Aylesbury United v Kidlington by Aylesbury United

Official Matchday Programme 2021-22  #14  Free

Kidlington

CHARITY PARTNER 2021-22

#BringTheDucksHome

Aylesbury United

17 November 2021  Pitching In Southern League Division One Central

FOLLOW THE DUCKS ..no matter where you are

Welcome

Aylesbury United FC 01296 487 367 www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

Directors Chairman Graham Read Vice chairman Ken Turnbull General secretary Steve Baker Fixture secretary Ian Pluck Directors James Byrne, Andy Martin, Brian Metcalfe, Ian Pluck, Alan Sherwell, Warren Sheward

Club officials

Jack Wood’s header gave the Ducks the lead against Kempston Rovers

ood evening and welcome to this Pitching In Southern League Division One Central match against Kidlington. It seems a bit odd to be welcoming a side for a return league fixture in November, when there are still teams we haven’t met yet, but such are the idiosyncrasies of this season’s fixture list. We offer the players, officials and supporters from Kidlington a warm welcome, and wish them a safe journey home after the game. The Ducks won the away match in August, notable for Ty Deacon’s goal in less than 20 seconds, his 20 minute first-half hat-trick, an opposition penalty, a red card for Kidlington keeper Christian Lawrence, and Max Hercules’ first free kick goal of the season. If we have half the excitement of that game tonight, we’ll surely be in for a treat! Exactly how much the last meeting between the sides can tell us what to expect from this evening’s game may be limited.

Only one of Kidlington’s first 11 from that evening was in the first 11 for their most recent game against Harlow Town, which they drew 0-0. They’ve also been boosted by the recruitment of former Duck Ellis Hercules as captain from Thame United. Coincidentally both sides weren’t in action this weekend, as our opponents were still involved in the FA Trophy, so should be fresh for tonight’s game. An additional fixture has been added to our already busy December, with the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup tie against Long Crendon now scheduled for Wednesday 8 December. Please be aware that the match will take place at the ASM Stadium in Thame. Our next league game is this Saturday, when we play another return fixture and can hopefully reverse our opening day home defeat to Didcot Town.

Welfare officer James Byrne Safety officer Warren Sheward Ladies team chair James Byrne 21st Century Ducks chair Andy Martin Matchday hospitality Muriel Turnbull First team kit Ron Schmidt Web editor Luke Buckingham-Brown Photographer Mike Snell Head of communications Paul Snell Legal name Aylesbury United Football Club Company number 05814026 Significant interests (shareholder/shareholding) Graham Read: 49% 21st Century Ducks: 39% Editor Paul Snell Contributors Mike Snell, Luke Buckingham-Brown Images Mike Snell, grassrootsgroundswell, Freepik, mavadee, xnimrodx © Aylesbury United 2021

Come on you Ducks!

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The history of Aylesbury United A

ylesbury United were founded in 1897 when three local sides: Night School FC, The Printing Works and Aylesbury Town decided to merge. The club, affectionately known as ‘the Ducks’ due to the famous Aylesbury breed, have experienced some incredible highs over their long 124-year history but now battle for existence without a home ground to call their own. In the early years United played in local leagues before joining the Spartan League in 1908 where they remained until the Second World War. 1951 saw the Ducks gain their first taste of national publicity as they became the only club from the Delphian League ever to reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, eventually losing to Third Division side Watford. Southern League and success 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

1897

Night School FC, The Printing Works, and Aylesbury Town merge to form Aylesbury United.

1908-09

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 Championship 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. Fame and the FA Cup 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

The Ducks pick up their first silverware, as champions of the Spartan League.

1913-14

The club wins the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup for the first time.

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.

1951

A record home crowd of 7,440 sees the Ducks lose to Watford in the FA Cup First Round.

1976

The club turns semi-professional, and joins the Southern League.

Homeless and hopeless 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

1987-88

The Ducks win the Southern League, and are promoted to the GM Vauxhall Conference.

1988

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.

The Ducks playing at Buckingham Road in Aylesbury in 2004

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 moved into a new ground in 2016 having left their previous home in 2003, 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 playoff positions in the Midlands Division for the next three seasons but a new challenge arose last summer when the then manager defected, taking almost the entire playing squad with him. This led to another

The England mens team play the Ducks in a friendly at Buckingham Road to prepare for Euro 88

1994-95

The club reaches the FA Cup third round, losing to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road

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

2006

2012-13

The club is evicted The Ducks win their from Buckingham most recent trophy, Road, forcing the Spartan League the team out of Premier Division aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk 5 Aylesbury. Cup, beating Hadley.

end of the season. There was disappointment, however, with the team out of all cup competitions by mid November. Rebuilding for the future 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 promotion 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 table. After two seasons ground sharing

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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. Williams 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 as the previous campaign, abandoned after just two months of action. 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. But with the majority of the squad that finished the season signing on again – along with a few shrewd acquisitions – hopes are high to pick up where the team left off.

