Taunton Town full-back Jay Foulston has joined Yeovil Town on loan with a view to a permanent move across Somerset.
The 23-year-old follows in the footsteps of his former Peacocks’ team-mate Jake Wannell by swapping the county town for the county’s premier club.
He will be available for the visit of Hampton & Richmond to Huish Park in National League South tomorrow, but seems unlikely to be available when the two sides face each other on Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.
In a statement on the Taunton website, he said: “I just want to say a massive thank you to all the players, staff and fans for the last 3/4 years. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to play full time football again as that’s always the goal for me. Had some great memories and experiences at Taunton.
“Wish the club nothing but the best for the rest of the season and future. Met some amazing people and friends for life, thank you once again!”
— Jay Foulston (@JayFoulston) December 15, 2023
In the same statement, Peacocks’ chairman Keith Sturmey admitted the club’s well-publicised financial difficulties had made it impossible for them to turn down the offer.
He added: “With crowds under 800 we have to balance the books as turnstiles are just not providing enough income towards wages and this means utilising the loan and transfer market.
“Some of the squad have been very unlucky not to stay in the professional game but while it is always hard to see players go there will always be plenty of players to choose from, with 99% of second year professionals released.
“For me this is very frustrating as I have hit all personal targets for the club in terms of sponsorship but due to the lack of home games in October and November it has created even more financial pressure than normal.”
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Seeing as it is his Birthday, it would be rude not to dig this Free-Kick out of the archives ?
What a hit @JayFoulston ?#UpThePeacocks ? pic.twitter.com/16xhQsH34q
— Taunton Town FC (@TauntonTownFC) November 27, 2023