TAUNTON Town have confirmed the signing of midfielder Lee Lucas, and that goalkeeper Lloyd Irish has agreed to stay for another season.
Lucas came through the youth system of Swansea City, and was loaned out to Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town, but was hampered by injuries and eventually released in 2016.
He played for Scottish Premiership club Motherwell in the 2016/17 season, before spending the last two campaigns with Taunton's fellow Southern League Premier side Merthyr Town.
The 27-year-old scored two goals in 24 league appearances for the Martyrs last season.
Lucas also has experience of playing for Wales at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.
Speaking to the County Gazette, Taunton head of football Rob Dray said: "Lee is a technician and he doesn't give the ball away - he was playing for Motherwell three years ago.
"He's had a couple of bad injuries but had a good run of games last season.
"I tip my hat to Merthyr's manager Gavin Williams, who rang me after I'd spoken to Lee, and congratulated me on signing the best midfielder in the league.
"Sat in front of the back four, he has the ability to run games.
"He's a very nice lad, very humble."
The weekend also saw the club confirm that keeper Irish had agreed to add to his 359 appearances for the Peacocks.
Irish made his Taunton debut in 2008, left in 2010, returned in 2014 and has remained an ever-present between the posts to this day.
He has been running five half-marathons during May, to aid the Josh Evans Trust Fund, which supports children with diabetes.
In doing so, he has successfully met his fundraising target of £3,000 - his JustGiving page can be seen here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here