BEARING THE BRUNT Stones’ Michael Phillips The OFFICIAL AWARD-WINNING was a magnificent stand-in MATCHDAY PROGRAMME centre-back at Bath City mighty, mighty £3 on Saturday, coming out on top in his physical THE LINE-UPS tussle with the abrasive V Ryan Brunt (right) WEALDSTONE EASTBOURNE PICTURE: courtesy ROYAL BLUE/AMBER ALL RED of @yuffie_c ity STONES G Harvey Isted G Tom Hadler Michee Efete Tobi Adebayo-Rowling 2019-20 William Edjenguélé Kristian Campbell Billy Clifford Kane Wills Connor Stevens Kiran Khinda-John Jerome Okimo © Manny Adebowale Michael Phillips Jack Jebb Mike West Ross Lafayette Nicky Wheeler Danny Green Charlie Walker Dennon Lewis Connor Smith Dean Cox Jacob Mendy Mendy Ayman Gharbaoui Dejon Noel-Williams Sergio Torres Fumnaya Shomotun Ian Gayle Herschel Watt G Scott Chalmer-Stevens Afolabi Coker Ashley Charles G Jonathan North G Lewis Everett REFEREE Phillip Staynings ASSISTANTS Jonathan Bolland & Thomas Holden OBSERVER Douglas Douglas MATCH SPONSOR Emin Alibey and family NEXT HOME GAMES v WELLING UNITED (Vanarama ) Saturday December 21, KO 3pm v ST ALBANS CITY (Vanarama National League League sponsors South) Saturday December 28, KO 3pm v SLOUGH TOWN (Vanarama National League South) Wednesday January 1, 2020 KO 1pm Main club sponsor: @wealdstonefc WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BORO Main club sponsor: @wealdstone Vanarama National League South, footballclub Tuesday 10 December 2019, 7.45pm WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH BY MARK HYDE LEAGUE STANDINGS / FIXTURES

FOR ALL FIXTURE NEWS WWW.WEALDSTONEFC.COM elcome to Grosvenor Vale this floodlighting or power in the stadium. evening for our National League Following this dissapointment UK Power South meeting with Eastbourne were on site for 12 hours on Sunday and a WBorough. further 12 hours on Monday. The problem HOME AWAY Also for the second time in a little over a was a blown power cable under the month we extend a very warm welcome to pavement outside one of the houses about our visitors, their management team, 50 yards from our entrance where water WELLING UNITED SLOUGH TOWN officials, players and supporters. We hope had found it`s way in to the cable. Power Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South you enjoy your brief stay with us and that was finally restored and the floodlights up Saturday 21st December, 3pm Thursday 26th December, 1pm you manage to see some football on this and running at 6-45pm on Monday evening. occassion. In total 7 holes were dug in the pavements Many of you will be aware that our and the problem was finally found between St ALBANS CITY OXFORD CITY scheduled game against Eastbourne on the hole 6 & 7 mid afternoon on Monday. Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South 9th of November was postponed due to a Please enjoy your evening power supply issue that resulted in no Mark Saturday 28th December, 3pm Saturday 4th January, 3pm STONES ON THE ROAD BATH CITY 0 - 0 WEALDSTONE SLOUGH TOWN BILLERICAY TOWN Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South Saturday 7th December 2019 Dennon Lewis in the 39th minute, but Ryan Nicole Cho-Yee Reports. Clarke was quick off of his line to gather for Wednesday 1st January, 1pm Tuesday 7st January, 7.45pm the Romans. The highly anticipated clash of the On the stroke of half-time, Wealdstone CHELMSFORD CITY HAVANT & W’LOOVILLE heavyweights ended in a goalless draw were close to seizing the lead, as Jacob Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South between the Stones and the Romans, as Mendy latched onto a loose ball and drove the visitors claimed a well-deserved point a low effort on target, prompting Clarke to Saturday 11th January, 3pm Saturday 18th January, 3PM and clean sheet away from home. make an awkward save. Dean Brennan made one change to the After a goalless first half, the Stones Vanarama National League South - Table @ 7th December starting line-up which defeated Concord resumed the second half in a determined Rangers last week, with midfielder Billy fashion, with Michee Efete bursting down the Clifford replacing defensive stalwart Connor right wing to whip in a teasing cross, which Stevens, who was unavailable due to rebounded off of the crossbar, in the 50th suspension. minute. The Stones were close to taking the lead Five minutes later, Wealdstone were in sublime style in the 4th minute, when Jack again close to assuming the lead, as Phillips Jebb’s corner to the far post found Michael released Mendy down the right wing, where Phillips, who headed down to William he cut inside and struck a shot which rolled Edjenguele; he then attempted a fantastic agonisingly past the far post. acrobatic bicycle kick, which looped just over As the second half progressed, the match the crossbar. began to become more open and stretched, The opening period of the match was fairly with end-to-end action, as both sides pressed tight and even, with neither side able to gain for a coveted goal to break the deadlock. ascendancy; nor dominate possession or In the 75th minute, the Romans were close proceedings. to taking the lead as Adam Mann struck a The Romans first real threat on goal came brilliant first-time volley, which dipped just in the 29th minute, as Noah Chilvers surged over the crossbar. through to the edge of the box and fired a Another quick counter attack by the hosts fierce shot, which narrowly blazed over the in stoppage time saw Chilvers cut side and crossbar. fire from the left-hand side of the box, but his As half-time approached, the Stones effort flew past the far post. began to generate a few more cohesive and The match finished in a stalemate, with fluid passages of play, with Jebb playing a both teams cancelling each other out, as delightful defence-splitting through ball to defence prevailed. increase ourhomecrowds! and bringalongoneortwonewsupporters (family&friends)toafewmatcheshelp try all let’s please and possible as ways many as Teamthe in support Club really and to fans amazing our all encourage I may and together forward more to continue let’s Please and theBoard. Rory to and team the Stuart, Dean, to go must credit much so and games 15 after position always traveltoawaymatchesinsuchlargenumbers.We findourselvesinagreatleague who supporters amazing most the with Club Football Special very a is Wealdstone Travel.Sport Go Watfordand including clients of number a with working and Rickmansworth in based business Consultancy Sports own my up set to 2018 in August them the left I at Arsenal. Manager Corporate Account Senior a as years great 13 spending before WatfordFC, at Manager Development Business became then I Stones. The covered which Weekly Sport launch All onto moving before group, Newspaper Informer the for sales in Advertising started career My as possible. the yearsIClub,tryingtogetoverGrosvenor Valehave followed forasmanygames over and mates my with Mead Lower at Wealdstone watching started I child a as Harrow I HELP REQUIRED Furtherthankstoourballdonorstheever todays Game. sponsoring Thanks alsotoEmin Alibey andfamily for your briefstaywithus. players andsupporters.We hopeyouenjoy visitors theirmanagementteam,officials, We extendaverywarmwelcometoour Eastbourne Borough. W please E-mailclubPresident If you wouldlikemoredetailsortodiscusstheposition sponsors andguestsoftheBoardDirectors. our importantrelationswithmatchday help develop involvedinthecluband position isafantasticwaytobecome W RAY CORNER&PETER CARTER BALL DONORS EMIN ALIBEY &FAMILY MATCH SPONSORS Born in North London, soofcourseI BorninNorthLondon, becameamassive Arsenal fan,aftermovingto friends ! and family my with Sponsor Match today’s as FC Wealdstone support to delighted am League South meeting with afternoon for our National elcome to Grosvenor Vale this Operating in the roll of sponsor and guest liaison this Operating intherollofsponsorandguestliaison matchday hospitality team. e arelooking for avolunteerto join our amazing WEALDSTONE Paul Rumensat v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH

