TRURO City have re-signed former striker Andrew 'Rocky' Neal from Taunton Town.
The 26-year-old began his first spell at the club in 2016 after winning the South West Peninsula League Premier's golden boot award two seasons running while with Bodmin Town, and he carried that form into his time at Treyew Road, top-scoring for the club in his first season with 18 goals in the National League South.
He was part of the team's historic run to the first round of the FA Cup in his second season, coming off the bench to feature in City's 3-1 defeat at Charlton Athletic.
He left the club in 2018 to join Taunton Town, then managed by future Truro boss Leigh Robinson, with the striker enjoying a successful two-year spell with the Peacocks, scoring 59 goals in 80 appearances.
Neal is the third signing to swap the Cygnet Health Care Stadium in favour of a return to Treyew Road this week, with Peacocks team-mates Ryan Brett and Shane White re-signing for Truro on Tuesday.
Former City loanee Ryan Dickson also joined City on a permanent basis this week.
Manager Paul Wotton told the club's website: "It’s a big signing for us. We have had a fantastic week where we've signed four real quality players. The thing that struck me with Rocky was his burning desire to do well and succeed and score goals.
"He was a threat when he played against us last year. He's scored goals all his career. He's an infectious character and I'm thrilled to have him on board and in the squad."
He added: "We've got Tyler Harvey, we've now got Rocky, we've also got Alex Battle, Stewart Yetton and Niall Thompson who can also play up there, so we've got some great striking options."
"The thing that struck me with Rocky was his burning desire to do well and succeed and score goals."
Neal told the club: "I’m delighted, I feel like there is a bit of unfinished business down at Truro. It’s good to be back, the squad is good and playing with Ty [Harvey], playing under Wottsy [Wotton] and Yetts [Yetton], it's an exciting time to be at the football club."
Neal also responded to accusations from some supporters that he was joining the White Tigers for financial reasons, insisting on Twitter that it was for "purely footballing reasons".
Wanna say a big thanks to everyone at Taunton for the last 2 years. Thouroughly enjoyed my football but I feel it’s time to move on to help develop myself as a player and despite some accusations I’m not leaving for a “bumper deal” purely footballing reasons. Thanks again 💜 https://t.co/JmMMHoBNWW
— Andrew (@RockyNeal) May 27, 2020
Neal's signing has proved to be a popular one among City fans, while Peacocks supporters expressed their disappointment at losing their striker on Twitter.
@RockyNeal welcome Back Rocky You And @tylerharvey_ Look Out The Rest Of The League 💙⚽🐅👍 pic.twitter.com/YAsc3FC3Ia
— alan wilton (@tigeralan61) May 28, 2020
Welcome back @RockyNeal! 🙌🤩 https://t.co/BYOiffWtUi
— Cam Weldon (@cameronweldon8) May 28, 2020
Gutted another top player leaving 😪 should be playing league football definitely good enough. Keep working hard and applying yourself & you'll go as high as you want. All the best buddy don't waste your talent, wanna watch you in the league 👊
— Aaron Prettyjohns (@Yidcradle2grave) May 27, 2020
Not another one 😢. Wish you all the best Rocky. Yet another hole in the Taunton squad
— Liamm Scribbins (@ScribbinsLiamm) May 28, 2020
Unreal striker gone from our club 😬, always enjoyed watching you banging the goals in! Best of luck Rocky for the future! ✈️💜 @RockyNeal pic.twitter.com/ha9s50S0zU
— Ashley (@Ashleyharris125) May 27, 2020
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