Aylesbury United v Kempston Rovers

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

A warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of the Walnut Boys this afternoon. We hope you enjoy the day, and a safe trip home this evening.

Applications for the vacant managerial position closed on Friday evening. We’ve had no shortage of applications, and the board has already begun the process of shortlisting the suitable candidates whom we hope to speak further with. Paul Batchelor has agreed to lead the team for the rest of the month, for which we’re grateful.

You only have to look at today’s opponents to see what a change of manager can sometimes do for a club. Kempston only maintained their step four status thanks to a penalty shoot-out in the relegation play-off match. But since Chris Nunn joined as manager in the summer, they’re now third in the table having only lost once this season – and with many of the same players who were

fact their only defeat came at the hands of Kidlington, 1-0 on Tuesday evening, so they’ll be wanting to bounce back this afternoon.

We’ve been drawn at home in the First Round of the Berks and Bucks Cup to our landlords Chesham United, and that game will now take place on Tuesday 8 November, kicking-off at 7.45pm.

We have yet another evening home game at The Meadow this Tuesday night, against Didcot Town, and hope you’ll

join us here for that.

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’d be interested in being a matchday mascot?

Our mascot package includes two adults tickets to a game and two junior tickets to the game. The mascot will receive a tour of the dressing room, meet the players and manager before the game, lead the team out onto the pitch, and an official photograph with the captains and officials before the game. There’ll also be a Ducks goodie bag, and tea, coffee and soft drinks for ther family in the boardroom.

All of this is just £30, or £37.50 with an Aylesbury United scarf.

To book your package, please email Simon Lacey via simon.lacey@oliverlacey.com

125 YEARS AGO...

On 5 June 1897

representatives from three local clubs – Night School, the Printing Works and Aylesbury Town –gathered in the Rochester Room of the Bell Hotel in Aylesbury to discuss the merger of three local teams into one club.

The motivation was straightforward, that “some really good football might be seen in Aylesbury if only the clubs would amalgamate”. Mr Kyle, who had proposed the idea to meeting chair Mr Elliston, had travelled around Bucks visiting Wycombe and Marlow “and it struck him that these smaller towns had stronger football teams” than Aylesbury. It appeared to him that “something might be done in Aylesbury to unite them as clubs, so that their football teams might be equal to those in other towns in Bucks”. “Certainly in the county town, and the really competent players they had there, they ought to have a team worthy of it,” he added, and “the united club would be a credit to

themselves, the county town, and to Bucks.”

The Reverend AJ Jones went further, saying “the club should not only be a credit to the county, but to all England”. He drew on his experiences in Sunderland – one of the great centres of the game – where children played football in the streets and policemen were unable to stop them because they had the spirit of football within them. The resolution was carried with one in opposition.

It was proposed four teams be created, with different levels of ability, three to play on Saturdays, and two on Thursdays. Because of this, a motion was proposed that two grounds be secured for the purposes of the club.

Membership of the club was set at two shillings and sixpence, two shillings for under 18s, and one shilling for boys under 12. Members of the Printing Works were exempt from the charge to begin with, as they already paid to be members of their institute which paid for their team.

majority in attendance.

The club played their first match in a “new dark green kit” against Bowes Park on 25 September that year.

On 28 May 1898, at the club’s first annual meeting, it was reported the first team had played 26, winning 14, and losing 12 – scoring 77 goals, and conceding 60. Mr Kyle, who was now the club’s chairman, was very pleased with the outcome. “The attempt to amalgamate the clubs in the town had been fully justified. If the same progress were to be made next season, he believed would be equal to any club in the county,” he said.

Stoker,

Victoria

Blackwall Tunnel,

One crucial question remained, which was what should the name of the club be? Mr Kyle proposed the Aylesbury Football Club, which was swiftly amended by AJ Jones to the Aylesbury United Football Club, which was carried by the

Some 125 years later, we hold the principles set down in that original meeting dear – to have a team the town can be proud of, and that is a credit to Aylesbury throughout the county and country.

Thank you for being part of our history for the past 125 years, and here’s to the next 125 – come on you Ducks!