[email protected] Enjoythegame this veryprogramme. requirements, canbefoundinthepagesof which canbecustomisedtoyourindividual packages, details ofalloursponsorship we remaincompetitiveonthepitch.Full We continuetolookforsponsors ensure hospitality. We hopeyouallenjoyyourdayof generous RayCornerandPeterCarter.

BY MARK HYDE BY MARK

Emin Mark

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WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 9th NOVEMBER 2019

eflecting on the month of October I and they have had a change of manager feel that we have done really well to in recent weeks, there’s no doubt that their win both league games, Chelmsford players will be right up for the game today. RCity away and Tonbridge Angels at home We have to continue to take it one game at a especially after our defeat at home to time, we have to make sure we keep setting Havant & Waterlooville. Most pleasing the tone with our work ethic and earn the for me is the response from the Havant right to play our attack minded football. defeat which has seen us take 7 points There are no easy games in our division and from the 9 available. our players know what is expected of them. We had a decent cup run to help raise Get right behind the lads again today, we some much needed coppers for the pot want to make the vale our hostile fortress. and personally I learned so much from both Maidenhead games. Yes we were very Together we are Wealdstone unlucky not to win the first game, but in the

2nd game we learned that the detail and Dean preparation Maidenhead brought into the replay was the difference for their victory. They had different set pieces and played with a different formation, with two runners from midfield and they trained Monday and Tuesday morning. We gave a good account of ourselves and refereeing decisions didn’t appear to go our way. In the cup you always need that slight bit of luck. Last week we travelled to Dorking Wanderers and our supporters were amazing. You guys sang loud and proud and I know our players appreciate your positive support. On the pitch it www.wealdstone-fc.com was a very entertaining game, Dorking are a good footballing side with a very ambitious owner. Before the game we would have been happy with a point with the amount of injuries and suspensions we had, but from the position we found ourselves in at halftime we should have killed off the game. We new the next goal was incredibly important and we had two glorious opportunities to get it before Dorking got a goal back. All in all I felt a draw was a fair result for both teams and we will respect the point and move onto the next game. Today we host Eastbourne Borough

