Weirside Rangers are a local football club who play in the Southern Amateur League.

Based right here in Teddington they are a pillar of the local community.

So here is the latest address from Chairman Les Temple:

I thought I'd drop you a long overdue note with news on the coming season. First off though I hope you, you're loved ones and friends have managed to come through the very strange situation we find ourselves in. And that your fit, healthy and chomping to pull on the orange Jersey.

Turning back to footy after this hiatus.

We're digesting the new normal for Saturday footy in the SAL and vets footy and we'll share news about the coming season as soon as we can. It's fair to say that a few things will be different this season. But we've managed to secure a £500 grant from the FA to help implement the new Covid-19 guidelines for match day etc. to herald the start of the new season.

There will be issues around changing on match-day and of course there will be no match-day hospitality for the time being. More to follow on this.

The SAL have said we will start on 5 September for Saturday footy...but again that seems optimistic given that some grounds, including our own haven't formally opened yet.

Which brings me on to the first bit of news... that Dan Gunn will be taking over as first team manager this year.

Luke Allen put in a big shift and did a fine job last year often with limited resources. Thanks Luke for all your efforts and your commitment to the boys in orange. We put in some great displays last year despite losing some key players to long term injuries. Take a boo Luke and hope to see you on the park or down at the club soon.

I'm really pleased that Gunny has stepped up to the plate. He's shown an appetite and commitment to the club over the past few seasons and fully deserves his opportunity to manage the 1s. Starting with a friendly this Saturday at Imber Court ko 1.30pm.

I'm sure the players will enjoy playing under Dan. I've seen several of you develop as players and as club men over the past few seasons and nothing pleases me more than seeing you boys wearing the famous orange shirt with pride.

Tom Rutz has some good ideas about moving the 2s on this year too and what with new kittage and us continuing to establish ourselves back at our home ground at Teddington Lock there is room for optimism.

Sadly elsewhere we had the terrible news of Dermot and Yvonne's traffic accident back in April. The good news is that both have made great progress with Dermot recovering well from a broken leg and Yvonne making great strides in rehab. Lots of orange love coming your way.

Training has not been easy at restart. Player availability, venues not ready or booked out etc. Dan Gunn and Tom Rutz have been pulling out all the stops and I understand 15 players attended the last session. That's great but we still want more. Look out for news from Gunny and/or Tom.

In other news Willy Woodhouse has followed his old chap back up north before the rash becomes permanent. We wish Will all the best in his return to the Toon and hope to sink a couple with him when next in the smoke.

Few people have packed as much in as Will has in his Weirside career. Thanks to his massive input in managing and organising events and teams. His commitment will be remembered for a long time. Always welcome back Will...especially on tour...can you just make sure that you bring my wallet and that bag of cement with you!

Find out more about Weirside Rangers HERE