WHO’S

Board of directors

Chair Graham Read

Vice chairman Ken Turnbull Club secretary Steve Baker

Fixtures secretary Ian Pluck

AT THE DUCKS

Club volunteers

Safety officer Graham Martin Welfare officer James Byrne

21st Century Ducks chair and matchday announcer Andy Martin

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

First team coaching staff

Coach Paul Batchelor

Sports therapist

Hannah Bowra

First team kit Ron Schmidt

GOLD

Liam Ahern

Dave Blackburn

Dave Brown

Dan Cadwell

Josh Cotton Lee Cotton Pete Chilcott

Dan Harvey Rob Hiscock

Simon Lacey Richie Livings

Photographer Mike Snell

Head of communications Paul Snell

Ownership

Legal name Aylesbury United Football Club Company number 05814026

Significant interests (shareholder/ shareholding)

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

© Aylesbury United 2022

Bob Moody

Paul Newman

Peter O’Callghan

Ian Pluck Steve Woodage Jim Rayner

Roger Simmons Greg Smith Jeff Stewart Adey White Steve Woodage

CLUB HISTORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

United then hit the headlines again, becoming the only

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the pitch the club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLUB HONOURS

Spartan League Champions 1908-09 Runner-up 1913-14, 1928-29

Spartan League Division One Champions 1938-39 Runner up 1934-35

Spartan League Western Section Champions 1945-46

Delphian League Champions 1953-54

Athenian League Division Two Champions 1967-68

Southern League Division One South Runner up 1979-80

Southern League Midlands Division Runner up 1984-85

Southern League Champions 1987-88

Isthmian League Runner-up 1998-99

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Runner-up 2012-13

Berks & Bucks Senior Cup 1913-14, 1985-86, 1996-97, 1999-00

Berks & Bucks Benevolent Cup 1932-33, 1933-34, 1952-53, 1953-54

Isthmian League Cup 1994-95

Spartan South Midlands League

Premier Cup 2012-13

FA Cup

First round 1951-52, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1990-91, 1992-93, 2001-02 Second round 1988-89, 1989-90, 1991-92 Third round 1994-95

FA Trophy Quarter-finals 1980-81 Semi-finals 2003

SQUAD PROFILES

ALFIE ANDERSON

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

FORWARD

EZRA ANTHONIO-FORDE

Striker who joined the Ducks late in July 2021 after impressing during pre-season.He started his career as a youth player with Luton Town before featuring regularly for Oxford City in the National League South. Spells at Hitchin Town, St Ives Town and Old Bradwell United followed. After four goals in seven games for the Ducks, he attracted the attention of North Leigh and joined the Oxfordshire side in October 2021, but returned to the Ducks in December.

FORWARD

ANTHONY BALL

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

DEFENDER

JAKE BEWLEY

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

DEFENDER

JET DYER

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

DEFENDER

SONNY FRENCH

Talented midfielder and co-vice captain signed for Aylesbury United in March 2015 from town neighbours Aylesbury FC, where he was a former Player of the Season winner. The 2022-23 season is Sonny’s ninth campaign with the Ducks, having now amassed more than 200 games, and was in fine form before the Coronavirus pandemic curtailed the past two seasons – enjoying his most prolific season in 2019-20 with 13 goals to his name.

Laces sponsor Alwyn Lloyd

Sponsored by Courts Accountancy Services Laces sponsor Charlie Lacey

Sponsored by Dave Brown Laces sponsor Santino Iannaccone

MIDFIELDER

LIAM GREVILLE

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

GOALKEEPER

JACK HOPWOOD

Goalkeeper who joined the club from Tring Athletic in February 2018 and quickly showed his quality by starting his Aylesbury career with an impressive three successive clean sheets. Well known to Ben Williams due after graduating through the Bucks Sports Academy, he played for Chesham United Reserved before going on to make nearly 150 appearances for Tring. Jack left the club in Summer 2021 following his relocation, but returned just over a year later having most recently played for Thatcham Town.

Sponsored by William and Niamh Seeley

JORDAN JENKINS

Aylesbury-born central defender who joined the Ducks in July 2019 after three years at Aylesbury FC. Jordan was previously captain at Haywood Way, where he made more than 110 appearances having joined from Leighton Town, also playing for Aston Clinton and Winslow United before that. Won the FA Sunday Cup in 2018-19 with his Sunday league side Aylesbury Flooring.

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor William Hutcherson

HARRY JONES

Versatile player who, having now turned 22, has played more than 150 Aylesbury United games since making his debut at the age of just 17. Jones was billed as a midfielder on joining the club, but spent a lot of the most recent seasons at fullback, and has also played as an out-and-out centre forward when required. Previous first team experience with Risborough Rangers prior to joining United.

Sponsored by Jim Rayner Laces sponsor George PenningtonDEFENDER

GEORGE JOYCE

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

TOM MCELROY

Featured on the wing for the Ducks in pre-season, and has made an impression on those watching. McElroy has recently completed a masters degrees in investment and finance at the University of Nottingham, and has played for nearby Shepshed Dynamo, as well as the University of Leicester.