www.wealdstone-fc.com FROM NEWS THE CLUB AT LATEST IN MEMORIAM LEST WE FORGET TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE REPRESENTATIVES s many of you will know, over recent in the early 1900’s, prior to joining the club. OF WEALDSTONE FOOTBALL CLUB seasons a great deal of research Indeed, the family had no idea that he had WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN TWO WORLD WARS. has been completed to identify played for either side! Aand detail as much as possible about A little later an email appeared forwarded those representatives of Wealdstone I think by Fingers from a lady that had been 1914 - 1918 FC that lost their lives in the two world in touch with the club. Steph Dimmock had FRANK TINGAY MARTIN wars. This culminated in an insert in found the Wealdstone history on the website DoB --.12.1888 in Harrow. Kiilled in Action the programme for the Remembrance and found the remembrance details from on 30th July 1915 at Hooge, near Ypres, weekend match in 2017 and last season, PERCIVAL ANDREWS 1917 when the booklet was produced, and in Belgium. as part of the 100 Years Ceremony when particular having interest in Percival Andrews. DoB 28.04.1889 in Hendon, Middlesex. Died the new Wealdstone FC War Memorial was on 4th May 1918, aged 29 in 30 General Steph’s grandmother was Percival’s niece, JAMES J ROBERTSON unveiled in the clubhouse. Hospital, Calais, France. though she knew very little about him as she (Incorrectly recorded by the club as It had been intended that this would see was born in 1935, many years after he had Robertson G). DoB unknown. Died of CHARLES JOHN FRANCIS the end of the research and in future years been killed. I was happy to send them copies wounds received aged 30, on 16th August BELLCHAMBERS the club would revert to a simple memorial of press cuttings and his Obituary from the 1918 at Vignacourt. DoB 16.09.1882 in Hendon, Middlesex. Died list, to pay our respects, however a couple of Harrow Observer and also a picture of his as a result of his wounds received at the contacts have been made in the last year that gravestone from the Les Baraques Military Battle of Poelcapelle, on 11th October 1917, I think are worthy of sharing as an update. Cemetery in Sangatte, France. These, along aged 35 1939 - 1945 After the game last year, I was in the with the other details added to the family clubhouse watching people looking at the knowledge of their ancestor. They were also CHARLES HENRY BIRD Memorial Panel when I was approached by able to correct a century old error in that none other than Charlie Townsend and his the Harry O had named Percival’s brother DoB -.-.1894. Died of wounds received in the KENNETH GEORGE EDWIN BALDWIN final advance with his unit in Picardy, at the wife, Margaret. They spoke about one name as Thomas when in fact it was Herbert! Our DoB -.01.1920. Killed in Action on 28th on the memorial, that of Fred Farmborough, records have also been updated! battle of Mons between 17th October and March 1945, during Operation Plunder, Rhine 11th November 1918. the former player (albeit with only one More recently, in fact a month or so ago, crossings first team appearance among a handful of Sateesh Khanna copied me in on an email HENRY (HARRY) JAMES BOWELL reserve appearances around 1900) who had from Vikki Griffin. The gist of the mail was DoB -.04.1878. Killed in action on 27th ROBERT WILLIAM BIDEWELL been ‘found’ and added to the new memorial, that Vikki had been told by her mum that September 1915. DoB--.09.1919 in Watford, Herts. Killed in having not appeared on the original. It “Uncle Walter used to play for Wealdstone Action aged 25 on 25th September 1944 in turned out that Fred was in fact a relative (if before World War One but he was killed in RUSSELL WILLIAM BRADBERRY Holland I remember correctly Grandfather) to Charlie the war”. Happy to help once again, I was DoB -.10.1884. Died of fever in Rouen and in their own family research, they had able to provide the two articles in which Hospital on 3rd December 1917 aged Died CHARLES EDWARD BUNCE recently found his name on the Wealdstone Uncle Walter had featured on the preceding War Memorial tower in the town. What they Remembrance matches, and I also filled 03/12/1917 Age 33. DoB --.--.1913 in St Albans, Herts. died as hadn’t been aware of through the family in what we know about Walter Langston a Prisoner of War of the Japanese on 25th was his appearance for the club! Indeed, Howman and his playing career (81 known WILLIAM HENRY COZENS June 1943. DoB -09.1877 in Fulham, London. Killed in another Farmborough that had also played appearances and 16 goals despite being Action on 21st March 1918 aged 41 in the for the club a little later is another of Charlie’s profoundly deaf) and I was also able to send Battle of St Quentin WILLIAM AINSLEY BURTON. relatives! some further details and press cuttings about A civilian killed as a result of enemy action. Along similar lines, I received an email him and his brother who was also wounded FREDERICK FARMBOROUGH from Colin Ward who had picked up on a in the war. Their sister, ‘Nanny Louie’ is DoB - - c1881. Killed in action 12th October WILLIAM WILFRED PARR piece in the local paper when I said it would Vikki’s Great Grandmother, and Grandma 1916 in an attack on Baghdad. DoB --.--.1916. Killed in Action on 8/03/1942 be good to find any living relatives of those who remembers Walter’s brother Harold is aged 26. that had fallen. He got in touch as Henry now 93! GEORGE RICHARD (DICKY) GOODEGE James Bowell (known as Harry and often ROGER SLATER (Incorrectly recorded by the club originally as recorded with the surname Bowells also) ERNEST WILLIAM WALKER Goodage R) DoB -.-.1888. Killed in Action on was one of those named. He had married in DoB --.--.1920. Killed at Sea 3rd August 1944 They shall grow not old, as we 22nd November 1915 aged 27 1910 to Ellen May Corke, who was Colin’s that are left grow old: when HMS Quorn was sunk by a human mother’s aunt! He was able to provide a WALTER LANGSTON HOWMAN torpedo number of details about Henry including his Age shall not weary them, nor the DoB -.04.1885, Killed in Action on 19th work at David Allens print works which later years condemn. August 1916 while serving with the 1st THOMAS WILLIAM WINTERBOTTOM became part of Her Majesties Stationary At the going down of the sun and Middlesex in the region of High Wood on The DoB --.--.1924 (incorrectly recorded by the Office. What I was able to tell him was that in the morning Somme club as Winterbotham, W.) Killed in action on Henry had also played for Allens Athletic who We will remember them. were o0ften opponents of Wealdstone FC 28th March 1944. WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH BY SUDHIR RAWAL ELMSLIE ENDER

