Warden looking to guide Rovers youngsters

Tuffley Rovers U18s head into the 2024/25 competitive season, which starts with a trip to Radstock Town in the FA Youth Cup on Thursday evening, under the stewardship of a new Head Coach, following the appointment of a former first team coach, Ritchie Warden, during the close season.

Warden takes on the reins for the new season after last season’s coaches Adrian Viner and Jim Hart stepped away at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, and he is pleased to be back at a club where he was part of the coaching set-up for several seasons, first as Assistant Manager to Rich Cox and then continuing the same first team role under Neil Mustoe.

“I’m delighted to be appointed Under 18s manager for this season”, Warden confirmed. “After a season away, it’s great to be back in a different capacity and hopefully I can help develop players and support the transition from youth to adult football.”

Warden will be assisted by the remaining member of last season’s coaching team, Matt Clow, but has also brought in Paul Smith to provide extra support. He is clearly enthusiastic about the team assembled.

“I’m really pleased that Matt Clow will be my assistant. He has a great rapport with the players and hopefully I can support him in his coaching journey this season, whilst Paul is someone who can offer great knowledge and experience to the young players, as well as having had an association to Tuffley Rovers for many years.”

Rovers’ Head of Football Development, Ken Blackburn, confirmed the club were delighted to have secured Warden’s services for the season ahead.

“Ritchie is a great appointment for Tuffley Rovers”, said Blackburn. “He knows the club, but also has impressive coaching experience and I am confident he’s the right person to lead our U18s. I am personally delighted that he’s committed to us for the season ahead. Having Matt and Paul alongside him makes for a great team off the pitch.”

Rovers had been due to start their competitive season at Radstock last Thursday, but the game was postponed following torrential rainfall leading to a waterlogged pitch. They’ll be hoping that there is no repeat of the poor weather and their first season under Warden can start with a win.