Aylesbury United v Biggleswade

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

Another warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of FC, and a safe journey hom following the game.

It’d probably be unfair to describe Biggleswade as a surprise package yet again, as they’re now consistently established in the top half of the Division One Central table. They currently sit sixth, with a narrow 1-0 loss to Didcot Town (tell us about it...) on Saturday in their previous game, having not played in mid-week. The last time the two sides met at The Meadow, we were in the middle of our horrendous run of form, and lost 4-0. Though the Ducks probably had more chances in the game, FC were ruthless whe presented with their opportunities.

Fortunately we’ve halted (another) sequence of defeats with Wednesday’s 5-1 victory over Highworth Town. This time around it was the Ducks who took full advantage of the chances created, and finally earned the deserved win and three

We have another special guest at today’s game – our matchday mascot Archie Smith. Archie is here with the rest of his family, and we hope he has a fantastic day, which begins a lifelong association with the Ducks.

One final update for you on the recruitment of a new manager. The board met this week following the final round of interviews, and should hopefully be able to announce an appointment soon. In fact, by the time you read this, you may have already learned who it is!

We have also set a date for our next virtual fans forum – Thursday 10 November at 7pm. Members of the board will be on hand to provide updates, answer your questions, and listen to your feedback and suggestions. You can find the agenda, and the link to join the video call on our website, and we hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Come on you Ducks!

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

Please welcome todays Ducks mascot, seven-yearold, Archie Smith – who is joined today by his Mum and Dad, Rhiannon and Brian and his little brother Harry.

Archie is a keen goalkeeping Everton Fan and its no surprise that his favourite player is Jordan Pickford. Archie’s hobbies are playing football and attending Beavers.

Archie is a pupil at Ashmead Combined School and likes to listen to Ed Sheeran, his favourite movie is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatball 2 – which I’m sure we all agree is a fun family movie – I might even watch that when I get home later.

The Cuphead Show is Archies’s favourite TV programme and he dreams of being a YouTuber, building Lego sets. Now that sounds like an exciting job, go for it Archie! We will all subscribe to the channel.

We hope Archie and his family all have a fantastic time with us today and hope to welcome them back again in the future to cheer on the Ducks.

Come on you Ducks!

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.

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

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.

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

Chair Graham Read Vice chairman Ken Turnbull Club secretary Steve Baker Fixtures secretary Ian Pluck

Directors Steve Baker, David Brown, Simon Lacey, Andy Martin, Graham Read, Alan Sherwell, Paul Snell, Ken Turnbull

First team coaching staff

Coach Paul Batchelor Sports therapist

Hannah Bowra

First team kit Ron Schmidt

Club volunteers

Safety officer Graham Martin Welfare officer James Byrne 21st Century Ducks chair and matchday announcer Andy Martin

Photographer Mike Snell Head of communications Paul Snell

Ownership

Legal name Aylesbury United Football Club Company number 05814026

Significant interests (shareholder/ shareholding)

Graham Read (49%), 21st Century Ducks (39%)

© Aylesbury United 2022

Bob

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.

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

JOSHUA AMEGANVI

17-year-old goalkeeper signed in September as a back-up for Jack Hopwood.

FORWARD

ALFIE ANDERSON

Winger signed from Beaconsfield Town in August 2022. The 19-year-old Anderson has been part of the Academy23 set-up with 14 appearances for Slough Town U23s last season, scoring eight times. His form earned him a call up to the senior team, and he made his debut for the Rebels against Eastbourne Borough in April, scoring the opening goal. Prior to joining Slough, Anderson was part of the Reading youth system.

DEFENDER

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.

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.

DEFENDER

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.

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.

