TAUNTON Town defender Ed Palmer has announced his departure from the club.

The centre-back tweeted this morning that his latest spell with the Peacocks has "come to an end".

Palmer joined Taunton from Truro City in the summer of 2016, returned to Truro in the summer of 2017, and then came back to Taunton in October 2018.

He has made 15 appearances this season (12 in the league, three in cup competitions), but did not play against Truro City last Wednesday or Wimborne Town on Saturday.

His departure leaves the Peacocks with Ben Adelsbury, Nick Grimes, Jamie Price and Shane White as centre-back options going into tonight's FA Trophy first round qualifying replay at home to Wimborne (ko 7.45pm).

The winner of tonight's match will host Essex side Aveley, of the Isthmian League North Division, in the next round.

Taunton head of football Rob Dray told the County Gazette: "Ed's been left out [in the last week] as we've changed things around, and he's decided it's not for him.

"He wanted to leave, we wanted him to stay, but we wish him the best of luck.

"He's a lovely lad, with an infectious sense of humour, and technically he's one of the best I've seen at centre-back.

"But we need players who want to be here 120 per cent."

Asked whether he would be looking to bring in another defender, Dray said: "We have four outstanding centre-backs who can play in various positions, and Ben Adelsbury and Nick Grimes are fully fit now.

"A lot of players want to come to Taunton, but we have to do what is right for the club.

"As we strive to evolve the club again, the players we are looking at decrease in numbers and increase in wages - we have to get the numbers game right.

"We have a great group of BTC [Bridgwater & Taunton College] lads, who will be in and around the squad, and we have recalled Luke Manley from his loan at Willand Rovers."

Looking ahead to tonight's match, the Peacocks boss added: "I think that on a better pitch [compared to Saturday], if we turn up, we can cause Wimborne real problems.

"To be 2-0 up with 25 minutes to go [Taunton fighting back to draw 2-2], that will have a mental effect on a team."