Wheels Of To Staines

Today is a very sad day in the history of Lewes FC as young winger David Wheeler has signed for Staines Town of the Blue Square South. Wheeler had been offered a contract by Lewes FC however he decided that he would rather be at a club a league above and a lot closer to his University.

Good Luck Wheeler

Wheeler has been at Lewes for his whole career so far since he was just 16 when he came through the clubs successful youth system.  This afternoon he arrived in Staines and signed the paper work. Crawley Town who have recently been promoted to league 2 were also interested in Dave Wheeler but eventually decided that he was too "light weight". Lewes were desperate to keep him.

Steve King is well known to have wanted Wheeler for a long time and Wheeler rejected a deal with his Farnborough side 2 seasons ago, also rejecting Eastbourne Borough who were then a conference Premier side, to stay with Lewes, a team that he loves however just couldn't keep making the journey sometimes three times a week and take his university course seriously.

Lewes fans now hope that he will be back in a Lewes shirt one day, possibly after his university course is over in 2 years time. The Staines youngster has been capped for England school boys and has played with Lewes in the Blue Square Premier.

The Lewes Board of Directors, who were particularly saddened to see Wheeler leave said: "The manager and club have been very keen to hold on to David. He is a special player and much loved by all the fans."

"But David has decided that the travelling distance, sometimes three times a week, is too much to fit in with his University course and has opted for a more local option in Staines Town."

"We are very sad to see him go, but we wish him every success in his studies and at his new club. He goes with our absolute best wishes."

Lewis Ide

Lewes can also confirm that recovering midfielder Lewis Ide will be coming to pre-season with Lewes so that Steve King can "have a look" at him. He is still recovering from a serious knee injury he obtained playing for Lewes in a friendly last season. However Lewes have also confirmerd the departures of Chris Winterton and Andy Pearson who have both gone to Whitehawk, a league below and Jack Walder and Jamie Crellin have both departed to Hastings under the management of Jason Hopkinson. Sonny Cobbs has left to join Lewes rivals Eastbourne Borough in the conference South.

Lewes are still waiting on news from Chris Breach, Lewis Hamilton and Anthoney Barness who King is still interested in signing as well as some more signings expected shortly.