Steve Appleby.

Wisbech Town boss Appleby: ‘Embarrassing refereeing haunted our season’

Story by: ROB SETCHELL, Reporter Friday, May 4, 2012
8:00 AM

FURIOUS boss Steve Appleby condemned a season of “embarrassing refereeing” after Wisbech Town finished their campaign with nine men on the pitch.

The award-winning Bacon’s off...

TOP-SCORER Chris Bacon ended a magnificent season with a red card... and three trophies.

The striker, who has netted 32 times this season, received two yellow cards in two minutes on Saturday to finish his season prematurely.

But his weekend soon improved as he was named Supporters’ Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Manager’s Player of the Season.

Appleby said: “He had a day of mixed emotions. He missed a couple of chances and got sent off before cleaning up at the awards.

“What he has given to the side on and off the pitch has been a massive boost. He has rediscovered himself as a footballer at Wisbech.

“He’s loved the place and the fans love him. It’s a perfect fit really.”

Anthony Reeve and Chris Bacon were dismissed in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brantham Athletic, taking the team’s season card tally to nine red and 87 yellow.

The result confirmed Wisbech’s fourth-placed finish in the Ridgeons Premier Division - the same as last season.

But Appleby insisted that poor refereeing had haunted the Fenmen and prevented them from mounting a serious promotion charge.

“I’ve never known a season like it,” he said. “You know you’re not going to get the rub of the green all the time, but normally it evens out over the course of the season.

Gale Force

WINGER Ollie Gale was named as Wisbech Town’s Young Player of the Season.

The left-sided midfielder, who had a spell on loan at Yaxley this season, has finished the campaign in fine form.

Appleby said: “I’ve been immensely impressed with Ollie. He had a great start to the season and since then he’s added a lot to his game.

“I think he could play a big part next season.”

“Nothing has gone for us this year and Saturday was another example of that. Some of it has been embarrassing.

“I would say a third of our games this season have been influenced by a refereeing decision.

“I’m the first person to look at myself rather than look for excuses elsewhere, but all I’m asking for is a bit of consistency.

“If you looked at our disciplinary record you would think we’re a dirty side but that’s just not the case.”

Physio Thompson will be ‘sorely missed’

THE Wisbech boss paid tribute to long-serving physio Chas Thompson after he stepped down from his role.

Thompson was awarded a silver salver at the club’s presentation night, which was collected by son Lewis in his absence.

Appleby said: “I’m a bit gutted because Chas has been brilliant for me. He’s a top bloke and he will be sorely missed.”

Ollie Gale’s header and a deflected, stoppage-time shot from Adam Millson gave Wisbech their final point of the season at the weekend - but thoughts immediately began to turn towards another promotion bid next year.

Appleby revealed Matt Lunn (work commitments) and Reeve (groin injury) both had problems to resolve but hoped to commit to the Fenmen.

The Wisbech boss also said that Lewis Thompson was considering his future after failing to nail down a regular starting place this term.

“Apart from that everyone has agreed to stay,” he said.