Rovers Under-16 player Sam Jones, the 16-year-old son of Clive, today (Good Friday), made his Toolstation League debut for Wellington coming on for the final 12 minutes in the game at home to Barnstaple Town in front of a three-figure crowd.
Dad Clive, who manages the Rovers Under-16 team and now helping out at the Somerset club, was at the match which marked a first ever senior football appearance for his 16-year-old son Sam. Thirty-five years before on the same ground, Clive, then a 15-year-old, made his senior debut for the Bootmen, in their meeting with Frome Town.
Clive says: “My Mum and Dad (Bungy and Joyce), were not keen football followers in my early days and did not start taking a real interest until I was in my early 20s since when they rarely missed a game. They were here for the Barum game and it was indeed a special moment for us Jones’ when Sam took to the pitch.”
Jones junior was summoned from the bench with 12 minutes remaining and took a midfield berth. The Bootmen shook Barum by taking an 88th minute lead only for the North Devon side to level before the whistle.
Jones senior said: “Sam was in good company, we only had two lads over 22 playing against a quality Barum side and they are going to go on and be deserved champions. For Wellington, given the youth in the team, the future looks bright, very bright.”
