WELLINGTON’S footballers report back for pre-season training this coming Tuesday - only 66 days after their last first team game.

Clive Jones’ boys finished a disappointing 16th in the Premier Division of the Toolstation League last season, winning only 12 of their 38 matches.

Jones has spent much of the close season talking to his present players - they were all retained - and having talks with perspective new players.

“I am happy with the way things have been going,” said Jones. “We now have to wait to see what players - present and new - turn up for training.

“I have already made the point that I will only be signing new players if they are better than what we have. I won’t be signing players just to make up the numbers.”

Meanwhile, Wellington’s talented midfielder Josh Wadham has left the club to join Southern League outfit Bideford. It has come as no surprise to Jones because Wadham had become a target for several clubs during the summer.

“He is a very good player and goes with our blessing,” said Jones. “I would have no worries about managing him if he wanted to rejoin us. We will meet up for a drink because he has become a friend. I’m surprised he agreed to sign for us in the first place.”

n Wellington have now lined up four pre-season friendlies for the first team - all away. They are: July 16 Tiverton Town, 20 Dorchester Sports, 24 Exwick, 30 Chard Town.

nWellington Reserves, who will again be managed by Paul Pocock and Sean Buttle, have warm-up games arranged against Bishops Lydeard and Elmore Reserves - and are hoping to arrange at least two more.

The Reserves, who will be starting another season in the first division of the Devon and Exeter League, started last season poorly but improved greatly as the season went on.