Somerset football team crowned 'worst team' getting help from managerial legend

A Somerset-based football team are being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn their luck around following a nationwide search by Specsavers to find a grassroots football club in desperate need of help.

After receiving more than 600 applications from teams across the country, the community opticians and hearing experts has revealed that the 100-year-old team Tunley Athletic based near Bath, has been chosen as Specsavers’ Best Worst Team and for once, are title winners.

It’s been a turbulent time for the club and last season was one of the worst. With 26 losses out of 26 games played and an astonishing -137 goal difference, they finished rock bottom of the Uhlsport Somerset County League last season.

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To turn the Division Three side’s fortunes around, footballing legend Harry Redknapp is back out of retirement to give the team world-class, face-to-face training and mentorship. Having steered Welsh underdogs Cwm Albion to dizzying heights last season, he’s the perfect man for the job.

“We’re over the moon and so grateful to Specsavers for giving us the opportunity to turn the club around,” says Duncan Fear, who has been manager of Tunley Athletic for ten years.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, but last season was our toughest yet. We didn’t pick up a single point, but the boys still turned up, put their boots on and gave it their best shot week in, week out.”

During the season, Harry will also be calling upon some of the most famous faces in the world of sport to lend a hand, while also treating the team to money-can’t-buy experiences usually reserved for only elite players and clubs.

Tunley Athletic’s journey will be documented by Specsavers throughout the 2024/2025 footballing season in a six-part YouTube series. You can also follow the journey of the 'Best Worst Team' and watch all the action over on Specsavers’ social channels and dedicated ‘Best Worst Team’ You Tube channel.

The Tunley Athletic Team:

Duncan Fear, 58 - Manager . Duncan has been the Manager of Tunley Athletic for roughly 10 years. He’s the life and soul of the club. He does everything both on and off the pitch – from installing a new toilet in the away changing rooms, to putting up the ball catcher behind the goal. He always puts his boots on too when the team needs him.

Josh Tyler, 34 – Striker . Josh has played on and off for the side since the age of 18. Both of his brothers have also played for the club.

Ryan Edmunds, 36 – Goalkeeper . Ryan has played for the club for over 10 years. Longest serving player that plays every week. He’s very passionate about the club and is always planning behind the scenes.

Gareth Roberts, 35 – Defender . Gareth has been with the club for 7 seasons – he’s a solid and steady player.

Matthew Curtis, 48 – Central Midfielder/Central Defender . Matthew has been with the club for over 30 years on and off but has appeared almost every season in some form. He used to be the Manager.

Jason Curtis, 44 – Forward . Jason has scored the most goals for the club in history. He’s Matthew’s brother and has been with the club for over 30 years too.

Tyler Davis, 22 – Midfielder . Tyler has been with the club for three years and nominated Tunley Athletic for Best Worst Team.

Steve Hussey, 35 – Utility . Steve has been with the club for over five years – he’ll always find players to play from somewhere. Without Steve, the club wouldn’t have been able to continue.

Steven Johnson, 20 – Winger/Midfielder . Steven has been with the team for two years – he adds a bit of energy to the side and is a skilful player.