WELLINGTON AFC have announced the appointment of Josh Stunell as their new first team manager.

He replaces Richard Cherry, who stepped down from the role last month after two seasons in charge.

Josh, who holds a UEFA B coaching badge, moved into management after a playing career which included spells with Chard Town and Ottery St Mary when they were in the Western League. He has managed a number of sides in Devon including Sidmouth Town and Axminster Town, in the South West Peninsula League. Josh has also been involved in youth development at county level and with Yeovil Town.

A lifelong football lover, he is a supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion, having previously represented the Seagulls at youth level.

Wellington AFC chairman Mike Hall, said: “We are delighted that Josh is joining us and are looking forward to working with him.

“He has extensive playing and coaching experience and came across very well at interview.

“We feel he will be a good fit for Wellington AFC as we look to build on an excellent 2024-25 season.”

Josh met the players on Wednesday before taking his first training session on the 3G pitch at Court Fields School

.He said: “I’m proud and excited to take on the role of first team manager at Wellington AFC. This is a club with a strong sense of community and values.

“I was really impressed with the selection committee and feel we are very much aligned. My focus will be on building a team that works hard for each other, plays with ambition, and represents the club with pride, on and off the pitch.”

Josh’s first match in charge will be on Saturday when the Tangerines travel to Nailsea & Tickenham in the Jewson Western League Premier Division.

Wellington have lost two of their three league matches by the odd goal – against Helston Athletic and Buckland Athletic – while they gained a useful point in a 2-2 draw away to Shepton Mallet. They also put up a spirited display before losing 4-1 away to Bideford in the Emirates FA Cup, holding the Southern League club 1-1 at half-time.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s opponents Nailsea & Tickenham lost 5-1 away to Paulton Rovers in midweek and have yet to register a point.

Playing so many away games at the start of every season – because of cricket on the Playing Field – has always been difficult for Wellington. They will be looking forward to their first home game, against Helston, on Saturday, September 6.

Wellington Reserves, who are again playing in the Premier Division of the Devon and Exeter League, kick off their season with an away match against East Budleigh on Saturday, August 30.

Wellington A are first in Rowbarton Charity Cup action on Monday, September 1, when they play away to Dunwear United Reserves, They follow this with another away fixture against Staplegrove Reserves in Division One of the Taunton Saturday League on Saturday, September 6.

Wellington Wildcats will be hoping to maintain their splendid form of last season when they start the season away to Bridport Ladies on Sunday, September 9, in Division One of the Somerset County Women’s League.

Wellington Under 18s get under way with an away game against Bridgwater United in the South Section of the Western Counties Floodlit Youth League on Monday, September 8.