AVDFC v Tring Athletic - 7th Oct 2022

Good afternoon all

This weekend we welcome Tring Athletic to the Greenfleets Stadium for our Spartan League match.

I would like to welcome our visitors and everyone attached to their club and wish them a safe journey to and from Aylesbury, we wish you all a pleasant stay and look forward to meeting you.

Our last couple of matches have seen us lose out 4 3 away at Hoddesdon after being 2 0 at half time. This is of course very disappointing and we need to learn how to keep a lead and not let the opposition dictate the game.

On Tuesday evening, under the floodlights, here at home, we lost out 4 1 to an impressive Shefford Town & Campton team in the Premier Cup competition.

The manner of the defeat was frustrating as I know we are much better than this. Both Liam and I are looking to make some changes and additions to the squad in the coming weeks as we look to get back to winning ways.

It is still early days and I am sure our League form will improve as we get further into the season.

Finally I hope you all enjoy the game today and thank you for your continued support.

Michael East Joint Manager

The Dynamos

The Greenfleets Stadium

Haywood Way

Aylesbury

Bucks

HP19 9WZ

Chairman: Mike Borrett

Vice Chairman:

Ryan Collings

Club Secretary:

Iain Willcocks

Club Treasurer:

James Moore

Head of Football Development:

Colin Young

Head of Youth Football: Kevin Woodstock

Head of Women’s Football: Toby O’Callaghan

Safety Officer: Craig Broughton

Head Groundsman: Nick Ringsell

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos is an amalgamation of Aylesbury FC and Bedgrove Dynamos, two local clubs with a rich history in local football. Aylesbury FC enjoyed a long history in senior and junior football dating back to the 1930’s under the previous names of Aylesbury Vale, Haywood United, Belgrave, Stocklake and Negretti and Zambra FC, which was founded in the 1930’s by workers at the Negretti and Zambra company then based in London’s King Cross district. The company moved to the Stocklake Industrial Estate, Aylesbury.

in 1949 and by the mid 50’s the premises had a bar, football, cricket and tennis facilities. The football club joined the Aylesbury District League in 1954. The social club changed its name to Stocklake when Negretti and Zambra sold the premises to the local council, who then leased the facilities; hence the different sections adopted the name Stocklake. Under the guidance of Chairman Mr Ernie Crotty, the club gained many honours including runners up in ADL’s top divisions, before gaining intermediate status in the Wycombe and District League first and senior divisions. Sadly Ernie was killed in a road accident just before the club moved premises to the present location at Haywood Way in 1987.

After gaining senior status and promotion to the Chiltern League in 1988, Stocklake enjoyed many further successes including Division One runners up in 1991, Premier Division and League Cup runners up the following season and Wycombe Senior Cup success in 1995. Cup success was also followed on in the following season, this time the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup being added to the trophy cabinet. Belgrave FC was formed in 1983 by Jim Sullivan who lived in nearby Belgrave Road. Jim had two sons who were passionate about football but were limited to where they could play, so formed a team himself with the help of neighbours Lynne and David Hatcher. By 1990, under the guidance of Danny Martone, Belgrave had grown to five youth teams providing football for over ninety boys from the Quarrendon and Haydon Hill areas of Aylesbury. 1996 saw the forming of two senior teams under the Belgrave FC name and by the turn of the millennium teams were represented at all levels from Under 8’s through to seniors,

At the start of the 2000/2001 season, the senior Belgrave FC team was renamed Haywood United following an amalgamation with Stocklake FC with Danny Martone voted in as chairman of the new club. Haywood United joined the Spartan South Midlands League and won promotion into Division One after two seasons. Notable achievements during the 2001/2002 season included league awards for the best kept and most improved ground; this included the erection of floodlights and perimeter fencing, which Danny and his hard working committee fought hard to establish. Season 2002/2003 saw a difficult start in Division One, but with the arrival of manager Jon Franklin and his assistant Keith Walker just after Christmas, the club eventually consolidated finishing in 9th place. Promotion was gained to the South Midlands Premier Division the following year after a campaign that saw 23 wins, 7 draws and only 4 losses. Haywood United proved themselves capable of staying in the Premier Division after finishing 3rd in the 2004/2005 season in a campaign that only include one loss in the twenty matches after Christmas. The club also entered the FA Cup and Vase for the first time and won the Buckingham Charity Cup in 2006.

