Aylesbury United v Berkhamsted

Good afternoon and welcome to this Pitching In Southern League Division One Central match against Berkhamsted.

A very happy New Year to all our supporters, volunteers and team, and we offer the same to the fans, players and officials of today’s opponents –along with a safe journey home after the match.

Today’s visitors represent a tough start to the New Year, as they sit four points clear at the top of the table, and come to The Meadow following a 4-0 victory over promotion rivals AFC Dunstable on Boxing Day. Without wishing to labour the point, we have also lost seven of the past eight against the Comrades, and haven’t beaten them since a 3-2 win in 2012. Nevertheless what better way to kick-off a New Year than to cast aside past performance and write a new chapter.

Despite our current position, we can look forward to the second half of the season with some hope. We’re now unbeaten in four games following the 1-1 draw against Thame United on Boxing day – a game we perhaps should

that Tyriq Hunte has committed to the club until the end of the season is also very welcome – as is the return of some of our long-term injured players, including Anthony Ball, Tom McElroy and Mark Riddick, to the sqaud very soon. Harlow’s resignation from the league has robbed us of four hard-earned points, but now means there is only one automatic relegation place to fight to avoid. It’ll be a challenge, but one we can overcome by working together and supporting each other.

We’re also pleased to welcome club legend Jack Sillitoe back to the Ducks as

goalkeeping coach. It follows the departure of James Gibbs to Hendon. Jack was a firm favourite among players and supporters during his 11 years at the club, and it’s great he has agreed to return to work with the keepers that follow in his footsteps.

Come on you Ducks!

CHARITY PARTNER

Each season

Aylesbury United partners with a local charity to raise funds through various activities associated with the club.

The election of a Charity Partner for Aylesbury United is organised by the club’s supporters’ trust, 21st Century Ducks. The charity partnership concept began in 2018 so that the club’s charitable giving could be more focused. Since then supporters have raised more than £7,000 for the charities involved.

This season Aylesbury United are supporting Aylesbury Foodbank as our charity partner.

Aylesbury Foodbank doesn’t think that anyone in the community should have to face going hungry. That’s why they

Aylesbury

provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis.

Aylesbury Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

The foodbank’s website provides a list of urgently needed items, as well as a list of food donation points locally where items can be dropped off.

Aylesbury Foodbank was selected by our fans from a shortlist of four at our Emirates FA Cup match against Ardley United in August.

This season’s partnership has already got off to a fantastic start with our charity walk from Aylesbury to Berkhamsted. On August Bank Holiday Monday, a group of Ducks fans walked 14 miles along the Grand Union canal in

time for the match between the two sides. So far the effort has already raised more than £1,800 for the charity, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Kevin Piper, chair of trustees at Aylesbury Foodbank, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Aylesbury United as their charity partner for this season, and were staggered by the amount of money raised by their sponsored walk to Berkhamsted. Thank you so much, this will help us to feed those in need in Aylesbury. Well done to the team.”

Donations on behalf of the charity are still welcome, just scan the QR code below.

MATCHDAY MASCOT

Our mascot package includes two adults tickets to a game and two junior tickets to the game. The mascot will receive a tour of the dressing room, meet the players and manager before the game, lead the team out onto the pitch, and an official photograph with the captains and officials before the game. There’ll also be a Ducks goodie bag, and tea, coffee and soft drinks for ther family in the boardroom.

All of this is just £30, or £37.50 with an Aylesbury United scarf.

To book your package, please email Simon Lacey via simon.lacey@oliverlacey.com

Do you know someone who would be interested in being a matchday mascot?

On 5 June 1897

representatives from three local clubs – Night School, the Printing Works and Aylesbury Town –gathered in the Rochester Room of the Bell Hotel in Aylesbury to discuss the merger of three local teams into one club.

The motivation was straightforward, that “some really good football might be seen in Aylesbury if only the clubs would amalgamate”. Mr Kyle, who had proposed the idea to meeting chair Mr Elliston, had travelled around Bucks visiting Wycombe and Marlow “and it struck him that these smaller towns had stronger football teams” than Aylesbury. It appeared to him that “something might be done in Aylesbury to unite them as clubs, so that their football teams might be equal to those in other towns in Bucks”. “Certainly in the county town, and the really competent players they had there, they ought to have a team worthy of it,” he added, and “the united club would be a credit to

themselves, the county town, and to Bucks.”

