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Coordinates: 51°19′50.36″N 2°57′21.71″W / 51.3306556°N 2.9560306°W / 51.3306556; -2.9560306
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| clubname = Weston-super-Mare
| clubname = Weston-super-Mare
| image = Weston-super-Mare AFC logo.svg
| image = Weston-super-Mare AFC logo.svg
| upright = 0.8
| image_size = 185px
| fullname = Weston-super-Mare Association Football Club
| fullname = Weston-super-Mare Association Football Club
| nickname = The Seagulls
| nickname = The Seagulls
| founded = {{start date and years ago|1887|df=yes}}
| founded = {{start date and age|1887|df=yes}}
| ground = Woodspring Stadium
| ground = Woodspring Stadium
| capacity = 3,500 (350 seated)
| capacity = 3,500 (350 seated)
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'''Weston-super-Mare Association Football Club''' is a semi-professional [[association football|football]] [[football team|club]] based in [[Weston-super-Mare]], [[Somerset]], [[England]]. Nicknamed "The Seagulls",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Weston-super-Mare-given-derby-double-header-Bath/story-16475774-detail/story.html |title=Weston-super-Mare FC 2012/13 Blue Square Bet South fixtures released |publisher=This is Somerset |date=2012-07-02 |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> the club is affiliated to the [[Somerset County Football Association]] and are competing in the [[National League South]], the sixth tier of English football.
'''Weston-super-Mare Association Football Club''' is a semi-professional [[association football|football]] [[football team|club]] based in [[Weston-super-Mare]], [[Somerset]], [[England]]. Nicknamed "The Seagulls",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Weston-super-Mare-given-derby-double-header-Bath/story-16475774-detail/story.html |title=Weston-super-Mare FC 2012/13 Blue Square Bet South fixtures released |publisher=This is Somerset |date=2012-07-02 |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> the club is affiliated to the [[Somerset County Football Association]] and are competing in the [[National League South]], the sixth tier of English football.


The club was founded in [[1887 in association football|1887]] but disbanded twice (for the two World Wars); the current club was established in 1948. Their claim to fame was that they have had never been relegated in their history, although after their promotion to the sixth tier in 2004 they had been reprieved from relegation three times (in 2007, 2008, and 2010), they were eventually relegated for the first time in 132 years in the 2018/19 season. The team's best performance in the [[FA Cup]] came in [[2003–04 in English football|2003–04]] when they reached the second round of the competition.
The club was founded in [[1887 in association football|1887]] but disbanded twice (for the two World Wars); the current club was established in 1948. Their claim to fame was that they had never been relegated in their history, although after their promotion to the sixth tier in 2004 they had been reprieved from relegation three times (in 2007, 2008, and 2010), they were eventually relegated for the first time in 132 years in the 2018/19 season. The team's best performance in the [[FA Cup]] came in [[2003–04 in English football|2003–04]] when they reached the second round of the competition.


Weston-super-Mare has a modest fan base and a fierce rivalry with fellow Somerset club [[Clevedon Town F.C.|Clevedon Town]]. However, the two clubs have not played in the same league or cup (excluding pre season) since Weston-super-Mare gained promotion to the [[Southern Football League Premier Division|Southern League Premier Division]] in 2003.
Weston-super-Mare has a modest fan base and a fierce rivalry with fellow Somerset club [[Clevedon Town F.C.|Clevedon Town]]. However, the two clubs have not played in the same league or cup (excluding pre-season) since Weston-super-Mare gained promotion to the [[Southern Football League Premier Division|Southern League Premier Division]] in 2003.


==History==
==History==

===Formation, reformation, and early history===
===Formation, reformation, and early history===
Weston-super-Mare A.F.C. was formed in 1887.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2019/apr/07/mare-of-season-weston-relegation |title=Mare of a season: Weston need miracle to avoid first-ever relegation |last=Lewis |first=Tim |date=7 April 2019 |website=theguardian.com |access-date=21 April 2024}}</ref> The team's first record of a competitive match being against near-neighbours [[Clevedon Town F.C.|Clevedon Town]] in a "Medal Competition" organised by the [[Somerset]] FA.<ref name="clubhistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.weston-s-mareafc.co.uk/club/History |title=History &#124; Weston-super-Mare Football Club |publisher=Weston-s-mareafc.co.uk |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> In 1900, they joined Division two of the [[Western Football League]] but left after two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL189.htm |title=Western League 1892–1914 |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> In 1910, they rejoined this league and played there until [[World War I]].<ref name="fchd">{{fchd|name=Weston-super-Mare|id=WESTONSM}}</ref>
Weston-super-Mare A.F.C. was formed in 1887.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2019/apr/07/mare-of-season-weston-relegation |title=Mare of a season: Weston need miracle to avoid first-ever relegation |last=Lewis |first=Tim |date=7 April 2019 |website=theguardian.com |access-date=21 April 2024}}</ref> The team's first record of a competitive match being against near-neighbours [[Clevedon Town F.C.|Clevedon Town]] in a "Medal Competition" organised by the [[Somerset]] FA.<ref name="clubhistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.weston-s-mareafc.co.uk/club/History |title=History &#124; Weston-super-Mare Football Club |publisher=Weston-s-mareafc.co.uk |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> In 1900, they joined Division two of the [[Western Football League]] but left after two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL189.htm |title=Western League 1892–1914 |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> In 1910, they rejoined this league and played there until [[World War I]].<ref name="fchd">{{fchd|name=Weston-super-Mare|id=WESTONSM}}</ref>


