GOALKEEPING talent Harvey Wiles-Richards has re-joined Bath City following his exit from Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City.

The Robins in May announced Wiles-Richards would not be retained following the expiration of his contract on June 30.

Wiles-Richards, 22, spent 11 games with Weymouth at the end of the 2023/24 season, excelling in a number of high-pressure games, including the 1-0 win over arch-rivals Yeovil.

His performances led to a clamour from Terras fans to sign the former Hereford and Gloucester loanee.

However, Wiles-Richards has chosen an option closer to home, completing a second move to a club he first joined as a 16-year-old in the 2018/19 campaign.

READ MORE: Harvey Wiles-Richards 'in a different world' to other goalkeepers in the National League South

Speaking to Bath City’s media team, he said: “It’s been a while since I’ve been back here. I’m looking forward to getting going again and I can’t wait to play.

“With me being local, a lot of people have spoken to me about maybe coming back. Being around it with the family, they’re always down here anyway.

“So, it’s nice to be back and with familiar faces again.

“My first game I was 16, and I went to City after that and spent the last (four) years there.

“The experience I’ve gained from that is massive. I left (Bath) as a boy but I’ve come back as a man.

“It’s a completely different circumstance for me. I’m coming here as a number one, ready to play and do my best for the club.”

Elaborating on his time with the Championship side, the commanding goalkeeper added: “It was really good, I loved my time there.

“I’ve not got a bad word to say about the club, I really enjoyed it. All good things come to an end, it’s just one of those things.

“Now, I’m back here and I’m fully focused. My main objective, if I knew I wasn’t coming back to City, was to go out and play.

“I don’t think there’s a better club for me to come to and guarantee myself game time, make sure I enjoy my football again and do the best I can for the club.”

Wiles-Richards also highlighted the importance of loan spells during his time with the Robins.

“It was good, I didn’t really get to go out on loan early in my time at Bristol City,” he stated.

“I think I was trying to develop more as a goalkeeper in under-21s football.

“I had an unfortunate injury when I did go out on loan the first time at Hereford, which set me back six months.

“I had a little spell at Gloucester which was good, even the short time I spent, 12 games, I learned a lot and gained a lot from the experience.

“The same with Weymouth in my most recent loan at the end of last season.”

Finally, Wiles-Richards took to social media to thank Bristol City for his four years at the club.

He said: “Massive thank you to @BristolCity for the past 4 years. Time for me to prove myself and get back playing the game I love. Buzzing to be back home @BathCity_FC.

"Can’t wait for the season to get started and hopefully get that promotion the city and club deserves.”