minor operation and the club look forward to welcoming him back into the fold as soon as possible. Abbot expressed a high degree of confidence that King will play a pivotal role in the upcoming season.
Looking beyond the next 3 months of King's absence, Abbot said: "This is again such an important signing for our football club moving forwards - to have one of the best players in the region playing at this football club is exactly as it should be."