New Ashton & Backwell United manager Stuart Jones is looking forward to the new season.

This Saturday sees the start of the Toolstation Western League with Ashton & Backwell United visiting Wells City, who were relegated last season from the Premier Division.

The Stags appointed new manager Stuart Jones in May to take over form Paul Waring and Rich Ford. Stuart is a Former Weston goalkeeper was signed by Sheffield Wednesday and went to play League football for Torquay United, Crewe and Brighton and has just completed a successful nine years as a youth coach.

Jones told the Times: “I wanted to get back into the adult game and excited by the opportunity at Ashton & Backwell. Pre-season has been very encouraging, players attitude has been excellent, training three times a week, including a tough circuit session at Trojan Gym.

“I am optimistic about the forthcoming season, we have kept virtually all of last season’s squad and added four attacking options as it was clear the side struggled for goals last season, yet had the fifth best defensive record.”

Chairman Mike Thomas added that Stuart was easily the best candidate and we agreed to meet again after our holidays. While on the beach, I wanted the deal done, so I rang him from Sardinia while he was in Egypt and I was delighted when Stuart was as enthusiastic as I was.

Last season was disappointing and I am sure we can get back into the top eight of a competitive division and see if we can push on from there. I want to thank Paul and Richard for all their hard work last season, it was challenging one for them and they know they are welcome to the club at any time.