Aylesbury United v Chesham United by Aylesbury United

AYLESBURY UNITED

PROGRAMME SPONSOR

vs CHESHAM UNITED TUESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2022 BERKS & BUCKS SENIOR CUP OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME #12

WELCOME G

ood evening and welcome to this Berks & Bucks Senior Cup match against Chesham United. No need to introduce tonight’s opponents of course, as we’ve met numerous times since the two sides first met in December 1945 in the FA Cup. Nevertheless, we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials, and supporters of Chesham this evening – at least you won’t have far to travel to get home this evening. All the recent meetings between the two sides have been in cup competitions, with the last B&B Cup encounter a 3-1 win for the Generals in the semifinal in March 2014. Chesham have made an excellent start to the season, and currently sit third in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South. They’ve only lost twice in the league, and on Saturday drew 1-1 with Swindon Supermarine. Chesham scored in the 87th minute through former Duck Jeanmal Prosper, only to concede an equaliser in the 93rd minute to share the points. Meanwhile it has been all

change in the dugout since our previous home game. Jack Wells has been appointed manager, and will be supported on the touchline by Anton Jacob and Jordi Mulvany, as assistant and coach respectively. There is an in-depth video interview with Jack, covering his reasons for taking the job, coaching background, approach to football, and plans for the club, on our YouTube channel and on our website. Welcome to the club, and we’ll sure you’ll give the new management team your full support. As attention turns to Qatar

FOLLOW THE DUCKS ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA

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for the FIFA World Cup, and professional football takes a break, we have a special ticket offer for the final three home games of 2022. For the price of just two games (£18 for adults), the ticket will grant you entry to the home matches against Waltham Abbey (19 November), Harlow Town (3 December), and AFC Dunstable (17 December). Check the website for full details and to buy online.

Come on you Ducks!

CHARITY PARTNER E

ach 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 4 AYLESBURY.FOOTBALL

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 D

o you know someone who would 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... O

n 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

Also in 1897...  Dracula by Bram Stoker, and The Invisble Man by HG Wells are published  Queen Victoria celebrates her Diamond Jubilee  The Blackwall Tunnel, the longest underwater road tunnel in the world, opens  The Klondike Gold Rush begins  JJ Thomson discovers the electron

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!

WHO’S WHO AT THE DUCKS Board of directors

Club volunteers

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

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

First team coaching staff

Legal name Aylesbury United Football Club Company number 05814026 Significant interests (shareholder/ shareholding) Graham Read (49%), 21st Century Ducks (39%)

Manager Jack Wells Assistant manager Anton Jacob Coach Jordi Mulvany Sports therapist Hannah Bowra First team kit Ron Schmidt

GOLD CLUB The club is incredibly grateful to our Gold Club members. To join the club, head to aylesbury.football/clubinfo/goldclub Liam Ahern Dave Blackburn Dave Brown Dan Cadwell Josh Cotton Lee Cotton Pete Chilcott Dan Harvey Rob Hiscock Simon Lacey Richie Livings

Bob Moody Paul Newman Peter O’Callghan Ian Pluck Steve Woodage Jim Rayner Roger Simmons Greg Smith Jeff Stewart Adey White Steve Woodage

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CLUB HISTORY A

ylesbury United were founded in 1897 when three local sides: Night School FC, The Printing Works and Aylesbury Town decided to merge. The club, affectionately known as ‘the Ducks’ due to the famous Aylesbury breed, 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 reach

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 8 AYLESBURY.FOOTBALL

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

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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.

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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

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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.

GOALKEEPER 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 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

Sponsored by Courts Accountancy Services Laces sponsor Charlie Lacey

REECE BAYLISS

Played under manager JackWells at Wantage Town, and has previously played for Buckingham Athletic, Aylesbury FC, Kidlington, Ardley United, Banbury United, Chipping Norton Town and Carteton. The 28-year-old primarily plays as a wide midfielder.

MIDFIELDER

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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.

DEFENDER

Sponsored by Dave Brown Laces sponsor Santino Iannaccone

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.

DEFENDER 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.

MIDFIELDER

Laces sponsor Alwyn Lloyd

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.

