Aylesbury United v Willand Rovers by Aylesbury United

Official Matchday Programme 2021-22  #5  Free

Willand Rovers

CHARITY PARTNER 2021-22

#BringTheDucksHome

Aylesbury United

Saturday 4 September 2021  Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying

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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

Our new training tops promote the Cancer Care & Haematology Fund

ood afternoon and welcome to this Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round match against Willand Rovers. This is the first meeting between the Ducks and our opponents from Devon, and we hope their players, officials and supporters had a pleasant journey here, and wish them a safe trip home this evening too. The Rovers have played four times in the league this season – winning once, and losing three. Two of those defeats were over the bank holiday weekend, losing 2-1 to Sholing at home on Saturday, and then 4-1 away to Plymouth Parkway on Monday. They reached this stage of the FA Cup by defeating Cornish side Millbrook 2-1 in a replay, having drawn the first game 3-3. Willand had the lead three times in the initial game, scoring their third in the 85th minute. But they conceded from a corner at the death, forcing the replay. They haven’t failed to score all season, so our defenders shall be in for a

tough afternoon. We had a more successful weekend, picking up four points from games against Barton Rovers and Thame United. The Barton game featured plenty of chances, but the Ducks couldn’t make them count, until Sonny French’s 50th goal for the club and James Weatherill’s second half penalty save secured a point. Despite going a goal down after just three minutes against Thame United, the Ducks rallied and delivered a superb away performance to defeat our former landlords 3-1. Credit to the players and management, who once again had to make multiple changes due to absence and injuries. The reward for a win today is a place in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round, scheduled for the weekend of 18 September. Our next game is (another) home match here at The Meadow, against one of our bogey teams of the past few years, North Leigh.

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! aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

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 ________________________________________________________

This season’s charity partner T

he club has chosen The Cancer Care & Haematology Fund (CC&HF) as our charity partner for the forthcoming season. The CC&HF was set up to support the work of the Cancer Care and Haematology Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The Club will be helping to raise both funds and awareness for the charity throughout the 2021-22 season. Although part of Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the unit is a unique, stand-alone facility designed and purposebuilt to provide a wide range of outpatient and day-case treatments for patients with cancer, including blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Patients with nonmalignant blood problems such as clotting and bleeding disorders, various forms of anaemia, immune problems and haemoglobinopathies, are also investigated and cared for in the CC&HU. Graham Read, Chair of

Aylesbury United, said: “We are delighted to be able to support this excellent local charity in the coming season. I’m sure that our officials, players and supporters will do what they can to ensure that the unit at Stoke Mandeville gets recognition for the vital work they do. “Sadly most families are touched by cancer at some time, whether it’s through their relatives or friends, so we must all be prepared to help ensure suitable care services are available for those who need treatment,” added Graham. Aylesbury United’s most celebrated former player, Cliff Hercules, suffered the loss of his wife, Jo, to cancer in 2020. “Jo received regular treatment for three years at the Cancer

Care and Haematology Unit before she passed, so the charity has a special place in my heart,” explained Cliff. In 2018, while undergoing treatment, Jo ran the London Marathon to raise cash for the CC&HU. Dr Ann Watson, Chair of the CC&HF, commented: “It is so exciting you have chosen our charity, The Cancer Care and Haematology Fund, as your charity partner for the coming season. We are looking forward to meeting players and supporters and telling you about the wonderful work that goes on in the hospital to help cancer and haematology patients. Jo is remembered with affection by many of the staff of the CCHU which brings something very special and personal to this collaboration. “The timing of your offer is very important to us as we come out of this difficult year. The work of the Cancer and Haematology services has continued throughout but contact with the outside world, including the charity, has had to be restricted. We look forward getting out and about again, spreading the word and raising some money to support that work. And there is no better way than through sport.” www.cchf.org.uk

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Meet the Ducks

EZRA ANTHONIO-FORDE FORWARD

Striker who joined the Ducks late in July 2021. 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 and St Ives Town followed, and also a brief stint at Old Bradwell United last season.

AARON BERRY

DEFENDER

FORWARD

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

MAX HERCULES

TY DEACON

SONNY FRENCH

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

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DEFENDER

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

GOALKEEPER

Striker joined the Ducks early in the 2019-20 season having been linked with the club many times, including turning out for United in 2017 pre-season. Started out with Aylesbury FC and having also had a spell with Kempston Rovers has plenty of Southern League experience with more than 100 appearances. Sponsored by Tony & Ian Lowe

JAKE BEWLEY

Centre forward returns 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

ARCHIE DAVIS 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.

