HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEALDSTONE One Hundred and Thirty Years young last weekend, 1st October! Maybe there should be a badge….

know the Club History as it indeed the celebration of the stands says Founded 1899 first match, though there was or Founded 1900 depending a match played 118 years ago Ion which version you are today…. reading (or come to that which enamel lapel badge you The match report from the game own) but as has been stated on 7th October 1899 against BY ROGER SLATER before, they are two dates Northwood, so often considered that definitely don’t reflect to reflect the first game and the foundation of the club or reproduced from the Harrow Observer (right), both backwards then to a previous opens and match or season….in fact, also a closes different name, as the club in the referring to previous season (their first in ‘Wealdstone League football) were known as were playing Wealdstone Albion, changing the several new name at the end of that season men…’ and after amalgamation with the stating that remnants of a couple of other local the side was clubs. ‘partially As it proved and is documented experimental’ elsewhere that too was not an . Indeed, The origin, the club name having first Referee appeared as a result of an sporting amalgamation between comment Wealdstone Wanderers, column in the Wealdstone Juniors and Observer also Wealdstone Rovers and the latter records ‘that two of those grew from the demise the same of the ill-fated Wealdstone athletic colours were Club, a club that had existed for worn’. (As a only one season, having broken matter of away from a previous merger with interest, they Harrow Athletic! were White We know well that a Wealdstone shirts and FC first appeared in a County Cup Blue Knickers Final (The Junior Cup) in 1893 and with Black this club had Harrow Athletic and stockings with previously Harrow Rovers FC as White tops, regular opponents until in 1894, though as the to give the town a better chance of season achieving success in Cup progressed, competitions, it was agreed that the the first- Wealdstone FC would merge with choice kit Harrow Athletic and incorporate the became Black Harrow Rovers so that a combined & White side may compete for glory. It striped shirts). lasted one season, as, as it The ‘new progressed the two main clubs men’ and became two separate XI’s in the ‘same shirts’ Athletic Club, few players appearing leads in ‘combined’ sides….. 130 YEARS OLD

So where did Wealdstone FC of 1893 come from? Following a trail of match reports in a number of newspapers backwards, it became evident that the Wealdstone name appeared on its own in around 1890, having previously been a constituent part of The Oaks (Wealdstone) FC, the ‘Office’ team of a local company Cogswell & Harrison who also had an eponymous ‘works’ team formed at the same time..

As you can see, the extract above preceding match was the first. name changes, (all documented), from the Cogswell & Harrison Not only the first of The Oaks but the first match of Wealdstone FC. Centenary Brochure clearly by maintaining a consistent link So there you go, Happy 130th details the foundation of the two through a number of mergers and Birthday! ‘Company Teams’ and their first fixtures against each other, but further research has identified the very first match of The Oaks, a fixture played against another local Harrow side, Grosvenor FC on 1st October 1887. (The match report from the time reproduced on the right). There is actually a reference in the following match report, a week later for a fixture against Harrow Rovers that identifies that game as the second played, so we can be certain that this, the MATCH SPONSORS

What better way to celebrate an occasion or advertise your company’s support of Wealdstone? Our comprehensive match day sponsorship involves you or your company in every aspect of the match. To find out more, contact club president Paul Rumens [email protected], (07710 929692) or Peter Worby (07967 698370). Specific requests can be negotiated, and prices start from £295 +VAT for four guests. Matchday partner packages are available from £59 per person, and tailor-made packages from five up to 30 persons are available on request.

MATCH Sponsors FULHAM VANARAMA In Memory of Karl Schmitt Saturday, 8th July CONCORD RANGERS VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Ray Corner & Pete Carter Saturday, 5th August HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Wealdstone FC Supporters Club Monday, 14th August CHELMSFORD CITY In memory of VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Miriam Goodman Saturday, 19th August John Jones HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Half Way Line Tea Bar Monday, 28th August BOGNOR REGIS TOWN Martin & In memory of VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Saturday, 9th September Syl Allen Derek Reader POOLE TOWN Your Name Your Name Your Name VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Monday, 11th September Here? Here? Here? FAVERSHAM TOWN FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND Dominic Whyley Saturday, 16th September WHITEHAWK Your Name Your Name Your Name VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Saturday, 7th October Here? Here? Here? TRURO CITY VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH David Leigh Saturday, 21st October HUNGERFORD TOWN VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH In Memory of Naomi Benveniste Saturday, 11th November BRAINTREE TOWN VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Ian Stapleton Saturday, 2nd December HERE’S WHAT MATCH SPONSORS GET: • 4 admission tickets, each with a seat in the directors’ area of the main stand • 4 match day programmes • Full hospitality prior, during (half time) and after the match in the board room • You or your organisation’s name featured prominently here in the programme • You or your organisation’s name announced over the PA to the crowd • You or your organisation’s name featuring prominently on the club website leading up to the game • A meeting with the manager post match • A memento of your special day. • Your nomination of the ‘man of the match’ announced over the PA at full time. • Your picture taken in the boardroom with your chosen man of the match.

