Pictured: Joe Gauge Photo courtesy of Guy Wills Photography
OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME Saturday 9th March 2019 SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
BIGGLESWADE UNITED v WEMBLEY
What’s Inside • The Players • Welcome • Guillem Balague on Biggleswade United (as published Friday 8th March.) • Current League Standings • Next Up at Second Meadow • Biggleswade United Under 23s • Biggleswade United Ladies FC • Our Forthcoming Fixtures • Our Club History • Wembley 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 of today’s visitors WEMBLEY FOOTBALL CLUB. We also welcome our three match officials and we hope that you enjoy your short stay with us. Match Preview – by Leon Waite Three straight defeats towards the middle of February saw United lose ground at the top the league and miss out on a place in the Beds Senior Cup Final but have rallied since to score a couple of handsome results. They dispatched Harpenden Town 4-1 before avenging a 5-0 defeat at Leverstock Green two years ago by dismantling their hosts by the same scoreline on Saturday to maintain the pressure on the sides above them. And Alex Salvador’s men now go in search of a third consecutive win and a third success against Wembley this season after two victories against them earlier in the campaign. Our Visitors - Wembley The Lions have recovered from a dismal start to sit 14th in the table having placed 9th last term. Ian Bates’s side lost their opening seven matches in all competitions and it took them eight league outings to pick up their first win. They have progressed steadily since then and notably hammered 7th place Arlesey Town 6-0 in December. Last time out they beat 6th place Potton United 3-2 at home which was their first win in five games. United overcame them 3-2 at Vale Farm- three days before Wembley managed their first league win of the new season- and repeated the trick to claim a 3-0 triumph in the Premier Division Cup a few weeks later to extend their unbeaten run against their opponents to five matches. Next Up. Our next fixture is a first ever trip to North Greenford United on Saturday 16th March followed by a North Beds Charity Cup Semi Final on Tuesday 19th March when Biggleswade FC ome to Second Meadow for the fourth meeting of the saeson. Kick Off 7.45pm
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.
It would be wrong for me to say that here at Biggleswade we have poor facilities. In terms of winter training which takes up around half of the season, what we have here is NO facilities at all; nothing, zilch, nada, niente, sweet diddly squat!
Here at Biggleswade United we are proud to be a part of Bedfordshire. Whether the powers that be in Bedfordshire are proud to represent Biggleswade if something I'm not so sure about, because if they are then they seem to have a very strange way of showing it. So we are left with no choice other than to go cap in hand to the The rise in media interest in our neighbouring county of Hertfordshire family club means that we are in a desperate and undignified search frequently forced to correct a popular for some kind of civilised misconception many people have infrastructure that we can hire in about the town. Biggleswade is NOT order to be able to coach the ever in Hertfordshire, it is very much in growing numbers of boy and girls that Bedfordshire, although heaven are joining our club. knows, for an outsider looking in it's an understandable error. Constantly searching out venues requires huge levels of imagination Here's the reality. and perspiration and frankly is beginning to wear us down not to Apart from our foundation sides who mention the crippling financial train on an area smaller than a tennis implications that come with it. court on what used to be part of the club's car park at Second Meadow, The need for better sports facilities not one single Academy side from for ALL sports clubs in Bedfordshire, Under 11 upwards has not just Biggleswade United, is winter training facilities available to it palpable. in the county of Bedfordshire.
Continued Overleaf
Balague on Biggleswade United GUILLEM BALAGUE Continued The creation of a Community consisting of strong, fair-minded, tolerant, disciplined, focused young people is neither accidental nor a God given right. It is a team effort where everyone plays their part. Parents, guardians, coaches and teachers that can aid the formation of today's youth via any sport or pastime that might light their fire and, of course, the youngsters themselves.
Back to matters on the pitch. Today we look to extend our winning run which has seen us score nine goals in the past two games when we welcome Wembley to Second Meadow.
