WELLINGTON’S football manager Clive Jones has dropped the strongest hint yet that he will be staying with the club for next season.

Jones, who steered the first team into the Premier Division of the Toolstation League in only his second season with Wellington, has held talks with club officials with regard to his future.

He is known to have had at least three offers to join other clubs, but he told me: “The talks went very well. There are a couple of on-going things I want to sort out.”

One of the problems this season has been his inability to field a settled side through no fault of his own. He admits it has been frustrating.

One of those frustrating days came on Saturday when three players dropped out of the side to play at home to Brislington through illness, while Tom Hawkings and Sam Bryant were injured inside the opening 25 minutes of the 2-0 home defeat.

“It was one of those days when everything which could have gone wrong did,” he added. “I feel especially for Sam who has had a nightmare with injuries.” Meanwhile assistant manager Ben Welch will be in charge of the side for their next game - home to Cadbury Heath in the league on Saturday (3.00).

Jones is taking a holiday to St Lucia and will be away for 16 days, part of which will be used watching England play cricket.

“Fortunately, I will miss only one game,” added Jones.

“And Sam Bryant will help Ben because he will not be playing in the next game. I want to keep him involved.”

Wellington Reserves, who put up a spirited fight before losing 2-1 away to leaders Chagford in Division One of the Devon and Exeter League, are without a match this coming weekend.

The Reserves have played well this year and have avoided being sucked into a relegation battle, having been bottom earlier this season.

Hemyock are away to Exeter University 5ths in the fourth division.