Jee Stands Down at Willand Rovers

Pitching In Southern League Division One South club Willand Rovers have announced that Russell Jee is standing down as manager.

Jee has been a big part of the club for the past twenty years.

Firstly, he was a talented player with a dream of a left peg who graced the Silver Street turf for many years after spells with Exeter City, Tiverton Town and Bideford AFC.

He became assistant manager in 2013 and later was instrumental in the club reaching the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup in 2014.

He took over as manager some five years ago and in his second season, led the side to the quarter finals of the FA Vase and the Toolstation Western League Premier Division championship, finishing top after an exciting three-way final game drama with Plymouth Parkway and Bitton.

Willand Rovers have now successfully completed their first full season in the Southern League after two part-completed seasons due to Covid.

The club have thanked Jee for guiding the team through these difficult years and he is etched in Willand folklore, and without his enormous contribution, the club would not be where it is today.

The statement from the club continues: “There are simply not enough words of thanks and gratitude we can say to reflect the enormous respect the club has for this man and his family.

“With a young family and busy work schedule, Russ was unable to commit full-time to the managing of the side for next season and has made the difficult decision to stand down.

“We are pleased to announce that David Steele will a step up from assistant manager to take over the mantle and be our new manager for 2022/23.

“Dave has clear ambitions to lead the club to further successes in the forthcoming years”.

Willand Rovers Web Site