By Richard Joyce

FORMER Stoke City goalkeeper Dale Eve has re-signed for Forest Green Rovers on a contract until the end of the season.

The Bermuda international has returned to The New Lawn to provide competition for Steve Arnold, with Jonny Maxted currently recovering from a broken foot.

Eve had a loan spell at Forest Green earlier this season, and has now agreed a permanent deal after his release by Premier League club Stoke City.

In his earlier spell this season he appeared in FGR’s televised FA Cup fourth qualifying round victory over Margate.

Having agreed to join the club permanently, he said: “This is a real test for me and I want to get as many games in as I can.

“I’m happy to be back and kept in touch with everyone when I was away. I enjoyed it a lot when I was here.”

Born in Bermuda, the 20-year-old moved to England as a teenager to join Derby County, where his talents saw Stoke City offer him an opportunity at the Britannia Stadium.

He was sent out on various loan spells with the likes of Fleetwood Town, Nuneaton Town, Newcastle Town and Congleton, as well as his short stint at FGR earlier in the campaign.

After adding to his goalkeeping options, manager Ady Pennock commented: “He’s been here before and did very well. He has left Stoke now and with the situation with Jonny we needed that competition with Steve.

“He’s a talented boy and has a good future in front of him.”

Eve is likely to feature in the squad that will travel to Wrexham on Saturday and will wear shirt number 25 – the same number he wore in his loan spell.