Between the wars, the club played in the local [[Bristol and District Football League]] and then the [[Somerset County League]] but the club disbanded upon the outbreak of hostilities in 1939.<ref name="clubhistory"/> The club reformed in 1948 and immediately rejoined the Western League, initially in Division Two.<ref name="wsterplus1945">{{cite web |url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL45.htm |title=Western League 1945–1965 |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |date=1947-06-05 |access-date=2012-12-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512214423/http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL45.htm |archive-date=12 May 2012 }}</ref> At this time the team played at the Great Ground in Locking Road, where initially there was no cover for spectators and the players had to change in a marquee.<ref name="clubhistory"/> A season after the club joined rejoined the Western league they made their debut in the [[FA Cup]] in the 1949–50 season losing to [[Gloucester City A.F.C.|Gloucester City]] in the preliminary qualifying round.<ref name="fchd"/> The team remained in the Second Division until the league consolidated to a single division in 1960.<ref name="wsterplus1945"/> During this time they moved to the Langford Road Ground.<ref name="clubhistory"/> In 1976, they were placed into the Western League Premier Division upon the creation of a second tier, meaning that by their centenary in 1987 they had never been promoted or relegated in their history.<ref name="clubhistory"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL65.htm |title=Western League 1965–1985 |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |access-date=2012-12-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114023041/http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL65.htm |archive-date=14 November 2013 }}</ref>
Between the wars, the club played in the local [[Bristol and District Football League]] and then the [[Somerset County League]] but the club disbanded upon the outbreak of hostilities in 1939.<ref name="clubhistory"/> The club reformed in 1948 and immediately rejoined the Western League, initially in Division Two.<ref name="wsterplus1945">{{cite web |url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL45.htm |title=Western League 1945–1965 |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |date=1947-06-05 |access-date=2012-12-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512214423/http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL45.htm |archive-date=12 May 2012 }}</ref> At this time the team played at the Great Ground in Locking Road, where initially there was no cover for spectators and the players had to change in a marquee.<ref name="clubhistory"/> A season after the club joined rejoined the Western League they made their debut in the [[FA Cup]] in the 1949–50 season losing to [[Gloucester City A.F.C.|Gloucester City]] in the preliminary qualifying round.<ref name="fchd"/> The team remained in the Second Division until the league consolidated to a single division in 1960.<ref name="wsterplus1945"/> During this time they moved to the Langford Road Ground.<ref name="clubhistory"/> In 1976, they were placed into the Western League Premier Division upon the creation of a second tier, meaning that by their centenary in 1987 they had never been promoted or relegated in their history.<ref name="clubhistory"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL65.htm |title=Western League 1965–1985 |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |access-date=2012-12-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114023041/http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/WestL65.htm |archive-date=14 November 2013 }}</ref>


===Paul Bliss era===
===Paul Bliss era===
In early 1986, Paul Bliss was approached by Weston-super-Mare and he was named as the club's chairman roughly six months later.<ref name='30yearsbliss'>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/30-years-of-paul-bliss-and-weston-afc-31868 |title=30 Years of Paul Bliss And Weston AFC |last=Whitney |first=Steve |date=12 July 2016 |website=[[National League (English football)|National League]] |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gammie |first=Walter |date=13 October 2003 |title=Weston miss chance to make converts |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/weston-miss-chance-to-make-converts-d7rpz82fvpw |newspaper=[[The Times]] |location=[[London]] |url-access=subscription |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> In 1989, John Ellener was appointed manager and led the club to the Western League championship in 1991–92 and with it promotion to the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] Midland Division.<ref name="fchd"/> They remained at this level, playing successively in the Midland, Southern, Midland (again) and Western Divisions due to the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]]'s regular reorganisations, until 2002–03 when they finished in second place and were promoted to the [[Southern League Premier Division|Premier Division]], clinching promotion with a win away to rivals Clevedon Town.<ref name="clubhistory"/><ref name="soutthernleague2000s">{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/SL01.htm |title=Southern League 2001–2011 |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> In their first Premier Division season they finished in 10th place, enough to clinch a place in the newly formed [[Conference South]].<ref name="soutthernleague2000s"/>
In early 1986, Paul Bliss was approached by Weston-super-Mare and he was named as the club's chairman roughly six months later.<ref name='30yearsbliss'>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/30-years-of-paul-bliss-and-weston-afc-31868 |title=30 Years of Paul Bliss And Weston AFC |last=Whitney |first=Steve |date=12 July 2016 |website=[[National League (English football)|National League]] |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gammie |first=Walter |date=13 October 2003 |title=Weston miss chance to make converts |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/weston-miss-chance-to-make-converts-d7rpz82fvpw |newspaper=[[The Times]] |location=[[London]] |url-access=subscription |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> In 1989, John Ellener was appointed manager and led the club to the Western League championship in 1991–92 and with it promotion to the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] Midland Division.<ref name="fchd"/> They remained at this level, playing successively in the Midland, Southern, Midland (again) and Western Divisions due to the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]]'s regular reorganisations, until 2002–03 when they finished in second place and were promoted to the [[Southern League Premier Division|Premier Division]], clinching promotion with a win away to rivals Clevedon Town.<ref name="clubhistory"/><ref name="soutthernleague2000s">{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regs1SthA/SL01.htm |title=Southern League 2001–2011 |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> In their first Premier Division season they finished in 10th place, enough to clinch a place in the newly formed [[Conference South]].<ref name="soutthernleague2000s"/>


The club's most successful [[FA Cup]] run came in the [[2003–04 FA Cup|2003–04 season]], when the Seagulls reached the second round. After defeating [[Dorchester Town F.C.|Dorchester Town]], [[Chesham United F.C.|Chesham United]] (via a replay) and [[Welling United F.C.|Welling United]] in the qualifying rounds, Weston secured a 1–0 away win against [[Farnborough Town F.C.|Farnborough Town]] to progress from the first round. They were awarded with an away tie against [[Football League Third Division|Third Division]] side, [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] where they were eventually beaten 4–1. In the same season, Weston would equal their best performance in the [[2003–04 FA Trophy|FA Trophy]], reaching the Fourth Round of the competition.
The club's most successful [[FA Cup]] run came in the [[2003–04 FA Cup|2003–04 season]], when the Seagulls reached the second round. After defeating [[Dorchester Town F.C.|Dorchester Town]], [[Chesham United F.C.|Chesham United]] (via a replay) and [[Welling United F.C.|Welling United]] in the qualifying rounds, Weston secured a 1–0 away win against [[Farnborough Town F.C.|Farnborough Town]] to progress from the first round. They were awarded an away tie against [[Football League Third Division|Third Division]] side, [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] where they were eventually beaten 4–1. In the same season, Weston would equal their best performance in the [[2003–04 FA Trophy|FA Trophy]], reaching the Fourth Round of the competition.


