Aylesbury United v Bedford Town by Aylesbury United

Official Matchday Programme 2020-21  #6

Aylesbury United 28 October 2020  The Pitching In Southern League Division One Central Central The Meadow, Chesham

versus

Bedford Town

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Welcome to The Meadow

ood evening and welcome to The Meadow for this league match against Bedford Town. While the Eagles have not had too far to travel tonight, we wish their players, officials and supporters an enjoyable evening and a safe journey home. The positive news to report is that Ty Deacon is okay, ‘only’ suffering torn muscles, despite the distressing scenes that concluded Saturday’s game against Biggleswade. Although there was only added time remaining in the game, the match was officially abandoned by the referee, and we must now wait to see if the Southern League decides the result should stand or orders the game to be replayed. We’re all relieved and delighted Ty was not as

Aylesbury United FC 01296 487 367 www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk Chairman Graham Read Vice chairman Ken Turnbull General secretary Steve Baker Fixture secretary Ian Pluck Directors James Byrne, Andy Martin,

Fortunately the injuries sustained by Ty Deacon were not as serious as first thought

seriously hurt as was first feared, but the last thing Ben Williams needs is another injury in an already depleted squad, when there are another four games to play in the next 11 days. Our opponents’ Saturday was rather more straightforward, recording a 1-0 away win over Yaxley. The Eagles had a shaky start to the season, losing both their first two games and their manager Mark Ducket, who had only just

Brian Metcalfe, Ian Pluck, Alan Sherwell, Warren Sheward Welfare officer James Byrne Safety officer Warren Sheward Ladies team chairman Andy Foster 21st Centruy Ducks chairman Andy Martin Matchday hospitality Muriel Turnbull First team kit Ron Schmidt Web editor Luke Buckingham-Brown

arrived when we last played them in March. But under the leadership of new boss Gary Setchell they have won their past four matches in all competitions. Tonight’s game will be a tough examination for the Ducks, especially as Bedford can call on a number of former league footballers in their squad including Rob Sinclair, Rene Howe and Craig Mackail-Smith.

Stay safe and up the Ducks! Photographer Mike Snell Programme editor Paul Snell Legal name Aylesbury United Football Club Company number 05814026 Significant interests (shareholder/shareholding) Graham Read: 49% 21st Century Ducks: 39%

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Stadium safety and Covid-19 W

e’re delighted to have you return to The Meadow, but to ensure a safe experience for all, please observe the following Covid-19 protocols in place. 1. Turnstiles will be open for ground admittance from 1pm on a Saturday and 6.30pm on a weekday evening. 2. Upon arrival at The Meadow, all supporters will be subject to a temperature check by a Covid official. Any person with a temperature reading of higher than 37.8 degrees celsius will not be allowed to enter the ground. This will include anyone else who has travelled with the person displaying a high temperature. 3. Name and contact information will be collected at the turnstile to comply with government track and trace requirements. Season ticket holders will be able to supply ticket number. All other spectators will need to provide name and contact number. This information will be stored for a minimum of 21 days in line with Government Recreational Team Sport Framework and collected / processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. 4. It is requested that supporters bring the correct money for entrance where possible.

7. Please follow all signs displayed when moving around the ground. 8. The Meadow End will only be accessible via the Ryan Moran Stand. 9. Please follow signs when using the toilets and food and beverage facilities. 10. Please do not return any balls to the playing area that enter spectator areas. 11. Exit gates will be available at both sides of the Cricket End of the ground. Hand sanitiser will be available at these exits. 12. Please ensure social distancing is maintained on exit. To ensure the safety of everybody, please observe the following: • DO NOT use foul or abusive language, or obscene gestures. Any form of racial abuse, or language used to incite or provoke others is a criminal offence under the Football Offences Act 1991. • NO glasses or bottles are permitted outside the clubhouse. • DO NOT throw any items onto the pitch.

5. Please us the hand sanitising stations, which are available at all turnstile entrances. 6. Please check signs at turnstiles, and join the correct socially distanced queue. A separate queue for season ticket holders and visiting officials may be available.

• DO NOT run onto the pitch or encroach on the playing area. • Aylesbury United reserves the right to remove or refuse entry to the ground.

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Sponsored walk

group of Ducks fans have raised an astonishing £1000 for the club’s charity partner The Ducklings Trust by walking 14.5 miles from Aylesbury to Chesham last Saturday. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this amazing total, which will support the Trust’s ambition to fund a new birthing pool at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Martin Deas, chair of The Ducklings Trust, said: “This is a very exciting project which will provide enhanced facilities within Stoke Mandeville for the

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local community. We are delighted that the community aspects of this project are being enhanced by the support of Aylesbury United.” The walkers – Paul Gardner, Andy Martin, Stuart Andrews, Rich Lloyd and Lee Cotton – set off from the derelict stadium at Buckingham Road early on Saturday morning and arrived at The Meadow five-anda-half hours later, in time to see the Ducks’ dramatic penalty shootout victory over Tilbury in the FA Trophy. The walk was organised to raise money for the Trust, which

funds equipment and improvements to the maternity unit at Stoke Mandeville hospital, and to again highlight the team has been forced to play its home games outside the town since being evicted from Buckingham Road in 2006. The Ducks renewed its charity partnership with The Ducklings Trust this year after last season was abruptly curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The sponsored walk is one of a number of activities organised by the club and its fans to raise money for the cause during the season.

