The
Peacocks have signed defender Ioan Richards (pictured).
The
20-year-old was previously on a two-year scholarship with League One side
Cheltenham Town, having been with Port Talbot Town and Newport County earlier
in his career.
He
joined Vanarama National League North outfit Gloucester City in July 2019
following his release by the Robins.
He
previous experience of non-League football whilst on Cheltenham`s books in an
18-game loan spell with Southern Division One South outfit Slimbridge in
2018/19 and returned to that division just before Christmas 2019 with
Mangotsfield United.
He
signed for Southern Premier Division Central outfit Redditch United in July
2020.
Taunton`s
head of football Rob Dray told his club`s website: “Ioan probably had the
shortest trial ever after we’ve seen him in one training session and the Yeovil
game. He has undoubted pedigree though, great stature and an attitude to
defend. Most importantly he wants to play and get better and is still just 20
years old, so I’m pleased to get his signing across the line.”
Joining
the Peacocks to add competition for the number one jersey is vastly experienced
goalkeeper Marko Radovanovic.
The
31-year-old Australian joins Taunton from Toolstation Western League Premier
Division side Bradford Town, who he signed for last year.
He
had joined Mangotsfield United from Southern Division One West rivals
Cirencester Town in March 2019 before moving to Bradford.
He
has also played at Gloucester City and Hereford FC and played for Yaralla,
Clinton and The Capricorn Tigers in the senior grade `down under` and was
playing for Liverton in the South West Peninsula League before signing for
Hereford in February 2019.
He
trialled in the Peacocks’ pre-season games and will provide cover and
competition for Lloyd Irish during the upcoming campaign.
However,
to keep him match sharp, will be loaned out to Western League newcomers Helston
Athletic.
Taunton
have also welcomed young midfielder Zac Smith back to The Cygnet Health Care
Stadium.
The
20-year-old has signed following his release from Championship outfit Bristol
City at the end of last season.
Smith
spent several months on loan with Taunton in the first part of the 2019/20
season, making 14 appearances and scoring one goal, although his involvement
was curtailed due to an ankle injury which saw him miss two months of the
campaign.
He
spent the second half of the season on loan at National League South Bath City.
He
was at Ashton Gate from a young age and played for the Robins` under-18 and under-23
side which he captained. He also made the bench for the first team on three
occasions.
Joining
on dual registration with Western League Premier Division side Tavistock AFC is
defender Luis Edmondson.
The
18-year-old centre-back signed for Tavistock last month after being released by
Torquay United.
He
was already known to Tavi manager Stuart Henderson having spent time on
loan at Langsford Park during the Covid-interrupted campaign of 2020/21. |