ANTHONY BALL

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

MIDFIELDER

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

BEN HODGES

OLLIE HOGG

JAMIE JELLIS

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.

JORDAN JENKINS DEFENDER

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

Highly-promising midfielder who made his first team debut at the age of just 16 and began attracting the attention of football league clubs before eventually joining Stevenage’s academy. Returned to the club on loan during the 2019-20 season and showed impressive progress since his move. Sponsored by The Buckingham-Browns

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

HARRY JONES

LIAM McCROHAN

PIERCE McNAMARA

DAVE O’CONNOR

DEFENDER/FORWARD

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

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

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.

DEFENDER

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

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BEN SEATON

MARK RIDDICK

JAMIE RUDD

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

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

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

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 preseason games. Yet to make his competitive debut for the Ducks, having been an unused substitute 10 times in the previous curtailed season. Previously on the books of Dunstable Town and Hale Leys United.

LEE STOBBS

MARCOS USHIRO-LUMB

JAMES WEATHERILL

JACK WOOD

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

KUDA SANGOYA

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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.

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

Sponsored by the Turnbull Family

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10 questions with... Sonny French What’s your day job? Teacher and weekend rockstar What team do you support (apart from the Ducks, of course)? Chelsea Who was your favourite footballer when you were growing up? Gianfranco Zola Favourite moment of your Ducks career? Scoring direct from kick-off away to Petersfield. What’s your pre-match routine? Nursing a hangover or completing my colouring book. Who’s the best player you’ve played with in your career? Anthony Ball Favourite takeaway? Peri peri chicken wrap and five strips. Which actor should play you in a movie? Rhys Ifans Which teammate would be the most help if you were stuck on a desert island? Doc, because he could reach the highest and pick us some coconuts. Would you rather fight one horse-size duck, or 100 duck-size horses? 100 duck-size horses, as I’d boot them and practice my penalties.

Today’s Opposition F

WILLAND ROVERS FOUNDED 1946 NICKNAME The Rovers HOME GROUND Stan Robinson Stadium, Willand CLUB COLOURS Home: White shirts, white shorts, blue socks Away: Yellow shirts, blue shorts, yellow socks MANAGERS Russell Jee PREVIOUS MEETINGS This is the first meeting between the two clubs

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ootball has been played in Willand for well over a century. Match reports exist from as far back as 1907 when Willand Association Football Club was under the chairmanship of Dr Henry Tracey of the Gables. The club then played their home games at the Pavilion Ground; this the field opposite the one and only pub in Willand, The Halfway House. By 1939 the football club was still going strong when the world entered another period of war; at this time the club had become known as Willand Wanderers. During the years of the Second World War two members from the football club joined the committee of the Willand United Services Club; this was formed in 1942 to organise wartime events for the local community. In 1953 the club moved to its current location in Silver Street, playing in the Tiverton District League. Progress was continued when the club moved into the Devon and Exeter League passing through the lower intermediate divisions, and eventually winning the Devon Cup in 1967. In 1971 the club had the foresight to purchase the Silver Street ground from a local farmer; at that time there were no houses surrounding the ground just orchards and fields. During the early seventies there was promotion to the senior leagues and eventually into the Premier Division of the Devon and Exeter League. They were then playing teams such as Tiverton, Elmore, Dawlish, Heavitree, Ottery St Mary and Crediton, who all went on to play in the Western League. The 1972 season saw the first

ever Willand Rovers programme produced with 40 per cent of the sales going towards the matchday draw. There was also a refreshment caravan at the ground for the first time. Legend says that when the M5 Motorway was built in the 1970s the old village hall had to be taken down to make way for the new road and some of the timber from that building was used in the building of our first grandstand at the ground. In fact, as the ground has been reshaped in more recent years some of this timber can still be seen in our main grandstand by virtue of it being re-used to form the front row of seats. Despite having built a grandstand, in 1985 the Devon & Exeter League ruled that the facilities were not up to the required standard for a Premier Division team: the club was consequently demoted to the Senior Division while the reserves went to play in the North Devon League. In 1986, the clubhouse – part of the present building – and changing rooms were built. With these facilities in place the club was able to attract a wider range of quality players resulting in soon winning promotion back into the Premier Division. In 1992 Rovers became founder members of the Devon County League and they had the honour of hosting the first ever County League league match. In attendance for that opening game was Bert Millichip, then chairman of the Football Association. Clive Jones then became the first team manager and their rise continued apace. The County League was won in 1998-99 and again in 2000-01.

