Aylesbury United v Hadley

WELCOME

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

A very warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of the Bricks. We hope they enjoy the game and have a safe journey home later this evening.

This is the first league meeting between the sides, and the first match in a decade. The last encounter was in 2013 when the Ducks lifted the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Cup 3-2 after extra time. In fact the past three games in the 2012-13 season, delivered 22 goals – so hopefully we’ll see similar levels of excitment today.

Hadley were promoted last season after finishing third in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division, the beneficiary of Risborough Rangers’ failure to complete their ground improvement works in time. They’ve adjusted very well to life at step four. And they picked up an impressive 4-2 home win against Biggleswade Town on Saturday, courtesy of two goals each from defenders

The Ducks will hopefully be slightly fresher than expected this afternoon, with Tuesday evening’s game against AFC Dunstable abandoned after just 20 minutes due to the fog. We’ll let you know once the match has been re-scheduled. But there isn’t too long until we meet the ODs again, as we travel to Creasey Park in Dunstable on Saturday 25 February for our final game of the month.

Come on you Ducks!

FOLLOW THE DUCKS ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA

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 Ryan Gurton

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 2023

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

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.

GOALKEEPER

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

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

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor George Pennington

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

DAVID LYNN

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

Sponsored by Carl Catling Media

JACK MORIARTY

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

NASHA MUKWADA

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

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

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 MIDFIELDER

BEN SEATON

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

Sponsored by The Harvey Family

Laces sponsor Greg Pennington MIDFIELDER

LEE STOBBS

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

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

RYAN GURTON

Joined the club in January 2023 as coach to support Jack Wells.

COACH

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

Hadley Football Club

were founded in the 1882/83 season. A notable achievement during the early years was a 1-0 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur, although Tottenham then was not of the calibre that it is now.

The 1880s and 1890s were glamour times for Hadley when the club used to attract crowds of several hundred to Hadley common. With regret however, the progressive Barnet FC etc. drew players away from Hadley. This was at about the turn of the century. Club activities became low key around 1912 with Barnet FC becoming more prominent. Between these years and 1922 the club was up and down like a yo yo. Club fortunes again changed close to World War II and thereafter, with

the emergence from the Hadley ranks of the famous Lester Finch who went on to play for Barnet FC and become a full amateur international. Records show an upturn in Hadley FC activities after World War II. The club became a member of the Barnet and District League and, from about 1947, played at Wrotham Park at the Barnet end of Kitts End Road. Hadley played there until about 1955 when it then moved to Barnet Playing Fields in order to “have some better facilities”. The club played in the North Suburban Intermediate League at this time.

KEY DETAILS

FOUNDED

1882

NICKNAME

The Bricks

CLUB COLOURS

Red shirts, black shorts, black socks

HOME GROUND

Brickfield Lane, Hadley

MANAGER

Anthony Clark

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

1 May 2013 W 3-2 (AET)

20 March 2013 W 4-3

29 September 2012 W 6-4

Still playing at Barnet Playing Fields, the club then joined the Mid Herts League and with Peter Gray as 1st team manager, we were Premier Division Winners in 1975/76 and 1976/77. We also won the Mid Herts Premier Division Shield in 1976/77. Having won the Mid Herts Premier Division twice, the club wanted to progress to the Herts Senior County League so therefore moved to a pitch with better facilities in St. Albans Road, Barnet (current home of The Shire London Golf Club). We had one season at this pitch before being told that it was no longer available to

hire. We won the Herts Senior County League Division Three at our first attempt during this season. However, we had to find a new home and played at a sports ground in Chandos Avenue, Whetstone (a training base for the England National team at the time), until 1985. The club left the Herts Senior County League to join the Southern Olympian League and moved grounds again to play at the Woodside Park Club, Southover, Totteridge.

In 1992 the club moved to a ground in Brickfield Lane, Arkley, Barnet and re-joined the Herts Senior County League in the 1999/00 season. Under the management of Ian Gray, the 1st team won the Division One championship in 2001/02 to move up to the Premier Division in 2002/03, where we finished mid-table. Mick Hore was appointed manager in 2003/04 and we enjoyed a very successful season with the 1st team winning the Herts Senior County League Premier Division and the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy. 2004/05 was also very successful with the 1st team retaining the Premier Division title. Success continued into 2005/06 with the 1st team winning the prestigious Aubrey Cup.

In 2006-07 the 1st team finished Runners Up in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division.

