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Weston FC - Latest News

The latest club news

415 - 07/08/2008

NOTICE TO ALL SUPPORTERS

You may have noticed the advert on the back page of this weeks Weston Mercury. The advert is incorrect. The Admission Prices should not have appeared in the advert. When the ad was placed on Monday all the wording was agreed, the Mercury promised to send through a 'proof copy' as they normally do. This did not happen otherwise the mistake would have been spotted straightaway. The Mercury have admitted their mistake and have apologised in advance for any embarrassment this mistake will cause.

Even if they wanted to the Club could not charge the prices advertised as there is a minimum admission charge that applies throughout the Football Conference, and this charge is higher than the price that appears in the advert.

The Club would also like to apologise for this error and we have been assured by the Mercury that this kind of problem will not arise again.

414 - 06/08/2008

interview with Assistant Manager Andrew Gurney (Paulton Rovers V Weston-super-Mare

Assistant Manager Andrew Gurney spoke to the Website after Weston’s penultimate pre-season friendly, against Paulton Rovers at The Athletic Ground, Winterfield Road, Paulton.

Your thought on tonight’s game?

A. G.: “Very, very poor, especially the first half.

Then the second half we started quite brightly and we were having a go and created one or two bits.

Then Marvin, obviously Marvin should score really at 1 all and 9 times out of 10 he will score and he slashed it wide from 3 or 4 yards out which isn’t Marvin at all.

If that goes in then maybe we go on and win the game 3-1 but we didn’t. They hit a worldy goal and to be fair for the second goal you can’t really do a lot about and then conceded a very poor third but overall it is not good enough and there is a lot of hard work that will be done in the next week or so because the last two and a half performances have definitely not been good enough.

A week tomorrow we start the season and a lot has got to improve in a week.

We will work as hard as we possibly can to make sure that it does.”

Your thought on the two new faces that where on show tonight?

A. G.: “The left-back (Bradley Middleton) played tonight obviously. Whether he comes again or not I don’t know.

Cedric (Abraham), I thought Cedric did O. K..

He is a big strong boy, looks quick and overall looks like someone that you could work with, something that could maybe be a decent addition but will have to wait and see over the next week or so.”

I understand that we have a couple of player’s missing for the first game of the season?

A. G.: “Greener is missing for the first game of the season.

We have known that since the start of pre-season really and then obviously Ben (Willshire) injured his knee at Gloucester the other night which isn’t great news obviously because that leaves us without two right-back’s.

We will have to see, hopefully he might be alright by next weekend.”

413 - 06/08/2008

PAULTON ROVERS 3, WESTON-S-MARE 1

Simon Stephens reporting from the Athletic Ground, Winterfield Road

Weston fielded trialists Bradley Middleton (a left back) and centre-back Cedric Abraham (a former Swindon Supermarine centre-back) at The Athletic Ground as two late goals from a full strength Paulton Rovers saw the home side to a 3-1 victory.

Paulton had the better of the early exchanges and took the lead on 25 minutes when former Weston midfielder Jon French put in Ben Cleverley who laid the ball back for another former Seagull Robert Claridge to beat keeper Ryan Harrison.

Abraham replaced Charlie Comyn-Platt on the half hour mark after the Seagulls captain pulled up with a hamstring injury (Michael Green taking the Captain's armband) and a minute before the interval it was Abraham who got on the end of Ben Wells's free-kick from the right to draw the sides level.

Thankfully it is understood that Comyn-Platt's injury will not keep him out of the season's opener against Bishops Stortford.

Weston's uped the tempo in the second half and after Assistant Manager Andrew Gurney had blazed Ashan Holgate's pull back over the bar, Dean Grubb stung the hands of home keeper Kyle Phillips after a delightfull one two with Michael Green had split Paulton open.

Michael Green also went close for the visitors and Marvin Brown would of normally finished an opportunity from close in but as the game entered it's final 20 minutes, Paulton regained the accendancy.

Ryan Harrison did well to deny Dean Pendry from close range and then substitute Tom Jacobs hit the foot of a post as Paulton came back.

Brazilian trialist Zico put Paulton in front with a stunning 35-yard effort on 74 minutes fellow substitute Dan Flower sealed the win on 86 minutes when put through by Tom Jacobs.

Weston squad: Harrison, Green, Middleton, Palmer, Mullings, Comyn-Platt (Abraham 30), Wells (McKeever H/T), Gurney (Burt 71), McGregor (Brown 30), Holgate (Havard 83), Grubb. Sub (not used): Purnell.

412 - 05/08/2008

CALDICOT TOWN 2, WESTON-S-MARE 6

Simon Stephens reporting from Jubilee Way.

Weston's preperations for the new season clicked in to place just at the right time as a Seagulls line-up containing two triallists and two youth team graduates took a trip in to europe to round off their pre-season programme and recorded an emphatic win at Welsh League Division 1 side Caldicot.

Perhaps a usefull indication as to the value of the result was that Blue Square South rivals Newport County recorded a 4-1 victory at Jubilee Way 2 weeks previously whilst at full strength.

Caldicot started strongly and after Andy Gurney headed just over from Ben Wells' free kick, the home side took the lead when Daniel O' Sullivan put in Jason Thorne and altough Ryan Northmore made a great save from Thorne's effort, Mark Williams was on hand to lash home the loose ball.

A minute later, Gurney came close, his header coming back off the underside of the crossbar from Ben Wells's corner from the left and from another Wells' corner, Gurney headed back across goal for Marvin Brown to force a save from keeper James Smallcombe.

Weston equalised on 35 minutes when Ryan Havard turned on Sam Johnson's long clearance and beat Smallcombe with a stunning dipping half volley from fully 45 yards but a minute before the interval, Caldicot were back in the lead when Kevin Thompson's ball into the box saw O' Sullivan adjudged to have been impeded and Gareth Cullimore fired his penalty to the right of Northmore.

For the second half, Weston, who earlier had replaced Gurney with James Palmer, brought on Ryan Harrison for Northmore, Marc McGregor for McKeever and Michael Green for Sam Johnson and went on to dominate the second half.

McGregor saw his shot blocked and Havard saw his glancing header go just wide before Ryan Paddock's cross came back off the groin of Darren Mullings in to the path of Marvin Brown who finished neatly.

Brown added his second and Weston's third after Green powered down the right flank and pulled the home defence out of position.

Brown completed his hat-trick with Weston's fourth climaxing a strong run from Ryan Havard and after Mark Armstrong's strong run down the left had set-up Marc McGregor, McGregor freed Darren Mullings to score and Ben Wells capped a fine individual effort when he rounded off the scoring, meeting McGregor's cross with a fine header.

Weston squad: Northmore (Harrison H/T), Armstrong, Middleton (Holgate 79), Paddock, Johnson (Green H/T), Gurney (Palmer 23), Wells, Mullings, Havard, Brown (Johnson 83), McKeever (McGregor H/T).

411 - 03/08/2008

Interview with Dean Grubb

Following Weston-super-Mare F. C.’s pre-season friendly at Gloucester City Weston born winger Dean Grubb took time out to speak to the club website about the evening’s game, his thought process behind committing to a contract and the Weston supporters.

Your thought on tonight’s game?

D. G.: “It was a good workout for the lads. It was always going to be a hard game up here. It was windy and I don’t think the pitch is that great but it is good to get a look at what next season is going to be like with some of the players. I know it was 1-1 and we went a goal down but I think we controlled the game really. I don’t think there was really many problems.”

How many of the side that started this evening’s game do you envisage starting the first game of the season?

D. G.: “Well really I think McKeever would be starting but he has got a ban for the first three games, so that is why he was on the bench. Well that is my thoughts on it anyway. I think a lot of them will be starting, I would say about, well considering how we do in the rest of the friendlies that will probably be the starting X1 for the season.”

I understand you have committed your immediate future to Weston and put pen to paper on a contract. Could you tell me your thought process behind how you came to that decision please?

D. G.: “Well after speaking with the Manager just really he has told me the player’s that have also signed and I was happy with signing because I think it looks bright for next year. The people I wanted here from last season have signed. He has brought in a few other good players’ like Marv, Greener and Macca have signed for two years and I think it looks positive to be fair. Everybody has been raring to go. After the disappointment that was last year I think next year looks promising.”

As a Weston born and bred player, do you see yourself as a role model for other local player’s and proof that they can make it at Weston? Something you are proud of? A pressure maybe?

D. G.: “It’s nice. I mean it would be nice if we got more fans down there who gave everyone a bit more of a chance. I mean, I read on the Website a lot, the Fans Forum and you just get people on there who just want to bad mouth the player’s and I think it is poor. I think everybody has bad times and good times but when we are going through a bad time it would be nice for people to get behind us instead of giving us grief all the time and that is my view’s on Weston. I think we have got too many negative people around and if they just want to come and bad mouth us then don’t bother turning up to games.”

410 - 01/08/2008

After match interview with Charlie Comyn-Platt (Gloucester City V Weston-super-Mare)

Following Weston-super-Mare F. C.’s pre-season friendly at Gloucester City Captain Charlie Comyn-Platt took time out to discuss the evening’s game and the squad’s two day excursion to an Army Barracks in South Wales.

Your thought on tonight’s game?

C. C-P.: “I think we started well but then we conceded a sloppy goal. There was no one even around and I missed a header, the keeper shouted for it and it’s going in off Palms. There wasn’t even anyone in our 6 yard box from their team so it was a sloppy goal. They didn’t really create much. I thought we where quite poor in the first half but 2nd half we looked much better and created quite a few chances. Kev Sawyer who was on loan to us last season, their keeper, he pulled off a great save in the top corner from Macca’s shot. Marc McGregor had a header from a corner, possibly should of hit the target. We did have quite a few chances but I think they worked hard really, they didn’t create, they didn’t do much so we should of beaten them but it is if’s and butt’s really.”

What did you make of the experience at the Army Barracks?

C. C-P.: “Thursday and Friday was really good. I wasn’t expecting much to be honest but it was really good, all the lads got on brilliantly, we all stuck together, it was team bonding and it was superb. We worked hard, we worked really hard and then we had a really good time with it. We played really hard as well.”

What did it consist of?

C. C-P: “Assault courses, fitness, running to beep times, carrying logs and running with big packs on your back getting chased by these idiot army people. We camped out on Thursday. We thought we where going to be in tents but they just gave us a sleeping bag. We had to cook our own food. We had ration packs from 2004 I think. We got bitten to death by mosquitoes.”

The break finished with a trip to Chepstow Races I understand?

C. C-P.: “Chepstow races was really good.”

Any luck?

C. C-P.: “No, not really a bit of luck. I did alright. I think it was Caribbean night so Ash did really well.”

409 - 31/07/2008

After match interview with Assistant Manager Andrew Gurney (Gloucester City V Weston-super-Mare

Assistant Manager Andrew Gurney spoke to the Website after Weston’s 4th pre-season friendly, against Gloucester City at The Corrinium Stadium, Cirencester.

Your thought on tonight’s game?

A. G.: “I thought we started brightly enough and then give away the sloppy goal from the corner and then it all went a bit pear shaped for 15-20 minutes really. We didn’t take a grip of the game and let them get on top of us. Then we came in to it a little bit towards the end of the 2nd half. It was better in the 2nd half but probably still not quite there and probably still not quite good enough really.” How many of the side that started this evening’s game do you envisage starting the first game of the season?

