The new football season is not too far away and Ottery St Mary FC will return for pre-season training from 7pm on Thursday, June 27 at Washbrook Meadows.

After a solid campaign in the Devon Football League, the Otters are looking to take the next step forward in the season ahead and new players are invited to come along for training.

The club operates a number of teams, male and female, with a thriving youth section. Full details and latest news can be found on the Ottery St Mary FC social media pages.

On the managerial front, joint manager Pat Curtis handed in his resignation at the end of last season to spend more time with his family but his parting statement highlights the growth made at Washbrook over the past two years.

He said: “We started the job with a very small committee, no first-team able to compete and I leave the job after two successful years of helping to rebuild this great club on and off the pitch, engaging the community back into the club and ensuring pathways are in place for the talented youth of Ottery St Mary AFC to progress through into first-team football.

“After years of working in football with a young family, to taking on the job at Ottery where it was a complete rebuild, with no break in between, has taken its toll.

“I need a break and to focus on my family who I am lucky enough, are patient in the fact football came first for a long period of time.

“I wish everyone at Ottery St Mary AFC all the very best, it’s a special club full of special people and it will be a success due to the groundwork that is now in place.

“Thank you to the Committee, Mark Isaacs, All the staff I have been lucky enough to build relationships with, the supporters who have supported us, the players for all their efforts and lastly Riki, thank you for giving me the opportunity to come in and work with you. I now step away from people I call friends.”