In the [[2006–07 Football Conference|2006–07 season]] of the Conference South, the club finished in 20th position and were set to be relegated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regions_1/05csout.htm |title=Website created using 350pages at www.350.com |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> However, [[Farnborough F.C.|Farnborough Town]] were relegated due to going into liquidation and [[Hayes F.C.|Hayes]] and [[Yeading F.C.|Yeading]] merged to form [[Hayes & Yeading United F.C.|Hayes & Yeading United]], leaving the [[Conference South]] one team short, earning a reprieve for Weston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=42765 |title=NonLeagueDaily.com |publisher=NonLeagueDaily.com |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> The [[2007–08 in English football|2007–08]] season ended in similar fashion for Weston. A 20th-place finish meant the club was eligible for relegation, only to be spared by the enforced demotion of [[Cambridge City F.C.|Cambridge City]], who failed a ground inspection.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7423974.stm|title= Cambridge City fail in FA appeal|publisher=BBC Sport Online|date=2008-05-28|access-date=2008-05-29}}</ref> The 2009–10 campaign again saw the club finish in the relegation zone again when they finished 21st, however as before the club was saved by the FA, this time when [[Salisbury City F.C.|Salisbury City]] were demoted twice to the Southern league.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/salisbury/8733410.stm |title=Salisbury City lose their appeal against demotion |publisher=BBC News |date=2010-06-10 |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref>
In the [[2006–07 Football Conference|2006–07 season]] of the Conference South, the club finished in 20th position and was set to be relegated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguematters.net/Regions_1/05csout.htm |title=Website created using 350pages at www.350.com |publisher=Nonleaguematters.net |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> However, [[Farnborough F.C.|Farnborough Town]] were relegated due to going into liquidation and [[Hayes F.C.|Hayes]] and [[Yeading F.C.|Yeading]] merged to form [[Hayes & Yeading United F.C.|Hayes & Yeading United]], leaving the [[Conference South]] one team short, earning a reprieve for Weston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=42765 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601005511/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=42765 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=1 June 2012 |title=NonLeagueDaily.com |publisher=NonLeagueDaily.com |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> The [[2007–08 in English football|2007–08]] season ended similarly for Weston. A 20th-place finish meant the club was eligible for relegation, only to be spared by the enforced demotion of [[Cambridge City F.C.|Cambridge City]], who failed a ground inspection.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7423974.stm|title= Cambridge City fail in FA appeal|publisher=BBC Sport Online|date=2008-05-28|access-date=2008-05-29}}</ref> The 2009–10 campaign again saw the club finish in the relegation zone again when they finished 21st, however as before the club was saved by the FA, this time when [[Salisbury City F.C.|Salisbury City]] were demoted twice to the Southern League.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/salisbury/8733410.stm |title=Salisbury City lose their appeal against demotion |publisher=BBC News |date=2010-06-10 |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref>


The 2010–11 season saw the club win the [[Somerset Premier Cup]] for the first time, when they defeated [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]] in the final.<ref name="spc1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/Weston-land-Somerset-Cup/story-11349043-detail/story.html |title=Weston-super-Mare beat Yeovil Town to lift Somerset Cup |publisher=This is Bath |date=2011-05-04 |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> The club retained the cup the following season (2011–12) when they beat local rivals Clevedon Town 2–1.<ref name="spc2">{{cite web|url=http://www.guide2westonsupermare.com/news/640/Weston-super-Mare-AFC-defeat-Clevedon-Town-to-retain-the-Somerset-Premier-Cup |title=Weston-super-Mare AFC defeat Clevedon Town to retain the Somerset Premier Cup – 09 May 2012 – Guide2Weston Super Mare News |publisher=Guide2westonsupermare.com |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref>
The 2010–11 season saw the club win the [[Somerset Premier Cup]] for the first time when they defeated [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]] in the final.<ref name="spc1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/Weston-land-Somerset-Cup/story-11349043-detail/story.html |title=Weston-super-Mare beat Yeovil Town to lift Somerset Cup |publisher=This is Bath |date=2011-05-04 |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref> The club retained the cup the following season (2011–12) when they beat local rivals Clevedon Town 2–1.<ref name="spc2">{{cite web|url=http://www.guide2westonsupermare.com/news/640/Weston-super-Mare-AFC-defeat-Clevedon-Town-to-retain-the-Somerset-Premier-Cup |title=Weston-super-Mare AFC defeat Clevedon Town to retain the Somerset Premier Cup – 09 May 2012 – Guide2Weston Super Mare News |publisher=Guide2westonsupermare.com |access-date=2012-12-09}}</ref>


In 2012–13, the club finished the season with their highest ever placing in the Conference South in 7th place with 67 points and narrowly missing out on a place in the playoffs. The 2014–15 season brought a relatively successful cup campaign as the Seagulls won three qualifying matches in the FA Cup and reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, where they lost 4–1 at home to Doncaster Rovers in front of a record attendance of 2,949.
In 2012–13, the club finished the season with their highest-ever placing in the Conference South in 7th place with 67 points and narrowly missing out on a place in the playoffs. The 2014–15 season brought a relatively successful cup campaign as the Seagulls won three qualifying matches in the FA Cup and reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, where they lost 4–1 at home to Doncaster Rovers in front of a record attendance of 2,949.


After a string of poor results, Micky Bell was replaced by Director of Football, Ryan Northmore at the end of November 2014 with the Seagulls at the bottom of the table. Northmore took the team on a string of unbeaten games, taking them to promotion challenging form. Unfortunately this didn't continue and after defeating Bath City at home 4–1 in a rearranged fixture the rejuvenated Seagulls didn't win another league game, which saw them finish 17th.
After a string of poor results, Micky Bell was replaced by Director of Football, Ryan Northmore at the end of November 2014 with the Seagulls at the bottom of the table. Northmore took the team on a string of unbeaten games, taking them to promotion-challenging form. Unfortunately, this didn't continue, and after defeating Bath City at home 4–1 in a rearranged fixture the rejuvenated Seagulls didn't win another league game which saw them finish 17th.


The 2015–16 season saw the side struggle to gain a win throughout August in the League, winning just 1 point from 18, with that point coming at home in the Somerset Derby against Bath City.
The 2015–16 season saw the side struggle to gain a win throughout August in the League, winning just 1 point from 18, with that point coming at home in the Somerset Derby against Bath City.


Through September and October, the side couldn't maintain a consistent run of form going and continued to lay low in the dreaded depths of the relegation zone.
Through September and October, the side couldn't maintain a consistent run of form and continued to lay low in the dreaded depths of the relegation zone.


However, toward the end of November, Ryan Northmore's troops managed to pull themselves up to 2nd in the league's form table by going 10 games unbeaten in the Nation League South from 21 November until 16 February. It came to an end when Weston couldn't maintain the run, eventually losing 2–0 to Hayes & Yeading at the Woodspring.
However, toward the end of November, Ryan Northmore's troops pulled themselves up to 2nd in the league's form table by going 10 games unbeaten in the Nation League South from 21 November until 16 February. It ended when Weston couldn't maintain the run, losing 2–0 to Hayes & Yeading at the Woodspring.