This was followed by promotion to the Western League Division One and, after just three years, the club was promoted again into the Westen League Premier Division. Clive Jones’ very successful tenure came to an end in 2013 when Scott Rogers took the helm. He presided over the team for two campaigns with his swan-song guiding the team to victory in the Les Phillips Cup final in May 2015, with success against Barnstaple Town at Bridport. The current manager, Russell Jee, is very well known and respected at the club, having been a player there for many years. He is ably assisted by David Steele, another long term servant with a very distinguished Rovers playing career behind him. Russell and Dave have continued the success of their predecessors ultimately leading the team as they became the 2018-19 champions of the Toolstation Western League to gain promotion to the Southern Football League: no-one will forget the final league match of the season away at Bitton and the jubilant scenes that followed the final whistle! During recent history there have been a number of excellent runs in both the FA Vase and FA Cup. The FA Cup highlight undoubtedly being in 2014, a run that took the team to the fourth qualifying round and a meeting here at Silver Street where very nearly 1,000 people, and the BBC Radio Devon outside broadcast team, were present to see Scott Rogers’ side go out 3-1 to Gosport Borough. They in turn went out in the next round,

beaten by Colchester United. More recently in the FA Vase, in 2018-19 the Rovers reached the Quarter Finals where they were narrowly beaten by Cray Valley Paper Mills, again in front of a crowd nearly 1,000. Off the pitch the rise of the club has been every bit as extraordinary as the action on it. Under chairman Mike Mitchell Silver Street has seen plenty of ground improvements and developments in recent years: the clubhouse has been overhauled and expanded, purpose made new changing rooms installed, a new seated grandstand installed and covered terrace stands erected. These improvements have given the club a stadium to be truly proud of. Past players The club have had a number of fine players wearing the shirt of the Rovers – which incidentally started as white, later changed to orange and is now back to the original colour of white – including four Wembley winners, Kevin Smith, Steve Hynds, Phil Everett and of course Scott Rogers, all of whom appeared there for Tiverton Town in the FA Vase. Phil is actually a double Vase winner, former Non League Footballer of the Year and has represented the FA against Jersey. Another Wembley connection for the club is former Exeter City and Tiverton Town legend, Hedley Steele, who played in Tiverton Town’s first, and losing, FA Vase final team; he was in the Willand side that won the County League in 1998-99. Hedley is

without doubt a mid-Devon footballing legend who can be regularly seen attending the home Rovers games where he is able to support his son David. Other local notables to have graced the Rovers’ colours include Steve Rowlands, Martin Tregedeon, Mark Seatherton, who undoubtedly is one of the areas greatest ever goal scorers, Jason Reeves, Gavin Hudd, Nick Howe, Darren Cork, Steve Venner, Phil Staddon and long serving goalkeeper, Brian Cann. Willand Rovers proudly ply their trade in the Southern Football League Division One South, the fourth tier of non-league football. This is the highest point the club has reached in the football pyramid in its short history. The forthcoming years will bring a different set of challenges, not least the decision as to whether the Stan Robinson Stadium can be upgraded to meet the requirements of the next step up the football pyramid, promotion to the Premier Division of the famous and historic Southern League. This would see the club playing at the same level as some very big and famous non-league clubs such as Truro City, Salisbury City, Taunton Town, Dorchester Town and Tiverton Town to name just a few! There is still a hunger within the club for even more success as the Rovers seek to maintain the impetus of the last few years. The story goes on, as the dream continues to unfold – watch this space.

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Opposition profiles George Burton Experienced goalkeeper at this level having been with Torquay United, Farnborough Town, and Woking to name a few clubs in the past, very vocal and assured gloveman. Was released by Torquay United when the Covid-19 pandemic started, has been renovating his farmhouse and creating a pig farming empire. Josh Searle Josh has joined from Taunton Town, and since arriving he has shown his versatility by filling in on both flanks and in both full back positions. Good athlete and two footed. Josh is now in his fifth season with us, having already played in 140 games for the club. Ryan Guppy Ryan has recently converted to centre back, and is a talented, quick left footed defender. Now starting his seventh season with the club with some 260 appearances already in the bank. Adam Hill Hilly is now starting his sixth season with us. Mr Consistent, and a fans’ favourite who keeps winning the Supporters’ Player of Year Award has now played more than 220 matches for Willand. Kieran Bailey Kieran joined from Shepton Mallet and played previously for Chard in the Western League. He loves to moan about his full back and central midfield players in front of him. Very assured on the ball.

