Terras Times The newsletter of Weymouth FC Supporters Association.
May 2021
2018/2019 Southern League Champions 2019/2020 National League South play off winners. I am writing this update with one match of the season to go (of course by the time you read this with publishing times etc. it could be all over), and I have to say there is an element of relief in me that we have made it through the whole campaign. For that massive credit has to go to the players and management but also to the numerous volunteers behind the scenes at the Bob Lucas Stadium. Even in the period where there were no fans allowed inside, there was still mountains of work to be done in terms of making sure everything about the matches was covid safe and secure. These people deserve massive credit and our thanks for ensuring WFC kept moving. We could have still been in Conf South or the Southern League with seasons getting nowhere close to their conclusions, and that might have been easier for all involved with the chance to mothball the club. But we weren’t and we didn’t take an easy way out. We fulfilled our season and should be held in high esteem for doing do. Of course you can’t please all of the people all of the time and there are still things that the club could be doing better and will be desperately trying to improve. Weymouth FC is doing its best to run smoothly in a professional sporting league whilst being amateur. That’s not easy and won’t ever be so. Its a message I repeat often, but the club needs our support more than ever. We must be united to achieve our goal of sustained National League football. Finally, this edition sees the end of our three month feature on your top 3 Terras goals. I would like to say thanks to everyone who has contributed through social media, the WFCSA email and the club forum.
James https://www.wfcsa.co.uk/
Terras Times The newsletter of Weymouth FC Supporters Association.
Chairman's Update Hello to you all once again to our latest supporters newsletter. I hope you have been enjoying the content and have seen how much it has grown in the past couple of seasons. The input from you, the supporters, makes it what it is so do please keep your input coming. It would be interesting to hear what you think about what I have written this month! Apologies to those who may have read most of it in my Barnet programme notes, but I really felt it worth giving it the widest audience possible. I have talked about club finances quite a bit in my recent programme articles. You may recall I mentioned the published accounts for the previous two seasons, out there for all to see, and I allied it to the fact Stockport County effectively spent our entire previous annual income on one player! Just about! Moving forward, I think it is vital that all supporters, no matter what your viewpoint is on our current status, understand that our football club is being run as a business and in a sustainable way. I have seen plenty of speculation about spending and budgets across social media and it can only be repeated, the club is being run by supporters who have successfully managed the club through two promotions without getting into debt. Yes, board members have moved on, but that changes nothing, the overriding principles remain the same, we continue to live within our means. The board are very aware of the need to increase our financial clout to aid our quest to remain in this league. But they are not going to print money, it is going to take time and supporters are going to need patience, it is as simple as that. One vital element of our current financial model, which I think it is really important to address and be open and honest about, is the managers position. In Brian Stock, in my opinion, we have a young manager who is starting out and keen to prove his worth in the trade and is showing great promise. He has worked tirelessly to improve our situation, working within the resources available to him. Be under no illusions, we are not going to get a manager with any experience at this level to come in and take us on! Not a chance when he sees what he has to work with financially! That is no slight on anyone, just acknowledgement that the National League is a monster, with clubs paying League One wages and more! So, in Brian, we are developing our own manager, who, like us all, is learning on the job, finding out what is needed to not so much compete in this league, but just keep our head above water! I firmly believe, that by sticking together, working together and taking the rough with the smooth, we can stabilise at this level , continue to grow in strength and push on. It will not be easy, no one doubts that, but we must have ambition and purpose to help keep us all focused. Who knows what we may be able to achieve together. Before I sign off for this month, I would just like to say a huge thank you to our newsletter editor, James Warrener, who is one of our many exiled fans, for keeping the newsletter going, for sticking at it and for helping to encourage it's growth. Thank you James! Until next time, continue to stay safe and look out for those around you who may need some help and support. Pete Nash Chairman ‘The Terras Supporters Club’
https://www.wfcsa.co.uk/
Terras Times The newsletter of Weymouth FC Supporters Association.
Membership Update Membership has remained steady overall and it’s pleasing to see that we now have 94 members on the 5 year deal. A number of members have renewals due in the next month or two and any current member wishing to change to the 5 year deal please let me know – it only costs £20. Annual one year membership remains at £5 and family membership £10 Congratulations to the May Prize Draw Winners Steve Wheller, Dorchester Antony McDonnell, Weymouth Stephen Pole, Weymouth Thanks - Ken Willis
COMING THIS SUMMER - There will be more news and views from personalities in and around the Bob Lucas Stadium. We will be running the summer quiz again and looking for more fan contributions to the newsletter. Your Top 3 Terras Goals - seen in the flesh… This feature has been a real labour of love. I have replayed the Darran Rowbotham strike against FGR at the car park end along with Martin Underhay at Tamworth, Matt Wright at home to Bedford and a whole host of other memories from my lengthy time following this club. What has also been key to the good memories and fond feelings for these goals has been the great people that have been there to celebrate them with me. Reaching out for people to contribute to this feature has really helped WFCSA understand that people have a real feeling for the nostalgia and heritage of the club. It's about understanding why we are where we are today. Thanks again and let’s dive in one last time… Steve Dadd is first up this month.
Apart from a few mentioned already. First game of the 20010/01 season away at fancied Kings Lynn. Long clearance from our half to Darren Rowbotham on the right wing close to the touch line back to goal.
https://www.wfcsa.co.uk/
Terras Times The newsletter of Weymouth FC Supporters Association.
Your Top 3 Terras Goals He controls ball on chest then flicks it over the attendant defender, he swivels around and volleys it into the path of Lawsey rushing in who hits it on the volley about 20 yards out. We lost 2-1 eventually, but that goal will always stick in my mind. On another thread we could start a games we should have won. FA Cup Heywood Swifts. That’s a great shout Daddsie!. Personally I am amazed you didn’t include the Steve Claridge equaliser away at Grantham Town in the 97th minute on a freezing cold afternoon where the stadium announcer managed to leave his mic open and swore before being taken off the air! We were huddled together for warmth! Brian Hudson remembers these three fondly.
Phil Stocker in about 1962 when he was playing centre forward. It was pouring with rain and the old Rec was a mudbath. The ball was swung in from the right and he came through the inside left position. A diving header, almost aquaplaning, and the ball went like bullet into the net at the Gasworks End from about 10 yards. I can still picture it now! Harry Baker at Salisbury was pretty good. Aaron Rodriguez against Cambridge City in March 2017 when my sons bought me match sponsorship for my 70th. A rocket from a long way out. Some great moments in that list ( I will have to take your word about 1962 though Brian!). The final word on this piece goes to Gav from the clubs forum.
I’d put forward another vote for Stephen Reed v St Albans. That was a ridiculous strike. Another few recent nominations would be: Brandon Goodship at Biggleswade - outrageous flick over his shoulder and volley past the keeper - 17-18 Season I think. Tommo at Farnborough 2018-19 season - receives long ball with back to goal and in a single movement turned and put one in the top corner from wide of the area. Adam Kelly at Braintree FA Cup replay - can’t remember the year - curler into top corner, very good goal against opposition two leagues above us at the time. Kelly always seemed to score decent goals at big moments in matches, those are really great choices, thanks very much Gav.
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