Aylesbury United v Thame United

WELCOME

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

A warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Thame. We hope you enjoy the game and have a safe journey home this evening.

The Red Kites have eased their concern over being drawn into a relegation battle with two 3-1 victories in their past two matches, against Waltham Abbey on 1 April, and then against Kempston Rovers on Saturday. But they will be without defender George Gilmore today, suffering a broken arm against the Walnuts having only recently come back from a long-term injury.

Our own 1-0 win over Waltham Abbey on Saturday has opened up a small fivepoint gap over Highworth Town below us. The weekend's results means we are now mathematically safe from automatic relegation as both FC Romania and Barton Rovers can no longer overtake us. But we are by no means out of the woods, so any points we can earn today will boost us as we head into

Thursday night's huge away game against the Worthians. Despite the awkward timing and long journey, we hope to say as many Ducks as possible to support the team for this crucial encounter.

Today we'll be holding the vote for the 21CD Supporters' Player of the Season, so get thinking who you think should be recognised for their performances throughout the campaign. The winner will be announced at our end-ofseason presentation evening, with a date to be confirmed shortly.

FOLLOW THE DUCKS ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA

We have just one more home game this season, against Ware on 22 April. We're delighted we'll be able to offer free entry to all under-16s, plus a limited number of free tickets for adults – courtesy of the Mayor of Aylesbury Tim Dixon, who is sponsoring the match in recognition for the generosity of our fans in supporting this season's charity partner, Aylesbury Foodbank.

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 £3,000 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

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. Currently on dual registration with Chalfont St Peter.

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

MARLEY HAMILTON

Attacking midfielder/forward signed in February 2023 from Daventry Town. He also has previous Southern League experience with Kempston Rovers, Wantage Town and Berkhamsted.

FORWARD

ETHAN HOLT

Young striker signed in March 2023 from National League South Hemel Hempstead Town, having previously made two appearances for the Ducks in pre-season.

FORWARD

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

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

JORDAN JENKINS

Aylesbury-born central defender who joined the Ducks in July 2019 after three years at Aylesbury FC. Jordan was previously captain at Haywood Way, where he made more than 110 appearances having joined from Leighton Town, also playing for Aston Clinton and Winslow United before that. Won the FA Sunday Cup in 201819 with his Sunday league side Aylesbury Flooring.

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor William Hutcherson

DEFENDER

HARRY JONES

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

Sponsored by Jim Rayner

Laces sponsor George Pennington

DAVID LYNN

The 27-year-old left-back joined from Thame United in November 2022, where he made more than 200 appearances 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.

DEFENDER

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.

MIDFIELDER

NASHA MUKWADA

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

FORWARD

JAIME OBAMA

Made his debut as a substitute against Didcot Town in February 2023, and is a forward who has most recently played for Arlesey Town. His previous clubs also include Thatcham Town, as well as the Spanish sides AD Seseña, SAD Cenafe and CD Coslada.

FORWARD

DAVID PITT

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

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

MARK RIDDICK

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

Sponsored by Andy Martin

Laces sponsor Elowen Pennington

BEN SEATON

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

Sponsored by The Harvey Family

MIDFIELDER

Laces sponsor Greg Pennington

LEE STOBBS

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

MIDFIELDER

Sponsored by Paul Hopwood

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

MANAGER

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.

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.

RYAN GURTON

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

COACH

GK COACH

THERAPIST

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.

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

Sponsored by Roger Simmons

AST MANAGER

OPPOSITION HISTORY

Thame United were formed in 1883 making it one of Oxfordshires' oldest clubs. The early years were spent in various Oxfordshire Leagues and in 1906, 1909 and 1910 Thame won the Oxfordshire Senior Cup and the Senior League in 1907,1908, 1910, 1930 and 1931. A switch to the Hellenic League then brought further success culminating in the Hellenic League title in 1961-62 and 1969-70, as well as being runners up in 196061, 1976-77 and 1980-81. The Oxfordshire Senior Cup was won in both 1976 and 1981 but a poor spell in the mid eighties preceded a crossing of the pyramid in 1988-89 to join the South Midlands League. The Club finished runners up in both 1988-89 and 1989-90 before eventually winning the title