Season 2006/2007 began with Haywood United becoming Aylesbury Vale FC and saw Keith Walker and Steve Gleinster take over as joint managers and steadily build a squad. This was recognised in the 2008/2009 season, under the management of Mark Eaton, with a good cup run in the FA Cup and FA Vase, winning three rounds in the FA Cup losing to Level 4 side Gosport after a replay, and losing out in the 4th round of the FA Vase to Leiston Town. . After Christmas the side suffered due to long term injuries and finished mid table. May 2009 saw a major new development in a new semi professional side vote for a name change. Aylesbury Football Club was formed under the leadership of Chairman Roger Dance and assisted by Vice Chairman Danny Martone

Former Chairman Bill Harrison was made President of the club. Great success on the field of play was to follow, with the team having a fantastic run in the F.A. Cup. We were the last 'level five' team in the country to remain in the competition and were rewarded with a visit to Haywood Way for the F.A. Cup trophy, allowing the team, supporters and local people to get their hands on this famous trophy and make the most of this memorable occasion. We were finally knocked out of the competition by Wealdstone in a close game. A brave and superb display was witnessed by a bumper crowd of 800 plus.

Meanwhile, away from the midst of F.A. Cup drama, our success continued, becoming 'Double Winners' Winning both the Spartan South Midland League and League Cup capping an extraordinary season and gaining promotion to the Southern League Division 1 Central. Steve Bateman took over in 2013/14, steered the club to safety in his first 6 months in charge. Then in 2014/15 with Bateman at the helm FC has their most successful season to date most successful to date. Playing at the highest level in the club’s history, the team finished third in the League, having been pushing for promotion all season and narrowly lost out in the semi final to Bedworth United having already beaten them twice in the league. the 2015/16 finished with a flourish as the club finished just outside the play off positions, but had the consolation of our first major Cup Final, beating Chesham United in the Berks & Bucks Cup at Windsor. Steve Bateman and his management team resigned at the end of the season and Danny Gordon & Gareth Risbridger took the helm , supported by Paul Bonham , Ryan Wiffin & Aaron Norman. Davis Haule took over from Gordon & Risbridger in December 2016, appointed brother Brian as his assistant and recruited former coaches Fraser McLachlan, Aaron Wiffin and added Ryan Collings to his back room staff for the 2017/18 season. In 2018/19 Scott Reynolds was appointed manager and when he resigned midway through the season it was left to Paul Bonham to take control but because of ground grading issues the Southern League made the decision to relegate the club and so after ten seasons in the Southern League. Phil Granville and Ben Gill were appointed midway through last season and will kick off the 2020/21 season again in the Spartan Premier Division. Steve Bateman was re appointed as manager in September 2021 and replaced summer 2022 by Michael East & Liam Dwyer

Bedgrove Dynamos

Alf Buckland, a resident of Finmere Crescent, formed Bedgrove Dynamos in 1968. It was created to fill a void in activities for boys within the Bedgrove area on the south side of Aylesbury. In 1980, Dave Bayliss became involved when he brought his Cub side to the Bedgrove Park. The teams amalgamated and Dave went on to be the chairman for 21 years, stepping down in the year 2000. Within two years and barely a full strip between them, they managed not only to win the Under 12's Aylesbury & District League (ADL), but went on to win the 13's & 14's league in consecutive years and, by which time, they now had four teams at various age groups.

Over the years the club has grown and has won many tournaments and trophies, especially at county level. Many teams have toured abroad and the club has also entertained boys from Europe and America. We can boost that we are the only boys club to have a club pennant on display in Barcelona's trophy room. At the start of the season 2001/02 the club was the largest junior club in the Aylesbury area, running teams from under 8's through to under 18's. At the end of the season 2001/02 the club managed to win the coveted Berks and Bucks Cup at under 14's, the Mayor's Cup at under 12's, represented in two other cup finals, won 3 league titles, gained 6 promotions in total and all teams finished in the top 6 to the fairplay awards for their respective leagues. In the last 20 seasons across the age groups the club has won 25 divisional titles, and runners up 20 times.

In 2019 two became one when the sides amalgamated with the intention of allowing the youth of the town to progress through junior football to youth and then adult football and play at the highest possible level.

Michael East – Joint Manager

Michael has been involved in football from a young age playing until fairly recently with the likes of Harefield, Berkhamsted & Cockfosters.