MATCH Sponsors ST ALBANS CITY Your Name Your Name VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Tony Platt Saturday, 23rd December Here? Here? HAMPTON & RICHMOND Your Name Your Name Your Name VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Monday, 1st January Here? Here? Here? GLOUCESTER CITY Your Name Your Name Your Name VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Saturday, 13th January Here? Here? Here? WESTON-SUPER-MARE VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH In Memory of Steve Pegg Saturday, 27th January WELLING UNITED Your Name Your Name Your Name VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Saturday, 3rd February Here? Here? Here? DARTFORD Your Name Your Name Your Name VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Saturday, 17th February Here? Here? Here? OXFORD CITY VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Martin Seacombe Saturday, 3rd March EASTBOURNE BOROUGH VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Preston Manor Century Boys Saturday, 17th March EAST THURROCK UNITED Your Name Your Name Your Name VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Saturday, 31st March Here? Here? Here? BATH CITY Mark Lloyd – in VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH ProKit UK Saturday, 7th April memory of Ian Spicer CHIPPENHAM TOWN VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Torben Prestwich – For all the volunteers at WFC Saturday, 21st April = Yellow Card = Goal = 2nd Player Substituted NLS = National League South MCC = Middlesex Charity Cup = Red Card = Penalty = 2nd Substitute Used FAC = FA Cup S = Straight Red = 1st Player Substituted = 3rd Player Substituted FAT = FA Trophy WEALDSTONE FC = Man of the Match = 1st Substitute Used = 3rd Substitute Used MSC = Middlesex Senior Cup FIXTURES & RESULTS | SEASON 2017 / 2018 JULY Competition Result Crowd Pos. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17/GK 25 Hampton & Richmond MSCF 0-1 481 — North Oshodi Okimo Harwood Hill Brown Whichelow Cox Benyon Fitchett Wellard Godfrey Hunt Anastasiou Hunt AUGUST 5 CONCORD RANGERS NLS 2-1 752 8 North Oshodi Okimo Green Hill Brown Wellars Cox Benyon Fitchett Eisa Hippolyte-Patrick Godfrey Osei-Bonsu Hunt Kearney 8 St.Albans City NLS 1-2 654 13 North Oshodi Okimo Ijaha Hill Brown Hippolyte-Patrick Cox Benyon Green Eisa Fitchett Godfrey Wellard Hunt Osei-Bonsu 12 Gloucester City NLS 2-2 403 13 North Oshodi Okimo Ijaha Hill Brown Hippolyte-Patrick Cox Benyon Green Eisa Fitchett Godfrey Wellard Hunt Osei-Bonsu 14 HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE NLS 0-1 922 14 North Oshodi Okimo Green Hill Brown Hippolyte-Patrick Cox Benyon Fitchett Eisa Godrey Osei-Bonsu Wellard Ijaha Kearney 19 CHELMSFORD CITY NLS 0-2 908 18 North Oshodi Okimo Green Pollock Brown Hippolyte-Patrick Cox Benyon Fitchett Eisa Godfrey Wellard Whichelow Kearney Constable 26 Eastbourne Borough NLS 1-1 631 18 North Oshodi Okimo Pollock Brown Wellard Hippolyte-Patrick Cox Benyon Green Eisa Fitchett Whicelow Godfrey Ijaha Constable 28 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN NLS 1-1 966 18 North Oshodi Brown Pollock Hill Okimo Hippolyte-Patrick Green Benyon Fitchett Eisa Whichelow Wellard Godfrey Sellers Constable SEPTEMBER 2 East Thurrock United NLS 1-1 411 18 North Oshodi Brown Hill Day Whichelow Wellard Okimo Fitchett Green Hippolyte-Patrick Mohamed Benyon Godfrey Osei Sellars 5 Weston-super-Mare NLS 1-5 416 20 North Oshodi Brown Hill Day Wellard Whichelow Okimo Fitchett Ngamvoulou Mohammad Benyon Sellers O’Brien Green Godfrey 9 BOGNOR REGIS TOWN NLS 3-0 845 18 North Oshodi Sellers Brown Day Wellard Whichelow Okimo Fitchett Green Eisa Hill O’Brien Godfrey Osei Ngamvoulou 11 POOLE TOWN NLS 4-1 807 14 North Oshodi Sellers Hill Day Wellard Whichelow Okimo Fitchett Green Eisa Benyon O’Brien Godfrey Osei Ngamvoulou 16 FAVERSHAM TOWN FAC2QR 4-0 414 14 North Oshodi Sellers Hill Day Wellard Whichelow Okimo Fitchett Green O’Brien Benyon Eisa Ngamvoulou Williams Constable 23 Bath City NLS 0-0 645 18 North Oshodi Sellers Brown Day Wellard Whichelow Okimo Fitchett Green Eisa Benyon Williams O’Brien Cox Ngamvoulou 30 BURGESS HILL TOWN FAC3QR 0-1 590 20 North Cox Okimo Brown Day Wellard Ngamvoulou Williams Benyon Green Eisa Fitchett O’Brien Hippolyte-Patrick Hill Godfrey OCTOBER 7 WHITEHAWK NLS ------— 14 Chippenham Town NLS ------— 21 TRURO CITY NLS ------— PRE-SEASON RESULTS 2017/2018 28 Welling United NLS ------— NOVEMBER 4 Dartford NLS ------— July 4 Bedfont Sports (a) W 2-1 Eisa 2 7 HAYES & YEADING UTD MSC2R ------— July 8 Fulham (h) W 1-0 Kearney 11 HUNGERFORD TOWN NLS ------— July 11 Slough Town (a) D 2-2 Fitchett, Harwood 18 Oxford City NLS ------— July 18 Maidenhead Utd (h) 1-1 Green 25 (TO BE ADVISED) FAT ------— July 22 Reading (h) W 6-1 Benyon 2 (1pen), Eisa 2, Hippolyte-Patrick, Anastasiou DECEMBER 2 BRAINTREE TOWN NLS ------— July 29 Hitchin Town (a) W 4-2 Eisa, Tiryaki, Green, Fitchett 9 Concord Rangers NLS ------— 16 (TO BE ADVISED) FAT ------— 23 ST ALBANS CITY NLS ------— 26 Hampton & Richmond NLS ------— JANUARY 1 HAMPTON & RICHMOND NLS ------— 6 Havant & Waterlooville NLS ------— 13 GLOUCESTER CITY NLS ------— 20 Bognor Regis Town NLS ------— 27 WESTON-SUPER-MARE NLS ------— FEBRUARY 3 WELLING UNITED NLS ------— 10 Truro City NLS ------— 17 DARTFORD NLS ------— 24 Hungerford Town NLS ------— MARCH 3 OXFORD CITY NLS ------— 10 Braintree Town NLS ------— 17 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH NLS ------— 24 Chelmsford City NLS ------— 31 EAST THURROCK UNITED NLS ------— APRIL 2 Hemel Hempstead Town NLS ------— 7 BATH CITY NLS ------— 14 Poole Town NLS ------— 21 CHIPPENHAM TOWN NLS ------— 28 Whitehawk NLS ------—

