Aylesbury United v Biggleswade Town

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

First, the sad news that Ben Williams resigned as manager following the defeat against FC Romania on Tuesday. As out third-longest serving manager, Ben has led the team with distinction since taking over in 2017, first as caretaker manager and then on a permanent basis.

Everyone at the club would like to thank Ben for his commitment, hard work and dedication over the past five years. He has managed the team with integrity, dignity and the good humour frequently needed in nonleague football.

Mike Hogg and Paul Batchelor will lead the team in today’s game, and we have already begun the process to recruit a new manager.

This is the first meeting between the two sides since 2013, due to the Waders’ extended stay in the Premier Division which came to an end last season.

Meadow, and a safe journey home.

Biggleswade arrive off the back of an excellent 3-0 win over Isthmian Premier side Billericay Town in an FA Cup replay on Tuesday, and they have also been named the Division One Central Club of the Month.

We have welcomed a few new and familiar faces to the squad since our last home game. Jack Hopwood has returned in goal, while Lee Stobbs has recovered from the awful knee injury suffered

in January to be part of the matchday squad on Tuesday. As for the new faces, young midfielders Jack Moriarty and George Joyce have joined from Bedford Town and Kempston Rovers respectively, while striker Joseph Chidyausiku is returning from a lengthy injury lay-off having previously played for Aveley. We welcome them all to the club.

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.

TODAY’S MASCOT

Today we welcome our matchday mascot, Jenson Hargrove, to The Meadow.

Jenson is 10-years-old and supports Manchester United and his favourite player is ex Aylesbury United star, Cristiano Ronaldo. Jenson also loves playing FIFA and plays football for St Johns Under 11s.

When Jenson isn’t playing football, he enjoys martial arts and building Lego – while watching The Masked Singer and The Voice on TV. Top AUFC fact, Ken Turnbull once entered The Voice, but had to pull out after stubbing his toe.

Jenson enjoys music, especially Queen and George Ezra, and lists Grease and Jersey Boys as his favourite movies.

Jenson attends Bearbrook Combined School. However when he leaves he wants to play for Manchester United and own a Lamborghini. We’re sure he could give uncle Lee a lift to Ducks matches in that!

We hope both Jenson and his family have an enjoyable

afternoon with us and that they come back to see us on a regular basis. Have fun Jenson and welcome to the flock. Do you know someone who’d be interested in being a 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

125 YEARS AGO...

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.

Stoker,

Victoria

Blackwall Tunnel,

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!

WHO’S WHO AT THE 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

Manager Ben Williams Assistant manager

Mike Hogg

Coach Paul Batchelor Sports therapist

Hannah Bowra

First team kit Ron Schmidt

Liam Ahern

Dave Blackburn

Dave Brown

Dan Cadwell

Josh Cotton Lee Cotton Pete Chilcott

Dan Harvey Rob Hiscock

Simon Lacey Richie Livings

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 Moody

Paul Newman

Peter O’Callghan

Ian Pluck

Steve Woodage Jim Rayner

Roger Simmons Greg Smith Jeff Stewart Adey White Steve Woodage

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.

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.

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.

FORWARD

PHILLIP APPIAH

Experienced player who counts Hayes and Yeading United, Farnborough, Eastleigh, Tonbridge Angels, Lewes and Egham Town among his former clubs. The 32-year-old Ghana/Canada dual national is a central midfielder who began his career in the youth system at Preston North End.

DEFENDER

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

DANIEL BALL

The younger brother of Anthony Ball, the 20-year-old plays as a full back or winger, and signed for the Ducks in March 2021. He has played for Aston Clinton, Winslow United, Luton Town Cedars, and Aylesbury Vale Dynamos.

Laces sponsor Lily Lacey

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.

Sponsored by Dave Brown

Laces sponsor Santino Iannaccone

MATT CLIFFORD

Goalkeeper joined the Ducks in August 2022, with previous experience at step four with Chalfont St Peter. He’s familiar with The Meadow, having come through the ranks of the Chesham United academy.

GOALKEEPER GOALKEEPER

ARCHIE DAVIS

Young goalkeeper who first signed senior forms in March 2018, making his debut the following August as a half-time substitute after an injury to regular stopper Jack Hopwood. Went on to mark his debut season with a Manager’s Player of the Year award, but found opportunities limited the following year before moving to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos seeking more football. Returned to Aylesbury United in summer 2021 and claimed both the number one shirt and a second consecutive Manager’s Player of the Year award.

