Aylesbury United v Cirencester Town

WELCOME

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

A warm welcome to the visiting players, officials, and supporters of the Centurions. We hope you enjoy your afternoon with us, and have a safe trip home.

Today’s opponents arrive at The Meadow in red hot form, winning all four of their past league fixtures. They were one of the few sides to avoid the fixture wipeout last weekend thanks to their artificial pitch. And they took advantage, brushing aside their promotion rivals Biggleswade with an impressive 4-1 victory that moves them into the playoffs. They’re now showing the form that led them to third place in last season’s Southern League Division One South, and will certainly be a contender at the end of the season if they continue in this manner.

We also offer a warm welcome to the volunteers of this season’s charity partner, Aylesbury Foodbank, who are at the ground this afternoon to collect donations for those

give generously, and if you can’t bring food to today’s match, you can always make a donation via the charity partner link on our website.

There will be another opportunity to make a food donation at the 21CD quiz night that has been organised to support the Foodbank. It takes place on Monday 6 February at Rivets Sports and Social Club in Aylesbury, from 7.30pm. Entry costs £5 per person, and teams are a maximum of five people, and can be formed on the night if you don’t already have one.

FOLLOW THE DUCKS ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA

Go to the website to register by completing the form to secure your place.

Unfortunately Bill’s Diner is not available at today’s game, but should be back for our next home match against FC Romania on 11 February. Tea and coffee will be available from the bar.

Come on you Ducks!

CHARITY PARTNER

Each season Aylesbury

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

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

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

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

Aylesbury

provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. Aylesbury Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

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

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

This season’s partnership has already got off to a fantastic start with our charity walk from Aylesbury to Berkhamsted.

On August Bank Holiday Monday, a group of Ducks fans walked 14 miles along the Grand Union canal in

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

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

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

MATCHDAY MASCOT

Do 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...

On5 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

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 Jack Wells

Assistant manager Jordi Mulvany

Coach Luis Fernandes

Goalkeeping coach Jack Sillitoe

Sports therapist Aliyeana Rahim

First team kit Ron Schmidt

GOLD CLUB

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

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

CLUB HISTORY

Aylesbury United were founded in 1897 when three local sides: Night School FC, The Printing Works and Aylesbury Town decided to merge.

The club, affectionately known as ‘the Ducks’ due to the famous Aylesbury breed, has experienced some incredible highs over our 125year history but now battle for existence without a home ground to call their own.

In the early years United played in local leagues before joining the Spartan League in 1908 where they remained until the Second World War. 1951 saw the Ducks gain their first taste of national publicity as they became the only club from the Delphian League ever to

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

Aylesbury turned semiprofessional in 1976 and joined the Southern League, a move which got the ball rolling on the club’s most successful period. A number of events followed which were to help: In 1983 the club appointed Trevor Gould as manager, and then a year later a young local lad called Cliff Hercules made his debut, unaware that he was to become the most successful player in the club’s history. ‘Hercy’ was, and still is, an Aylesbury icon, and some 20-years later he finally hung up his boots having smashed the club records with 669 appearances and scoring 301 goals.

Promotion to the Southern Premier was soon achieved and shortly afterwards the Ducks moved to their new Buckingham Road stadium. This gave the town a new impetus and Gould’s talented squad secured the Southern League in 1987-88 and gained promotion to the GM Vauxhall Conference.

United then hit the headlines again, becoming the only

non-league side ever to take on the full England team, as more than 6000 packed into Buckingham Road to see the Ducks take on the Three Lions. Unfortunately United’s brush with the non-league elite only lasted one season, after which the club were relegated to the Isthmian League.

During the period between 1985 and 1992, Aylesbury boasted the best FA Cup record of any side outside the Football League, reaching at least the First Round Proper every season. The highlights being a victory over then Division Four leaders Southend United, a narrow extra time replay defeat against Northampton Town, and being shown live across Europe against Walsall.