Our club’s excellent progress on the pitch and ever increasing attendances mean we are now looking to strengthen our match- day support team. In particular, we are looking to add to our matchday steward team, with the possibility of gaining nationally recognised quali cations (such as Level 2 or 3 NVQ in Spectator Safety) through our partners Total Hospitality Training. You’ll be contributing to the progress of your club and learning transfer- rable skills in health and safety, security and customer services; while strengthening your CV at the same time. It doesn’t have to be every match, but it would be great if we could increase our pool of available people to ensure our specta- tors have an enjoyable matchday experience and enhance our club’s growing reputation for professionalism. If you’re interested to learn more about what is involved and how you can benefit, please speak to me. Steve Marshall, Matchday Operations Manager WORLD of BALL The column for Wealdstone fans to air their views on the wonderful world of football. (Email us to have your say.) What is it about failed England managers and Crystal Palace?

s the proverb Taylor, whose journey to says, old England the England hot seat also Amanagers never started in south London. die - they just go to the palace. Sadly, and Out of the frying increasingly inevitably, pan… that’s the palace of the Back when managing Crystal variety. Any the national side really ideas about a visit to was the top job, you the other one, like Alf hardly ever heard of the Gareth Southgate taps Ramsey made in 1967 incumbents once they up England players for to be decorated for his handed the gig to some- his future role back at Selhurst Park part in our finest football one else. Admittedly, Sir hour, drift further into Alf had one further tilt the realms of fantasy at management (well, of ruling oneself out of he had done at interna- with every tournament. two if you count him the running. Neither did tional level, but it started Sometimes it’s hard being parachuted into Ron Greenwood. Bobby a trend. Nowadays an not to imagine some Melchester Rovers while Robson did of course ex-England boss who sort of lay line between Roy Race was recover- return to his native doesn’t ply his trade in Selhurst Park and ing from his near death north east, but only after one of the top four divi- Wembley, such has experience). several years coaching sions is the exception been the recent traffic Even then, his other in Europe. not the rule. Apart from between the two. In the job (with Birmingham The first person to Fabio Capello, everyone half century since plain City, if you ever need make the leap directly from Terry Venables Mr Ramsey became Sir it in an episode of was Graham Taylor, onwards has had a go Alf, a further 13 men Pointless) was fully who pitched up at somewhere or other. have managed the Three three years after he Wolves after four largely So – why do they do it? Lions. In round figures, was sacked by England unsuccessful years with Here are a few theories. a third of them were and he called himself a England. The appoint- future managers, former consultant anyway. Don ment was a strange one 1) They are too managers or ex-players Revie never managed in in that he was asked to young to retire… of the Eagles. Including England again, although take a mediocre second In the case of Hodgson the last three appointees getting banned from the division outfit and make and Allardyce, nothing to the post. And that’s game for defecting to the them a force in the could be further from the before you factor in one United Arab Emirates game, which was the truth. Both left the Eng- time caretaker boss Peter is a fairly handy way exact opposite of what

Words: Steve Ducker

land job at an age when Sunderland, from the over Easter during a rel- spare moment I’d like they were more likely drop. Roy Hodgson did egation scrap and you’re to see them redraft the to be enjoying their the same with Fulham a shoo-in. England manager’s Freedom Pass than wor- and West Brom. The contract to include this rying about opponents next job they took after They want to get clause: enjoying the freedom of leaving England was the fans back on “I the undersigned the midfield. The idea with another struggling side – aka they promise that in the event of England managers side. Where’s the fresh have “unfinished of me screwing up this getting younger, even challenge there? You business”… job I will never again as it stood in 2012, is a can’t knock them for I’d love to know the manage in English myth anyway. It prob- going back to something thought process behind football no matter what ably takes root because they were good at, but this one. “Yes, I realise cushy short term club most people see their you can blame the FA I traumatised an entire number comes up.” first England action at an for their appointments nation with the Iceland And when the time age when everyone from and for creating an game, and we went out does come to replace kids in the year above environment in which at the group stage of a Gareth Southgate, I im- them at school upwards no English manager can World Cup with a game plore the FA to appoint looks ancient. Alf get anywhere near a top to spare. But if I get someone who’s removed Ramsey was 46 when club job. Palace to 17th, everyone by at least seven degrees England won the World Four of the first five will forget about it just of separation from Cup, a year younger England managers of my as I already have” - Selhurst Park. than Gareth Southgate lifetime were appointed seems to summarise it Because however is now. directly after leading from here. bad we were during their club side to one According to the law Hodgson’s last hurrah, They want a fresh of the top two positions of averages, England the idea of Alan Pardew challenge… in the old first division. will need a new manager doing his embarrassing Really? Sam Allardyce That was the standard. sometime in the next dad dance in the home made his name rescuing We will never see that four years. I know the technical area of Wem- nailed-on relegation again. These days, get a FA are a bit busy just bley really doesn’t bear candidates, notably couple of decent results now, but if they have a thinking about. WHITEHAWK FC The HAWKS WEALDSTONE’S RECORD v WHITEHAWK P 8 W 1 D 5 L 2 F 5 A 9

