The club can confirm the departure of Ross Staley and Joe Budd who are both spending several months in New Zealand. Staley was in his second spell at the club, having originally joined the Peacocks in 2016 before leaving to play in Australia in January 2018. He returned to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium in January 2020 and has made 73 full and 38 sub appearances during his time at the club, scoring 27 goals. Budd meanwhile signed for the Peacocks on loan from Bristol Rovers in November 2021 before making the move permanent two months later, and has gone on to make 35 full and 14 sub appearances whilst scoring two goals.
Head of Football Rob Dray said:” Ross and Joe leaving will no doubt leave a hole for us all at the club both on and off the pitch but we totally understand the opportunity to go and live and play in New Zealand. Ross in particular has been a fantastic servant from the Step 4 days to the National League. Buddy again has been magnificent and as a young player will only get better. We will welcome them both back in September after their season finishes.”
We would like to wish Ross and Joe the best of luck in New Zealand.