EX-Worcester Raiders captain Logan Stoddart and former striker Joshua Willis have both joined Pershore Town for the new season.

Wing-back Stoddart confirmed his departure from Sixways last month alongside brother Jordan and has now agreed a deal with The Plums in Step 6.

Willis, formerly of Worcester City, spent a large part of the 2021/22 campaign with Pershore before spending the last few months with then promotion rivals Raiders.

He scored a hatful of goals at Sixways but was unable to guide them to promotion via the usual route, even if they did beat Pershore in the play-off semi-final.

Raiders did get promoted in the end, thanks to a league reshuffle in the levels above, but Willis has decided to return to play under Danny Janes in the Hellenic League Division One (Step 6).

Evesham Journal: Josh Willis is back in Pershore blue and whiteJosh Willis is back in Pershore blue and white

"Josh was a big loss for us last season when he left to join Worcester Raiders," said gaffer Janes.

"He was always a player we would not give up on in bringing him back, he loves this club and the players.

"Technically one of the best players at this level, his creativity and ability to create opportunities are what we lacked at times towards the end of the season. Josh has started to add goals to his game, we can’t wait to see how many he can deliver for us this season."

Stoddart signed for Raiders at the start of the 2017/18 campaign having spent time with Bishops Cleeve and grew to be an influential player in the red and black.

Evesham Journal: Logan Stoddart signs for Pershore TownLogan Stoddart signs for Pershore Town

But he will now pull on the blue and white of Pershore

On the signing of Stoddart, Janes added: "Logan is a player I’ve thought very highly of for a number of years now.

"I’ve never known him personally, but last season really indicated to me the qualities that he brings to a side.

"Firstly, his technical ability in possession and his game understanding are outstanding. To win a league, every team needs players with his mentality and approach.

"I am delighted to have secured him, I look forward to working with him."

Pershore were a force to be reckoned with following Danny Janes' arrival at Pershore and after coming so close to promotion last season, The Plums will be looking to go one better in the 2022/23 campaign.