ounded in 1945 as relegated for a second time in ineligible player in substitute Bertie Whitehawk & Manor Farm 1976–77. This time they were to Foster and therefore Rye United Old Boys, the club joined spend four seasons in Division were awarded the trophy. Fthe Sussex County League in Two, before winning promotion as The Hawks were quietly fancied 1952–53 and after finishing champions in 1980–81. In 1983– to do well again in 2005–06 but third in their inaugural season, 84 Whitehawk won Division One could only manage 3rd place again were runners-up for three for the third time and enjoyed a behind champions Horsham YMCA successive seasons from good run in the FA Vase before and Ringmer. Having been stripped 1954–55, and never out of the losing at Corinthian Casuals in the of the League Cup the previous top five before changing their 4th Round. 1986–87 saw the season, their misfortune in cup name to Whitehawk FC in 1960. Hawks finish as runners-up to competitions continued as they In 1961–62 Whitehawk won the Arundel, whilst the club enjoyed by reached the Final again, and also the first of three Division One titles. far its best run in the FA Cup in RUR Charity Cup Final, but lost both, The following season the 1988–89, going out in the 4th to Shoreham and Hailsham Town competition was abandoned Qualifying Round to Bognor Regis respectively. due to bad weather, but 1963– Town after a replay, having Season 2006–07 began as a 64 the Hawks retained the previously drawn at Nyewood two-horse race in the eyes of most championship, finishing three Lane. 1993–94 was another good pundits with Eastbourne Town likely points clear of second-placed season for the club. Finishing the to be the club most likely to deprive Lewes. The next three seasons season once again as runners-up, Whitehawk of the championship. however, were nowhere near as this time to Wick; and also having Despite the Hawks taking four points successful, and the club found their best ever run in the FA Vase: from the two League encounters it itself relegated at the end of the reaching the 5th Round before was Town who prevailed by a single 1966–67 season, only to make going out of the competition to point as both finished the season an immediate return as Division Boston. Hawks won the Brighton strongly, hoping for the other to slip Two champions in 1968. Charity Cup for three consecutive up. That Whitehawk finished 11 seasons in the late 1990s. points clear of 3rd placed Arundel The next nine years saw Having only finished outside will have been of little consolation. It Whitehawk continue to compete in the top three once in the past five was a similar story in the domestic the top division, until they were seasons, the Hawks have now cup competitions as the Hawks were established themselves as the beaten once again in the Final of the ‘nearly’ club of the Sussex County RUR Cup, this time by Chichester League, a title that has also been City. extended to cup competitions. It was another hard-luck story in 2002–03 saw the club once again the FA Vase as well after Whitehawk finish in second place, this time to had fought their way to the quarter- runaway winners Burgess Hill finals and found themselves at home Town. A comparatively modest 8th to favourites Truro City. As 1,009 place followed the next season, spectators filled the Enclosed but in 2004–05 the Hawks Ground, Truro won through with a regained their position amongst controversial winner late in the game. the leading clubs in the League, However, the league title success finishing just a point behind that had previously eluded them, runners-up Rye & Iden United. finally came their way in season The two sides also met in the 2009–10 and with it, came promotion final of the John O’Hara League to the Division One Cup and the Hawks emerged as South for the first time. Season 4–3 winners. However, they were 2010–11 was their debut season at later found to have played an this level and despite being in the title TODAYS VISITORS race for the majority, had to the match 1–0 to earn a place The Enclosed Ground, but then settle for third place and with it, a in the final against Boreham won the second leg 2-1 in Kent, place in the the end-of-season Wood, who had finished second before eventually losing on play-offs. The play-off semi- in the league. The play-off final penalties after extra time. Pablo final ended in disappointment at Boreham Wood’s ground Asensio was appointed in May for the Hawks as after a 2–2 finished 1–1 in normal time 2016 as permanent manager