GOALKEEPER

Sponsored by Paul Seeley

OPPOSITION HISTORY C

hesham United was formed in 1917 following the merger of Chesham Town FC (who were founder members of the Southern League in 1894 when still known as just Chesham FC) and Chesham Generals (who took their name from the General Baptist Church in Chesham Broadway). Relative success in the following years paled into insignificance following the FA Amateur Cup run of 1967-68 when, against all the odds, little Chesham United went all the way from the Preliminary round to the final of the FA Amateur Cup, finally losing 1-0 to Leytonstone in front of a 54,000 Wembley crowd. At a time when the population of the town was just 18,000 people, the club sold 22,000

tickets for this game. The club went into turmoil on May 3rd 1983 when the main stand burned down. A new stand was officially opened with the visit of a Watford side, managed by the late Graham Taylor, containing future Chesham United manager Luther Blissett in 1984. The 1987-88 season marked the centenary of non-league football in the town of Chesham, an achievement commemorated with a match against a fullstrength Arsenal side on 18th August 1987. In 1991 the club won the Isthmian League Division One title and also reached the final of the inaugural Loctite Cup but lost to Bishops Stortford on penalties. In October 1992 the club went to the very top of the Isthmian League after a famous win at Enfield and stayed ahead of the pack until the end of the season, being crowned KEY DETAILS Champions on the last day after a 4-0 FOUNDED win over Dulwich 1917 Hamlet. That season the NICKNAME average gate The Generals was just short of 1,000. The CLUB COLOURS season also Claret shirts, Claret shorts, saw the Claret socks arrival of ex-Liverpool HOME GROUND star Mark The Meadow, Chesham Lawrenson. However MANAGERS the season James Duncan & Michael Murray ended in disappointment PREVIOUS MEETINGS when promotion 1 October 2019 L 0-1 to the Conference 2 October 2018 W 3-1 National was denied because the 18 AYLESBURY.FOOTBALL

club could not afford the necessary ground improvements. In the early 2000s the club again had an eye on promotion to the Conference as Bob Dowie led a strong Chesham side to sixth in the Ryman Premier, possibly an under-achievement when considering the resources at his disposal. The team that year included Wayne Andrews and Fitz Hall, both of whom went on to enjoy professional careers in the higher echelons of football. Two years later and the club were once again relegated back to Division One. With re-structuring on the horizon, the 2003-04 season was all about finishing in the top six. After an indifferent start the team climbed up the table to eventually take fourth spot in the Ryman Division One (North) and earn a place in the Southern League Premier Division. United’s first year in the Southern League was certainly adventurous. At times they looked title contenders, then flirted with relegation and in the end were happy to finish in midtable. The following year the true price of years of over-achieving came to light. Nearly two decades of wealthy chairmen helping to fund the club was over and it was time for the Generals to stand on their own feet, a

task that proved too much. By February 2006 the club was truly on its knees. The front pages of local papers were highlighting the sorry plight of the club that had seen so much. A public meeting was called at the Town Hall to “Save Chesham United” – it was a last desperate throw of the dice. Fortunately the sorry tale had a happy ending. A local businessman, Charles Manchester, read the stories, visited the Meadow, showed an interest and helped get the club back on its feet. His intention was always to hand over the club to its supporters and he gradually brought more members of the Chesham United Supporters’ Trust onto the main club board while other Trust members took on many of the day to day tasks of running the club. Fittingly, after for years at the helm, he was able to stand down at the end of the 2009-10 season with promotion back to the Southern League Premier Division secured and the club back on a stable footing. After good work by the Supporters’ Trust, the club’s financial position was improved following a takeover of the club by businessman Roger Payne in 2012. This takeover allowed Chesham to consistently challenge for promotion to Conference South in the following seasons. Following relegation to the Sothern League South & West Division in 2006, Chesham were transferred to the Midland Division after a single season. In 2007-08 United finished

sixth and missed out on the play-offs on goal difference, but in 2009 finished fifth, but lost in the play-off semi-finals to two late goals at Nuneaton Town having led 1-0 for much of the game. In 2009-10 a fourth-place finish was enough to reach the play-offs again. A 1-0 victory away at Burnham set up a final against Slough Town with a crowd of 1,115 witnessing a 4-0 victory at the Meadow to secure promotion. Consolidation in the Southern League Premier was the main aim for 2010-11, but Chesham United finished 6th in the league having been in the play-off race for much of the campaign. They achieved a fourth place finish in the 2011-12 season, losingin the play-off semi-finals to AFC Totton. In the 2012-13 season Chesham reached the FA Trophy Second Round, whilst in the league were unbeaten in their last 17 games to finish third, before losing to Hemel Hempstead Town in the playoffs. Chesham were able to build on this in the 2013-14 season, pushing eventual champions Hemel Hempstead Town all the way in the title race, but eventually had to settle for a place in the play-offs. After beating Stourbridge 2-1 at the Meadow in the play-off semi-final, Chesham lost 3-1 to St Albans City in front of a crowd of 2,960, the largest seen at the Meadow for many years. However a number of players left the club in the following close season and a revamped squad finished in 11th position. The 2015-16