A. G.: “There is still one or two obviously that we are looking at and positions that hopefully we can add to but obviously the main of it was there but like I say, hopefully we can add a centre-back and a left-back with a little bit of luck. Obviously we are still looking for them.”

405 - 30/07/2008

Gloucester City 1 v 1 Weston-super-Mare

Mark McKeever secured a draw for Weston with a late equaliser at Gloucester City.

Gloucester were on top in the early play and took the lead when Weston's James Palmer diverted a James Upcott corner past his own keeper.

Ryan Harrison was forced to make some brilliant saves to deny Upcott and Jack Pitcher.

In the second half Ex-Weston Loanee Kevin Sawyer pulled off a brilliant save to keep out a volley from McKeever.

But deep into added time, McKeever tapped in the ball after Sawyer had made the intial block.

Team: Ryan Harrison, Ben Willshire, Michael Green, Andrew Gurney, Charlie Comyn-Platt (Captain), Dean Grubb, James Palmer, Ashan Holgate, Marvin Brown, Darren Mullings & Ben Wells.

408 - 30/07/2008

Striker Results 30/07/08

£1000 winning number L4469

£500 winning number H5565

£250 winning number P4346

£125 winning number WE2262

No rollover winner this week therefore rolling over to next week.

407 - 30/07/2008

Striker Results 30/07/08

£1000 winning number L4469

£500 winning number H5565

£250 winning number P4346

£125 winning number WE2262

No rollover winner this week therefore rolling over to next week.

406 - 30/07/2008

Striker Results 30/07/08

£1000 winning number L4469

£500 winning number H5565

£250 winning number P4346

£125 winning number WE2262

No rollover winner this week therefore rolling over to next week.

404 - 26/07/2008

Weston players join the Army

Following Bristol Rovers decision to pull out of the pre-season fixture scheduled for today Weston Manager Tony Ricketts utilised the time to take his troops to an army barracks in South Wales.

The exercise will no doubt build up morale and camaraderie between the squad and is understood to have involved an assault course, camping out over night on the Thursday and culminating with a visit to Chepstow Races last night.

402 - 24/07/2008

Robertson signs for Wellington

Former Weston-super-Mare Skipper Andy Robertson has signed for Toostation League first Division Champions Wellington according to Thursday's Western Daily Press. Robertson made 118 appearances for the seagulls in 2 spells and scored 2 goals, 1 against Newport County and the other against Sutton United. Robertson made his debut for the Seagulls in their first game at the new Woodspring Stadium against Hornchurch in 2004

403 - 24/07/2008

STRIKER RESULTS 23/07/2008

£1000 WINNING NUMBER WH2155 L SANTILLO

£500 WINNING NUMBER R5683 T MAYNARD

£250 WINNING NUMBER O6140 S SIMPSON

£125 WINNING NUMBER M2133 J WORTHINGTON

PLUS 61 PAYING MEMBERS WITH THE SAME NUMBERS BUT A DIFFERENT PREFIX WIN £10

£8500 ROLLOVER WINNING NUMBER WC1514 MR WALDON - CONGRATULATIONS!

401 - 22/07/2008

Interviews with James Palmer and Ben Willshire

Last week the former Bristol Rovers duo of Ben Willshire and James Palmer opted to commit their immediate future to the Seagulls when both put pen to paper on a two year contract.

Following training on Monday evening they spoke to the Club Website to discuss how they came to their respective decisions.

James Palmer

J. P.: “I had a bit of a frustrating year last year with injuries and getting released by Rovers obviously, and then I came here. I got injured, broke my finger, come back, got injured again with my knee but now I am fit and ready to go.

Rickko has given me a chance to prove myself here and I am going to have a good go at it. I have signed for two years now which is good because it secures your future. I am going to have a good go at this year.

I don’t want to be sat on the bench like I was last year. I want to be playing every week if I can. Obviously, I just want to be in the team for the first game of the season.”

Ben Willshire

B. W.: “Tony’s choice is that he wants everybody on contract this year because he wants everybody committed to the club. I wanted to be committed to a club on my own personal level.

I don’t like this one year signing on and then seeing what happens next year. I want to be committed to a club for a few years and I want to see it progressing.

So that is why I have signed for two years now.”

400 - 21/07/2008

Open forum (bullet points & quote’s)

On Sunday Weston-super-Mare F. C. held an Open forum in the Somerset suite at their Woodspring Park base.

Despite being more heavily advertised than previous forums, the meeting was disappointingly sparsely attended.

Below are a few bullet points to come from the get together:

*Manager Tony Ricketts said that he hoped to bring in a centre-back and a left back within the next seven days.

*Jason Burt is to be loaned out to Southern League Division 1 West side Taunton Town in order to gain some much needed game time.

*Jamie Laird has been offered a professional and playing contract in Norway . The Manager has told Laird that he should take it as it is a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

Should the 19 year old left back take up the position, he would be due back in November and if that is the case Mr Ricketts said “We may well speak to him again then”.

*The Manager looks to have closed the door on last season’s Supporters Club & “Away Supporters” player of the season Andrew Robertson staying at the Woodspring Stadium. Mr Ricketts commented on Robertson “I tried to tie up with Robbo 2 or 3 times. I texted him to say when pre-season was. Andrew Gurney spoke to him. I think he doesn’t want to come back and unless he approaches me that is it. Anyway there is no money left”.

*It looks unlikely that transfer target Darren Mullings will sign for Weston. The central midfielder who excelled as a striker against Exeter and a centre back against Plymouth was subject of an offer from Blue Square Conference South rivals Newport County on Friday. Ricketts said “I expect him to sign there”.

*The Manager talked about potential transfer targets which can obviously not go in to print until they are finalised.

*The Manager revealed that transfer target Ollie Barnes was “Offered more money” at Blue Square South rivals Worcester City and opted to sign for the St. George’s lane side.

*When asked by the floor about cup competitions, Mr Ricketts said “I don’t think we will have any other option than to go for it in every cup competition we enter.

*Giving supporters cause for optimism, Mr Ricketts went on to say “We are not punching above our weight. The club has massive potential. My intention remains’ the same as when I took this job and I intend to take the club in to the Conference National.

*When the subject of playing budget was raised Mr Ricketts said “We have one of the lowest budgets in our league and it is exactly the same as last season”.

*Offering a unique insight in to last season’s troubled campaign, the Manager said “I offered my resignation twice and the Chairman didn’t take it. With hindsight I made a mistake in taking young players from City and Rovers who where good technically but not physically”.

*The Manager went on to say that he is “Looking to operate with a squad of 15 or 16 players topped up by Youth team players”. He went on to say that despite this “I am looking for competition in the goalkeepers’ position. I don’t think Luke Purnell is ready for the first team yet so I will be looking to loan him out to get some games”.

*Despite featuring in Weston’s pre-season programme the Manager said that he “Did not feel that the Youth team players where ready yet for the first team”.

*Mr Ricketts spoke of a community programme that he hopes to get up and running in conjunction with local Primary, Junior and Secondary schools linking in to the college and looking to cater specifically for the 14, 15 & 16 year old age group.

*The Manager finishing by saying “I am very optimistic about the forthcoming season. I feel confident we can hold our own if we avoid the horrific injuries that robbed us of crucial players last season. I think we will surprise a few people. I have seen the bookies prices and I think our supporters should get some money on. I will certainly be contacting my bookie”.

399 - 21/07/2008

Interview with Michael Green

Michael Green joined Weston-super-Mare from bitter rivals Clevedon Town midway through last season. The right-back made such an early impression that he won the player of the month award for January in his first full month with the club and went on to be awarded the accolade of Manager’s player of the season.

Following Weston’s pre-season fixture at Tiverton the Forest of Dean based defender spoke to the website to discuss that evening’s fixture and his decision to commit his immediate future to the Seagulls.

I understand you have committed your immediate future to the club?

M. G.: “Yes. I have signed for two years which I am happy about. It is a bit of security. They are looking to take the club forward and I want to be part of that.”

Your take on tonight’s game?

M. G.: “I think it was very, very poor all over the park. I don’t think anybody did themselves justice really. Albeit they came out well and they played well but we contributed to that as we made them look good players. I think we have got to improve a hell of a lot for the start of the season.”

398 - 20/07/2008

After match interviews (Tiverton Town V Weston-super-Mare )

Martyn Rogers ( Tiverton Town Manager)

M. R.: “As a football club we are delighted with the performance. The result is immaterial. You are looking for performances from players and team wise I was delighted with the way we performed today. We worked as hard as I have seen the team work.”

Your take on the Weston side?

M. R.: “To be honest with you I don’t really take too much notice of the other side but at the end of the day there is some good individual player’s and they have got some pace up front. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t think it caused us any problems tonight.”

Andrew Gurney (Weston Assistant Manager)

A. G.: “Very, very poor to sum it up. We didn’t keep the ball well enough, we didn’t create enough chances, didn’t play well enough. Simple as that really.”

A makeshift side though?

A. G.: “A little bit but it’s no excuses. Obviously the team that started probably won’t be the team that starts the start of the season but even so it was very poor and we let ourselves down really. We switched it around a little bit tonight.

1st half was poor, 2nd half was a little bit better. We created a couple of chances but it wasn’t good enough.We had two decent performances in the last two friendlies but tonight wasn’t so good. We will go back to training on Monday and start again.”

397 - 19/07/2008

Tiverton Town 2 Weston-super-Mare 0

A makeshift Weston side came up 2nd best in a game of few chances.

The visitor’s where first to show, when following a foul on Ryan Havard, Mark McKeever’s free-kick was met by a header from Youth team graduate David Thorne that was comfortably gathered by Chris Wright.

Tivy immediately broke down the other end but Jamie Denshams effort cleared Ryan Nothmore’s crossbar.

The Devon hosts took the lead on 10 minutes when former Bideford man Jamie Densham shook off the attentions of Andrew Gurney and Mark Armstrong to finish from just inside the area.

Ryan Northmore made a great save from Bobby Hopkinson 3 minutes prior to the interval and Mark Saunders following up saw his effort come back off a post.

Home keeper Chris Wright pushed an effort from Mark McKeever round the post on 61 minutes after being teed up by Armstrong but within minutes Tivy had doubled their lead when a defensive lapse from the visitors allowed Densham to meet Adam Faux’s cross.

Densham went close to completing his hat-trick only to see a stunning save from Luke Purnell push the ball over the bar.

Weston went close with efforts from Ashan Holgate and Ben Wells but it was the home side that went closest to adding a further goal when Mike Booth’s effort crashed back off the cross bar.

Weston: Northmore, Armstrong, Willshire, Green (Captain), Gurney, Burt, Thorne, Carpenter, Havard, Holgate & McKeever.

Substitutions:

Purnell for Northmore (H/T), Brown for Carpenter (H/T), Wells for Burt (H/T), Palmer for McKeever (64th), McGregor for Havard (64th), Grubb for Thorne (57th) & Havard for Gurney (88th).

396 - 19/07/2008

OPEN FORUM - SUNDAY 20th July 2008

On Sunday July 20th Weston-super-Mare F. C. will be holding an "Open Forum" in The Somerset Suite at The Woodspring Stadium. The meeting will start at 11AM and it is understood that Chairman Paul Bliss and First Team Manager Tony Ricketts will be on hand to field question's from interested parties.

395 - 19/07/2008

Havard return leaves supporters smiling

A popular sight that has lifted the supporters of Weston F. C. was the return of Weston born Ryan Havard to the Seagulls squad. After injuring himself in the warm-up prior to the Exeter game, the former Weston man made his first return appearance in Weston colour’s in Wednesday’s game with Plymouth Argyle after replacing James Palmer at half-time.