See you there
Guillem Authorities, associations and funding organisations who have it in their remit to help to make the Communities they represent better places need to play their part; and they don't. Instead they sit on their hands, look away and then occasionally gripe about 'the youth of today', the rising crime rates, lack of respect, obesity issues et al.
They lack the courage or the foresight to take a good look at themselves in the mirror, to take on board the fact that while they should be part of the solution what they are in reality is a major part of the problem.
Current League Standings
Results and Fixtures
Next Up at Second Meadow
EAST BEDS CHARITY CUP SEMI FINAL WEDNESDAY 13TH MARCH 2019 KICK OFF 7.45pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED U23 V
SHEFFORD AND CAMPTON NORTH BEDS CHARITY CUP SEMI FINAL TUESDAY 19TH MARCH 2019 KICK OFF 7 7.45pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED V
BIGGLESWADE FC
Biggleswade United Under 23
Biggleswade United Ladies
BEDFORDSHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE WOMEN’S FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP SUNDAY 10TH MARCH2019 KICK OFF 2pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED LADIES V
KEMPSTON ROVERS 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 Wembley FC WEMBLEY FOOTBALL CLUB was formed in 1946 following an amalgamation of various junior clubs, predominantly Sudbury Ratepayers Association and Sudbury Rangers. Nicknamed the 'Lions', (the symbol of the British Empire Exhibition held at Wembley in 1924/25, the emblem was also used by the local speedway and icehockey teams), they found a home at Vale Farm and have remained there ever since, developing a roped-off pitch into a respectable non-League football ground. Entry was immediately made into the Middlesex League. After finishing a creditable fourth in their first season they went on to win the championship in 1947/48. A further season was spent in this league before the Club progressed into the Spartan League in 1949/50. Here they stayed for two years, clinching the Western Division title in 1950/51 as a result of which they became founder members of the Delphian League. In season 1955/56 they reached the finals of both the London Senior Cup and Middlesex Senior Cup and also finished runners-up in the Delphian League. In recognition of these achievements they were invited to join the Corinthian League and subsequently vastly improved the facilities at Vale Farm. Following a quiet period the Club moved into the Athenian League (1963/64) which had absorbed both the Corinthian and Delphian Leagues to create three divisions. Wembley were placed in the middle section. Malcolm Allison (1962-1963) and Allen Batsford (1964 -1965) were both employed as coaches by the Lions during this period, although their respective spells were brief. Both gentlemen went on to have distinguished careers elsewhere and who knows where the Club might be today had either one of them remained at Vale Farm. Wembley did manage to gain promotion to the Premier Division in 1967/68. To anticipate further progress floodlights were installed, a new clubhouse and dressingroom complex were built and eventually admission to the expanding Isthmian League was granted in 1975. Finished runners-up in their final season justified Wembley's elevation. Wembley began their first season in the Isthmian League (1975/76) in the second division (now the first division). The closest they came to promotion to the Premier Division was in 1985/86. After completing their fixtures, Wembley headed the table only to miss out on going up by two points when both St.Albans City and Bromley won their respective games in hand. Only two teams went up in those days. Despite failing to achieve promotion, Wembley obtained some minor compensation by recording various cup successes during this period. In 1980/81 they reached the First Round Proper of the F.A. Cup for the one and only time, losing 0-3 to Enfield at Southbury Road. The Middlesex Charity Cup was won outright for the first time in 1982/83, while the Middlesex Senior Cup was also clinched for the first time a season later with a dramatic 5-1 success over Hendon . In 1986/87 Wembley won the coveted Middlesex Cup double with final wins over Hayes in the Senior Cup and Feltham in the Charity Cup, a feat nearly repeated during the following season.