Sponsored by Courts Accountancy Services

Laces sponsor Charlie Lacey

Sponsored by Dave Brown

Laces sponsor Santino Iannaccone

Laces sponsor Alwyn Lloyd

MIDFIELDER

LIAM GREVILLE

18-year-old midfielder trained under the tutelage of Sonny French at West Herts College academy. He has also made appearances for Leighton Town Under 18s, and made his debut for the Ducks in the Berks & Bucks Cup against Long Crendon last season. Already has bragging rights over some of his teammates, winning Location Football’s two-touch challenge when the YouTubers visited The Meadow last season.

GOALKEEPER

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.

Sponsored by William and Niamh Seeley

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.

DEFENDER

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

GEORGE JOYCE

18-year-old midfielder came through Vanarama National League side Boreham Wood’s academy and also has Southern League experience while on loan to Kempston Rovers. George is the nephew of the Ducks’ secondlongest-serving manager Tony Joyce.

MIDFIELDER

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 LaceyFORWARD

Laces sponsor William Hutcherson

Laces sponsor George PenningtonDEFENDER

PIERCE MCNAMARA

Young midfielder who joined the club from Slough Town’s under-23 side in October 2020, making just one appearance before the season was curtailed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Showed promise in pre-season and re-signed for the Ducks for 2021-22, and was ultimately named Most Improved Player of the Season at the club’s end of year awards due to his performances.

MIDFIELDER

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.

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.

DAVE O’CONNOR

Central defender with plenty of experience, Dave joined the Ducks in July 2019 after four years with Tring Athletic where he made more than 140 appearances. Had a short spell with Aylesbury FC having previously played for Chesham United’s reserve team in the Spartan League, and Amersham Town before that.

Sponsored by Carl Catling Media

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.

JAMIE RUDD

Aylesbury-born winger signed in summer 2019 whose first season with the Ducks was severely restricted by injury. Returned in 2020-21 in superb form – scoring five goals in six games before the campaign was prematurely ended due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Previously with Aylesbury FC, he was a highly regarded winger during two spells at Haywood Way that came either side of a year on the South coast with AFC Totton before moving to Dubai where he worked and played for three years.

Laces sponsor Will Harvey

Sponsored by Allan Brace Laces sponsor Scarlett Berry

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.

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.

HERBIE TOWNSEND

Midfielder signed in August 2022 who has played for both London Colney and Hadley last season. He was also part of the Hertford Town squad last season, and started his football career in the Cambridge United academy.

Sponsored by Ian PluckMIDFIELDER

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.

HARRY WILLIAMS

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder joined the club in October from Thame United, for whom he signed in the summer. Prior to that he played for Slough Town, and also has Southern League experience with Kidlington.

PAUL BATCHELOR

Paul joined the club as coach in December 2017, when Ben Williams was appointed caretaker manager. He is managing director of BASE, and also runs the club’s Mini Ducks football sessions for children aged three to six.

Sponsored by Roger Simmons

Sponsored by The Harvey Family Laces sponsor Greg Pennington

Sponsored by Rich Lloyd Laces sponsor Ava PinchesDEFENDER

HANNAH BOWRA

Sponsored by Paul Seeley

Sports therapist Hannah joined the Ducks as sports therapist for the 2021-22 season. She has a degree in sports rehab from St Mary’s University, and is licensed by the British Association of Sports Rehabilitators.

OPPOSITION HISTORY

Biggleswade FC was formed in May 2016 from the very successful Biggleswade Town Under 18s side that competed in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League.

From 2014-2016, the under 18s swept all before them winning back-to-back Thurlow Nunn Youth League Champions Trophies. It was during this period of success that our forward Keinan Davis secured a five-year professional contract with Aston Villa – a magnificent achievement for both Keinan himself and the under 18s side.

At the end of the 2015-16 season, after also reaching the Second Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup (losing to Worthing) and with no further pathway at Biggleswade Town available, the

decision was taken to form a new club. After a ground share agreement was put in place with Biggleswade Town at their fantastic facility on Langford Road - Biggleswade FC was born.

The club applied to enter the Spartan South Midlands Football League Division One at Step 6 of the Non-League System. After two meetings and a successful appeal with The FA at Wembley, on 7 June 2016, Biggleswade FC were awarded their place at Step 6.