Ironically though it wasn’t Gould, the club’s most successful manager, who led the Ducks to their greatest FA Cup achievement, it was his successor Steve Ketteridge in 1994-95. Once again the club became media celebrities as the ‘Duck Walk’ goal celebration was shown around the world, as Aylesbury went on to reach the Third Round where they lost to Premiership side Queen’s Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Ketteridge delivered the Isthmian League Cup title to Aylesbury, but it was to be the beginning of a rollercoaster ride for the club. After almost going out of business, the Ducks were pipped to the Isthmian League title by Sutton United a year later,

despite heading the table for long periods. The following season saw United back in administration and fighting for survival both on and off the pitch.

Despite defeating Football League side Reading in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup, for the second time in four seasons, the club was relegated to Division One for the first time in their history. In October 2000, the legendary Hercules took time out from his duties as the club’s Community Development Officer to manage the Ducks, and in his brief spell in charge he secured promotion back to the Isthmian Premier Division and extended the club’s proud FA Cup record with a First Round trip to Port Vale.

2002-03 saw Aylesbury returned to national prominence twice. First the club was privileged to play a major part in an England get together as the Buckingham Road facilities were used by Sven Goran Eriksson for a media conference and by the squad for a training session. Second the club made their first ever appearance in the FA Trophy semi-finals, where the Ducks were beaten by eventual winners Burscough.

For various reasons the club then began to cycle through a string of managers at an average of two a season –namely Chris Boothe, Kevin Wilson, Paul Curtis, Danny Nicholls, Jon Franklin, Tony Thompson and Mark Eaton. But nothing was to match the low point of summer 2006. Former chairman Bill

Carroll failed in his plans to convert the Buckingham Road pitch to a 3G artificial surface, what he described as his ‘last ditch’ idea for creating a viable football club, when the Southern League and FA baulked at his ideas.

Carroll decided to cut ties with the club he had been involved with since 1997, and popular local businessman Graham Read took over the club. But in a cruel twist Aylesbury were left homeless after their lease expired. Since that time Aylesbury have been forced to play their ‘home’ matches some 20 miles out of Aylesbury whilst the committee work hard keeping the club alive. The campaign to ‘Bring the Ducks Home’ has generated plenty of publicity, but so far, sadly, nothing concrete in terms of a new home for the club.

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

On the pitch the club

continued to do remarkably well, going close to the play-off positions in the Midlands Division for the next three seasons but a new challenge arose when the previous manager defected clubs, taking almost the entire playing squad with him. This led to another tumultuous season which saw Martin Stone initially appointed as manager, but due to personal reasons he had to renege on his appointment less than two weeks before the first game of the season. His assistant, Byron Walton, briefly stepped into the mantle and did a sterling job in assembling a competitive team in such a short space of time. He moved on and former United defender Tony Joyce became the club’s new permanent

manager. Unfortunately Joyce was unable to prevent the club’s slide – which had seen them amass just one league win by October – and the club were relegated to the Spartan South Midlands League. However, Joyce built a new and strong squad which finished sixth in the league in 2010-11.

Season 2011-12 saw further progression in the league with the Ducks eventually finishing fourth after a strong run of results at the tail end of the season. There was disappointment, however in the cups with the team being out of all cup competitions by mid November.

The 2012-13 season saw the club competing for the title, being in the top four for the entire season. Finally finishing second to Dunstable Town, gaining promotion to the Southern League courtesy of the FA’s restructuring of the feeder leagues and the additional promotional places that created. The season was capped by securing the Spartan League Premier Division Cup, beating Hadley 3-2 after extra time.

The Ducks’ first season back in the Southern league saw them achieve a creditable 12th place finish in a strong division. Other highlights from the season was a much better FA Cup run and notable victories against Southern Premier League opponents Hemel Hempstead, Chesham and Burnham in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup and The Red Insure Cup.

The 2014-15 season saw the club finish in 13th place but made the final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup for the first time in 10 years, losing 4-0 to Maidenhead United from the Vanarama Conference South.