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 ★Winners 1913-14, 1985-86, 1996-97, 1999-00 Berks & Bucks Benevolent Cup ★Winners 1932-33, 1933-34, 1952-53, 1953-54 Isthmian League Cup ★Winners 1994-95 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Cup ★Winners 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 2002-03

Thank you to all our Gold Club members

Liam Ahern Dave Brown Steve Cadwell Daniel Cadwell Pete Chilcott Dan Harvey Sean Haywood Rob Hiscock Richie Livings

Brian Metcalfe Bob Moody Ian Pluck Jim Rayner Roger Simmons Greg Smith Steve Woodage

Join the Gold Club to receive • A season ticket for all home league and league cup matches • Exclusive polo shirt • Pre-match meal three times a season, featuring an update from the manager • Your name in the matchday programme • Company logo on the website and free advert in the matchday programme (business members) aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

CANCER CARE & HAEMATOLOGY FUND BASED AT STOKE MANDEVILLE HOSPITAL Registered Charity No: 1001358

Aylesbury United Charity Partnership 2021-2022 Aylesbury United will be helping to raise both funds and awareness for CCHF throughout the 2021/2022

The Cancer Care and Haematology Unit (CCHU) at Stoke Mandeville was built and extended through the work of this Fund and the many donations received from local people and businesses. Through the public’s enduring generosity, including this project, the Fund continues to finance extra provision, including the wig service, specialist nurses and additional equipment to improve the care of patients of the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

Contact the Fund:

cchfsocial@gmail.com 01296 315516 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter www.cchf.org.uk

CCHF, c/o CCHU, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 8AL DONATION FORM Name __________________________________________

Make a DONATION

Online through www.peoplesfundraising.com or cheques payable to ‘Cancer Care & Haematology Fund’. Remember, if you are a UK tax payer, Gift Aid can increase your gift by 25%.

Give TIME to the charity

Help us with the many tasks of running the charity.

Organise FUNDRAISING events Small or large, many ideas on the CCHF website

Visit the website at www.cchf.org.uk Updated Aug 2021

Address ________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Post Code _______________________________________ I enclose a donation of £ ____________________________

Please treat this and all subsequent donations I may make to the Cancer Care & Haematology Fund as a Gift Aid donation (tick box if applicable)

Signature ___________________________________ Date

___________________________________

We will not give your details to any other organisation. If you would like to receive occasional updates from the Cancer Care & Haematology Fund, please tick here £ and provide an email address below ________________________________________________________

Duck walk to Dunstable A tremendous result on and off the pitch as sponsored walk boosts donations to the Cancer Care & Haematology Fund

ore than £2,000 has been raised by supporters for the club’s charity partner, the Cancer Care & Haematology Fund, following a sponsored walk to an away game. A group of 10 hardy Ducks – Allan Brace, Andrew Dell, Stuart Andrews, David Horne, Paul Gardner, Lee Cotton, Mark Rickard, Rich Lloyd, Graham Read, and Andy Martin – braved the inclement weather on 30 October, setting off at 7.45am from Buckingham Road in Aylesbury to walk 25 kilometres to Creasey Park in Dunstable – the home ground of the Ducks’ opponents on Saturday afternoon AFC Dunstable. They reached Dunstable in sunnier conditions in just over five hours, rewarded by their hosts with a hot meal

and drinks. The walkers’ were then treated to a fabulous performance from the team, who beat then-second-placed AFC Dunstable 2-1 with two goals from Max Hercules. In addition to raising money for the CCHF, which supports the work of the Cancer Care and Haematology Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the walk also aimed to draw attention to the fact it is 15 years since the club played its home games in Aylesbury and the continued efforts to #BringTheDucksHome.