After a typical lung bursting appearance Havard commented.:“I am delighted to be back at Weston. I couldn’t of asked for much more really. I can’t wait to get stuck in to the rest of pre-season and show what I can do.”:

394 - 18/07/2008

Captain Charlie to lead Seagulls in to battle

Charlie Comyn-Platt will be the Seagulls Captain for the 2008-2009 season. The popular former Swindon Town centre-back spoke to the website and talked about the Captain’s armband, pre-season preparations, the Plymouth Argyle fixture and the season ahead.

Your thoughts on being made Captain for the forthcoming season?

C. C-P.: “Every time I go on the pitch I want to try and set an example.The boys here are really good to play with and I am really looking forward to it.”

You seem to be enjoying your football at Weston?

C. C-P.: “Definitely. The staff are good, Gurns is good, Ricko is good and I am really looking forward to it.”

A bright start to pre-season?

C. C-P.: “They are in the Championship (Plymouth Argyle) and if we can draw against them, who knows? It’s looking promising but we won’t know until the first game of the season.”

Do you think that we can exceed the finishing positions of the past two seasons ?

C. C-P.: “Definitely. Yes. Marvin is a great asset. What a great finish that was today.”

Your thoughts on tonight’s game?

C. C-P.: “It was good. They played two different teams in each half and it was hard for the lads that played 90 minutes as obviously you are dealing with fresh legs in the 2nd Half.

We’ve shown some spirit as well, we put our foot in when needed to tonight and it was a good team effort. I liked it.”

393 - 17/07/2008

WESTON-S-MARE 1, PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1

AGAIN faced by two complete squads, Weston put up another sterling performance to hold their Football League Division 1 hopefuls in a game played at a frantic pace.

Weston manager Tony Ricketts fielded what must be close to his starting line-up for the first game of the Blue Square South season on August 9 against Bishop’s Stortford.

Marvin Brown, re-signed from Salisbury City and Ashan Holgate spearheaded the attack and with Mark McKeever and Dean Grubb operating on the flanks, they posed several problems for the visiting defence.

Argyle, as expected, made a bright start, using the pace of Jamie Mackie down the right to good effect, but their finishing was woeful, firing high and wide to waste several good moves.

However, the home defence, superbly marshalled by Charlie Comyn-Platt and with Darren Mullings in his favoured midfield role, coped with everything thrown at them, and it was not until the 10th minute that Mackie had a shot on target, forcing keeper Ryan Harrison to concede a corner.

The visitors took the lead in unfortunate circumstances on 16 minutes when Mullings, trying to clear Karl Duguid’s cross, headed past Harrison.

As Weston got into their stride, Ben Wells tested French keeper Romain Larrieu and Holgate’s header missed the target by feet from McKeever’s cross on 20 minutes. With their best move of the game on 32 minutes, Holgate and McKeever exchanged passes to open the Argyle defence and from McKeever’s cross, Brown was just wide with a thumping header.

Just before the interval, Brown was put clear of the defence, but he wasted a good chance.

Argyle fielded a much younger squad for the second half, while Weston brought on Ryan Northmore in goal, Mike Green for Wells and local Ryan Havard for James Palmer, and on 47 minutes McKeever went close with a free kick, while Mullings was just over from Brown’s pass.

After Northmore made a good save to deny Jermaine Easter, Weston brought on Portuguese trialist Rodilsol Vias, and they got a well-deserved equaliser on 66 minutes when Brown lobbed keeper Lloyd Saxon from 20 yards.

Weston made a double substitution, bringing on Jason Burt and Mark Armstrong for Brown and Grubb, and as Arglyle began to dominate, Shane White, Dan Smith and Yala Bolasie forced excellent saves from Northmore.

Weston-super-Mare: (Starting X1) 1. Ryan Harrison 14. Jamie Laird 3. Ben Willshire 4. Darren Mullings 5. Ben Wells 6. Charlie Comyn-Platt (Captain) 7. Dean Grubb 8. James Palmer 9. Ashan Holgate 10. Marvin Brown 11. Mark McKeever

Substitutions: 15. Ryan Havard, replacing James Palmer at half-time. 1. Ryan Northmore, replacing Ryan Harrison at half-time 2. Michael Green, replacing Ben Wells at half-time 16. Rodisol Vias, replacing Ashan Holgate in the 61st minute 8. David Thorne, replacing Marvin Brown in the 74th minute 9. Ben Carpenter, replacing Dean Grubb in the 74th minute 12. Jason Burt,replacing Mark McKeever in the 74th minute 17. Mark Armstrong, replacing Jamie Laird in the 74th minute & 14.Jamie Laird, replacing Charlie Comyn-Platt in the 86th minute

392 - 17/07/2008

Attractive pre-season testers for Weston Youth (including Ryan Northmore interview)

Weston-super-Mare F. C.’s Youth Team, fresh from their success in lifting the Premier Division title in the Somerset Floodlight Youth League face a couple of testing games against quality opposition to prepare them as they get in shape for the new season.

On Monday the 18th of August they travel to the Wessex Stadium to face Weymouth in a game that kicks-off at 7:30pm whilst on Wednesday the 27th of August they host Team Bath at the Woodspring Stadium in a game that also kicks-off at 7:30pm.

First team goalkeeper and youth team Manager Ryan Northmore took time out to speak to the website and discuss the youth team’s build-up to the new season.

R. N.: “We are only going to run with two friendlies this year. Because of the size of the squad, i want to do practise matches in training so that I can get in, stop start the games and deliver my coaching philosophy to the player’s early on.

We have got two good tests against Team Bath and Weymouth . They will be opposition that will definitely challenge us and hopefully will set the standard for the rest of the season.

We have entered an Under 19 league in the college and we hope to retain our title in the Somerset Youth Floodlight League. We have got some talented youngsters to add to the squad that we have got left over from last year.

We have obviously lost quite a few player’s as well,-Through to the first team and other player’s that have gone on to fulfil the potential that they had showed in the first year. That is all credit to them. They have to continue their development without being mentored by the Academy. It is time for them to stand on their own two feet”

Unfortunately not under the umbrella of Weston ?

R. N.: “Unfortunately for some of them. The thing is, different players develop at different times and just because you are not ready at 18 years old that is not to say that you can’t continue your development elsewhere and fulfil your own potential within your own time frame.

Not everybody is cut out with the ability to be able to figure within the first team but having said that there are quite a few player’s within that batch that have the talent to become Weston first teamer’s.

It is solely down to their own commitment to their sport and the element of luck as well.

There are some things in football that you can not control as a player but there are some things that you can control and as long as you do the best to make sure that you give yourself the best opportunity then what will be, will be from there.”

391 - 16/07/2008

Interview with Mark McKeever

Following Weston-super-Mare F. C.’s opening friendly of their pre-season campaign against Exeter City on Friday evening popular winger Mark McKeever put pen to paper on a contract.

The Weston based Irishman spoke to the club’s website after the game to talk of his immediate future, his coaching plans and the build up to the season so far.

You signed a contract tonight I understand ? A difficult decision to commit your immediate future to Weston ?.

M. M.: “No, From the last time I was here I had 3 great years at Weston and loved my football.

I have lived in Weston for the last 7 years as well so it is kind of like a home town club as well.

I enjoyed it at Bath last year. We had a good first season in Conference South, the year before we won the league so I wouldn’t say it was easy leaving Bath because I enjoyed it there but when I was leaving, the only place I was really going to come back to was Weston.

I’ve got the family here, so more than happy to commit to the next two years.”

I understand there is a coaching role involved ?.

M. M.: “That’s right. I am going to be helping Ryan (Northmore) with The Academy this year. It’s something I have done before, When Frank was here and something I really enjoyed so that had a part in it as well.”

Do you see that as a stepping stone towards a role in football after you stop playing ?.

M. M.: “Yes, I am 30 this year. I can’t keep on playing forever.

Coaching is something I really enjoy, something that I would like to get a lot more experience at. If I could go down the coaching route and stay in football that would be brilliant.”

A few words on The Pre-Season so far ?.

M. M.: “Pre-Season has been really good so far. It has been a mix of football and some tough running. When we have needed it. I think The Manager has got the mix just right.

I think it showed tonight, Although Exeter came on stronger in the 2nd Half I think our fitness levels held up well. They ( Exeter ) train twice a day every day and in a lot of respect’s we matched them.”

Do you see anything to suggest that Weston can improve on the past two season’s ?.

M. M.: “It is difficult for me to comment on that one because obviously I haven’t been here for the last two seasons but from what I have seen Pre-Season, Really optimistic.”

390 - 15/07/2008

Interview with Ryan Harley

Former Weston winger Ryan Harley made his return to The Woodspring Stadium on Friday evening as he lined up for his new club Exeter City in what was the opening pre-season friendly for both sides and afterwards he took time to speak to Simon Stephens

How did your move to Exeter come about ?

R. H.: “My agent knows the manager (Paul Tisdale) very well and he said he knew a lot about me and wanted me to go down so he could have a look at me.

I went down originally, the first day of last pre-season and got injured and he said go away and get fit and come back when you are ready and Ricko kindly allowed me to do that.

I got myself fit here, played up until November and then went back to Exeter for a trial, for two weeks.

I did o. k. and he offered me a contract. The deal was originally until the end of the season but I signed a new two year deal in the summer.”

A fairytale ending to your debut season with an appearance at Wembley ? (Ryan was part of the Exeter side that beat Cambridge United 1-0 at Wembley in May in the Conference play-off final and will now be part of the Exeter side the start the new season in Coca-Cola League Two).

R. H.: “It was a great experience, t6he best day of my career so far.

So many people have asked me about it and I say that it just goes by so quickly and it is hard to take it all in.

It was a great experience and getting the win was the main thing.”

You are now excelling at Exeter , Can this act as a platform for you to move onwards and upwards again ?

R. H.: “I feel as fit now as I have ever felt. It took me a while to get myself going . Obviously I left Bristol City a couple of years ago now and it took m a while to get fit but I am fit now, buzzing and ready to go on again.

Obviously back in the league now and we will see what happens next year”

Do you notice any changes at Weston since you where last at the club ?

R. H.: “When Ricko came in he changed it. When Frank Gregan was here it was a decent club but I think it seems a bit more professional under Ricko.

He’s done a decent job but he doesn’t have a lot of money to play with and it is hard for him to get the team up the league a bit higher but I think he does a good job here and gets the team playing the right way.

I enjoyed it when I played here, He played the way I wanted to play.

He is trying to build a team here to go forward but it is hard as he doesn’t have a massive budget but he does things the right way.”

Where do you see Exeter and Weston finishing up in their respective division’s this season ?

R. H.: “It is hard to say. We are not going to be massive favourites but teams that went up last year (from the conference) did o. k. and there is no reason why we can’t bounce back.

There is no reason why we can’t do well in the league.

Weston are not massive favourites in their league because the last couple of season’s they have been near the bottom of the league but there is no reason why both team’s can’t finish mid-table and beyond as they are both decent teams that play good football.”

Your views on tonight’s game ?

R. H.: “It’s a funny game, 1st Half was a bit cagey, I thought we dominated the game in the second half, we just couldn’t get that 2nd goal but I thought we controlled the game in the 2nd Half, We moved the ball well.

It’s just a good workout for both teams.