The Reverend AJ Jones went further, saying “the club should not only be a credit to the county, but to all England”. He drew on his experiences in Sunderland – one of the great centres of the game – where children played football in the streets and policemen were unable to stop them because they had the spirit of football within them. The resolution was carried with one in opposition.

It was proposed four teams be created, with different levels of ability, three to play on Saturdays, and two on Thursdays. Because of this, a motion was proposed that two grounds be secured for the purposes of the club.

Membership of the club was set at two shillings and sixpence, two shillings for under 18s, and one shilling for boys under 12. Members of the Printing Works were exempt from the charge to begin with, as they already paid to be members of their institute which paid for their team.

majority in attendance.

The club played their first match in a “new dark green kit” against Bowes Park on 25 September that year.

On 28 May 1898, at the club’s first annual meeting, it was reported the first team had played 26, winning 14, and losing 12 – scoring 77 goals, and conceding 60. Mr Kyle, who was now the club’s chairman, was very pleased with the outcome. “The attempt to amalgamate the clubs in the town had been fully justified. If the same progress were to be made next season, he believed would be equal to any club in the county,” he said.

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One crucial question remained, which was what should the name of the club be? Mr Kyle proposed the Aylesbury Football Club, which was swiftly amended by AJ Jones to the Aylesbury United Football Club, which was carried by the

Some 125 years later, we hold the principles set down in that original meeting dear – to have a team the town can be proud of, and that is a credit to Aylesbury throughout the county and country.

Thank you for being part of our history for the past 125 years, and here’s to the next 125 – come on you Ducks!

Board of directors

Club volunteers

First team coaching staff

CLUB HISTORY

Aylesbury

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, has experienced some incredible highs over our 125year 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

the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, eventually losing to Third Division side Watford.

Aylesbury turned semiprofessional in 1976 and joined the Southern League, a move which got the ball rolling on the club’s most 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 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 non-league 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 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.

There are still plenty of reasons to remain positive; a glance to our near neighbours Slough Town, who now have definite plans for a new stadium in place to end their own exile, just goes to show that with patience and perseverance it can be done, and Aylesbury United will return to their rightful place eventually.

On the pitch the club

continued to do remarkably well, going close to the play-off positions in the Midlands Division for the next three seasons but a new challenge arose when the previous manager defected clubs, taking almost the entire playing 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, Chesham and 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 Glyn’s first full season in charge, he led the club to the semi-final 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 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.

2019-20 began in promising fashion, with the Ducks unbeaten in the first nine league games, and winning ties in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. 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.

The 2020-21 season suffered the same fate, abandoned after just two months. But that was still long enough for the Ducks to suffer heartbreak in the FA Cup, losing a penalty shoot-out to Moneyfields (in a game that had already seen four penalties) – before bouncing back to win on penalties against Tilbury in the FA Trophy.

There were hopes the form from the two cancelled seasons could be maintained, and 2021-22 began well with out best run in the FA Cup for a decade – scoring more goals than eventual winners Liverpool before being knocked out 1-0 by National League South side Ebbsfleet United. Just outside the play-offs at Christmas, the team unfortunately suffered a collapse in form, losing 10 consecutive games before rallying to avoid a relegation scrap, and finishing in 14th place.

This season is the club’s 125th anniversary, and hopefully the team can achieve success to celebrate this significant milestone in the club’s history.

CLUB HONOURS

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

Delphian League Champions 1953-54

Athenian League Division Two Champions 1967-68

Southern League Division One South Runner up 1979-80

Southern League Midlands Division Runner up 1984-85

Southern League Champions 1987-88

Isthmian League Runner-up 1998-99

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Runner-up 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

Isthmian League Cup 1994-95

Spartan South Midlands League

Premier Cup 2012-13

FA Cup

First round 1951-52, 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 2003

SQUAD PROFILES

DAVID ALUKO-OLUKUN

Striker currently on loan to the Ducks from MK Dons’ academy.

FORWARD

JOSHUA AMEGANVI

17-year-old goalkeeper signed in September as a back-up for Jack Hopwood. Made his debut in goal for the Ducks against Chesham United in the Berks and Bucks Cup.

FORWARD

EZRA ANTHONIO-FORDE

Striker who joined the Ducks late in July 2021 after impressing during pre-season.He started his career as a youth player with Luton Town before featuring regularly for Oxford City in the National League South. Spells at Hitchin Town, St Ives Town and Old Bradwell United followed. After four goals in seven games for the Ducks, he attracted the attention of North Leigh and joined the Oxfordshire side in October 2021, but returned to the Ducks in December.

