REX MANNINGS SIGNS FOR THE SEAGULLS

Weston-super-Mare AFC are delighted to announce the signing of forward Rex Mannings, who has featured for the Seagulls during our pre-season campaign so far.

The 23-year-old has had a good grounding within senior football so far, gaining experience with Bristol Manor Farm, Frome Town, Bath City and Yate Town across the last five years.

On Rex’s signing, Manager Scott Bartlett said:

Rex is well known to me, I tried to sign him for Forest Green as a 16-year-old scholar but missed out to Oxford United.

“He did brilliantly at Frome, we tried again during that period but they wanted a fee and with the uncertainty of Covid, we decided against it at that time.

“We had explored bringing him in on loan last season but we felt a permanent signing was a more sensible option, taking out the risk of being recalled during the important run-in which might have unbalanced the squad at a crucial time.

“To be honest, I’ve not made it easy for Rex. There were no guarantees but he settled in well, he’s shown a real willingness to earn a deal and we are delighted to have him.

“He is hungry to do well, can play anywhere in the front line or midfield so is a good addition for us”.

On signing, Rex said:

I’m delighted to have signed for Weston-super-Mare AFC and I am very much looking forward to the season ahead.

“I am excited to be working alongside the players and staff and really looking forward to meeting the fans.

“Weston had such a successful season last year and I know I can bring something extra to the team in this first season back in the National League South.

“Since joining, everyone has made me feel welcome. I have enjoyed the high quality training and been impressed by the professional approach to the game we all love.

“I can play in any attacking position and across the midfield. I hope to bring goals and assists to the already dangerous Weston-super-Mare forward line”.

About Rex

Rex began his career in the youth ranks of Bath City before moving on to the Academy at Bristol City. He then moved on to Oxford United at the age of 16, where he signed a scholarship and progressed into their under-18s.

After leaving Oxford in 2018, he joined Southern League Division One South side Bristol Manor Farm in March 2018, where he made 10 appearances and was an unused substitute 14 times, assisting one goal.

In October 2018, Southern League Premier Division South side Frome Town came calling. Rex went on to become a vital component of Frome’s side over the next three-and-a-half years, scoring 31 goals and assisting 15 from wide areas in 124 games while being an unused substitute three times. While at Frome, he helped them reach the Southern League Division One South Playoffs in 2022 before a semi-final defeat to former side Bristol Manor Farm.

His form for Frome saw him handed a chance with National League South club Bath City in June 2022. During the first half of the season, Rex scored three goals and assisted five for the Romans in 16 games while being an unused substitute 14 times.

In February 2023, he was loaned out to Southern League Premier South side Yate Town for an initial month before the loan was extended for an additional month, where he scored one goal in nine appearances.

During the middle of April 2023, Rex returned to parent club Bath City where he made a further two appearances and was an unused substitute once, featuring as a 52nd minute substitute in the triumphant Somerset Premier Cup final win over Paulton Rovers at The Optima Stadium.

He departed Bath in May 2023.

If you would like to sponsor Rex for the forthcoming season, then please email commercial@wsmafc.co.uk.

Everyone at Weston-super-Mare AFC would like to welcome Rex to the club and wish him all the best when pulling on the Seagulls shirt.

Graphic picture credit: Josh Thomas / Weston Mercury Sport