An application to join the Spartan South Midlands league was blocked by the Herts County League, so the following season (2007-08) the club played all of its football in the West Herts Saturday League. During this season, all Hadley teams (3 teams) won their respective leagues for the first time in the clubs history. This included the 1st team winning the Premier Division of the West Herts League with Guy Slee in charge, having taken over from Mick Hore at the start of the season. We again applied to join the Spartan South Midlands League and our place in Division Two was accepted for the start of the 2008-09 season.

The move to the Spartan South Midlands League saw the 1st team begin groundsharing at Potters Bar Town FC, and the reserves and 3rd team continued to use the ground in Brickfield Lane. Ian Gray replaced Guy Slee as manager at the start of the season, with Guy having stepped up into the role of Chairman, joined on the committee with the arrival of Bob Henderson as Secretary. Our first season in the Spartan South Midlands League turned out to be a very successful one with the 1st team gaining promotion to Division One at the first attempt after finishing one point behind The 61 FC (Luton). We also won the Division Two Cup after beating Totternhoe in the final.

Our second season in the Spartan South Midlands League (2009-10) surpassed everyone’s expectations

when we achieved another promotion after finishing in second place behind Holmer Green. We also won two matches in our first attempt at the FA Vase, beating Harpenden Town and then Leverstock Green, eventually being knocked out in a tight 1-0 defeat at Stanway Rovers. The 2010-11 season saw us again playing at the highest level in the club’s long history (Step 5 of the National League System), and we also enjoyed our first ever outing in the FA Cup, drawing 0-0 with Barking before losing 1-0 in the replay. Another highlight of the season was playing against Barnet in the 2nd round of the Herts Senior Cup, drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes before losing 4-1 in Extra Time.

In January 2012, longserving manager Ian Gray stepped down from the role of 1st team manager after 3½ successful years in charge, having guided the team from Division Two to the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League with back-to-back promotions. A new management team was appointed who were previously with St Albans City reserves. An influx of new players and the guidance of player-manager Alexis Nicholas saw us achieve our pre-season aim of staying in the Premier Division, as we ended in 15th position out of 22 teams. The start of the 2012-13 season saw Franco Sidoli join as 1st team manager having also left St Albans City during the summer. Franco was supported by

a coaching team of Alexis Nicholas, Lewis Dommett and Hector Varela as we enjoyed a successful season with a comfortable mid-table finish and our first ever win in the FA Cup following a 2-0 victory over Hertford Town. We also reached the final of the Premier Division Cup when we were unlucky to lose 3-2 against Aylesbury United (After Extra Time), having taken the lead twice in the match.

At the end of the 201213 season, Franco Sidoli stepped down as 1st team manager due to a change in work circumstances for 3 out of 4 people in the management team, including himself, which would not have allowed them to give 100% commitment to the job during the forthcoming season. The club appointed Geoff O’Vell as the new 1st team manager, who had previously been 1st team manager at Colney Heath, Hoddesdon Town and Broxbourne Borough. Geoff was joined by Assistant Manager Paul Surridge and coach Mark Mezen. A highlight during this season was drawing Watford FC in the 1st Round of the Herts Senior Cup. We lost 2-0 with goals from Luke O’Nien and Bernard Mensah securing the win for Gianfranco Zola’s Championship side. We had mixed fortunes during the 2013-14 league campaign and although an improved end to the season saw us make a late climb up the league table to finish just below mid table, the club decided that a restructuring of the team management

was required at the end of the season. This saw Geoff O’Vell and his management team leave the club.

At the start of the next season (2014-15) Micky Hazard was appointed as the new 1st team manager. As a player, Micky was a member of the Tottenham team that won the 1982 FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 1984. He also went on to play for Chelsea, Portsmouth, Swindon Town and then Tottenham for a second spell. Since the end of his playing career, Hazard was Youth Academy Coach at Crystal Palace and was also involved on the management team of Sevenoaks Town and Hoddesdon Town. Micky was joined by the return of Franco Sidoli, Lewis Dommett and Hector Varela who were all well-known to the club as, along with Alexis Nicolas, they formed our 1st team management team during a successful 2012-13 season. The first season in charge for our new management team was very successful as we ended in 9th position in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division - our highest ever finish. We surpassed this in the following season (2015-16) as we ended in 6th position in the league and we also won the Herts Charity Shield for the first time following a 3-1 victory over Tring Athletic in the final at the County Headquarters, Letchworth.