About Aylesbury United

ylesbury United were founded in 1897 when three local sides: Night School FC, The Printing Works and Aylesbury Town decided to merge. The club, affectionately known as ‘the Ducks’ due to the famous Aylesbury breed, have experienced some incredible highs over their long 112-year history but now battle for existence without a home ground to call their own. In the early years United played in local leagues before joining the Spartan League in 1908 where they remained until the Second World War. 1951 saw the Ducks gain their first taste of national publicity as they became the only club from the Delphian League ever to reach the First Round of the FA Cup, eventually losing to Third Division side Watford. United turned semiprofessional in 1976 and joined the Southern League, a move which got the ball rolling on the club’s most

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successful period. A number of events followed which were to help: In 1983 the club appointed Trevor Gould as manager, and then a year later a young local lad called Cliff Hercules made his debut, unaware that he was to become the most successful player in the club’s history. ‘Hercy’ was – and still is – an Aylesbury icon, and some 20-years later he finally hung up his boots having smashed the club records with 669 appearances and scoring 301 goals. Promotion to the Southern Premier was soon achieved and shortly afterwards the Ducks moved to their new Buckingham Road stadium. This gave the town a new impetus and Gould’s talented squad secured the Southern League Championship in 1987-88 and gained promotion to the GM Vauxhall Conference. United then hit the headlines again, becoming the only non-league side ever to take on the full England

team, as more than 6000 packed into Buckingham Road to see the Ducks take on the Three Lions. Unfortunately United’s brush with the nonleague elite only lasted one season, after which the club were relegated to the Isthmian League. During the period between 1985 and 1992, Aylesbury boasted the best FA Cup record of any side outside the Football League, reaching at least the First Round Proper every season. The highlights being a victory over then Division Four leaders Southend United, a narrow extra time replay defeat against Northampton Town, and being shown live across Europe against Walsall. Ironically though it wasn’t Gould, the club’s most successful manager, who led the Ducks to their greatest FA Cup achievement, it was his successor Steve Ketteridge in 1994-95. Once again the club became media celebrities as the ‘Duck Walk’ goal celebration

was shown around the world, as Aylesbury went on to reach the Third Round where they lost to Premiership side Queen’s Park Rangers at Loftus Road. Ketteridge delivered the Isthmian League Cup title to Aylesbury, but it was to be the beginning of a rollercoaster ride for the club. After almost going out of business, the Ducks were pipped to the Isthmian League title by Sutton United a year later, despite heading the table for long periods. The following season saw United back in administration and fighting for survival both on and off the pitch. Despite defeating Football League side Reading in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup, for the second time in four seasons, the club was relegated to Division One for the first time in their History. In October 2000, the legendary Hercules took time out from his duties as the club’s Community Development Officer to manage the Ducks, and in his brief spell in charge he secured promotion back to the Isthmian Premier

Division and extended the club’s proud FA Cup record with a First Round trip to Port Vale. 2002-03 saw Aylesbury returned to national prominence twice. First the club was privileged to play a major part in an England get together as the Buckingham Road facilities were used by Sven Goran Eriksson for a media conference and by the squad for a training session. Second the club made their first ever appearance in the FA Trophy semi-finals, where the Ducks were beaten by eventual winners Burscough. For various reasons the club then began to cycle through a string of managers at an average of two a season – namely Chris Boothe, Kevin Wilson, Paul Curtis, Danny Nicholls, Jon Franklin, Tony Thompson and Mark Eaton. But nothing was to match the low point of summer 2006. Former chairman Bill Carroll failed in his plans to convert the Buckingham Road pitch to a 3G artificial surface, what he described as his ‘last ditch’ idea for

DUCKS RECORDS Biggest win 17 April 1954 Delphian League 10-0 v Hornchurch and Upminster Heaviest defeats 19 October 1963 Athenian League Division 2 1-10 v Tilbury 7 March 1964 Athenian League Division 2 1-10 v Harlow Town Biggest home attendance 24 November 1951 FA Cup First Round 7,440 v Watford Biggest away attendance 14 November 1992 FA Cup First Round 12,337 v West Bromwich Albion Most appearances Cliff Hercules 669 (1984-2002) Most goals Cliff Hercules 301 aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

About Aylesbury United creating a viable football club, when the Southern League and FA baulked at his ideas. Carroll decided to cut ties with the club he had been involved with since 1997, and popular local businessman Graham Read took over the club. But in a cruel twist Aylesbury were left homeless after their lease expired. Since that time Aylesbury have been forced to play their ‘home’ matches some 20 miles out of Aylesbury whilst the committee work hard keeping the club alive. The campaign to ‘Bring the Ducks Home’ has generated plenty of publicity, but so far, sadly, nothing concrete in terms of a new home for the club. On the pitch the club continued to do remarkably well, going close to the playoff positions in the Midlands Division for the next three seasons but a new challenge arose last summer when the previous manager defected clubs, taking almost the entire playing