record. Until halftime, the win was certainly overhanging roof made it an iconic place on and Dejon looking quite mustard in front to watch football from. Atmospheric and of goal giving us a two goal lead! The crucial foreboding to opponents; it’s yellow and blue moments came just after half time when we sign hanging from the centre of the stand probably had three good chances to finish was responsible for many a banged head the game off, but having not taken any of when a goal was scored. On the Last Day it them, Dorking came much more into the was taken off its hinges and paraded around game. the pitch whilst the game was still going I would argue that there was a foul all day on! Anyway, the sign was housed and then on Watts just before their first taken around our various goal, but from there on in, it groundsharing arrangements was almost all Wanderers until it was destroyed during and we could have easily lost ‘The old and the a mysterious fire at the White the game but for some fine Lion Ground. Probably the keeping from the Ox. Dorking’s new, bonded most iconic symbol of Lower pristine new ground is a rather Mead lost forever. We have strange experience. It felt more now seen the old Supporters’ like being at a rugby match together to Club shop sign, the actual rather than a football ground original sign, restored to the www.wfcmegastore.co.uk with it being obvious that a represent how Club Shop after nearly thirty number of their supporters years and there is a project Back after his extended break EE were new to football. Some to recreate the old EE sign stayed at the wrong end far we have and restore it to a part of the even. It was all rather muted Vale. The old and the new, to be honest especially when come’ bonded together, to represent catches up.... how far we have come since they scored apart from the music being played and the dark days of losing Lower t has been a while. Sunday morning time to keep away from TV this weekend. the scoreboard flashing away. The whole Mead, ground sharing around hangovers or weekends away have Wasn’t Maidenhead the perfect example of experience a little too antiseptic and the southwest Hertfordshire and Middlesex. meant that the keyboard hasn’t been how segregation can cause more problems ground clearly needs work on it to improve liquidators sell it off, probably to property Ibashed much of late, but EE is back than it solves? There has been no history of the supporter experience but the welcome developers, to pay off creditors .Without for another instalment. There are a few problems between both sets of supporters, was warm and the brouhaha about their a stadium, a home, as we all well know, a games to catch up on since I last wrote. I quite the opposite in fact. Yet, in the second stewarding had clearly been worked on, as football club is listless and a wandering soul suspect Maidenhead was covered in the half of the first game, with both sets of they were pretty much hands off throughout deprived of the love of its family/community. Tonbridge prog, but another 4Q departure supporters next to each other, the bravado the game. And Dorking is a lovely town. For the moment we can sympathise with the had the same cruel storyline as the last and stupidity that fences bring was for all to This article is named, much like the Bury fans. We have been pretty close to the few have. We tend to get relatively easy show. No segregation, our fans would have fanzine was before, after the great Elmslie fate that has befallen them in the past. draws until the 4Q and then get drawn been at the other end of the ground. End at Lower Mead. It’s wooden terracing against a Conference National side. I’ll ignore the Mickey Mouse county game, and high corrugated iron backing and Sud Dagenham were top of the National; and but against Tonbridge we got the show back

MAGAZINES AT THE WFC MEGASTORE: THE MEGASTORE: WFC AT MAGAZINES as for Sutton some still haven’t recovered on the road with a win, but a performance from with us being a penalty kick away that, for those that were there, appeared to from the 1st round proper in injury time be our worst of the season. Well that’s what only to lose in the same added time! the forum said. A sign of a good team is not Maidenhead were there for the taking in to play well and still win, I suppose. the first game at York Road. We dominated Last week we travelled to newly promoted but the lack of being clinical in both boxes Dorking Wanderers and their shinny new, lead to the over 400 Stones fans settling for county funded football ground. Stones were a draw. Monday’s draw dangled the carrot down to the bare bones and I suspect most ELMSLIE ENDER ENDER ELMSLIE but as you see more often than not, the lower of us would have taken a draw at the start of ranked side’s best opportunity is the first the game, with four starters missing and the game and we were comprehensively beaten bench looking a little threadbare. A win would in the replay. Whilst Maidenhead aren’t a have been a statement of intent to others live game, they have been selected to host that despite the missing players, we could

FIND OLD MotD and extended highlights as well, so still turnover a side that had a strong home ANDREW FRENCH WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 09.11.2019

made! Also, it was a friendly place, somewhere I was welcomed very quickly. I remember dealing with the FanLet’s be honest, in the Stand likes of Hughie Marshall, Peter the two years Braxton, the lovely Couch brothers, Graham that I covered Smith and, of course, Brian Hall. the Stones at I really liked Brian, and I respected what he had Watford were achieved with the Stones in the not great.. years before I covered the club. Proud Dad: Andrew with his I always explain to boys Liam (left) and Aidan but I’ll never my sons that had it happened a few thought relegation was an issue. Until years later, Weald- the New Year. We only won two league