It’s mainly fitness and most people played 45 Minutes.

Do you have a message for the Weston Supporters ?

R. H.: “I enjoyed my time here. They where good to me the fans. They obviously havn’t got loads of fans but they always stick by you and it was great to be back.

I really enjoyed it.”

389 - 14/07/2008

Return of Marvellous Marvin sets Seagulls soaring!

Weston-super-Mare F. C. and there supporters have been given a massive boost with the news that striker Marvin Brown is to return to The Woodspring Stadium.

The 24 year old striker who made his debut at Bristol City aged just 16 has returned to the club from Blue Square Premier side Salisbury City .

After starting the first two games of last season for The Whites, Bristol born Brown was used mainly as a substitute.Despite opportunities being limited Marvin incredibly had the best goals per games ratio of any player in last season’s Blue Square Premier.

Manager Tony Ricketts was understandably delighted and said “I don’t want to put pressure on him but he should be our 20 goal a season man. Marvin is one of those lads who has got a lot of ability and just has to believe in himself '.

Press Officer Simon Stephens went on to say 'We have quality across all area's of the park and there is genuine cause for optimism and excitement.

There will be no pressure on us due to our finishing position's of the past two season's and with the quality in our squad there is no reason why we can not far exceed our achievements of the past two years.

Things are certainley looking on the up'

388 - 14/07/2008

FOOTBALL FUN DAYS

Our exclusive FOOTBALL FUN DAYS are designed to offer young footballers the opportunity to participate in 3 days of professional football coaching that is delivered by UEFA accredited football coaches, Ryan Northmore & Mark McKeever.

The ethos of these fun days is to improve the player’s technical ability, increase your child’s physical activity and promote fair play.

The Football Complex at WSM AFC is again the venue for the Football Fun Days. The Complex has superb facilities with the use of two training pitches, indoor sports hall, first team pitch and changing rooms for both girls & boys.

The dates for the next FUN DAYS are 30th & 31st July and 1st August 2008

The cost of the FUN DAYS are £10 per day or £25 for the full three days.

Please bring indoor and outdoor footwear, rain jacket as well as a packed lunch.

PLACES ARE LIMITED – For more information and to secure your place, call 01934 621618.

Weston super Mare AFC, Winterstoke Road, Weston super Mare. BS24 9AA Tel: 01934 621618.

387 - 14/07/2008

Interview with Andy Gurney

Following Weston-super-Mare F. C.’s opening pre-season friendly with Exeter City ; Assistant manager Andrew Gurney spoke to Simon Stephens.

How did your move back to Weston come about ?

A. G.: “I kept in touch with Tony and I had a brief conversation with him regarding the role and it went from there really.

I am delighted to be back and delighted to be on that side of it as well.”

Do you see this as the first step on the ladder to a long career in management ?

A. G.: “Obviously it is an opportunity to have an insight in to that side of it as well as hopefully still play as well.

Hopefully it can go well.”

How has pre-season gone so far and what where your thoughts on tonight’s game ?

A. G.: “It’s gone well. The training sessions have gone well and the game as we saw tonight went well.

We had 3 or 4 people missing which you have got to add to that.

The lads have done well tonight, worked really hard and played some decent stuff so the signs are good so far.”

Who is there still to come back ?

A. G.: “Marc McGregor is away at the minute, Ben Willshire wasn’t here tonight, Ashan wasn’t here tonight so you have got those three to add to it and hopefully another one on top of that.

The signs are decent, An encouraging start but tonight doesn’t mean a lot but it is always nice to have a decent start and hopefully we can carry that on now.

386 - 12/07/2008

Interview with Tony Ricketts

Following Weston-super-Mare F. C.’s opening pre-season friendly with Exeter City ; First Team Manager Tony Ricketts was interviewed by Press Officer Simon Stephens.

Simon first asked Mr Ricketts about his views on the evening’s game

“It was a good workout but we are not going to get carried away with it.

We had a good pre-season last year but look how we ended up.

We came out of it with no injuries. Gurney came off with a dead leg but apart from that no injuries and a good work out fitness wise.

Exeter where a little bit fitter than us and thanks to Paul Tisdale and his coaching staff for bringing a team up.

It was a perfect workout for both clubs.

We are not going to get carried away, we had a good start last season but fell away badly and we will continue to see how things go”

Mr Ricketts was then asked what Exeter Manager Paul Tisdale made of the facilities and whether he would be likely to bring a side to The Woodspring Stadium again.

“The surface was superb and fair play to Bob Flaskett, It is as good as any and he deserves credit for that. It allows both teams to play football and we tried to play some football as well”

Simon then enquired about player movement and the latest players to put pen to paper on contracts.

“The contracts have been signed tonight and we will have a further 7 players on contract this year (Ed-Ryan Northmore and Craig Rand are both mid-way through two year deals whereas Ashan Holgate signed a two year contract earlier in the summer). Ben Wells, Mark McKeever, James Palmer, Andrew Gurney, Dean Grubb, Michael Green and Ben Willshire.

Obviously these are young players and we are trying to build for the future. This is important as it gives the club long term stability”

The manager then talked of his disappointment at missing out on Ollly Barnes and also discussed Jamie Laird, Darren Mullings and Danny Wring who where all making their first appearance in Weston colours.

“We have lost Olly Barnes to Worcester which is a bit of a blow to us. Because he can play centre-back and left back

Young Jamie Laird did o. k. at left back tonight and I want to sign Darren Mullins but whether there is enough money in the pot to sign Darren Mullings is another matter.

We will have to have a chat with the chairman about that one.

Danny Wring is training and playing with us but unfortunately I don’t think we have enough money in the budget to sign Danny Wring.

Danny is a nice lad and good to have around but we have plenty of midfield players.”

Mr Ricketts then finished by talking about former Forest Green Rovers and Llanelli goalkeeper Ryan Harrison who is currently on trial at the club.

“We have got Ryan Harrison on trial at the moment so we are having a look at him.

I thought he did really well, he’s called for their goal and young Mark Armstrong has decided to head it but I thought he did O. K., commanded his box and came for everything.

Although we are going to have 16/17 players we need competition for places.”

385 - 12/07/2008

Signing’s of quality signal Seagulls intentions!

Weston-super-Mare F. C. have signalled their intentions to make the most of last season’s reprieve with an impressive signing coupled with a number of their sought after stars from last season putting pen to paper on contracts following friday night's opening pre-season friendly with Exeter City.

Local and national media trumpeted Ben Wells as having re-signed for Basingstoke Town where he spent last season but the classy former Swindon Town central midfielder has in fact signed a contract with the seagulls.

20 year old Wells came up through the youth ranks at Swindon Town before making his debut against Huddersfield Town in the 2004-2005 season.

He went on to make 4 substitute appearances the following season before being released in May 2007.

The Swindon based youngster signed a 1 year contract with Basingstoke in July 2007 and went on to make just under 50 appearances and score 7 goals despite being played in his unfavoured right midfield position.

Weston supporters will be delighted that wing duo Mark Mckeever and Dean Grubb have also committed their immediate future to the seagulls after both stimulated much interest from rival clubs.

Former Sheffield Wednesday, Peterborough United and Bristol Rovers winger McKeever re-joined Weston from Bath City at the tail end of last season whilst former Welsh U’21 and U’19 International Grubb joined the Seagulls in the summer of 2007 following his release by Bristol City.

Defender Michael Green is another who’s commitment to a deal will further encourage the supporters at the Woodspring Stadium.

Green joined the Seagulls mid-way through last season from bitter rivals Clevedon Town and went on to win the January player of the month award and made a big enough impression to be voted Managers player of the year.

Assistant Manager Andrew Gurney has also put pen to paper and completing the group are the former Bristol Rovers pair of defender Ben Willshire and midfielder James Palmer.

Goalkeeper Ryan Northmore and Defender Craig Rand both have a year left to run on their current deal wheras Ashan Holgate signed a 2 year deal earlier in the summer.

Meanwhile centre-back Ollie Barnes will not be joining Weston. The former Bristol Rovers man who was released by Salisbury City in the summer had been training with Weston in pre-season but has taken up the offer of a deal at Worcester City.

384 - 12/07/2008

Weston-super-Mare 1 v 1 Exeter City

Weston Team:

1. Ryan Northmore 2. Michael Green 3. Jamie Laird 4. James Palmer 5. Danny Wring 6. Charlie Comyn-Platt (Captain) 7. Dean Grubb 8. Andrew Gurney 9. Darren Mullings 11. Mark Mckeever 12. Ben Wells

Substitutions:

16. Mark Armstrong, replacing Danny Wring at Half-Time. 17. Jason Burt, replacing Andy Gurney at Half-Time. 1. Ryan Harrison replacing Ryan Northmore at Half-Time. 15. David Thorne, replacing Mark Mckeever on 77 minutes. 14. Sam Clarke, replacing James Palmer on 79 minutes. 10. Ben Carpenter, replacing Dean Grubb on 85 minutes.

WESTON made a positive start to the pre-season programme by holding Football League Division 2 newcomers Exeter City, watched by 411 paying customers.

Exeter brought along 22 players and fielded a completely new team for the second half, whereas Weston made only six changes.

Although they were missing Ashan Holgate and Marc McGregor, Weston made a bright start, opening the scoring on four minutes when Dean Grubb burst down the right, his deep cross was turned back across goal by Mark McKeever and trialist Darren Mullins beat keeper Paul Jones from 10 yards.

Although Exeter set up some slick midfield passing moves, they failed to break down a resolute home defence, with player-coach Andy Gurney, Charlie Comyn-Platt, Mike Green, James Palmer, Jamie Laird and Danny Wring dominant, with keeper Ryan Northmore seldom troubled.

At the other end, Jones made a full-length save to deny McKeever and Ben Wells fired just wide with Jones beaten.

For the second half, trialist Ryan Harrison took over from Northmore in goal, Jason Burt replaced Gurney, Mark Armstrong took over from Wring. Later in the half, David Thorne came on for McKeever, Sam Clarke for Palmer and Ben Carpenter for Grubb.

Minutes into the half, Wells almost doubled Weston's lead when he headed against the City crossbar, but after that Exeter, who included former Seagull Ryan Hartley, began to dominate and their equaliser came on 68 minutes when Chris Shepard beat Harrison after a mix-up in the home defence.

Harrison covered himself in glory towards the end, bringing off a string of brilliant saves including point-blank efforts from Ryan Semple and Michael Clark.

383 - 11/07/2008

Weston-super-Mare AFC introduce new SEAGULL'S CLUB

SEAGULL'S CLUB

Weston-super-Mare AFC are introducing a new and exciting SEAGULL'S CLUB.

Each Package will include :-

FREE entry to all home league fixtures at Woodspring Stadium. 20% discount on the Football Fun Days.

Dates of the next 2 Football Fun Days are 30,31 July & 1st August.

27,28 & 29th August.

The package also includes Discounts on local attractions and food outlets such as McDonalds and Domino's Pizza etc.

A signed Birthday card from all your favourite players. 10% off all items in the seagulls shop.

You can become a member of the SEAGULL'S CLUB for a fantastic price of £10 per season.

Bring proof of age and a passport sized photograph to the office at Woodspring Stadium to receive your UNDER 16'S ID CARD.

For more information and to become a member call Joanne on 01934 621618.

382 - 10/07/2008

Interview with Tony Ricketts

Following Weston-super-Mare F. C.’s last training session prior to their opening pre-season friendly with Exeter City ; First Team Manager Tony Ricketts spoke to Press Officer Simon Stephens.