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squad with him. This led to another tumultuous season which saw Martin Stone initially appointed as manager, but due to personal reasons he had to renege on his appointment less than two weeks before the first game of the season. His assistant, Byron Walton, briefly stepped into the mantle and did a sterling job in assembling a competitive team in such a short space of time. He moved on and former United defender Tony Joyce became the club’s new permanent manager. Unfortunately Joyce was unable to prevent the club’s slide – which had seen them amass just one league win by October – and the club were relegated to the Spartan South Midlands League. However, Joyce built a new and strong squad which finished sixth in the league in 2010-11. Season 2011-12 saw further progression in the league with the Ducks eventually finishing fourth after a strong run

of results at the tail end of the season. There was disappointment, however in the cups with the team being out of all cup competitions by mid November. The 2012-13 season saw the club competing for the title, being in the top four for the entire season. Finally finishing second to Dunstable Town, gaining promotion to the Southern League courtesy of the FA’s restructuring of the feeder leagues and the additional promotional places that created. The season was capped by securing the Spartan League Premier Division Cup, beating Hadley 3-2 after extra time. The Ducks’ first season back in the Southern league saw them achieve a creditable 12th place finish in a strong division. Other highlights from the season was a much better FA Cup run and notable victories against Southern Premier League opponents Hemel Hempstead Town, Chesham United and

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Burnham in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup and The Red Insure Cup. The 2014-15 season saw the club finish in 13th place but made the final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup for the first time in 10 years, losing 4-0 to Maidenhead United from the Vanarama Conference South. After a disappointing start to the 2015-16 season, Tony Joyce tendered his resignation after six years at the club and was replaced by Glyn Creaser who had been coach under Tony. In Glynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first full season in charge, he led the club to the semifinal of the Southern League Cup, before losing at Premier Division St Ives. He also guided the team to 13th position in the Central Division. After two seasons ground sharing at the ASM Stadium in Thame, a decision was made to return to The Meadow, the home of Chesham United for the 2017-18 season. After a disappointing start to the league campaign, manager Glyn Creaser was relieved of his

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responsibilities following a 6-1 home defeat against Cambridge City in December 2017, with the team lying second from the bottom of the table. His assistant Ben Williams was appointed caretaker manager in his place, before being appointed in a full time capacity in January. Ben steadied the ship successfully, integrating a number of new young players and developing a great team spirit, which saw the Ducks rise to 13th in the league, winning nine of their last 13 matches. The 2019-20 season began in promising fashion, with the Ducks unbeaten in their first nine league games, and winning both FA Cup and FA Trophy ties. Despite a slight dip in form, the Ducks remained in the play-offs before the season was curtailed early and voided due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. But with the majority of the squad that finished the season signing on again and a few shrewd acquisitions, hopes are high for a successful season ahead.

CLUB HONOURS Southern League Champions 1987-88 Southern League Midlands Division Runner up 1984-85 Southern League Division One South Runner up 1979-80 Isthmian League Runner up 1998-99 Delphian League Champions 1953-54 Spartan League Champions 1908-09 Runner up 1913-14, 1928-29 Spartan League Division One Champions 1938-39 Runner up 1934-35 Spartan League Western Section Champions 1945-46 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Runner up 2012-13 Athenian League Division Two Champions 1967-68 Isthmian League Cup Winners 1994-95 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Cup Winners 2012-13 Berks & Bucks Senior Cup 1913-14, 1985-86, 1996-97, 1999-00 Berks & Bucks Benevolent Cup 1932-33, 1933-34, 1952-53, 1953-54 FA Cup First round 1951-51, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1990-91, 1992-93, 2001-02 Second round 1988-89, 1989-90, 1991-92 Third round 1994-95 FA Trophy Quarter finals 1980-81 Semi-finals 2002-03

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Meet the Ducks JACK HOPWOOD sponsored by Ian Pluck

Goalkeeper who joined the club from Tring Athletic in February 2018. Well known to Ben Williams after graduating through Bucks Sports Academy, he played for Chesham United reserves, before making nearly 150 appearances for Tring.

JAMES WEATHERILL sponsored by Wendy Brandon

Former Aylesbury Vale Dynamos number one who signed for the Ducks in August 2020. Previously made more than 100 appearances for them, either side of a spell with Berkhamsted, and has also played for Amersham Town.

ANTHONY BALL sponsored by the Harveys

Young right back who joined the club in December 2018. A graduate of the Luton Town Cedars development programme, he has also featured for Aylesbury FC and Winslow United before joining Berkhamsted in the summer on his way to the Ducks.

JAKE BEWLEY sponsored by David Brown

Ever-reliable left back who has barely missed a game since being recruited from Leighton Town in summer 2014 after four years with the Bedfordshire side. He has also previously played for both Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable.

JORDAN JENKINS sponsored by John Newman

Aylesbury-born central defender who joined in July 2019 after three years at Aylesbury FC, where he made more than 110 appearances. Hit the headlines in 2018-19 by winning the FA Sunday Cup with his Sunday league side Aylesbury Flooring FC.

LIAM McCROHAN sponsored by James Stappard

A new face at the club having joined in July 2020. Central defender Liam has previously played for Northwood and Hertford Town, and lined-up against the Ducks for both Leverstock Green and Berkhamsted before that.

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DAVE Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;CONNOR sponsored by Andrea Bone

Central defender with plenty of experience despite being only 24. Joined in July 2019 after four years with Tring Athletic where he made more than 140 appearances. Has previously played for Aylesbury FC, Chesham United reserves and Amersham Town.

KUDA SANGOYA sponsored by Alan Sherwell

Exciting full back who joined the club in August 2020 having impressed in pre-season. Previously on the books of Dunstable Town and Hale Leys United.

