Tavistock AFC announce experienced Devon coach as new first team manager

Tavistock A.F.C. have announced the appointment of experienced Devon coach Steve Tully as their new First Team Manager.

In a statement released on the club’s official X account at 12pm, the Lambs said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Steve Tully to Tavistock AFC as our new First Team Manager.

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Steve joins us with a wealth of experience across the footballing spectrum and goes straight into our match tomorrow with Didcot Town.”

Tully arrives at Langsford Park with a strong playing and coaching pedigree spanning more than two decades.

Speaking to The Moorlander, Steve Tully shared his excitement in taking on the role: 

“It’s a great opportunity… the club’s league position currently is a tough ask but it’s a really good challenge and after speaking to the chairman in the last 48 hours I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Tavistock AFC has certainly got the chance to grow, which I think is the biggest thing, and get better, both on and off the pitch, it's a real project that the chairman sold to me, and for me one that can only get better,” he added.

“The chairman has given me a 5-year project of where he wants the club to be, but that will of course take time, at the moment we’re just taking one game at a time, and we’ve got 16 cup finals to come.”

Born and bred in Torquay, the 45-year-old began his professional career with Torquay United, making over 100 league appearances for the Gulls after turning professional in 1997. 

He later enjoyed successful spells with Weymouth and Exeter City, where he became a fans’ favourite across two stints and played a key role in the Grecians’ promotion push in the late 2000s.

Tully transitioned into management during his time with Truro City, serving as player-manager and guiding the Cornish side to promotion to the National League South, alongside a fourth-place finish during his tenure.

Since then, he has built a strong reputation in player development, working within the academy set-up at Plymouth Argyle before taking on a lead role in the youth structure at Bristol Rovers. 

Most recently, he managed Poole Town, saving them from relegation in 2024 before departing in January of the following year.

Tully now takes charge at a pivotal stage of the campaign, with 16 out of 42 games still to play, and will be in the dugout immediately, beginning with tomorrow’s fixture against Didcot Town.

Supporters will be eager to see the impact of the new manager as Tavistock look to build some momentum under fresh leadership.