Sponsored by Ken Turnbull Laces sponsor Lily LaceyFORWARD

PIERCE MCNAMARA

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

Sponsored by Allan Brace Laces sponsor Scarlett BerryMIDFIELDER

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.

DAVE O’CONNOR

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

Sponsored by Carl Catling Media

MARK RIDDICK

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

Sponsored by Andy Martin Laces sponsor Elowen Pennington

JAMIE RUDD

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

Laces sponsor Will Harvey

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

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

LEE STOBBS

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

HERBIE TOWNSEND

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

Sponsored by Ian Pluck

JACK WOOD

Long-serving club captain initially joined the club on loan from Luton Town in March 2010, before making the move permanent the following summer. A 17-time end of season award winner, Jack passed 500 appearances for the Ducks last season to go second on the all-time list behind Cliff Hercules, and continues to display incredible loyalty to the club despite several offers to ply his trade elsewhere.

Sponsored by Rich Lloyd Laces sponsor Ava PinchesDEFENDER

PAUL BATCHELOR

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

Sponsored by Roger Simmons

THERAPIST

HANNAH BOWRA

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

Sponsored by Paul Seeley

OPPOSITION HISTORY

Kempston Rovers were formed in 1884 and entered the Bedford & District League. Rover’s first league championship was won in 1908 and 12 months later Rover’s retained the title while also carrying off the Bedfordshire Senior Cup and North Beds Charity Cup.

The Walnut Boys, the club’s official nickname, comes from the large walnut orchard in Kempston around the time of foundation. This identity is carried forward by one of the main supporters’ groups at the club, “The Nuts on Tour”.

1973 saw the start of a new era as Kempston relocated to a new ground further down Hillgrounds Road. A magnificent season saw the Walnut Boys storm to the Premier title

losing only once in 32 games. A golden period in the club’s history saw League Cup successes in 1975 and 1977; the Beds Senior Cup was again captured in 1977, while the Walnut Boys reached the last 16 of the FA Vase in 1975. In 1986, the club moved again, this time to the current ground, their third in the same road.

Kempston last won the county’s highest honour, the Beds. Senior Cup, in 1992, the fourth time the trophy has come to Hillgrounds.

In 2002 Kempston Rovers and Kempston Colts began an alliance to pool resources/ personnel under the name AFC Kempston. The youth teams at Rovers still go by the name “Colts”, keeping the history of youth football in the town alive.

win on the last day of the season, a campaign in which they only lost one league game. This resulted in promotion and saw us move into the Southern League Division One which represents the highest level we have attained within the FA pyramid system so far.

Since promotion, the club has twice narrowly missed out on a place in the end of season promotion play offs.

KEY DETAILS

FOUNDED

1884

NICKNAME

The Walnut Boys

CLUB COLOURS

HOME GROUND

The beginning of 2005 saw the start of major redevelopments at Hillgrounds Road with the building of new changing facilities and the building of an artificial training pitch,The new ground facilities were completed in 2006 and along with a new stand.

Kempston now have some of the best facilities in the area for non-league football.

In 2015-16, Rovers won the United Counties Football League Premier Division, with a thrilling final

Tony Joyce took over as manager in November 2018 and reshaped the side, guiding the team through some tough transitions. Joyce resigned in August 2021, shaping the way for Scott Dash to take over in difficult circumstances. Dash kept rovers up in dramatic fashion, a penalty shoot-out victory over Eccleshill Utd. Rovers parted company with Dash and appointed Chris Nunn to take the reins for 2022-23.

The club currently operates one of the largest youth systems in the county, with more than 30 sides at various age groups with a reserve side, a County League team, a Sunday side and a senior women’s team for players to progress all the way through.

REPORT IT. KICK IT OUT OF FOOTBALL.

OPPOSITION PROFILES

George Rose

Rose joins having come through the academy at MK Dons, previously playing at Crawley Green and Slough Town. Rose will be competing to be the number one at Rovers in his first season in the Southern League D1 Central.

Carl Knox

The longest serving player for Rovers, having been part of the promotion winning team in 2016, Knox has been a regular feature in the number 1 shirt over the seasons, a real fans favourite for the Walnuts supporters.

Harvey Laws

Laws plays right back for Rovers having joined at the beginning of last season. He made 32 appearances last term, helping Rovers maintain their Step 4 status in difficult circumstances. A really technically gifted footballer who will show great commitment on and off the pitch.

Kyle Lincoln

Lincoln returns to Hillgrounds after a very brief period at the club in autumn last season. Previous clubs include Biggleswade United, Leighton Town, AFC Dunstable, Hitchin Town, Barton Rovers, Berkhamsted, Bedford Town and Crawley Green, most recently Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. Lincoln is a strong centre-back who will be looking to add experience to his end of the pitch.