JACK WOOD sponsored by Rich Lloyd

Long serving club captain initially joined the club on loan from Luton Town in March 2010, before making the move permanent the following summer. Only in his late 20s, this season he is closing in on 500 appearances for the Ducks.

SONNY FRENCH sponsored by Erika Robinson

Talented midfielder signed for Aylesbury United on registration day in March 2015 from Aylesbury FC. Last season was his most prolific for the club so far, with 13 goals to his name before it was curtailed by the pandemic.

OLLIE HOGG sponsored by Darren Dixon-Smith

Industrious midfielder who has firmly established himself in the United engine room. Initially found his opportunities limited, but after spells back with Tring Athletic and then Leighton Town, he returned to make his competitive debut in November 2015.

HARRY JONES sponsored by Jim Rayner

Versatile player who has played more than 100 games for the Ducks since making his debut aged just 17. Started as a midfielder, but spent much of the 2019-20 season at right-back, and has also played as a centre forward when required.

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Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam Ahern, Roger Simmons, Bob Moody, Sean Haywood, Steve Cadwell, Daniel Cadwell, Dan Harvey, Graham Durban, Rob Hiscock, Steve Baker, Brian Metcalfe, Jim Rayner, Pete Chilcott, Richie Livings, Steve Woodage, Dave Brown, Liam

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LEWIS OSBORNE

Classy midfielder who rejoined the club in summer 2019 for a second spell after an impressive season with Langford, where he was top scorer. His first spell with the Ducks saw appearances limited by injuries, including a broken leg after just eight games.

MARK RIDDICK sponsored by Andy Martin

Central midfielder who joined the club in July 2019 after two seasons with Tring Athletic. Previously with London Colney and Chesham Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reserve team before that.

JAMIE RUDD sponsored by Lee Cotton

New signing in summer 2019, Aylesbury-born Jamie joined the Ducks after three years working and playing in Dubai. Previously with Aylesbury FC during two spells at Haywood Way that came either side of a year on the South coast with AFC Totton.

BEN SEATON sponsored by Telnik Roofing

Understated attacking midfielder who brought technical ability to the club in October 2017 having previously played for Tring Athletic, and ended the season winning the Most Improved Player award.

LEE STOBBS sponsored by Paul Hopwood

Experienced and versatile player signed from Berkhamsted in July 2020. First came to prominence at Leverstock Green, he has also played for AFC Dunstable and Kings Langley, as well as a short spell with Aylesbury FC. Our first summer signing of 2020.

JUWON AKINTUNDE sponsored by the Seeley family

Striker who joined just before the 2019-20 season was curtailed. Started his career in college football in America before playing for East Grinstead Town, Harrow Borough and Chalfont St. Peter, from whom he moved to the Ducks.

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ROBBIE CARTER sponsored by Colin Brandon

Striker who joined the Ducks from Buckingham Athletic in August 2020, having scored 58 goals in 99 games for them over the past four seasons.

TY DEACON sponsored by Tony & Ian Lowe

Striker who joined the Ducks early in the 2019-20 season having previously turning out for United during the 2017 pre-season. Has plenty of Southern League experience with more than 100 appearances to his name, despite his youth.

MAX HERCULES sponsored by David Horne

Exciting young winger who joined the Ducks from Tring Athletic in June 2018, Max is the son of Ducks legend Cliff Hercules. After one season with United, he stepped up a level to join Kings Langley, before returning to the Ducks in January 2020.

BEN WILLIAMS, manager sponsored by G. Williams Builders

Appointed on a permanent basis in January 2018, Ben initially joined as assistant manager. Ben is a UEFA A licensed coach and manages The Bucks Sports Academiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 16-19s years football and education programme.

MIKE HOGG, assistant manager sponsored by Oliverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plumbing

and Heating

Joined the club in 2015 to assist then-manager Glyn Creaser. Now forms part of the management team under Ben Williams.

PAUL BATCHELOR, coach sponsored by the Turnbull family

Joined the club as coach in December 2017 when Ben Williams was appointed caretaker manager.

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Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opposition

edford Town were founded in 1908 and in the early years they played in the United Counties League and its predecessors, the Northampton League and Northampton Alliance. In 1945, The Eagles moved to the Southern League but achieved little during the first seasons. The club received a much-needed boost when in February 1951 former Arsenal, Fulham, Crystal Palace and England player Ronnie Rooke was signed as player/manager. It was not until 1955-56 the Eagles started on the first of their great cup runs which would see them achieve national fame as giant killers with fine wins over league opposition including Watford, Norwich, Newcastle, Exeter, Brighton and Oxford. But possibly their greatest achievement was to draw 2-2 with Arsenal at Highbury watched by more than 55,000. The Eagles nearly caused a major shock in the replay leading 1-0 until four minutes from time before losing 2-1 after extra time, having had two goals

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disallowed for offside. The last game for the club was against Nuneaton Borough away on the 4 May 1982, with the Eagles going down 1-0. After 74 years the end came when the owners of the football ground in Queens Park exercised their right to terminate the lease. When plans to build a new stadium failed, the club was wound up. On 5 May 1989, a group of supporters met to start a campaign to re-form Bedford Town, obtaining council permission to play their home games on a public pitch in Queens Park. With Tony Sullivan as manager, they were elected to the South Midlands League and finished fourth. Terry King was tempted out of retirement to team up with Sullivan for 1992-93 and several early wins put them on the way to a runaway championship. This meant that the club had to find their own ground in order to be promoted. The council decided a site at Meadow Lane, Cardington, a former council tree nursery, would be the

