WINGER Luke Forward has departed Buckland Athletic this summer, moving on to play step four football for Bideford AFC.

Forward was named on the club’s retained list but there is always room for change at this level with pre-season on the horizon.

He was a popular figure around Homers Heath and was also a mainstay on the field during Matt Cusack’s first season in charge.

On this departure, Cusack said: “You can never stop players wanting to play higher, all we can do is thank him in regards to what he has given to Buckland.

“We’ll take it as a compliment, he’s the second player to go and ply his trade at a higher level, ultimately you can’t stand in someone’s way and we wish him all the best.”

As alluded to there, Forward follows in the footsteps of experienced defender Myles James, who signed for Willand Rovers at the end of May.

Buckland have confirmed though that Luke will remain registered with them and so we may see him play in yellow again.

This week it’s been a case of one in and one out for the club as Danny Frankum becomes the latest addition to Cusack’s squad.

Frankum was one of eight Brixham AFC players to be let go from Wall Park, a list that includes Charlie Stevens and Saul Vanes who have joined Bovey Tracey AFC and Newton Abbot Spurs respectively.

Cusack commented that, “We’ve been looking at Danny for a little while actually, as far back as last season, just monitoring his progress and we felt like the time was right to make a move.”

The fullback made 13 league appearances for the Fishermen last term (as per the league website), 10 as a starter and three from the bench.

He was dual-registered with SW Peninsula League side Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police and actually played more for them, appearing 23 times for the Bees under manager Sam Biscoe.

He “seems like a really good lad” in Cusack’s word and he added: “I look forward to working with him.”

The Bucks boss continued, “We’re delighted that he’s chosen Buckland as his destination. I think there was interest in him from various other clubs in the bay area so it’s great to get him over the line.”

Frankum will join up with Buckland for pre-season training ahead of their first game, a trip to face Teignmouth AFC at Coombe Valley on Wednesday, July 1, before their home opener against Torquay United on Saturday, July 4.