Taurean Manders has joined the long list of Bermudians playing in the English non-league after signing for Bashley FC until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old midfielder has made two appearances for the Hampshire-based side who are struggling near the foot of the Southern League Premier Division, which is two tiers below the Conference Premier.

Having not played competitively since last summer when he endured a torrid campaign in the United Soccer Leagues Pro League for Antigua Barracuda, who lost every match, Manders said he was relieved to have found a new club.

“I needed to get back playing again and I’ll see where things go from here,” said Manders who came on as a substitute in Bashley’s 3-1 home win against Chippenham Town on Tuesday.

“It’s maybe not the ideal situation but it’s still a good level. I’ve been impressed with the standard in training.”

Manders, who made his debut for Bashley last weekend in their 4-1 defeat away at Stourbridge, said his team-mates were confident of avoiding relegation.

“We are at the wrong end of the table but have some games in hand so we are confident of making it out of the drop zone,” said Manders whose family live in Southampton, England, where his cricketing brother Tre attends a sports academy.

“Personally it was good to finally get out of the losing column on Tuesday night after my disappointing season in the United States. [The win] gave the team a lift and it would be an experience for me to be in a real relegation fight. The main thing is I’m back playing again.”

Several Bermuda players have made the move the non-league football in the UK.

Tahj Bell, the Bermuda goalkeeper, plays for Hitchen Town in the Southern League Premier Division, while Antwan Russell, Lejuan Simmons and Rai Simons are on the books at Ilkeston FC in the Northern League Premier Division. Ilkeston forged an official partnership with the Bermuda Hogges last summer.

Manders, who trained with Chicago Mustangs during the indoor professional league pre-season, has spent the majority of his career playing in North America.

The former North Village utility player spent two seasons in the Canadian Soccer League at Capital City FC before signing for York Region Shooters.

He then moved to Caribbean outfit Barracuda but was played out of position as a right winger for the majority of the season as his form and confidence suffered.

Midway through the campaign, Barracuda appointed Adrian Whitbread, the former Portsmouth defender, as their new coach in a bid to reverse their fortunes.

While the changing of guard did not halt Barracuda’s losing streak, the team did show signs of significant signs of improvement

Manders and Bashley are at home to Cambridge City on Saturday, while Bell’s Hitchen Town are away at Bigglesworth Town.