After a disappointing start to the 2015-16 season, Tony Joyce tendered his resignation after six years at the club and was replaced by Glyn Creaser who had been coach under Tony. In Glyn’s first full season in charge, he led the club to the semi-final of the Southern League Cup, before losing at Premier Division St Ives. He also guided the team to 13th position in the Central Division.

After two seasons ground sharing at the ASM Stadium in Thame, a decision was made to return to The Meadow, the home of Chesham United for the 2017-18 season. After a disappointing start to the league campaign, manager Glyn Creaser was relieved of his responsibilities following a 6-1 home defeat against Cambridge City in December 2017, with the team lying second from the bottom of the table. His assistant Ben Williams was appointed caretaker manager in his place, before being appointed in a full time capacity in January. Ben steadied the ship successfully, integrating a number of new young players and developing a great team spirit, which saw the Ducks rise to 13th in the league, winning nine of their last 13 matches.

2019-20 began in promising fashion, with the Ducks unbeaten in the first nine league games, and winning ties in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Despite a slight dip in form, the Ducks remained in the play-offs before the season was curtailed early and voided due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

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

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

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

CLUB HONOURS

Spartan League Champions 1908-09

Runner-up 1913-14, 1928-29

Spartan League Division One Champions 1938-39

Runner up 1934-35

Spartan League Western Section Champions 1945-46

Delphian League Champions 1953-54

Athenian League Division Two Champions 1967-68

Southern League Division One South

Runner up 1979-80

Southern League Midlands Division

Runner up 1984-85

Southern League Champions 1987-88

Isthmian League

Runner-up 1998-99

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

Runner-up 2012-13

Berks & Bucks

Senior Cup

1913-14, 1985-86, 1996-97, 1999-00

Berks & Bucks

Benevolent Cup

1932-33, 1933-34, 1952-53, 1953-54

Isthmian League Cup 1994-95

Spartan South Midlands League

Premier Cup 2012-13

FA Cup

First round 1951-52, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1990-91, 1992-93, 2001-02

Second round 1988-89, 1989-90, 1991-92

Third round 1994-95

FA Trophy

Quarter-finals 1980-81 Semi-finals 2003

SQUAD PROFILES

DAVID ALUKO-OLUKUN

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

FORWARD

GOALKEEPER

JOSHUA AMEGANVI

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

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

MIDFIELDER

ALFIE ATTRILL

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

ANTHONY BALL

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

Sponsored by Courts Accountancy Services

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor Charlie Lacey

JAKE BEWLEY

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

Sponsored by Dave Brown

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor Santino Iannaccone

STEPHEN ENOW

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

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

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 Allan Brace

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 William and Niamh Seeley

TYRIQ HUNTE

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

FORWARD

SHAQUILLE ISHMAEL

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

FORWARD

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 201819 with his Sunday league side Aylesbury Flooring.

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor William Hutcherson

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

Laces sponsor George Pennington

DAVID LYNN

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

DEFENDER

Sponsored by Carl Catling Media

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

FORWARD

Laces sponsor Lily Lacey

JACK MORIARTY

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

MIDFIELDER

NASHA MUKWADA

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

FORWARD

DAVID PITT

Pitt joined the Ducks on dual registration from Ashford Town (Mx) in January. The 31-year-old began his career as an apprentice at Brentford, and has plenty of non-league experience – most recently playing for Staines Town, Broadfields United, Stratford Town, and Chalfont St Peter. He is also a dual international, having played two games for Jamaica under-18s, before switching allegiance and winning two full caps for St Vincent and the Grenadines during 2018 World Cup Qualifying.

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

MARK RIDDICK

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

Sponsored by Andy Martin

Laces sponsor Elowen Pennington

BEN SEATON

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

Sponsored by The Harvey Family

MIDFIELDER

Laces sponsor Greg Pennington

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.