on draw with Leatherhead at the but an extra time winner for a two-year contract, which was Enclosed Ground, the Surrey Wood denied the Hawks what followed by a complete overhaul side progressed at Whitehawk’s would have been their fourth of the playing staff for the start expense, courtesy of a penalty promotion in six seasons. of the new season. shoot-out. They completed Whitehawk completed the After a poor start to the a league and cup double the season with a 5–0 victory over 2016–17 season, with only following season (2011–12), Lewes at The Amex to lift the one win in eight games, The finishing as league champions Sussex Senior Cup. Hawks replaced Pablo Asensio and beating Crawley Down After a good start to the with former Eastleigh manager 2–1 in the Sussex Senior 2015–16 season, The Hawks Richard Hill. In Hill’s first week Cup. They were promoted to reached the first round proper of in charge he signed five former the Isthmian League Premier the FA Cup for the first time and Eastleigh players and a further Division. They had hoped to achieved national coverage with two on loan from his old club, play the 2012–13 season at a 5–3 victory against National before releasing seven Brazilian the Withdean Stadium but this League Lincoln City. In the players signed at the start of was blocked by the Football second round The Hawks drew the season, the following week. League. The club achieved 1–1 at League Two Dagenham After ten league games in back to back promotions in the & Redbridge, following a charge, five won and five lost, 2012-13 season after winning dramatic headed goal in added Hill left to join Aston Villa as a the Isthmian League Premier time by Jordan Rose, which was scout, with Director of Football Division. broadcast live by the BBC. In Alan Payne and player/assistant The Hawks struggled in their front of a record crowd of 2,174 manager Ben Strevens taking first season in Conference at the Enclosed Ground, The temporary charge of the first South with manager Darren Hawks lost the second-round team. Defender Paul Reid Freeman blaming the physical replay 2–3. To force the match then stepped up to assist Alan nature of some of the teams into extra time, Whitehawk Payne as joint player-manager in the league. After achieving again equalised dramatically in after Strevens returned to three promotions in four years, added time with a header, this Eastleigh. Payne and Reid Darren Freeman was sacked time by Juan Cruz Gotta. The were appointed joint managers in January 2014 and replaced whole match was broadcast live until the end of the season on by Steve King. King ensured on national TV by BT Sport. December 22nd but with the the Hawks retained their In February 2016, the club Hawks in the bottom three at place in Conference South parted company with Steve King the end of January, the club on a dramatic last day of the after picking up just 9 points advertised for a new manager, season at the Enclosed Ground from the previous 36 available, with Alan Payne in sole charge against Sutton United, with a a spell which also saw the of first-team matters prior to an late equaliser for the Hawks club fall from 3rd to 13th. appointment being made. Andy ensuring a 3–3 draw and an Pablo Asensio took over from Woodman was announced as even later penalty by Dover King as Caretaker Manager, the new permanent manager on Athletic relegating Hayes & reorganising the squad and 1st February 2017. Yeading instead. The club playing style to such an extent The Hawks endured a nightmare enjoyed their most successful that after drifting down towards 2016/17 season, with five season ever in 2014–2015, the relegation zone, The Hawks managers have a go at keeping finishing fourth in Conference finished the season in style, the Hawks National League South South and earning a place in reaching the play offs for the status intact - with Andy Woodman the play-off semi-finals against second season running, with eventually guiding them to safety. Basingstoke Town. After a 1–1 Asensio named manager of Jimmy Dack took over the reigns draw at the Enclosed Ground, the month for April 2016. In the in the summer but was replaced a tremendous strike from playoff semi-final against long by the returning Steve King earlier fans’ player of the year Jake time league leaders Ebbsfleet this month after a poor start to the Robinson in the second leg won United The Hawks lost 1-2 at season. WEALDSTONE v WHITEHAWK TAFFEL’S TRAVELS Fans being urged to sing by blokes with megaphones ..what’s that all about?