ALFIE ATTRILL

Midfielder signed following the resignation of Harlow Town from the league in December 2022. Joined the Hawks in July 2021, and has previouslyh played for Cheshunt.

ANTHONY BALL

Impressive young right back who can also play in midfield who joined the club at the end of December 2018, ‘Bally’ won Aylesbury FC’s Young Player of the Year award in 2017-18 as he was a regular for town neighbours Aylesbury FC in what was his first season in senior football. A graduate of the Luton Town Cedars development programme, he has also featured for Winslow United before joining Berkhamsted in the summer on his way to the Ducks.

Sponsored by Courts Accountancy Services

Laces sponsor Charlie Lacey

JAKE BEWLEY

Ever reliable left back who has barely missed a game since being recruited from Leighton Town in summer 2014 after a four-year association with the Bedfordshire side, having previously played for Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable before that. Jake’s year-on-year improvement culminated in him being named Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, having been named the Most Improved Player in 2015-16, and is now the team’s co-vice captain.

Sponsored by Dave Brown

Laces sponsor Santino Iannaccone

DEFENDER

DEFENDER

GOALKEEPER

FORWARD

CHIEF BOATENG

28-year-old striker who joined the Ducks from Desborough Town in November 2022, and counts AFC Rushden and Diamonds, Daventry Town, Kempston Rovers and Wantage Town among his previous clubs.

FORWARD

STEPHEN ENOW

19-year-old winger who joined the club in December 2022, and made his debut as a subsititue against Harlow Town.

SONNY FRENCH

Talented midfielder and co-vice captain signed for Aylesbury United in March 2015 from town neighbours Aylesbury FC, where he was a former Player of the Season winner. The 2022-23 season is Sonny’s ninth campaign with the Ducks, having now amassed more than 200 games, and was in fine form before the Coronavirus pandemic curtailed the past two seasons – enjoying his most prolific season in 2019-20 with 13 goals to his name.

JACK HOPWOOD

Goalkeeper who joined the club from Tring Athletic in February 2018 and quickly showed his quality by starting his Aylesbury career with an impressive three successive clean sheets. Well known to Ben Williams due after graduating through the Bucks Sports Academy, he played for Chesham United Reserved before going on to make nearly 150 appearances for Tring. Jack left the club in Summer 2021 following his relocation, but returned just over a year later having most recently played for Thatcham Town.

by William and Niamh Seeley GOALKEEPER

TYRIQ HUNTE

Striker returned to the Ducks for a second spell in November 2022 on a short-term deal from league rivals AFC Dunstable. Hunte made 17 appearances for the club in his first spell in 2017, scoring six times. Since then he has played for numerous clubs, most recently joining Ware at the start of the 2022-23 season, before joining AFC Dunstable in October.

FORWARD

SHAQUILLE ISHMAEL

Signed from Ware in November 2022, and predominantly plays as a winger and attacking midfielder. Last season he had spells with both Colney Health and Wantage Town, and despite his youth, the 22-year-old also includes Bracknell Town, Hitchin Town, Edgware Town and Hanwell Town among his former clubs.

Laces sponsor Alwyn Lloyd MIDFIELDER

Sponsored

JORDAN JENKINS

Aylesbury-born central defender who joined the Ducks in July 2019 after three years at Aylesbury FC. Jordan was previously captain at Haywood Way, where he made more than 110 appearances having joined from Leighton Town, also playing for Aston Clinton and Winslow United before that. Won the FA Sunday Cup in 2018-19 with his Sunday league side Aylesbury Flooring.

sponsor William Hutcherson

HARRY JONES

Versatile player who, having now turned 22, has played more than 150 Aylesbury United games since making his debut at the age of just 17. Jones was billed as a midfielder on joining the club, but spent a lot of the most recent seasons at fullback, and has also played as an out-and-out centre forward when required. Previous first team experience with Risborough Rangers prior to joining United.

Sponsored by Jim Rayner

Laces sponsor George Pennington DEFENDER

DAVID LYNN

The 27-year-old left-back joined from Thame United in November 2022, where he made more than 200 appearances and won the Manager’s Player of the Season Award in 2018-19, since joining the Red Kites in 2015. He has also previously played for Dunstable Town, Banbury United, and Chesham United.

by Carl Catling Media DEFENDER

TOM MCELROY

Featured on the wing for the Ducks in pre-season, and has made an impression on those watching. McElroy has recently completed a masters degrees in investment and finance at the University of Nottingham, and has played for nearby Shepshed Dynamo, as well as the University of Leicester.