Harry Riley

A new addition to the defence, Riley who was at

Hertford Town last season has signed for Rovers and will be aiming to keep strikers quiet for the season. Riley was previously at MK Dons as a youth player.

Perry Ronayne

Ronayne has progressed through Colts and the reserves over the last few years, captaining the reserves most recently. Ronayne become a regular at centre back towards the end of last season after injury halted progress. He will be looking to be the first name on the team sheet for this season.

Seb Simpson

After three years at Cambridge City, Simpson returns to Hillgrounds where he is a familiar name in the terraces. Simpson was part of the promotion winning team in 2016, featuring mainly at left back but also centre back and centre midfield.

Jack Quigley

Another player retained from last season, Quigley can play either attacking midfield or left back. Signed from Potton, Quigley used to be at Luton, MK Dons and Derby County as a youngster.

Emmanuel Dahie ‘Manny’ has been a Rovers regular for the last three seasons, being an important figure in the middle of the park for the Walnuts. Dahie was a product of our development team five years ago and has stayed at the club, edging past 50 appearances recently.

Dean Dummett

Dean returns to the club after previous stints with Rovers, most recently in 2018/19. Dummett has recently been at Barton Rovers and AFC Rushden & Diamonds but has returned to Kempston, looking to grab goals from midfield.

Tom Oldfield

Tom joins Rovers having previously played for South Midlands side MK Irish as well as Wellingborough Town. A central midfielder who will be looking to secure a place with lots of competition in this area.

Plamedi Bomolo

A product of our academy, Bomolo’s tenacious attitude in midfield has seen him feature for the Bedfordshire county rep side in the last year. He will be looking to show a big impact when used in games.

James Peters

The first signing of the Chris Nunn era, Peters joins Rovers having played for Chris Nunn for three years at Biggleswade Town. A strong central midfielder who has also had stints at Bedford Town and Biggleswade Utd amongst others.

Harry Stratton

Stratton who has captained the team numerous occasions signs for another year with the Walnuts, a technically gifted central midfielder who will supply chances as well as scoring the odd screamer.

Ben Baker

Ben has been at the club for three seasons and has become a regular for the Walnuts out wide. He was out for the majority of last season with injury but will be looking to be a regular in red and white this season.

Taylor Bakogeorge

Taylor is a product from our reserve side where his regular goal contributions progressed him up to the first team last season. He will be looking to cement his position on the flanks this in 2022-23.

Jaden Brown

A product of Kempston Rovers Academy, Jaden first made the step up to the reserves last season where his contributions have rewarded him with a place in the senior squad for this season. Jaden’s older brother Ellis plays for Hamilton Academicals north of the border.

James Hatch

Signed from Eynesbury Rovers, Hatch follows the footsteps of assistant manager Ash Fuller in making the move to Bedfordshire. Hatch scored 18 goals in 39 appearances for the United Counties side last season, and will want a similar return this season.

Magloire Muyembe

‘MJ’ as often referred to, was at now-United Counties League Premier Division South side Histon since December 2021 signs for the Walnuts having previously played under Chris Nunn at Biggleswade Town. An attacking midfielder who

will be looking to score and create chances this season.

Ben Stevens

Stevens returns to play under Chris Nunn having been there on loan a couple of seasons ago. Stevens was recently released from Luton Town after being heavily involved in their youth set up. A tricky winger who will be looking to cause problems for Step 4 defences.

Rafal Wielblad

‘Raf’ has progressed at a great rate of knots over the last season. Originally a leading goal scorer for our Colts U18s, he made his mark for the reserves before seizing his opportunity with the first team. Raf can play anywhere across the front line as well as behind the striker, a hard worker and deadly finisher.

Harvey Williams

Harvey is a product of our academy, netting many times las season. Williams was previously on the books for teams including Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur, and now will be looking to make his mark in Step 4 for the Walnuts.

Chris Nunn, manager Nunn joined the club at the start of the 2022-23 season and announced as first team manager. Having had previous experience at this level and above with Biggleswade Town, Nunn will look to move Rovers higher up the league whilst using a mixture of experienced players blended with youth players inside the club.

Ash Fuller

Fuller returns to Hillgrounds as first team coach having previously managed Eynesbury Rovers. Fuller was a player during the promotion winning season for Kempston in 2016, known for his wand of a left foot. Fuller brings a wealth of football experience to Hillgrounds to pass on to up and coming players.

Stuart Mellon

Stuart is often referred to as the ‘club man’, previously having managed the development side, Mellon has been involved as coach for Rovers under the previous three managers. A lot of coaching minutes both inside and outside of Kempston will ensure the development of players is ever increasing.