Ricketts started off by telling how the club where frustrated in their attempts to sign two of their summer transfer targets.

“We tried to sign two player’s in the summer. Goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer and local lad Aaron Blakemore.

We checked with The F. A. to see if they where on contract and The F. A. didn’t have any contracts registered.

When we showed an interest in them , Yate and Gloucester registered their contracts and that was that.”

He then went on to talk about the goalkeeping position.

“We need competition in the goalkeeping position.

Luke Purnell is going to be a good goalkeeper in the future, we might have to loan him out to get some games at a lower level to start off with but we still want competition and I want a striker and a goalkeeper hence why I went for those two (Sawyer and Blakemore).”

“Ryan Harrison (Former Llanelli Goalkeeper) trained tonight and we will have a look at him for 45 minutes on Friday night against Exeter City and go from there.”

Ricketts then went on to talk about transfer targets, Ollie Barnes ( Former Salisbury City Centre-Back) and Darren Mullings (Former Bristol Rovers and Torquay United central midfielder).

“I am still obviously trying to sign Ollie Barnes and Darren Mullings.”

“Both want to come and I want them here. It is whether we have got enough money to go round and then until I know about the striker, It is pretty difficult for me to make the decision.”

The manager re-iterated the need for a striker and was asked about French teenager Wilfried Domoraud who made such a huge impact whilst on loan from Yeovil Town at the end of last season. He also talked about former centre-back Curtis Ujah.

“We need a 20 goal a season man. The lads I have got here might not score 20 goals.

We need a proven goalscorer.”

“I don’t know what Wilfried is doing.Wilfried didn’t want to play non-league football, Very similar to Curtis (Ujah).

I haven’t spoken to Wilfried for two and a half weeks so I don’t know what the boy is doing but I know that he was talking about going back to London or France . We probably wouldn’t have enough money for him.

It is a shame but you want players that went to play.

S.S:-“Any idea’s where Curtis will end up ?

“Curtis is down at Dagenham & Redbridge at the moment. Curtis is another that thinks he should be playing league football but it is not always that easy. It takes player when they come out of the league time to adjust.”

The manager then went back to talk bout Mullins and Barnes again.

“I can remember sitting in a forum last year and saying that we where hoping to sign Mullings and Barnes and they went away to Salisbury and Torquay respectively and it’s taken us 12 months to be in the ball park for them.

They are my type of lads and I have worked with them in the past so I know what I am getting.”

Simon then asked about the futures of the players who where on the “undecided list” at the recent open forum.

“I Havant spoken face to face with Andrew Robertson. He is on holiday in America at the moment as is Marc McGregor.

We will look at it when he comes back.Player’s that miss 6 sessions are playing catch-up.

I don’t care who you are but without a good pre-season you struggle during the season.

We have got loads of player’s that can play centre-midfield so I think we are full up in centre-midfield to be honest.

We are looking for a right sided centre-back and whether Robbo is that person, only time will tell.

The interview finished with Simon asking what standard sides The Manager expected Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle to bring to The Woodspring Stadium.

“They are bringing the full monty and Plymouth are bringing the full monty as well. I thank Paul Tisdale and Paul Sturrock for that because they are both good fixtures for us.”

381 - 08/07/2008

Seagulls unfazed by Hendy u-turn

After agreeing to make the progression from Southern League to Conference South when leaving Clevedon Town for Weston-super-Mare , Defender Scott Hendy has performed a dramatic u-turn and is understood to have agreed a deal with Southern League Premier Division side Mangotsfield United.

As recently as 3 weeks ago, 30 Year Old Hendy gave an interview to Weston-super-Mare Press Officer Simon Stephens in which he said “ I have had a good couple of seasons at Clevedon but am looking forward to testing myself at a higher level with Weston-super-Mare ”.

Upon learning of the news, Weston Manager Tony Ricketts was far from despondent and said “ Scott failed to turn up for our first three training sessions.”

“ Word on the street is that he has agreed a deal with Mangotsfield which I believe is money orientated.”

“I am not disappointed as I only want player’s who want to be at Weston-super-Mare and who want to do well for the club.”

Hendy’s decision may well give an early opportunity to highly rated local boy Sam Johnson.

18 Year Old Johnson, like Hendy is a centre-back and Captained Weston’s Youth side to The Premier Division title in The Somerset Floodlight Youth League last season an achievement which was crowned with him winning the accolade of “Student Athlete of The Year”.

380 - 08/07/2008

Open Forum

On Sunday July 20th Weston-super-Mare F. C. will be holding an "Open Forum" in The Somerset Suite at The Woodspring Stadium. The meeting will start at 11AM and it is understood that Chairman Paul Bliss and First Team Manager Tony Ricketts will be on hand to field question's from interested parties.

379 - 07/07/2008

Devon big guns in attractive start to season for Seagulls!

After commencing pre-season training 10 days earlier Weston-super-Mare F. C. open their curtain raising programme of games with the visit of League Two new boys Exeter City on Friday (July 11th) in a game that kicks-off at 7:30pm .

It will be the Grecians first game action since winning the Conference Play-Off Final at Wembley in May and the first opportunity that supporters of The St. James’s Park based side get to see their new signing’s in action.

Exeter Manager Paul Tisdale is understood to be bringing his Full First Team Squad to The Woodspring Stadium which will include Craig McAllister (signed from Oxford United), Emanuel Panther (York City) and Jack Obersteller (Wycombe Wanderers).

Also understood to be included is former Weston winger Ryan Harley who joined the Grecians in November of last year from The Seagulls.

On Wednesday (16th) Championship side Plymouth Argyle are the visitors in a game that also kicks off at 7:30pm and following on from last years successful fixture when The Pilgrims were said to have been “delighted with the facilities and the playing surface” at The Woodspring Stadium, Manager Paul Sturrock has indicated that he will be bringing his complete First Team Squad.

Expected to be making the journey to The Woodspring Stadium from South Devon are new signing’s Karl Duguid (a player with legend status at Colchester United after 14 years at Layer Road as a player and including 3 seasons as Captain) and Jason Puncheon from Barnet (a player who was named F. A. Cup Player of The Third Round in 2007 and also named in The PFA League Two Team of the Year for the 2007-2008 season).

A bumper crowd is expected at both games as the Weston hierarchy have offered bargain prices on admission with Adults paying £5 and Senior Citizens and Under 16’s paying only £3 and spectators are advised to arrive early.

378 - 04/07/2008

Setanta Shield Draw

Southern section First Round

Matches to be played week commencing Monday 8th September 2008.

Dorchester Town v Newport County

Team Bath v Bath City

Basingstoke Town v Fisher Athletic

Maidenhead United v Havant & Waterlooville

Bognor Regis Town v Worcester City

Eastleigh v Weston-super-Mare

St. Albans City v Hayes & Yeading United

Thurrock v Welling United

Chelmsford City v AFC Wimbledon

Bishop's Stortford v Bromley

Braintree Town v Hampton & Richmond Borough

Round 2 is scheduled for week commencing Monday 6th October 2008.

377 - 03/07/2008

F. A. Cup draw again kind to Seagulls

Following on from being handed home ties in the preliminary round (Cheltenham Saracens) and first qualifying round (Westbury United) of The F. A. Youth Cup, Weston-super-Mare F. C. Youth have been handed home ties in the 3rd and 4th qualifying rounds of the competition.

Should they progress to the third qualifying round they will face either Forest Green Rovers, Mangotsfield United or Elmore whilst if they make it to the 4th qualifying round they will host one from Tiverton Town, Newport County, Brislington, Merthyr Tydfil, Chard or Yate Town.

Times and dates of the fixtures will follow in due course.

376 - 03/07/2008

Tiverton fixture switch.

The pre-season friendly at Tiverton Town originally scheduled for Saturday the 19th of July has been brought forward to Friday the 18th of July and will kick-off at 7:30pm.

375 - 02/07/2008

Weston start the Season at Home.

A quick look down the fixture list for the new 2008/09 season shows:

Weston start the season with a home match against Bishop Stortford on the 9th August.

Team Bath will be Weston's opponents over the Christmas/New Year Period with Weston at home on Boxing Day.

The Final game will see Weston travel to newly promoted Chelmsford City.

Worcester City will be Weston's vistors on the 23rd August and two days later will play local rivals Dorchester Town.

. With the likes of Worcester City, Chelmsford, AFC Wimbledon and local side Team Bath it's sure to be an interesting season.

374 - 02/07/2008

Weston round off pre-season with a trip in to Europe!

Weston-super-Mare F. C. round off their pre-season preparations in readiness for the new season in Blue Square Conference South with a trip across the border in to Wales.

On Monday 4th August The Seagulls will visit The Durand Road home of Welsh League Division 1 side Caldicot Town in a game that kicks-off at 7:30pm.

373 - 01/07/2008

FA Youth Cup Draw

The draw was made today for the preliminary and first qualifying rounds of The F. A. Youth Cup.

In the preliminary round Weston-super-Mare have been drawn at home to Cheltenham Saracens whilst should they progress to the first qualifying round they will be at home to Westbury United.

(Dates and kick-off times are expected to be confirmed by early next week.).

372 - 30/06/2008

Ticket Prices : Friendlies and Somerset Premier Cup

The following ticket prices will apply for the First Team's home Pre-Season Friendly fixtures and home fixtures in this season's Somerset Premier Cup:

Adults £5

Senior Citizen's and Under 16's £3.

The following prices will apply for the Youth Team's home Pre-Season Friendly fixtures, League games and domestic cup competitions:

Adults £2

Senior Citizen's and Under 16's £1

*-A further announcement will follow shortly regarding prices for the F. A. Youth Cup.

371 - 26/06/2008

RICKETTS CLOSE TO FINALISING SQUAD

Weston Manager Tony Ricketts spoke to Press Officer Simon Stephens today to confirm that he is close to finalising his squad for the forthcoming season.

Ricketts said "I am three player's short of the squad of 16 that we intend to run with and I am hoping to have these players on board by the start of pre-season".

370 - 26/06/2008

SEAGULLS IN FRIENDLY FLIGHT

Weston have added two further friendlies to their pre-season build up.

They will visit Southern League Premier Division side Tiverton Town on Saturday 19th of July in a game that kicks off at 3pm, whilst on Friday 1st of August they visit the Athletic Ground to take on Paulton Rovers of Southern League Division 1 South & West in a game that kicks off at 7:30pm.

These games are in addition to the visit of Exeter City (11th July) and Plymouth Argyle (16th July) and the trip to face Gloucester City at Cirencester Town on July 29th.

369 - 24/06/2008

Supporter reminder

Weston-super-Mare A. F. C. supporters are reminded that they have until close of business on Monday (30th) to purchase season tickets at the reduced rates.

The prices below show the reduced rates with the price in brackets being the price as from 1st July:

Adults: £150 (£170)

Senior Citizens and Students: £95 (£110)

368 - 24/06/2008

Bristol Rovers pull out of friendly

Weston-super-Mare A. F. C.’s build up to the new season suffered a jolt today with a letter received this morning confirming that Bristol Rovers will not be fulfilling the pre-season friendly fixture on 26th July.

A segment of the letter from The League One side reads “It is with regret that we have to inform you that due to recent discussions taken by our board of directors in relation to disbanding our Reserve Team, we are now unable to send a team to you for the Pre-Season friendly”.