Sponsored by Ken Turnbull

Laces sponsor Lily Lacey FORWARD

JACK MORIARTY

Midfidler joined the squad in September 2022 from Bedford Town, whom he joined in the summer. Prior to signing for the Eagles, he played for Potton United, and before then the 20-year-old spent time with Berkhamsted Raiders, and Kings Langley, whom he joined having moved through the Stevenage academy.

MIDFIELDER

NASHA MUKWADA

Speedy winger joined the Ducks in summer 2022 from Rushden and Diamonds Under 23 squad, for whom he made 14 appearances, scoring five goals last season.

Sponsored

Laces

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

MARK RIDDICK

Defensive midfielder who joined United in July 2019 after two seasons with Tring Athletic, having previously played for London Colney and Chesham United’s reserve team before that. Enjoyed an excellent debut season and was rewarded with Supporters’ Player of the Year award, and followed that with the Player’s Player of the Year trophy last season.

Sponsored by Andy Martin

Laces sponsor Elowen Pennington

BEN SEATON

Attacking midfielder who brought his fine technical abilities to the club in October 2017 having previously played for Tring Athletic, and ended the season winning the Most Improved Player award. Previously with Tring Athletic, he proved a valuable addition to the squad with his ever-improving displays and, still at a young age, has bags of potential to develop further. Won the inaugural Goal of the Season award in 2022 for his astonishing strike against Kempston Rovers.

Sponsored by The Harvey Family Laces sponsor Greg Pennington MIDFIELDER

LEE STOBBS

Experienced and versatile player, Lee Stobbs joined Aylesbury from Berkhamsted in July 2020 to link up with a number of his former Tring Athletic teammates currently with the Ducks. First came to prominence at Leverstock Green, he has also featured for the likes AFC Dunstable and Kings Langley, as well as a short spell with Aylesbury FC. The club’s first summer signing of 2020.

Sponsored by Paul Hopwood

DANIEL STOKOE

Attacking midfielder signed from National League South side Cheshunt in November 2022. Was a highly rated prospect with Oxford City’s under 23 side.

JACK WOOD

Long-serving club captain initially joined the club on loan from Luton Town in March 2010, before making the move permanent the following summer. A 17-time end of season award winner, Jack passed 500 appearances for the Ducks last season to go second on the all-time list behind Cliff Hercules, and continues to display incredible loyalty to the club despite several offers to ply his trade elsewhere.

Sponsored by Rich Lloyd

Laces sponsor Ava Pinches DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

MANAGER

JACK WELLS

Appointed as manager in October 2022, and joined the club from North Leigh where he has been working as a first team coach, and has also previously held coaching roles at Wantage Town, Stratford Town and Redditch United. He has a record of working with and developing young players, having also worked as a coach in the academy at Northampton Town, as head of female football and ladies team manager at Oxford City, and with Wycombe Wanderers. The 31-year-old is currently working toward his UEFA B licence, and also holds a diploma in sports management.

JORDI MULVANY

Jordi had stints as a player at Didcot Town, North Leigh, Oxford City Nomads and Clanfield 85, before injuries curtailed his playing career. Joined the club when Jack Wells was appointed manager in November 2022.

by Roger Simmons

LUIS FERNANDES

Experienced Portuguese defender signed in March 2022 from Staines Town, where he was captain. Joined the Swans from Arlesey Town, and the 34-year-old has a host of former clubs in England including Southall, North Greenford United, Chesham United, Ware, Royston Town, Southall, London Colney, Marlow, Waltham Abbey, Hayes & Yeading, and Cheshunt. Returned to the club in November 2022, and joined the management team as player/coach in December.

Sponsored by Roger Simmons COACH

JACK SILLITOE

Long serving and hugely popular goalkeeper who played for the Ducks for eleven years and made 320 appearances for the club, having made his debut in 2007 as emergency cover having come through the club’s youth team. A popular figure among supporters and teammates, he was named Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2010, Players’ Player of the Year in 2012 and received the Clubman of the Year award in 2016. A broken metatarsal put an end to his Ducks career between the sticks in 2018, but returned to the club as goalkeeping coach in December 2022.

ALYIEANA RAHIM

Alyieana is in her final year at Bucks New University studying for a sports therapy degree, and already holds a number of other sports therapy qualifications. She is also a former gymnast and has represented England.