He moved into coaching some five years ago at levels ranging from grassroots to semi professional with Tring Athletic where he was the Assistant Manager in the Spartan Premier League. Took over the help of The Dynamos Development side at the start of last season and guided the side to Champions of The Suburban League in his first season.

Liam Dwyer – Joint Manager

Liam has joined from Step Three Kings Langley FC where he was First Team Coach last season, as the team staved off relegation to deservedly retain their Southern League Premier South status. This was his third spell with the club, previously having managed their u18 SCFYL Squad.

Liam’s started his coaching journey in grassroots football at St Albans City Youth for over five years before brief spells at Burnham FC and Amersham Town first teams. From there he moved onto coaching roles at Berkhamsted, Harpenden Town and assistant managers roles at Tring Athletic and Sarratt.

Liam scouted professionally for Portsmouths First Team, heading their non league recruitment and more recently scouted for Stevenage FC’s Academy. Between 2018 2019 Liam coached Team GB Internationally to Gold in the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi with training weekends at the prestigious St George’s Park.

He has worked as the Physical & Mental Wellbeing Officer at Watford FC CSE Trust, as a Coach Mentor for Hertfordshire FA and is currently coaching at the PSA Academy u14s whom won a national shield. Liam was named Herts FA Coach of the Year in 2019. Liam’s undoubted coaching skills will be of huge benefit to us, as will his knowledge and understanding of the game and levels.

Rhys Shekle – Coach

Rhys was a Stevenage Youth player before moving into coaching. He is a UEFA B Coach and was previously at Kings Langley

Martin Loakes – GK Coach

Former Sarratt first Team Manager Martin Loakes joining as Goalkeeper coach, Martin had a terrific stint at Sarratt as manager but crucially to us played in an array of positions throughout his very impressive playing career

George ZAMMIT

Commanding Keeper who was part of the U18s in his early days at the club, then had two years out of the game with injury. Played a full season and captained the Development side last year and now gets his chance to progress.

Joe CHOTT

Youngster who again started last season in the Development Side. Tricky winger with pace to burn. Can also play at wing back

Jack HODGINS

Left sided Central Defender who came to The Dynamos last season. Initially Jack was part of the Development Team but very soon got his call up to the First XI. His season was cut short due to injury so we are looking to see even more from the young defender

Will MULLARKEY

Will started last season in the Development Squad and has progressed into the first team where he became a regular last season. Can play either at right or left back

Dave BROWN

Dave is a skilful and energetic midfielder who signed from Winslow United in 2020. Dave also started every game for Aylesbury Flooring as they won the FA Sunday Cup in 2019.

Playes an important role in the centre of the Dynamos midfield this term

Liam STUDLEY

Liam is a highly rated stopper and has proved to be a top lad & keeper during pre season. A great addition as we head into the start of the Spartan Premier Season.

Terry GRIFFITHS

Imposing Central Defender who re signs this season as Club Captain. Has now made 50 Dynamos appearances since joining in season 2020/21 in the pandemic affected season. when he made an immediate impact shuring up the Dynamos defence

Harry LOAKES

Strong, right sided midfielder/forward. Harry fits the profile of the player the management team are keen to recruit, young, energetic and hungry to progress

Luke NUGENT

Nugs is a defender, now in his second season at the Dynamos. Joined after spells at Northwood and Edgware. Can play full back or at centre half and has made a big impact since signing two seasons ago.

Jamie FULTON

Midfielder who joined right at the tail end of last season and made an instant impact in midfield. Hard working tenacious in the tackle will be a good addition for the new season

Tom KENNARD

Tom is a Central midfielder who had his first senior season last year with Bovingdon after stints with Kings Langley's U18s, playing an impressive 26 games and scoring 1 goal in his first senior season

Jake BALDWIN

Young striker who is another player who has progressed from the U18s side. Skilful on the ball and very calm in front of the . Made a great impact in his first season where he became a regular and scored six goals in a truncated season. Now an important part of the first team, a real joker and team player

Ollie LAWFORD

Striker Ollie joined us from Leverstock Green last season where he scored 10 goals in his 21 appearances. The lively striker was previously at Oxhey and Chesham

Prince NIMOH

Box office striker. Prince has pace, is good with both feet and can take defenders on but is cool and assured in front of goal

Antonio IANELLI

Antonio has been a target of ours across pre season and after a recent break he has joined and featured in our FA cup game at the weekend. Despite his young age his versatility, technical ability and football intelligence will be a great addition to the club.

