Teenage keeper sees future with Town

Hare, who turns 17 today, joined Devizes on a temporary basis earlier this season with the club agreeing that Bath could recall him if they needed to.

He has gone on to have an impressive season at Nursteed Road and when he was asked to return to Bath on Easter Monday turned the request down.

"They wanted me to go back as cover for their first team goalkeeper," said Hare, who lives in Bath.

"I just thought that playing first team football with Devizes would be more beneficial for me than sitting on the bench at Bath.

"I'm really happy at Devizes and with it being a local derby against Melksham I didn't want to go back."

Hare said he does not expect to have a future at Bath and is focusing on establishing himself as Devizes' number one.

"It has gone pretty good for me this season at Devizes and has been a good opportunity for me," he added.

"Bath just said if I was not committed to them they didn't want me but that doesn't bother me.

"Sean told me I'm in the new manager's plans for next season and I seem to have fitted in really well here.

"Before this season I only had experience of men's football in Sunday League.

"Now I want to learn my trade with Devizes and hopefully get spotted and progress up through the non-league."

Devizes caretaker Sean Moffatt said he had been pleased that Hare had made the decision to stay.

"I received a phone call from Bath saying they needed him back as cover in the first team," said Moffatt.

"I told them we would stick to the agreement where they could recall him but the final decision had to be with Jez.

"We were desperate to have him in goal and when he decided with his father to stay with us we were as pleased as punch.

"I know for a fact Mark Godley wants him next year and I'm sure Jez can go on to play at a higher level."

Moffatt continued: "It was his decision and showed his commitment to the team. He is a great keeper and we are pleased to have him."