Clyst Rovers 1990

Back in about 1990 I was playing 5-a-side in Exeter every week with a group of guys from various backgrounds and mixed footballing abilities. One of the group had extensive Western / SW League experience and was involved with Clyst Rovers at the time.

A few days before the start of the new season the manager walked out taking all the players with him! My mate was left holding the reigns with his father and with no time avaialble to assemble a decent squad he called in favours from other mates and roped most of us 5-a-siders in to the team to make up numbers.

I would be the first to admit that my footy skills were somewhat limited but I ended up involved in the first half dozen or so games of that Jewson SW League season including trips to Holsworthy (enjoyed Barton's report on his visit too), Bodmin and the long trek to Porthleven. Only played one game at Waterslade Park against Truro and haven't been back since but the from Joe's pictures it hasn't changed much in nearly 20 years!

We didn't win any games while I was involved and I don't think we even scored. I remember we lost 12-0 at St Austell before new blood eventually arrived and the club moved on.