Jewson/Hellenic In-form Seasiders moving on after last season's play-off heartbreak

LEVEDON Town's reinvigorated chairman Paul Davis insists the despair and despondency of last season’s playoff pain has made way for renewed hope and anticipation at Hand Stadium.

- Simon PARKINSON

The Seasiders have shaken off their 2024-25 promotion agony by winning their first two games of the new Jewson Premier Division campaign with 2-0 and 1-0 away and home victories over Brislington and Sidmouth Town respectively.

Clevedon had been floored by May 3rd’s last-gasp 2-1 playoff final defeat by visiting Brixham, dramatic circumstances which led to the swift resignation of manager Alex White.

A mere 12 days on and an upturn in mood began, with Jamie Smith and Nic Steadman sweeping in as co-managers from North Somerset rivals Nailsea & Tickenham along with their trusty coaches Rich Lucas and Mark Jenkins.

Clevedon, who overcame visiting Kidlington 2-0 in Wednesday's FA Cup extra preliminary round replay, now have two more straight home games back in league activity, with Ivybridge Town first up tomorrow followed by Bridgwater United's visit on Wednesday night (7.30pm) to the newly named MoneyMates Hand Stadium thanks to backing by the local financial company.

It’s all a far cry from that May day when all with the Seasiders’ welfare at heart descended on their HQ with hopes high of a return to the Southern League for the first time in ten years, only to be stunned by that 90th-minute James Moxon promotion clincher for Brixham.

Long-serving club historian and chairman for the past three years, Davis, admitted: “It was desperately disappointing, to lose out toa last-minute, wind-assisted, deflected goal.

“We had a long chat with Alex immediately after the game when it appeared he'd be willing to stay on.

“Instead, he called me the next day to tender his resignation. He simply said he needed a break from football; and although it surprised and saddened me, I respected his feelings.

“Our other three coaches walked away with him, and I knew then we needed to act quickly to get replacements in.