Football: Wilson named new Winterbourne manager (From Gazette Series)

Dave Wilson replaces Chris Marsh as Winterbourne United boss

9:24am Thursday 5th January 2012 in Yate and Sodbury Sport By Rob Iles

DAVE WILSON has been handed the Winterbourne United manager’s job until the end of the season at least.

Chris Marsh departed the Hellenic Division One West club just before the congested festive fixture list after finding it difficult to commit to the job, and after starting with a defeat at Lydney, Wilson has led Winterbourne to two wins on the bounce over Headington Amateurs and Purton.

Wilson played for Winterbourne and managed the reserve side before enjoying a successful spell in charge of South Glos Old Boys.

He returned to the club at the start of the season as a first team coach, initially under Nick Tanner, who resigned following a poor start to the season before Marsh transformed their fortunes.

Winterbourne chairman Robyn Maggs said: “Chris was unable to put the commitment in.”

“He started off really well, but home commitments didn’t give him enough time to dedicate to football.

“Dave has got good players at his disposal and we’re well placed to have a push for the top five.”

Jack Pitcher has certainly given the side a boost since his return to the club where he started his career.

The former Almondsbury Town and Mangotsfield United striker left Southern League side Chippenham last month and scored on his second Winterbourne debut in the defeat against Lydney and he followed that up with another strike in the 4-2 win at Headington on Saturday.

Liam Morbey scored two goals early on for Headington before a reply from Geraint Williams. The second half saw Winterbourne add three further goals through Pitcher, Greg Stutt and an own goal.

Winterbourne came from behind once again to beat Purton 2-1 on Monday at Oaklands Park.

After trailing to a tenth minute goal, Sam Vile equalised on the stroke of half-time and Ben Dowdell hit the winner ten minutes from time.