In their very first season in senior football, Biggleswade FC’s squad of young, talented players won the SSML Division One title. They finished with 99 points, six clear of Harpenden Town in second place and were duly promoted to the Premier Division, totally vindicating the decision to start off at Step 6 football.

special presentation on FC’s ‘Launch Day’ back in October 2016.

The club’s second full season in senior football, will probably be remembered for exploits in the FA Vase. Victories over Northampton Sileby Rangers (5-3), Basildon United (2-0), Crawley Green (2-0) and eventual SSML Premier Division champions Welwyn Garden City (2-1 after extra time) saw FC reach the last 32.

KEY DETAILS

FOUNDED

On and off the field, Biggleswade FC won a lot of friends over their first season in senior football. Crowds increased and the club set out to cultivate links with the local community. There were match day mascots from Biggleswade Academy and Biggleswade Town Under 7s, while the club’s badge was designed by a local 12-year old school girl for whom there was a

FC were drawn against Hellenic League highflyers Thatcham Town, who were in the middle of an incredible 41-match unbeaten run that would take them to a league title and FA Vase double. We had our chances on the day and with a bit more luck might have progressed, but it wasn’t to be as we went down 2-1. The fact everyone was deeply disappointed and that we lost to the eventual winners speaks volumes for the ambition at the club.

The league campaign on the whole was a successful one, finishing in 5th place. Six wins and a draw from the opening seven games, including a 7-2 rout at Holmer Green, had FC setting the pace early on, but ultimately inconsistency and dropping points against sides in the bottom half of the table saw them fall away in the final couple of months, but they did reach two cup semi-finals.

In 2018/19, the club really announced itself on the local and national stage. For the second time in three seasons, FC were league champions –this time clinching the SSML’s Premier Division title by six points after a four-way tussle with Tring Athletic, Hadley and Biggleswade United for much of the season. They made it a league and cup treble lifting the Premier Division Cup with a 2-0 win over Baldock Town in front of over 300 spectators and in excess of 200 turned out to see FC lift the North Beds Charity Cup for the first time with a 5-1 demolition of Ampthill Town at Bedford FC.

They also captured the imagination of the local community with crowds in excess of 500 at home to both Stowmarket Town and Windsor in the FA Vase. The fairytale didn’t quite go as far as Wembley, but a memorable day out saw three coaches travel to Faversham and in excess of 600 witnessed FC go down 2-1 to an experienced Canterbury City side in the Quarter-Final.

Although the club is very much in its infancy, Saturday 20 April 2019 will go down as a special day in our history as both teams clinched their respective league titles on a baking hot afternoon, celebrated together at Stotfold’s Roker Park before the party went on long into the night.

The 2019-20 season saw the club rub shoulders with some illustrious non-league opponents in the Southern Football League for the first time. With much optimism going into the start of the campaign, FC had a rude

awakening as they were comprehensively beaten by AFC Dunstable and Welwyn Garden City early on. FC continued to struggle in picking up points in the Southern League despite some better performances as the run towards Christmas went on, but a weatherenforced winter break in December allowed us to nurse some key personnel back to fitness. This would coincide with a completely different Biggleswade FC post-Christmas starting with an important 4-2 victory over fellow strugglers Kempston Rovers. The boys in green didn’t look back from then and accumulated an incredible 28 points from a possible 36 to elevate them from a bottom half side to playoff contenders in a matter of three months! The pandemic then took hold and unfortunately for us our charge was brought to a premature halt.

We only managed to play seven league games in a severely COVID-disrupted spell. Injuries once again took their toll on our ability to be competitive and this led to five straight defeats after an opening day victory over AFC Dunstable. Despite their struggles in the league, FC once again reached the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup going down on penalties following an epic battle at Canvey Island. In February 2021, the club announced that they would be bringing their time at Langford Road to a close after failing to reach an agreement on an extension with Biggleswade

Town. As a result, FC agreed a groundshare with Bedford Town at The Eyrie, as they look to push on with long-term plans for some facilities of their own back in Biggleswade.