BEDFORD TOWN Founded 1908 Nickname The Eagles Home Ground The Eyrie, Bedford Colours Blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks Current league position 7th Manager Gary Setchell Previous meetings 1 February 2020 (home) W 3-1 (Deacon, Osborne, French) 17 September 2020 (away) D 0-0

most appropriate and with financial support from the council and much hard work from supporters and committee members, the New Eyrie was ready for the opening night game against Peterborough United watched by a crowd of more than 3,000. The Eagles went into the SML Premier Division, won their first game and remained top of the league all season. Another race against time saw the ground upgraded and a rollercoaster campaign saw Bedford claim the third promotion spot in the final week of the season. The Eagles started 199596 with high hopes of a fourth successive promotion, but the team who gained promotion from Division Three never really settled to life at a higher level, and a string of bad results meant that relegation was a distinct possibility. The committee acted quickly to bring in Mick Foster from Buckingham Town who brought several players with

him which resulted in the club finishing a respectable eighth. Season 1996-97 was one of inconsistency, which cost the Eagles any chance of promotion. 1997-98 saw an exciting finale when a late run by the Eagles saw them just fail to pip Wealdstone to the final promotion spot. The Town also won two cup competitions, the Beds Premier Cup and the Vandanel Cup. With just a few days to go before the start of the 1998-99 season, the club parted company with the Manager and former players Tony Luff and Jason Reed were appointed joint managers. The Town enjoyed an excellent FA Vase run getting to the fifth Round before losing to holders, and eventual winners, Tiverton Town 2-1 in front of a crowd of 1,566. After a poor start to the 1999-2000 season the eagles parted company with Luff and Reed and appointed Roger Ashby manager. The club finished eighth. In the FA Trophy the Eagles reached the Fourth Round against

Conference side Yeovil, losing 4-0. The attendance of 2,010 was the highest attendance for a competitive game since the club was reformed. The Eagles finishing runners-up in Ryman Division One in 200001, gaining promotion to the Premier Division. The club also became a PLC at the beginning of the season and David Howell took over as chairman. The league campaign of 2001-02 got off to a disastrous start, losing the first seven matches. It was not until mid-February that the club finally pulled away from the bottom two when the team put together a tremendous nine game unbeaten run. The FA Cup campaign was memorable, reaching the First Round Proper. In front of the Match of the Day cameras the Eagles drew 0-0 with second division Peterborough United at home and took them to a replay at London Road in front of over 5,500 people where they lost 2-1.

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After the departure Roger Ashby, former Northern Ireland international Kevin Wilson was appointed as manager in October 2002. League form improved dramatically, and the club finished ninth, its highest league position since reformation. In October 2003 Wilson resigned from the club to join Aylesbury United. Reserve coach Dave Randall took charge but stood down in January 2004 after a poor run of league results. He was replaced by Nick Platnauer. After a shaky start to 2004-05 an upturn in form saw the Eagles win 12 home league games on the trot and reach second place. Unfortunately, injuries took their toll and eventually slipped to fifth by the end of the season. Bedford reached the semi-final of the play off losing on penalties to Chippenham Town. The Eagles also lost 3-2 over two legs to Kings Lynn in the League Cup final, but silverware did come to the club in the form of

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the Bedfordshire Senior Cup, beating Barton Rovers in the final 2-1. The club moved into its new facilities at the beginning of 2005-06 with football facilities up to National Conference standard. The club were consistent throughout the season and earned a play-off final spot at Chippenham. The Eagles had their day with a magnificent 3-2 win, the winning goal coming from Tom Bonner two minutes from time. The Eagles now facing a new challenge in Nationwide South, the highest standard the club have played in since re-formation in 1990. After struggling for most of the season Platnauer handed in his resignation in February 2007. Stuart Bimson was appointed caretaker and was eventually given the post. Although results improved, relegation was confirmed on 7 April in a 2-0 defeat at Newport County. Another poor season in 2007-08 saw the Eagles relegated. However due

to financial problems with other clubs Bedford escaped the drop. In the midst of preparations for 2008-09 Bimson left the club and assistant manager Lee Howarth was appointed as manager. The Eagles consolidated their position in 2008-09 and finished in 15th. 200910 proved to be another struggle. Conceding 88 goals in the league made life difficult to pick up regular points. After the departure of Manager Lee Howarth in March, Ady Williams took the reigns with the club looking at relegation. The fight came down to the last game of the season when the Eagles beat Tiverton Town 2-0 winners and escaped relegation by a point. With only one league win in the first twelve in 2010-11 and early exits from FA Cup and Trophy, Williams resigned in October, and was replaced by Ady Hall. The 201112 season did not start well and early exits from the FA Cup and FA trophy didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help.