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season saw history made as Chesham knocked a Football League team out of the FA Cup for the first time. They defeated Bristol Rovers 1-0 on their own ground in the First Round proper. This led to a trip to Bradford City’s Valley Parade ground in the Second Round, when two late goals gave the home team a flattering 4-0 win. In 2016-17 Chesham again reached the FA Cup First Round proper, losing 2-1 to Peterborough United at London Road. This resulted in a fixture backlog which led to the club finishing 11th in the league for the third season running. The 2017-18 season saw Jon Meakes take charge of the team after a decade as assistant to Andy Leese. A new-look squad took time to settle, but a strong run saw the team briefly threaten the play-off places before finishing a creditable eighth. However Meakes left the club in September 2018 after the club’s first eight games yielded just one point. He was replaced by joint managers James Duncan and Michael Murray, who turned the team’s fortunes around to such an extent that the club finished in a comfortable tenth position in 2019. The club continued to progress and were second in the table when the league season was cancelled in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2021-22 the club finished sixth, just missing out on a play-off place.

OPPOSITION PROFILES Sam Beasant Sam joined Chesham in August 2020, joining with a wealth of experience in the Football League and National Leagues. Son of Dave Beasant, the former Wimbledon goalkeeper, Sam starting his career at the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain before joining Maidenhead and then Stevenage in the EFL. Most recently, Sam was at local rivals Hemel but previously played at Step 2 for Chelmsford and Concord as well as Braintree in the Jeanmal Prosper Jeanmal joined Chesham United’s reserve side from Arlesey Town in 2013-14 and went on to make 20 appearances for the Generals during Andy Leese’s time as Chesham manager, before joining Aylesbury FC and then Aylesbury United before returning to the Generals in 2018-19 under JD & Muzza. Steve Brown Club captain and one of the early signings from Potters Bar when James & Michael were appointed in October 2018. Made 28 appearances with five goals in a strong Chesham defence in 2019-20. Eoin Casey Versatile centre back & forward and Managers Player of the Season in 2019-20 for his versatility and goalscoring. Eoin joined Chesham in October 2018 after leaving Potters Bar where he made 46 appearances in their 2017-18 promotion season, scoring 31 goals.

Jack Connors Experienced full back who signed for Chesham from Hayes & Yeading where he spent last season after leaving Barnet. Started out as a youngster at Fulham before moving to Dagenham & Redbridge, having made in excess of 50 appearances for the then League 2 side, he moved on in the summer of 2016 by joining Ebbsfleet United and in his first season helped them to promotion from the National League South. In 2018 he joined Dover Athletic but was to spend most of the season on loan at Hampton & Richmond before moving to Barnet. Jack also has international honours having represented the Republic of Ireland at under-21 level. Lewis Rolfe Versatile defender and midfielder, Lewis re-joined the Generals early 2020 for his third spell at the club for the run-in last season having previously been within the club between 2011 and 2013 before joining Hitchin Town and again under Jon Meakes in 2018-19 before returning to Hitchin again. George Ademiluyi Full back who joined the club in the summer of 2022 from Tooting & Mitcham where he spent three seasons at right back/wing back. Prior to joining Tooting, George spent spells at Cheshunt, Hayes & Yeading, Staines Town and Barkingside. Matt Ridley Tall centre half who signed his first professional contract 20 AYLESBURY.FOOTBALL