or come and see me (Tim in the ground. The more the merrier! Parks) forget them stone would have games in the first three months of 1992, Today’s FiS is not just The Stones line-up at Vicarage Road in 1991 with boss been in the football and the death spiral started. We failed any Stones follower. Brian Hall and Dennis Byatt in the back row league and lauded to score in six of the last 12 league games, and suddenly that first season Andrew French was the team whose results I look for. I as double winners young and fresh-faced thanks to Brian’s achievements. at Vicarage Road was going to be re- follow the Twitter feeds. And I membered for all the wrong reasons. Watford Observer reporter regale my two teenage sons, who So it was a shame to watch that 91/92 I used to speak to Brian at least once (right) tasked with are at today’s game with me, with season because it was apparent from way covering Wealdstone during a week on the phone, as well as after [email protected] stories from those two seasons. out that Brian was not going to come close to the club’s ill-fated (and ruin- every game, and I could tell how much Let’s be honest, it wasn’t a great achieving those heady days. ously expensive) groundshare it hurt him. I also used to travel on the couple of years no matter how you look It was a very mixed squad – for every with Watford FC for two years team bus to some away games, and to at it. And for those loyal Stones fans who Neil Cordice there was a David Gipp - and between 1991 and 1993. We still look say some of the players didn’t share his had seen Lower Mead disappear, watch- although Brian shuffled the pack, the team back fondly on his efforts to give the depth of passion for the cause would be ing their team anywhere else was never was on a downwards trajectory. We started Stones comparable column inches with a fair assessment. going to be suitable. The fact they ended pretty well to be fair, and I remember a really the Hornets. Andy is here today with his Behind the scenes things were unrav- up ground sharing with Watford at a Vicar- comprehensive 6-2 win at Corby quite early teenage sons, with the club in a much elling as well. I’d met Alan Clifton at a age Road stadium - which was sort of half on with Mark Hopson starring. healthier position.... game at Lower Mead before the move developed and half still in the early 1900s I recall thinking we looked very mid-table, to Vicarage Road, and as a 20-year-old as it really more than 28 years ago - was a pretty soulless experience. able to turn it on and beat most teams but cub reporter I found him a bit intimidat- that I started two very memorable also equally capable of putting in an absolute But what I learned very quickly was that ing. He was always very pleasant to seasons (not always for the best stinker. There was an away defeat at Dover Wealdstone and their fans are unlike most me, but I felt there was a side to his Wreasons) of covering Wealdstone for the towards the end of September where I think other clubs I have encountered, both at Watford Observer?! character I didn’t want to discover. professional and non-league level. I’m sure we didn’t register a goal attempt and after However, he moved on and I remem- I’ve got married, had two sons and am everyone says that about every club, but losing 3-0 Brian met the players at the door of ber David Pollock becoming chairman. I on my fifth job since then! But from 1991 I genuinely believe it. I was amazed when the dressing room in an absolute rage, telling got on well with David, a very approach- onwards, Wealdstone (or Weald-stun as I went to the first few away games in the them to get their clothes and get straight on able man who helped me understand TV reporters seem to think, don’t get me 1991/92 season and saw how many Stones the bus. started…) has been one of ‘my teams’. A fans travelled – and how much noise they CONTINUED OVERPAGE Would you like to be a ‘Fan in the Stand’? Send an email to be a ‘Fan to like you Would Yet, despite the inconsistency, I never ANDREW FRENCH CONTINUED WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 09.11.2019 some of the machinations of what was hap- ‘Oh, he’s here again, the man with a forest pening away from the pitch. I do remember up his nose’ to the tune of Kate Bush’s The why I’m writing this and how I came thinking he had a much posher voice than Man With a Child in his eyes…. to be here at the game today. If you’re reading this, you don’t need most non-league officials I’d encountered as e started the season by being me to tell you what a character well! thumped at home by Margate (am Paul is, or how much he loves the Before the start of the 1992/93 season, I right in thinking their support- club. Suffice to say I thoroughly Brian departed and Dennis Byatt stepped Wers are the absolute antithesis of Stones enjoyed working with Paul, and he into the manager’s chair. Of course, Dennis fans?!) but after that we looked pretty became well known to a few of my is a legend of that double-winning side, but I decent. Watford Observer colleagues too only knew him as a coach and then man- There was the affable Dermot Drummy – most notably the late and great ager. He was a top bloke. More light-hearted – taken far too soon – in midfield and then Simon Ricketts, who came to a than Brian but no less passionate and also a up front we had probably my favourite couple of games that season and bit more open and forthcoming. player of my period covering the club: Dave got a love for the club and non- Having had a season where I’d done Venables. I loved the way he approached league football generally. The 1992-93 season kicked off with a 4-1 home a lot of travelling on the team bus (not a games – lively, pacy, alert and willing to defeat by Margate... another season to forget We used to refer to Paul as place to be after a bad away defeat with run. We also had Drax – Johnson Hippolyte ‘Rocking Rumens’ (I’m not sure Brian Hall in a right mood but a couple – who was probably more agricultural he knew that) after several very wild of players laughing when he was deliver- in style than Venables but was effective of Communications at Watford. That nights out at Sterlings, a club he owned in ing a ranting review of the game in the nonetheless. meant travelling home and away with Northampton, which then finished at his rather gangway between the seats), I began to the players which, as you imagine, A seven-game unbeaten run in the swish house. What happened in travel to away games with fans I’d got to was a dream come true for a fan. I league with Venables and Hippolyte spear- Sterlings stayed in Sterlings, enough said. know. As I said before, I really liked Weald- heading things had the Stones right in the was on the pitch when we won the ’m pretty sure we were still well in the pro- stone’s fans. Proper football people. I’m very mix. During that run there was also a night 1999 Championship Play-Off Final at motion hunt at the end of the year but, as bad with names these days but the likes of I recall very fondly: a 2-0 FA Cup replay win Wembley, and then had the experience in the previous season, the Stones came Pete Worby, Roger Slater, Sudhir Rawal and away at Wivenhoe. As I said, my memory of behind a club official during Watford’s Idown with the Christmas decorations in Janu- Layne Patterson jump straight to my mind. isn’t good anymore but I seem to remem- first season in the . We ary. Only five league defeats by December 31, I’m pretty sure Worby led me astray as I ber us being a goal up through Drax but finished bottom by some way but I’d not but 12 more in the New Year. don’t think most journalists headed for the were really hanging on. Drax then scored have swapped that season of personal pub nearest to the away ground that served again, and there were proper limbs in the April was particularly bad, no wins, 13 goals experiences for anything. I stayed in good real ale, and then loaded up before away end (by now I’d started watching conceded and there was a 5-1 defeat at Fare- touch with Graham Taylor right up until dashing into the stadium as close to kick-off games with the fans, and my celebrations ham Town which sticks in my mind as being his untimely death, a wonderful man I as possible…. were halted when a flying arm whipped my one of the worst afternoons during a two-year counted as a friend. I spent three sea- spell when there were quite a few games that sons doing a similar job at Charlton (but