Stones fan ‘Ronnie Raffle’ The first thing that annoyed timed his Spanish break really BY JON TAFFEL me was however my seat. I badly, missing three home games. And we won them all... was in a section split by a tarmac at Gatwick waiting to transparent screen from the hree weeks ago I wit- find out when we might actu- main vocal part of the home nessed one of the great ally take off, then a twitter feed support behind the goal, capitulations of our time at showing instant videos of three including what they probably TWeston-super-mare. Welcome great goals against Bognor did call their Ultras. I couldn’t see to Wealdstone, Bobby - it was the trick for me. It’s a standard much of one goal at all - very a first-hand opportunity for the thing when missing a Weald- poor. My other half observed new gaffer to take on responsi- stone match: win and you’re the people at the front, on bility for the feelings of our loyal happy anyway, lose and you’re podiums, with microphones travelling supporters. happy that you couldn’t make and loudspeakers, with their Despite what some may it. I was absolutely delighted. backs to the pitch leading the think, we are on the whole a And so we moved on to the singing and chanting. There tolerant bunch, but what hap- Poole Town match on Monday. was a drum, obviously. “They pened in that second half in I was getting my football fix can’t see the match as they’re Somerset was sheer madness, at La Rosaleda, watching a facing the wrong way” she ex- one step beyond what can be bottom-of-the-table clash be- claimed. “Yes, they’re micro- tolerated, and the post-match tween Malaga and Las Palmas phone w******s” I responded. anger was more than justified. in La Liga... while glued to I first came across these I’d really been looking forward my phone, obviously. A very types in Brisbane in 2013, and to that game, to see first hand sociable hour to start, 9 p.m. they really are annoying. I read how the team under Bobby local time and still warm, and in a local paper later in the evolves, and hoping to catch his in real time 15 minutes behind week, that the Malaga “Ultras” first win before I disappeared on the Stones. Decent value I – known as ‘Fronte Bokeron’ holiday. It wasn’t to be, and so would say for a top flight game are unwanted by the club’s it was that I flew off to warmer at 20 Euros (not the cheap- wealthy Arab owner Abdullah climes, missing the trio of home est or most expensive in the Al Thani. In response, the Ul- matches v Bognor, Poole and stadium) - I couldn’t see the tras had originally planned to Faversham. point of paying more for a protest against this by remain- What a humdinger of a start game of no particular interest ing silent. If only! to a holiday! If anything can al- to me other than another tick Anyway, noticing some spare leviate the pain of sitting on the on the list. seats in a better location WEALDSTONE v WHITEHAWK TAFFEL’S TRAVELS

