JAMIE Laird has described his move to Bridgwater Town for the upcoming season as "an absolutely perfect fit."

The experienced defender grew up in the town and was part of the Robins side who reached the Southern League Division 1 South & West play-off final in 2009/10, the highest finish in the club's history.

Seven successful seasons in the National League South with Weston-super-Mare followed before his move to Southern League side Paulton Rovers last season.

Now he is back in red and white stripes and said: "After speaking to Baggs [Karl Baggaley] and Pearsey [Dave Pearse] over the last few weeks, I’m excited about returning to Bridgwater next season as it is a club that I can see is going only in one direction.

"After the success the squad had last season and with the new players they have recruited, it’s going to be another positive year for the club and one I’m really excited to be a part of.

"The fans are starting to return to the club after a couple seasons of stability and it now feels like it’s time to push on again.

"I have little doubt that attendances will continue to rise this season and get back to and beyond the numbers we saw during the successful spell in 2009-10.

"I’m a Bridgwater lad and I grew up supporting BTFC as a boy.

"I now have two young boys of my own and my priorities have changed with football needing to work around my family; Bridgwater Town is an absolute perfect fit.

"Alongside my role at Bridgwater and Taunton College, I hope to assist Dave and Karl with progressing and developing the talented younger players we have on our doorstep.

"I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the squad next week for the start of pre-season training and helping to make a useful good contribution as we strive to produce performances and results that will make the club and its supporters proud."

Robins co-manager Dave Pearse said: "We are delighted that Jamie has decided to join us.

"He is another local lad who will bring lots of experience and quality after playing in the National League and Southern League Premier.

"He will be a great addition and young defenders such as Jake Horsey will learn much from him."

Bridgwater's first pre-season friendly is against Honiton Town at the BCA 3G on Friday, July 5 and their full schedule is as follows:

Fri 5th July (at BCA 3G) v Honiton Town (19.45)

Tues 9th July (A) v Dorchester Town (19.45)

Fri 12th July (H) v Taunton Town (19.45)

Tues 16th July (H) v Paulton Rovers (19.45)

Sat 20th July (A) v Welton Rovers (KO TBC)

Tues 23rd July (A) v Mangotsfield Utd (19.45)

Fri 26th July (A) v Barnstaple Town (19.45)

Tues 30th July (H) v Bideford (19.30)