Wellington AFC

Dave Thomas and David Derrick will be asking players to sign Devon and Exeter Football League signing on forms from now (some already have).

The process will see three items of paperwork been required to be signed off – the League’s signing on form, a WAFC membership form and the WAFC Code of Conduct for senior players.

By the first game of the season (likely to be Saturday 28th August) all who wish to play for the side this season will be expected to have completed all these forms in full and to have paid the appropriate membership fee – details from Dave Thomas or David Derrick.

A strict line will be enforced in this respect in the 2010-2011 season and all players are asked to help this process by complying with these requirements – in other words help us to help you!

The Western League signing on process will be dealt with by Club Secretary Ken Pearson and this will involve the Reserves squad for sure.

As a warm up to the winter skittles season and on the back of another excellent summer triples competition that concluded last week we are to hold a sixes tournament in early August between teams who use the Club as their home alley.

It is hoped up to six sides will be taking part – details to follow on this site.

We are changing the day of the week when the Management Committee meets for the month of August as an experiment, many have asked for a move away from Sunday evenings and so we will meet on Wednesday 25th August at the Clubhouse from 7.30pm.

Details from Ken Bird or Ken Pearson.

WELLINGTON manager Leigh Robinson has made a string of new signings to mark his return to the Toolstation premier club.

Robinson is back in charge after a season as joint boss of Bridgwater Town and has persuaded a number of his former players to rejoin him.

They include keeper Ryan Lewis and winger Craig Herrod, who left during last season to join Street and Bridgwater respectively. Also returning to Wellington are the strike trio of Alex Pounde, Joe Dakwa and Luke Desave.

Robinson has secured the signatures of most of last season’s squad including skipper Simon Ingram, Scott Holland, Jack Adams and Craig Mawford while a number of new players have also signed this week.

David Derrick has been appointed as Reserve Team Administrator for the 2010-2011 season and will report to Team Manager Dave Thomas.

David – who has fulfilled a similar role since the 2006-2007 season for the Reserves side – will be responsible for the team’s match day administration and preparatory administration leading up to match days.

Commenting on this role he said ‘This has been a tough pre-season for the Club and in particular with respect to our Devon and Exeter League status, but now that we have sorted matters and Dave has agreed to manage a team in the Premier Division I was delighted to be able to accept the role when it was offered and I look forward to working with Dave on a formal basis for the first time – I assisted Dave from time to time when he was the Rovers Manager, but this will be the first time I have worked with him on a week by week basis and I am sure our arrangement will work well. I will draw on my experience of working for John Norman, Nick Bowrah, Jason Hawkings and Joe Conway in the past to provide Dave and the Reserves squad with the administrative support they require. Although I will miss the opening two games of the season due to cricket and work commitments all that Dave requires will be in place and I look forward to joining up with the side from mid-September.’

Fixtures for the new season have been received with the 1st XI – under Leigh Robinson – been away to Brislington in the Premier Division of the Western League on Saturday 7th August and the Reserves playing their first game in the Premier Division of the Devon and Exeter League under Dave Thomas at home to Alphington Reserves on Saturday 4th September.

The Reserves may start with an East Devon Senior Cup game on Saturday 28th August – such a match would be draw dependant; more details when available.

WELLINGTON AFC are holding their first Summer Football Fun Day next week.
Youngsters, aged from five-12, can attend the event which will run from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Friday, August 6, at the club’s Playing Field headquarters.
They will be coached by first-team manager Leigh Robinson, assisted by a selection of the club’s senior players.
There will be a mini World Cup tournament, penalty shootouts, trophies, medals and much more.
Anyone wishing to book a place for their child (cost £10) should either ring 07812-385221 or email welli.funday@yahoo.com
Meanwhile, Wellington will also be holding free coaching sessions for local youngsters on Monday evenings throughout August.

DAVE Thomas will manage Wellington Reserves in the premier division of the Devon and Exeter League next season.
Thomas, who lives in the town, has led the club’s third team to successive promotions in the same league.
“We are delighted that Dave has decided to make the step up and hope he will be able to continue his remarkable managerial record,” said club chairman Ken Bird.
“He is already busy setting up a management team, talking to players and organising pre-season friendlies.”
The annoucement coincides with the news that Wellington have decided to withdraw their third team from the Devon and Exeter League.
Instead, they are launching two new Sunday sides – Wellington Warriors managed by Paul Sellick and Wellington Veterans run by Sean Buttle.
The club are also running their first ever women’s team, who will be managed by Steve Longley.