THE third post-Martyn Rogers era begins for Tiverton Town on Saturday when Surrey side Walton & Hersham visit the Ian Moorcroft Stadium.
Richard Pears takes charge of the team for his third successive match, having recently stepped up for two games in a week against Swindon Supermarine while his predecessor was fulfilling a longstanding holiday commitment.
This time, he is Interim Team Manager, with the Yellows having opted to make a permanent management change following Saturday’s FA Trophy defeat in Wiltshire that followed a Pitching In Southern League Premier South point from a 1-1 home draw seven days previously. That point left Tivvy perched precariously one place above the relegation zone.
Walton & Hersham swan into town at the other end of the table, in fourth place, with only Salisbury having got the better of them this season, and that through a slender 1-0 victory.
Bearing out these credentials, by drawing with leaders Gosport and third-placed Chesham, visiting manager Scott Harris’s team have consistently impressed, continuing that form into last Saturday’s FA Trophy 3-1 win against Canvey Island and Tuesday’s 4-1 victory in which Hungerford were their victims. The goals of John Gilbert - all seven of them - cannot be underestimated. Gilbert is listed as an attacking midfielder and the Yellows will have to be wary of his threat when moving into advanced positions.
From Tiverton’s perspective, it is unrealistic to expect a quick fix for a faltering start to the season, but pride in performance and players playing to their full potential could just upset the form book.
Everybody associated with Tiverton Town needs no reminder of how things are going on the field at the moment and one feels that the Yellow and Black Army’s united support will be key to harvesting better results.
Best wishes obviously Martyn and a huge thank you for all he’s done for Tiverton Town FC. A new era, best of luck to Richard, here’s to a successful start 👍