KEY DETAILS

FOUNDED

1883

NICKNAME

The Red Kites

CLUB COLOURS

Red and black striped shirts, black shorts, black socks

HOME GROUND

ASM Stadium, Thame

MANAGER

Mark West

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

26 December 2022 D 1-1

2 April 2022 L 0-1

in 1990-91. Thame received the green light to join the Diadora League in 1991/92. 1994-95 saw the Club win the Division 2 Championship with 93 points - an 11 point margin. In 1995/96 the Club reached the 3rd Round Qualifying in the FA Cup and the FA Trophy. In the league we finished a creditable 13th in our first ever season in the Isthmian League Division One. Andy Sinnott was appointed first team manager in June 1997 and, with a dramatically reduced operating budget, the side were relegated into Ryman Division Two. The Club bounced straight back into Ryman Division One and reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase. 1999/2000 saw the Club come within two points of achieving promotion to the Premier Division.

2000/2001 season the team lead the way for most of the season, putting together a club record of 12 consecutive league wins but a slump in form in the latter part of the season resulted in a 5th place finish. A midtable finish followed in 2001/2002 season but the Oxfordshire Senior Cup was retained. Mark West was appointed player/manager when Andy left United during the Summer of 2003. In October 2003 the

Club reached the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in its history, before being beaten 1-2 by Conference side Farnborough Town. After a mid-table finish the Club moved to the newly formed Southern League, Division 1 West. In October 2004 the Club again reached the FA Cup 4th qualifying round and finished the season 11th in the league. Mark West left to join Slough Town and defender Tony Joyce was appointed player /manager.

By July 2005 the Club were in financial trouble and, following a visit from Bailiffs acting on behalf of HMRC, the landlord enforced a clause in the tenancy agreement and evicted the club from Windmill Road. However, shortly thereafter Thame United reached a formal agreement with the new owners of Windmill Road that secured £1.7 million to enable a new facility to be constructed in the town and, after several options had been explored and found to be available, settled on Church Farm on the northern edge of the town.

Whilst the Club progressed procurement of the new site, and the necessary planning permission, a ground share agreement was reached with neighbours Aylesbury United and, with the side struggling at the foot of the

Southern League Division 1 West, Tony Joyce resigned in December 2005, with a new joint managerial partnership of Richard Searl and Alan Thorne appointed. Relegation to the Hellenic League was confirmed later in the season. A ground share agreement was reached with AFC Wallingford for the 2006/07 season. Mark West returned to the Club midway through the season but could not save the Club from relegation to the Hellenic League Division 1 East. The 2007/08 season provided greater stability for the Club, with Mark West and new assistant, Frank Thompson, looking after first team affairs. A mid-table finish resulted, which was followed by a ninth placed finish in 2008/09. 2009/10 saw the Club win the Division 1 East title by six points and reclaim their place in the Premier Division.

The 2010/11 season was the most significant in the Club’s recent history. With work on a new £3.1m ground at Meadow View Park commencing in March 2010, United returned to Thame at the ASM Stadium on 11 December 2010, just over five years after their enforced eviction from the town. Boasting eight pitches, a floodlit 3G training pitch and 8000sqft clubhouse, United now have one of the best sporting facilities in the County. The official opening against Oxford United on 18th January 2011 set a record crowd of 1,382.

Season 2016-17 was one of the most successful in the recent history of the Club.

Going the whole league season without losing at home, United were crowned Hellenic League Premier Division Champions on the final day of the season, defeating Henley Town 9-0 to over-turn a seven goal deficit. United were duly promoted to the Southern Football League, returning after a spell of twelve years away. In the first season back at Step 4, United finished in a comfortable mid-table position, enjoying a successful run in the FA Trophy. In 2018/19 United secured an 8th place finish with the side occupying a mid-table position when the 2019/20 season was curtailed due to the pandemic. The 2020/21 season never really got going, with only seven league matches completed before the league was again curtailed, although the side reached the First Round Proper of the FA Trophy before losing out to Bognor Regis Town.

