WELLINGTON Association Football Club have announced the appointment of Tornado Bello as their new player-manager.

He replaces Richard Cherry who stepped down in May after three seasons in charge of the Jewson Western League premier division club.

It’s the first manager post for Tornado, a prolific striker at clubs across Devon and Cornwall who also had a spell as assistant boss at Barnstaple Town.

He will be supported in an advisory capacity by Dean Edwards, who enjoyed a long professional career with the likes of Wolves, Exeter City and Torquay United before managing at clubs including Bideford, Barnstaple Town and Hednesford Town of the Northern Premier League.

Tornado said this week: “My playing journey has given me a strong understanding of the game, the challenges players face, and what it takes to build a successful team.

“Over time, my passion moved into coaching and management, where I want to use my experience to help players develop and create something positive.

“I applied for the Wellington job because I believe this club has great potential.

“It is a club with history, passion and a great community behind it, and I wanted the opportunity to help build something special.

“My philosophy is based around hard work, commitment, discipline and togetherness. I want players who are proud to wear the shirt and give everything for the badge. Stamina, aggression, intensity and a strong work ethic will be key parts of the way we play.

“My aim is to create a positive culture, bring everyone together and make the supporters proud

“I am really looking forward to getting started and seeing what we can achieve together this season.”

Wellington chairman Mike Hall said: “We are delighted to welcome Tornado to the club as player-manager. It was clear when we met that his objectives and vision are closely aligned with ours.

“He understands our desire to establish a clear pathway for players emerging from our youth system and to continue to develop players already within our open age team structure while, at the same time, attracting players from outside the club to strengthen the existing group to a level which will allow the players from within our structure to develop at a realistic pace. “We’re excited to be working together and to moving the club forward.”

Growing up in Nigeria, Tornado represented his country at U17 level and also played for Kano Pillars in the Nigerian Premier League.

He added: “When I moved to England, I continued my playing career, starting with St Blazey before going on to play for Barnstaple, Bideford and Bude Town

“I want to thank Ben Potter, who gave me my first opportunity in management when he asked me to help him at Bude Town, and later gave me the chance to become his assistant at Barnstaple.

“Dean Edwards has also played a massive part in my journey. He was my manager at Barnstaple and became someone who really believed in me.

“He motivated me to go for the Wellington job and encouraged me to take my first step into management.

“Dean is my mentor and someone who has helped guide me, not only in football but in life.”

Wellington’s opening game of the season in the premier division is away to Bovey Tracey on Saturday, July 25.