TAUNTON TOWN have today announced four new signings, with Ryan Brett, Les Afful, Ben Adelsbury and Chris McGrath joining for next season's promotion push.
Ryan Brett has joined from Truro City, having started his career at hometown club Plymouth Argyle and spent three seasons at Salisbury.
The 26-year-old is a left-sided defender and midfielder, so would seem ideal for the left wing-back position in Leigh Robinson's team.
📝 | TERMS AGREED: Ryan Brett becomes the Peacocks' first summer signing and joins from Truro City. #WelcomeRyan #UpThePeacocks pic.twitter.com/PNlAAHWsVI
— Taunton Town FC (@TauntonTownFC) June 2, 2017
Also signing from Truro City is 33-year-old midfielder Les Afful.
He has been at Truro since 2009, having previously played for Exeter City, Torquay United and Forest Green Rovers.
While at Exeter, he played in front of 67,500 fans at Old Trafford as the Grecians held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup third round in 2005.
📝 | TERMS AGREED: Les Afful becomes the Peacocks' third summer signing and joins from Truro City. #WelcomeLes #UpThePeacocks pic.twitter.com/iQoz2J5dql
— Taunton Town FC (@TauntonTownFC) June 2, 2017
And making it an ex-Truro trio is Ben Adelsbury.
The midfielder, 26, who has also spent time at Salisbury, Bath City and Braintree, should provide invaluable support to Brett Trowbridge and Shane White in the engine room.
📝 | TERMS AGREED: Ben Adelsbury becomes the Peacocks' fourth summer signing and completes a trio from Truro City. #WelcomeBen #UpThePeacocks pic.twitter.com/PswSoZH0bg
— Taunton Town FC (@TauntonTownFC) June 2, 2017
Those three have been joined by Chris McGrath, who has returned to the club from Bideford AFC.
The 32-year-old central defender, the son of former Manchester United and Aston Villa defender Paul McGrath, played for the Peacocks in the 2011/12 season.
He has also had spells at Bridgwater Town, Tiverton Town and Frome Town - and as a youngster he played for Liverpool, Walsall and Burnley, as well as representing the Republic of Ireland.
McGrath helped Bideford to 10th position in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West last season, largely thanks to their mean defensive record - they conceded 58 goals (the seventh lowest total in the league), and drew 0-0 with Taunton at the Viridor in April.
📝 | TERMS AGREED: Chris McGrath returns to the Viridor Stadium joining from Bideford AFC. #WelcomeBackChris #UpThePeacocks pic.twitter.com/bIAL9gsSlU
— Taunton Town FC (@TauntonTownFC) June 2, 2017
His signing should help soften the blow of Ed Palmer's departure, the centre-back and set-piece specialist departing for Truro.
The Peacocks had already confirmed striker Matt Wright has agreed to stay and wear the captain's armband next season, with defender/midfielder White also extending his time at the Viridor and taking the role of vice-captain.
Another key man who is sticking around for next season is goalkeeper Lloyd Irish, who announced the news earlier this week.
Happy to have agreed another season @TauntonTownFC! Enjoying a break but excited to get back to it already! #UTP
— Lloyd Irish (@lloydirish) May 31, 2017
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