BUDE Town have bolstered their squad for the 2025/26 South West Peninsula League Premier West campaign with the re-signings of brothers Billy and Harry Hopcroft.

The two, who come from the town and have already had spells at Broadclose Park in the past, are back having left the club last summer following the departure of Ben Potter.

Billy, a striker who has scored goals for a host of clubs over the years, initially joined Ilfracombe Town before reuniting with Harry at Bude’s league rivals Wadebridge Town, where Hopcroft junior stayed for the campaign under Paul Rowe.

However, the lure of a Western League Premier Division promotion push with Barnstaple Town proved too good to turn down for Billy as he joined Potter at Mill Road where they were narrowly beaten in the play-off semi-final.

But the chance to play closer to home and in front of a club that are looking to push forward both on and off the pitch has seen them return with Billy looking to create and score goals from out wide or up front, while Harry is equally adept at the base of the midfield or in the centre of defence.

Reflecting on Harry’s move, a club statement read: “We are thrilled that Harry Hopcroft has decided to commit to Bude Town Football Club for the 2025/26 season.

“One of our own, Harry is a player with stacks of ability, an accomplished footballer who will give our existing young squad a huge boost with his ability and experience. Harry can play right through the spine of the team and will give us the composure that we need as we look to push forward this season.”

Harry added: “I have decided to come home to the club that raised me to add some experience and hopefully ability into an already thriving but learning side, and I cannot wait to get started!"

Boss Steve Hackett is thrilled with the new acquisition, adding: "We are buzzing to sign a player of Harry's calibre, he is an excellent footballer who will add heaps of value to this hungry, young side at Bude Town.

“A player that we have always admired, he is a great lad and I am really pleased that he has seen what we are trying to do here and has invested in our project!"

Hackett also had his say on Billy’s return, adding: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that Billy has also agreed to re-join the club after some time away at Wadebridge Town and Barnstaple Town.

“Someone extremely well known within local football, Billy is a player that will bring experience, goals and passion. Billy is a class act and we are thrilled he has agreed to become a Seasider once more.”

He continued: “It was evident last term that we were lacking in a goalscorer and experience, with this signing we have gained both which is extremely valuable. We needed to strengthen the group and Billy has certainly given us some extra firepower and we cannot wait to see him don the shirt once more.

"We are also delighted that Billy has seen what the club is building, the potential we have and has decided to come on board this season to help the young lads push onwards. He’s a natural goalscorer and a real handful for any defender."