WELLINGTON Football Club were dealt a double blow this week with Alex Pope turning down the offer of first team manager and Nick Buttle and Adam Watson quitting running the reserve side.

Pope was the first to disclose on Tuesday that he was leaving the club and this was followed only 24 hours later by the announcement by Buttle and his assistant Watson that they would be stepping down.

Pope said: "I was offered the job when Tim (Legg) informed the club he was leaving but declined but I was asked to reconsider. I met the chairman (Mike Hall) on Tuesday and told him I would not be changing my mind.

"I wanted to take the club forward but I felt I had done all I could with Wellington. I did not want to be in the same position in the league next season as we are now.

"I'm ambitious and want to manage at a higher level. I am taking some time out to focus on getting to know the Southern League better.

"I want to put myself in a position to possibly move to one of these clubs.

Pope, who has been with Wellington for four seasons, added: "I have had a great time with Wellington and have appreciated all the support I have had - from the club, players and supporters."

Buttle said yesterday (Wed): "Adam and I have informed club chairman Mike Hall that we are, with immediate effect, stepping down from our roles. to have some some time out to reflect and consider our next steps going forward for the future.

"We feel we leave the reserve team in a solid position after completing a challenging season, both on and off the field. We recruited players to strengthen the squad and achieved third place in Division One of the Devon & Exeter League, with promotion a possibility.

"We both wish Wellington AFC all the best for the future.”

*Wellington chairman Mike Hall will be interviewing a ‘prospective candidate’ for the first team job tomorrow (Fri).