MIDFIELDER

Sponsored by Paul Hopwood

DANIEL STOKOE

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

MIDFIELDER

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

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor Ava Pinches

JACK WELLS

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

MANAGER

JORDI MULVANY

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

Sponsored by Roger Simmons

LUIS FERNANDES

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

Sponsored by Roger Simmons COACH

JACK SILLITOE

Long-serving and hugely popular goalkeeper who played for the Ducks for 11 years and made 320 appearances for the club, having made his debut in 2007 as emergency cover having come through the club’s youth team. A popular figure among supporters and teammates, he was named Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2010, Players’ Player of the Year in 2012 and received the Clubman of the Year award in 2016. A broken metatarsal put an end to his Ducks career between the sticks in 2018, but returned to the club as goalkeeping coach in December 2022.

GK COACH

THERAPIST

ALYIEANA RAHIM

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

Sponsored by Paul Seeley

AST MANAGER

OPPOSITION HISTORY

Cirencester Town FC

was formed in 1889 and played amateur football in the Cirencester & District League, Cheltenham League and eventually the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.

In the late ‘60s Cirencester joined the Gloucester County League, moving from there up to the Hellenic League in 1969. During that time, they had their first national cup run, reaching the 2nd round proper of the FA Amateur Cup. They won their first major piece of silverware, taking the Hellenic First Division Championship in 1973-74 to reach the Premier Division. Following a subsequent relegation, the modern phase of development was slowly established, with

their Smithsfield ground being improved.

Runners up to Cinderford Town in ‘90-’91 put the club back in the Hellenic Premier, and they also picked up the Hellenic League First Division Challenge Cup for the first time as well as the Gloucestershire Senior Amateur Cup (North). Premier Division Runners up ’91 – 92 behind Shortwood United in the Premier Division, they also lost 2-1 to Shortwood United in the GFA Challenge Trophy Final, but bagged that season’s Arthur Shipway Cup.

competition and in 2008-09 reached the third round proper before losing to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The success of the Academy has had the knock on effect of providing CTFC with new blood and developing talent.

KEY DETAILS

FOUNDED

1889

NICKNAME

The Centurions

CLUB COLOURS

Red and black shirts, black shorts, red socks

HOME GROUND

The Corinium Stadium, Cirencester

MANAGER

John Brough

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

12 November 2022 L 3-0

4 February 2006 L 2-1

Season 1995-96 was the start of the new era. In partnership with Cirencester College, the club began the groundbreaking Football Academy programme. Developing rapidly, first under Dave Hockaday and when he moved as Youth Team Manager to Watford FC, followed by Steve Lowndes, the Academy have been National College Champions in ’97 and in ’98, five times winners of the English Schools FA U19 Colleges Cup since 1998, and British Colleges Trophy Champions 4 times since ’97. The youngsters have regularly reached the latter stages of the FA Youth Cup as the last remaining nonleague club in that

Off field, a long planning process led to the development of the Community Club phase led by Chairman Steve Abbley and implemented over 3 years by Business Manager Anna Kocherhan. In summer 2002 Brian Hughes succeeded Ray Baverstock as manager. At the same time the club, having invested the proceeds of the sale of Smithsfield in the Corinium Stadium at Kingshill, moved into their new faciltity and renamed as “The Centurions”. This development was followed in November 2004 by the opening of The Arena, a state of the art full size indoor training facility. We have now been awarded the FA’s “Charter Standard Community Club” status and this summer we received the 2006 Gloucestershire FA Award for “Charter Standard Community Club of the Year”, which was presented to Steve Abbley by Sir Geoff Hurst.

In May 2006, after four highly successful years and having raised expectations at the club, Brian Hughes resigned as First Team

Manager to be replaced by Neil Hards. Neil had taken a year out of football after his achievements at Winchester City where they gained “back to back” promotions and won the FA Vase in 2004. Unfortunately, despite some good early performances, the team lacked the necessary consistency, and a disastrous run of results after Christmas meant they finished in the relegation places. However the club was later reprieved from relegation after a number of changes were made to club allocations in the nonleague structure due to club mergers and other decisions.