Andy Martin, director at Aylesbury United, and chair of supporters’ trust 21st Century Ducks, said: “The generosity of Ducks fans is truly astonishing, and we’re over the moon to be able to raise so much for such a worthy local cause. The amount raised shows that even though the first team has played outside the town for 15 years, we’re a club that remains at the heart of the community.” Richard Lloyd, leader of Aylesbury Town Council and one of the walkers, said: “The show of generosity from fans and the support for this walk makes me ever more determined to deliver the new facilities that Aylesbury desperately needs, and we will continue working towards a Community Stadium for the town”. Donations on behalf of the charity are still welcome, and can be made throughout the season at: www. peoplesfundraising.com/ donation/cchf-and-aylesburyunited

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Meet the Ducks

ANTHONY BALL

AARON BERRY

JAKE BEWLEY

DEFENDER

FORWARD

DEFENDER

Right back who also plays in midfield joined the club in December 2018. He won Aylesbury FC’s Young Player of the Year Award in 2017-18 in his first season in senior football. A graduate of the Luton Town Cedars development programme, he has also played for Winslow United and Berkhamsted on his way to the Ducks. Sponsored by The Harveys

GOALKEEPER

Centre forward returned to the Ducks for a second spell in July, having played for Ascot United and Burnham in his two years away. His presence in attack was just what Aylesbury needed when he made the switch from Southern League counterparts Egham Town in February 2018, netting six goals in just 11 games. Sponsored by Allan Brace

Ever reliable left back and vice-captain who has barely missed a game since being recruited from Leighton Town in 2014 after a fouryear association with the Bedfordshire side, having previously played for Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable before that. Twice named Supporter’s Player of the Year. Sponsored by David Brown

Young goalkeeper who first signed in March 2018, deputising for regular stopper Jack Hopwood. Marked his debut season with the Manager’s Player of the Year Award, before moving to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos seeking more football. Returned this summer to stake a claim for the number one shirt. Sponsored by Ian Pluck

SONNY FRENCH

RICO GRECO

MAX HERCULES

BEN HODGES

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

MIDFIELDER

Talented midfielder and vicecaptain signed for United in March 2015 from neighbours Aylesbury FC, where he was a former Player of the Season winner. The 2021-22 season will be his eighth campaign, and French was enjoying his most prolific season in 201920 before it was curtailed due the pandemic, with 13 goals to his name. Sponsored by Erika Robinson

ARCHIE DAVIS

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Left-sided player has joined the Ducks on a month’s loan from Hayes and Yeading United in October, and scored a fabulous goal on debut against Wantage Town. Was part of the Luton Town youth set-up since age 13, before moving to Barnet. Also has experience on loan at Beaconsfield Town last season.

Exciting winger joined from Tring Athletic in June 2018 after making 60 appearances for the Hertfordshire side in two years. After one season with the Ducks, he stepped up a level to join Kings Langley in summer 2019 and then moved on for a short spell with Berkhamsted, before returning to the Ducks in January 2020. Sponsored by David Horne

MIDFIELDER

A new signing for the 2021-22 season, Hodges joined the club from Ascot United (though he was dual registered with his previous Holmer Green) having been with the Ducks throughout preseason. Joined Ascot in 2017 from Holmer Green where he had made more than 70 appearances. Was teammates last season with Aaron Berry at Ascot.

OLLIE HOGG

GAVIN JAMES

JORDAN JENKINS

HARRY JONES

MIDFIELDER

FORWARD

DEFENDER

DEFENDER/FORWARD

Industrious midfielder who has firmly established himself in the United engine room, having joined in summer 2015. Initially found opportunities limited, but after spells with Tring and Leighton Town, he made his competitive debut in November 2015 and has gone from strength-to-strength. Sponsored by Darren Dixon-Smith

Striker signed from Burnham in October 2021, who has won nine caps for St Vincent and the Grenadines, scoring once. The 32-year-old made his senior debut for Maidenhead United, and has enjoyed a career that has included stints at Marlow, Flackwell Heath, Slough Town, Bracknell Town, in addition to a number of loan spells elsewhere.

Aylesbury-born centre back who joined in July 2019 after three years at Aylesbury FC, where he previously was captain making more than 110 appearances having signed from Leighton Town. Hit the headlines in the 2018-19 season by winning the FA Sunday Cup with his Sunday league side Aylesbury Flooring FC. Sponsored by John Newman

Versatile player who, having turned 21, has played more than 100 games since making his debut at the age of just 17. Jones was initially billed as a midfielder, but spent much of the 2019-20 season at rightback, and has also played as an out-and-out centre forward. Previous first team experience with Risborough Rangers. Sponsored by Jim Rayner

LIAM McCROHAN

PIERCE McNAMARA

DAVE O’CONNOR

MARK RIDDICK

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

Centre back joined the club in July 2020 having previously played for Northwood and Hertford Town, and lined up against the Ducks for both Leverstock Green and Berkhamsted before that. He has now recovered from the injuries that limited him to just one competitive appearance for the Ducks in the 2020-21 season. Sponsored by James Stappard