The side momentarily lost form with losses coming against St. Albans and Wealdstone however, over the Easter weekend, the side bagged an important 3 points over Ebbsfleet thanks to Captain Dayle Grubb's impressive strikes.
The side momentarily lost form with losses coming against St. Albans and Wealdstone however, over the Easter weekend, the side bagged an important 3 points over Ebbsfleet thanks to Captain Dayle Grubb's impressive strikes.


This was followed by a tough defeat to relegation rivals Bath City, with Scott Wilson firing in during the 91st minute, but Bath hit back with a penalty in the 92nd minute and the winner from half-way in the 94th minute.
This was followed by a tough defeat to relegation rivals Bath City, with Scott Wilson firing in during the 91st minute, but Bath hit back with a penalty in the 92nd minute and the winner from halfway in the 94th minute.


During the last month of the season, the Seagulls once again turned on the style and ended the season with 6 unbeaten games from 7, with Scott Wilson and Dayle Grubb netting in a 2–0 win over Maidstone to spark manic celebrations from the home fans at The Woodspring knowing that the Seagulls had avoided relegation.
During the last month of the season, the Seagulls once again turned on the style and ended the season with 6 unbeaten games from 7, with Scott Wilson and Dayle Grubb netting in a 2–0 win over Maidstone to spark manic celebrations from the home fans at The Woodspring knowing that the Seagulls had avoided relegation.
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The [[2022–23 Southern Football League|2022–23]] season saw Weston immediately challenging at the top of the table, spending much of the season battling with [[Truro City F.C.|Truro City]] for the top spot and, despite a late challenge from [[Bracknell Town F.C.|Bracknell Town]], Weston were crowned champions following an emphatic 4–1 win against [[Hendon F.C.|Hendon]] securing a return to the [[National League South]] after four years.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Thomas |first1=Joshua |title=Weston AFC secure National League South promotion after Jackson treble|url=https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/sport/23464920.weston-afc-secure-national-league-south-promotion-jackson-treble/|access-date=18 April 2023 |publisher=Weston Mercury |date=18 April 2023}}</ref>
The [[2022–23 Southern Football League|2022–23]] season saw Weston immediately challenging at the top of the table, spending much of the season battling with [[Truro City F.C.|Truro City]] for the top spot and, despite a late challenge from [[Bracknell Town F.C.|Bracknell Town]], Weston were crowned champions following an emphatic 4–1 win against [[Hendon F.C.|Hendon]] securing a return to the [[National League South]] after four years.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Thomas |first1=Joshua |title=Weston AFC secure National League South promotion after Jackson treble|url=https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/sport/23464920.weston-afc-secure-national-league-south-promotion-jackson-treble/|access-date=18 April 2023 |publisher=Weston Mercury |date=18 April 2023}}</ref>


A respectable 13th place finish was the result of the Seagulls first season back in the [[English football league system|sixth tier]]. In January 2024, Bartlett signed a new long term contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=BARTLETT SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION |url=https://www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/bartlett-signs-contract-extension/ |publisher=Weston-super-Mare AFC |date=22 January 2024}}</ref>
A respectable 13th-place finish was the result of the Seagulls' first season back in the [[English football league system|sixth tier]]. In January 2024, Bartlett signed a new long-term contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=BARTLETT SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION |url=https://www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/bartlett-signs-contract-extension/ |publisher=Weston-super-Mare AFC |date=22 January 2024}}</ref>


==Ground==
==Ground==
[[File:North Stand, Weston Super Mare FC (geograph 4843586).jpg|thumb|245x245px|Woodspring stadium]]
[[File:North Stand, Weston Super Mare FC (geograph 4843586).jpg|thumb|245x245px|Woodspring stadium]]
Weston-super-Mare A.F.C. play their home games at the Woodspring Stadium, currently known as the Optima Stadium for sponsorship reasons, on Winterstoke Road, where the club moved to in August 2004. They previously played at Woodspring Park a short distance away. The move marked the third time in the past 40 years that Weston-super-Mare have changed venues. The capacity of the ground is 3,500 in which 2,000 is covered and 350 are seated.<ref name="groundtastic">[Groundtastic – The Football Grounds Magazine. GT40 – Spring 2005. Published 1 March 2005. Pages 34–37.]</ref>
Weston-super-Mare A.F.C. play their home games at the Woodspring Stadium, currently known as the Optima Stadium for sponsorship reasons, on Winterstoke Road, where the club moved to in August 2004. They previously played at Woodspring Park a short distance away. The move marked the third time in the past 40 years that Weston-super-Mare has changed venues. The ground's capacity is 3,500 of which 2,000 are covered and 350 are seated.<ref name="groundtastic">[Groundtastic – The Football Grounds Magazine. GT40 – Spring 2005. Published 1 March 2005. Pages 34–37.]</ref>


Woodspring Park had been built almost entirely by supporters and boasted a clubhouse costing £100,000.<ref name="clubhistory"/> The Park had been the home of Weston-super-Mare since 1983 and had floodlights installed in 1986.<ref name="clubhistory"/> The ground nearly had a greyhound track around the pitch, an idea which chairman Paul Bliss shot down.<ref name='30yearsbliss'/> Weston-super-Mare sold this ground to a residential home builder when it became apparent the club was going to move the short distance to the Woodspring Stadium. The last home fixture was played in April 2004.<ref name="groundtastic"/>
Woodspring Park had been built almost entirely by supporters and boasted a clubhouse costing £100,000.<ref name="clubhistory"/> The Park had been the home of Weston-super-Mare since 1983 and had floodlights installed in 1986.<ref name="clubhistory"/> The ground nearly had a greyhound track around the pitch, an idea that chairman Paul Bliss shot down.<ref name='30yearsbliss'/> Weston-super-Mare sold this ground to a residential home builder when it became apparent the club would move the short distance to the Woodspring Stadium. The last home fixture was played in April 2004.<ref name="groundtastic"/>


The ground for what is now Woodspring Stadium was formerly a sporting complex owned by [[Westland Aircraft]] known as Westland Sports Ground. It was home to cricket and football in addition to social buildings. Difficult financial times forced Westland to reconsider their place in town and put the ground up for sale. The club purchased it for £270,000 in 2001.<ref name="groundtastic"/> The Stadium opened 14 August 2004, with its first match against [[Conference South]] opponents [[Hornchurch F.C.|Hornchurch]] drawing 500 people to the game.
The ground for what is now Woodspring Stadium was formerly a sporting complex owned by [[Westland Aircraft]] known as Westland Sports Ground. It was home to cricket and football in addition to social buildings. Difficult financial times forced Westland to reconsider its place in town and put the ground up for sale. The club purchased it for £270,000 in 2001.<ref name="groundtastic"/> The Stadium opened 14 August 2004, with its first match against [[Conference South]] opponents [[Hornchurch F.C.|Hornchurch]] drawing 500 people to the game.