in the summer with Sutton, and joined Chesham on loan in late August. A native of the north east he played for several clubs in the area before a spell playing university football in the USA, and on returning last season he joined Whitby Town, also signing for Consett on a dual registration basis. Frankie Sutherland Full back / midfielder and a product of QPRs youth setup, spent time on loan with Portsmouth, AFC Wimbledon, Dagenham & Redbridge and Crawley Town. After being released by QPR in 2016, Frankie went straight into non-league and signed for Woking, before moving onto Whitehawk. A former Ireland youth international, Frankie then joined Bromley in 2017-18 before joining Ebbsfleet in 2019-20 before a spell with Billericay Town and Farnborough. Alison Ferreira De Paiva Young attacking full back, who re-joined the Generals in October 2022 after short spells at Hayes & Yeading and Hilltop FC. Can play both right side or left side, after coming through the youth system at QPR and playing for the U23s. Joined Chesham firstly when his QPR deal expired in 2021 and spent the 21-22 season at the Meadow. Roddy Collins Irish born midfielder who has appeared for Monaghan United, Athlone Town, Derry City and Waterford. Briefly with Hemel Hempstead Town in 2018-19 before joining Hayes & Yeading and then

Kings Langley. Signed for Chesham in December 2021 and has fit straight into the squad with his all-action midfield play and defensive qualities. Jordan Gibbons 28 year old central midfielder, Jordan joined the club in November 2021 from Wingate & Finchley. Originally came through at QPR, where he had loan spells with Inverness Caledonian Thistle & Yeovil Town before playing in the USA with Phoenix Rising alongside Didier Drogba and Shaun Wright-Phillips. Returned to England in 2018 with Whitehawk, and then Welling & Chelmsford before joining Wingate in 2020-21. T’Sharne Gallimore British Virgin Islands international midfield playmaker, Tosh joined the Generals for the 2019-20 from Westfield FC but didn’t make an appearance before joining Broadfields United on loan. Tosh re-joined the squad for the 2020-21 season and has impressed through preseason again this season, representing British Virgin Islands in their 2022 World Cup qualifier campaign through the off-season. Kyle Brooks 18-year-old central midfielder, who joined the club last year playing one game in the League Cup. Has impressed through pre-season and earned a place in the squad for the season ahead. Jake Peck Young central midfielder, who left Luton Town in the summer after having spent

last year on loan at Concord Rangers in the Vanarama South. Ronny Mfinda Talented young box-to-box midfielder. Ronny joined Chesham in October 2018 and went onto win Young Player of the Season for the Generals after previously playing for Potters Bar Town and Edgware Town. Bradley Clayton Attacking midfielder who joined Chesham in August 2018 after being released by Brentford, where he had been since the age of 10. Lightning quick feet and an eye for goal, 47 goals in 97 starts so far for the Generals and collected a number of awards at last season’s awards night including Player of the Year and Top Goalscorer. Jordan Edwards Attacking midfielder, who signed towards the end of last season from Hartley Wintney and impressed straight away with some crucial goals in the run-in including an injury-time winner on his debut at home to Poole. Jordan started off in the Swindon Town academy, having loans at Chippenham Town & Marlow before joining Basingstoke (twice) & Hungerford before signing at Hartley Wintney in the summer of 2021 Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick An exciting, tricky winger who joined the club in December 2021 from Hayes & Yeading. Before joining Hayes, Shaq had spent a season at Salisbury before that and had previously had spells in the Conference with Wealdstone,

21 AYLESBURY.FOOTBALL

Hampton & Richmond, Sutton United and others. Zak Joseph Creative forward signed initially on loan from Hampton in September 2020, before joining permanently in the summer. Player of the Season in his first season, Zak can play across the frontline and was prolific in guiding Hendon to Isthmian League play off final in 2017-18, scoring 18 goals in all competitions, before following manager Gary McCann to Hampton & Richmond in the summer of 2018. Signed permanently in July 2020. Francis Jno-Baptiste Centre forward, who joined the Generals towards the end of the 2021-22 season after leaving Swedish side Östersund in January 2022. Initially joined Östersund in 2019 after leaving Crystal Palace, during Francis’s time in Sweden he also played for 2nd Division side AFC Eskilstuna on loan Karl Oliyide 2019-20 joint top scorer, Karl signed for the Generals from Conference South side Hemel Hempstead after leaving Hampton & Richmond, via a loan spell at Enfield Town. Ricardo German Former Crawley Town striker who left the Reds in June 2022, after three and a half years at the club. Ricardo joined Crawley from Hendon where he was one of the most prolific goal scorers in non-league football netting 28 times in 21 games before Christmas, leading to his