Sponsored by J Davis Builders Laces sponsor Louisa LloydGOALKEEPER

CONNOR DUGGAN

A highly-rated prospect as a junior, first with the Oxford United academy, and then as an under 18 with Kettering Town. The striker joined the Ducks in August 2022 after playing for Indiana-based South Bend Lions in USL League Two in the USA.

JET DYER

Young defender who signed for the club in Summer 2022 and is currently studying at West Herts College academy under the supervision of Sonny French. Made his debut against Kidlington this season, and immediately provided an assist for our second goal.

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.

Laces sponsor Alwyn Lloyd

DEFENDER

OLLIE HOGG

Industrious midfielder who has firmly established himself in the United engine room and will now be entering his eighth full season with the Ducks after joining in summer 2015, having spent much of the previous season with Tring Athletic. Initially found his opportunities limited, but after spells back with Tring and then Leighton Town, he returned to make his competitive Aylesbury United debut in November 2015 and has gone from strength to strength since, maturing into an excellent player.

Laces sponsor James Harvey

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.

Laces 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

EVANS LAMBOH

Attacking midfielder made an instant impact scoring a first-half hat-trick against Aston Clinton in our opening pre-season friendly of 2022. He was with Risborough Rangers last season, and has also played for Tring Athletic, Dunstable Town, Marlow, Kings Langley, Chalfont St Peter, Berkhamsted Raiders, and Amersham Town.

FORWARD

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

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.

Sponsored by Allan Brace Laces sponsor Scarlett BerryMIDFIELDER

FORWARD

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

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

ZIDANNE SEQUEIRA

Forward who made two appearances for the Ducks in October 2019 shortly before the season was abandoned due to the pandemic. Has re-signed this season, and the 24-year-old can play as both a winger and a forward, and has previously player for Hitchin Town.

FORWARD

Sponsored by The Harvey Family Laces sponsor Greg Pennington

Sponsored by Andy Martin Laces sponsor Elowen Pennington

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 Pluck

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 PinchesDEFENDER

BEN WILLIAMS

Appointed on a permanent basis in January 2018, Ben initially joined the club as assistant manager before taking over the reigns following a short spell as caretaker manager that saw the board suitably impressed by the team’s improving performances to give him the opportunity. He is now the Ducks’ third longest-serving manager in terms of games managed, behind Trevor Gould and Tony Joyce. Ben’s claim to fame is winning the FA Sunday Cup while playing for Gossoms End in Berkhamsted with the final played at Anfield.

Sponsored by G Williams BuildersMANAGER

MIKE HOGG

Joined the club in 2015 to assist then-manager Glyn Creaser. Continued in the role when Ben Williams was appointed as manager to form part of his backroom team.

Sponsored by Roger SimmonsAST. MANAGER

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.

COACH

Sponsored by Roger Simmons

HANNAH BOWRA

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.

Sponsored by Paul Seeley

OPPOSITION HISTORY

Biggleswade Town were originally formed as Biggleswade FC in 1874 and began by playing friendlies. They became one of the founder members of the Biggleswade and District League in 1902-03 and won the championship at the first attempt. The successful season was climaxed by winning the Bedfordshire Senior Cup – the first of eight victories so far in the competition.

The Waders, as the club are known, first entered the FA Cup in 1904.

In 1955, they joined the Eastern Counties League until 1963.

The club’s only successes in this period came in the Beds Senior Cup and the North Beds Charity Cup. The Waders

reverted to the UCL in 1964, where they remained until 1980. They left the League and joined the South Midlands League in the following season. After a few seasons in Division 1, promotion to the Premier Division was finally achieved in 1986-87.

DETAILS

GROUND

The Board appointed Chris Nunn as manager in November 2006 after a very poor start to the season saw the team well adrift and heading for certain relegation. In February 2007, the team had made up a lot of points but were still bottom of the Premier League table. The team avoided relegation on the last league day of the season and a new era seemed to sweep in an expectation of better times ahead. The winning of the NBC Cup in the very last match of the campaign reinforced that optimism. The 2007-08 season saw the squad develop further with new signings and for the first time in 15 years the club found itself top of the division at one point. The new ground progressed and was named The Carlsberg Stadium after a sponsor search. A final position of third was a result of hard work and changes gradually moving the club

forward. As the 2008-09 season beckoned, The Carlsberg Stadium was ready for occupation and the seasons in the ‘wilderness of ground sharing’ were over. For the first time in the clubs 134 year history, it finally had a home of its very own.