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Matt Wood Matt is a young defender with an international pedigree having represented English Colleges on a tour to Italy. Matt was at the Exeter City academy from the age of 10 until he was 16, where he was captain of his age group. Will Richards Will has also returned to Willand after leaving Exeter City he had a brief spell with us before trying his luck at Bideford. Recently has been playing his football in the Devon league. A sweet left foot compliments his mazy runs. Known as the wizard due to trickery on the ball. David Steele Veteran midfielder, who has played either for us or Tiverton for the past 22 years. Very adaptable, and uses that knowledge to good effect. A great communicator and assistant manager. David has also chalked up 150 goals for the club making him the club’s leading goal scorer of all time, which is not bad for a lad who played at the back. Mitch McCann Mitch has arrived from Paignton, as a youngster he was on Torquay United and Yeovil’s books. He has natural balance, touch and technique alongside a steely will to win, he will certainly compliment the other central midfield players. Glenn Gould Glenn now in his fourth season with the club having

chalked up more than 100 appearances, strong combative midfielder, who can also adapt and slot into the back line. Fancy himself as a card sharp. Kieran Ireland This is Kieran’s debut season for us. He has played for Bristol Manor Farm before undertaking a university degree at Exeter. Athletic box-to-box midfielder. Alfie Mouldon Alfie has arrived from Ilfracombe. A strong winger with a dream of left peg. Comes from ‘up north’ so we are taking our time to understand what he says. He describes himself as the original ‘wide boy’ who can sell anything to anyone. Finley Rooke Fin has joined us from Honiton Town, he is powerful lad plays in the centre of the midfield his athletic frame makes him ideal for the battles ahead. Mani Skett Mani has arrived from the Western League where he played for Buckland Athletic and Tavistock. Originally at Plymouth Argyle, a tricky nippy striker good with both feet. Jack Rice Jack is another arrival from North Devon having played for both Barnstaple and Bideford. Energetic striker who can play in the number 10 position or as the main striker.

Will Harvey Will was on Weston Super Mare’s books last season, young energetic striker who will battle away for the whole 90 minutes. Louis Jagger Cane Louis is lightning quick striker who has played in the Exeter League with Topsham Town and the Western League with Buckland Athletic. He will terrify defenders with how quick he is. Noah Coppin Noah has excellent pedigree having played for Bridgwater, Taunton Town and Chippenham Town. His is strong athletic striker who has an eye for goal. Russell Jee, manager Russ was with Exeter City, has played for the likes of Bideford in the past. Took over as manager five seasons ago. His knowledge of the league and local football is second to none. In our last full season Russ led the club to a historic Quarter Final of the FA Vase, the Les Phillip Cup Final and winners of the Western League. He has instilled in the team of the benefits of playing exciting football with 150 goals scored last season shows we are a side that likes to entertain. He is now looking for to pitting his wits against the Southern League teams while still trying to play a brand of exciting football.

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Fixtures 2021-22 DATE

COMP

RES

ATT

7 Aug 21

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

Jones

30 Aug 21

15:00

LEAGUE

1-3

263

Davis

Jones

4 Sep 21

15:00 H Willand Rovers

FA CUP

11 Sep 21

15:00 H North Leigh

LEAGUE

14 Sep 21

19:45

Waltham Abbey

LEAGUE

18 Sep 21

15:00

Wantage Town

LEAGUE

29 Sep 21

19:45 H Colney Heath

LEAGUE

2 Oct 21

15:00

LEAGUE

9 Oct 21

15:00 H Hashtag United or Chipstead

FA TRO

17 Oct 21

15:00 H Ware

LEAGUE

23 Oct 21

15:00 H St Neots Town

LEAGUE

30 Oct 21

15:00

AFC Dunstable

LEAGUE

6 Nov 21

15:00

Kempston Rovers

LEAGUE

Kidlington

Thame United

Biggleswade

14 Nov 21 15:00 H Bedford Town

LEAGUE

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

4 Dec 21

LEAGUE

15:00

Hertford Town

11 Dec 21 15:00 H Harlow 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

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Weatherill Weatherill

🟨

Ball

🟨

Bewley

McCrohan

Sangoya

Bewley

Ball

Bewley

Ball

3⃣

🟥 🟨

5 O’Connor

3⃣

6 Riddick

Wood

O’Connor

McCrohan

Wood

O’Connor

Hogg

Sangoya

Wood

O’Connor

Sangoya

Wood

Ball

Seaton

Ball

Wood

McCrohan

Stobbs

3⃣

🟨

Hogg

2⃣ 1⃣

⚽🟨 McNamara 1⃣ Riddick 🟨 Hercules ⚽ Riddick 🟨 Riddick Hercules ⚽ Hercules Riddick 1⃣ Hercules ⚽ Hogg 2⃣ Hercules