unused in the 1st half, we relocated at half time. First thing I noticed was that the scoreboard said it was 0-1. Well that was news to me! The visitors had apparently scored in the closing mo- ments of the 1st half to a deathly silence, any noise from the smattering of visiting fans perched in the top corner at the other end of the stadium inaudible. Either I was eying up my 2nd half seating options or more likely I was searching twitter trying to find videos of Whichelow and Eisa. @ Stonesgoalslive, @Syls- goalslive, where were you in Missed opportunity. All those discarded sunflower shells and my moment of need? the perfect receptacle perched on a seat just in front of Jon One of the reasons for my 2nd half seat choice was be- scored for Las Palmas, and having kittens about the mess cause I’d noticed a fairly large when Remy scored the late left behind: it seems com- gentleman in the front row and 3rd to seal victory, there was pulsory for 23,000 people to there were spaces behind him. mass exodus from the ground. spend 90 minutes grazing on He had been rather passionate A**e crack man left the scene sunflower seeds and spitting during the 1st 45 minutes, ges- with a further flurry of gesticu- the shells on the floor. ticulating wildly, and I wanted to lations and bile - the Malaga When I got back to our experience that passion. But I fans are not a happy lot at the holiday home, @fcvideo had got more than I bargained for; moment. kindly posted the Wealdstone whilst the view of the ground I was happy though. It was goals - a perfect ending to the was substantially improved, I a very enjoyable evening in a evening. also got a grandstand view of nice ground, and of course the Onto the following Saturday, the large passionate gentle- Stones had won again. Our and the Stones very kindly man’s a**e crack. If my other litter collector Bappo would be completed a trio of victories half wasn’t already enam- against Faversham, my oured by being dragged being away off to watch football on clearly a good holiday, this additional luck charm. view was perhaps the Having icing on the cake. been back As it was, the second for the games half was much improved at Bath and on a poor first 45. Mala- then Burgess ga quickly equalised, but Hill, I have still as the game wore on, it not witnessed was the visitors Las Pal- a Wilkinson mas who looked more Wealdstone win. dangerous, especially You’ll all be de- after the introduction of lighted to know French International and The Cup trip to Burgess Hill was a delightful that I am away former Premiership ‘star’ throwback to the 1970s when Jon got his again for today’s Loic Remy for his debut. nickname for parading the winning raffle num- visit of White- As a Jonathan, it was bers around the Lower Mead pitch. BHTFC had hawk, so victory nice that two Jonathans a ticket spinner similar to those halcyon days is assured! WEALDSTONE v WHITEHAWK REWIND>>>>>>>>>>>