Young midfielder who joined the club from Slough Town’s under-23 side in October 2020, making just before the season was curtailed due to the pandemic. He will be looking to add to his solitary appearance, and has shown some promising moments in pre-season having re-signed for the Ducks for 2021-22. Sponsored by Colin Brandon

Centre back with plenty of experience despite being just 26 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, and Amersham Town before that. Sponsored by Andrea Bone

MIDFIELDER

Defensive midfielder who enjoyed an excellent debut season with the Ducks prior to its early end by Covid-19, and was rewarded with Supporters’ Player of the Year Award. Joined United in July 2019 after two seasons with Tring Athletic, having previously played for London Colney and Chesham United’s reserve team. Sponsored by Andy Martin

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JAMIE RUDD

KUDA SANGOYA

BEN SEATON

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

Aylesbury-born winger signed in summer 2019 whose first season was hampered by injury. Returned in 2020-21 in superb form, hitting five goals in six games before the campaign was shut down by the pandemic, and will hope to recapture similar form. Worked and played in Dubai for three years before joining the Ducks. Sponsored by Lee Cotton

Exciting full back who joined the club in August 2020 having impressed in pre-season games. Made his competitive debut for the Ducks this season, having been an unused substitute 10 times in the previous curtailed season. Previously on the books of Dunstable Town and Hale Leys United. Sponsored by Alan Sherwell

Attacking midfielder who brought his technical abilities to the club in October 2017 having previously played for Tring Athletic, and ended the season winning the Most Improved Player Award. He proved a valuable addition to the squad with his everimproving displays and, still young, has bags of potential to develop further. Sponsored by Telnik Roofing

MARCOS USHIRO-LUMB

JAMES WEATHERILL

JACK WOOD

DEFENDER

Technically adept and able to play in multiple positions, Ushiro-Lumb joined the club from Flackwell Heath at the end of pre-season in July. Has also played for Marlow, Beaconsfield SYCOB, and Chalfont St Peter in his career.

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GOALKEEPER

Former Aylesbury Vale Dynamos number one who made a return to Southern League football when he signed for the Ducks in August 2020. Previously made more than 100 appearances in their former guise of Aylesbury FC either side of a spell with Berkhamsted, and has also played for Amersham Town. Sponsored by Wendy Brandon

DEFENDER

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 16-time end of season award winner, and having reached 500 appearances, he continues to display incredible loyalty to the club despite several offers to ply his trade elsewhere. Sponsored by Rich Lloyd

LEE STOBBS MIDFIELDER

Experienced and versatile player joined from Berkhamsted in July 2020 to link up with a number of his former Tring Athletic teammates. First came to prominence at Leverstock Green, and has also featured for AFC Dunstable and Kings Langley, as well as a short spell with Aylesbury FC. Sponsored by Paul Hopwood

BEN WILLIAMS

MIKE HOGG

PAUL BATCHELOR

MANAGER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

COACH

Appointed on a permanent basis in January 2018, he initially joined the club as assistant manager before taking over the reigns He is a UEFA A licensed coach and on a day-to-day basis manages Bucks Sports Academy’s 16-19s years football and education programme. Sponsored by G Williams Builders

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

Sponsored by Oliver’s Plumbing and Heating

Joined the club as coach in December 2017 when Ben Williams was appointed caretaker manager.

HANNAH BOWRA PHYSIO

Bowra joined the Ducks as physio for the 2021-22 season.

Sponsored by the Turnbull Family

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10 questions with... Pierce McNamara What’s your day job? I’m a student What team do you support (apart from the Ducks, of course)? Arsenal Who was your favourite footballer when you were growing up? Andrés Iniesta Favourite moment of your Ducks career? Making my debut against Bedford Town What’s your pre-match routine? Wake up, eat breakfast – usually an omelette, then usually a snack and a Red Bull before the match. Who’s the best player you’ve played with in your career? Only young and haven’t played with many players, so not sure. Favourite takeaway? Chinese Which actor should play you in a movie? Sacha Baron Cohen Which teammate would be the most help if you were stuck on a desert island? Probably Max Hercules Would you rather fight one horse-size duck, or 100 duck-size horses? 100 duck-sized horses.

