1 day ago
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Weymouth have re-hired a club commentator following his sacking for criticising senior members of the club during the live broadcast of a match.
Ben Ashelford has been reappointed to his position as commentator of Radio Terras after the club's supporters association (WFCSA) took over the responsibility of arranging the seventh tier side's match-day commentary.
The WFCSA shared that Ashelford will now be paid for his services, having been "offered paid positions with other clubs" after his sacking.
In October he called out current and previous members of the Weymouth board for leaving a game early, before extending an invitation to them to debate with him on a podcast.
"You can't hide from it, none of you," he said. "It's your fault.
"I'm deadly serious too. Any member current or recently past from the board of directors, I'd invite you on to a podcast.
"I extend that challenge to any of the board members. I'll set it up, take the financial hit and I'll tell you the truth, but I suspect there is not a set of nuts between you."
But despite the public fallout, Ashelford will now be lead commentator on Radio Terras.
Weymouth's supporters' association explained that the decision to bring him back was because of his popularity amongst the fan base.
"We are very pleased to announce the return of Radio Terras, with matchday commentary provided by Ben Ashelford," they posted in a statement on X., external
"Ben is very popular with the fans and we have all seen the strength of feeling from many who hoped he would return. We know the regular listeners will be delighted to hear him back again.
"However, there is a change in circumstance - during his time away from our airwaves Ben has been offered paid positions with other clubs.
"He expressed his desire to return to the Terras but felt unable to provide his expertise voluntarily. After some negotiation we have agreed a deal that we feel is fair to everyone."
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