The second half of the season saw an upturn in league form with the club finishing 10th. Ady Hall resigned at the end of the season and Nick Platnauer took on the role for the second time. The 2012-13 campaign was a mixed affair, but an 8-game unbeaten run saw the club come within touching distance of the play-offs. After the departure of Manager Nick Platnauer, the club appointed former player Lee Bearman, but after a disappointing run of twenty games without a win, he departed on Boxing Day 2013. Another former player Danny Nicholls was appointed manager in January, but he resigned after 12 consecutive defeats manager. Wellingborough manager Craig Adams was appointed but could not prevent relegation to the Southern League Division One Central. Adams committed himself to another season at the helm before resigning in mid May 2015. Ex Barton Rovers manager Dan

Kennoy was appointed in June. The Eagles started 2015-16 well with progression in the FA Cup and 10 points from the first five league games. But a poor September lead to Kennoy and his team resigning. Jon Taylor was appointed manager and led the Eagles to 14th. The 2016-17 season started disappointingly, but then went on a 20-game unbeaten run, propelling the Eagles up to a respectable eighth place finish. At the end of January 2018, the club was taken over, ending 17 years of ownership under David Howell. After a summer of rebuilding, the new ownership began to stamp their vision for the Eagles to progress. Several former league players were signed, and the Eagles started with three wins from three. Cup football took priority in the autumn, as the Eagles went on an incredible run in the FA Trophy, reaching the second round â&#x20AC;&#x201C; knocking out two Bostik

Premier League sides and National League Aldershot Town on the way. A reasonable spring saw the Eagles finish fourth, losing 5-3 to Corby Town in the playoff semi-final. There was sadness on 13 October 2019, when owner and director David Taylor passed away. Jon Taylor was promoted to director, and Nathan Abbey took on full responsibility of the management of players at the club. Nathan won his first game in charge, but a run of seven defeats in nine games led to his departure and Mark Ducket joined as manager, his first game being a defeat at Yaxley on 18 January 2020. The Covid-19 outbreak caused the season to be ended early and work began building a side for the resumption of football in September 2020. But after an early exit from the FA Cup and defeat in the first league match at Thame, Ducket resigned. He was replaced in September 2020 by current manager Gary Setchell.

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Previous meetings By David Figg aka ‘Brains’ Season

Date

Venue

Comp

Score

Scorers (times where known)

Attendance

1981-82

11 November 1981

Home

SLC3

2-1

Harthill 14’, M Martin 56’

––

2000-01

25 November 2000 21 April 2001

Away Home

RL1

0-1 3-0

Maynard 3’, Clarke 35’, Bangura 45’+2

607 822

2002-03

9 November 2002 25 March 2003

Home Away

RLP

1-1 0-4

Ibe 90’+5

726 422

2003-04

23 August 2003 1 January 2004

Away Home

RLP

1-4 3-3

Bangura 45’+5 Cavill 33’, Hayward 45’, Pritchard 59’

615 619

2004-05

1 January 2005 28 March 2005

Away Home

SLP

1-2 1-1

J Gould 78’ Roberts 17’

715 709

2005-06

2 January 2006 15 April 2006

Home Away

SLP

1-2 1-2

Joe 31’ Gutzmore 23

493 556

2008-09

26 July 2008

Away

Friendly

1-1

Shed 80’

––

2014-15

20 September 2014 12 March 2015

Home Away

ESLD1C

3-2 1-0

Hatch 35’, 45’+1, Owens 67’ Blackett 34’

149 183

2015-16

12 August 2015 5 January 2016

Home Away

ESLD1C

1-5 0-3

T Collins 74

165 139

2016-17

10 September 2016 22 April 2017

Home Away

ESLD1C

2-1 2-3

Cameron pen 71’, Kinnane 83’ French 31’, Brito 57’

132 268

2017-18

15 August 2017 10 January 2018

Away Home

ESLD1E

1-3 3-0

Jellis 90’

187 98

2018-19

16 October 2018 23 March 2019

Away Home

ESLD1C

0-3 1-4

Mitford 5’

205 142

17 September 2019 1 February 2020

Away Home

BVSLD1C

0-0 3-2

Deacon 23’, Osborne 63’ French 65’

186 161

2019-20*

* Season abandoned and declared void due to Covid-19 SLC – Southern League Cup RL1 – Ryman League Division 1 RLP –Ryman League Premier Division SLP –Southern League Premier Division ESLD1C – EvoStik Southern league Division One Central ESLD1E –EvoStik Southern League Division One East BVSLD1C –BetVictor Southern League Division One Central

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EVERY GOAL EVERY CELEBRATION EVERY MOMENT EVERY TEAM FOLLOW THE ACTION LIVE ON

FREE faplayer.thefa.com

Meet the opposition Jamie Greygoose A lively goalkeeper, who surprises people with his size. Joined the club in February 2020 and went on to make several man of the match performances before lockdown. Before the Eagles, he was with Eynesbury Rovers, St Neots Town, Haverhill Rangers and Bury Town. Brett Longden Defender signed for the Eagles in 2018, and was previously at AFC Dunstable, St. Ives Town, Chesham United, St Neots Town and Luton Town. Joe Steele Joined the Eagles in November 2018 from AFC Dunstable. A local player who established himself in the side in February 2019. Ross Watson Joined the club in January 2020 from Yaxley. Agreed to become club captain in summer 2020. Was previously involved with Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lynn Town, Holbeach United, Spalding United, AFC

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Sudbury, Stamford, Blackstones, Cambridge City and Rushden & Diamonds. Matt Harriott Midfielder joined the Eagles for a second time in November 2019. He was previously with Hendon, Wealdstone, Hemel Hempstead Town, Hayes & Yeading United, Northampton Town, Alfreton Town (loan), Burton Albion (loan), and Sheffield United. Matt Sparrow The 25-year-old lively winger joined the club from Peterborough Sports in August 2020. Previously, he was also with Cambridge City and Yaxley, where he scored 21 goals in 51 appearances. Josh Page A product of the youth system, Page played in Australia with Perth Scorchers before returning the UK. He was involved with the first team throughout preseason 2020, while still playing for the under-18s.

