WHITES SWITCH IS RIGHT FOR OLLY

TALENTED teenager Olly Mehew admits swapping the Mangotsfield team his dad manages for league rivals Salisbury was the right decision – but he still has a point to prove.

The 18-year-old Bristolian has been third choice striker behind leading goalscorer Tommy Wright and experienced Justin Bennett, since signing on a three-month loan deal from parent club Forest Green Rovers.

He spent the start of the season at the Mangos – managed by former Leeds United and Bristol Rovers midfielder David Mehew – before being spotted by Steve Claridge in the clubs’ recent league clash.

And now the lightening-quick attacker is brimming with confidence after firing a hat-trick on his first start for Whites in their 10-0 Southern League Cup thrashing of Dorchester Town midweek.

“It was really good to get my first start and goals for the club and I’m really enjoying it,” Mehew told The NLP.

“There are lots of competition for places and lots of good strikers. Steve likes to play one up top. He is a great manager and has given me plenty of advice.

“Salisbury have a very good team and, based on that, have a good chance of winning the league. Hereford are obviously going well.

“I played at Mangotsfield because my dad is manager there. It’s good and bad with dad but Salisbury is a bigger club.”

Mehew, who commutes from his home near Yate, has two more months left at the Ray Mac before his loan spell expires, but says he would like an extension if things continue to go to plan.

“Hopefully, if it goes well, I’ll stay,” he confirmed. “Unless Forest Green call me back.”