A FAMILIAR figure will be missing when Watchet Town kick off their 2025-2026 football season in the Premier Division of the Somerset County Football League.

For, after first appearing as a first team linesman in a photo taken in 1980, Michael Stout is hanging up his flag.

Well-known all around the County League circuit Mike is retiring after almost certainly being the longest-serving one-club 'lino' in Somerset. As well as loyally treading the touchline for the Red & Blacks 'Stouty' also served for many years on the club's committee and helped get things ready on the ground on matchdays.

In recent years he has also acted as an ambassador by welcoming referees and visiting club officials to the Memorial Ground for the team's home matches with the offer of a cup of tea.

His record and reliablity is unlikely to be replicated in what many consider to be an unenviable role and leaves the club with a sizeable hole to fill.

Pre season training for the adult teams begins on Tuesday, July 1, from 6pm - 7.30pm at the Memorial Ground and there are first team friendlies booked for late July away to Bishops Lydeard and Hutton FC with the Premier Division programme kicking off on August 2.

Watchet Town Reserves, who will again be playing in the second division of the West Country Drainage Services Taunton & District Saturday League, also have friendlies lined up in August.

There are further vacancies on the football front with ex-players Matt Heywood and Aaron Deeks leaving their roles in the management team after lengthy service to the club while former captain Chris Sully has retired following over 500 first team appearances during his 20 plus playing years. With experienced midfielder Brandon Walsh also a major doubt some new faces would be most welcome.