TAUNTON Town defender Keith Emmerson has bade farewell to the club.

The veteran centre-back joined the Peacocks in January 2018, having previously played for Farnborough Town and Poole Town, as well as the Army team.

Emmerson made 25 full appearances, and seven as substitute, last season as Taunton finished second in Southern League Premier Division South.

He also assisted the management trio of Rob Dray, Matt Villis and Steve Perkins as a player-coach.

On Wednesday afternoon he tweeted: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to have been part of such a great club – fantastic group of players, staff, volunteers and supporters.

“I wish you all the best for the future both personally and professionally.”

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TAUNTON have announced a second pre-season friendly against Football League opposition, with Cheltenham Town visiting the Viridor Stadium on Friday, July 19 (ko 7.45pm).

Cheltenham, nicknamed the Robins, finished 16th in League Two last season.

A friendly at home to Exeter City – who came ninth in League Two – was announced earlier this month, that match taking place on Thursday, July 25 (ko 7pm).

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THE Taunton Town Awards Dinner takes place at the Cooper Associates County Ground tonight.

Keep an eye on twitter.com/SportSomerset and the County Gazette website for updates from the event.