I may be wrong, but was there also a guy glasses off and they broke on the floor). [email protected] were readily forgettable. commuting from Hertfordshire to Kent called Forest? He always carried a plastic That run in the FA Cup (the Stones bag with contents unknown, and was greet- version of the Only Way is Essex as we We finished mid-table and on reflection, we each day nearly killed me, ed from the terraces with a chorus of beat Tiptree, Witham were exactly that – very mid-table. literally), and since then I’ve worked in and Wivenhoe) may also It had become obvious that the groundshare the gambling industry and I’m now Head was not going to be viable and by the end of of PR and Communications for Butlin’s have turned the season the season we knew the Stones were on the (yes I get cheap holidays, no I don’t get One shining light for the sparse fans: David negatively as I remember a Redcoat). Venables, who went on to play for the England we were drawn at home move again. That meant I would no longer be non-League team after signing for Stevenage to Dagenham and Red- writing match reports but I was determined to Today is my first Stones game in I bridge of the Conference. stay in touch. don’t know how long, and certainly the They gave us a 6-1 whip- I made one very brief but memorable ap- first for my two boys. I’m delighted, ping and I’m pretty sure pearance for the supporters team (I came on they’re excited and I really hope we see we weren’t the same as sub and my first ‘touch’ was somewhere a thumping win for Dean and the boys. after that. between the opposition full-back’s knee and So if you’re at today’s game and you Behind the scenes I’d thigh. The referee booked me but didn’t need see a tall, dapper, hirsute chap, that now met Paul Rumens, to ask my name as he was still writing it down won’t be me – but keep an eye out for another Wealdstone from when I came on). a baldy with a middle-aged spread and stalwart who I have I saw watch quite a few games at Yeading glasses which aren’t broken whose two stayed friends with, and got to know Fred Callaghan pretty well, kids might be helping him out of the albeit from a distance, but then I changed jobs, leaving the Watford car, and feel free to say hello. Up the in the years since. He’s Observer to become Graham Taylor’s Head Stones. in the Stand’? Send an email to be a ‘Fan to like you Would

