BUDE Town have bolstered their squad for the upcoming South West Peninsula League Premier West campaign with two new midfield signings.

Eighteen-year-old Drew Bardsley arrives from Torrington, while 16-year-old Harry Banks is hoping to make his mark in senior football having impressed for Launceston-based Southgate.

On Bardsley, boss Steve Hackett said: “We are really excited to announce that Drew has joined the Seasiders, another player that we are excited about.

“A midfielder with bags of energy, pace and technical ability, Drew is strong, comfortable on the ball and another talented, young player that has a really high ceiling.”

Hackett, who is about to head into his third season in the role, added: “Harry is a player that we have been tracking and waiting to reach 16 for quite some time – a young, talented footballer who is full of energy and pace who is accomplished and comfortable on the ball.

“Harry is a smashing lad with heaps of pedigree and potential, and one that the club is really excited to have on board.”

The Seasiders also get their pre-season fixtures underway on Friday when they visit the tip of North Devon to tackle SWPL Premier East side Ilfracombe Town (7.30pm).

They then follow that up with a home date with Okehampton Argyle (Wednesday, July 15 - 7.30pm) before games against sides who finished third to fifth last season in the Devon Football League at Step Six.

All are from North Devon, starting with a home clash against Fremington on Saturday, July 18 (6pm). Appledore provide a tough test the following Friday (7.30pm), before they host Boca who were fourth last year at Step Seven four nights later (7.30pm).

Bude’s penultimate friendly is a visit from Torrington on August 1 (3pm), before they host St Piran League Division One East outfit Lifton on Tuesday, August 4 (7.30pm).