Lee Chappell led the team to victory with sheer enthusiasm.... and a cracking free-kick Eight years ago: The day 10-man Stones overcame cocky Canvey Saturday October 3, way to his far corner ... 2009, Ryman League ON THIS DAY BY TIM PARKS and the Stones resolutely Prem: Wealdstone 1 clung on with keeper Canvey island 0 through on goal. Sean Thomas in fantastic ight years ago this week Stones had fantastic spirit form. saw the start of our sec- under skipper Lee Chappell, Wealdstone: Sean Thomas, ond season here at the though- and also a match win- Marvin McCoy, Lee Chappell, EVale and the club were really ner as the left back rifled in the Rob Fitzgerald, Alan Massey, growing into the place! only goal in the first half, Ryan Ashe, Kieron Forbes, The traditional slow start to attacking the Gun Turret end Chris O’Leary, Ross Lafayette, the league season had been (no new stand or even Couch Greg Ngoyi, Mark E’Beyer. overcome and Gordon Bartlett’s Corner in those days). His Subs used: Kenny During, side were up to second place 30-yard free kick beat Canvey Chris Ellerbeck, James Gray. in the fledgling table - and keeper James Russell all the N/u: Danny Spendlove, taking on the over- Luke Woods (GK) confident Canvey Attendance:435 Island side who were WHAT HAPPENED third. We’d not lost NEXT? Well, on the back since the second of this unexpected win game (a shock 2-0 we bounced into the 3rd reverse by Tooting Qualifying round of the & Mitcham) but it all FA Cup and absolutely looked up for us early smashed Lewes at the doors when defender Vale the following Sat- Rob Fitzgerald was urday. The Sussex side rightly sent off when were a division above dragging down the Celebration time: Stones’ Ross us at the time , in the Confer- lively Jay Curran as he was Lafayette (now at Sutton), Ryan ence South having just been Ashe and Chris O’Leary WEALDSTONE v WHITEHAWK REWIND>>>>>>>>>>>

to claim a draw. Ryan Ashe scored two cracking second a scare, being 2-0 down early half goals at the tea bar end relegated from the Confer- on. (not even a Bulla Stand in ence National. The club was That set up our home tie those days) as we exited 3-2. absolutely buzzing as we then with League One Rotherham Sadly though, we had a knocked Harrow Borough out of United here in Ruislip... the reaction from the cup and our the Trophy (after a replay) and club’s biggest game in over league form became patchy. won our FA Cup 4th qualifying 20 years, and one in which we We ended up just outside the tie at Aylesbury 4-2 - albeit after were desperately unlucky not play- offs in 6th place. 38 years ago: Our first big scalp in the APL after a draw at impressive Boston A bit of a cheat here as we lift the ‘Rewind” pages from our programme this week in 2009 (the day of the Canvey game mentioned overleaf). Well worth another look though!

Celebration time: Stones’ Ross Lafayette (now at Sutton), Ryan Ashe and Chris O’Leary WEALDSTONE v WHITEHAWK REWIND>>>>>>>>>>>

Many Stones fans of a certain age cite thr trip to Boston Unit- ed’s York Street ground for this APL Cup tie as the moment they realised our club had hit the ‘big time’. Their stadium, with four sides under cover and two vast seated stands, was the best in non- League football and better than many Football League grounds.

Left and above: the programmes for both matches. Boston’s was much more stylish! WEALDSTONE v WHITEHAWK REWIND>>>>>>>>>>>

Tuesday October 7 1986, GM Vauxhall Conference: Wealdstone 3 Welling United 1 Tuesday night fixture under the Lower Mead Alights and a game that even at this early stage of the season was described as a six pointer. Welling were poor and Wealdstone were on their downward trajectory from league Young Paul Miller (ringed) with Wimbledon’s victorious champions to relegation in the FA Cup-winning squad two years later. Vinny Jones is space of three years but it was three to his right, next to John Fashanu a vital game as the Stones sought to put their slow start to the season behind them. We were still fairly solid 31 years ago: A young defensively but creativity and goals were the problem - so much so that young Paul Miller was brought in on loan from striker on loan from Wimbledon to help the cause, making his debut off the bench in this game. He gave us a bit more pace Wimbledon saved our up top which had been sorely missing since Alan Cordice was sidelined with injury (and never skin.. for one season played consistently again) and of course Mark Graves, who was still a reliable finisher BY GORDON MCKAY but his final league tally of 12 ON THIS DAY probably more than anything underlined that we just weren’t creating chances. Miller certainly made a differ- ence on this particular evening as he constantly stretched the overworked Welling defence after coming on as sub for the strapping Steve Ragan - level- ling the score after 79 minutes and then having a hand as Graves netted twice to frustrate Welling. The resultant 3-1 win sent the majority of the 607 crowd home happy. In fact Miller and Graves CONTINUED OVERPAGE