The 2016-17 season saw the return of our 1st team to Brickfield Lane in Barnet following over £500,000 worth of facilities improvements and eight years of groundsharing with Potters Bar Town. Ground

improvements included the installation of floodlights, a spectator stand, new fencing and pathways, pitch drainage installation, a new car park and the refurbishment of the pavilion clubhouse and changing rooms. This was made possible thanks to grants and donations from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, Sport England, the Peter Harrison Foundation, the Happy Charitable Trust, Village Healthcare and the Back2Barnet campaign. A highlight of our first season back in Barnet was an outstanding FA Cup run, eventually being knocked out in a Third qualifying round replay against Eastbourne Borough who went on to beat Aldershot Town in the next round.

The 2017-18 season saw a change of first team management with Anthony Clark being appointed in October 2017. As a player, Anthony appeared for Southend United before playing at a high standard of non-league football with teams including Hendon and Wealdstone. A very strong end to the season saw us finish in sixth place, our joint highest ever finish. The 2018-19 league campaign was our most successful in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, finishing in 3rd place, missing out on the Runners Up spot by goal difference.

In the summer of 2019, following correspondence with the Football Association, a lateral movement saw Hadley FC moved to the Essex Senior League for the 2019-20 season after 10 seasons in

the Spartan South Midlands League. This move was part of the Football Association’s ongoing restructuring of the National League System and their move towards a “pure pyramid”. A highlight of the 2019-20 season was reaching the Third qualifying round of the FA Cup, equalling our best ever run from the 2016-17 season. We eventually lost at Havant & Waterlooville, but getting that far in such a prestigious competition was an excellent achievement by Anthony Clark’s team. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season then ended early and was declared null and void. Similarly, the 2020-21 Essex Senior League season was also curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but we had a fantastic run in the FA Vase, reaching the Fifth Round for the first time in the club’s history. We were unfortunate to lose on penalties to Binfield who went on to reach the final at Wembley.

In the summer of 2021, the Football Association again carried out some restructuring of the National League System and we were moved from the Essex Senior League back into the Spartan South Midlands League. It was a shame that we could not complete a full season in the Essex Senior League, and we enjoyed our time in that league.

The 2021-22 season turned out to be the most successful in the club’s history. An excellent FA Cup run saw us narrowly lose 2-1 at home against Enfield Town in a replay having drawn 1-1 away against the Isthmian

League Premier Division side. We then went on to reach the final of the prestigious Herts Senior Cup having beaten higher opposition Royston Town and Ware in the semi final and quarter final. We faced Cheshunt in the final (who went on to gain promotion from the Isthmian League Premier Division into the Vanarama National League South at the end of the season) and two late goals gave our opponents the win. We finished our league campaign in third position and due to Risborough Rangers (who finished second) not meeting the relevant FA ground grading criteria, we were promoted to Step 4 of the National League System for the first time, an outstanding achievement from Anthony Clark, his management team and players - we look forward to playing in the Southern Football League Division One Central for the 2022-23 season. The 2021-22 season was topped off by us winning the Gladwish Challenge Trophy following a 3-1 win against Stotfold in the final.

OPPOSITION PROFILES

Luke Ward

Regular 1st team keeper, who is in his 4th season at the club. Great shot stopper and has made crucial saves throughout our promotion winning season.

Billy Baird

Experienced 1st team regular for the past 2 seasons – Very versatile and can play in either defence or midfield. Previous clubs include Potters Bar Town.

Tom Milton

Longest serving player in the squad, having been at the club for over 10 years – Leads by example and a firm fans favourite.

Moses Carvelho Ndandani

Signed on in March 22 and has played at Walthamstow FC and Stansted FC. Has made a huge impression in the games he has played. Commanding and skilful central defender.

Dylan Ebengo

Powerful Central Defender, who was a key member of our promotion winning side. Signed from Welwyn Garden City and has just returned to the squad after a horrendous injury, which kept him sidelined for nearly 1 year.

Billy Hayes

Previously at Romford FC, Billy joined us last season and has made a huge impact – tenacious ball winner and rarely gives the ball away –has become a fans favourite in a very short space of time.

Cheik Zidouemba

New signing this season

– Previous club was North West London FC and has impressed in his early matches.

Cameron Ferguson Regular central midfielder, who is in his second spell at the club. Hard tackling and inventive player. Previous clubs include Cockfosters and Northwood

Jordan Edwards

In his 3rd season with the club and has developed into a top class forward and a regular in the side. Scored 28 goals in all competitions last season.

Luke Alfano

Hard working and goalscoring midfielder. Back from University this season, and has previously played for Kings Langley and Hanwell Town.

Ed Davis

Skilful midfielder, who has become a key player over the last 12 months – excellent set piece taker and also contributes with vital goals from midfield.

