BOVEY Tracey AFC are in the process of preparing for life at step five for the first time in the club’s history.

After a deliberately quiet start to the off-season, manager Ben Gerring has now made a foray into the transfer market with some intriguing statement signings.

First through the door is tricky winger Jadore Lawson, who arrives from Ivybridge Town.

Lawson brings Western League experience to the Western Counties Roofing Ground and he was one of several standouts in a young Ivies side in 2025/26.

During his time in green, he learned just “how intense it was” at that level, adding that it’s “very physical.”

In his own words, Bovey supporters can expect: “A lot of playmaking, a lot of runs forward and excitement on the wing.”

This is a particularly significant signing as the former Plymouth Argyle man will be tasked with filling the void left behind by Jack Brimming, who is Plymouth Parkway bound after an immense campaign for Bovey.

Lawson will be joined on the right flank by Charlie Stevens, a fullback who has been brought in from Brixham AFC to replace outgoing club legend Cliff Walters.

Gerring said that he was “excellent at step four” level and that “With the additions we’ve got already, we certainly have great quality now in wide areas,” referring to the partnership we’ll likely see develop between the aforementioned duo.

Last but not least, for now anyway, is Rudi McKinnon, a player making his return to football after a couple of years out.

He has previously represented Yate Town, AFC Slimbridge and Cribbs with his new manager asserting that “Rudi is playing well below his level at step five and the commitment and desire he’s shown to play at Bovey next season is hugely exciting.”

McKinnon himself confirmed that he has “The buzz for football back” and also said, “I’ll be giving everything I’ve got, working hard, chipping in with goals and helping the team compete.”

Bovey Tracey actually announced McKinnon as a new signing back in December but he didn’t end up playing. Instead, now is the right time for him to return to the pitch.

It’s not all about new signings at the WCR Ground either as Gerring and co have tied a few key players down to another year in red and black.

Not only have they retained the services of Owen Stockton but the Moorlanders has also given him the captain’s armband, replacing Walters.

“Stocko has all the attributes to succeed with this role and I fully back him to step up and lead from the front,” said Gerring.

Stockton himself added: “Cliff has been a fantastic captain and leader for the club and I’ll do my best to continue the great work he’s done while helping drive the team forward on and off the pitch.”

Next to be re-signed was “technically brilliant” midfielder Cieran Bridger, who moved to Bovey Tracey from Buckland Athletic at a similar time as Stockton. The pair will of course be reunited with the Bucks this year for two tantalising derby fixtures.

Cal Leech, “a really clever footballer”, Josh Webber, who was far too good for the SW Peninsula League, and “monster in the middle of the park” Louie Roberts are the other trio to have committed to Bovey for 2026/27 at the time of writing with more to come.