IN THE absence of a game to report on, Bovey Tracey AFC announced two statement signings on Saturday, December 20.

The Moorlanders were scheduled to visit Torrington AFC in the SW Peninsula League but theirs was one of a few games to be postponed due to the weather.

As if Bovey’s squad wasn’t impressive enough as it is, they have brought a new duo onboard with their ambition for the future being clear as day.

That being said, it appears that Josh Searle has only joined from Willand Rovers for a short period and as a dual signing.

Searle previously played for the likes of Tiverton Town and Taunton Town and has now been with Southern League side Willand since 2017.

A defender with bags of experience, Bovey manager Ben Gerring had the following to say to the club’s social media team about this addition.

“Really pleased to bring Searly in for a month from Willand. He’s a player I know well and he’s a respected player and lad around the local football scene.

“A solid fullback who will aid excellent attacking options for us whilst bringing a wealth of higher league experience.”

Young Rudi McKinnon has also signed on the dotted line at the Western Counties Roofing Ground, another player to have previously played at step four.

The former Slimbridge AFC man is the latest in a long line of talented forwards in the Bovey picture for this season and beyond.

Gerring speaks very highly of him: “Rudi is a player that came across my radar quite out of the blue. He’s back from living away and not quite up to speed but keen to get back into football.

“A winger and superb athletes with serious technique and playing well below his level, we’re delighted he’s on board with us and I’m looking forward to seeing him in a Bovey shirt.”

Both the manager and the club are clear in their ambitions of pushing for the Western League onwards and these signings align with that.

Bovey Tracey AFC will play their first league game in well over a month when they host Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police for a must-see match on Boxing Day.