Zach Uribarri

In his second season and is probably one of the most improved players, in the second half of last season –Has scored and assisted vital goals and technically superb.

Finley Aldridge

New signing from Baldock Town just after the season began – Has made a big impression and chipped in with vital goals. Very direct and quick. Only 18, and has a very bright future.

Juan Gonzalez Valasco

Skilful and pacy full back, who joined the club this season from Bedfont Sports Club.

Lawrence Ajong

Signed at the start of Dec 22 from Baldock Town. Fast/Tall and strong and has made an immediate impression in his early performances.

Peter Rosemin

Hard working and powerful striker, who has returned this season, from an awful injury, which side-lined him for over 1 year – Always makes an impact when he plays or is used off the bench.

Caoilan Mcgettigan

Exciting New signing from Edgware & Kinsgbury FC, who made his debut in our 4-3 home victory V Biggleswade Town.

George Alfieri

Very Talented Young Defender, whose season was ended very early last season, due to serious injury – Now back fully fit and looking to cement a regular place in the side.

Shaz Anwar

Long serving Midfielder, who has returned to full fitness, after an injury plagued 21/22 season – Regular in the side and very influential in centre midfield.

Josh Banfield

New signing from Buckhurst Hill, who will strengthen our options in midfield. Made his debut in our recent game v Cirencester.

Herbie Townsend

Young midfielder who joined the club from Aylesbury United this month. Had a previous short spell with Hadley last season and has huge potential.

Anthony Clark, manager

Danny Plumb, assistant manager

Matt Coker, coach

Paul Wright, coach

Miguel Mosquera, coach

Adam Robinson, coach/ physio

John Ward, kitman

FIXTURES & APPEARANCES

McElroy Anthonio-Forde

Mukwada Townsend Jones

O’Connor Rudd

French McElroy Moriarty Riddick Stobbs Jenkins Ameganvi

Townsend McElroy ⚽ Moriarty Anderson French Riddick Jones Jenkins Mukwada

Moriarty McElroy ⚽⚽⚽ French ⚽⚽ Mukwada Jenkins McNamara

Moriarty McElroy French Mukwada Jenkins Joyce McNamara

Mukwada Moriarty Aluko-Olukun French Anderson Bayliss Joyce Shawwal McNamara

Mukwada Williams Aluko-Olukun �� Moriarty Stobbs French Jenkins Fernandes Shawwal Townsend Mukwada

Stokoe Hunte ⚽

⚽

Boateng Ishmael Bewley Lynn Stokoe French Mukwada

Stokoe �� Hunte

Stokoe �� Hunte

Stokoe Hunte ⚽

Stokoe Hunte ��

Stokoe Hunte

Mukwada �� Riddick �� Pitt

Seaton Hunte

French Ishmael Jenkins Seaton Attrill Boateng Mukwada

French Mukwada Jenkins Boateng Seaton Attrill Clifford

French ⚽ Mukwada Aluko-Olukun Jenkins Seaton Riddick McElroy

Seaton Pitt Anthonio-Forde McElroy Fernandes Mukwada Enow

French Anthonio-Forde Seaton Enow Riddick Mukwada

French Enow Anthonio-Forde Stobbs Seaton Hunte Stokoe ��

French Anthonio-Forde ⚽ Mukwada Stokoe �� Moriarty Stobbs Enow

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

TODAY’S TEAMS

AYLESBURY UNITED HADLEY

MANAGER: Jack WELLS

Jack HOPWOOD

Anthony BALL

Jake BEWLEY

Jack WOOD

David LYNN

Mark RIDDICK

Lee STOBBS

Jack MORIARTY

Tyriq HUNTE

Ben SEATON

Ezra ANTHONIO-FORDE

Daniel STOKOE

Jordan JENKINS

Stephen ENOW

David ALUKO-OLUKUN

MANAGER: Anthony CLARK

Luke WARD

George ALFIERI

Caoilan MCGETTIGAN

Darnell-Joe LUKE

Moise NDANDANI

Bodac EBANGO

Lawrence AJONG

Billy HAYES

Peter ROSEMIN

Edward DAVIS

Luke ALFANO

Jordan EDWARDS

Finley ALDRIDGE

Thomas MILTON

Cameron FERGUSON

Joshua BANFIELD

REFEREE

Thomas GREEN

ASSISTANT REFEREES

Sophie DENNINGTON & Dylan ING

NEXT MATCH

AFC DUNSTABLE

SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY, DUNSTABLE