Manager Adi Viveash left the Centurions to take up his role as Chelsea and Brian Hughes was again called upon to take up the hot seat as First Team manager. The 2009 – 10 season proved to be a very successful one with the Development squad winning the league in their first season and the first team gaining promotion via the play offs after 2 very good away wins both with late goals.

Manager Brian Hughes managed the clubs first season back in the Premier

Division in 2010-2011 and the club finished 13th. Unfortunately, 2011-12 saw the heartbreak of relegation and our first year back in the South & West division saw us finish a respectable 10th in the table

2013-2014 saw the club have its most successful season ever gaining automatic promotion back to the Southern League Premier by clinching the title on the last day of the season to beat Merthyr Town to the championship. Brian Hughes worked with a small squad which managed to overturn a 9-point deficit and clinched the title last term by winning the last 7 games of the season whilst everyone else dropped points on the way.

2016-2017 saw changes at the helm after a poor start Brian Hughes was relieved of the manager’s job and Charlie Griffin was installed as his replacement. The 2017-2018 saw a brand-new state of the art 3G pitch installed at The Corinium Stadium. After a slow start The Centurions missed out on a playoff spot on goal difference and disappoint was to follow last season

after finishing runners up, promotion was denied via the play offs losing to Cinderford Town FC in the semi-final by one goal.

December 2019 saw another change with former North Leigh manager John Brough take the helm replacing Charlie Griffin after a disappointing start to the season. The change nearly had the desired effect as the Centurions climbed the table with a play off place in sight before the season was sadly cut short due to the current situation, we find ourselves in relating to COVID 19.

The COVID-19 pandemic put paid to two season before we returned fully in 2021-2022. After a great league campaign, heartbreak again for the Centurions as we missed ou ton possible promotion losing in the play offs again.

OPPOSITION PROFILES

Alex Harris

Big and strong goalkeeper who commands his box and is quick off the line. Signed from Merthyr Town in 2021. Has won the Southern League previously with Cinderford Town FC. Great shot stopper and one of the best keepers in the league.

Jordan Lymn

Jordan arrived from Evesham United in the Summer after a previous spell at North Leigh FC. Started his career at Cheltenham Town FC and has impressed during pre season which took manager John Brough no time to sign him. Excellent defender and another good signing for the club.

Jake Lee

Jake Signed in the summer of 2021 from neighbours Swindon Supermarine and has been a rock at the back for the Centurions since his arrival. Picked up the supporters player of the year last term and led by example as captain throughout last season – fantastic on the deck and equally as good in the air.

Jordan Morris

Signed from Forest Green Rovers as a winger but converted to full back and was one of last season outstanding performers. Pace to burn and great on the ball at the back.

Ellis Dunton

Ellis has been at Ciren since the age of six years old and coming through our academy system. Big commanding centre half who is dangerous

from set pieces and scores his fair share of goals. Has made over 300 appearances for the Centurions

Josh Nelmes

Solid centre half who can play in midfield. Great passer of the ball and the tough tackling defender also scores his fair share of goals.Another previous league winner with Cinderford Town FC.

Nick Peare

Versatile player that is equally as comfortable playing in defence or midfield and scorer of some spectacular goals from set pieces.

Joe Shepherd

Box to box midfielder who joined last season from our neighbors Swindon Supermarine. Joe was originally a product of our football Academy and returns after several years away.The fittest man in the club who can run forever and is a box to box midfielder.

Theo Lewis

Lewis started his career as a youth player at Chelsea and reading before joining Cheltenham Town FC in 2007. Loaned out to Gloucester City FC before signing permanently at Salisbury City. Also had spells at Woking and Banbury United before moving to The Corinium in the summer. The midfielder is highly rated and a great acquisition for the Centurions.

Nick Hancock

Moved over to the Corinium with manager John Brough in 2019 having played for him

at several non-league clubs. A non-stop runner who is relentless in closing down the opposition and loves a tackle. Great distribution when on the ball.