Abu KHAN

Abu played his first Senior game for The Dynamos in 2019. He can play wide or through the middle. scored 15 goals last season for Winslow and Leighton Town

Callum SHORTT

Callum is an attacking winger who joined us from Newport Pagnell at the start of last season. Was last years Top Goalscorer at the club and can play on the left or the right of the attack

Chris STAPLETON

Experienced striker who joined in 20/21 from Dunstable Town where he was club captain. Chris is very much a leader on the field and made an immediate impact with his non stop running and aerial ability. He adds goals and quality to a young forward line

Sam WOOD

Young Centre Forward who is stepping into his first season at senior football. Scored 10 in 12 last season for Kings Langleys all conquering U18 side last season however has already notched up a number of first team appearances for Kings Langley. and a top prospect

!!

Zammit Loakes Baldwin Kennard 06/08/2022

Studley Loakes Baldwin Fulton G M 13/08/2022

Studley Loakes Baldwin Fulton 16/08/2022

Zammit Mullarkey Baldwin Fulton 20/08/2022

Studley Mullarkey Baldwin G Fulton M 27/08/2022

Zammit Loakes G Baldwin G Fulton 30/08/2022

Mcateer Nugent Deall Loakes 03/09/2022

Studley Mullarkey Baldwin Fulton 17/09/2022

Studley Nugent Mullarkey Fulton 24/09/2022 3.00 PM

Vase H

MK Irish

Zammit Loakes Baldwin Kennard 27/09/2022 7:45 PM BBSC

Winslow United

Studley Nugent Baldwin Ianelli 01/10/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL A

Hoddesdon Town

Zammit Loakes Baldwin Kennard 04/10/2022 7:45 PM Prem Cup H L Shefford Town & Campton

Studley Deall Baldwin Fulton 08/10/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL H Tring Athletic

11/10/2022 7.45 PM SSMFL A Harpenden Town 15/10/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL H Shefford Town & Campton 22/10/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL H Biggleswade United 05/11/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL H St Panteleimon 08/11/2022 7.45 PM SSMFL H Cockfosters

12/11/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL A Leverstock Green 19/11/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL H Hoddesdon Town 22/11/2022 7.45 PM SSMFL A Leighton Town 03/12/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL H Dunstable Town 10/12/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL A Cockfosters

17/02/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL H Colney Heath 27/12/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL H Risborough Rangers

02/01/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Ardley United 07/01/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Baldock Town

14/01/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL H Leverstock Green

21/01/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Arlesey Town

28/01/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL H Crawley Green

04/02/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Shefford Town & Campton

11/02/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Crawley Green

18/02/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Colney Heath

28/02/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Dunstable Town

04/03/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Potton United

11/03/2022 3.00 PM SSMFL H Stotfold

18/03/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL H Harpenden Town

25/03/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Tring Athletic

01/04/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A St Panteleimon

08/04/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL H Ardley United

10/04/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Risborough Rangers

15/04/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL H London Colney

22/04/2023 3.00 PM SSMFL A Biggleswade United

Hodgins

Wood Garcia Chott Collier Shortt/Nugent

Chott Griffiths Lawford G Nugent

Rosner Griffiths Khan

Hodgins Griffiths Khan Fulton Stapleton GGM Brown Nimoh Lawford Nugent Collier Matthews Wood Hodgins Griffiths Khan G Brown Stapleton

Wood Nimoh Zammit Nugent Matthews Chott Kennard Shortt/Lawford

G Griffiths Khan Brown Stapleton Wood G Nimoh Nugent Chott Mullarkey Shortt Lawford

M Griffiths Khan Brown Lawford Boorn Deall Wood Nimoh Loakes Nugent Edworthy

Griffiths

Khan Brown Stapleton

Nugent Matthews Chott Wood Lawford Kennard/Zammit

Griffiths Deall Brown

Mullarkey Mcateer Matthews Nugent Kennard Chott Matthews Griffiths

Chott

Nimoh Shaw Aldridge Khan

Griffiths Khan Kennard

Nugent Matthews Loakes Ianelli Shortt Chott/Mcateer

Hodgins Griffiths Khan Kennard

Garcia Baldwin Collier Shortt Aldridge

Hodgins Griffiths Khan Brown

Hodgins Aldridge Khan Brown

Collier Garcia Loakes Lawford Wood G

Rosner Ianelli Khan

Wood Hodgins Loakes James

Hoddesdon Town 4 3 AVDFC

Team: George Zammit; Harry Loakes, Jake Baldwin, Antonio Ianelli, Max Rosner; Tom Kennard, Dave Brown, Josh Boorn, Rio Deall, Abu Khan; Callum Shortt

Subs: Kris Collier, Ollie Lawford, Joe Chott, Terry Griffiths, Luke Nugent

Dynamos were back in League action against lowly Hoddesdon and having both 1st choice centre backs injured meant Max Rosner was back on loan for Dynamos, alongside Ianelli at the back.