Jellis

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

French French

3⃣

Seaton Seaton French

⚽

French

Stobbs

2⃣

Seaton

1⃣ ⚽⚽ Jellis 🟨 Jellis ⚽

Rudd Jellis

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

14 McNamara

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

1⃣ ⚽ Hodges 3⃣ Jellis 2⃣

Jones

Stobbs Stobbs

2⃣

Sangoya

Seaton

Rudd

2⃣

Sangoya

McCrohan

3⃣

McCrohan

Jones

Davis Jenkins

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Ducks in action

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proudly supports

THE TRIDENT

TRUST FUND

Providing access to grants and funding for your club, in your community

@PitchingIn_

Pitching In Southern League Division One Central TEAM

PTS

Berkhamsted

Didcot Town

North Leigh

Ware

Bedford Town

AFC Dunstable

FC Romania

St Neots Town

Aylesbury United

Welwyn Garden City

Harlow Town

-2

Waltham Abbey

-1

Biggleswade

-2

Kempston Rovers

-4

Barton Rovers

-3

Hertford Town

-3

Colney Heath

-7

Thame United

-8

Wantage Town

-8

Kidlington

-11

Last updated: 1 September 2021

Saturday 28 August 2021 AFC Dunstable 1-0 Bedford Town Aylesbury United 1-1 Barton Rovers Biggleswade 0-0 Colney Heath Harlow Town 0-1 Berkhamsted Kempston Rovers 2-0 Wantage Town North Leigh 2-1 FC Romania St Neots Town 4-0 Kidlington Waltham Abbey 3-3 Didcot Town Ware 4-0 Thame United Welwyn Garden City 1-0 Hertford Town

FC Romania 2-1 Waltham Abbey Kempston Rovers 0-3 St Neots Town Kidlington 1-1 North Leigh Thame United 1-3 Aylesbury United Tuesday 31 August 2021 Hertford Town 1-2 Ware

Monday 30 August 2021 Barton Rovers 0-2 AFC Dunstable Bedford Town 2-1 Biggleswade Berkhamsted 2-1 Welwyn Garden City Colney Heath 1-3 Harlow Town Didcot Town 1-0 Wantage Town aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

SPORTS SOCKS BUT BETTER. BE THE DIFFERENCE. LUXURY GRIP SOCKS FOR A REASONABLE PRICE. EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT. 15% OFF CODE SCAUFC WWW.SHEWSCLUB.COM 26

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Stadium safety To ensure the safety of everybody, please observe the following: • DO NOT use foul or abusive language, or obscene gestures. Any form of racial abuse, or language used to incite or provoke others is a criminal offence under the Football Offences Act 1991. • NO glasses or bottles are permitted outside the clubhouse. • DO NOT throw any items onto the pitch. • DO NOT run onto the pitch or encroach on the playing area. • Aylesbury United reserves the right to remove or refuse entry to the ground.

Covid-19 protocol With the Covid-19 restrictions lifted on Monday 19th July, we hope we can enjoy matches this season with most of the previous requirements on all of us lifted. However, in line with government guidelines, we advise supporters to take sensible precautions when attending the game. While masks are no longer mandatory, we recommend that if you are more comfortable wearing one, you continue to do so. Please respect others at the game, and stay safe.

EVERY GOAL EVERY CELEBRATION EVERY MOMENT EVERY TEAM

FREE

FOLLOW THE ACTION LIVE ON

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Today’s Squads

AYLESBURY UNITED

WILLAND ROVERS

1. Archie DAVIS 2. Anthony BALL 3. Harry JONES 4. Jack WOOD 5. Liam McCROHAN 6. Lee STOBBS 7. Max HERCULES 8. Ollie HOGG 9. Ty DEACON 10. Sonny FRENCH 11. Jamie JELLIS

1. George BURTON 2. Josh SEARLE 3. Ryan GUPPY 4. Will RICHARDS 5. Adam HILL 6. Kieran BAILEY 7. Glenn GOULD 8. Mani SKETT 9. Kieran IRELAND 10. Mitch McCANN 11. Alfie MOULDON

12. Ben SEATON 14. Kuda SANGOYA 15. Jordan JENKINS

12. David STEELE 14. Aidan MOYLE 15. Jack RICE

Manager: Ben WILLIAMS

Manager: Russell JEE

Referee: Jonathan BOLLAND Assistants: Matthew BALL Samuel LAIDLER

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NEXT MATCH vs North Leigh at The Meadow Saturday 11 September, kick-off 3pm