Back row (l-r): Paul Batchelor (coach), Aaron Berry, Liam McCrohan, Ty Deacon, Archie Davis, Ha Front row: Kuda Sangoya, Ben Seaton, Sonny French, Jack Wood, Ben Williams (mana Not pictured: Ben Hodges, Gavin James, Ollie Hogg, Mike Hogg (assis

arry Jones, James Weatherill, Jordan Jenkins, Lee Stobbs, Dave O’Connor, Hannah Bowra (physio) ager), Ron Schmidt (kit man), Jake Bewley, Anthony Ball, Max Hercules, Mark Riddick stant manager), Pierce McNamara, Jamie Rudd, Marcos Ushiro-Lumb

Today’s Opposition K

KIDLINGTON FOUNDED 1909 NICKNAME The Greens HOME GROUND Yarnton Road, Kidlington CLUB COLOURS Home: Green shirts, green shorts, green socks Away: Orange shirts, black shorts, orange socks MANAGER Ben Sadler PREVIOUS MEETINGS 18 August 2021 W 5-2 8 February 2020 D 1-1 5 October 2019 W 3-0 30 March 2019 W 4-2 1 December 2018 W 2-1

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idlington FC was founded in 1909 and played local village football where rivalry was so keen that players had to prove they were residents of the village for whom they played. In 1945, Kidlington moved from village football to play in the Oxford City Junior League, with a good deal of success. By 1951 the Oxfordshire Senior League was entered, where stronger competition was provided by the likes of Witney Town, Morris Motors, Pressed Steel and Thame United. In 1953 The Hellenic League was formed and the Oxon Senior League lost some of its stronger clubs to the new league. Kidlington won the Senior League that season and joined the new league in 1954. Early days in the Hellenic League showed quite clearly the difference in standard. Kidlington however, maintained a Premier Division place for a time, but spent most of the 60s in Division One. The 70s started with the Greens winning the County Intermediate Cup. In 1976-77 a squad of good young players produced what was Kidlington’s best ever run in an FA competition. The team played every round bar one away from home and reached the last 16 in the FA Vase, eventually bowing out to Gosport Borough. The nucleus of this side eventually gained promotion back to the Premier Division in 1979-80. The 80s were pretty uneventful and saw Kidlington return to Division One of the Hellenic League. The early 90s were steady. In season 1994-95, Martin Baker’s reserve side did the League and Cup double bringing some long awaited silverware

back to the club, and an upturn in the first team fortunes occurred after Karl Grossmann was appointed manager, achieving top six finishes in four successive seasons. The new millennium saw a major overhaul of the committee and a new chairman in Geoff Talboys. In 2004-05, under the guidance of ex-player Kevin Walton, the first team finished in third place and achieved promotion back into the Hellenic Premier Division. With promotion came a struggle with the considerable difference in the standard of football and the team finished in a relegation position. However a national non-league restructure saved us. In 2007-08, first team silverware arrived for the first time in more than 30 years when we won the Floodlit Trophy under manager Paul Lee. There were additional honours that season with the reserves winning Reserve Division One for a second consecutive season, the Youth team winning the Oxfordshire U18 Youth Cup, and Kidlington Veterans retaining their Veteran League crown. In 2009-10 came a new chairman, Lloyd Wray, and a new management team. Ex-player Gordon Geary was recruited to look after first team affairs and Barry Hiles to run the reserve team. Season 2010-11 saw the club achieve its most successful season ever, finishing seventh in the Premier Division, and a superb effort by all saw us play a very strong Oxford United team at the Kassam Stadium in the Final of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup, where unfortunately we lost.

We did win some silverware though, beating Purton 3-0 in the final of the Supplementary Cup. In December of season 2011-12 Gordon and Barry resigned and two senior players Danny Leggett and Christian Perkins stepped forward to guide the club through until the end of the season with the club just maintaining its Hellenic Premier Division status. For season 2013-14 the club installed Martin Wilkinson as first team manager and finished sixth in the league, making club history. They also reached the Senior Cup Final again, but lost to Ardley United. Season 2014-15 saw the team finish in our highest ever league position of fourth. Season 2015-16 was a dream come true for everyone at the club, with Wilkinson and his team of Paul Harwood, Julian McCalmon and Jermaine McSporran, leading our first team to the Hellenic League Premier Division title and promotion to the Southern League. We also had our best ever run in the FA Vase where we reached the last eight and had a very healthy run in the FA Cup, losing eventually to Conference side Gloucester City. Season 2016-17, was our first at level four of the football pyramid in the Evo-Stik League South Division One Central but, due to work commitments, Wilkinson resigned after a month. Jermaine McSporran took over as caretaker manager until the club appointed Julian McCalmon as the new manager, with McSporran and Paul Harwood as his assistants.