An early chance for Hoddesdon saw Zammit make a smart save to deny an early opening goal and another dangerous free kick was headed clear by Baldwin as Hoddesdon started strong.

However, it was Dynamos that opened the scoring as Max Rosner steered a ball out to Jake Baldwin and he managed to cross, finding Rio in front of goal and he sent the keeper the wrong way with a decent finish. 0-1 Dynamos.

12 minutes and another decent move almost looked like a penalty, but the referee pulled the game back giving Dynamos a free kick instead.

Dynamos were now in total control and the passing on display was a pleasure to watch. Boorn took a free kick from 35 yards out which was deflected wide for a corner. The corner was swung in by Boorn and Ianelli just got a head onto it, but wide of the mark.

34 minutes and Dynamos got a deserved second goal. Josh Boorn was the creator with a lovely ball into the box where Rio chested it down and smashed the volley home. 0 2 Dynamos. Hoddesdon did break away from a Dynamos corner but Rio was there to deal with the threat and dealt brilliantly with a 1 on 1 break.

43 minutes and another Hoddesdon shot got a deflection but Zammit somehow reacted and palmed it round the post for a corner. Max Rosner was on hand to clear the corner well.

Halftime: Hoddesdon 0-2 Dynamos

The second half started with Dynamos under immediate pressure and that told on 50 minutes when a free kick was not cleared and Hoddesdon scored. 1-2 Dynamos. A couple of minutes later it was Zammit called into action again as he saved a decent effort, forcing another corner.

The game was now scrappy and Hoddesdon were closing down and being much more physical. 2 yellow cards brandished in 2 minutes for Jake Baldwin and Callum Shortt as Hoddesdon pressed.

61 minutes and Hoddesdon were level…! A ball from their left crossed in and a Hoddesdon player was unmarked and finished with ease to level the scores. 2 2. Baldwin was taken off and replaced by Kris Collier with Rio slotting into left back to firm up the defence.

67 minutes and wheels had come off…another Hoddesdon attack saw Zammit make another decent save but the ball came out to a Hoddesdon player unmarked and he beat Zammit with the follow up.

3 2 Hoddesdon.

Ollie Lawford then cam on for Shortt and a couple of minutes later, Kris Collier pulled up with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Joe Chott.

78 minutes and it looked as though Dynamos were level. Kennard played a ball through to Josh Boorn who beat his man but his shot went inches wide of the post.

The equaliser did arrive on 82 minutes as Abu Khan hit a lovely ball to the back stick where Max Rosner headed back and Ollie Lawford headed home. Good goal. 3-3.

4 minutes later it was Hoddesdon with the final blow. A long ball over the top was not dealt with and their striker ran through and scored…such a shame after getting the equaliser. 4 3 Hoddesdon. The action was far from over…Abu Khan jinxed his way past 3 tackles and hit a pin point cross into the path of Ollie Lawford who somehow cleared the bar from 7 yards out.

4 minutes into injury time and an awful looking tackle on Tom Kennard, completely took him out and he was unable to continue, Terry Griffiths coming on for a couple of minutes. Somehow only a Yellow card… Then…as if to rub salt into the wound…Zammit raced out and made a fantastic tackle, winning the ball and clearing his lines…fantastic tackle (even the Hoddesdon crowd were clapping)…only for the referee to run over and brandish a red card?? Absolutely no idea what he saw….but the match ended with that decision.

Final Score: Hoddesdon 4-3 AVDFC

Berkhamsted U18's 1-5 AVDFC U18's P.Letts.J.Hatton,O.Westbrook,P.Will,J.Dyer. J.Leek (M.Morgan), K.Kiarie (T.Powell Williams) A.Shah (S.Humphrey) T.Dube (G.Todhunter), K. Collins, L.Bowman (K.Caps)

What ultimately was a convincing win was actually a lot tighter, the decisive moment being our second goal in the 40th min which allowed us to head into the interval with a two goal lead.

