Binfield manager Ross Weatherstone is set for his third full season in the dugout at Hill Farm Lane as he assesses The Moles’ chances this season, and how success comes in all forms for himself and the club.
Having joined the club in December 2023, Weatherstone spearheaded a revival in the second-half of the 2023/24 campaign as Binfield avoided relegation on the final day. The Moles have struggled to really gain a foothold in the Isthmian South-Central division, avoiding the drop by just one point in 2025, and two points last time out.
Weatherstone has overseen a number of players progress to higher levels during his time at the club, and he talks to Jack Craske about his journey with Binfield and how success isn’t necessarily just points on the board, but it’s also seeing his players including Killian Barrett, Jack Matton and more recently Ejiro Abbey securing full-time deals at professional clubs.
This is your fourth season at Binfield Football Club and your third full season, how are things shaping up?
This time of year is always a bit of a meat market, and there is always some turnover of players. However, we’ve managed to retain a number of the boys from last season, which is really positive.
We’re also in the process of bringing in some new faces. On the positive side, some players who performed well last season have earned progressive moves, which is exactly what our football platform is designed to provide.
In terms of pre-season, how is the squad shaping up compared to previous years?
This time of year is all about providing opportunities and assessing potential new players. It’s a process. It’s been fantastic that we’ve managed to keep hold of a good number of last season’s squad, and we’re excited about providing opportunities to the additional players we are bringing in.
At this stage, it’s always an assessment period. Clubs higher up the pyramid are doing exactly the same thing, and eventually players become available as squads take shape. The process tends to take care of itself.
From my perspective, the work never really stops. One thing Binfield has always offered is an opportunity for players to come in and showcase themselves in the right environment, and we’re excited to continue providing that opportunity again this season.
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Players such as Killian Barrett and Jack Matton have progressed into full-time professional football. Is that something you actively discuss with prospective players that you try to bring in to the club?
Absolutely. When you look at Binfield, it’s a football club that lives within its means. It’s sustainable financially and run in the right way, which is hugely important.
Since arriving at the club in 2023, one thing I’ve always said is that I want to provide a platform for players, whether they come from the local area or through academies, to play at the highest level their ability allows at that stage of their career.
We’ve seen some real success stories. Last season, for example, Ejiro Abbey moved on from us after putting his head down, working hard and trusting the process. Within half a season, he had progressed into full-time football, signing professionally with Peterborough United. That is exactly what this project and platform at Binfield is all about.
The process will be the same this season. I think we need to continue promoting that message because players should be aware of the opportunities available here. We’ve built a reputation as an attractive club for scouts and clubs to come and watch games, because they trust the platform we are building.
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That platform goes beyond the players we’ve already mentioned. Ethan was recently announced at Chippenham, Fosu has signed for Havant & Waterlooville, Manu has joined Hanwell this season, and Logan Coles, who was with us this time last year, has since signed for Bracknell at Step 3.
Even during this off-season, several players have moved clubs. Not necessarily to higher divisions, but they have established themselves at Step 4 and moved on to clubs offering stronger financial packages, which is still a progressive step in their careers.
I see all of that as a huge success for the work being done by myself and the management team. The club should be incredibly proud because there aren’t many Step 4 clubs that can say they have helped three players progress into professional football over the last two seasons, while also supporting many others to move further up the non-league pyramid.
Results aren’t always the priority during pre-season, but how have you assessed the friendlies so far?
Pre-season results don’t always tell the full story. Some teams have returned earlier than others, some have played more games, and from a fitness perspective, many of our players are currently only ready for around 45 minutes at this stage.
We don’t want to overload players and risk injuries before the season starts. Therefore, results aren’t particularly high on my radar during this period.
What matters more are the performances, the opportunities we’re providing players, and building a clear picture of what our team will look like when we face Didcot Town in the FA Cup on August 8th.
There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, and your management team have played a huge part in your success, haven’t they?
There are a few people who have been with me throughout my time here. First and foremost, there’s Andy Bullet. He’s someone I completely trust, and he has been an incredible support to me, especially throughout my cancer diagnosis and treatment.
He deserves huge credit for everything that goes on around the football club, both from a football perspective and in terms of player development.
Rhys Jordan-Richie has also come in and made a massive difference operationally within the first team. He has helped drive the professional standards we are trying to create both on and off the pitch.
I’m delighted Matt Watson, our Goalkeeper Coach will continue to work with the goalkeepers. His energy is infectious, a great character and exactly what the team needs.
We were disappointed to lose our physio, Salil Das, but we completely understand his reasons. Thanks to the training and support he provided, Becca and Jake are now stepping into that role, and I’m delighted to continue working with them because they already understand what we’re trying to achieve.
We’ve also added a couple more people to the management team, which will be announced over the coming weeks, and I’m very excited about those additions.
After three consecutive seasons of narrow survival, what would success look like this year?
When you look at the financial and economic landscape of the league this season, and the resources available to clubs in our division, remaining at Step 4 and competing in this league should be seen as a significant achievement for a club like ours.
That said, I have higher aspirations than simply surviving again. However, I am realistic that you can only work with the resources available to you, which is why the platform we have created is so important.
Recruitment is key. Bringing in the next group of hungry players who are prepared to work hard, follow instructions, trust the process and value the platform Binfield provides is essential.
I have full belief that it won’t be long before we see the next player progress to the next stage of their football journey.
If you look at the league table from Christmas onwards last season, we were effectively a top-ten side. With the additional two play-off places now available, I want us to be as competitive as possible, and I’ll be challenging the players to achieve that.
At the same time, you have to be realistic. If we start well, then I genuinely believe we can compete and disrupt a lot of teams within this division because we now have a strong understanding of what this league demands.
It won’t be easy, but nothing in football ever is. My job is to continue setting high standards, and we’ll do everything we can to be competitive in the league, the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.
Finally, how would you assess the club’s overall progress since you’ve been involved?
There are so many fantastic people at this football club who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. They quietly go about their work with professionalism, dignity, and respect.
The junior section is thriving. The number of young people now playing football through the club is a huge credit to the community and everyone involved. Seeing them come and support us on matchdays as mascots has created a real buzz around the club.
This is something I’ve been passionate about throughout my time here, and we’ve seen substantial progress in that area.
The girls’ section is also growing significantly, which is another reason the club should be immensely proud. Everyone on the executive committee continues to drive their respective areas forward, meaning there has been growth throughout the football club.
The facilities continue to improve, and the chairman has put a huge amount of work into driving standards, particularly with the pitch and infrastructure. All of that ultimately supports the football side and helps create the best possible environment for players to perform.
When I look at where the club was when I arrived and where it is now, I believe there has been clear progress across the board, and that is something everyone connected with Binfield Football Club should be proud of.
Everyone at the club is looking forward to the new season at every level.