The new manager and the team had a good season at this higher level and eventually finished in mid-table. Our reserves with Nick East as manager, had a great season winning the Reserve Challenge Cup and finishing as runners up in the Hellenic League Division 2 West. Due to the geographical implications from promotion/ relegation, for season 2017-18 we were transferred across to the South West Division. Our reserve team achieved senior status with promotion to Uhlsport Hellenic Division One West and were also rebranded as the ‘development team’. For season 2018-19, McCalmon resigned and Ady Fuller was appointed as first team manager. He had to form a completely new squad ahead of the season, and due to another FA national restructure we transferred back to South Division One Central. After a poor start the manager resigned in mid-October and we re-instated Julian McCalmon with Joe Davies and Elliot Osborne-Ricketts as his assistants. We avoided relegation on the final day of the season. McCalmon resigned again in January 2020 and was replaced by Ben Sadler, assisted by Paul Braithwaite. The pair led Wantage Town to promotion as Hellenic League Champions in 2019. Despite their first two seasons being severely disrupted by Covid-19, we have seen positive changes and improvements both on and off the pitch and look forward to a successful 2021-22 season.

aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

Opposition profiles Harry Way Promising young goalkeeper recently signed from Oxford City U23s. Mark Flanagan Flanny is an energetic full back, who reads the game really well. A good character and experienced at this level. Previously played for Swindon Supermarine and Wantage Town. Dec Peart Powerful centre back who rarely gets flustered. Dan West A huge talent. Strong and dominant in the air and technically very good. Previously with Oxford City Nomads and Ardley United. Luke McCormack Young defender who joined in the summer from Abingdon United. Ryan Markham ‘Titch’ has Southern League experience with Wantage Town and Didcot Town. Energetic midfielder or full back with a great engine and good range of passing. Harry Sturgess Young left back previously with Heyford Athletic and a product of the Procision Oxford Football Academy. Charlie Smith Young defender who is with us on work experience from MK Dons.

aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

Ellis Hercules Powerful centre back recently signed from Thame United. Has previously played for Aylesbury United and Winslow United. Tom Moore Cultured midfielder who reads the game well. Made the step up from the development team and excelled during the last two curtailed seasons. Jordan Moore Jordan is a midfielder who has recently signed for us, having previously played in Spain with Futbol Club Britanico. Harry Sampford Harry is a young defender, previously with Abingdon United and Ardley United. Brad Cox Strong defender recently signed from Easington Sports. Ollie Creed Utility Player previously with Abingdon United. Luke Stokoe A promising young midfielder signed from Oxford City U23s. Dan Stokoe Twin brother of Luke, another promising young midfielder recruited from Oxford City U23s. Jack Dunmall A cultured midfielder, JD joined us from Easington Sports. Previously he was a key part of Wantage Town’s squad and has played for Kidlington before.

Connor Mattimore Connor is an attacking player with pace and an eye for goal. Previously with Wantage Town and Didcot Town. Billy Gillett An attacking midfielder with great technical ability, Billy joined from North Leigh two seasons ago. Previous clubs also include Oxford City and Ardley United. Liam Gilbert Central midfielder signed from Winchester City. Approaching 200 Southern League appearances. Good quality on the ball and an excellent communicator. Steve Robertson Steve is a prolific goal scorer who scored an impressive 82 goals in 105 games at our management teams previous club, Wantage Town. Robbo is a key player for us. Jack Gaul Jack is a quick, young midfielder who has rejoined us this season from Abingdon United. Tom Griffiths Tom is a composed young player with an impressive passing range. He can play comfortably in defence or midfield. Another recruit from Abingdon United. Jordan Godfrey Jordan is an accomplished midfielder signed this season from Ardley United.

Will Baker Will is a midfielder, previously with Oxford City Youth who is looking to make his mark with the first team this season.

Lewis Reeve Lewis is a promising young forward who has played for Oxford City U23 and Mansfield Road.

Ryan Holmes Ryan is a young striker who has joined us on work experience from MK Dons.

Ryan Knight Experienced striker recently signed from Wantage Town. Previously with Brackley Saints.

James Holmes Older brother of Ryan, and another young striker, James is a recent signing from Thame United.

Harry Hoareau Promising young striker signed from Pewsey Vale.