As well as being a financial blow to the club’s coffers it also allows little over a month to put an alternative fixture in place at a time when most clubs have finalised their pre-season programme.

367 - 21/06/2008

Pound a point news and draw winners!

Weston-super-Mare A. F. C. Supporters Club recently made their pound a point draw.

The scheme involves participants agreeing to donate £1 for every point that the club accumulates throughout the season.

The participants are then consulted on where the money is spent.

This year John Sedgebeer won the top prize of £200 when his number 10 ball was drawn out first.

Paul Bliss (35) and Joe Varian.(1) both won prizes of £100 (Joe for the second year in succession), whilst a further £100 winner wished to remain anonymous.

Mike Barber (9) won a prize of £50 as did Roy Bussell (22) whilst one £50 winner wished to remain anonymous..

A total of £1,332 was raised with £650 being paid out in prizes.

In addition, 2 anonymous donations saw a further £68 added to the total whilst the Supporters Club are likely to round the total up to £1,000.

It was decided that the money will be used to erect cover to the terracing at the South End of The Ground.

Club President Dennis Usher is to undertake the project (subject to planning permission) and it is intended that the work will take place in three stages.

Eventually the club hope to cover the entire length of the South End.

Supporters who would like to participate in next season’s scheme are welcomed with open arms and they can contact John Sedgebeer (Supporters Club Treasurer and Scheme Organiser) or any of The Supporters Club representatives at the Supporters Club Hut at The Woodspring Stadium on any Match Day.

366 - 20/06/2008

Injury blow rocks Rand !

After an encouraging and positive start to preparations for the new season, Weston-super-Mare F. C. today received a major blow with the news that defensive lynch-pin Craig Rand is expected to be out of action until at least October.

Newcastle born Rand a signing from Team Bath mid-way through the 2005-2006 season first suffered an inflammation of the pubic bone in October of last year.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man initially played on through the first stage of the injury and it is this that is thought to have led to further problems.

Craig was accompanied by club Physiotherapist John Whiley to an appointment with specialist Dr. Tim Jenkins at a private clinic in Bath on Wednesday evening X Rays taken confirmed further inflammation of the joint and Dr. Jenkins confirmed that making a playing return now could well put Craig out of action for the rest of the season.

The Dr. went on to suggest that Craig should continue his rehabilitation and not attempt to return to full contact training prior to October.

The popular Geordie spoke exclusively to Press Officer Simon Stephens and said “I just want to play and am absolutely devastated by this latest news”. “Sadly it is just one of those thing’s that happens in football”. “I feel we are putting together a good squad that will show a big improvement on last season and I just want to be part of it.”.

365 - 19/06/2008

McGregor signing boost for Seagulls

Weston-super-Mare F. C’s build up to the new season in Blue Square Conference South received another significant boost today with the news that Marc McGregor has committed his immediate future to the Seagulls.

Experienced Striker McGregor, once the subject of a £35,000 transfer fee from Forest Green Rovers to Nuneaton Borough was one of a small number of player’s yet to decide their future.

Subject to a number of offers including one from an unnamed Blue Square Premier side and another from Worcester City (this summer switched from Blue Square North to Blue Square South) 30 Year Old Brewery Sales Manager McGregor spoke exclusively to Press Officer Simon Stephens to explain how he came to his decision.

McGregor said “I wanted to hear the aims and ambitions of both the club and the manager before making my mind up and am pleased to have signed as I like the club and feel that it is a good club.”

“The Gaffer (Tony Ricketts) wants to see us pushing up above mid-table and on to the fringes of the Play-Off’s and I believe that with the experience in the squad that we are putting together then we can go on to achieve that”.

364 - 19/06/2008

STRIKER RESULTS UPDATE

£1000 WINNER V5642 MR WILD

£500 WINNER G5545 N BROOKS

£250 WINNER WA1015 B LAWMAN

£125 WINNER SC4643 MR TURTON

PLUS 47 PAYING MEMBERS WITH THE SAME NUMBERS BUT A DIFFERENT PREFIX ALL WIN £10

ROLLOVER EXTRA OF £6000 - NO WINNER THIS WEEK THEREFORE ROLLING OVER TO NEXT WEEK AND MOVING UP TO £6500

363 - 13/06/2008

Seagulls swoop for Hendy

Blue Square Conference South Side Weston-super-Mare today announced their first major playing capture of the summer with the signing of Centre-Back Scott Hendy from British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division arch rivals Clevedon Town.

Bristol born Hendy, a fans favourite at the Kenn based Seasiders, spent his formative years in The Under 18's at Cheltenham Town before entering senior football with Mangotsfield United.

A £5,00 transfer to Bath City was later to follow before he returned to Cosham Street to Captain the Mango's to the 2004-2005 Southern League Division 1 West Championship. The following season Scott made it back to back title's when following a transfer to Clevedon he was part of the side that lifted the 2005-2006 Southern League Division 1 West Championship.

30 year old Hendy was Clevedon's player of the Year for the past two seasons and also had spells at Backwell United and Yate Town. Speaking exclusively to Press Officer Simon Stephens, Scott said "I spoke to Tony Ricketts in the summer after Phil (Bater) left Clevedon and also had contact from Chippenham Town.""I have had a good couple of seasons at Clevedon but am looking forward to testing myself at a higher level with Weston-super-Mare"

Hendy's capture follows on from last month's news that Ashan Holgate put pen to paper on a 2 Year Contract and that of Andy Gurney returning to Weston to take on the role of Player/Assistant-Manager following his release from Newport County.

Popular goalkeeper Ryan Northmore and defensive lynch pin Craig Rand are already under contract to the Seagulls.

Last night saw defender Barry McConnell leave The Woodspring Stadium as he put pen to paper on a one year contract for Truro City.

362 - 12/06/2008

STRIKER RESULTS

£1000 WINNING NUMBER L1481 ROBERT ROSE

£500 WINNING NUMBER M3255 MR OWEN

£250 WINNING NUMBER WC3385 MR D EVANS

£125 WINNING NUMBER K1564 MRS J CHARLTON

PLUS 69 PAYING MEMBERS WITH THE SAME NUMBERS BUT A DIFFERENT PREFIX ALL WIN £10

ROLLOVER EXTRA PRIZE £5500 NO WINNER THEREFORE ROLLING OVER TO NEXT WEEK

361 - 06/06/2008

THE ROBBIE JAMES MEMORIAL FUND COLLECTION:

The recently held collection for The Robbie James Memorial Fund saw a grand total of £219.89 raised.

The money went towards a bust that was erected in Robbie's Memory outside the ticket office at Swansea City F. C.'S Liberty Stadium and was unveiled prior to their final Home League One fixture of the season with Leyton Orient.

Many thanks to the people who contributed for their generosity.

Robbie was The Seagulls Player's Player and Supporter's Player of The Year during The 1996-1997 Season before sadly passing away from a heart related condition called Cardiomyopathy the following season when Player Manager at Llanelli during a game against Porthcawl on February 11th.

A stand at Llanelli's Stebonheath ground has already been named in honour of the player.

Robbie's son Luke, from Cowbridge (who was just 7 when his dad passed away), who is studying for a National Diploma in Sports and Excellence, said: 'I'm so proud that it has all come together finally and with the support of the fans. It has been unbelievable that we've raised so much so soon.

It is perfect. I am really proud of it. I would like to say thanks to all the fans for getting all the money together. I didn't think it would happen first of all. But this has made me really happy.'

Robbie's old boss at Swansea City and current Wales National Team Manager John Toshack The man who harnessed James's flourishing talent to maximum effect, paid his own tribute,Toshack said: 'I think when I first came here in 1978 people were talking about Curtis, James and Charles - they were the three local ones. I didn't know Robbie quite so well then, but I soon found out that he was the complete player we know.

If he played in the modern game, I can assure you he would be worth a few bob. I think he could have played anywhere. To be with the club in the fourth, third, second and first divisions - there's not many that can say that.'

360 - 05/06/2008

STRIKER RESULTS

£1000 WINNING NUMBER U3502 SAMANTHA SMITH

£500 WINNING NUMBER G2530 PAUL NAYLOR

£250 WINNING NUMBER WG6048 K NORMAN

£125 WINNING NUMBER M1776 S SHERRATT

PLUS 60 PAYING MEMBERS WITH THE SAME NUMBERS BUT A DIFFERENT PREFIX ALL WIN £10.00

ROLLOVER EXTRA PRIZE OF £5000 NO WINNER THEREFORE ROLLING OVER TO NEXT WEEK.

359 - 03/06/2008

Powell & Davies depart Seagulls.

Striker Lewis Powell & Utility man Kevin Davies this week departed The Woodspring Stadium to join Southern League Premier Division neighbours Clevedon Town .

The decision of 20 Year Old Powell to join The Kenn based Seasiders is understood to be due in no small part to the fact that his Father Wayne recently took over the managerial reigns from Phil Bater.

After joining Weston in The Summer of 2007, Powell scored 7 goals in the past campaign and a strong finish to the season culminated with him winning The April Player of The Month Award.

21 Year Old Davies joined Weston from Clevedon in March 2008 but saw his opportunities limited, making the bench on 3 occasions and featuring only once in the starting line up when he faced Lewes in the last game of the season at the Dripping Pan.

Former Seagull Simon Heal who left The Woodspring Stadium in January also moves to The Hand Stadium from Swindon Supermarine whilst Popular "Terrace Legend" and former Weston Captain Craig Loxton is also at The Hand after signing in May following his release by the seagulls.

358 - 31/05/2008

Ground Admission and Season Tickets prices

Weston have announced the prices for Ground Admission and Season Tickets for next season.

Ground Admission Adults £10. 00

Seniors & Students £ 6. 50

This is the first increase for 3 seasons and will bring the club in line with most of the Blue Square South clubs.

The Club are also looking at new package deal for the under 16's and this will be announced shortly. Season Ticket Prices Adults £150. 00

Seniors & Students £ 95. 00

These prices will apply to all Season Tickets purchased on or before June 30th 2008.

Prices for Season Tickets purchased after June 30th 2008 are as follows

Adults £170. 00

Seniors & Students £110. 00

All existing Season Ticket holders have been sent out renewal forms by post

For any new applications please call into the club office or club bar and pick up an application form

357 - 30/05/2008

Seagulls to visit Tigers!

Weston-super-Mare F. C. have added a trip to Southern Premier League Gloucester City to their Pre-Season campaign.

The Tigers will spend the next two seasons at The Corrinium Stadium, Home of Cirencester Town F. C. as their Meadow Park home was destroyed by floods in July of 2007.

The game at their temporary home will take place on Tuesday 29th of July and Kick-Off at 7:45pm.

Weston already have home friendlies in place against Exeter City (July 11th), Plymouth Argyle (July 16th) & Bristol Rovers (July 26th).

The Seagulls are also currently in negotiations with Bristol City and Yeovil Town regarding pre-season fixtures at The Woodspring Stadium.

356 - 30/05/2008

Holgate commits future to Seagulls!

Weston-super-Mare F. C. are delighted to announce that Ashan Holgate has committed his immediate future to the Seagulls after signing a two year contract.

The Swindon born Striker who can also operate as an attacking midfielder first joined the Seagulls from home town club Swindon Town (where he had progressed through the Youth set-up to join the First Team Ranks) at the beginning of the 2007-08 Season and went on to score 4 times in 14 starts.

