BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker is set to be boosted by the return of several key players for the visit of Wells City to St Mary’s Field in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm).

Long-term injury absentee Ed Butcher will return to the Bees’ match-day squad after overcoming a deep leg wound that required stitches, while Louis Rutter will also come back for his first game since being announced as captain having missed Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Clevedon.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Fricker said the appointment of Rutter to the role, created after Ryan Hayter left for Odd Down after 15 years at the club, was a “straightforward” decision.

He said: “Ed is looking to return which is a massive plus. Louis will definitely be back and we’ve just announced that he’ll be taking on the captaincy for the rest of the season.

“It was pretty straightforward, he’s been standing in all season. Ryan’s not really played a major part for us.

“When Louis got over his injury he’s a massive character for us in the changing room and a leader on the pitch. He’s adapted at centre-back and gives us a great balance back there.”

On Butcher, Fricker revealed that the forward had been training since last week with a view to making a return.

He said: “We put Ed through his paces last week. He seems fine and he’s had no reaction to it.

“I believe if you’re fit to be in the squad you’re fit to start, so there’s every chance that he will.”

Lee Sweet is also set to retake his

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place in the matchday squad, but Fricker is waiting on the fitness of Oscar Latas and the availability of Braeden Symes, who was sent-off against the Seasiders on Saturday.

“Kameron Andrews will still be missing through injury and Leigh Bailey through work commitments. I believe that Braeden will be suspended but I’m waiting to hear.

“I’m still waiting on Oscar to see how his hamstring is. With that, we’re not going to rush it,” he said.

On the challenge of facing 19th-placed Wells, who Bridport beat 2-1 in early September, Fricker was looking to avoid complacency.

He said: “We did alright then, we weren’t at our best. To be honest looking at their results since then they do seem to be struggling.

“It’s one that we can’t afford to be complacent, but we’re looking to score points.

“This year the confidence is high and with the quality that we’ve added to the squad there’s a belief that we should be a top eight team.”