BUCKLAND Athletic announced their confirmed retained list on Friday, May 29, with the majority of their squad staying put at The VX3 Stadium.

There certainly would have been interest in their players from elsewhere, most notably Ryan Bush after he stormed to the Western League Premier golden boot.

Two names have departed the club though with experienced centre-back Myles James following goalkeeper Andrew-Sowden Bird out of the exit door.

James was a mainstay at the heart of the Buckland defence for a few years but said that now “Felt like the right time to move on and prove to myself that I can play Southern League football.”

He added, “I’m a person that likes to challenge and keep improving myself and now feels like the right time to do just that.”

The former Teignmouth AFC man will be suiting up for Willand Rovers next term who finished in the relegation spots at step four but were given a reprieve due to Portishead Town’s misdemeanours.

In his time at Buckland, James made 127 appearances and scored six goals in the process. He was a hugely dependable figure under previous manager Dan Hart and that remained the case in Matt Cusack’s first year in charge.

The Bucks were dealt with a lot of injury setbacks in 2025/26 but he remained a rock at the back, forming a strong partnership alongside Scott Pocock and also operating well in a three. He even donned the armband on occasion, in the absence of skipper Ben Carter.

Following the announcement of his departure, plenty of supporters thanked him for his time in yellow and wished him well.

James reciprocated this love and appreciation; he labelled Buckland as “An amazing club full of amazing people.”

He continued, “From the moment I joined, everyone welcomed me with open arms. Buckland has become and will always be my footballing home and it’s somewhere I’ll always look back on with great memories.”

Buckland’s loss is most definitely Willand’s gain and they are “A club that I’ve heard great things about over the years through players that have previously played there.”

Rovers manager Ben Watson played a key part in Myles’ decision to join them amidst interest from other suitors and the defender spoke to their strong bond.

“He knows how to get me ticking and performing at my best so I’m looking forward to what should be a great season playing for him.”

Whilst the departure of James is a sizable setback for Cusack and co, it isn’t all doom and gloom because, as previously mentioned, the majority of the squad is returning.

Another player who has long since been in Buckland’s spine is captain and midfielder Ben Carter, who is one of many that is staying put for the year ahead.

Carter told the Mid-Devon Advertiser that; “For me, it was about familiarity and enjoying my football. I know the club, the lads and the environment, and that counts for a lot.

“They’ve been good to me and I feel like there’s still more I can give here. I’m looking forward to getting going again next season.”

Both pre-season training and the announcement of the fixtures for 2026/27 are right around the corner and it promises to be a fascinating year with Devon derby clashes against Bovey Tracey AFC, Tavistock AFC, Brixham AFC, Ivybridge Town and Sidmouth Town.

A reminder that the ball will get rolling in pre-season on Wednesday, July 1, as they visit James’ former side Teignmouth at Coombe Valley. Their Homers Heath return then takes place on Saturday 4, for their annual friendly against Torquay United.