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH

recreation ground football to the pinnacle of seasons until April 2017 – a phase of mid-table non- League, the Conference Premier. stability in the National South. Equally The 2008/2009 season was another step important, the club’s infrastructure was into the unknown for the club, with the opening strengthening, with conversion to a ounded as Langney Football Club in crucial decisions in the club’s history: the Premier xture a home game with Rushden & Community Interest Club, the opening of an 1965, the club initially joined the change of name to Eastbourne Borough FC. Diamonds. Any doubts re: competitiveness of Academy, and a splendid new 3G pitch Eastbourne & District Football Stalwarts had their reservations, but the new the squad, infrastructure of the club, the installed at Priory Lane. We have spent half a FLeague. The team played on local name re ected the club’s status as approach to only segregate when deemed century building – building teams, building recreation grounds before moving to ambassadors for the whole town, and not only appropriate, or the support of the Eastbourne facilities, building friendships – and our Prince’s Park, near the Eastbourne sea- the original Langney. But to loyal supporters, public were dispelled by the end of the day. proudest achievement of 2017/18 was the www.wfcmegastore.co.uk front. By 1973/74 the club had scaled the we are and always will be still The Sports! Notable results during the season included a National League award as Community Club of Eastbourne & Hastings League, and was Season 2002 saw the club win the Sussex double over Forest Green Rovers, a home win the Year. On the pitch, Tommy moved on and beginning to look for a future beyond Senior Cup for the rst time, beating the over ex-league club York City, success over Jamie Howell was appointed manager ahead parks football. “They’ll never be more than holders Lewes 2-1, and within two seasons Wrexham and an incredible 4-0 win at Woking. of the 2017/18 season. Jamie left the club in a parks team!” was the infamous comment there was further promotion to the Dr Martens The season proved to be most rewarding with February 2019 on the back of a poor run of of one very senior offcial in Sussex Premier Division. Within another year Borough an impressive mid-table nish, amongst the form after a good start to the 2018/19 season, football – but they proved him wrong.... were elevated to the newly inaugurated ‘giants’ of the non- league game. and Mark McGhee was appointed as interim In 1983 Langney Sports were elected as a Conference South. 2009/10 was a tough season after a bright manager. Under the former Scotland Assistant founder member of Division 3 of the Sussex 2004/05 proved to be a most successful start, AFC Wimbledon and eventual FA Trophy Manager, the Sports secured their National County League, and swiftly moved up through season as Eastbourne Borough reached the winners Barrow were defeated at Priory Lane. League South status ahead of 2019/20. the divisions, rarely nishing outside the top Play-O Final. Over 1,000 Borough supporters But a three and a half months drought for a The Sports enter the new season with a four in Division One, and respected as a force made the 500-mile round trip to Stoke City for league victory left the Sports needing victory new gure at the helm, with former Havant & to be reckoned with. Finally after some close- the North v South Final against Altrincham, but over champions Oxford United in the nal Waterlooville boss named the run campaigns, the 1999/00 season, under it wasn’t to be, losing 2-1 in an exciting game of the campaign. With 6 minutes to go new manager at Priory Lane. management duo Garry Wilson and Nick encounter. The following campaign was and the scores level at 0-0, and results going Greenwood, saw the Sports take the Sussex disappointing, but the Club achieved another against them elsewhere, Borough appeared to County League title, gaining promotion to the milestone reaching the 1st Round proper of be heading for the drop. Then a nal minute Dr. Martens League (Eastern Division) where the FA Cup for the rst time, with the reward of penalty, coolly converted by Simon after a season of consolidation at the higher a home tie against League Two club Oxford Weatherstone, sparked wild scenes and level, the Club nished a creditable ninth in the United. Cheered on by a record crowd of another season in the Premier was secured. table. 3,770, and in front of the Match of the Day The Sports’ third season at National Meanwhile, o the eld, the Sports were cameras, Borough dramatically forced a 1-1 Conference level nally proved too much for laying sound physical foundations too. From draw with a twice-taken last-minute penalty. the side and the club su ered its rst ever those itinerant early years on local parks Story-book stu ! The replay, though, was lost relegation. Back in Conference South the pitches, the club had always had the vision of 3-0 at the Kassam Stadium. Sports had the honour of kicking o the rst a more permanent home, and audaciously The 2006/07 season saw the squad adopt a ever match at the Amex Stadium, against they had approached the local council with the change in direction with Garry Wilson placing Brighton and Hove Albion in a held-over improbable project of turning Priory Lane – an emphasis on “quality’ not “quantity’ and Sussex Senior Cup Final. The 9.500 then a mere expanse of empty marshland - nished in 7th place, 4 points o a play-o berth. attendance remains the biggest crowd that the into a proper stadium. The County League Buoyed by the previous league season the club has played in front of. There was much years saw those plans beginning to be club started the 2007/2008 season in high optimism for the 2011/2012 season, but after a realised. Then during 2000/01 the club spirits and it was to prove a most successful bright start the season became a struggle, and received a £117,000 grant from the Football campaign with Eastbourne Borough beating after only one league win in 12 outings the club SPORTS FACTS Foundation to go towards further development Hampton & Richmond Borough 2-0 in the parted company with Garry Wilson and Nick GROUND - Priory Lane of Priory Lane. At the end of the season the Play-O Final at Stevenage. The triumphant Greenwood. The decision for the club was di CAPACITY - 4,151 (600 seated) Football Committee made one of the most night had completed a remarkable rise from cult and painful. The decade (plus) of their tenure had seen unprecedented success but MANAGER - John Bonar WEALDSTONE’S RECORD v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH the decision was made, and Tommy 2018/19 - National Lg South . 18th Widdrington took the reins. Previously Tommy Widdrington was to oversee a new H 1/12/18 L 0-3 A 23/02/19 W 3-0

FIND A WHOLE OF THE WORLD WEALDSTONE MEMORABILIA MEGASTORE: AT P 10 W 1 D 3 L 6 F 10 A 22 phase. He remained at the club for ve EASTBOURNE BOROUGH OPPOSITION IN FOCUS