The History of Wembley FC Continued Both finals were lost although the disappointment was tempered by beating Brentford at Griffin Park in the semi-final of the Middlesex Charity Cup, and having the final played at Wembley Stadium. Several unprofitable years have followed and a fire at Vale Farm during the summer of 1992 almost ended Wembley's existence. Fortunately, thanks to some splendid off-thefield work, new facilities were quickly erected and the Club survived. Wembley last won some silverware in 1994/95 with a 2-0 victory over Hampton in the final of the Middlesex Charity Cup. The Lions also went on to reach the second round proper of the F.A. Trophy in 1995/96 (their best run in the old F.A. Amateur Cup was also ended at the second round proper stage 1966/67 and 1968/69). However, their lengthy first division status was ended at the finish of that season when they suffered relegation into division two (now in Step Five). By claiming third place, a quick return to the first division was achieved a season later, but their division one tenure lasted just two seasons and they relegated again at the end of 1998/99. As a result of the restructuring of the Isthmian League's constitution, Wembley regained a berth in the first division (north) for the 2002/03 season. But they were unable to maintain their place and were demoted into the second division at the end of that campaign. Wembley were forced to leave the Isthmian League set-up at the end of the 2005/06 season following the disbanding of the second division. They joined the Combined Counties League. A sterling effort was made to win promotion during their first season (2006/07), but ran out of steam to end the term in the third place. Apart from that, they failed to make a real impact, although they did reach the final of the Combined Counties League Cup in 2010/11, but lost to Sandhurst Town, 0-1, at Farnborough. However, after their participation in the following season's F.A. Cup, (their Extra-Preliminary Round tie with Ascot United was covered live on Facebook) the competition sponsors, Budweiser, offered the Lions a much-publicised deal which they could not refuse. This included the signing of several retired professionals to help the Lions progress as far as possible in the 2012/13 F.A. Cup under the guidance of Terry Venables. Unfortunately, Wembley only played three games in the competition before bowing out. After eight years, Wembley's membership of the Combined Counties League was ended by a lateral move across Step Five of the non-League pyramid, They are commencing their fifth year in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division after joining in 2014/15, finishing last season's campaign in ninth place.
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 2nd March By Karen Browne – League Fixtures Officer PREMIER DIVISION Tring Athletic replaced Hadley at the top of the table on goal difference as they swept aside bottom of the table Stotfold 4-1, Biggleswade FC are third three points behind with games in hand after being held to a 2-2 draw at Leighton Town. Biggleswade United kept up the pressure on the leaders with a 5-0 success at Leverstock Green. Cockfosters picked up a vital point in their relegation battle following a goalless draw at North Greenford United FC. It was also goalless at Arlesey Town where the hosts were held by Edgware Town. Wembley picked up their first win since January as they edged out visiting Potton United by the odd goal in five. Oxhey Jets ran out 3-0 winners against visiting London Colney while Crawley Green were beaten 1-3 at Colney Heath. The day’s other game saw Harpenden Town defeat high flying Baldock Town 2-1 and as a result boosted their relegation fears. Full results and goalscorers are listed below. 0-0 Arlesey Town v Edgware Town Attendance: 82 3-1 Colney Heath v Crawley Green (Clarke-Mardel, Shepherd, Blunden) / (Waite) Attendance: 48 2-1 Harpenden Town v Baldock Town (A McClelland, Yeates) / (Holland) Attendance: 47 2-2 Leighton Town v Biggleswade FC (Hall, Murphy) / (R Inskip, Northfield) Attendance: 172 0-5 Leverstock Green v Biggleswade United (Rhiney [2], Hankins, Irish, Parkinson) Attendance: 39 0-0 North Greenford United FC v Cockfosters Attendance: 48 3-0 Oxhey Jets v London Colney (Marku, Kerley, Jones) Attendance: 41 4-1 Tring Athletic v Stotfold (Clements [2], Verney, Stobbs) / (Francis) Attendance: 120 3-2 Wembley v Potton United (Ebonie, Iley, Ogunsola) / (Don, Webb [pen]) Attendance: 52
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 sidelined him for much of the season but celebrated his comeback with a wonder goal against Harpenden in February. Taylor Rhiney - Midfield Striker Returned to the United line up recently after a short spell at Bedford Town and has already made his mark with a brace at Leverstock Green.