Pictured: Sam Holmes. Courtesy: Guy Wills Photography
OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME SATURDAY 23rd February 2019 SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
BIGGLESWADE UNITED v HADLEY
What’s Inside • Welcome • The Players • Guillem Balague on Biggleswade United (as published Friday 22nd Feb.) • Current League Standings • Next Up at Second Meadow • Biggleswade United Under 23s • Biggleswade United Ladies FC • Our Forthcoming Fixtures • Our Club History • Hadley FC Club History • Venue for Hire • Premier Division Round Up • Player Profiles • Team Photo
Welcome Welcome to Second Meadow Good afternoon and welcome to Second Meadow for today’s Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division fixture. We extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters from HADEY FOOTBALL CLUB. We also welcome our three match officials and hope that you all enjoy your short stay with us. Match preview – Courtesy of Leon Waite @leonwaite98 United suffered successive defeats for the first time since early October as they followed up their 3-1 Beds Senior Cup defeat at Barton Rovers with a reverse by the same scoreline at Leighton Town in the league. The team’s consistency demonstrated over the course of the season has waned somewhat in recent weeks with just three wins in nine games across all competitions and four losses in that period as well. Performances haven’t been disastrous- particularly the competitive display at Step 4 Barton- but dwindling results could see the division’s leading clubs disappearing into the distance. Redressing that gap begins this weekend with a Hadley side sat one place and five points above United, having played a game more, travelling up to Bedfordshire from north London. Today’s opponents- Hadley FC
The Bricks are top of the table after two 6th placed finishes in the last three yearswith a 19th finish sandwiched in the middle. An unsettling few weeks around early late November into December saw them fail to win in four league games and they lost three of those, including a crushing 4-0 reverse at home to leaders Biggleswade FC. However, since then they have picked up seven wins out of nine with a remarkable sequence of four consecutive 3-0 wins and a 4-0 home win in midweek as they press for the League title. When United last tasted two defeats in a row the second did come in a 2-1 loss at Hadley, which was their first win in six in this particular fixture as they avenged a 6-0 thumping last term. United responded by claiming a 1-0 League Challenge Trophy triumph over them in late October and will seek to repeat that trick at Second Meadow on Saturday, KO 3pm. Up Next
On Tuesday night we entertain Harpenden Town (KO 7.45pm) then on Saturday we travel to Leverstock Green.
The Players..
Picture courtesy of GUY WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Pictured: Jaiden Irish
Balague on Biggleswade United GUILLEM BALAGUE Biggleswade United Chairman, Guillem Balague, provides this weekly column for The Biggleswade Chronicle.
A 3-1 defeat at Leighton Town was a bad day at the office for the first team but compensated in no small part by an excellent performance from our under 23 side and a highly commendable cup win for our ladies.
Meanwhile our Under 23 side signalled their intent to battle for, sadly, probably the last ever Under 25 Spartan League Development Division title, with a thumping 4-0 win over Harpenden Town that puts them in joint second place in the table with Ladies first, and a superb 3-2 victory Berkhamsted, three points behind the over Evergreen Ladies who play a leaders Kempston Rovers, but with division above us in the Bedfordshire two games in hand. and Hertfordshire Women's Football League means we now face Hitchin The league is perfect for the Town ladies in the quarter finals of development of young players and the Chris Renshaw Cup on March 3. ending it is, in my opinion, a backward step. The progress made by our A fine first half display that saw us youngsters in this division has been take a two goal lead was followed by one of the real highlights of our a nervy second period which allowed season so far and is a tribute to our opponents back into the contest everyone involved, not least coach although thankfully we held on to Nyasha Segwete who is bringing the record what was probably one of the very best from his young players. finest victories so far for our ladies side. It also augurs well for the future of Our next opponents in the the first team, a side that so many of competition are currently pushing for the players under Nyash's charge, promotion into Division One and will quite rightly, aspire to play for. almost certainly represent even more of a challenge than that posed by Evergreen Ladies.
Continued Overleaf
Balague on Biggleswade United GUILLEM BALAGUE Continued Our philosophy at the club has always been that it is all part of a process and to that end we are constantly looking to increase the number of teams that play under the Biggleswade United umbrella
In addition to the Wildcat sessions, running alongside this will be training for under seven year old boys as we look to try to find youngsters that can help us to start a side in that age group.
The re-commencement of the hugely popular Wildcats football - an FA initiative that provides a platform for girls aged between five and 11 to come along and play - will hopefully help us to find the youngsters that can help us add to our ever growing portfolio of sides.