In April 2021, the club announced plans to redevelop the stadium to include 750 additional seats and new [[Terrace (stadium)|terracing]] plus new club facilities and hospitality areas. The redevelopment would also allow the club to further increase capacity at the ground to 5,000 with 2,000 seats in the future. This would allow the ground to host [[EFL League Two]] matches should the club ever be promoted to that level.<ref>{{cite news |title=MAJOR OPTIMA STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT PLANS ANNOUNCED |url=https://www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/optima-stadium-redevelopment/ |access-date=1 January 2022 |publisher=Weston-super-Mare AFC |date=7 April 2021}}</ref>
In April 2021, the club announced plans to redevelop the stadium to include 750 additional seats and new [[Terrace (stadium)|terracing]] plus new club facilities and hospitality areas. The redevelopment would also allow the club the ability to increase capacity at the ground to 5,000 with 2,000 seats. This would allow the ground to host [[EFL League Two]] matches should the club ever be promoted to that level.<ref>{{cite news |title=MAJOR OPTIMA STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT PLANS ANNOUNCED |url=https://www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/optima-stadium-redevelopment/ |access-date=1 January 2022 |publisher=Weston-super-Mare AFC |date=7 April 2021}}</ref>


The record attendance for this ground 2,949 in a match in the [[FA Cup]] against [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] on 18 November 2014.
The record attendance for this ground was 2,949 in a match in the [[FA Cup]] against [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] on 18 November 2014.


==Current squad==
==Current squad==
''Updated 27 April 2024''
''Updated 17 October 2024''


{{Fs start}}
{{Fs start}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Freddie Butchers}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=WAL|pos=GK|name=Kelland Absalom}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=[[Max Harris (footballer)|Max Harris]]|other=on loan from [[Cheltenham Town F.C.|Cheltenham Town]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Sam Avery}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Sam Avery}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=WAL|pos=DF|name=Lloyd Humphries}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Jordan Bastin}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Bailey Kempster}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Billy Kirkman|other=on loan from [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=WAL|pos=DF|name=Emlyn Lewis|other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Jason Pope]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Jason Pope]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Keiran Thomas}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Keiran Thomas}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Jacob Cane]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Ollie Chamberlain}}
{{Fs mid}}
{{Fs mid}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Jordan Bastin}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Luke Coulson]]|other=[[Captain (association football)#Vice-captain|vice-captain]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[James Dodd (footballer)|James Dodd]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[James Dodd (footballer)|James Dodd]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Jacob Cane]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Dylan Kadji]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Alex Fletcher (footballer)|Alex Fletcher]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=WAL|pos=MF|name=[[James Waite (footballer, born 1999)|James Waite]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Brandon Bak|other=on loan from [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Nick McCootie}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=WAL|pos=FW|name=[[Sam Pearson (footballer)|Sam Pearson]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Reuben Reid]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Reuben Reid]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Marley Rose|other=on loan from [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Jamie Soule]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Jamie Soule]]}}
{{fs end}}
{{fs end}}


<!--===Out on loan===
===Out on loan===
{{Fs start}}
{{Fs start}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=WAL|pos=DF|name=Morgan Lewis|other=on loan at [[Taunton Town F.C.|Taunton Town]]}}
⚫
{{fs end}}-->
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Oli Jenkins|other=on loan at [[Tiverton Town F.C.|Tiverton Town]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Bailey Kempster|other=on loan at [[Tiverton Town F.C.|Tiverton Town]]}}
{{fs player|no= |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Ryan Crawford|other=dual registration with [[Tiverton Town F.C.|Tiverton Town]]}}
⚫
{{fs end}}


==Non-playing staff==
==Non-playing staff==

===Board members===
===Board members===
:''Updated 23 July 2023.''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/board-members/ |title=Board members |website=westonsmareafc.co.uk |access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref>
:''Updated 23 July 2023.''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/board-members/ |title=Board members |website=westonsmareafc.co.uk |access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref>
Line 155: Line 165:
===First team staff===
===First team staff===
:''Updated 25 January 2023.''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/first-team/ |title=First team – Staff |website=westonsmareafc.co.uk |access-date=25 January 2023}}</ref>
:''Updated 25 January 2023.''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.westonsmareafc.co.uk/first-team/ |title=First team – Staff |website=westonsmareafc.co.uk |access-date=25 January 2023}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 198: Line 207:


