MANAGER Dave Webb believes Brad Gray’s return to Swindon Supermarine is a welcome boost for the club ahead of a busy festive schedule.

Gray, who can play in a number of attacking positions, is back for a third stint at the Webbswood Stadium, having most recently left in 2016 to join Southern League West rivals North Leigh.

He only had a brief stay at Eynsham Park before switch to Evesham United in the same division but after almost a year at the Worcestershire club, Gray was tempted back to Marine earlier this week.

That deal has had ramifications for Hellenic League Premier Division leaders Highworth Town as Evesham have swooped to replace Gray with Worthians' forward Aysa Corrick.

Marine currently sit eighth in the Southern League West table and still have five matches to play between now and New Year’s Day, so Webb hopes to reap the benefits of an extra body in the camp.

“I have always thought Brad was a good player,” said Webb.

“He is a local lad and his circumstances have changed with his work as he needs to be more local. When we heard that, we made the approach and he decided to come back.

“The good thing with Brad is that he can play in a number of positions. He is 27, he has experience and he is a very good player.

“He will add more depth into the squad that we already have. We have had a massive injury list, which is starting to recover, and it’s a good time of year to be bringing in a new player with the number of games coming up.

“It’s good news for him and good news for us.”

Meanwhile, Highworth are also looking to dip into the transfer market as they seek a replacement for Corrick.

With the Worthians sitting 10 points clear at the top of the Hellenic Premier Division table, boss Jeff Roberts is eager to bolster his attacking options in a bid to maintain their title challenge.

“Evesham are pushing this year and I think the money has talked with what they offered Aysa. He will be greatly missed but it’s the next step up and he wants to try it,” said Roberts.

“We wish him all the best but we move on. We have enquired about somebody, so it’s a case of seeing where it goes.

“We have cover as Jason Milhench can play up top, as can Keiron Gleed, with Ashley Edenborough as our main striker, but we just want another out-and-out striker to go alongside them.”

Roberts’ immediate attentions are on trying to claim a place in the semi-finals of the Wiltshire Senior Cup, with his side travelling to near neighbours and Premier Division rivals Royal Wootton Bassett Town in the last eight this evening.

“The Wiltshire Cup always rates highly for us. We got to the final last year and we want to do well again,” said Roberts.

“We will go to Bassett with a strong squad and I am sure it will be no different for them. It’s a local derby, so both sides will be really up for it.”