Prior to the 2021/22 significant enhancements were completed to Meadow View Park, including a new full-size 3G training pitch, together with associated organisational changes. Last season, after a slow start, United finished eighth in Division One Central, and until the final month of the season were within touching distance of a play-off place.

OPPOSITION PROFILES

Craig Hill

Re-joined United for a third time in January from Berkhamsted, who he joined from United in July. Prior to this was first choice keeper for the Red Kites for three seasons. Previously with Aston Villa, Oxford City, Kettering Town and Corby Town.

Lewis Thorne

Stepped-up to the First Team last season from Thame Rangers, having previously been with Oxford United. A player with an abundance of pace, energy and defensive qualities, whilst also dangerous going forward.

Harry Mepham

Joined at the start of the 2017/18 season from Beaconsfield Town and has been a virtual ever-present since. Versatile defender/ midfielder who reads the game well and with good technical ability.

George Gilmore

Joined mid-way through last season from Didcot Town, having come through the youth ranks at Oxford United. Imposing centre half who can also play at full back.

Finlay Murray

Came through the ranks at Barnet FC. Solid and assured defender who can play anywhere across the back four.

Luke Carnell

Vastly experienced central defender who joined the Club in November 2022 from North Leigh and will be a huge asset. Previous clubs include

Banbury United and Didcot Town.

Matt Peake-Pijnen

Versatile player who is comfortable on either flank. Joined United in December 2018 from neighbours Aylesbury United. Previously with Oxford City and Banbury United.

Greg Hackett

Signed at the start of the 2019/20 season having spent the latter half of 2018/19 with Didcot Town. Another wide player who contributes his fair share of goals. Previously with Oxford United and Ardley United.

Jack Tutton

Joined United from North Leigh in January 2019 having previously been with Oxford City. Energetic and hardworking midfield player who gets forward and causes problems in the opposition area.

Jack Gardner

Another signing at the start of the season, joining from Gottne IF (Sweden), having previously been with Oxford United. Hard working midfield player with extensive passing range.

Hayden Beadle

Product of the youth section, who broke in to the Reserves last season and has impressed during pre-season.

Kamal McEwan

Joined the Club in November 2022 from neighbours Risborough Rangers. Quick left-sided player who has previously been with

Biggleswade Town and Colney Heath.

Jordy Ngathe

Re-joined the Club in January from Ardley United. Strong and versatile player who can play in either defence or midfeld.

Harlem Hale

Joined in September 2022 from Chesham United, having been with Crystal Palace and Southampton at Youth Level. Quick and agile with good close control. Can play wide or up front.

David Pearce

Vastly experienced player who joined the Club in October 2021 from Chesham United for whom he played over 300 games. Previously with Oxford City and Hemel Hempstead Town

Daniel West

Joined ten years ago from Oxford United, initially as a midfield player, but moved forward scoring 25 goals in the Championship winning side of 2016/17 before claiming the Golden Boot in the Southern League East Division in 2017/18.

Jefferson Louis

Re-joined United in October, almost 25-years after first signing in 1998. Subsequently moved to Oxford United and played for a number of league and non-league clubs. Strong, athletic presence up front and maintained an eye for goal.

Harry Alexander

Broke in to the First Team last season having scored plenty

of goals for the Reserve team, having stepped-up from youth football.

Mark West, manager

Former player with Thame United who re-joined the Club for his second spell as Manager in January 2007. Prolific goalscorer with Wycombe Wanderers, Slough Town and Farnborough Town.

Stuart Blaik, assistant manager

FA Level 3 Coach now in his eighth season with the Club. Previously with Aylesbury United, Corby Town, Nuneaton Borough, Brackley Town, Buckingham Town and Tring Town.

Ben Johnson, coach

Former player who has since gone on to manage the Development side and Reserve Team. Stepped-up to First Team level in 2018/19

Jen Pilcher, physio

Joined the Club at the start of season 2020/21 and has become an invaluable member of the management team.

