FROME TOWN:

Continuity is the key for Frome Town manager Darren Perrin this season, following the arrival of attacking midfielder Dean Evans.

Evans, the former Welton Rovers captain, is Frome’s first signing of the summer and his arrival has been met with joy by Perrin.

“We are very delighted at Frome Town to have signed such an influential player,” he told This Is Somerset.

“He has come from the professional game and will only enhance the team’s current standard.

“My good friend Mark Harrington was his manager last season and gave Dean a glowing reference. He scored 26 goals from midfield, which is an aspect this team lacked last term.”

The former Plymouth Argyle player’s arrival has come at the right time with the recent departure of key man Mike Perrott to Chippenham Town.

And Frome boss Perrin feels the signature of Evans should ensure the club do not feel the absence of the outgoing Perrott too much.

“I see Dean as the ideal replacement for Mike, we have got high hopes for him. The current set of lads knew Dean well before his transfer and we don’t envisage too many issues slotting him into the first XI,” explained Perrin.

The Robins chief also outlined his acceptance of Perrott’s wish to move on to a higher level, as well as the professionalism the former Bath City man demonstrated during his transfer.

“Mike wanted to play at a higher level and I can totally understand that,” said Perrin.

“He came to us from Bath and dropped down to do so, it’s only natural for a young lad to want to challenge himself.

“He played an integral part in this club’s success last season and of course I was disappointed to see him go, he’ll be a big loss.

“There was no bitterness to the move though, Mike went about it in totally the right way. He contacted me first and things went from there. We wish him the best.”

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PAULTON ROVERS:

Mark Harrington, the manager of Welton Rovers last season, has joined Paulton Rovers in a coaching capacity.

Meanwhile on the pitch, former Bristol City player Craig Loxton has arrived.

Harrington joins having led Welton to a fifth-placed finish in the Toolstation Premier Division and victory in the Somerset Premier Cup, This Is Somerset is reporting.

“Mark’s got fantastic experience and had a great knowledge of the game on the pitch which I am sure will translate to his coaching methods,” said Paulton manager Andy Jones.

“Paul Milsom and I were over the moon when Mark decided to accept our offer of a position as coach, his tactical awareness should prove integral to our plans next season.”

Loxton, meanwhile, has arrived at Winterfield Road after spells with Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon Town. Jones said the 25-year-old made the move due to the geography of the club.

“Craig lives in Shepton Mallet and didn’t wish to travel far for his football, so felt a move here would work out well for him,” Jones explained.

“He is another former professional we can add to our squad which can only improve the unit as a whole. I am sure he will become a great success at Paulton.”

The Paulton boss also revealed that the club are in discussions with Bath City over the possible transfer of young winger Ben Lacey. The 19-year-old’s move to Twerton Park is expected to be finalised by the weekend.