NEW Bridgwater Town striker Dave Pearse thinks that there are good times around the corner for the Robins despite the challenging campaign they are currently involved in, writes Paul Martin.

The frontman, who re-joined the club this week, picked up the supporters and players’ player of the year awards during his previous spell at Bridgwater after leading the scoring charts in 2011/12.

In the meantime he has played for various sides including Tiverton Town and more recently Barnstaple Town, the team he left in November due to the travelling commitments.

Pearse, who lives a stone’s throw away from Fairfax Park, told the Mercury that practicality was a major factor in his decision to switch clubs.

“The travelling up to Barnstaple just became too much really, especially as I’ve got kids,” he said.

“Signing for Bridgwater makes life a lot easier and it is still a good standard of football.

“I’ve been playing for Street since leaving Barnstaple to keep my fitness up but it’s good to be back involved at this level.”

Manager Phil Hucker said after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Tiverton that his side were lacking a goal threat and, having scored 55 times in 106 appearances for Barnstaple, Pearse certainly knows how to find the back of the net.

It will not just be on the pitch that Town will look to benefit from signing the frontman, however, with Pearse also adding some knowhow to a young squad.

“I’ve had a good chat with Phil [Hucker] and he wants me to try and use my experience to help some of the youngsters,” he said.

“There are some really good young players in that team, but the manager can’t bring them through on his own – he needs some more experienced lads to help out with that.

“I think next year is all important. If we can keep the core of talented youngsters that are already here and add some older heads then there can be good times ahead.”

The striker is all set for his latest debut for the club against Shortwood United on Saturday (ko 3pm), having trained with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday.

“It seems to be quite a close group, and the team spirit is still there,” the striker said.

“We have not set targets between now and the end of the season, as the most important thing is just to go out there and enjoy it.

“That isn’t always easy when results go against you as they have been, but hopefully we can put in some positive performances going forward.”

Former Weston-super-Mare left-back Jake Llewellyn is also set for his home bow tomorrow having made his debut for the club at Tiverton last weekend.