BODMIN Town have pulled off a major new signing by bringing prolific striker Adam Carter back to Priory Park.

It is a real statement of intent by manager Darren Gilbert and his coaching team as they look to improve on last season’s fifth-place position in the table in the subsequently unfinished South West Peninsula League Premier West campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Carter was top scorer for Plymouth Parkway in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division last season, with 32 goals in 27 games.

That made it 60 goals in 67 appearances in two seasons with the club for the now 34-year-old.

With a record like that at one step up from Peninsula League level, he seems certain to cause some serious damage for Bodmin in the forthcoming season.

A thrilled Gilbert said: ‘I’m delighted to have Carts back and it is a massive statement of intent by us.

‘We are working hard to develop a great environment to play and succeed.’

Carter commented: ‘I am buzzing to be back at Bodmin working with Gilbey again.

‘The squad is looking strong and I’m confident this club will get back to winning trophies once more.’

The good news for Bodmin fans does not end there either, with five more exciting new captures, and two more very important members of last season’s squad also signing on again.

Former Plymouth Parkway and Tavistock wide man Mason Hughes has arrived from Premier West rivals St Austell, and they have also snapped up ex-Hereford FC, Paulton Rovers and Florida University midfielder Sol Wheatley – a signing new head coach Gary Jeffery described as ‘a great addition to the squad, with lots of ability’.

‘I am looking forward to getting going whenever I can with my new team-mates and trying to put Bodmin back up where they should be,’ said Hughes.

Wheatley commented: ‘I have played abroad for the last few seasons so I am now looking forward to a different challenge and can’t wait to get started.

‘I am looking forward to being part of a team that’s going to be competing to win the league.

‘After having a chat with Darren, he is as excited as me to get going and seeing what we can achieve.’

Former Plymouth Argyle trainee Wheatley’s former clubs also include Barnstaple Town, Bideford, Chippenham Town, Bishop’s Cleeve and Aylesbury United.

Liskeard Athletic goalkeeper Ollie Chenoweth has left Lux Park to join Bodmin.

Chenoweth, who was a virtual ever-present for the Blues in the 2019-20 campaign, commented: ‘I am so pleased to link up with Bodmin. I’m looking forward to competing for some honours this year with the squad that’s coming together.’

Fellow goalkeeper Jordan Duffey has left Bodmin to join St Blazey.

Midfielder Chris Reski from St Austell, and ex-Bodmin and St Austell player Tom Chambers, have also moved to Priory Park.

Jeffery said: ‘Chris is a fantastic signing for the team, and a wonderful player to have in the ranks.’

Reski said: ‘I am delighted to sign for the club and am looking forward to a new and exciting challenge.’

Chambers commented: ‘I am delighted to rejoin Bodmin and link up with Gilbey again.

‘I am looking forward to having a good crack at it.’

Defensive duo Nathan Summers and Sam Hillson have also signed on again for Bodmin.

Hillson said: ‘I am really looking forward to the new season.

‘Everything around the club sounds positive, and last season’s struggles are in the past.

‘We are ready to challenge at the top end of the league, where the club belongs.’

Summers added: ‘I am looking forward to playing under Darren and Al (Carey) again, and with the addition of Gary and our new signings, we can really kick on this year.’

This clutch of new faces and retained players for Bodmin follows on from the arrival of former Launceston manager Jeffery as head coach, and the re-signings of Max Gilbert, Dan Jennings, Tom Whipp, Cameron Turner, Harry Clarke and Tom Harris.