OPPOSITION FOCUS | Weston-Super-Mare (H)
- Ollie Heathcote
- Nov 4
- 4 min read
The Key Info
Founded: 1887
Nickname: The Seagulls
Manager: Scott Rogers
Stadium: The Optima Stadium
Capacity: 3500
The History
Weston-Super-Mare AFC were founded in 1887, with a great amount of history attached to the club. Having had two spells within the Western Football League setup before the outbreak of the First World War, the club was disbanded due to the ongoing conflict. Between both wars, the Seagulls played their football in the Bristol and District Football League as well as the Somerset County League before disbanding for a second time upon the outbreak of World War Two.
After the Second World War, the club was reformed in 1948, rejoining the Western League Division Two before the league was narrowed to a single division in 1960. Success came in the 1991-92 season where the Seagulls earned promotion to the Southern League Midland Division. They continued in this league until the 2002/03 season when they were promoted to the Premier Division, where they then progressed to the Conference South. During their existence, the Seagulls have never been relegated despite reprieves on three occasions.
However, this record was tarnished after they suffered relegation from the National League South in the 2018/19 season. This year, they have started very well and look to be a threatening side to the National League South as they currently occupy 2nd place.
The Manager: Scott Rogers
After the departure of long-serving manager Scott Bartlett to National League side Eastleigh, Weston-Super-Mare announced that Scott Rogers would be their caretaker manager having previously been Bartlett’s assistant since 2023.
With a playing career that saw Rogers play for Forest Green Rovers, Bath City, Newport County and Weston-Super-Mare, Rogers took to management with a player-manager role at Willand Rovers before moving on to Tiverton Town. Since the start of his stint at the Seagulls, he has kept his team in a fantastic position in the table, whilst also picking up some good results along the way.
The Skipper: Emlyn Lewis
Leadership is an attribute that would be familiar to Emlyn Lewis. After representing Welsh side Cardiff Met, helping them to progress to the Europa League Qualifiers in 2019, Lewis has also captained the Wales C Team, growing his reputation within Welsh football. His no-nonsense approach combined with his leadership from the backline is one of many reasons as to why the Seagulls are in a good league position, looking to continue to work towards ending the season in the Playoffs.
Despite the move to Weston-Super-Mare being his first taste of English football in his career, Lewis has proved his defensive qualities, with the Seagulls only conceding 9 goals so far this season - tied with the Tudors as the lowest total in the division.
🟢 Won 2-1 AET vs Aldershot FA Cup 1/11/25
🟡Draw 0-0 vs Tonbridge Angels 25/10/25
🟢 Won 5-1 vs Slough Town 21/10/25
🟢 Won 0-1 vs Hampton & Richmond 18/10/25
🔴 Lost 3-1 vs AFC Totton 4/10/25
The last five games for Weston-Super-Mare have proved successful, with 3 wins, 1 draw and a defeat against third placed AFC Totton. Alongside their league form, an extra time victory over National League Aldershot Town booked their place into the Second Round of the FA Cup. Currently sitting in 2nd place, Weston-Super-Mare are going to use this run of fixtures to build momentum, with a tough challenge against the Tudors waiting for them.
Ones to Watch:
Name: Louis Britton
Joined: March 2025
Position: Striker
Joining the Seagulls towards the end of last season from Bristol Manor Farm, Louis Britton has started his first full season incredibly well for Weston-Super-Mare. He has started the season off in fine form in front of goal, scoring 7 goals in 13 league appearances. Having risen through the Bristol City youth setup, Britton is no stranger to non-league football as he has started to find his eye for goal. With a system favouring one striker up front, Britton will be a key area of attention for Hemel’s backline.
Name: Sam Pearson
Joined: October 2024
Position: Winger
Joining at the opening stages of last season from Yeovil Town, Sam Pearson has been a key area to the attack of Weston-Super-Mare. With a current total of 5 goals and 2 assists in his 12 league appearances, Pearson has been able to cause a handful for defences over the last two seasons in the National League South. After scoring twice and assisting once in a 5-1 victory over Slough, Pearson will look to replicate this against an organised Hemel Hempstead Town.
Name: Luke Coulson
Joined: July 2024
Position: Midfielder
Last season showed the quality both in front of goal and from a creative perspective for Luke Coulson as he recorded 40 goal contributions in 44 league appearances - almost a contribution every game. Having risen through the youth system at Stoke City, Coulson has spent the majority of his career in the National League. Having already scored two goals this season, Coulson will be attempting to produce another season of quality at Weston-Super-Mare.
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