Ex-skipper returns to bolster Town

With the transfer window slamming shut on Monday, Banbridge Town boss Ryan Watson has bolstered his own squad with the signing of former Town captain Barry Tumilty.

The midfielder is joined by another ex Loughgall player in young goalkeeper James McConville, as well as Dollingstown striker Duncan Stoddart, who have completed Town’s squad for the new season.

“We know what Barry’s all about,” said Watson. “It’s great to get somebody of his experience on board.

“We’re quite light so it’s good to get somebody else in and somebody who will be such an addition to the squad. Barry keeps himself fit so, even though he didn’t play last year, he’ll fit in.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how Duncan gets on and seeing him in action for us. It’s also good to get James on board to challenge for the goalkeeping shirt.

“That’s us ready to go now. We just need the players we have to keep working as hard as they can.

“Once we get everyone back from holidays, we should have good competition for places.”

However, new signing Tumilty won’t take to the pitch in a Town shirt during Saturday’s trip to Wakehurst (kick-off 3pm), not able to play until October. In his absence, the boss is keen to build on Town’s impressive victory over Lurgan Celtic last time out.

“It would be nice to pick up where we left off to get us going again but we just don’t know how we’ll react to coming back after the three week break. We’ll see come 5pm on Saturday whether or not it has been a good thing,” he said.

“If we play to our potential, we’re certainly capable of getting all three points.

“Wakehurst have a couple of wins now and to beat Annagh, one of the league favourites, at their own patch says it all about them. They’re well organised and work hard for each other. We need to match them in that.”

Town will also be without Damian McParland and Ryan Evans, both of whom are still struggling with injury and likely to be out for another fortnight. On top of that, Glen Waddell and Nathan Baird are on holiday. That means the rest of Town’s squad will have to grin and bare any niggles.

“The others will just have to get on with it,” laughed boss Watson. “Ally Wilson played a reserve team game a couple of weeks ago and picked up a knock but hopefully he’ll be ok for Saturday.”

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