{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Craig Alcock]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Craig Alcock]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Danny Bailey]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny Bailey]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Michael Bell (footballer)|Michael Bell]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Michael Bell (footballer)|Michael Bell]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Jon Beswetherick]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jon Beswetherick]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Steve Book]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Steve Book]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Wayne Brown (footballer born January 1977)|Wayne Brown]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Wayne Brown (footballer born January 1977)|Wayne Brown]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Ray Cashley]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ray Cashley]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Billy Clark (footballer born 1967)|Billy Clark]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Billy Clark (footballer born 1967)|Billy Clark]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Jack Compton]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jack Compton]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Steve Cowe]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Steve Cowe]]
*{{flagicon|FRA}}[[Wilfried Domoraud]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Wilfried Domoraud]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Clayton Fortune]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Clayton Fortune]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Jon French]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jon French]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Roger Gibbins]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Roger Gibbins]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Jerry Gill]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jerry Gill]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Charlie Comyn-Platt]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}}[[Charlie Comyn-Platt]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Andy Gurney]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Andy Gurney]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Dayle Grubb]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Dayle Grubb]]
*{{flagicon|WAL}}[[Lewis Haldane]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Lewis Haldane]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Ian Hamilton (footballer born 1940)|Ian Hamilton]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ian Hamilton (footballer born 1940)|Ian Hamilton]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Ryan Harley]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ryan Harley]]
*{{flagicon|WAL}}[[Callum Hart]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Callum Hart]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Lewis Hogg]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lewis Hogg]]
*{{flagicon|WAL}}[[Lee Jarman]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Lee Jarman]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Ian Juryeff]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ian Juryeff]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Scott Laird]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Scott Laird]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[David Lee (footballer born 1969)|David Lee]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}}[[David Lee (footballer born 1969)|David Lee]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Barry McConnell]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Barry McConnell]]
*{{flagicon|NIR}}[[Mark McKeever]]
* {{flagicon|NIR}} [[Mark McKeever]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Paul McLoughlin]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Paul McLoughlin (English footballer)|Paul McLoughlin]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[David Mehew]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[David Mehew]]
*{{flagicon|WAL}}[[Rollin Menayese]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Rollin Menayese]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Ryan Northmore]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ryan Northmore]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Gary Owers]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Gary Owers]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Scott Partridge]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Scott Partridge]]
*{{flagicon|GPE}}[[Ludovic Quistin]]
* {{flagicon|GPE}} [[Ludovic Quistin]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Tommy Rudkin]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Tommy Rudkin]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Stuart Slater]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Stuart Slater]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[David Stone (footballer)|David Stone]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[David Stone (footballer)|David Stone]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Brian Tinnion]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Brian Tinnion]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Peter Trego]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Peter Trego]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Matt Villis]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Matt Villis]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[Ollie Watkins]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ollie Watkins]]
*{{flagicon|ENG}}[[John Williams (footballer born 1968)|John Williams]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[John Williams (footballer born 1968)|John Williams]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


Line 291: Line 300:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{commons category}}
*{{Official website}}
* {{Official website}}


{{National League (English football)}}
{{National League (English football)}}

Latest revision as of 19:23, 17 October 2024

Weston-super-Mare
Full nameWeston-super-Mare Association Football Club
Nickname(s)The Seagulls
Founded1887; 137 years ago (1887)
GroundWoodspring Stadium
Capacity3,500 (350 seated)
ChairmanPaul Bliss
ManagerScott Bartlett
LeagueNational League South
2023–24National League South, 13th of 24
Websitehttp://westonsmareafc.co.uk/

Weston-super-Mare Association Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England. Nicknamed "The Seagulls",[1] the club is affiliated to the Somerset County Football Association and are competing in the National League South, the sixth tier of English football.

The club was founded in 1887 but disbanded twice (for the two World Wars); the current club was established in 1948. Their claim to fame was that they had never been relegated in their history, although after their promotion to the sixth tier in 2004 they had been reprieved from relegation three times (in 2007, 2008, and 2010), they were eventually relegated for the first time in 132 years in the 2018/19 season. The team's best performance in the FA Cup came in 2003–04 when they reached the second round of the competition.

Weston-super-Mare has a modest fan base and a fierce rivalry with fellow Somerset club Clevedon Town. However, the two clubs have not played in the same league or cup (excluding pre-season) since Weston-super-Mare gained promotion to the Southern League Premier Division in 2003.

History

[edit]

Formation, reformation, and early history

[edit]

Weston-super-Mare A.F.C. was formed in 1887.[2] The team's first record of a competitive match being against near-neighbours Clevedon Town in a "Medal Competition" organised by the Somerset FA.[3] In 1900, they joined Division two of the Western Football League but left after two years.[4] In 1910, they rejoined this league and played there until World War I.[5]

Between the wars, the club played in the local Bristol and District Football League and then the Somerset County League but the club disbanded upon the outbreak of hostilities in 1939.[3] The club reformed in 1948 and immediately rejoined the Western League, initially in Division Two.[6] At this time the team played at the Great Ground in Locking Road, where initially there was no cover for spectators and the players had to change in a marquee.[3] A season after the club joined rejoined the Western League they made their debut in the FA Cup in the 1949–50 season losing to Gloucester City in the preliminary qualifying round.[5] The team remained in the Second Division until the league consolidated to a single division in 1960.[6] During this time they moved to the Langford Road Ground.[3] In 1976, they were placed into the Western League Premier Division upon the creation of a second tier, meaning that by their centenary in 1987 they had never been promoted or relegated in their history.[3][7]

Paul Bliss era

[edit]

In early 1986, Paul Bliss was approached by Weston-super-Mare and he was named as the club's chairman roughly six months later.[8][9] In 1989, John Ellener was appointed manager and led the club to the Western League championship in 1991–92 and with it promotion to the Southern League Midland Division.[5] They remained at this level, playing successively in the Midland, Southern, Midland (again) and Western Divisions due to the Southern League's regular reorganisations, until 2002–03 when they finished in second place and were promoted to the Premier Division, clinching promotion with a win away to rivals Clevedon Town.[3][10] In their first Premier Division season they finished in 10th place, enough to clinch a place in the newly formed Conference South.[10]

The club's most successful FA Cup run came in the 2003–04 season, when the Seagulls reached the second round. After defeating Dorchester Town, Chesham United (via a replay) and Welling United in the qualifying rounds, Weston secured a 1–0 away win against Farnborough Town to progress from the first round. They were awarded an away tie against Third Division side, Northampton Town where they were eventually beaten 4–1. In the same season, Weston would equal their best performance in the FA Trophy, reaching the Fourth Round of the competition.

In the 2006–07 season of the Conference South, the club finished in 20th position and was set to be relegated.[11] However, Farnborough Town were relegated due to going into liquidation and Hayes and Yeading merged to form Hayes & Yeading United, leaving the Conference South one team short, earning a reprieve for Weston.[12] The 2007–08 season ended similarly for Weston. A 20th-place finish meant the club was eligible for relegation, only to be spared by the enforced demotion of Cambridge City, who failed a ground inspection.[13] The 2009–10 campaign again saw the club finish in the relegation zone again when they finished 21st, however as before the club was saved by the FA, this time when Salisbury City were demoted twice to the Southern League.[14]

The 2010–11 season saw the club win the Somerset Premier Cup for the first time when they defeated Yeovil Town in the final.[15] The club retained the cup the following season (2011–12) when they beat local rivals Clevedon Town 2–1.[16]

In 2012–13, the club finished the season with their highest-ever placing in the Conference South in 7th place with 67 points and narrowly missing out on a place in the playoffs. The 2014–15 season brought a relatively successful cup campaign as the Seagulls won three qualifying matches in the FA Cup and reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, where they lost 4–1 at home to Doncaster Rovers in front of a record attendance of 2,949.