A move to Conference South rivals Eastleigh followed in December of 2007 before the Hampshire club loaned him out to Southern League Premier Division Cirencester Town for whom he made his debut on 9th February 2008.

Holgate played his last game at Cirencester on 7th March 2008 before re-joining the Seagulls and making his second spell debut against Bognor Regis Town on Saturday 22nd of March 2008.

355 - 29/05/2008

Ricketts brings in new Assistant Manager.

Weston-super-Mare F. C. today have confirmed Andrew Gurney as Assistant Manager.

The 34 Year Old utility man has a wealth of Football League and Top Flight Non-League experience having represented Bristol Rovers, Torquay United, Reading, Swindon Town, Swansea City, & Havant & Waterlooville.

Gurney spent a short spell as a player at Weston after leaving Clevedon Town between February and May of 2007 before going on to join Havant & Waterlooville.

He rejoined The Seagulls in December 2007 on leaving Havant before going on to join Newport County in February of 2008. Gurney lifted the F. A. W. Premier Cup with County before last week finding out that he was one of 5 player's to be released by new Newport Boss Dean Holdsworth.

It is hoped that Gurney will also have a prominent role to play on the park.

Also, Weston-super-Mare F. C. Youth Team have been handed a bye in The Preliminary Round and will enter in The First Round of The Somerset Floodlight Youth League's League Cup. Draw to be announced shortly.

354 - 28/05/2008

Weston reprieved as Cambridge appeal denied

Weston-super-Mare F. C. today learnt that they will contest next season in The Blue Square Conference South.

Cambridge City failed to meet the deadline for the ground grading regulations and where subsequently demoted by The Football Conference.

The Lilywhites appealed to The F. A. and where given a hearing today. The F. A. decided not to overturn the original ruling made by the football Conference and as a consequence Weston have been reprieved after finishing in the highest relegation spot.

353 - 28/05/2008

Cambridge City relegated to Southern League

The FA appeal board today rejected City’s case that it should not be relegated by the Football Conference.

The Club received a fair hearing from the FA, but is naturally disappointed with the outcome. The FA’s decision is binding – so City will take part in Southern League Premier Division in season 2008-09.

(Taken from the Cambridge City Website)

352 - 27/05/2008

League sides flock to seagulls

Following last week's news that Championship high flyers Plymouth Argyle will visit The Woodspring Stadium for a Pre-Season Friendly on Wednesday 16th July, Weston-super-Mare F. C. are pleased to announce that at least two more professional sides will be joining them.

First up on Friday 11th of July (Kick-Off 7:30PM) is League 2 Newcomers Exeter City. City last week defeated Cambridge United 1-0 at Wembley in The Blue Square Conference Premier Play-Off final courtesy of a goal from Rob Edwards.

Expected to be included in The Grecians Line-Up is former Celtic Youngster Ryan Harley who left the Seagulls in November and scored Exeter's first goal in their play-off semi-final win against Devon rivals Torquay United.

On Saturday 26th July League One Side Bristol Rovers (3:00PM Kick-Off) are the visitors. Rovers Director of football Lennie Lawrence commented after the pirates friendly at Weston last year that "that is the best semi-pro playing surface i have seen in the South West and it will be a pleasure to visit again. It puts our own pitch at The Memorial Stadium to shame". Rovers enjoyed a magnificent run in last season's F. A. Cup, Culminating in a magnificent win over Southampton at he Memorial Stadium.

351 - 24/05/2008

2008/2009 Somerset Premier Cup Draw

The draw for Round 1 and Round 2 of the 2008/2009 Somerset Premier Cup is detailed below.First round (week beginning 6 October 2008)

Radstock Town v Welton Rovers

Street v Bath City

Frome Town v Odd Down (Bath)

Clevedon Town v Portishead

Bridgwater Town v Team Bath

Chard Town v Bristol Manor Farm

Yeovil Town v Wellington

Weston super Mare v Taunton Town

Minehead* v Shepton Mallet Town

Byes: Bishop Sutton, Bitton, Keynsham Town, Brislington, Clevedon United, Paulton Rovers, Larkhall Athletic

* NOTE: Minehead have been accepted into the Somerset Premier Cup subject to improvements being made to their floodlights by 1 August 2008.

Second round (week beginning 17 November 2008)

Bridgwater Town Minehead/Team Bath v /Shepton Mallet Town

Bitton v Chard Town/Bristol Manor Farm

Weston super Mare/Taunton Town v Brislington

Frome Town/ Street Odd Down (Bath) v /Bath City Keynsham Town v Clevedon Town/Portishead Radstock Town/ Yeovil Town Welton Rovers v /Wellington Clevedon United v Bishop Sutton

Paulton Rovers v Larkhall Athletic

Third round (week beginning 23 February 2009)

Semi finals (week beginning 16 March 2009)

FINAL (Date to be confirmed)

350 - 21/05/2008

Weston stick to Mondays

Weston-super-Mare F. C. have confirmed that they will continue their policy of playing mid-week home fixtures on a Monday evening in to the forthcoming season.

Last season saw markedly improved attendances for their mid-week fixtures when they moved to a Monday and a considerable amount of positive feedback was received from supporters and sponsors.

Less professional and semi-professional football is played on a Monday evening than a Tuesday or Wednesday and there is also a thriving local football scene in the Weston area that plays the majority of it's mid-week games on a Tuesday or a Wednesday with a number of it's participants being spectators at The Woodspring Stadium.

349 - 20/05/2008

It's all Black and White at Weston

To commemorate their 60th Anniversary, this season Weston will revert to the colours they played in during their first season.

This will consist of white shirts with black collars and cuffs, black shorts and black socks with white turn-overs.

The club will also soon start work on erecting cover to the terracing at the south end of the ground. It is expected that the work will be carried out in three stages.

The dug-outs at The Woodspring Stadium have been moved to the opposite side of the pitch.

Not only will this allow a better eye-line of the action for the occupants of the technical are, it will also allow the club to have a special designated and segregated area for corporate sponsors.

348 - 19/05/2008

Simon Stephens named as New Press Officer

Life long Supporter Simon Stephens was yesterday named as Weston’s new Press Officer.

Simon, who has followed the Seagulls since a small boy, can regularly be seen at home and away games. And last year was behind the idea of the player of the month awards and the Robbie James Collection.

Simon, first job was to report on the players that have been released by Manager Tony Ricketts. Craig Loxton, Curtis Ujah Gareth Hopkins, Mickey Bell, Elvis Erujwe, Harry Sherwood and Jason Burt.

Ryan Northmore, Craig Rand, Michael Green, Ashan Holgate, James Palmer, Ben Wilshire, Charlie Comyn-Platt, Mark McKeever and Aaron Wilson have all been retained.

From the Youth team Sam Johnson, Sam Clark, Mark Armstrong, David Thorne and Luke Purnell had been invited back for pre-season Training.

Friendly Fixtures have already been agreed with Championship side Plymouth Argyle who will open the festivities on Wednesday 16th July with a 7:30pm Kick-Off. Argyle opened their Pre-Season programme at Weston last season, bringing their entire First Team Squad to The Woodspring Stadium and it is hoped that that will indeed be the case again this year. . It is also hoped that Swindon Town, Yeovil Town, Bristol City, Exeter City and Bristol Rovers will also make up the other home friendlies.

347 - 13/05/2008

Have your say in the Blue Square Awards

League sponsors Blue Square are giving the fans of Blue Square Premier, North and South clubs the chance to have their say on a number of prestigious end of season awards. By following the “Blue Square Awards” link on the www.bluesqfootball.com website, fans will have the choice to vote in 10 special categories.

We at Blue Square have enjoyed our first full season as sponsor of the Blue Square Premier, North and South. It has been a rollercoaster ride with some great individual performances, as well as team achievements that have surpassed everyone’s expectations.

There have been great goals, spectacular saves and some moments that players and fans alike may wish to forget. Now is your chance to decide which of these have been the best of the season. Supporters just fill in their favourites and we will announce the overall winners at the end of the month.

That’s not all...

Blue Square are offering all participants in the fan vote a FREE DVD of Blue Square Premier action from our inaugural season. The Blue Square Review 2008 chronicles the story of the season, from the Fleetwood goal bonanza to Aldershot ’s title-winning charge. It will most importantly however include all of the fans award winners in action, showing exactly why they triumphed!

346 - 11/05/2008

OPEN FORUM

An open Forum is to be held at the Club on Sunday May 18th commencing at 11am.

Everybody Welcome

345 - 08/05/2008

STRIKER RESULTS

£1000.00 WINNER K PALMER WG6818

£500.00 WINNER MRS ROBERTS K4685

£250.00 WINNER C MACKAY WD4388

£125.00 WINNER J JACKSON O0737

PLUS 68 PAYING MEMBERS WITH THE SAME NUMBERS BUT A DIFFERENT PREFIX ALL WIN £10.00

ROLLOVER EXTRA PRIZE £2500.00 NO WINNER THEREFORE ROLLING OVER TO NEXT WEEK

343 - 01/05/2008

Blue Square Premier “Player of the Month” award:

The following players have been shortlisted for April’s Blue Square Premier “Player of the Month” award:

DANNY POTTER (Cambridge United)

RUSSELL PENN (Kidderminster Harriers)

YEMI ODUBADE (Oxford United)

SHAUN HARRAD (Burton Albion)

DEAN MOXEY (Exeter City)

To Vote visit: www.bluesqfootball.com/player/0,21247,,00.html

The winner will be announced on Setanta’s live coverage of Torquay United v Exeter City on Monday 5 May.

344 - 01/05/2008

Blue Square Announce “Manager of the Month” Awards for April

Oxford United’s Darren Patterson has won the Blue Square Premier "Manager of the Month" award for April. Patterson's side won 6 out of their last 7 Blue Square Premier matches to finish 9th in the table, after spending much of the season below halfway. The side scored 15 goals with some outstanding attacking play that must have all U’s fans licking their lips at the prospect of the 2008/09 campaign. The U’s only defeat came in a hard fought encounter away at promotion chasers Torquay United. The 5-1 win over Farsley Celtic and the 3-1 win away at Ebbsfleet United were the highlights of a fantastic month.

In the Blue Square South the award goes to Maidenhead United manager Johnson Hippolyte. Maidenhead began the month with the threat of relegation hanging over them after defeat at fellow strugglers Dorchester Town. Hippolyte’s side then went on to win three successive matches scoring 10 goals and only conceding once, to ease their fears of the drop. Two further clean sheets in their final two games gave them the points for a respectable 17th placed finish and another season in the Blue Square South.

Dean Thomas of Hinckley United has won the award in the Blue Square North. Hinckley extended their unbeaten run from the early weeks of March to 9 matches during the period. The Knitters achieved safety from relegation with their excellent run and ended up 6 points from the drop zone on the final day of the season. Three successive clean sheets in their final Blue Square North games ensured the team will take their place in the division next season.

342 - 30/04/2008

Ricketts staying for 2008/09 season.

Tony Ricketts and the Board met yesterday to discuss arrangements and plans for next, season 2008/09.

Although the Club is still waiting to find out which league they will be in next season. Discussion about playing staff and non-playing staff was discussed at great length, and the Board can confirm that Tony Ricketts will be in charge of team affairs for the 2008/09 season, although it is believed Chris Smith will be leaving for pastures new.

341 - 29/04/2008

Weston-super-Mare Youth Team clinch title

Weston super Mare clinched the Premier title at Keynsham Town on 28 April after a very close game with both teams competing for every ball.