We could/should have scored within 30 secs of the start, minutes when Loui Bowman had a great chance, a last ditch challenge giving up a corner preventing an immediate goal, in fairness Berkhamsted hit the post when an alarming space appeared in our back 4 within 15 mins of the start, with very direct play allowing the pacy and lively Berko No 8 a shot at goal.

The evening showed the depth of the squad with our 2 top scorers and centre forward options Max Mayer, Sadibo Camara both missing, injury and illness plus ever present Centre Back Callum Bailey out also, however this allowed a first start for Owen Westbrook at CB who made his first start and more than played his part marshalling the 2 striking options Berko had out.

On 16 minutes with some clever football on the left, playmaker Amir Shah picked up a short pass from marauding full back Jet Dyer, unleashed an incredible effort into the proverbial postage stamp, with the keeper on the line !! This will be contender for goal of the season no doubt !

The game was reasonably even until in the 40th minute a Prince Will header out from a Berko free kick picked up by Amir, one touch to set, head up and played a sublime 50 yards pass over the head of the CB with Kris Collier sprinting clear of the 2 defenders, 1 touch then a perfect lobbed volley from 20 yards into the right hand side of the exposed goal, very cool finish from our captain, playing as our striker in the absence of a recognised central attacker… great composure and awareness.

This saw the lads into half time at 2 0 More or less straight from the re start, we were looking to re assert our dominance ensuring no silliness first 10 mins or so, and on 50 mins an Amir corner was met but midfield partner Kenan Kairie with a bullet header top right from 6 yards.

At 3 0 we were in control of the game, pressing for more, the midfield 3 including an excellent Joe Leek were dominating possession, looking comfortable then out of a poor delivery on a free kick into the Berko area they broke quickly with CF Godfrey Okopu converting from around a yard throwing himself at a great cross.

Our response was more or less instant, preventing any doubts arising, within 2 minutes George Todhunter followed up a thunderous Amir Shah free kick palmed away, to faith a great strike on the turn. Only 3 mins later George Todhunter doubled his tally when he controlled a Joe Leek pass 30 yards out wide right, with a lot still to do, nudging the ball on and taking on the full back, muscling his way past him and smashing a low strike past the keeper, great stuff from George, excellent attitude as always, and if anyone deserved reward for that alone it was definitely “G”

To their credit Berko kept playing but the whistle went on what was a convincing win in truth.

Berko 1 - 5 AVDFC

Genuinely difficult to pick out individuals but Amir Shah was outstanding a goal and 3 assists, hard to beat…with Jo Hatton returning from injury not far behind, but each and every player inc the subs who never aired any frustrations played their part in a well earned 3 points.

A home fixture next week v Crawley Green for the lads and selection headaches for the coaches. Many thanks to Steve and the guys at Berko for the usual warm welcome … a top club ! Colin Young

•THE EARLY YEARS

Tring Athletic Youth FC was formed in March 1958 by a group of local men who contributed towards the purchase of 3.4 acres at Miswell Lane. The cost of providing changing rooms, fencing, equipment and ownership of the ground was approximately £2,000, a lot of money in those days. Committee members, players and friends carried out most of the work, including the building of the changing rooms and during the early days the team had to play on another pitch in Tring. Originally the Club was formed to provide football for youngsters aged under 21 and despite playing against adult teams we won many trophies in the West Herts Saturday League during the early 1960's including the Division 1 title 3 times in 5 years.

THE 70's/80's

We then went through a lean spell and in 1971 decided to scrap the upper age limit and drop youth from our name. Many former players returned and we had another successful period during the early 1970's. Over the years many fine players appeared in our shirts and many went on to play for professional/senior clubs.

In the mid seventies the Miswell Lane ground was sold to the Council and we had a bad time and but for the efforts of a few loyal members would have certainly folded. The Reserves were disbanded and the First Team dropped down to Division 3. We decided to turn to youth again and gradually forced our way back up through the league and by 1986 we were competing in the Premier Division and running a Reserve side again.

