BRIDPORT boss Rob Marquis believes long journeys deep into Cornwall could hinder his player recruitment drive for next season.

Marquis took over from previous boss John Godbold and is joined by assistant Shaun Annetts – previously reserve-team manager.

The duo have already contacted numerous players with an eye to pulling on the Bees’ jersey in 2021/22.

However, early conversations with targets have indicated away days such as the 300-mile round trip to Western League newcomers Mousehole could be “offputting”.

Marquis said: “It’s going to be willing, able players that want to go.

“One of the comments that have been made by quite a few is that we’re going down to the far depths of Cornwall.

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“It’s a fair old trip to Mousehole and places like that. I think that could be offputting from the conversations I’ve had, which I can understand.

“People don’t want to be leaving at 9.30 on a Saturday morning and getting home at 11 at night.

“If they were on full-time contracts, so be it. That could be quite a hindrance, because we’re the furthest east.

“We’ve got to travel west quite often. Up to Bristol is not too bad, but Mousehole is a four-hour trip each way, if not more, and it’s not easy roads.”

Commenting on the Bees’ early talks with new players, Marquis hinted they have approached former stars of the club.

He said: “Shaun still knows a lot of players that have played for Bridport previously – I don’t want to mention names.

“We’ve had a few say they’re going to come to pre-season, so we’ll see if they’re there.

“Shaun’s been speaking to several. The present squad will come back and we’ve spoken to new players as well.

“We’ve had conversations with a few different people but nothing solid.

“At the end of the day, let’s make no secret, we’re not in the ideal catchment area to get solid Western League players and our budget’s not huge.”