FIXTURES & APPEARANCES

McElroy Anthonio-Forde Seaton Lamboh French Jenkins Clifford

McElroy Seaton Lamboh Mukwada Anthonio-Forde Aluko-Olukun Dyer Appiah Rudd

�� McElroy ⚽ Anthonio-Forde ⚽ Seaton �� Mukwada Dyer Aluko-Olukun Riddick Appiah Clifford

Riddick Anthonio-Forde �� Seaton Mukwada ⚽ Dyer 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 �� Seaton Aluko-Olukun French Anderson Rudd Anthonio-Forde McNamara Greville Jenkins

Riddick �� Aluko-Olukun French Rudd Anderson Seaton Moriarty Chidyausiku Mukwada

Mukwada Moriarty Anthonio-Forde French McElroy ⚽ Townsend Stobbs McNamara Joyce

Townsend Moriarty McElroy ⚽ Seaton French Stobbs Joyce McNamara Rudd Mukwada

Mukwada Moriarty Jones French McElroy ⚽ Townsend Riddick Stobbs O’Connor Rudd

Mukwada Townsend Jones

French McElroy Moriarty Riddick Stobbs Jenkins Ameganvi

Townsend McElroy ⚽ Moriarty Anderson French Riddick Jones Jenkins Mukwada

Moriarty McElroy ⚽⚽⚽

Moriarty McElroy

French ⚽⚽ Mukwada Jenkins McNamara

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 Moriarty �� Jones

French Anderson Lynn Bayliss Shawwal McNamara

French Ishmael Aluko-Olukun �� Seaton Bayliss Townsend ⚽ Stokoe �� Boateng ⚽

McNamara Boateng

Stokoe Hunte ⚽

Mukwada Seaton Hunte

Seaton Aluko-Olukun ⚽

Stokoe �� Hunte

Stokoe �� Hunte

Stokoe Hunte ⚽

Stokoe Hunte ��

Stokoe Hunte

Mukwada �� Riddick �� Pitt

Seaton Hunte

Moriarty Hunte

Moriarty Seaton

Seaton Holt

Moriarty Hunte ⚽

Moriarty Hunte

Seaton Holt

Moriarty ⚽ Hunte

Moriarty Holt

Moriarty Hunte ⚽

French ⚽ Mukwada Aluko-Olukun Fernandes Stobbs

French Mukwada Aluko-Olukun Fernandes Seaton Enow Boateng

French ⚽ Ishmael Enow Attrill Boateng

Boateng Ishmael Bewley Lynn Stokoe French Mukwada

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

Seaton Anthonio-Forde Jenkins French ⚽ Jones Enow Pitt

French Anthonio-Forde Jones Hunte Mukwada

French Anthonio-Forde Lynn Hunte ⚽ Mukwada Stobbs

Seaton Pitt Anthonio-Forde

Seaton Holt ⚽ Anthonio-Forde

French Obama Hunte

Jenkins French Stobbs Obama ��

Jenkins French Obama Hamilton

Jenkins Mukwada Stobbs Hamilton ��

French Anthonio-Forde Lynn Seaton Jones Holt Pitt

French ⚽ Anthonio-Forde Hunte Pitt Seaton Jones Mukwada

French Mukwada �� Lynn

Seaton Pitt Stobbs Ameganvi

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

MANAGER: Jack WELLS

Jack HOPWOOD

Harry JONES

Jake BEWLEY

Jack WOOD

Jordan JENKINS

Mark Riddick

Ethan HOLT

Jack MORIARTY

Tyriq HUNTE

Sonny FRENCH

Nasha MUKWADA

David LYNN

Ben SEATON

Lee STOBBS

David PITT

Josh AMEGANVI

THAME UNITED

MANAGER: Mark WEST

Craig HILL

Lewis THORNE

Jordy NGATHE

Harry MEPHAM

George GILMORE

Jack TUTTON

Greg HACKETT

Jefferson LOUIS

Dave PEARCE

Dan WEST

Harlem HALE

Matt Peake-PIJNEN

Jack GARDNER

Kamal MCEWAN

Harry ALEXANDER

Finlay MURRAY

REFEREE

Stuart SMITH

ASSISTANT REFEREES

Chad GREATOREX & Iwan PRITCHARD

NEXT MATCH

HIGHWORTH TOWN

THURDSAY 13 APRIL, HIGHWORTH