SOUTH MIDLANDS THE 90's

In 1988 we joined the South Midlands and as a result gained senior status with the Herts FA. In 1989 we entered into a 3 year ground sharing arrangement with Isthmian League side Tring Town moving back to Miswell Lane in 1992 where the Reserves had continued to play. We established ourselves in the South Midlands by gaining promotion to the newly formed Senior Division in 1993. In 1994/95 the First Team reached the final of the Senior Division Cup whilst the Reserves were finalists in the Apsley Junior Cup for the second year running. In 1996/97 we led the Senior Division throughout the season and looked favourites to win the title. However, some unlucky defeats in the last few games saw us drop down to 3rd place. In addition to our impressive league form we also had some terrific cup runs during that season, reaching the semi final of the Herts Charity Shield and winning the prestigious St. Marys Cup, the first time we had ever achieved such heights. In 1997/98 we just missed out on the Senior Division title by the narrowest of margins to New Bradwell St Peter a goal difference of just 2! We finished the season in fine style, suffering just 1 defeat in our last 21 league games which included a terrific run of 14 straight wins for which we won a special award from the League. The Reserves went one better by winning their league by a clear 10 points and in doing so achieved 100% success in their league games at home. In 1998/99 we picked up our first major South Midlands trophy when we won the Senior Division Cup. We also won the St Marys Cup for the 2nd time in 3 years. In the league a terrific run of just 1 defeat in our last 28 games saw us finish in 3rd place, 4 points behind champions Holmer Green. During this magnificent run we went 15 hours without conceding a goal. The Reserves also did well finishing 5th in their first season in the top division. The 1999/2000 season proved to be one to remember. During the summer we spent over £50k on building new changing rooms and extending the social and bar area. To mark the opening of the new changing rooms we played a Watford XI in front of a huge crowd of about 1,000 people. The game was Refereed by Graham Poll and Graham Barber. The season turned out to be the most successful in the Club's history. In addition to winning the Senior Division title by 11 points we also reached 5 finals. We won the Herts Charity Shield (beating Potters Bar Town 2 1), Herts Senior Centenary Trophy (Wormley Rovers 2 0) and the Cherry Red Books Trophy in its inaugural year (Bedmond Sports & Social on penalties after a 1 1 draw).

•

We were narrowly beaten 1 0 by Letchworth in the Senior Division Cup. Our achievements were recognised by the South Midlands who awarded us the Houghton Regis Cup for achievements in outside competitions and Mick Eldridge, Ray Brimson and Richard Vincent were voted Managers of the Season. In 60 games in all competitions we lost on only 6 occasions. Our other teams also enjoyed success with the Reserves reaching the Final of the Herts Intermediate Cup and the A Team in their first season finishing runners up in the West Herts Division 3.

THE NEW MILLENNIUM

After finishing the old millennium in style we continued our success into the new one (2000/01) by retaining the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy (again beating Wormley Rovers 2 0) and the Cherry Red Books Trophy (Virginia Water 1 0). The Reserves won the League title and a newly formed B Team claimed the runners up spot. The following season (2001/02) we won the Herts Charity Shield for the 2nd time beating Letchworth 4 1. The A Team reached the Apsley Junior Cup final and the B Team won the sporting award.

SEASON 2002/03 More success followed as we capture the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy for the 3rd time, to become the first club to do so. We finished 3rd in the table and won the League Cup for the 2nd time, to make 12 major trophies in 7 years. We were also finalists in the Cherry Red Books Trophy. The A Team finished runners up as did the Under 16's in their first season, the B Team won the sporting award for the 2nd year running and the Ladies had a great run in the Women's FA Cup. For the 3rd year running Darrel Bodimeade won an award for the best playing surface, which is just reward for the tremendous job he does for the club.

SEASON 2003/04 Following our failure to secure floodlights at Miswell Lane we entered into an historic alliance with Tring Town to play our first and reserve team football in season 2004/05 at Pendley where lights are already in place. The main focus was to be to raise the funds needed to build a new Clubhouse, the previous building burnt down in March 2003. Miswell Lane will be retained and will be used by our A, B, Under 18's and Ladies sides.

SEASON 2004/05 New season at a new ground in a new division with fantastic facilities. First team finished 6th in the Premier Division and also won the St Mary's Cup for the 3rd time defeating Hemel Hempstead in the Final. We were also Runners Up in the South Midlands Floodlit Cup Final losing on penalties to Oxhey Jets. Played in the F A Vase for the first time.

SEASON 2005/6 The Club entered the F A Cup for the 1st time in its history but was defeated in the prelim round. In a disappointing season the highlight was a victory over Watford in the Herts Senior Trophy with a large crowd enjoying a 1 0 win. Defeat in this competition came at the hands of Stevenage Borough of the Conference league.