January move to Sussex. During Ricardo’s time in Sussex, he also had loan spells at Dulwich Hamlet and returned to Hendon last year for a months loan spell. James Duncan, joint manager Now in his & Muzza’s fifth season at the Meadow having joined Chesham United as Joint Manager in October 2018, previously the manager of Potters Bar Town where he guided them to automatic promotion from the Isthmian Div 1 North in 2017-18 and then to a successful top 10 start in the Bostik Premier in 2018-19 before joining Chesham. James holds a UEFA B licence and has coached in both academy and semi-professional settings. Before going into management, James had a 13-year playing career as a midfielder with spells at Wealdstone, Uxbridge & Slough Town.

Greenford United in his previous clubs where he was a prolific goal scorer and setpiece specialist. Mick Johnson, assistant Manager Assistant manager to James Duncan & Michael Murray. Mick was previously the assistant manager at Potters Bar Town and joined Chesham in October 2018. Before that Mick was part of long serving Wealdstone manager Gordan Bartlett’s coaching staff. David Murphy, coach First team coach, hold a UEFA ‘B’ licence, who was part of the management team at Potters Bar Town from 2016 onwards. Prior to that David worked with the academy at Wealdstone. Also involved with coaching at Stanmore College.

Michael Murray, joint manager Now in his & JD’s fifth season at the Meadow, having joined Chesham United as Joint Manager in October 2018, previously Michael was part of a successful coaching team & playing squad with James at Potters Bar Town, where they won automatic promotion from the Isthmian Div 1 North in 2017-18 and then to a successful top 10 start in the Bostik Premier in 2018-19 before joining Chesham. Michael joined Potters Bar as a player in 2016-17 from Chalfont St Peter, and include Northwood, Hendon, Uxbridge and North

22 AYLESBURY.FOOTBALL

REPORT IT.

KICK IT OUT OF FOOTBALL.

FIXTURES & APPEARANCES DATE

VERSUS

COMP

RES

ATT

15:00

Ashton and Backwell Utd

FA CUP

0-2

Davis

A. Ball

13 AUG

15:00

Harlow Town

LEAGUE

3-3

222

Davis

A. Ball

16 AUG

19:45

Kidlington

LEAGUE

2-0

111

Davis

A. Ball

19 AUG

19:45

Ardley United

FA CUP

1-0

161

Davis

27 AUG

15:00

Barton Rovers

LEAGUE

2-1

101

Davis

29 AUG

15:00

Berkhamsted

LEAGUE

4-0

394

Davis

2 SEP

19:45

Margate

FA CUP

0-1

293

14 SEP

19:45

Evesham United

FA TRO

0-3

107

17 SEP

15:00

Welwyn Garden City

LEAGUE

3-0

4 OCT

19:45

FC Romania

LEAGUE

8 OCT

15:00

Biggleswade Town

LEAGUE

15 OCT

15:00

Kempston Rovers

18 OCT

19:45

Didcot Town

6 AUG

TIME

1⃣ Bewley ⚽⚽ Jones

Wood

O’Connor

⚽

Wood

O’Connor

Bewley

Wood

McNamara

A. Ball

Bewley

Wood

McNamara

A. Ball

Bewley

Wood

Jones

Bewley

Wood

O’Connor

Davis

A. Ball

Bewley

Wood

O’Connor

Clifford

Jones

A. Ball

Wood

O’Connor

124

Davis

A. Ball

Bewley

Wood

O’Connor

4-1

Hopwood

Jones

Bewley

Wood

O’Connor

1-3

134

Hopwood

Jones

Anderson

Wood

Bewley

LEAGUE

1-3

110

Hopwood

Joyce

Bewley

Wood

Anderson

LEAGUE

0-1

111

Hopwood

Joyce

🟥

🟨

3⃣

🟨

🟥 Bewley 1⃣ Bewley

Wood

22 OCT

15:00

Walthamstow

LEAGUE

2-1

326

Hopwood

Joyce

26 OCT

19:45

Highworth Town

LEAGUE

5-1

102

Hopwood

Jones

Anderson

Wood

29 OCT

15:00

Biggleswade

LEAGUE

0-2

144

Hopwood

Jones

Anderson

Wood

5 NOV

15:00

Ware

LEAGUE

3-0

144

Hopwood

Jones

Fernandes

Wood

8 NOV