ST BLAZEY have announced that former Ivybridge Town manager Darren Stewart is joining the club as they look forward to life in the Western League next season.

And the club’s first major signing was announced at the weekend as young striker Kieron Bishop from neighbours AFC St Austell.

A spokesman for Blazey said: “Kieron will add pace to our front line with his direct approach as well as goals, having netted double figures last season.”

Stewart will work alongside coaches Brad Richardson and Andrew Moon, who have been retained following Blazey’s title success in the South West Peninsula League. In a statement, the club said: “Darren brings a wealth of experience with him and we look forward to working with him.”

Richardson was coached by Stewart as a young player, while Moon worked with him at Ivybridge development last season before joining St Blazey. 

Stewart was identified by St Blazey as the ideal coach to work with the pair, and returns the management team back to a three-man team.

The trio are now busily working on a recruitment strategy to bolster the squad following the departures of club captain Olly Brokenshire, prolific scorer Liam Eddy and midfield maestro River Allen.

They have been boosted by the decisions of experienced full back Will Tinsley and last season’s top scorer Luke Cloke to stay, while Jordan Dingle returns after spending much of last season abroad.

Phil Lafferty, who stepped up to assist Richardson and Moon last season after Ryan Fice was sacked, will be stepping back again.

He said: “My position now is to serve on the football committee at the club to help develop all levels of football within the football club. So no title, and not on the management team either.”