After a string of poor results, Micky Bell was replaced by Director of Football, Ryan Northmore at the end of November 2014 with the Seagulls at the bottom of the table. Northmore took the team on a string of unbeaten games, taking them to promotion-challenging form. Unfortunately, this didn't continue, and after defeating Bath City at home 4–1 in a rearranged fixture the rejuvenated Seagulls didn't win another league game which saw them finish 17th.

The 2015–16 season saw the side struggle to gain a win throughout August in the League, winning just 1 point from 18, with that point coming at home in the Somerset Derby against Bath City.

Through September and October, the side couldn't maintain a consistent run of form and continued to lay low in the dreaded depths of the relegation zone.

However, toward the end of November, Ryan Northmore's troops pulled themselves up to 2nd in the league's form table by going 10 games unbeaten in the Nation League South from 21 November until 16 February. It ended when Weston couldn't maintain the run, losing 2–0 to Hayes & Yeading at the Woodspring.

The side momentarily lost form with losses coming against St. Albans and Wealdstone however, over the Easter weekend, the side bagged an important 3 points over Ebbsfleet thanks to Captain Dayle Grubb's impressive strikes.

This was followed by a tough defeat to relegation rivals Bath City, with Scott Wilson firing in during the 91st minute, but Bath hit back with a penalty in the 92nd minute and the winner from halfway in the 94th minute.

During the last month of the season, the Seagulls once again turned on the style and ended the season with 6 unbeaten games from 7, with Scott Wilson and Dayle Grubb netting in a 2–0 win over Maidstone to spark manic celebrations from the home fans at The Woodspring knowing that the Seagulls had avoided relegation.

With the season ending in a party atmosphere in Havant on 30 April, with fan favourite Scott Wilson sliding home at the far post to ultimately send Havant down and keep Margate down.

The club revealed a new crest after the end of the 2015–16 season.[17] Manager Ryan Northmore was sacked by the club on 18 September 2016 after a run of seven league losses and an FA Cup exit to North Leigh[18] Northmore was replaced by former Weston-super-Mare player and Forest Green Rovers caretaker manager Scott Bartlett on 3 October 2016.[19] Bartlett left the club at the end of the 2016–17 season after having led the Seagulls to 15th in the National League South.[20] Former player Marc McGregor was his replacement for the new season.[21]

McGregor's first season in charge saw the club finish in a credible 12th place[22] with McGregor being named Manager of the Month for November.[23] The 2018–19 season saw the club struggle for form, only picking up their first league win three months into the season[24] with their first home league win coming nearly three months later.[25] McGregor's time in charge came to an end in March 2019[26] with the club ultimately suffering the first relegation in their 137-year history finishing bottom of the National League South.[27] Scott Bartlett returned as the club's new manager ahead of the 2019–20 season.[28]

The club's first two seasons (2019–20 and 2020–21) back in the Southern Football League were abandoned prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[29][30] The 2021–22 season saw Weston finish the season in fifth place, qualifying for the end of season playoffs but the Seagulls lost their semi-final 2–1 against Hayes and Yeading United to confirm their continued participation in the Southern League.[31]

The 2022–23 season saw Weston immediately challenging at the top of the table, spending much of the season battling with Truro City for the top spot and, despite a late challenge from Bracknell Town, Weston were crowned champions following an emphatic 4–1 win against Hendon securing a return to the National League South after four years.[32]

A respectable 13th-place finish was the result of the Seagulls' first season back in the sixth tier. In January 2024, Bartlett signed a new long-term contract.[33]

Ground

[edit]
Woodspring stadium

Weston-super-Mare A.F.C. play their home games at the Woodspring Stadium, currently known as the Optima Stadium for sponsorship reasons, on Winterstoke Road, where the club moved to in August 2004. They previously played at Woodspring Park a short distance away. The move marked the third time in the past 40 years that Weston-super-Mare has changed venues. The ground's capacity is 3,500 of which 2,000 are covered and 350 are seated.[34]

Woodspring Park had been built almost entirely by supporters and boasted a clubhouse costing £100,000.[3] The Park had been the home of Weston-super-Mare since 1983 and had floodlights installed in 1986.[3] The ground nearly had a greyhound track around the pitch, an idea that chairman Paul Bliss shot down.[8] Weston-super-Mare sold this ground to a residential home builder when it became apparent the club would move the short distance to the Woodspring Stadium. The last home fixture was played in April 2004.[34]

The ground for what is now Woodspring Stadium was formerly a sporting complex owned by Westland Aircraft known as Westland Sports Ground. It was home to cricket and football in addition to social buildings. Difficult financial times forced Westland to reconsider its place in town and put the ground up for sale. The club purchased it for £270,000 in 2001.[34] The Stadium opened 14 August 2004, with its first match against Conference South opponents Hornchurch drawing 500 people to the game.

In April 2021, the club announced plans to redevelop the stadium to include 750 additional seats and new terracing plus new club facilities and hospitality areas. The redevelopment would also allow the club the ability to increase capacity at the ground to 5,000 with 2,000 seats. This would allow the ground to host EFL League Two matches should the club ever be promoted to that level.[35]

The record attendance for this ground was 2,949 in a match in the FA Cup against Doncaster Rovers on 18 November 2014.

Current squad

[edit]

Updated 17 October 2024

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— GK Wales WAL Kelland Absalom
— GK England ENG Max Harris (on loan from Cheltenham Town)
— DF England ENG Sam Avery
— DF England ENG Jordan Bastin
— DF England ENG Billy Kirkman (on loan from Swindon Town)
— DF Wales WAL Emlyn Lewis (captain)
— DF England ENG Jason Pope
— DF England ENG Keiran Thomas
— MF England ENG Jacob Cane
— MF England ENG Ollie Chamberlain
No. Pos. Nation Player
— MF England ENG Luke Coulson (vice-captain)
— MF England ENG James Dodd
— MF England ENG Dylan Kadji
— MF Wales WAL James Waite
— FW England ENG Brandon Bak (on loan from Bristol City)
— FW England ENG Nick McCootie
— FW Wales WAL Sam Pearson
— FW England ENG Reuben Reid
— FW England ENG Marley Rose (on loan from Bristol City)
— FW England ENG Jamie Soule

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— DF Wales WAL Morgan Lewis (on loan at Taunton Town)
— MF England ENG Oli Jenkins (on loan at Tiverton Town)
— MF England ENG Bailey Kempster (on loan at Tiverton Town)
— FW England ENG Ryan Crawford (dual registration with Tiverton Town)

