Ed has been involved with the club his entire life and formally joined the board in 2023 as Commercial Director – a role he will continue to hold alongside his new responsibilities as Vice Chairman.
With Ed providing commercial direction, the club has achieved record commercial revenue for the last two seasons and is currently on track for a third successive record-breaking year.
Speaking on his appointment, Ed said:
“While some might see this as a natural rite of passage for me it’s anything but automatic. The club has always been a part of my life – sometimes frustrating, often inspiring, but always loved.
“I grew up listening to Dad at the dinner table talking about everything from financially challenging times to missing balls… literally! Oli and I once had our footballs nicked off the hardcourts at Woodspring Park whilst playing football.
“It’s those formative moments – small and large – that have shaped my deep commitment to the club. Witnessing first-hand the pressures of keeping a community institution afloat, both financially and emotionally, has given me not only insight but also a real sense of duty.
“For 39 years, Dad has shown unwavering dedication to the cause, navigating the club through both triumphs and trials. That legacy continues, now bolstered by the contrasting (and often complementary) styles of Oli and myself.
“Oli and I are pretty much polar opposites, which might explain why we work so well together. Last season, two senior players came up to me and said, ‘Ed, we’ve got a plan. You should run the club for a year. It’ll be a disaster, we’ll go bust, but what a ride it’ll be’, naming no names (our Club Captain and our dutiful number 5). Thankfully, Oli helps dilute that chaos, and it looks like I’ll be sticking around for a little longer than 12 months as will the club
“With a strong team both on and off the pitch, I am optimistic and excited about the club’s direction and future. My focus is clear: stability, growth, and an all-out push for the playoffs.
“I want to thank everyone who makes this club what it is. From the volunteers to the fans, the coaching staff to the players – Your work doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m excited for what’s ahead and proud to be a part of it.
“SEEEEEAAAAGGGGUUUUUULLLLLLLSSSSSSS!!!”
Alex Crowther, who first volunteered at the club in 2016, rejoined in 2018 as Marketing Manager. He became a director and member of the board in 2023 and has since overseen the club’s marketing, communications, and community engagement.
After a successful period as Interim Director of Operations since October 2024, Alex now steps fully into the role, assuming responsibility for day-to-day club operations.
Alex said:
“Having joined the club as a volunteer when I was 16, it’s a proud moment to now hold this position.
I’m still learning every day, and I’m grateful to have been given the time and space to grow into the role.
Having served in an interim capacity I feel ready and excited to lead the club’s day-to-day operations, working alongside a fantastic team of club officials.
“I’m looking forward to building on the positive momentum we’ve created across all areas of the club.”
Chairman Oli Bliss said:
“I’m very fortunate to have such a strong Board around me. It’s important that I’m now able to delegate some of my previous responsibilities to Ed and Alex.
They are both very hungry for the club to succeed and will help drive us forward.
Alex’s new role means he can now dedicate even more time to the club. It’s fantastic to appoint from within – he’s young, hard-working, and fully committed.
The three of us will work closely together, with the continued support of the wider staff and Board.”
Everyone at Weston-super-Mare AFC wishes Ed and Alex every success in their new roles as the club continues to move forward.
