Vendetta attack on Sidbury FC?

A MINDLESS act of vandalism is the latest blow for members of Sidbury United FC who claim someone has a vendetta against the club.

Two giant holes were cut out of one of their football nets in what club manager Mel Coombs has blasted as the latest attack in an ongoing grudge.

The sabotaged net was found by Mel last week just before the Clay family presented a cheque to Breast Cancer Care- a result of a charity football match between Sidbury United and Exeter City All Stars.

He said: "There seems to be a pattern to it- when the club is in the paper for something that has gone well, someone doesn't like that and they get at us.

"Somebody has definitely got something against the club. Too much has happened for it to be coincidence."

Earlier in the year Mel claims an opposition football club received a tip-off from an anonymous caller who said Sidbury Reserves were breaking league rules.

This resulted in a point deduction and a fine for the club although they later won an appeal and the reserves were promoted.

Another blow to the club came in the shape of a burglary three years ago when �600 was stolen.

Although Mel believes this is unrelated to the grudge attacks he says "it was just another thing to contend with".

The latest incident against the club has shaken up Mel and other club members to the point they are considering installing CCTV.

He added: "It is so disappointing. It is a mindless act of vandalism against a club that is doing everything voluntarily.

"CCTV is important as we are sure something else might happen. It will be the only way we will catch them."

Despite the ongoing attacks Mel insists the club is stronger than ever and has extended his thanks to Ray Clapp and Skinner Construction LTD of Sidmouth which is paying for the new net.

Anyone with information about the attack on the football net should ring Sidmouth Police on 08452 777444 quoting crime reference number KS/09/304.