Non-playing staff

[edit]

Board members

[edit]
Updated 23 July 2023.[36]
Position Name
Chairman Paul Bliss
President Dennis Usher
Managing director Oli Bliss
Director Lach Geddes
Alex Crowther
Ed Bliss
Academy Director Simon Panes

First team staff

[edit]
Updated 25 January 2023.[37]
Position Name
Manager Scott Bartlett
Assistant manager Scott Rogers
Goalkeeper Coach Steve Laker
Opposition Analyst Richard Joyce
Sport Therapist Taylor Cornish
Kitman Gordon Mackay
Head Groundsman Sam Trego
Grounds Advisor Bob Flaskett

Records

[edit]
  • Highest League Position:[5] 7th in Conference South 2012–13
  • FA Cup best performance:[5] Second round 2003–04
  • FA Trophy best performance:[5] Fourth round 1998–99, 2003–04, 2023–24
  • Highest Attendance:[3] 2,949 vs Doncaster Rovers – 2014–15 (F.A. Cup)

Former players

[edit]
  1. Players that have played/managed at least 40 games in the football league or any foreign equivalent to this level (i.e. fully professional league).
  2. Players with full international caps.
  3. Players that have played/managed in another professional sport.

For those players that also played for the club but did not meet the criteria above:

See also: Category:Weston-super-Mare A.F.C. players

Former coaches

[edit]
  1. Managers/Coaches that have played/managed in the football league or any foreign equivalent to this level (i.e. fully professional league).
  2. Managers/Coaches with full international caps.

Honours

[edit]

League

Cup

  • Somerset Premier Cup[15][16][38]
    • Winners: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2017–18, 2018–19
    • Runners-up: 1990–91, 2016–17
  • Clevedon and District Charity Cup
    • Winners: 1922–23
  • Western Senior Cup[3]
    • Winners: 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1977–78
  • Western League Challenge Cup[39]
  • Western Merit Cup[3]
    • Winners: 1976–77, 1977–78
  • Western League Subsidiary Cup
    • Runners-up: 1959–60
  • Somerset Senior Cup[40]
    • Winners: 1926–27
  • Bristol Charity Cup[3]
    • Winners: 1922–23
  • Weston Charity Cup[3]
    • Winners: 1910–11
  • Clevedon Charity Cup
    • Runners-up: 1926–27

References

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  1. ^ "Weston-super-Mare FC 2012/13 Blue Square Bet South fixtures released". This is Somerset. 2 July 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  2. ^ Lewis, Tim (7 April 2019). "Mare of a season: Weston need miracle to avoid first-ever relegation". theguardian.com. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "History | Weston-super-Mare Football Club". Weston-s-mareafc.co.uk. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  4. ^ "Western League 1892–1914". Nonleaguematters.net. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Weston-super-Mare at the Football Club History Database
  6. ^ a b "Western League 1945–1965". Nonleaguematters.net. 5 June 1947. Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  7. ^ "Western League 1965–1985". Nonleaguematters.net. Archived from the original on 14 November 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  8. ^ a b Whitney, Steve (12 July 2016). "30 Years of Paul Bliss And Weston AFC". National League. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  9. ^ Gammie, Walter (13 October 2003). "Weston miss chance to make converts". The Times. London. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Southern League 2001–2011". Nonleaguematters.net. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  11. ^ "Website created using 350pages at www.350.com". Nonleaguematters.net. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  12. ^ "NonLeagueDaily.com". NonLeagueDaily.com. Archived from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  13. ^ "Cambridge City fail in FA appeal". BBC Sport Online. 28 May 2008. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  14. ^ "Salisbury City lose their appeal against demotion". BBC News. 10 June 2010. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  15. ^ a b "Weston-super-Mare beat Yeovil Town to lift Somerset Cup". This is Bath. 4 May 2011. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  16. ^ a b "Weston-super-Mare AFC defeat Clevedon Town to retain the Somerset Premier Cup – 09 May 2012 – Guide2Weston Super Mare News". Guide2westonsupermare.com. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  17. ^ "New crest revealed". Weston-super-Mare AFC. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  18. ^ "Northmore leaves the club". Weston-super-Mare AFC. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  19. ^ "Weston-super-Mare appoint Forest Green Academy boss Scott Bartlett as new manager". Stroud News & Journal. 3 October 2016.
  20. ^ Robins, Sheridan (14 June 2017). "Scott Bartlett leaves Weston-super-Mare after 7 months in charge with a 'heavy heart'". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  21. ^ Robins, Sheridan (16 June 2017). "Weston-super-Mare appoint Marc McGregor as new manager". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  22. ^ Frost, Sam (3 May 2018). "Seagulls show 'great character' to end season with win". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  23. ^ Angear, Simon (1 December 2017). "Weston boss nets Manager Of The Month award". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  24. ^ Frost, Sam (9 November 2018). "At last... Seagulls finally secure first league win". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  25. ^ Frost, Sam (29 January 2019). "At last... Weston win at home as quickfire brace guns down Rebels". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  26. ^ "Weston-super-Mare part company with Marc McGregor". The Non-League Paper. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  27. ^ Frost, Sam (20 April 2019). "BREAKING: Weston relegated from National League South". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  28. ^ Frost, Sam (24 May 2019). "Scott Bartlett appointed Weston manager". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  29. ^ "Coronavirus: All football below National League to end". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  30. ^ "FA Update On Steps 3-6". 24 February 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  31. ^ Thomas, Joshua (26 April 2022). "Weston AFC knocked out of Southern Premier South play-offs after defeat at Hayes & Yeading United". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  32. ^ Thomas, Joshua (18 April 2023). "Weston AFC secure National League South promotion after Jackson treble". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  33. ^ "BARTLETT SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION". Weston-super-Mare AFC. 22 January 2024.
  34. ^ a b c [Groundtastic – The Football Grounds Magazine. GT40 – Spring 2005. Published 1 March 2005. Pages 34–37.]
  35. ^ "MAJOR OPTIMA STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT PLANS ANNOUNCED". Weston-super-Mare AFC. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  36. ^ "Board members". westonsmareafc.co.uk. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  37. ^ "First team – Staff". westonsmareafc.co.uk. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  38. ^ "Football Club History Database – Somerset County Cups Summary". Fchd.info. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  39. ^ "Award Winners". Toolstation Western League. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  40. ^ "Senior Cup". SomersetFA. 19 April 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
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