FROME Town has announced a number of signings ahead of the new season, while some familiar faces will be returning.
Joining the club for the 20/21 season from Thatcham Town is James Ollis. The forward started his career at National League South side Bath City, making three appearances for The Romans.
After a couple of loan spells at Keynsham Town, Mangotsfield United and Yate Town, Ollis would eventually sign permanently for The Mangos. Ollis will again link-up with ex-Mangos Assistant Manager Neil Simons, who became Danny Greaves’ number two last month. He scored eight times in 15 appearances at Cossham Street before ending the season with league rivals Thatcham Town, where he scored twice in three games in their ill-fated promotion push.”
Manager Danny Greaves said, “Really pleased to bring another exciting young player into the club. After a few years at Bath and various loan spells, he is finally starting to fulfill his potential. He was on our radar last season as James Moon recommended him having worked with him previously, and Neil Simons worked with him last season and also highly recommended him.
“He can play in a number of positions, has a great attitude, lots of ability, and is a good age so will only develop and improve further. I’m excited to see what the season will bring for him.”
James added, “Absolutely buzzing to sign for a well-established club with the ambition to progress. Can’t wait for the new season to start, whenever it may be and get to work with the other players and management team. Hopefully we can hit the ground running and continue on from last season’s form.”
Re-joining the club for the 20/21 season are a number of players from last season, who helped position the club as favourites for promotion from the Southern League Division One before the league was cancelled by the FA due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Club captain Sam Teale has signed a one-year contract extension.
Danny Greaves said, “This is a massive signing for the club. Sam is Frome through and through but that should not be taken for granted as he is also ambitious. We need to ensure we match that ambition, which we are certainly aiming to do. He is a true leader on and off the pitch so delighted to have him leading the team out again.”
Sam added, “Committing to the club again was never in doubt. I’ve had some of my most enjoyable times in football at this club and want to see a promotion after the relegation the season before last.”
Top goalscorer Jon Davies has committed himself to the club for another season. Danny Greaves said, “I’m thrilled that Jonno will be signing again. He has again turned down advances from other clubs with some attractive financial offers, which shows we are doing something right as a club. He was exceptional last year. Not only on the pitch, but also off it.”
Jon added, “An easy decision to re-sign. Love playing my football here and I can’t wait for it to all start again.”
Defender Alex Hallett has signed a two-year contract extension with the club.
Danny Greaves said, “I am delighted Alex has extended his contract with the club. I truly believe Alex has the potential to go higher, and I am delighted he believes Frome can match his short term ambitions.
“This is a big season for him and I am sure he will continue to develop at the rate he has so far, and become a very important member of the side.”
Alex said, “Delighted to be signing for the club again, really looking forward to getting started and pick up where we left off!”
Attacking midfielder Rex Mannings will also remain with the club for the 2020/21 season. Manager Danny Greaves said, “Rex has so much ability and potential. We saw his progression last season, which in the main was a very successful one for him personally.
“He is at a great age and I’m sure he will continue to develop and improve and be an extremely important player for us in the upcoming season.”
Rex added, “Happy to re-sign and looking forward to next season, and hopefully finish the job we started.”
Defender Marcus Mapstone will also be remaining with the club for the 2020/21 season. Danny Greaves said, “Delighted to keep a man with Mapo’s experience. He was invaluable for us last season, and put in some superb performances.
“He stepped up to the plate all season, especially in all of the big games which we will need again if we are to be successful this upcoming season.”
Marcus added, “Deciding to sign for Frome again was an easy decision. I’ve been at the club for a fair amount of time now and have really enjoyed it.
“I also feel we have some unfinished business in getting the club back to the Southern Prem”
Midfielder Rob Hobbs will also be remaining with the club for the 2020/21 season.
Danny Greaves said, “I have so much respect for Hobbsy as a footballer, but more importantly as a man. There were times at the start of the season where maybe he didn’t start as many games as he would like, due to off-field circumstances with him having his first baby boy and other difficult personal challenges.
“We had a few chats and while 90% of players these days pack their bags and jump ship, Rob knuckled down and worked hard to get back into the team and stay there.
“He put in some great all-round performances, covers every blade of grass, leaves everything on the pitch, gets on the ball and seems to pop up with those crucial goals. Delighted to be working with him again.”
Rob added, “Can’t wait to get started again with the lads and hopefully another enjoyable season for the Robins.”
Midfielder Alex Monks will also remain with the club for the 2020/21 season.
Danny Greaves said; “I’m pleased Alex has decided to re-sign and go into his third season with us. During our chats he still refers to righting the wrongs of our relegation 12 months ago, which tells you everything about this lad’s character.
“I have worked with him for over 4 years at various stages and I think Alex had one of his best seasons last year, and is coming to the age where he will really mature and we will see his best footballing years at Frome.”
Alex added, “I’m excited to sign and pick up from where we left off last year and hopefully finish the job of getting Frome back to where they are supposed to be.”
Midfielder Chris Peck will also be remaining with the club for the 2020/21 season.
Manager Danny Greaves said, “Pecks joined the club last season and quickly gained respect from his team mates and supporters with his whole hearted performances.
“He does so much work for the team which can at times go unnoticed. He will play a massive part for us in the upcoming season and beyond.”
Chris added, “There’s unfinished business from last season and I can’t wait to get back out on the pitch to finish what we started.”
Returning to Frome Town
The club has also announced the return of some former Town players for the 20/21 season.
Forward Jake Jackson is returning to Town from National League North side Gloucester City. The forward rejoins the club after a couple of seasons in Step 2 of the National League system, after joining Chippenham Town in the summer of 2018.
In his first spell with the club, Jackson scored 40 goals in 91 appearances over three season sat Badgers Hill.
Manager Danny Greaves said, “I am delighted to bring in a player with the higher level league experience and goal scoring record.
“He is another player who has turned down an offer from a Conference South level and more money to come to the club, having bought into our plans and ambitions for the short and long term.”
Jake added, “I really enjoyed my previous spell at the club and am looking forward to returning and help the club achieve its aims.
“I had a stop/start season last year with a few injuries and changes of management at Gloucester. After experiencing Conference South football since leaving Frome, I am hungry to progress again, and think Frome is the best place for me to achieve that.”
Goalkeeper James Carey is also returning to Town on a permanent deal from National League North side Hereford. The goalkeeper initially played for The Robins whilst on-loan from Bristol City back in 2018.
Carey’s impressive season-long loan from the Championship side was cut short due to injury, after he collided with a Tiverton Town player during a Southern League clash in December 2018.
After leaving Ashton Gate last summer, he made his way up to Herefordshire signing for the Edgar Street outfit.
Danny Greaves said, “He is a great age and will develop, and another of our young players who I’m sure will progress and do well in the game.
“We had James on loan from Bristol City in my first season and up until his nasty injury at Christmas time which ultimately ended his season, he would have been my player of the season.”
James added, “I’m delighted to be back, can’t wait to get going again and push for that promotion the boys deserved last season.”
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