Squire (pictured) brings with him a wealth of experience as a highly respected player and, recently, as a successful assistant manager at Toolstation Western League Premier Division side Ilfracombe Town.

The now 43-year-old was a prolific West Country striker who made over 450 appearances and scored over 110 goals for Barnstaple`s rivals Bideford AFC.

He helped the Robins to win the Western League championship in 2009/10, promotion to the Southern Premier in 2011/12 and also the Devon St Luke’s Bowl in 2010.

As well as Bideford and Barnstaple, he has also previously played for Combe Martin and Ilfracombe where he returned in October 2019 after being player-coach with Bideford.

His first task will be to take a watching brief on the current squad at Saturday’s home match against AFC Totton before taking his place on the bench as joint manager at Slimbridge next Wednesday.

He has been appointed to work with Kevin Darch to build a squad that can improve results on the pitch and to identify how that squad can be improved through the addition of new players.

Acting chairman, Jasmine Chesters told the club`s website: “We see this appointment as part of a long-term strategy to allow local talent to thrive at Barnstaple through building stronger links with our reserves and youth teams.

“We know Kevin will be given a very warm welcome on his return to Mill Road and we thank our loyal supporters for their patience over recent weeks”.