WITH the first league game of the new campaign less than a fortnight away, three more players have committed to Taunton Town - including two new signings. 

In addition to long-serving centre-half Owen Irish, striker Christian Boateng and defender Ed Palmer have both put pen to paper for the Peacocks.

The 22-year-old Boateng has featured as a trialist in all four of Town’s pre-season games to date, having recently moved to Bristol and having had previous Southern League experience with Bishops Cleeve.

Manager Leigh Robinson remarked: “We’ve taken Christian on after a decent trial period. He is very much a work in progress and needs a bit of coaching but he is certainly a threat with his power and pace and will get better and better.”

Palmer, 24, can fulfil a centre half or holding midfielder role and began his career with Torquay United before going on to join Weymouth in 2012. 

He then helped Tiverton Town to the play-offs in 2013-14 and, after a brief return to Weymouth, he signed for Truro City in October 2014 where he was a vital member of their play-off winning side.

After leaving Truro early in 2015-16, he had spells at Bideford and Bodmin Town.

Robinson continued: “Ed was brilliant in this league with Tiverton and then with Truro in the league above, helping them win the play-offs two years ago. 

“He had a hard time last year after leaving Truro and lost his fitness a bit so we are working hard with him to get that right but as soon as we do, he’ll be a great asset.”

Jake Cox who had agreed terms with the club over the summer has now opted to join Western League side Bristol Manor Farm instead which will allow him to play more locally following the recent pregnancy of his partner.