George Jeacock Striker who came through Oxford United’s academy, recently signed from Didcot Town. Has previously played for Thatcham Town and Farnborough.

aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

Fixtures 2021-22 COMP

RES

ATT

7 Aug 21

DATE

15:00 H Fairford Town

TIME

VERSUS

FA CUP

2-0

116

Weatherill

14 Aug 21

15:00 H Didcot Town

LEAGUE

0-2

135

18 Aug 21

19:45

LEAGUE

2-5

120

22 Aug 21

13:00 H Brimscombe & Thrupp

FA CUP

8-0

151

Weatherill

28 Aug 21

15:00 H Barton Rovers

LEAGUE

1-1

124

Weatherill

263

Davis

Kidlington

Weatherill Weatherill

🟨

Bewley

McCrohan

Sangoya

Bewley

Ball

Bewley

Ball

3⃣

🟥 🟨

Sangoya

5 O’Connor

3⃣

6 Riddick

Wood

O’Connor

McCrohan

Wood

O’Connor

Hogg

Wood

O’Connor

3⃣

2⃣ 1⃣ McCrohan Jones 🟨 Ball 1⃣ Wood ⚽ Stobbs 2⃣ Jones Bewley Wood McCrohan Stobbs 2⃣ Bewley Wood McCrohan 2⃣ O’Connor 🟨 Hogg ⚽ 3⃣ Jones Bewley Wood Jenkins Hogg 2⃣ Jones Bewley Wood Jenkins Hogg 🟨 Jones Bewley Wood Jenkins Hogg 2⃣ Jones Bewley McCrohan O’Connor Seaton ⚽ Jones Bewley Wood Jenkins Seaton 2⃣ Wood Sangoya 🟨 1⃣ Bewley ⚽ Jenkins 3⃣ Jones ⚽ Sangoya

Wood

Ball

Seaton

Jones

Ball

Wood

McCrohan

Stobbs

15:00

LEAGUE

1-3

4 Sep 21

15:00 H Willand Rovers

FA CUP

4-1

142

Davis

11 Sep 21

15:00 H North Leigh

LEAGUE

1-3

122

Weatherill

14 Sep 21

19:45

LEAGUE

4-3

Weatherill

18 Sep 21

15:00 H Bishops Cleeve

FA CUP

5-1

171

Davis

28 Sep 21

19:45 H Colney Heath

LEAGUE

2-0

Davis

2 Oct 21

15:00 H Ebbsfleet United

FA CUP

0-1

317

Davis

6 Oct 21

19:45 H FC Romania

SLCC

1-2

Weatherill

9 Oct 21

15:00 H Chipstead

FA TRO

1-1

127

Davis

12 Oct 21

19:45

LEAGUE

1-5

Davis

17 Oct 21

15:00 H Ware

LEAGUE

2-1

174

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Jenkins

23 Oct 21

15:00 H St Neots Town

LEAGUE

1-2

171

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Jenkins

O’Connor

30 Oct 21

15:00

AFC Dunstable

LEAGUE

1-2

176

Davis

Jenkins

French

6 Nov 21

15:00

Kempston Rovers

LEAGUE

2-3

Davis

Jenkins

French

Waltham Abbey

Wantage Town

17 Nov 21 19:45 H Kidlington

LEAGUE

20 Nov 21 15:00

LEAGUE

Didcot Town

27 Nov 21 15:00 H Welwyn Garden City

LEAGUE

1 Dec 21

19:45

Biggleswade

LEAGUE

4 Dec 21

15:00

Hertford Town

LEAGUE

8 Dec 21

19:45

Long Crendon

B&BSC

11 Dec 21 15:00 H Harlow Town

LEAGUE

15 Dec 21 19:45 H Bedford Town

LEAGUE

18 Dec 21 15:00

LEAGUE

FC Romania

27 Dec 21 15:00 H Thame United

LEAGUE

1 Jan 21

15:00

LEAGUE

8 Jan 21

15:00 H Waltham Abbey

LEAGUE

15 Jan 21

15:00

LEAGUE

22 Jan 21

15:00 H Wantage Town

LEAGUE

29 Jan 21

15:00

LEAGUE

5 Feb 21

15:00 H Biggleswade

LEAGUE

12 Feb 21

15:00

Ware

LEAGUE

19 Feb 21

15:00

St Neots Town

LEAGUE

26 Feb 21

15:00 H AFC Dunstable

LEAGUE

5 Mar 21

15:00

LEAGUE

Berkhamsted

North Leigh

Colney Heath

Welwyn Garden City

19 Mar 21 15:00 H Hertford Town

LEAGUE

26 Mar 21

15:00

LEAGUE

2 Apr 21

15:00 H FC Romania

LEAGUE

9 Apr 21

15:00 H Kempston Rovers

LEAGUE

16 Apr 21

15:00

LEAGUE

18 Apr 21

15:00 H Berkhamsted

LEAGUE

23 Apr 21

15:00

LEAGUE

Harlow Town

Barton Rovers

Bedford Town

🟨

Hogg

Jones

30 Aug 21

Thame United

2 Ball

Jones

🟨

Jones

🟨 Bewley ⚽ Greco

🟨 Wood ⚽

Bewley

O’Connor

3⃣

Hercules

1⃣ Hercules ⚽ Hercules ⚽

McNamara

Hercules Hercules

⚽

Hercules

⚽🟨 Riddick 🟨 Riddick 🟨

1⃣ Berry 2⃣ Deacon ⚽⚽⚽ 2⃣ Riddick Deacon ⚽ Riddick 1⃣ Anthonio-Forde 3⃣ Hogg 2⃣ Deacon ⚽

