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Bristol Manor Farm Football Club has announced today that Player/Coach Stuart Tovey has departed for Western League Premier Division side Bitton AFC.
Tovey, referred to as ‘Stowey’ over the years by the Farmy Army, was Manager Lee Lashenko’s first signing when the club was promoted to the Southern League in the 2017/18 season.
Stowey has been an integral part of the club’s recent history playing in high-profile matches, including our 2-2 draw away to Slough Town as well as scoring against Kidlington – both in the FA Cup.
Alongside Assistant Grantley Dicks, Stowey helped steer the Farm’s ship last season in Manager Lee Lashenko’s short term absence. The pair controlled the Farm’s dugout, only losing the once to Bideford out of 8 matches. Most notably, the pairs’ biggest victory came against eventual champions Plymouth Parkway at Bolitho Park where they ended the home side’s unbeaten run that spanned 772 days.
“Stowey has been a fantastic player, coach and person to have at the football club over the years”, Lashenko said.
“The club has greatly benefited from having him around the place, but we accept that he wants to pursue first team football opportunities – and we wish him well at a good club in Bitton.
“However, I think it’s important to stress that the door is always open if Stowey wants to return to Manor Farm in the future”, Lashenko expressed.
Bristol Manor Farm Football Club would like to thank Stuart Tovey for his efforts over the years here on the Portway, and wishes him well in his new venture at Bitton.
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