‘Prolific’ frontman in return to Twerton
Cult hero Tyler Harvey will make a hugely anticipated return to Twerton Park as Bath City added “prolific” firepower to their frontline.
Harvey is best remembered for his stunning centre-circle winner against Weston-super-mare late in the 2015/16 season, which completed a remarkable stoppage-time turnaround that set Gary Owers’ Romans on the road to safety.
Initially on loan from Plymouth Argyle, he joined for a second stint borrowed from Wrexham but has since spent the past two and a half season at Truro City where he scored 44 goals in 97 games, including 22 in the league last term as the White Tigers were relegated from National League South.
Romans chief Jerry Gill was delighted to bring the frontman into the fold.
“In discussing his and our ambitions it became clear this signing was key in our plans for the new season,” he said.
“Tyler’s prolific goal scoring at this level speaks for itself and it was an area I wanted to strengthen following our excellent campaign last season.
“He has displayed a hunger and desire to play for Bath City and I know you will all be very excited to see him back in a Romans shirt.
“I am still working on further signings and feel the squad is taking shape nicely after lots of hard work during the summer weeks.”
He is the second player to make the move from Cornwall to Bath in the past week, after the Romans moved for left-back Connor Rileylowe.
The 23-year-old – who began his career in the Exeter City youth system – will likely fill a key void left behind by the departure of skipper Anthony Straker to Havant & Waterlooville earlier this close season.
Riley-lowe made his professional debut for Exeter in a League Cup tie in 2014, but would make only a handful of appearances before being released three years later.
During his time with the Grecians, he spent two loan spells at Truro before joining them permanently upon his departure from St James Park.
Gill said: “Connor comes with a good pedigree; having been developed since the age of 11 by Exeter City, and has played over 120 games at National League South level over the last few seasons.
“He is another player with the right character, attitude and ability to fit the Bath City philosophy.”
Riley-lowe follows former Forest Green Rovers midfielder Jordan Simpson and right-back Ashley Harper, who spent time with both Bristol Rovers and City, into the Romans fold.
Meanwhile, they have added two more fixtures to their pre-season schedule.
The Romans will play League Two club Newport County at Twerton Park on Friday, July 19 (7pm).
On Wednesday, July 24 (7.30pm) they will travel to Southern League Division 1 South side Melksham Town.
Those add to already arranged meetings with Exeter (Friday, July 12, 7.45pm), Bristol Rovers (Tuesday, July 16, 7.45pm) and Forest Green Rovers (Saturday, July 27, 3pm), before the National League South campaign gets under way in earnest on Saturday, August 3.
■ Visit somersetlive.co.uk/sport next Wednesday morning to find out the Romans’ full National League fixtures for the coming season.