The first team will now be looking to get back to winning ways with two home matches over the next few days, beginning today when Hadley currently top of the table - call in, before Harpenden Town visit Second Meadow on Tuesday night (Ko 7.45pm). The reserves meanwhile It is from this that we developed our visit Harpenden Town' tomorrow (Sat current under 9 girls side and it would ko 3pm) when they face their be wonderful if we could once again development side for the second time find the young talented players to fill in eight days. in the gaps in some of the age groups up to and including under 12s. See you there We are the only club in Biggleswade linked to the scheme which gets underway again at Stratton Way on Saturday March 2 from 1 - 2.15. The cost is ÂŁ3 a session and more details can be obtained from Matt Burgess on 07809 604541.
Guillem
Current League Standings
Results and Fixtures
Next Up at Second Meadow SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION TUESDAY 26TH February 2019 KICK OFF 7.45pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED V HARPENDEN TOWN
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SATURDAY 9TH MARCH 2019 KICK OFF 3pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED V
WEMBLEY
Biggleswade United Under 23
Biggleswade United Ladies
BEDFORDSHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE WOMEN’S FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 KICK OFF 2pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED LADIES V
KEMPSTON TOWN AND BEDFORD COLLEGE LADIES
Our Forthcoming Fixtures
Our History 1959 - 1999 Biggleswade United Football Club was re-formed on the 16th July 1959. However, local history records indicate that there was a Biggleswade United side playing at Second Meadow as early as 1929. Our first season (1959/60) saw us competing in Division Three of the North Herts. League (NHL). After 10 successful years in the NHL the club made the step up to South Midlands League (SML) football. But towards the end of a 15-year association with the SML the club began to struggle and after three years of finishing in the bottom three of Division One we sought fresh fields. The club joined the Herts. Senior but club continued to find the going tough. In 1986 we elected to return to local League football, joining the Bedford and District Football League and began to build again.
The appointment of Brian Swords as first team manager in 87/88 proved to be the turning point in the club's fortunes. During the next ten years the club achieved a tremendous amount of success on and off the football pitch. Our record of League and Cup honours speak for themselves but aligned to this a great deal of work went on behind the scenes to match the on-field success. The club now boasts one of the best clubhouse and ground facilities in the Mid-Bedfordshire area. The success of the club has also attracted many new players as well as commanding a great deal of loyalty from those players who helped the club progress from Division Three of the Bedford and District League to County Senior Club status in just 15 years. The 1995/96 season was the most successful in the club's history - winning five major honours; the Beds Intermediate County Cup, Bedford and District League Championship, League Cup Championship and as the League's representatives the club won the Beds. FA Centenary Cup. Having won every major Bedford League honour the club felt it was time to move on and made the decision to make the step up once again and returned to Division One of the SML. In an exceptionally successful first season we celebrated a Division One "double" by winning the Championship and the Division One Cup. We also retained the Beds. FA Intermediate County Cup, only the second club in the competition's history to achieve this feat. To crown our success the club were awarded the SML Special Achievement Trophy in July 1997. In the season 1997/98 we finally achieved Senior status. This was achieved not only through the endeavours of the players on the field but ultimately as a result of an extremely hard working committee. With the help of the Biggleswade Town Council a new stand was erected and perimeter fencing installed. And two seasons later the club erected floodlights and on the evening of 26th October 1999 we played our first-ever floodlit game at Second Meadow, Ryman League side Leighton Town were the visitors in the Bedfordshire Premier Cup.
