Starting point for Bideford’s new-look sidelines

The new management team at Bideford AFC had to settle for a point from the weekend trip to Westbury in the Southern League.

After falling behind midway through the first period, Bideford regrouped to deservedly level six minutes into the second half, Ryan Turner finishing neatly on the turn after good approach play from Will Tucker.

The Robins then grabbed the lead when a Tucker corner was forced over the line by Josh Webber, but Bideford’s victory celebrations were cut short by a last-minute leveller for the visitors.

The result leaves Bideford in mid-table, three points above the bottom two, as Club Director Adam Barker explained the changes behind the scenes.

He said: “Following the recent departure of Assistant Manager Richard Pears and long-time Physio/Kitman Tony Beal in the summer, Sean Joyce has assembled a new look management team to help him guide The Robins through the 2024/25 season.

“Sean himself has been at the helm for an incredible 26 years as Manager and has obviously overseen many changes in that time. In recent years he’s been assisted by the likes of Rob Dray, Craig Laird, Ben Gerring and Ben Wood, but his newest set-up is perhaps his most ‘local’ to date.

“New Assistant Managers Kevin Darch and Clem Bennellick, and Physio/Kitman Dave Griffiths are all North Devon based and all have a wealth of football experience, particularly in the local area.

“Kevin Darch has had a long association with Barnstaple Town over the years, where he was Manager during their time in the Southern League and also held the post of Vice-Chairman. He’s had management roles at Ilfracombe Town, Torrington, and Okehampton Argyle. As a player he represented Bideford during Joyce’s early years as Manager, as well as Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Taunton Town, Torrington, Elmore and Witheridge.

“Clem Bennellick was the Manager at Ilfracombe for 10 years and during his excellent tenure at Marlborough Park, he guided the Bluebirds from the North Devon League back to the Western League Premier Division where they have re-established themselves. Like Kevin, Clem has a great reputation in North Devon for the work he has done in football.

“Dave Griffiths joined us in the summer to replace Tony Beal in the role of Physio and Kitman, but Dave also brings great experience to the team having been Co-Manager at Barnstaple alongside Kevin. He has previously held the role of Director of Football here at Bideford, as well as Reserve Team Manager. He has had management roles at Elmore, Torrington, Witheridge and Merton. Dave has also spent 10 years as Physio for the Devon County FA Senior Representative side.

“I’m sure you’ll agree that the club is in very good hands with the team Sean has assembled and with your great support, we hope to continue to battle against the odds in the ever-increasing challenge of playing Southern League level football.”

This weekend, Bideford host Bishops Cleeve, the side that humbled Joyce’s former club as a player, Torquay United, and another big occasion at the Sports Ground.