TOWN ALAN MUSSELL, 1944-2023

We would like to dedicate our coverage of today’s visitors to Alan Mussell, affectionately known as ‘Mr Andover’, Alan had been heavily involved in football, and particularly, Andover Town, since visiting the Walled Meadow in the 50s as a young supporter. Over a significant period of time, Alan grew from a spectator to someone heavily involved in the club as a committee member, Chairman and Owner. He always fondly recalled the glory days of the old Andover playing in the Southern League as well as recounting their many successes in the Wessex League.

During the more troubling period of Andover’s history in the teens when the club was engulfed with financial problems, Alan fought determinedly to help the club survive. Eventually, they succumbed to the pressures despite his best efforts. On the news that the club would be resurrected in its new version as Andover Town, Alan’s enthusiasm was such that he was able to guide the club to almost immediate success. He was the bridge from the old to the new. He was a man who deeply believed in the traditional values often lacking in modern day football – honesty, integrity, loyalty. He was someone who walked the Portway at every home game welcoming visitors to the club and ensuring they enjoyed the game they were watching. To those who volunteer at the club, he gave all his time to making them feel welcomed and supported. His untimely passing is a sad reminder of how precious life is. We all thought Alan was immortal. He will live on in the memories of those that knew him, but Andover is a poorer place without him. Quite simply, he was Mr Andover.

Founded in 2013, the Town play at the Portway Stadium and sit 11th in the Wessex League One table, on 53 points. Managed by Ron Bertie, the Town had a decent start to the season, although they do lack consistency with 16 wins, 5 draw and 12 defeats from their 33 games. Although promotion is beyond them this season, they will be looking to finish the season as strong as possible.

Welcome to our visitors for today’s game at Foxcotte Park

THE GOALKEEPER: DAN McCARTHY

Young keeper, who re-signed for Town this season and has come into the side since the end of January after regular number one Karl Steinborn-Busse sustained a serious leg injury against Folland Sports.

McCarthy started with Salisbury at the age of 12 and made his first team debut at the age of 17, coming on as a late substitute in a pre-season friendly against Swindon Town.

THE DEFENDER: GARY THORNE

Defender, who needs no introduction to Street fans. Thorne has made 136 appearances for the Street over eight seasons, including gaining promotion in 2017-18 and also scoring the winning penalty in the North Hants Senior Cup Final against Tadley Calleva in the same season.

Thorne joined Town in February 2023 and has made 6 appearances to date.

THE MANAGER: RON BERTIE

Bertie has experience in the professional game, both as a player and coach, with his most recent experiences gained at AFC Bournemouth. Bertie is a fully licensed UEFA B coach and has an expertise to develop talent.

Now in his 5th season as Town manager, Bertie has seen steady progression each season with the Town narrowly missing out on the Play-Offs last season, being pipped by eventual winners Laverstock & Ford. Bertie has seen his side reach the League Cup SemiFinals – narrowly missing out to Baffins Milton Rovers on penalties at the Portway.

THE MIDFIELDER: BRENDAN HOLMES

Club captain, can play in midfield or in defence. One of the most experienced players in Ron Berties side. A very good dead ball specialist and has scored some important goals for Town over the years – including the winner in the 3-2 defeat of Fleetlands this season.

Holmes has played 170 times for the Town and scored 23 goals in the six seasons at the Portway.

THE STRIKER: RYAN GRIFFITHS

Young striker, who made an instant hit with Town, when he signed in January 2022, by scoring 14 goals in 14 starts, including two hat-tricks.

This season started brightly with a hat-trick against Whitchurch but has been out of the side since Christmas and only just got back into the side last month.