Our History 2000- 2018 The next eleven years saw the first team led by Steve "Snowy" Wright and under his management the club continued to enjoy a very high level of League and Cup success ultimately achieving promotion to the Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and with it the opportunity to compete in the FA Cup. And under Snowy the club made three Beds FA Senior Challenge Cup final appearances, winning two of the three with victories over Stotfold (4-1) and Leighton Town (1-0) but missed out in 2006/07 going down 2-0 to Dunstable Town. Snowy's other cup successes came in the form of the Hunts Premier Cup, North Beds Charity Cup, Hinchingbrooke Cup, the SML Division One Cup and the SML Special Achievement Award once again. The end of the 2006 2007 saw Snowy step down as manager with his assistant, Nick Burton taking over the first team reins. January 5th 2009 saw the club embark on further ambitious ground improvements. With financial backing from Biggleswade Town Council, Mid Beds District Council and the Football Foundation we installed a 260-seater stand, fully enclosed the ground with a double turnstile entrance and players' secure walkway, which raised the ground to Grade E status. After several years of stability in terms of first team managers the next six years saw a regular turnover of first team and reserve team managers with Nick Burton, Dave Elkin and Phil Childs all taking over the first team reins for a time. At the start of the 2013-2014 season we appointed Mick Reardon and Mark Royal as first team managers both of whom had enjoyed success as coaches at the higher levels of football. Their disciplined approach was quickly adhered to and responded to by the players and under their stewardship we achieved the highest Premier Division position in nine years and first silverware in seven years winning the North Beds Charity Cup for the first time in the club’s history. In November 2014 the club took a further positive step to realise our ambitions with the appointment of Sky Sports Presenter and renowned author, Guillem Balague as Biggleswade United’s Director of Football. Following Mick and Mark’s decision to step down at the end 2014 2015, Guillem was quick to act and recruited a new Head Coach in Cristian Colas Beccera. Cristian was assisted by former professional player, Stuart Bimson, and under their guidance the team finished in eighth spot in the Premier Division in 2017 2018 - the highest position in the club’s history. Having built a strong reputation for their outstanding coaching ability and playing philosophy Cristian and Stuart moved up to Step 3 level club, Staines Town, for the start of the 2018 2019 season. Guillem was again in search for a high quality coach and Jimmy Martin came highly recommended by his predecessor, Colas, who worked with Jimmy at Stevenage FC Academy. Jimmy was appointed Manager in May 2018 and will be assisted by a former United playing legend and well respected character in SML football, Dean Bull. Also on the coaching staff is Spanish coach Emilio Gutierrez. The club has certainly come a long way in relatively few years but we could not have done it without the help of a very supportive Town and District Council who clearly understands the benefits of having a community based club in Biggleswade. Our success is also very much down to a very hard working committee who throughout the year - not just the football season continue to volunteer their time and commitment to the club, to help it continue to thrive and be a source of enjoyment for our supporters and the Biggleswade community.
The History of Hadley FC Hadley Football Club were founded in the 1882/83 season. A notable achievement during the early years was a 1-0 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur, although Tottenham then was not of the calibre that it is now. The 1880's and 1890's were glamour times for Hadley when the club used to attract crowds of several hundred to Hadley common. With regret however, the progressive Barnet FC etc. drew players away from Hadley. This was at about the turn of the century. Club activities became low key around 1912 with Barnet FC becoming more prominent. Between these years and 1922 the club was up and down like a yo yo. Club fortunes again changed close to World War II and thereafter, with the emergence from the Hadley ranks of the famous Lester Finch who went on to play for Barnet FC and become a full amateur international. Records show an upturn in Hadley FC activities after World War II. The club became a member of the Barnet and District League and, from about 1947, played at Wrotham Park at the Barnet end of Kitts End Road. Hadley played there until about 1955 when it then moved to Barnet Playing Fields in order to "have some better facilities". The club played in the North Suburban Intermediate League at this time. Still playing at Barnet Playing Fields, the club then joined the Mid Herts League and with Peter Gray as 1st team manager, we were Premier Division Winners in 1975/76 and 1976/77. We also won the Mid Herts Premier Division Shield in 1976/77. Having won the Mid Herts Premier Division twice, the club wanted to progress to the Herts Senior County League so therefore moved to a pitch with better facilities in St. Albans Road, Barnet (current home of The Shire London Golf Club). We had one season at this pitch before being told that it was no longer available to hire. We won the Herts Senior County League Division Three at our first attempt during this season. However, we had to find a new home and played at a sports ground in Chandos Avenue, Whetstone (a training base for the England National team at the time), until 1985. The club left the Herts Senior County League to join the Southern Olympian League and moved grounds again to play at the Woodside Park Club, Southover, Totteridge. In 1992 the club moved to a ground in Brickfield Lane, Arkley, Barnet and re-joined the Herts Senior County League in the 1999/00 season. Under the management of Ian Gray, the 1st team won the Division One championship in 2001/02 to move up to the Premier Division in 2002/03, where we finished mid-table. Mick Hore was appointed manager in 2003/04 and we enjoyed a very successful season with the 1st team winning the Herts Senior County League Premier Division and the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy. 2004/05 was also very successful with the 1st team retaining the Premier Division title and the Reserves winning the Reserve Division One title and the Reserve Cup. Success continued into 2005/06 with the 1st team winning the prestigious Aubrey Cup.
