Backwell put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract in July 2026 – with a Club option for an additional year – having impressed while training with the Club since the first day of pre-season in 2026.

Formerly a scholar at Southampton, Backwell came through the ranks at Bristol City before a loan spell at Cheltenham Town gave him his first professional games, including netting a debut goal against league leaders Salford City. He completed a permanent switch to the Gloucestershire outfit in February 2025, making a further nine appearances across the season.

The 23-year-old then enjoyed a loan spell at Weston-super-Mare FC, scoring in wins over Ebbsfleet United and Salisbury City in the National League South as the Seagulls secured sixth place. He also converted his spot-kick in Weston’s Play-Off Eliminator penalty shoot-out victory over Hemel Hempstead.