Sergio Mills

Previously at Gloucester City and Shortwood United, the tricky and skilful midfielder has joined the Centurions over the summer and is a match winner on his day Joe Turley - Midfielder

Joe is well travelled at Southern League level and has played for Evesham United, Mangotsfield United, Bishops Cleeve and Cinderford Town. He is a quality ball carrier with a great engine who loves to spray the passes and loves to get forward when the opportunity arises.

Josh Grace-Parsons

In his second spell at The Corinium. Works tirelessly for the team but is a match winner who can score goals out of nothing. Previous clubs include Swindon Supermarine, Hungerford Town.

Levi Irving

Levi has progressed through our youth system and was currently part of our Academy squad. A natural goal scorer and will score a lot of goals at this level.

Ross Gabriel

Arrived at the Corinium from Lydney Town. Big, strong target man with an eye for goal and the scorer of many crucial goals for the Centurions.

John

John was given the managerial post at the beginning of December 2019. As a professional player he made over 250 appearances for the likes of Shrewsbury Town FC, Hereford United and Cheltenham Town. On the managerial front John is highly experienced at Southern league level, with spells at Bishops Cleeve, Cinderford Town (where he guided them to promotion) and North Leigh.

Another long serving player. Joined from Didcot Town in 2010 and was an ever present at the heart of the Ciren midfield clocking up 358 appearances to date. He is an intelligent player, good on the ball and has a wide range of passing and has the ability to score wonder goals.

Highly regarding goalkeeper in his playing days at Salisbury and Gloucester City having been one of the original members of our Football Academy. Kev has come aboard this season as the goalkeeping coach – will add a lot experience to the coaching staff.

Brough, manager

James Mortimer-Jones, midfielder/assistant manager

Kevin Sawyer, goalkeeper coach

FIXTURES & APPEARANCES

DUCKS IN ACTION

DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR HAS NO PLACE IN OUR GAME.

FOOTBALL HAS COME TOGETHER TO TOUGHEN MEASURES ADDRESSING FAN BEHAVIOUR AT MATCHES

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR:

Entering the pitch without permission

Smoke bombs and pyros

Throwing objects

Drug use

Discriminatory behaviour

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES:

Serious injury

Automatic club ban

Reported to the police

Criminal record

Education and employment at risk

HELP US ENSURE MATCHES ARE SAFE AND ENJOYABLE FOR ALL LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME.

STADIUM SAFETY

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

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

Please remember the following activities are illegal, dangerous, have serious consequences and have no place in our game:

 Carrying or using smoke bombs or pyros

 Invading the pitch or

entering the pitch without permission

 Throwing objects onto the pitch

 Drug use within the football ground

 Discriminatory behaviour

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.oliverlacey.com

Simon.lacey@oliverlacey.com

Ever thought of volunteering to help your local football club?

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

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

Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to find out more

LEAGUE TABLE AND RESULTS

21 January

14 January

TODAY’S TEAMS

AYLESBURY UNITED

MANAGER: Jack WELLS

Jack HOPWOOD

Anthony BALL

Jake BEWLEY

Jack WOOD

David LYNN

Jack MORIARTY

Lee STOBBS

Daniel STOKOE

Tyriq HUNTE

Sonny FRENCH

Nasha MUKWADA

Jordan JENKINS

David ALUKO-OLUKUN

Ben SEATON

Mark RIDDICK

Tom MCELROY

CIRENCESTER TOWN

MANAGER: John BROUGH

Alex HARRIS

Will CHRISTOPHER

Jordan MORRIS

Joe TURLEY

Jake LEE

Ellis DUNTON

Jay SIMPSON

Josh NELMES

Zachary GUINAN

Levi IRVING

Joe SHEPHERD

Nick HANCOCK

Reegan MESSENGER

Nick PEARCE

Sergio MILLS

Louie BARNFATHER

REFEREE

Joe WOOLMER

ASSISTANT REFEREES

David BRENNAN & Benjamin WARREN

NEXT MATCH BIGGLESWADE TOWN

SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY, BIGGLESWADE