Seeley

Sponsored

AST MANAGER

GK COACH

Sponsored by Paul

OPPOSITION HISTORY

The club was formed in 2009 and appointed experienced manager Micky Vipond who had been successful with Leverstock Green, Tring Athletic and Hemel Hempstead Town (where he had a long playing career). The club won the Molten Spartan South Midlands League Division 2 title in its first season, losing only once each at home and away. Winning division 2 by 9 points led to promotion to division 1. The team were again champions in 2010-11, this time by 15 points and were unbeaten at home in the league. This earned a second successive promotion and movement up to the Premier division, where the club stayed for 6 years. The total of 107 points was the highest in the season for

any club in the non-league pyramid, prompting the Herts. FA to award the club the prestigious Sir Stanley Rous Memorial Trophy. It is named after a former local referee and administrator who rose all the way from West Herts. football to the top job at FIFA. The team won promotion to the Southern League under Steve Bateman by finishing as Premier division runners up in 2018. We were leading the division when it was abandoned due to a pandemic in 2020. Being deprived of conventional promotion, the joint management team of Steve Bateman and Lee Bircham chose to move up two divisions by taking over the hot seat at Hemel Hempstead Town and took a few players with them. The club finished as runners-up last season but went out at home to North Leigh in the play off semi-final after extra time.

Hoddesdon Town (after a replay), Hadley and Uxbridge. This season Berko went on a run knocking out Ware, Witham Town and Concord Rangers at home before going down in the 3rd qualifying round 2-0 at Banbury United, who like Concord are two divisions higher up the pyramid than the Comrades. That was the current club’s furthest progress in the competition, a feat the old Town club performed on four occasions.

DETAILS

The club made its FA Cup debut in 2011 with an away win over Crawley Green, followed by a trip to Clarence Park, but the game with St Albans City was goalless, then exiting at Broadwater in the replay. In 2012 they played 5 FA Cup matches but went out to Metropolitan Police in the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Cup, having knocked out

The 2018 debut in the FA Trophy brought a 5-1 win over South Park but defeat at Chipstead. 2019 produced a 5-0 win at home to Herne Bay but defeat at step 3 side Hornchurch 3-1. In 2020-1 season we knocked out Chertsey Town but went out to Marlow in what proved to be our final game before the season was abandoned due to the pandemic. 2021 brought wins at Barton Rovers and Northwood but defeat at Cheshunt, who reached the last 16 of the Trophy.

In 2016 Berkhamsted reached the last 16 of the FA Vase, going out 2-1 at home to the eventual winners Morpeth Town. We got there with six wins, earning the club the Houghton Regis Trophy.

The club has twice reached the quarter final of the Southern League Cup, the first time was in 2019, going

out 1-0 after a long midweek trip to Lowestoft Town. The second was in 2022 when an injury time goal meant another 1-0 defeat, this time at home to Swindon Supermarine.

Berko have reached many local cup finals. The 2019 Herts. Charity Cup final with Hemel Hempstead was not played due to the virus, with the sides being declared joint winners. The previous season Berko won the St Marys Cup with a 1-0 win over Oxhey Jets but lost the Herts. Charity Shield final 1-0 to Colney Heath. The previous year they lost the St Marys Cup final to Leverstock Green. In 2016 they beat Tring Athletic 3-2 in the Herts. Charity Shield final. They won their first cup in 2013 by also beating Tring Athletic at home in the St Marys Cup final. In 2015 they landed the Premier Division Cup, beating Colney Heath after a penalty shoot-out in the final. 2014/15 featured their best run in the Herts. Senior Cup when they beat three fellow SSMFL Premier division sides before going out in the semi- final 2-1 at home to National South side Hemel Hempstead Town.

The club nickname is the Comrades, after Berkhamsted Comrades which was the name of the football club formed in the town by servicemen returning from the First World War 100 years ago. It later changed its name to Berkhamsted Town, but that club folded for financial reasons in early 2009.

The club also runs a midweek side for under 18s in the Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League. On Sundays the under 18s and under 16s compete in the Eastern Junior Alliance.

OPPOSITION PROFILES

Craig Hill

He has played at higher levels with Kettering Town, Oxford City and Corby Town and has had two spells at Thame United, who he left in the summer.

Cameron Groom

Joined last season and proved capable when he was selected.

Ryan Kinnane

Centre back who returned to Broadwater from Hemel Hempstead Town last year. Originally signed from Hayes & Yeading United. Player of the season.

Tommy Smith

A centre back who transferred from Hendon in 2021. He played against us often for London Colney and his brother is an ex Comrade having played in goal for us in a famous FA win at Saffron Walden a few years ago.