Moving into the new ground certainly created a great feeling at the club and new faces began to appear on the playing side as well as behind the scenes. As the final whistle blew on the last friendly there was a definite feeling of readiness for the forthcoming season.

The Waders’ first season (2009-10) at Step Four proved a tough start but gradually the team strengthened and finished in a comfortable 12th place with the team taking points off every side that season except Bury Town and Hitchin Town who finished first and second respectively.

The 2010-2011 season saw the Waders climb to their highest ever position in the football pyramid, finally finishing in fourth place and with the resultant position in the playoffs. Waders travelled to third place Daventry Town, a team they had previously beaten both home and away in the regular season. Football being football, Daventry ran out easy winners ending Waders hopes of promotion.

The 2011-12 season

saw the Waders fade as season progressed. Having topped the league early in the season, injuries and suspensions took its toll and the season finished with a top half finish just outside the play-offs.

Winning the 2012-13 playoff final secured a place in the Southern League Premier, was upstaged by the best ever season in the club’s 140 year history, finishing ninth in our first premier season, reaching the First Round Proper of the FA Cup losing to a well organised Stourbridge side. The season ended with Waders beating Luton Town at Luton to lift the County Cup.

2013-14 was the first season ever at step three and the Waders feel they have arrived. Finishing a creditable ninth in the table and reaching the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in the club’s history put the club in the record books. The Waders were the draw specialist of the premier division and had they converted the drawn games to winning ones, they would have finished in the play-off positions. Winning the Beds Senior Cup for the second successive season was the icing on the cake.

The 2014-15 season was a real test for the Waders, with injuries both on and off the field. Long -erm injuries meant bringing in loan players and they all played their part.

2015-16 was a difficult season for the Waders, the Southern League gets harder every season, an injection of new players helped steer the ship.

In 2016-17, having established their premier status the Waders went on to achieve their highest points total and finished just outside the play-offs in a creditable seventh position

2017-18 was a tough season with the club suffering a number of significant injuries ended with a midtable finish and a narrow loss to Luton Town in the Beds Senior Cup Final. 2018-19 was a successful first season for new manager Lee Allinson and his new squad. Winners of the Beds senior cup, seventh in the Southern league central premier division, narrowly miss-ing a play-off place. Reached the second round qualifying of the FA trophy only just beaten 1-0 away to conference side AFC Fylde.

Following a disruptive 2019-20 season involving the loss of Lee Allinson and most of the squad to Hendon, Waders appointed former manager Chris Nunn in caretaker role to see the season out. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the season to an early close with the club safe from any relegation worries despite having to put together a new team in mid-season. Nunny was reappointed full time manager for the 2020-2021 season, bringing in Scott Davies and Russell Short as Assistants. COVID-19 ended the season again with the team looking towards mid-table.

OPPOSITION PROFILES

Timmy Smith

Goalkeeper appeared on the bench for Stevenage first team against Walsall in August last season. Has a huge career in front of him.

Rob Parker

Versatile player who gets on with his job quietly and efficiently leading by example. Stayed at the club despite many offers and is an important cog in the Waders’ wheel.

Max Granville

Made the bench last season versus Bradford City and enjoyed a brief loan spell at the Waders last season. All action midfield player who gives his all every game.

Luke Middleton

Previously at Biggleswade FC and Stevenage FC. Nononsense midfield player who adds strength and composure on the ball for someone so young. Another huge prospect.

Dave Keenleyside

Excellent technician who makes the Waders tick and a dead ball specialist. Adds real experience and a winning mentality to the group.

Marcus Gouldbourne

Signed from Royston, previously at Stevenage. Tricky player with explosive speed who excites the crowd with the ball at his feet.

Lewis Smith

Signed after an impressive pre-season where he featured in midfield forthe Waders.

Aaron Austin

Signed from St Albans City. Was part of the squad for FA Cup round two versus Boreham Wood last season Enjoyed an excellent preseason where he has quickly established himself as a versatile important member of the squad.

Daniel Brathwaite

Experienced defender signed from Royston Town. Adds real class and composure on the ball together with excellent leadership skills. A massive signing for the Waders.

Charley O’Keefe

Previously with Biggleswade

FC and Welling United.

Excellent one-versus-one defender who can play a range of passes to break lines.

Jake Bunyan

Joined from Hertford Town where he had a really impressive season last season. A versatile player who can play in a number of positions and has had an excellent start to his Waders career with early goals.

