Bryant and Humphreys sign for Yate

KNOCKED off the top of Division One South for the first time in several weeks, Yate manager Paul Britton has responded swiftly by signing Mangotsfield captain Mike Bryant and Evesham United midfielder Nick Humphreys.

Bryant, an accomplished and highly-experienced midfielder, who has scored five goals for Mangotsfield this season, goes straight into the squad for Yate’s game at home to Larkhall today as they seek to bounce back after defeat at Paulton Rovers.

“When I first got the job at Yate, Mike had just left to join Frome and I know he is a very good footballer,” said Britton. “I spoke with him last season, but he had the armband at Mangotsfield, so felt loyalty towards them, but has now decided to move on.

“He will definitely strengthen our squad and we are delighted he has agreed to join us.”

The loss of Bryant is the last thing Mangotsfield manager Ollie Price needed ahead of the derby match against Bristol Manor Farm at The Creek, especially coming on top of the recent departure of Tom Warren and a three-match ban for Kyle Tooze.

“They were three experienced players I wanted to build my side around, but they have let me down and I have told them that,” said Price. “To be honest, it could be a blessing in disguise because they weren’t showing the quality we needed, but I am feeling let down by them.”

On the plus side, Price has signed exciting Melksham striker Dan Demkiv, while Luke Spokes has rejected a move to Larkhall. Price has also appointed Neil Simons, formerly the Chipping Sodbury boss, as his assistant.

Paulton’s victory against Yate has lifted spirits ahead of a testing game away to play-off contenders Cirencester.