Ben Walster

Left sided defender who joined from Stotfold at the end of 2021. He has played at higher levels for Hitchin Town, Chesham United and Biggleswade Town.

Ryan Neufville

Right back who joined from Biggleswade United.

Tom Silford

Returned this summer from AFC Dunstable, having previously played for the Comrades in a few cup games under Steve Bateman.

Ross Oulton

Joined in the summer from Stratford Town. Has plenty of

Southern League experience with Bedford, Daventry & AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

Adam Watkins

2021 signing from Premier division Royston Town. Experienced at this level with both Dunstable clubs, Chesham United, Bedford Town and Cambridge City. Was with Luton as a youngster.

Jack Tompkins

Summer signing from Thame United where he was supporters’ player of the year. Made a handful of first team appearance at Barnet where he was a professional.

Connor Toomey

Returned after another spell at Hayes and Yeading United. Product of our under 18 side who has also played for Kings Langley.

Luke Andrews

Joined in the summer from Biggleswade United.

Ethan Kessell

Recent signing from Wingate & Finchley who has previously played for Coggeshall Town, Romford, Tilbury & Woodford Town.

Josh Chamberlain

Left sided player who came through the under 18 and reserve set up and returned to Broadwater, after helping Hayes & Yeading to promotion to step 3 the previous year.

Isaac Galliford

Recent signing who was with Hendon and Potters Bar Town earlier in the season.

Ashton Grant

Recent signing who has played for AFC Dunstable, Barton Rovers, Bedford Town and Royston Town.

Ryan Blake

Was an England Schoolboy trialist who scored a few goals as a 17 year old for Berkhamsted Town in their final season in 2008. He was a regular goalscorer in two spells at Chesham United and has also played for Hemel, Hayes & Yeading United and Enfield Town.

Jonathan Lacey

Forward who has returned from Hemel Hempstead. Scored many goals in his previous spell after moving up from Leverstock Green.

Alie Bangura

Top scorer last season who joined Kings Langley in March, but has now returned on loan, having been loaned out to Hendon earlier this season. Previous clubs include Biggleswade United, Tring Athletic and Enfield Borough.

Tobi Coker

Recent signing who has played for Waltham Abbey, FC Romania, Hornchurch & Maldon and Tiptree.

Bradley Wadkins

Pacey forward who was a Xmas Signing from Kings Langley who has also played at a good level for Chesham United, Hendon, St Albans City Aylesbury FC, Slough Town and Enfield Town. His other clubs include Leverstock Green, Potters Bar Town and Chalfont St Peter.

Lynton Goss

Averaged very nearly a goal a game in his first two seasons with Thame and then moved up a division to play for Harrow Borough. He has also played locally with Chesham United and Aylesbury.

Chris Devane, manager Joined two seasons ago having previously managed at step 5 with Biggleswade United and Crawley Green.

Trishan Patel Level 3 coach who joined from Biggleswade United.

Darren Locke Assistant manager and experienced centre back who joined from Chesham United.

Aaron Morgan Tactician who joined last season.

Rory McMullan Goalkeeper coach joined last season.

Olley Guest Physio who joined the club this season after a spell at Barnet.

FIXTURES & APPEARANCES

DATE TIME VERSUS COMP RES ATT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

6 AUG 15:00 A Ashton and Backwell Utd

FA CUP 0-2 85 Davis Ball Jones Wood O’Connor ⚽ McNamara ⚽ Hogg

13 AUG 15:00 A Harlow Town LEAGUE 3-3 222 Davis Ball Bewley ⚽⚽ Wood O’Connor McNamara Hogg ⚽

16 AUG 19:45 H Kidlington

LEAGUE 2-0 111 Davis Ball �� Bewley Wood McNamara Lamboh Hogg ��

19 AUG 19:45 H Ardley United FA CUP 1-0 161 Davis Ball Bewley Wood McNamara McElroy Hogg

27 AUG 15:00 H Barton Rovers LEAGUE 2-1 101 Davis Ball Bewley Wood Jones McNamara �� Anderson

29 AUG 15:00 A Berkhamsted LEAGUE 4-0 394 Davis �� Jones Bewley Wood O’Connor McNamara �� Anderson

2 SEP 19:45 H Margate

FA CUP 0-1 293 Davis Ball Bewley �� Wood O’Connor McNamara Jones

14 SEP 19:45 H Evesham United FA TRO 0-3 107 Clifford Jones Ball Wood O’Connor Townsend Mukwada

17 SEP 15:00 A Welwyn Garden City LEAGUE 3-0 124 Davis Ball Bewley Wood O’Connor Townsend Jones

4 OCT 19:45 A FC Romania LEAGUE 4-1 35 Hopwood Jones Bewley Wood O’Connor Seaton Mukwada

8 OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade Town LEAGUE 1-3 134 Hopwood Jones Anderson Wood Bewley Jenkins Townsend