The History of Hadley FC Continued In 2006-07 the 1st team finished Runners Up in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division. An application to join the Spartan South Midlands league was blocked by the Herts County League, so the following season (2007-08) the club played all of its football in the West Herts Saturday League. During this season, all Hadley teams (3 teams) won their respective leagues for the first time in the clubs history. This included the 1st team winning the Premier Division of the West Herts League with Guy Slee in charge, having taken over from Mick Hore at the start of the season. We again applied to join the Spartan South Midlands League and our place in Division Two was accepted for the start of the 2008-09 season. At the start of this season, the 1st team began playing home matches at Potters Bar Town FC, and the reserves and 3rd team continued to use the ground in Brickfield Lane. Ian Gray replaced Guy Slee as manager at the start of the season, with Guy having stepped up into the role of Chairman, joined on the committee with the arrival of Bob Henderson as Secretary. Our first season in the Spartan South Midlands League turned out to be a very successful one with the 1st team gaining promotion to Division One at the first attempt after finishing one point behind The 61 FC (Luton). The 1st team also won the Division Two Cup after beating Totternhoe in the final. Our second season in the Spartan South Midlands League (2009-10) surpassed everyone’s expectations when we achieved another promotion after finishing in second place behind Holmer Green. We also won two matches in our first attempt at the FA Vase, beating Harpenden Town and then Leverstock Green, eventually being knocked out in a tight 1-0 defeat at Stanway Rovers. The 2010-11 season saw us again playing at the highest level in the club’s 128 year history (Step 5 of the National League System), and we also enjoyed our first ever outing in the FA Cup, drawing 0-0 with Barking before losing 1-0 in the replay. Another highlight of the season was playing against Barnet in the 2nd round of the Herts Senior Cup, drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes before losing 4-1 in Extra Time. We started the 2011-12 season with the same aim as the previous year – to stay in the Premier Division. At the start of the new year, in January 2012, long-serving manager Ian Gray stepped down from the role of 1st team manager after 3½ successful years in charge, having guided the team from Division Two to the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League with back-to-back promotions. A new management team was appointed who were previously with St Albans City reserves. An influx of new players and the guidance of player-manager Alexis Nicholas saw us achieve our preseason aim as we ended the season in 15th position out of 22 teams.
The History of Hadley FC Continued The start of the 2012-13 season saw Franco Sidoli join as 1st team manager having also left St Albans City during the summer. Franco was supported by a coaching team of Alexis Nicholas, Lewis Dommett and Hector Varela as we enjoyed a successful season with a comfortable mid-table finish and our first ever win in the FA Cup following a 2-0 victory over Hertford Town. We also reached the final of the Premier Division Cup when we were unlucky to lose 3-2 against Aylesbury United (After Extra Time), having taken the lead twice in the match. At the end of the 2012-13 season, Franco Sidoli stepped down as 1st team manager due to a change in work circumstances for 3 out of 4 people in the management team, including himself, which would not have allowed them to give 100% commitment to the job during the forthcoming season. The club appointed Geoff O’Vell as the new 1st team manager, who had previously been 1st team manager at Colney Heath, Hoddesdon Town and more recently with Broxbourne Borough in Division Two of the Spartan South Midlands League. Geoff was joined by Assistant Manager Paul Surridge and coach Mark Mezen. A highlight during the 2013-14 season was drawing Watford FC in the 1st Round of the Herts Senior Cup. We lost 2-0 with goals from Luke O’Nien and Bernard Mensah securing the win for Gianfranco Zola’s Championship side. Another achievement during the season was the ‘A’ team winning the prestigious Herts Junior Cup for the first time in the club’s history, beating Long Marston FC 2-1 in the final at the County Ground, Letchworth. The 1st team had mixed fortunes during the 2013-14 season and despite a good start in the league and cups, and then an improved end to the season which saw us make a late climb up the league table to finish just below mid table, the club decided that a restructuring of the team management was required at the end of the season. This saw Geoff O'Vell and his management team leave the club, which was followed by the appointment of Micky Hazard, Franco Sidoli, Lewis Dommett and Hector Varela. As a player, Micky was a member of the Tottenham team that won the 1982 FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 1984. He also went on to play for Chelsea, Portsmouth, Swindon Town and then Tottenham for a second spell. Since the end of his playing career, Hazard was Youth Academy Coach at Crystal Palace and was also involved on the management team of Sevenoaks Town and Hoddesdon Town. Micky was joined by the return of Franco Sidoli, Lewis Dommett and Hector Varela who were all well-known to the club as, along with Alexis Nicolas, they formed our 1st team management team during a successful 2012-13 season in which we reached the final of the Premier Division Cup and built up a good reputation within the league for playing attractive football. The first season in charge for our new management team (2014-15) was very successful as we ended in 9th position in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division - our highest ever finish.
