The season ended in a tough way. We lost the playoff final on penalties, 5–4. Our goalkeeper stepped up and saved 2 and kept us in it. Every one of our penalties hit the target. In sudden death, the Cherries keeper made his third save of the shootout, and that was the difference. The game finished 2–2 after 90 minutes. It is a hard way to lose, and a hard way for a season to end. But all fans of English football know penalties are written in the stars.

Looking across the club, there is still a lot to take from the year.

The first team reached the playoff final. The reserves finished second in the league. The ladies and A team both achieved solid mid table finishes. We also have the County Cup final to come this Wednesday at Paulton Rovers FC, kick off 19:30, and it would be good to see strong support there.

Across the youth section, a number of teams are in cup finals, county finals, or have won their leagues. That is a strong position for the club going forward.

At the start of the season, the targets were clear. Mid table for the ladies and A team, playoffs for the first team, and a County Cup final for the reserves. When you look at that, it is largely job done. We fell short in the final moment, but the overall direction is right.

There are lessons as well. Management changes earlier in the season would likely have made a difference. That sits with me. We move on from it.

Looking ahead to 2026/27, the focus shifts. There are 3 major off field investment projects planned, and the priority now is building the right foundations for the club long term. That takes pressure away from results and puts it where it needs to be, on structure, facilities, and stability for the next phase of Wells City FC.

For now, we still have one more game. Wednesday night at Paulton, 19:30. Good luck to Ryan and the team. Hopefully we can finish with silverware.

Good luck as well to all youth teams involved in finals over the coming weeks.

After that, it is time for a break. The football phone goes off until July.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the club this season.

Enjoy your summer.