It would turn out to be the proverbial season of two halves for us as we endured another difficult start down in part to injuries and player unavailability. Following early exits from the FA competitions and having lost 10 of their opening 16 league games, FC once again found themselves nervously looking over their shoulder at the wrong end of the table.

However, after going down 2-0 at Berkhamsted in November, FC went on their best Southern League run to date going 12 matches unbeaten which included impressive wins over Ware, FC Romania, Aylesbury United and Harlow Town as well as a last-gasp draw with landlords and eventual champions Bedford Town in front of a club record home crowd of 670 over Christmas. Home defeats to AFC Dunstable and play-off winners North Leigh derailed any hopes of a late play-off charge of our own, but four defeats from our last 22 league games saw us transformed from our early season struggles and finishing the season in a creditable ninth place – a point behind Harlow in seventh.

With most of the 2021/22 squad having re-signed and a few additions in key areas, there is plenty of optimism at the club going into 2022/23.

Dan Green

Dan re-signed for FC in late September 2021 from Southern League neighbours AFC Dunstable. He was outstanding in his first spell with the club back in 2017-18 winning an end of season awards double. A big, commanding presence. 14 clean sheets in 53 appearances to date.

Tyler Josephs

Arrived in July 2019 from neighbours Potton United, Tyler has made just under 50 appearances for the club to date keeping 10 clean sheets. Had an injury-disrupted 2021/22 campaign, but will be looking to push for the number one shirt this term.

Luke Oswick

Luke arrived from Royston Town in July 2019 and featured as a left back initially. However, having picked up some injuries at centre half, he was moved into the heart of the FC defence. A quiet, composed and versatile footballer, who has made over 70 appearances for the club to date.

Adam Hunt

Ex-MK Dons academy player “Hunty” is an exciting attacking right back. Captained FC to the SSML Division One title in the club’s debut 16/17 season. His performances got him a move to Welwyn Garden City for 2018/19 and despite some good performances for The Citizens, Adam decided to “come home” soon after. A real class act who is just short of 200 appearances for the club.

PROFILES

Mousa Jammeh “Paby” as he is known at the club, has played over 50 times for the Reserves and was their Britannia Cup Final hero in May scoring a brace in the 2-0 win over Shefford Town & Campton Reserves. The Senegal-born Gambian is a raw talent with an abundance of pace and if he keeps progressing, he has the potential to become a regular member of the First Team squad.

Nathan George

Played in the club’s first-ever game in 2016. Currently third in FC’s all-time appearance list having played over 160 times to date. A mainstay at the heart of the defence last term making 35 appearances. At his best when put under pressure and is a commanding centre half when at the top of this game.

Adam Wedd 18-year-old Adam signed for the club in August 2022 following his release from Luton Town. Having returned to fitness following a longterm injury, his impressive pre-season performances mark him out as one to watch in the coming campaign.

Sam Doolan Another close season capture for FC. The centre half started last season at Colney Heath before moving on to Harpenden Town. Always impressed against us in the past with his leadership and commanding presence. A health condition has limited his involvement so far, but he is a player we have high hopes for when fit.

Oliver Thomas

Ollie arrived in pre-season having previously captained Gamlingay United at Cambridgeshire County League level. A no-nonsense and commanding defender for one so young and if he stays patient, he has the potential to force his way into the defensive reckoning.

Reiss Oteng

Arrived from Haverhill Rovers part of the way through last season and went on to feature eight times. The rangy left back has shown glimpses of what he can do and will provide competition for places down the flank this season.

Michael Simpson “Simo” arrived from Stotfold in July 2018 having been on Dave Northfield’s wanted list for a while. Another player who offers great versatility and this was demonstrated none more so than his impressive stint in the middle of midfield last term. A solid and dependable player who rarely has a bad game.

