BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker is set to monitor the situation surrounding talented youngster Ed Butcher’s future at the club.

Butcher, who scored 12 goals in 38 games for the Bees last season, has been training with both Bridport and Southern League South & West side Bideford over the last week.

He came off the bench for the Robins in their friendly against Buckland Athletic on Tuesday, with Fricker insisting he will dual sign between the two clubs this season.

Explaining the situation surrounding Butcher, who is set to feature for the Bees in their final pre-season friendly at Axminster Town tomorrow (7.30pm) the Bridport manager said: “He has put pen to paper for us so for us that is good news. We have secured his services, it’s just what happens with the Bideford situation at the moment.

“It’s whether or not he gets a break down there really.

“He will be dual signed with us anyway and it depends what happens with Bideford.

“He will play for us on Friday and was training with us last week as well. We will monitor the situation and see what happens.

“He hasn’t had much game time with them at the moment but, if he can push himself and get in the starting XI in that line-up, then he will go with our blessing. If he can’t, then he is signed and committed to Bridport.”

Andy Martin is set to be unavailable for tomorrow’s friendly and the Bees’ FA Cup extra preliminary round opener against St Austell on Saturday, August 5.

On his side’s final friendly before the new campaign, Fricker added: “I know the manager down at Axminster and a few of their players have played for us previously as well. We know a lot about them and they will be a stern test.”

The Bees overcame Balti Sports 3-0 in a pre-season victory at St Mary’s Field on Tuesday.

Kameron Andrews scored twice for the hosts with Dan Peach also getting on the scoresheet. Fricker also gave a trial to youngster Dec Cornish and is hoping he will sign up for the campaign.