3 Cowes Sports players – Gareth Bricknell, Ashley Brett, and Chris Elliot – have signed for Island League side West Wight.
34-year-old Gareth Bricknell is something of an institution at Cowes Sports. The forward/midfielder has spent 13 seasons at Westwood Park, during which time he has made 395 appearances and hit the net on 109 occasions.
Gareth – a physical education teacher at The Bay CE School – has found it increasingly difficult to travel to away games on the mainland because of family commitments. He says that he has not yet signed Wessex League forms for Cowes, but that he probably would if he was asked.
Gareth previously played half-a-season for West Wight in 2005, aged 18.
West Wight said of Gareth:
“A great signing for the club, he brings experience, leadership, and quality in front of goal. He has proven himself over many years at Cowes Sports F.C., and we are looking forward to the benefits he will bring to the club.”
Gareth says:
“Buzzing to be back. Top family club, great people and hopefully some good football at Camp Road this year!”
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Cowes Sports defender Ashley Brett – a language teacher at the Free School in Ventnor – will also play at Camp Road in the forthcoming season. Ashley has made 256 appearances in the blue-and-white striped shirt of Cowes.
West Wight have said of Ashley:
“A solid defender who has played for many years to a good standard. Loves his fitness and should slot in perfectly.”
Ashley said:
“I’m 36 now, and I played over 250 games for Cowes. I’ve gone back to West Wight (where I won the league with them in the last season of their long successful streak) as I want to be in a team which is prioritised and challenging for trophies in the twilight of my career. It was also made clear by the 1st team manager at Cowes that I wouldn’t be needed anymore.”
Midfielder Chris Elliott is the 3rd Yachtsman to join West Wight.
West Wight say:
“Another great signing for the club, who has played a good level of football over the years. A wonderful player who is comfortable on the ball and can link up play. He will bring a good work rate and has just the right attitude to be nothing but a positive for the club.”