Joe Howe

Made league debut for MK Dons aged 18 and set a club record for Ebbsfleet for most player of year awards in one season.

Harry Draper

Professional for three years at Stevenage. Experienced loan spells at Hitchin and Royston but spent the best part of the three years out with knee injuries. Recently converted to a centre half where he has made a real impression.

Jon Clements

Prolific goalscorer who works incredibly hard for the team.

Lee Close

Signed from Welwyn Garden City. An excellent character who will add real defensive quality to the squad. Can play in a variety of positions and will play a big part this season for the club.

Charlie Smith

Experienced left side player. Excellent dead ball delivery and technically superb. Will bring real composure to the team.

Robbie O’Keefe, manager

Former Stevenage academy manager Robbie took over the reins of the Waders in March 2020 but could not save the club from relegation. Last season saw him step in as interim manager at League Two Stevenage and guide them to a four match unbeaten run. Has managed in non-league before where he guided Arlesey Town to successive league titles and an FA Vase victory at Wembley.

Danny Payne, assistant manager

Won promotion from this league with Hitchin Town and promotion to this league with WGC.

Harry Smart, goalkeeper coach

Signed from Westfield. Reached the FA Trophy Semi-Final with Royston a few seasons back and is now starting to focus more on coaching while providing competition in goal.

REPORT IT. KICK IT OUT OF FOOTBALL.

19:45

15:00

15:00

19:45

SEP 19:45

SEP 15:00

Barton

Berkhamsted

Evesham United

Welwyn Garden City

OCT 15:00 A FC Romania

OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade Town LEAGUE

15 OCT 15:00 H Kempston Rovers LEAGUE

OCT 19:45 H Didcot Town LEAGUE

OCT 15:00 A Walthamstow LEAGUE

OCT 19:45 H Highworth Town LEAGUE

29 OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade LEAGUE

5 NOV 15:00 A Ware LEAGUE

12 NOV 15:00 A Cirencester Town LEAGUE

19 NOV 15:00 H Waltham Abbey LEAGUE

23 NOV 19:45 A Kidlington LEAGUE

26 NOV 15:00 A Hertford Town LEAGUE

3 DEC 15:00 H Harlow Town LEAGUE

10 DEC 15:00 A Hadley LEAGUE

17 DEC 15:00 H AFC Dunstable LEAGUE

26 DEC 15:00 A Thame United LEAGUE

2 JAN 15:00 H Berkhamsted LEAGUE

7 JAN 15:00 A Barton Rovers LEAGUE

14 JAN 15:00 H Hertford Town 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

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

Bewley Wood O’Connor

Wood O’Connor Seaton

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McElroy Anthonio-Forde Seaton Lamboh French Jenkins Clifford

McElroy Seaton Lamboh Mukwada Dyer

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Aluko-Olukun Anthonio-Forde Appiah Rudd

Anthonio-Forde

Seaton

Mukwada Dyer

Mukwada

Lamboh

Anderson Rudd Jenkins

Aluko-Olukun Riddick Appiah Clifford Riddick Anthonio-Forde

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

Aluko-Olukun French Rudd Anderson Seaton Moriarty Chidyausiku Mukwada Mukwada Moriarty Anthonio-Forde French McIlroy

Seaton Aluko-Olukun French Anderson Rudd Jenkins McNamara Greville Anthonio-Forde Riddick

Townsend Stobbs McNamara Joyce

DUCKS IN ACTION

STADIUM SAFETY

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.

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

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.

Consultants

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

Town

Town

Garden

Tuesday

Town

Town

Town

Town

October

October

AYLESBURY

MANAGERS: Mike HOGG & Paul

Jack HOPWOOD

Harry JONES

Jake BEWLEY

Jack WOOD

Dave O’CONNOR

Ben SEATON

Nasha MUKWADA

Jack MORIARTY

Ezra ANTHONIO-FORDE

Sonny FRENCH

Tom MCILROY

Herbie TOWNSEND

Lee STOBBS

Pierce McNAMARA George JOYCE

BIGGLESWADE TOWN

MANAGER: Robbie O’KEEFE

Timmy SMITH

Aaron AUSTIN

Joe HOWE

Dan BRATHWAITE

Charley O’KEEFE

Luke MIDDLETON

Max GLANVILLE

Marcus GOLDBORNE

Charlie SMITH

Harry DRAPER

Jon CLEMENTS

Liam SMYTH

Harry SMART

Obi ONYEGWARA

Jake BUNYAN

Lance LADIPO