Stanley Ayre Another product of the youth system. He has been involved with the first team throughout preseason 2020. Drew Richardson Joined the Eagles in the summer of 2020, having spent last season at Biggleswade Town. The prospect spent his youth at Luton Town. His performances secured a contract in August 2020. Rob Sinclair An experienced midfielder who has played most of his career in the National League or Football League. He joined the club in summer 2020, returning to his hometown club where he grew up. Previously he has been with Hemel Hempstead Town, Oxford City, Forest Green Rovers, Salisbury City, Aldershot Town (loan), Stevenage and Luton Town. Will Summerfield Joined the Eagles in the summer of 2020. He originally played for the club on a monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loan deal back in 2014 while

he was with MK Dons. Following his release he went on to play for Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead Town and Arlesey Town. He is another local lad who lives in Bedford. Callum Donnelly Joined the Eagles in the 2017-18 season from Hitchin Town where he made more than 300 appearances. He left Bedford in summer 2020 before re-joining in late September. His previous clubs include Cambridge City and Boreham Wood. Connor Tomlinson Joined the Eagles in the summer of 2019 following his release from Luton Town. He is a lively 19-year-old who has extreme talent. The son of former Eagle, and Manchester United forward, Graeme, Connor agreed a twoyear contract with the club in 2019. Dan Walker Joined the club in the summer of 2018, 10 years after he first signed for the Eagles. He has

played for numerous Conference National sides, including Luton Town and Aldershot. Tom Hitchcock The 26-year-old forward joined the Eagles in October 2019. At a young age, he made Premier League appearances for Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers. After loan spells at Plymouth, Bristol Rovers, Crewe Alexandra and Rotherham, he joined MK Dons in 2014 and was with them for three seasons. After leaving the Dons, he had spells with Biggleswade Town, Boreham Wood, Chelmsford and Chesham. He also spent time with Cheshunt and Harlow. Rene Howe Returned to the Eyrie in summer 2020, 14 years after he departed as a teenager. The young Rene was instrumental in our promotion to Conference South in 2006 but moved to Kettering Town the same summer. A successful spell in the football

league followed playing at Peterborough, Burton, Torquay United, Rochdale and Newport County. Since dropping out the football league, he has played at Farnborough, Walton Casuals and Kettering. He is now back at the Eyrie where it all began. Craig Mackail-Smith Joined the Eagles in September following his release from Wycombe Wanderers. The former Scottish International has had a career with more than 200 appearances for Peterborough United â&#x20AC;&#x201C; scoring 85 goals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and more than 100 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion. Gary Setchell, manager Joined the club in September following the departure of Mark Ducket. In 2009 Gary became the manager of Wisbech Town, before moving on to Kings Lynn in 2010. During seven years at the Linnets, he guided them to promotion from step five, and then again to promotion from step four.

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Ducks in action

Above: Jamie Rudd dinks the ball over the Biggleswade goalkeeper for the equaliser Below: Anthony Ball made his 50th appearance for the Ducks in the game

Above: Max Hercules opened the scoring with a deflected shot from outside the box 28

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Below: It was this clash of heads that led to Ty Deaconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s injury and the abandonment

Above: Ben Seaton made his first appearance of the season, coming on at half-time Below: It took some last-ditch defending to prevent Biggleswade adding to their score

aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

Fixtures 2020-21 COMP

RES

ATT

12 Sep 20

DATE

15:00 H Long Crendon

TIME

FA CUP

3-0

197

19 Sep 20

15:00

LEAGUE

0-1

400

ð&#x;&#x;¥ Weatherill ð&#x;&#x;¨

22 Sep 20

19.45 H Moneyfields

FA CUP

2-2

112

Weatherill

30 Sep 20

19.45 H Wantage Town

LEAGUE

4-2

107

Weatherill

Ball

3 Oct 20

15:00 H Daventry Town

LEAGUE

3-2

112

Hopwood

6 Oct 20

15:00

Berkhamsted

LEAGUE

3-2

242

Weatherill

10 Oct 20

15:00

Coleshill Town

LEAGUE

1-4

166

Hopwood

17 Oct 20

15:00 H Tilbury

FA TRO

2-2

197

Hopwood

24 Oct 20

15:00

Biggleswade*

LEAGUE

3-2

188

Hopwood

28 Oct 20

19:45 H Bedford Town

LEAGUE

1 Nov 20

15:00 H Margate

TBC

VERSUS

Corby Town

North Leigh

LEAGUE

Kidlington

LEAGUE

19:45

7 Nov 20

15:00 H AFC Dunstable

14 Nov 20 15:00

Bedworth United

LEAGUE LEAGUE

5 Dec 20

15:00 H Barton Rovers

12 Dec 20 15:00

Yaxley

LEAGUE LEAGUE

2 Jan 21

15:00 H Didcot Town

LEAGUE

9 Jan 21

15:00

LEAGUE

16 Jan 21

15:00 H Halesowen Town

LEAGUE

23 Jan 21

15:00

LEAGUE

30 Jan 21

15:00 H North Leigh

LEAGUE

6 Feb 21

15:00

LEAGUE

13 Feb 21

15:00 H Kidlington

LEAGUE

20 Feb 21

15:00 H Welwyn Garden City

LEAGUE

27 Feb 20

15:00

LEAGUE

6 Mar 21

15:00 H Bedworth United

LEAGUE

13 Mar 21

15:00

LEAGUE

Wantage Town

Bedford Town

AFC Dunstable

St Neots Town

Barton Rovers

20 Mar 21 15:00 H Coleshill Town

LEAGUE

27 Mar 21 15:00 H Biggleswade

LEAGUE

3 Apr 21

15:00

LEAGUE

5 Apr 21

15:00 H Thame United

LEAGUE

10 Apr 21

15:00

LEAGUE

17 Apr 21

15:00 H Corby Town

LEAGUE

24 Apr 21

15:00

LEAGUE

1 May 21

15:00 H Yaxley

LEAGUE

3 May 21

15:00

Didcot Town

LEAGUE

8 May 21

15:00 H Berkhamsted

LEAGUE

Halesowen Town

Daventry Town

Kempston Rovers

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â&#x161;½ ð&#x;&#x;¨

Riddick

Wood

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

Riddick

Bewley

Wood

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

Bewley

Wood

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

Riddick

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

Riddick

Jones

Bewley

Jones Ball

2â&#x192;£

ð&#x;&#x;¨ Jones ð&#x;&#x;¨ Jenkins 2â&#x192;£ Jones

Bewley

ð&#x;&#x;¨

Wood

ð&#x;&#x;¨

Bewley

Wood

Bewley

Wood

Bewley

Wood

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

ð&#x;&#x;¨ 1â&#x192;£ â&#x161;½

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

* Match abandoned after 90 minutes due to injury. Awaiting a decision from the Southern League whether this result will stand.

Jenkins

LEAGUE

26 Dec 20 15:00

Thame United

â&#x161;½

LEAGUE

19 Dec 20 15:00 H Kempston Rovers A

4 Wood

LEAGUE

28 Nov 20 15:00

Welwyn Garden City

3 Bewley

LEAGUE

21 Nov 20 15:00 H St Neots Town A

2 Ball

FATRO

4 Nov 20

Hopwood

ð&#x;&#x;¨

Riddick

ð&#x;&#x;¨

Riddick Riddick Riddick

1â&#x192;£ ð&#x;&#x;¨

7 Hercules Hercules

1â&#x192;£ Rudd â&#x161;½ â&#x161;½ 3â&#x192;£ Hercules â&#x161;½ Hercules

Hercules

â&#x161;½ â&#x161;½ 3â&#x192;£ Rudd 2â&#x192;£ Hercules â&#x161;½ 3â&#x192;£ Rudd

â&#x161;½ Hogg â&#x161;½ Hogg â&#x161;½ Hogg 1â&#x192;£ Hogg

Ball Ball Hogg

2â&#x192;£

Ball Ball

1â&#x192;£ Akintunde ð&#x;&#x;¨ 1â&#x192;£ Akintunde

Deacon

â&#x161;½ 2â&#x192;£ Akintunde â&#x161;½ 1â&#x192;£ Deacon â&#x161;½ â&#x161;½

Akintunde

Deacon Deacon Deacon

ð&#x;&#x;¥

10 French

3â&#x192;£

French

11 Stobbs

2â&#x192;£

Deacon

3â&#x192;£ Stobbs 1â&#x192;£

14 Deacon

1â&#x192;£

Sangoya

Deacon

Stobbs

French

Stobbs

McCrohan

2â&#x192;£ Hercules 3â&#x192;£ Deacon 1â&#x192;£ â&#x161;½

French

Stobbs

Hogg

Akintunde

French French

â&#x161;½

1â&#x192;£ Akintunde â&#x161;½ â&#x161;½ Akintunde 1â&#x192;£ French

Stobbs

â&#x161;½

Jones

Stobbs Stobbs Rudd

Hopwood

Ball

2â&#x192;£

1â&#x192;£ â&#x161;½

Seaton Jones

2â&#x192;£

Akintunde

3â&#x192;£ Hercules 2â&#x192;£ Seaton 1â&#x192;£

Akintunde

Sangoya

Weatherill

2â&#x192;£

Rudd

Seaton

Jenkins

Sangoya

Seaton

Rudd

McCrohan

Sangoya

Sangoya Sangoya Sangoya

Jones

1â&#x192;£

Rudd

1â&#x192;£ Jenkins 2â&#x192;£ Jenkins 1â&#x192;£ ð&#x;&#x;¨ Stobbs 3â&#x192;£

McCrohan

1â&#x192;£

Hopwood Weatherill Hopwood

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Recent results The Pitching In Southern League Division One Central Last updated: XXXXX

TEAM

PTS

Aylesbury United

Corby Town

Bedworth United

Halesowen Town

Berkhamsted

Barton Rovers

Bedford Town

Welwyn Garden City

Wantage Town

-5

Kidlington

AFC Dunstable

-1

St Neots Town

Thame United

Daventry Town

-3

Coleshill Town

-6

North Leigh

-7

Didcot Town

-12

Kempston Rovers

-6

Yaxley

-6

Biggleswade

-7