The History of Hadley FC Continued We surpassed this in the 2015-16 season with another excellent season as our 1st team ended in 6th position in the league and we also won the Herts Charity Shield for the first time following a 3-1 victory over Tring Athletic in the final at the County Headquarters, Letchworth. Our reserves also had a good season, finishing 5th in their league, and the 'A' team had an excellent season winning the Herts Senior County League Reserve and Development South/West Division, the Herts Junior Cup (beating Oxhey on penalties in the final) and the Bingham Cox Cup (beating AFC Hatfield 2-1 in the final). The 2016-17 season saw the return of our 1st team to Brickfield Lane in Arkley, Barnet, following over ÂŁ400,000 worth of facilities improvements and eight years of groundsharing with Potters Bar Town. Ground improvements include the installation of floodlights, a spectator stand, new fencing and pathways, pitch drainage installation, a new car park and the refurbishment of the pavilion clubhouse and changing rooms. This was made possible thanks to grants and donations from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, Sport England, the Peter Harrison Foundation, the Happy Charitable Trust, Village Healthcare and the Back2Barnet campaign. A highlight of our first season back in Barnet was an outstanding FA Cup run, eventually being knocked out in a Third qualifying round replay against Eastbourne Borough who went on to beat Aldershot Town in the next round. The 2017-18 season saw a change of first team management with Anthony Clark being appointed in October 2017. As a player, Anthony appeared for Southend United before playing at a high standard of non-league football with teams including Hendon and Wealdstone. A very strong end to the season saw us finish in sixth place, our joint highest ever finish, and we look forward to the 2018-19 season.
Biggleswade United FC Clubhouse is available to hire for every occasion – Birthdays*, Children’s parties, wedding parties, christenings, naming ceremonies and lots more… The clubhouse can accommodate up to 100. Hire charges are from £25 to £100. For more information contact Tracey James on 07714 661827 or 01767 316270
* We are unable to accommodate 18th birthday parties
Premier Division Round Up – Saturday 16th February By Karen Browne – League Fixtures Officer PREMIER DIVISION Biggleswade FC and Tring Athletic continue to battle it out at the top as both recorded big wins on Saturday, Biggleswade FC thumping seven past relegation strugglers London Tigers to set themselves up nicely for next week’s FA Vase quarter-final at Canterbury City and Tring Athletic winning 5-1 at Wembley. Hadley drop to third place after sharing the points with visiting Potton United. Fourth placed Biggleswade United went down 1-3 at Leighton Town. Bottom club Stotfold picked up a useful point at home to Oxhey Jets while Cockfosters were beaten by the odd goal in three at high flying Baldock Town. Fellow strugglers Harpenden Town and Leverstock Green met at Rothamsted Park with Harpenden edging it by a solitary second half goal. Spectators at London Colney for the ‘Colney’ derby were treated to free steak and chips after the game by the hosts unfortunately it was the visitors Colney Heath who went home happier with a 2-0 win. Elsewhere Crawley Green overcame North Greenford United FC by the odd goal in three while Arlesey Town won 3-2 at Edgware Town. Full results and goalscorers (where known) are listed below. 2-1 Baldock Town v Cockfosters (Barker, L Brooks) / (Arkoh) Attendance: 69 7-1 Biggleswade FC v London Tigers 2-0 (R Inskip [2], Leavers [2], A Marsh, L Marsh, Pena) / (Unknown) Attendance: 104 2-1 Crawley Green v North Greenford United FC (Bunker [pen], Draycott) / (Turner [pen]) Attendance: 72 2-3 Edgware Town v Arlesey Town (McCluskey, Hunte) / (Gaffney [2], Mead) Attendance: 51 1-1 Hadley v Potton United (Clarke) / (Murrell) Attendance: 53 1-0 Harpenden Town v Leverstock Green (W McClelland) Attendance: 67 3-1 Leighton Town v Biggleswade United (Faulkner [2], Buckley) / (Gauge) Attendance: 175 0-2 London Colney v Colney Heath (Doolan, Fitzgerald) Attendance: 102 1-1 Stotfold v Oxhey Jets (Ryan) / (Giordmaina) Attendance: 70 1-5 Wembley v Tring Athletic (Fehmi-Gil) / (Clements, Campbell, Stobbs, O’Connor, Ironton) Attendance: 43
Picture courtesy of GUY WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Pictured: James Smith
BIGGLESWADE UNITED PLAYER PROFILES Ollie Leslie – Goalkeeper Highly respected goalkeeper in the SML, Ollie joined United at the start of the season. Great shot stopper whose height adds to the all round ingredients needed for United’s number 1. James Cooper – Defender. Joined United in 2015 as a striker from local side Gamlingay United. “Coops” has made almost 150 appearances for the club. Extremely fit player who combines the defensive full back / attacking wing back position to great effect. Kane Farrell – Defender Former player with Southend United Centre of Excellence who joined United in 2015. Kane has made almost 200 appearances. Highly committed player who rarely misses a training session. High technical ability and a complete allrounder who chips in with some stunning goals. Charlie Briggs – Defender Joined United in June 2018 having previously played at Stotfold. Impressed as an opponent and was very much on the United wanted list. A young, solid, no nonsense centre half who is growing in stature in every game he plays.