Tom Coles

“Colesy” was a mid-season arrival from Eynesbury Rovers in 2017/18 where he had scored over 100 goals in just over six seasons. His leadership, experience and versatility have been essential to the FC cause and his 44-goal partnership with Alex Marsh last term took us to within touching distance of the play-offs. Second in the FC all-time leading goalscorers list with 58 goals to date.

Pat McCafferty

Pat spent all of his youth playing days with Luton Town, but was released as a 16-year-old. Their loss has certainly been FC’s gain though, making over 160 appearances for the club to date. Looked back to his influential best last term following a couple of injurydisrupted campaigns.

Lawrie Marsh

A December 2021 re-signing from Hitchin Town. Lawrie has a terrific engine and has the versatility to play in a number of positions. The club were delighted to have him back on board having been part of the 2018/19 Treble season. Over 120 appearances for FC to date scoring 20 goals.

Charlie Hayford

The club were delighted to complete the signing of the ex-Tottenham and Sheffield Wednesday academy player in August 2022. Charlie has impressed against us for both Baldock Town and Kempston Rovers and joins having scored 10 goals in 33 appearances for The Walnut Boys last term.

Lewis Crosbie

The former Northampton Town academy player is another of our close season signings. Lewis got in touch with the club after plying his trade for Wantage Town last season. Although not the biggest, Lewis is a tenacious battler and has shown a great work ethic and determination in pre-season.

Lee Northfield

One of the “originals” from the

all-conquering Biggleswade Town under 18s side. Lee spent six years at Ipswich Town before moving on to Stevenage FC. Plagued with injury over the past few seasons, but when fit, he is that creative cog in the number 10 role. One of five to have scored over 50 goals for the club to date.

Jack Dreyer

A really exciting young player. Jack enjoyed a solid season in the first team last term after some fine performances and goalscoring exploits in the Reserves. If he can add the kind of goals he was getting in the Reserves, FC have some player at their disposal.

Kian Coles

A local boy with incredible talent. Kian averages just under a goal every other game for our double-winning Reserves. A classy number 10 with a sweet left foot. Work commitments have limited his first team opportunities to date, but if he can address those and apply himself fully, he has potential to be one of FC’s star-performers.

Alex Marsh

The club were thrilled to re-sign their all-time leading goalscorer from Hitchin Town in September 2021. “Marshy” played an influential role in turning the club’s fortunes around last term after a difficult start – finishing with 28 goals from 37 games. Out on his own at the top of the all-time list.

Ryan Inskip

First FC player to reach 200 appearances for the club. “Skippy” was one of FC’s

star performers in 2018/19 chipping in with 20 goals including a cup final brace against Baldock Town. His quick feet and close control make him equally adept at creating goals as he is at scoring them. Sat out the end of last term with injury.

George Bailey

Prolific in his first season and a half for Biggleswade FC. Form that earned him a crack at Step 3 football with both Biggleswade Town and St Ives Town. Dave Northfield tried on numerous occasions to bring him back to the club, but finally he’s got his man in Summer 2020. An exciting attacking talent, who will be hoping to add goals to his all-action performances in 2022/23.

Daniel Bond

“Bondy” arrived from neighbours Langford in November 2019 having scored 12 goals in 16 appearances in a short stint down the road at Forde Park. A regular goalscorer at Stotfold in the SSML before goalscoring spells at Step 4 with Hertford Town and Welwyn Garden City. A likeable lad with a great attitude and work ethic.

Tom Rowley

Ex-MK Dons Academy player. Tom is another of our close season additions. Following his release from MK Dons, he spent part of last season with Southern League Premier Division Central champions Banbury United. Has shown glimpses of what he can do in the recent friendly with Luton Town u23s.

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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.

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:

or using smoke bombs or pyros

the pitch or

the pitch without permission

objects onto the pitch

use within the football ground

behaviour

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

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.

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

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