Tavistock AFC launch major squad rebuild as Lambs announce seven new signings
Tavistock AFC have begun a swift and significant squad overhaul, securing seven new signings and an assistant manager as Steve Tully builds a local side to compete in the Western League
Tavistock AFC have announced a significant influx of new signings and coaching staff ahead of their upcoming 2026/27 campaign in the Western League Premier Division.
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Following earlier confirmation that core players Jack Crago, Callum Watson, Rhys Lindsell, and Tom Chastey had been retained from last season’s squad, Lambs manager Steve Tully has moved quickly to reconstruct the first-team environment.
Coaching staff addition
Former professional midfielder Chris ‘Macca’ McPhee has officially joined the club as assistant manager to Steve Tully.
McPhee brings senior non-league and professional background to the Langsford Park dugout, having played almost 500 senior games, and managed for almost two years at Plymouth Parkway.
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Defensive reinforcements
The club has strengthened its defensive options with three senior acquisitions:
- Shane White: The experienced defender joins the Lambs following his departure from local Southern League side Plymouth Parkway. Tully stated: "Great to have someone of Shane's experience. He's a leader, a winner, and someone who will add to our group immensely."
- Sam Gleeson: A versatile left-sided defender who joins the club from Brixham AFC. He is capable of operating at left-back or left-sided centre-half. Tully described him as a "born winner, looking forward to working with him."
- Reece Shanley: The right-back returns to Langsford Park for a second spell, also signing after his departure from Plymouth Parkway. Tully noted he is a "proven right-back who will add valuable experience to our team."
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Midfield and goalkeeping signings
Tavi have added steel, dynamism, and local presence to the spine of the team:
- Ryan Smith: A box-to-box midfielder signed following spells with Torpoint Athletic and Ivybridge Town. Commenting on the addition, Tully said: "A no. 8 that can do everything box to box and adds a little bit more steel to our midfield and also knows the league and what to expect week in week out."
- Dan Holman: The highly-tipped young goalkeeper and local player returns to the club after featuring for the Lambs last season. Tully stated: "Delighted to get Dan signed, someone with real presence and a hunger to prove a lot of people wrong. Also a local lad which is very important."
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Returning fan-favourites
Two major figures from previous campaigns have also committed to the club:
- Jacob Bowker: The fan-favourite midfielder, who finished as the club’s top assist provider and added six goals last season, has signed on again. Tully remarked: "A player that gives everything when on the pitch and has abundance of quality in the final third."
- Tallan Burns: The experienced left-footed player and ‘club legend’ returns to Langsford Park, having spent nine years with Tavistock previously. Burns returns following a recent promotion campaign elsewhere in local football with Barnstaple. Tully added: "Another experienced midfielder, also a left-footed player and one that knows this league and someone who got promoted from last season."