Bath City has confirmed that four pivotal players—Joe Raynes, Scott Wilson, Harvey Wiles-Richards, and Matt Bowman—have signed new contracts, ensuring their places in the squad for the 2026/27 season. This announcement comes alongside the recent signing of Enzio Boldewijn, bringing the number of committed players to nine.
The club also retains Jordan Tillson, Will Jenkins Davies, Luke Russe, and Dan Greenslade, whose contracts extend into the new season. Greenslade’s deal automatically renews, marking his fifth consecutive year at Twerton Park. As pre-season training resumes later this month, manager Scott Bartlett has the advantage of a deeply experienced squad, boasting over 1,000 collective appearances.
Joe Raynes is on the cusp of a significant milestone, needing just six more games to reach 300 appearances—a feat only 24 players have achieved in the club’s history. Raynes debuted in August 2018 after rising through Bath City’s academy ranks but faced setbacks from a serious ankle injury that cost him the entire 2020/21 season.
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His cousin, goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards, is closing in on 100 appearances despite injury challenges last season. Wiles-Richards returned to the club two years ago and has since notched 28 clean sheets, earning both the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year awards in separate seasons.
Dan Greenslade, who originally joined on loan from Bristol Rovers in 2016, has built a solid Bath City career totaling 188 appearances with memorable goals in 2023. Meanwhile, striker Scott Wilson is just two appearances shy of matching Greenslade’s tally. Wilson’s journey with Bath City began in 2011, marked by various spells at the club and recent contributions that make him the club’s all-time leading scorer in the National League South with 50 league goals.
Luke Russe and Jordan Tillson were secured under previous contracts, although injuries have limited their recent playing time. Tillson notably served as assistant manager while sidelined and won the club’s Goal of the Season award for a stunning last-minute winner last November.
Swiss midfielder Matt Bowman has impressed since stepping up two divisions from Larkhall Athletic, contributing four goals over 27 appearances. A University of Bath student, Bowman will continue his development at the club for the upcoming season.
Will Jenkins Davies, also signed to a two-year deal last year, showed early promise before knee injuries disrupted his campaign. Though still under contract, there may be transfer interest in the former Plymouth player.
The futures of other squad members—Charlie Binns, Jack Batten, Ollie Tomlinson, Owen Windsor, and captain Kieran Parselle—are expected to be announced shortly.
In related news, the FA has revealed new dates for the 2026/27 FA Cup and FA Trophy. Bath City will enter the FA Cup at the 1st Qualifying Round for the first time since 2006, with the match scheduled for the weekend of September 5. This is also the earliest FA Cup fixture for the club since 1978.
In the FA Trophy, Bath City will commence their journey in the 3rd Qualifying Round, two rounds earlier than usual. That fixture is set for the weekend of September 26. These dates mark only the second time the club has played an FA Trophy match in September, the other being a 1972 victory over Cinderford Town.