Ian Pethick

Paul Wotton should leave Truro with his head held high and the very best wishes of the supporters (even if it does give Truro a big headache now). The 5 seasons he has spent at the club is a long time at this sort of level, and it's a considerably longer than any of his predecessors managed in the modern "Kevin Heaney and post Heaney" era. When you consider that he has had to manage a club that has been homeless for the last 3 seasons, the season before that being ended by COVID when they looked in a very strong position for promotion and the scant resources at his disposal compared to other clubs in the NLS .He has done an incredible job. Attention will now turn to the next boss through the door, a crucial appointment as a strong start to the season is essential in getting crowds into the new ground at Langarth. There is also bound to be speculation about Wotton taking players with him, James Hamon is the immediate name that springs to mind.

Seems to me that the CCFA needs to revisit this, the landscape of Cornish football has shifted considerably over the last few seasons (and continues to do so). Would be a good question to put to the new chief executive in any future interview with the CS Podcast.

Any sign of white smoke rising above Bolitho Park? Coming up for 2 weeks since the deadline for applications, and would think there is a need to get the new manager in place soon. No sign of a retained or released list yet, and pre season is probably only about 6 weeks away.

Are there any attendance figures available?

Sounded like quite the season finale down at Wendron yesterday. Would playing it at this time every season (after all the respective league issues have been settled) restore the Senior Cup Final's status as the biggest occasion in Cornish football? Getting it well away from the usually congested month of April may also provide a way back in for the Southern, and even National, League clubs.

Believe that Torquay's owners are hoping to announce their new manager as early as Tuesday. The rumour mill is definitely in over drive regarding who it will be (know how social media goes into a feeding frenzy at times like these).

Know that a lot can (and probably will) change regarding players and squads, but out of St Austell and Ivybridge, what are people's thoughts on who will be higher in the final Western League Prem table of 2024/25? I'm going to say Ivybridge.

Wasn't there a "Wotton to Torquay" rumour knocking around a couple of years ago? If there is anything in this story, then surely ex Truro legend Jake Ash would be a contender to replace him.

Looks like the quality of the Southern Prem South will go up another notch or two next season. Wimborne and Frome look like they will be strong, with very ambitious Chertsey (Isthmian South Central champs who only lost 1 league game all season) also projected to be joining them. Add in relegated Gloucester City and Taunton Town, and it will be a tough division.

From Truro City website; "Since vacating Treyew Road in January 2021, the club have led a nomadic existence and despite not having a permanent home venue, have secured promotion to National League South and survival at Step Two of the National League System. Construction work on the club’s new facility is nearly complete, in preparation for Truro’s return to the Duchy for the 2024-25 season. The seated ‘North Stand’ structure has been completed with all seats, clad in the club’s traditional colours of red and black, have been installed. Standing facilities behind the eastern goal (covered) are now in place, along with perimeter fences for the playing area, hard standing all around the pitch and mens, ladies and disabled toilets sited. The floodlights are now installed on four corners of the pitch and are fully operational, having passed all required tests. Works on the playing surface will be completed this coming week, with the first grass cut within the next month despite Cornwall recording one of its wettest winter and early spring periods since records began. The club will provide supporters with updates on the finishing touches of the new facility throughout the off-season, as we close in on the finishing line for the club’s journey back to the Duchy. We thank each and every supporter for their patience and unwavering support for Truro City over the past three years."

You may well be better connected than me, but I was told that Matt Cusack is not amongst the applicants for the Parkway job (over 30 of them according to the piece in the Herald last week) . Going to be a very interesting summer of transfer rumours amongst the West Cornwall Southern League contingent. In my opinion, no such thing as consolidation at this level. If you aren't continually strengthening, you're going backwards. As I've said before, once you get to step 4 level the backroom jobs start to move beyond that of being part time/volunteering roles. Pretty sure that both AFC Totton and Salisbury had full time chief execs in the Southern Prem last season.

Heard that a hen night was complaining that their booked "performer" hadn't turned up. 😁

The 22 team, 42 game, Southern Div 1 season worries me. Can see serious issues for teams trying to fit these extra games in (especially if this past winter is the new normal).

Huge achievement for Mousehole to get to the play offs, but interesting to see where they go from here. There is of course now both Helston and Falmouth joining them in this league, and competing for players in the same talent pool. The sides that have gone up, Wimborne and Frome, both attract average gates of over 500 and have the support and backing to compete strongly in the Southern Prem.

Well done to all at Falmouth. Big West Cornwall feel to the Southern League South next season, will be fascinating to watch.

Great feature on the CS Podcast this week about Langarth, with Rappo visiting the site and interviewing Truro's operations director, Rob Butland. Starting to think that this is going to be ready for August.

Seen Ed Palmer play for various clubs over the years, so was amazed to see the latest slimmed down version and the almost Beckenbauer like style of play this season

I agree Gary, having these teams (and hopefully Falmouth) not competing in the Senior Cup does seriously compromise and devalue the competition. What I would say though is, where would the fixtures fit in? The Southern League Div 1 is going to be a 22 team, 42 game, league next season, I can foresee serious problems getting these games played as it is. Also, it would pretty much mean the end of the Easter Monday showpiece final as the SL routinely schedules fixtures for this day.

I do get quite nostalgic for the no shin pads, socks down, look. Had to be a hell of a player though.

Might be an idea for the club to knock the glossy videos showcasing the new signings on the head. Out of the 6 grand "unveilings" only 1 saw the season out, 1 never even started it and the others had gone by Christmas.

Biggest game in the club's history? More important than the FA Cup 1st Round and FA Vase 1/4 Final matches in my opinion.

Interesting interview with Lee Hobbs in the Evening Herald. This comment caught my attention; "With Truro out of the building and set to return home for next season, investment in the playing surface and the White Tigers’ temporary stay leading to a modified stadium suitable for Step Two football, then it does beggar the question why Hobbs wants to leave now. “Because my own personal ambition outweighs that of the football club,” Hobbs says adamantly. “Obviously the football club’s remit each year will probably likely be to stay in the league and I want a little bit more." This would suggest that whoever the next manager is at Parkway, they will have to work within a tighter budget.

Yep, gullible plonker.

Looks like Max Gilbert has departed Liskeard. Come and get me plea to a Southern League club?

Kept the core of the squad together, but interesting to see that negotiations are ongoing with James Hamon regarding a new contract. As a keeper who had an outstanding season in the NLS last time around, would think that he'll be in demand.