BRIDGWATER United Football Club - the result of the merger between Bridgwater Town and Yeovil United this summer - has made a series of announcements this week.

The first confirms that the men's 1st XI will continue to be led by Dave Pearse, Karl Baggaley and Stuart Jones, albeit with a tweak to the management structure.

Pearse and Baggaley have operated as co-managers since 2017, but going forward Pearse will become manager, with Baggaley as assistant manager.

Jones - who joined the club last month - will remain in his role of first team coach.

Pearse commented: "It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a part of this football club, of which I’ve been part as a player and coach.

"We understand as a management group that with the changes comes more pressure and more responsibility to deliver results.

"We are determined to do everything we can to continue the club’s development and push on."

Baggaley added: “What an exciting time is it for the club, with the women’s, men’s and academy coming together.

"It’s hard not to get excited with the upward journey we are all on.

"I’m proud to be part of it, and I am looking forward to working hard to make it a huge success along with Dave, Stu and everyone associated with the club.”

Chief executive Adam Murry commented: “Having worked closely with the management team, it is clear we have a committed group of people who want to deliver our ambitious plans for football in Bridgwater and the region.

"I look forward to working with them to help further develop the club, its philosophy and as coaches, by providing them with the resources they need to succeed.”

Pearse, Baggaley and Jones will benefit from the skills of Jack Taylor and Jake Viney at either end of the pitch next season, as both players have agreed to remain at the club.

Goalkeeper Viney will be playing for the Robins for a sixth season, while striker Taylor is looking to add to his record of 95 goals in 117 matches.

Away from the 1st XI, the club has also announced that Rob Liddiard has been appointed to the position of head of academy and women’s under-21 lead coach.

Most recently he was an academy lead coach at Bristol City Regional Talent Centre (RTC), and has also worked at Cardiff Met, Newport County and Port Talbot, as well as being involved in the Football Association of Wales’ Regional Squad and Performance Centre for Girls.

As well as heading up the academy for boys and girls, Liddiard will also take on the day-to-day management of the women’s under-21 dual career squad at Bridgwater & Taunton College, with Luke Norris reverting to his previous under-16 position, having stepped down due to increased work commitments.

Liddiard said: “I am incredibly honoured to join such an ambitious club.

"I am eager to pass on my experiences from working within academies and RTC football to the players and staff.

"In addition, I look forward to working with everyone at the club and building a successful pathway for both the male and female teams, something which the community can be proud of."