340 - 24/04/2008

STRIKER

£1000.00 WINNER MISS OWEN Q1263

£500.00 WINNER MR BENDALL WF2653

£250.00 WINNER MR SPENCER X2295

£125.00 WINNER MRS GRAWSHAW G0003

PLUS 66 CONSOLATION PRIZES OF £10 TO MEMBERS WITH THE SAME WINNING NUMBERS BUT A DIFFERENT PREFIX.

ROLLOVER EXTRA PRIZE OF £2000.00 - NO WINNER THEREFORE ROLLING OVER TO NEXT WEEK

339 - 18/04/2008

Tony Rickett's post-match comments following 2-1 defeat at home to Maidenhead United

“We’ve got ourselves into a 1-0 lead as we did similar to Eastbourne and we can’t close down the game, whether its mental strength I don’t know but the story is – and I’ve got to take the responsibility for it – we’ve conceded two goals per game and we’ve done it all season, we just cant continue doing this. They (Maidenhead) caused us no problems whatsoever in the first half and we went 1-0 up on 40 minutes, and Ryan Northmore has not made a save until the mistake in our defence for their first goal and the second goal was just as bad”

“Mark McKeever‘s sending off was unfortunate and it just all piled up against us. Charlie Comyn-Platt was lucky to stay on the field to be perfectly honest, I know the lad stood on him, but he’s kicked out at the lad and got a yellow card and that’s a lack of discipline and I can’t have that. Both lads are good footballers but they shouldn’t have that sort of lack of discipline and I don’t want to use the word gutless, as I don’t think the players are gutless, but we’ve got a massive mountain to climb now, 3 games left and we (Chris and I) have got to pick the boys up and go again on Saturday. We needed 3 points tonight, 3 points on Saturday and 3 points again on Monday and hopefully going to Lewes next Saturday not needing anything but it looks as though we might have to go to Lewes now needing something, which was not something in our last game we really wanted to do. But if we are going to shut our eyes when we go forward and kick and head the ball over the bar which we did, and then in the second half we didn’t have one shot on goal. We looked as though we were playing 4-5-1 but played a 4-3-3 tonight.,....but you would never has guessed that second half and that’s what more than anything, the way we just kicked it and headed it obviously they’re low on confidence and that’s my responsibility but the league tab le doesn’t lie, we’ve played 39 games now and we’re third from bottom, we’ve used our games in hand, we’re in the mire, not ifs and buts about it but the players have got to stand up and be counted on Saturday. What disappoints me more than anything is that we said that they were going to throw the kitchen sink at us, we couldn’t defend too deep – and you’re only talking 10-15 yards – but we sat on the edge of our box and gave the ball away continuously at the back and in midfield. Every time we had the ball we just ‘lashed’ it, that’s not the way I want football played”

“Earlier in the season we were getting the ball down, passing it….the side that played against Havant & Waterlooville on Monday night was outstanding football, but we couldn’t close things down tonight and that’s bitterly disappointing for me. We had problems second half tonight, they put us under pressure, they put the ball forward quickly but in all fairness that didn’t cause us a problem. The mistakes, we let the ball go wide and people got sent off and their first goal has killed us to be honest”

“We have got to hope, and I say hope, that we get 7 points from our last 3 games and we have got to go way back to late September, early October before we put three wins on the bounce, and we’ve only done that once this season and we’ve got a mountain to climb. This was a game today that we shouldn’t have lost, we should have won, which is easy for me to say, but we’ve got to perform and today we shot ourselves in the foot by panicking, being naïve and the whole team defending too deep”” Three points on Saturday is a must without any shadow of a doubt, we can’t afford anything else. I’ve watched Bromley, and they are a good side. I watched them at Newport and they caused Newport all sorts of problems and the team that played at Havant & Waterlooville will have to turn up. We played exactly the same side today apart from Charlie Comyn-Platt coming in for Andy Robertson, perhaps a game, or two games too early but Andy Robertson was injured. But I can’t explain it, its my responsibility and I’m going to have to accept it and take the consequences, I’m no quitter but we live to fight another day and its up to me to be positive and to try and get 9 points from 9 or 7 points from 9. The situation is out of our hands now, we’ve used our games in hand, we’ve got no excuses, we should have closed our last two home games down and got at least a point from them. 3 points would have made the league table a lot different from what it does at the moment”

“With the games against Eastbourne last week and Maidenhead tonight we haven’t had the ability or the knowhow and ‘nouse’ to see the game out, and mistakes keep costing us no matter what I say we are not a good side defensively although I accept that we have not had a regular run from our centre-backs, because of injuries and the like, all season. We’re all in the mire together and see if we can turn it round. Tonight is a major setback after being comfortable for the first 45 minutes; it will be interesting to look at the DVD because Ryan (Northmore) has had any saves to make, but it all fairness we haven’t had to make their ‘keeper make many saves neither, so we’ll look at Saturday and see where we go from there”

338 - 17/04/2008

Weston super Mare FC v Maidenhead United FC – manager’s pre-match comments

“The significance of tonight’s game for both clubs should not be lost on anybody”

“Both clubs go into the game with confidence – ourselves following our good result at Havant (1-1 draw) on Monday and Maidenhead following their 5-0 demolition of Bishop’s Stortford last Saturday”

“Both teams have watched one another in recent weeks – they have watched us, and we have had them watched also. Both teams try to get the ball down and play attractive football so tonight’s game should be a good spectacle” “Speaking to my players, they are all looking forward to tonight’s game”

“It would be great if we could get a big crowd to cheer us on tonight”

337 - 16/04/2008

STRIKER DRAW RESULTS 16/4/2008

£1000.00 WINNER U6292 M V LAWTON

£500.00 WINNER R1416 D SHERMAN

£250.00 WINNER Q2032 MISS HARRIS £125.00 WINNER O3165 CRAIG BYWATER

PLUS 71 PAYING MEMBERS WITH THE SAME NUMBERS BUT A DIFFERENT PREFIX ALL WIN £10.00

ROLLOVER EXTRA PRIZE OF £1500.00 NOW WINNER THEREFORE ROLLING OVER TO NEXT WEEK.

336 - 15/04/2008

Manager’s summary following 1-1 draw at Havant & Waterlooville FC

“It was a good performance and what was required following Saturday’s 5-1 defeat at Cambridge. I said to the players that we needed to put in a good performance before the game and in all fairness to them they put in a performance that deserved three points”

“The game was pretty even in terms of a game of football, but Aaron Wilson could have scored two goals, as could Wifried Domoraud and Ashan Holgate. Yesterday was the positive performance that we needed and now we need to make sure we get the points we need from our next three games”

“I’m not one for naming individuals but there were some outstanding performances last night, its pleasing when the team plays like that. Havant & Waterlooville are a very good side but we’ve matched them for long periods of the game and we had the better chances to win the game”

“Their goal 10 minutes from the end was a kick in the teeth really as it was against the run of play, we should perhaps have done a little bit better and stopped the ball coming in from the wide area. We deserved the equaliser though in injury time, it was a great striker by young Lewis Powell, set up by Ashan Holgate and he’s hit it from all of 20 yards and its flew into the top corner – the reaction of everybody on the pitch and on the bench showed how much it meant to them as individuals and to the football club”

“We now have three big home games and each has its own importance – and its points that matter!”

335 - 15/04/2008

WESTON TO HOST SOMERSET PREMIER CUP FINAL

Weston super Mare Football Club have been selected by the Somerset Football Associaton to host the Somerset Premier Cup Final. This is the second occasion in three seasons that the Woodspring Stadium has played host to this prestigious Cup Final. The last occasion that Weston FC hosted the County Premier Cup Final was at the conclusion of season 2005-06 when the final tie was played between Taunton Town and Mangotsfield United, Taunton Town winning an entertaining game.

The Somerset Premier Cup Final will take place at the Woodspring Stadium on Tuesday evening 22nd April 2008 and will kick off at 7.45pm. The match will be played between Bath City (Blue Square Conference South) and Paulton Rovers (of the BGB Southern League Division 1 (South & West).

Admission prices and turnstile opening times will be advised shortly.

333 - 14/04/2008

manager’s post match comments following 5-1 defeat at Cambridge City

“We obviously went into the game at Cambridge and came out of the bitterly disappointed. We went 2-0 down after 15 minutes, and rather than let our heads drop we got back at them, scored a good goal through Wilfried (Domoraud) and could well have equalised and perhaps should have gone in front before half time”.

“Our second half performance though was as bad as I have seen defensively all season – and as bad as Newport and Hampton & Richmond away earlier this season. We gave away goals which can only be attributed to silly schoolboy errors, which are plainly not acceptable. The young lad Charlie Sheringham (son of the former Spurs’ and England player Teddy) scored a hat-trick on his debut and their centre-midfield player got two goals too. We simply cannot afford any more performances like that again”.

“We played very well in our two games against Eastbourne, although acceptably only taking one point from six, which was of course disappointing but we could well have taken at least four points, and I thought that those performances were heartening, and I cannot understand why we produced such a poor performance on Saturday, we have worked on things time and time again on the training pitch and disappointing is not the word”

“We have the chance to make things good today (at Havant) although acceptably, Havant are a very good side. There will obviously be one or two changes, I may have got the team wrong on Saturday”

334 - 14/04/2008

CRITICAL WEEK FOR THE SEAGULLS

Weston super Mare Football Club face their most critical – and potentially their most difficult – week of the season, when they enter (at pace!) four of their final five Blue Square (South) league matches of the season. The Seagulls (having played 37 games gaining 35 points) currently have two games in hand on relegation possibilities St Albans City (37 points) and Bognor Regis Town (39 points) and three games in hand over 16th placed Welling United (43 points) but the excruciating schedule that Weston now face is a difficult call in anyone’s book!

Manager Tony Ricketts has set his team a minimum of two wins from their forthcoming four games which they kick off at high-flying Havant & Waterlooville (tomorrow- Monday) - famed of course for their magnificent FA Cup run which saw them twice take the lead at Premiership Liverpool’s Anfield Road stadium - who stand to go into the Play Off positions if they win tomorrow night, but equally Weston will be fired up to lift themselves out of the bottom three relegation places, which they entered on Saturday following their hugely disappointing 5-1 defeat at Cambridge City.

Three days later (Thursday 17th April – kick off: 7.45pm) Weston take on fourth bottom side Maidenhead United (with whom the Seagulls swapped places following Saturday’s results). Maidenhead surprisingly thrashed Martin Hayes’ high flyers Bishop’s Stortford 5-0 on Saturday – the opening goal coming from Ricki Pacquettte who United signed from Havant & Waterlooville to help them stave off relegation – and judging from Saturday’s result it seems to be working!

Then on Saturday (19th – kick off: 3.00pm) Weston face their second home game in three days against opponents Bromley FC (on their first visit to the Woodspring Stadium). Bromley too will be particularly difficult opposition, on the back of their 2-1 victory last Saturday against Play-Off chasing Havant & Waterlooville, and can still mathematically reach the Play Off positions themselves such is the tightness of the top twelve placings in the league;

Weston face their final home league game of the season just 48 hours later when they face mid-table – but always extremely difficult opponents – Basingstoke Town on Monday evening (21st April – kick off: 7.45pm).

An extremely tough call for the Woodspring Stadium side - but certainly one which Mr Ricketts’ side are capable of rising to. Nine points from their remaining three home matches will take their final tally to 44 points, which ‘should’ see them to safety but Weston’s communications officer Alan Coope