Joe Gauge – Defender 18 Year old Joe is having an amazing start to senior football and is already one of the fans’ favourites. Eager to learn and showing a great maturity in every game. Is certainly one to watch for the future. Is part of the Stevenage Elite Development Progarmme. James Smith – Defender “Snoops” joined United in 2017 and became an instant hit with the United fans with his never say die attitude. Beset by injury last season, he managed only 14 games but this season has already notched up 24 appearances and fingers crossed he’ll make it to 50 this season. Matt Clark – Defender Former Watford Academy player, Matt has bided his time as captain of the Development side but has recently broken in to the first team reckoning where his growing from game to game. Strong player who is quickly adapting to the United style of play.
BIGGLESWADE UNITED PLAYER PROFILES Jaiden Irish – Midfield United’s midfield powerhouse who recently made his 100th appearance for the club since joining in 2016. Don’t let his shy persona fool you, he is a terrier in the middle of the park and uses his high quality technical ability to great effect. Dylan Logan – Midfield Another young player who joined United from Stevenage at the start of the season. Highly skilfull player who has the ability to wreak havoc on unsuspecting defenders .
Liam Andrews – Midfield A player who has impressed since the very start of the season and is adapting superbly well in the midfield and in his first full season at senior level having spent his youth years at Stevenage. Excellent technical ability and superb engine. Rafe Goodman – Midfield – Another young player who was previously at Stevenage. Started the season with United but ventured in to Step 4 football with AFC Dunstable returning to United in January. A long pass technician who has also chipped in with the goals. Taz Andrews – Midfield – Began his playing career at United in the Under 11s before moving to the Stevenage Academy. Another technically gifted player who looks comfortable on the ball and despite his small stature proves difficult to shake off the ball. Ricky Christie – Midfield – Joined United at the start of last season having spent his young playing days in his native Scotland. Gritty hardworking player who takes no prisoners.
Ieaun Lewis – Midfield / Striker / Captain – Vastly experienced and highly respected player who has played at Step 3 and Step 4 with the likes of Hitchin Town and St Neots Town. Has been the Academy coach at Stevenage for many years and he is passing on his knowledge and experience to the younger players. A leader on and off the pitch.
BIGGLESWADE UNITED PLAYER PROFILES Dave Parkinson – Midfield / Striker Highly popular player within the League, “Bullet” is a renowned goal machine and probably the fastest frontman in the Premier Division. Currently the club’s leading goalscorer. Sam Holmes – Striker – Prolific goal scorer who was previously with Division One side Ampthill Town where he was leading goal scorer with 35 goals from 43 appearances. Hot on the heels of his United strike partners for the golden boot. Joe Hankins – Striker – Previously with Royston Town, Joe joined United in September and is a key player in United’s forward line. A creative wide man he has assisted in many of United’s goals this season. Will be looking to take his goal tally to double figures by the end of the season. Codi Spavins – Striker – Definitely a young player to watch out for, Codi enjoyed a highly successful season with the Under 18s last season and made the transition to senior football with regular appearances for the Under 23 and I November justifiably took his place in the first team squad. George Brinkman Striker. A likeable rogue and the changing room joker, George is well known in football circles having played for many clubs at the higher level including Hitchin Town, Barton Rovers and Bedford Town. Sadly a broken ankle has sidelined him for most of the season but he tells us he will come back with a vengeance. Beware!!