15 OCT 15:00 H Kempston Rovers LEAGUE 1-3 110 Hopwood Joyce Bewley Wood Anderson McNamara Mukwada

18 OCT 19:45 H Didcot Town LEAGUE 0-1 111 Hopwood Joyce Bewley �� Wood Anderson �� McNamara Mukwada

22 OCT 15:00 A Walthamstow LEAGUE 2-1 326 Hopwood Joyce Bewley Wood O’Connor McNamara Stobbs

26 OCT 19:45 H Highworth Town LEAGUE 5-1 102 Hopwood Jones Anderson Wood O’Connor Townsend Stobbs

29 OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade LEAGUE 0-2 144 Hopwood Jones Anderson Wood O’Connor �� Townsend Stobbs

5 NOV 15:00 A Ware LEAGUE 3-0 144 Hopwood Jones Fernandes Wood Jenkins �� Townsend Mukwada

8 NOV 19:45 H Chesham United B&B 0-2 97 Ameganvi Joyce Bayliss Wood Bewley McNamara Mukwada

12 NOV 15:00 A Cirencester Town LEAGUE 0-3 151 Hopwood Joyce Fernandes Wood Bewley Townsend Mukwada

19 NOV 15:00 H Waltham Abbey LEAGUE 0-2 104 Hopwood Bewley Fernandes Wood Lynn Moriarty Stobbs

26 NOV 15:00 A Hertford Town LEAGUE 4-4 173 Hopwood Jones Bewley ⚽ Wood Lynn Moriarty �� Hunte ⚽ 3 DEC 15:00 H Harlow Town LEAGUE 1-0 125 Hopwood Jones �� Bewley Wood �� Jenkins Moriarty Stobbs 7 DEC 19:45 A Kidlington LEAGUE 2-2 71 Hopwood Jones Bewley Wood Fernandes Moriarty ⚽ Mukwada 19 DEC 19:45 A Beaconsfield Town B&B 1-6 Ameganvi Jones Fernandes Wood Jenkins Attrill Stobbs 26 DEC 15:00 A Thame United LEAGUE 1-1 203 Hopwood Jones ⚽ Bewley Wood Lynn Moriarty �� Stobbs 2 JAN 15:00 H Berkhamsted LEAGUE 7 JAN 15:00 A Barton Rovers LEAGUE 14 JAN 15:00 H Hertford Town LEAGUE 17 JAN 19:45 A Hadley LEAGUE 21 JAN 15:00 A Didcot Town LEAGUE 28 JAN 15:00 H Cirencester Town LEAGUE 4 FEB 15:00 A Biggleswade Town LEAGUE 11 FEB 15:00 H FC Romania LEAGUE 14 FEB 19:45 H AFC Dunstable LEAGUE 18 FEB 15:00 H Hadley LEAGUE 25 FEB 15:00 A AFC Dunstable LEAGUE 4 MAR 15:00 H Welwyn Garden City LEAGUE 18 MAR 15:00 A Kempston Rovers LEAGUE 25 MAR 15:00 H Walthamstow LEAGUE 1 APR 15:00 A Highworth Town LEAGUE 8 APR 15:00 A Waltham Abbey LEAGUE 10 APR 15:00 H Thame United LEAGUE 15 APR 15:00 A Biggleswade LEAGUE 22 APR 15:00 H Ware LEAGUE

McElroy Anthonio-Forde Seaton Lamboh French Jenkins Clifford �� McElroy Seaton Lamboh Mukwada Dyer

Aluko-Olukun Anthonio-Forde Appiah Rudd

Aluko-Olukun Riddick Appiah Clifford Riddick Anthonio-Forde �� Seaton Mukwada ⚽ Dyer Lamboh �� Anderson Rudd Jenkins

McElroy ⚽ Anthonio-Forde ⚽ Seaton �� Mukwada Dyer

Anderson Riddick Anthonio-Forde ⚽ Seaton �� Rudd ⚽ Aluko-Olukun Mukwada Jenkins Townsend Lamboh Anderson Lamboh Anthonio-Forde Seaton McElroy Aluko-Olukun Dyer Duggan Townsend Clifford Lamboh Anthonio-Forde Seaton Townsend Aluko-Olukun French Duggan Anderson Rudd

