WELLINGTON’S football manager Clive Jones was expecting seven new faces when the club began pre-season training last night (June 19).

“I have been very busy during the past couple of weeks,” said Jones, who starts his fourth season in charge at Wellington. “They are from the Exeter area and all are young and enthusiastic.

“They want to better themselves and they feel they can do this at Wellington.

“I’m very optimistic about the new season and can’t wait for it to start. We’ve started training earlier this season because of the World Cup. That’s because some games may clash with training nights.”

Jones, however, has revealed that three of last season’s first team squad are moving on. Sam Towler is expected to join Tiverton Town while former club captain Tom Ellis and Ian Bellinger are joining Toolstation League rivals Bridgwater. 

Jones said: “Tiverton’s manager Martyn Rogers rang me to ask if he could speak to Sam. It’s a great opportunity for Sam and I’m pleased for the lad.

“I’ve always said I don’t mind players leaving Wellington if they can play at a higher level. There’s something special about Sam and with the right attitude he can make it.”

Although he missed a lot of games for Wellington last season, Bellinger played on with Tiger Old Boys in the Keyline Taunton Sunday League and scored a record 106 goals. All three players will be getting money - a situation which makes it very difficult for Jones to keep his best players.