Jellis

Hogg

Berry

Hercules Rudd

2⃣

Hercules Stobbs

⚽ 🟨 2⃣

Stobbs

2⃣ Hercules ⚽⚽ Hercules ⚽ Stobbs

Ushiro-Lumb

Riddick

1⃣ Riddick 🟨 Riddick

Riddick Riddick

⚽🟨

Riddick

2⃣ Riddick 2⃣

Riddick

French

3⃣

French

Jellis

⚽

French

Deacon Hercules

French

Deacon

⚽ 2⃣ Deacon ⚽ 1⃣ Deacon 1⃣ Berry 1⃣ Deacon

Deacon

French

⚽ 2⃣

Seaton Seaton

3⃣

Rudd Jellis

1⃣ ⚽🟨 Seaton 2⃣

2⃣ Anthonio-Forde 1⃣ Anthonio-Forde 1⃣ ⚽ Rudd 3⃣ Rudd 1⃣ Anthonio-Forde 2⃣ ⚽⚽ Sangoya 1⃣ Sangoya

Stobbs

McCrohan

Anthonio-Forde

Berry

McNamara Anthonio-Forde

1⃣ ⚽ Hodges 3⃣ Jellis 2⃣

Jones

Stobbs Stobbs

2⃣

Jenkins

Hogg

Stobbs

Sangoya

Greco Greco

⚽ 1⃣

O’Connor

Sangoya

Seaton

Stobbs

Sangoya

Greco

3⃣

Sangoya

Hercules

Sangoya

1⃣ 🟨 Rudd 2⃣ French 3⃣ French 3⃣ Hogg 2⃣ Hogg 1⃣

O’Connor

3⃣

McCrohan

3⃣

McCrohan

Davis

O’Connor

McCrohan

2⃣ 1⃣

2⃣

Bewley

1⃣

Davis

Jellis

1⃣ ⚽

Rudd

Sangoya Jones

Sangoya

Seaton

1⃣

Anthonio-Forde

Jenkins

Stobbs

Anthonio-Forde

McCrohan

16 Seaton

Sangoya

1⃣ 3⃣ Rudd 2⃣ Rudd 3⃣

Seaton

3⃣ Rudd 1⃣ French 3⃣ ⚽ French 2⃣ ⚽ Deacon 1⃣ Seaton 2⃣ Seaton 3⃣ McNamara 2⃣ Berry 2⃣ Sangoya

Seaton

French

2⃣

Stobbs

1⃣ ⚽⚽ Jellis 🟨 Jellis ⚽ Jellis ⚽

Seaton Seaton

3⃣ 1⃣ French ⚽ Jellis ⚽⚽ Jellis 3⃣ Jellis 3⃣

Deacon

⚽ Hercules Jellis Deacon ⚽ Hercules ⚽ Riddick 🟨 1⃣ Deacon ⚽ 3⃣ Hercules Riddick Deacon ⚽ 🟨 1⃣ Hercules

10 French

3⃣ 1⃣ 🟥 French 3⃣ French 1⃣ Deacon 2⃣ 🟨

Ushiro-Lumb Sangoya

2⃣ Berry 1⃣ Berry 2⃣

Hercules

Berry

Greco

Berry

1⃣

O’Connor

McCrohan

1⃣ ⚽ 2⃣ 🟨

James

2⃣

Stobbs

2⃣ 🟨

Weatherill Stobbs Davis Weatherill

Jellis Hogg

1⃣

Ducks in action

aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

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TRUST FUND

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@PitchingIn_

Pitching In Southern League Division One Central TEAM

PTS

North Leigh

Bedford Town

AFC Dunstable

Berkhamsted

Ware

Harlow Town

St Neots Town

Aylesbury United

FC Romania

Waltham Abbey

Welwyn Garden City

Didcot Town

-5

Thame United

-2

Barton Rovers

-6

Biggleswade

-6

Kempston Rovers

-14

Kidlington

-19

Hertford Town

-9

Wantage Town

-23

Colney Heath

-28

Last updated: 14 November 2021