Mukwada �� Seaton Aluko-Olukun French Anderson Rudd Jenkins McNamara Greville Anthonio-Forde Riddick �� Aluko-Olukun French Rudd Anderson Seaton Moriarty Chidyausiku Mukwada

Mukwada Moriarty Anthonio-Forde French McElroy ⚽ Townsend Stobbs McNamara Joyce

Townsend Moriarty McElroy ⚽ Seaton French Stobbs Joyce McNamara Rudd Mukwada

Mukwada Moriarty Jones French McElroy ⚽ Townsend Riddick Stobbs O’Connor Rudd

Mukwada Townsend Jones French McElroy Moriarty Riddick Stobbs Jenkins Ameganvi Townsend McElroy ⚽ Moriarty Anderson French Riddick Jones Jenkins Mukwada Moriarty McElroy ⚽⚽⚽ French ⚽⚽ Mukwada Jenkins McNamara Moriarty McElroy French Mukwada Jenkins Joyce McNamara

Mukwada Moriarty Aluko-Olukun French Anderson Bayliss Joyce Shawwal McNamara

Mukwada Williams Aluko-Olukun �� Moriarty Stobbs French Jenkins Fernandes Shawwal Townsend Mukwada Moriarty �� Jones French Anderson Lynn Bayliss Shawwal McNamara McNamara Boateng French Ishmael Aluko-Olukun �� Seaton Bayliss Townsend ⚽ Stokoe �� Boateng ⚽ French ⚽ Mukwada Aluko-Olukun Fernandes Stobbs Stokoe Hunte ⚽ French Mukwada Aluko-Olukun Fernandes Seaton Enow Boateng

Mukwada Seaton Hunte French ⚽ Ishmael Enow Attrill Boateng Seaton Aluko-Olukun ⚽ Boateng Ishmael Bewley Lynn Stokoe French Mukwada Stokoe �� Hunte French Ishmael Jenkins Seaton Attrill Boateng Mukwada

STADIUM SAFETY

Aylesbury United want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football, and the National League System (NLS), to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

We are supporting strong action from the FA, and across the NLS to tackle antisocial and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk.

Please remember the following activities are illegal, dangerous, have serious consequences and have no place in our game:  Carrying or using smoke bombs or pyros  Invading the pitch or

entering the pitch without permission  Throwing objects onto the pitch

 Drug use within the football ground  Discriminatory behaviour

For everyone’s safety, we will report anyone carrying out these offences to the police, which can result in a criminal record.

Anyone who enters the pitch without permission and those carrying or using smoke bombs or pyros will now receive an automatic club ban. These measures could also now apply to the parents or guardians of children involved in these activities.

This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause life-changing injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials.

It also impacts the hard working volunteers, who ensure that our special part of the game continues to run.

We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters. Please work with us to call out the risks.

Aylesbury United reserves the right to remove or refuse entry to the ground at any time.

www.oliverlacey.com Simon.lacey@oliverlacey.com

Ever thought of volunteering to help your local football club?

There are many different volunteer roles in non-league football and Southern League football clubs need your help with them.

The Trident Leagues and Pitching In have recently launched a new online Volunteer Hub where you can find opportunities and contact your local football club.

Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to find out more

CLUB P

1 Berkhamsted 18 14 2 2 47 14 33 44

Biggleswade 21 11 7 3 37 23 14 40

Ware 18 12 3 3 41 21 20 39

Didcot Town 18 11 1 6 33 25 8 34

AFC Dunstable 17 9 5 3 31 18 13 32

Kidlington 19 9 3 7 30 28 2 30

Waltham Abbey 18 8 3 7 33 25 8 27

Welwyn Garden City 18 8 3 7 29 34 -5 27

Cirencester Town 18 7 4 7 32 22 10 25 10 Biggleswade Town 16 6 7 3 31 23 8 25 11 Hadley 17 7 2 8 29 24 5 23

Kempston Rovers 18 6 5 7 29 32 -3 23 13 Walthamstow 18 6 5 7 18 24 -6 23

Hertford Town 19 5 5 9 42 42 0 20

Thame United 19 3 6 10 22 32 -10 15

FC Romania 18 4 3 11 20 38 -18 15

Aylesbury United 17 3 3 11 20 39 -19 12

Highworth Town 17 3 3 11 20 49 -29 12