Leonard McMain

Joined as physio at the start of 2022-23, ‘Len’ will be the go-to for all bumps and bruises picked up through the season.

19:45

15:00

15:00

19:45

SEP 19:45

SEP 15:00

Barton

Evesham

Welwyn Garden City

OCT 19:45 A FC Romania

OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade Town

OCT 15:00 H Kempston Rovers LEAGUE

OCT 19:45 H Didcot Town LEAGUE

OCT 15:00 A Walthamstow LEAGUE

OCT 19:45 H Highworth Town LEAGUE

29 OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade LEAGUE

5 NOV 15:00 A Ware LEAGUE

12 NOV 15:00 A Cirencester Town LEAGUE

19 NOV 15:00 H Waltham Abbey LEAGUE

23 NOV 19:45 A Kidlington LEAGUE

26 NOV 15:00 A Hertford Town LEAGUE

3 DEC 15:00 H Harlow Town LEAGUE

10 DEC 15:00 A Hadley LEAGUE

17 DEC 15:00 H AFC Dunstable LEAGUE

26 DEC 15:00 A Thame United LEAGUE

2 JAN 15:00 H Berkhamsted LEAGUE

7 JAN 15:00 A Barton Rovers LEAGUE

14 JAN 15:00 H Hertford Town LEAGUE

21 JAN 15:00 A Didcot Town LEAGUE

28 JAN 15:00 H Cirencester Town LEAGUE

4 FEB 15:00 A Biggleswade Town LEAGUE

11 FEB 15:00 H FC Romania LEAGUE

18 FEB 15:00 H Hadley LEAGUE

25 FEB 15:00 A AFC Dunstable LEAGUE

4 MAR 15:00 H Welwyn Garden City LEAGUE

18 MAR 15:00 A Kempston Rovers LEAGUE

25 MAR 15:00 H Walthamstow LEAGUE

1 APR 15:00 A Highworth Town LEAGUE

8 APR 15:00 A Waltham Abbey LEAGUE

10 APR 15:00 H Thame United LEAGUE

APR 15:00 A Biggleswade LEAGUE

Wood O’Connor

Wood O’Connor

Bewley

⚽

McElroy Anthonio-Forde Seaton Lamboh French Jenkins Clifford

McElroy Seaton Lamboh Mukwada Dyer

�� McElroy

Aluko-Olukun Anthonio-Forde Appiah Rudd

Anthonio-Forde

Seaton

Mukwada Dyer

Aluko-Olukun Riddick Appiah Clifford Riddick Anthonio-Forde

Seaton Mukwada

Lamboh

Anderson Rudd Jenkins Anderson Riddick Anthonio-Forde

Seaton

Rudd

Aluko-Olukun Mukwada Jenkins Townsend Lamboh Anderson Lamboh Anthonio-Forde Seaton McElroy Aluko-Olukun Dyer Duggan Townsend Clifford Lamboh Anthonio-Forde Seaton Townsend Aluko-Olukun French Duggan Anderson Rudd

Mukwada

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

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

Townsend Stobbs McNamara Joyce Townsend Moriarty McElroy

Seaton French Stobbs Joyce McNamara Rudd Mukwada

DUCKS IN ACTION

STADIUM SAFETY

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

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

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

Carrying or using smoke bombs or pyros

Invading the pitch or

entering the pitch without permission

objects onto the pitch

Drug use within the football ground

Discriminatory behaviour

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consultants

Ever thought of volunteering to help your local football club?

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

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

Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to find out more

Abbey

United

United

Town

Harlow Town

Town

October

United

Town

Abbey

Garden City

Tuesday

Hertford Town

October

AYLESBURY

MANAGER: Paul BATCHELOR

Jack HOPWOOD

Harry JONES

Jake BEWLEY

Jack WOOD

Dave O’CONNOR

Ben SEATON

Nasha MUKWADA

Jack MORIARTY

Ezra ANTHONIO-FORDE

Sonny FRENCH

Tom MCILROY

Herbie TOWNSEND

Lee STOBBS

Pierce McNAMARA George JOYCE

KEMPSTON ROVERS

MANAGER: Chris NUNN

George ROSE

Magloire MUYEMBE

Kyle LINCOLN

Harry STRATTON

Harry RILEY

Seb SIMPSON

Ben BAKER

Dean DUMMETT

James HATCH

Emmanuel DAHIE

Ben STEVENS

Coree WILSON

Jake KERINS

Perry RONAYNE Taylor BAKOGEORGE

Jack QUIGLEY