SEASON 2007/8 Winners of Herts Charity Shield We defeated Weylwn Garden City in the final of this County Cup to win the trophy for the 3rd time in our history. Match played at The County Ground, Letchworth. This was the first trophy for the new management team of Manager, Phil Casserley, Assistant, Terry Nightingale and Coach Julian Robinson.

SEASON 2008/9 Treble Winners SSMFL Challenge Trophy Winners Athletic defeated Chalfont St Peter by 3 2 at Harefield United's ground to lift this trophy in their first appearance in the final of this competition. SSMFL Premier Division Cup Winners Athletic defeated St Margaretsbury by 2 0 at Colney Heath's ground to lift this trophy in their first appearance in the final. St Marys Cup Winners Athletic defeated Leverstock Green by 2 1 at Hemel Hempstead's ground to lift this trophy for the 4th time.

SEASON 2009/10 The First Team finished without a trophy however they finished third in the league, the highest position in the Club's history.

SEASON 2010/11 The First team finished in the highest position, runners up to Chalfont St Peter in the SSMFL Premier Division. They also won the St. Mary's Cup for the fifth time, defeating Leverstock Green 2 1 after extra time. The season finished with a 2 0 defeat to Royston Town in the South Midland Floodlight Cup Final.

SEASON 2011/12 Julian Robinson and Tony Armitage took charge in the summer of 2011 knowing that many of last year’s successful First Team had departed. A great re building job was undertaken with a very credible 6th position achieved in the league and defeats by the odd goal in 3 cup semi finals.

SEASON 2012/13 Mixed season with the 1st team winning their initial F A Cup tie at Bedfont and then losing in the next round to Ashford Town after a replay, in the F A Vase we lost at first hurdle to FC Romania. In the League we finished just below half way, lost on penalties to Hadley in the semi final of the Premier Division Cup and were finalists in the St Mary's Cup losing to local rivals Berkhamsted. Midway through the season Tony Armitage left and Ian Richardson stepped up from the Reserves to assist Julian Robinson. Long serving, Stuart Stedman, was appointed coach to assist Colin Phillips with the Reserves who again had an excellent year bringing many players through to the First team.

SEASON 2015/16 The First Team won the St Mary's Cup for the 5th time defeating Sun Sports 2 0 and finished mid table in the SSMFL Premier Division. The Reserves did the "double by winning the Suburban Football League North Division and also the Challenge Plate Competition defeating Cray Athletic 2 0.

SEASO 2016/17: First team won the St Mary's Cup, were finalists in the Herts Charity Shield, 5th position SSMFL Premier Division and reached the 4th round of the F A Vase. Reserves were finalists in the Suburban Football League Challenge Trophy.

SEASON 2017/18: The First Team reached the last 16 of the F A Vase for the first time losing unluckily to Melksham Town in front of a crowd of 1,236. The "A" Team set a Club record winning the West Herts Premier League and Cup double and only losing one game that being the final of the Herts Junior Cup.

SEASON 2018/19: The First Team were Runners Up in SSMFL Premier Division, equalling our best ever position. The Reserves were Suburban Football League Central Division Champions and the "A" Team were Herts Junior Cup Winners and West Herts Senior Cup Finalists.

SEASON 2019/20. Massive change at the club with long serving manager Kevin Richardson standing down and 14 from last year’s successful squad moving on to other clubs. Kevin Christou took over the reins for six months, replaced by Chris Juraszek, who has run our reserve team for several years. Chris’ remit was to return the club to its traditional values of operating prudently and developing local talent, which he has done. In a season truncated due to covid we finish second.

SEASON 2020/21. A season decimated due to the covid pandemic, playing in fits and starts and behind closed doors until finally the league took the decision to cancel the competition.

SEASON 2021/22. We begin this season with a new management team, headed by Ryan Sturges and Lee Groves, both former players at the Club. The covid pandemic has provided us with the opportunity to complete a number of behind the scenes projects including installing new floodlights and re furbishing the clubhouse. We had an understandably slow start to the season on the playing side but kicked on massively from the turn of the year. Our victory in the Premier Division Cup Final was just reward for the players and for the behind the sense group.

SEASON 2022/23. We have lofty ambitions this season to improve on last season’s achievements. Pre season has gone well with lots of new additions to the squad as well as the retention of an important core out of last season’s squad.

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