WHO’S WHO? and made his debut as a 17-year old in Lee Bradbury. on loan with Whitehawk – a move he later TOM HADLER - GOALKEEPER August 2005. He joined the Sports on loan GREG LUER- FORWARD made permanent. Scored one of 2018/19’s in 2005/06, playing 11 times without scoring. most memorable goals against Dartford in a Hadler signed at Priory Lane in June 2019 The playmaker would go on to play almost Luer joins the Sports after departing 6-0 win at Priory Lane. after his release from Gillingham. Having 150 games for the Seagulls over ve years, promoted Woking, where he scored nine NICK WHEELER - MIDFIELD come through the youth system at the before he left for Leyton Orient. Then in goals as the Cards secured promotion to the Nick is a winger who started his career in EFL club, he signed his rst professional League One, he proved to be an integral part National League last season. Greg may be Charlton Athletic’syouth set-up, where he contract in 2015. Having spent spells on of Orient’s side and scored in the 2013/14 a familiar name with some Borough fans, spent seven years before taking a break loan at Folkestone Invicta, Tonbridge Angels, Play-O nal where they lost to Rotherham having played for the club’s Under 18 side from football. He joined in Gloucester City and Grays Athletic, he United on penalties. After almost 300 six years ago before he made the switch 2010, before goingon to play for Lewes and became the Gills’ second choice goalkeeper games for the East London side, he left in to Burgess Hill Town. It was from there that Tonbridge Angels. At the start of 2017/18 he in 2017/18. Tom made his senior debut in the summer of 2016/17 and joined Crawley his career took o , as at the age of 20 he April 2018 against Blackpool, where he signed for Dagenham & Redbridge having www.wfcmegastore.co.uk Town. After two years in West Sussex, Coxy was snapped up by EFL Championship impressed during his two years at Tonbridge. received praise from then-manager Steve made the switch to Priory Lane where he has side Hull City in January 2015. He made his In November 2017 he made the move to Lovell despite the 3-0 defeat. made himself an important part of the team. debut for the Tigers on the opening day of TOBI ADEBAYO-ROWLING - the 2015/16 season, before scoring his rst Billericay Town, before joining Woking last DEFENDER JAMES FERRY- MIDFIELD goals in the League Cup that season against season where he helped the Cards win Originally a product of the Borough youth Central mid elder Ferry began his youth Accrington Stanley and Rochdale. However, promotion to the National League. Academy, having enjoyed a time with career at Brentford, where he captained with opportunities limitedhe went on loan KANE WILLS - MIDFIELD the Bees’ U15 team to victory in the 2012 to Scunthorpe United, Stevenage and then Brighton & Hove Albion, Tobi went on Mid eld engine Kane joined the Sports in Milk Cup. He progressed through the youth Maidstone United before he left Hull at the to seek his fortune in the Football League August 2017 from Bostik Premier side system at Gri n Park before being rewarded end of the 2017/18 season. with Peterborough United before going on Worthing. Having come through the youth with a professional contract in 2015. An ever- to make the move to the Irish League, with CHARLIE WALKER - FORWARD system at Brighton & Hove Albion, he joined present in the U21 side, he found rst team spells at Sligo Rovers and Cork City. He Charlie signed for the Sports in the summer Ebbs eet United in the summer of 2009. After opportunities limited and joined Stevenage returned to England in the summer of 2018 of 2018 from St. Albans City. Having just one season, he had a brief spell with the in the summer of 2017. After a handful of having signed on at Bromley, before he made progressed in the County League with Sports in the summer of 2010 before joining appearances, he spent time on loan with a loan move at Priory Lane permanent later Shoreham, Lancing and Whitehawk, it Bognor Regis Town. Wills left the Rocks in Nuneaton and Halifax Town before he joined that season. was his 43-goal season for Peacehaven & 2015 to join Margate but returned to Sussex Woking towards the end of 2018/19. After Telscombe that attracted the attention of just one season later to join Worthing, where MANNY ADEBOWALE - DEFENDER helping the Cards secure promotion to the Luton Town, who signed him in 2014. With he was club captain up until his departure The 6”5 central defender joins after his National League, he joined the Sports in opportunities limit- ed with the EFL side, from Woodside Road. release from Dover Athletic. Manny enjoyed a June 2019. spell on loan at Priory Lane last term, starting he joined Aldershot Town in 2015, where SERGIO TORRES - MIDFIELD/ twice and coming o the bench on three IAN GAYLE - DEFENDER he nished the club’s top scorer in his rst MANAGER After coming through the academy at season. However, he left in December 2016 occasions during his month on the south The original football journeyman, Sergio Dagenham & Redbridge, centre back Gayle in a bid for regular football. After scoring coast. Born and raised in Stratford, Manny came from his native Argentina with made his senior debut for the Daggers in 16 goals in 18 months with fellow National came through the ranks at West Ham United basically a pair of boots and a pack of April 2014 having had spells on loan with St. League South side St. Albans, Charlie made before joining then-League One side She sandwiches, working his way through with Neots Town, Kingstonian, Whitehawk and the move to the South Coast where he has eld United on a two-year scholarship in the sheer commitment as well as terri c talent. St. Albans City. However, hewas released made himself a rst team regular. summer of 2013. Upon his release from the After earning a professional contract with by the Daggers after they su ered relegation Blades, he had spells with Hayes & Yeading MIKE WEST - MIDFIELD Wycombe Wanderers, he has over 250 from the Football League. Since then, he has United and Bishop’s Stortford. Westy joined the Sports in the summer of football league appearances to his name. enjoyed spells with Braintree Town, Welling KRISTIAN CAMPBELL - DEFENDER 2018 from Chelmsford City. Having come He famously captained Crawley Town in United and Wealdstone before leaving through the ranks at Ebbs eet United, their FA Cup run that ended at Old Tra ord, Kris joined the Sports from Bromley in the Woking in the summer for Priory Lane. summer of 2018 after a second spell with the playmaker went on to make over 100 andalso captained Whitehawk’s hugely the Ravens. Athletic, pacey and eager to get KIRAN KHINDA-JOHN - DEFENDER appearances for the Kent side having made successful side of a few seasons ago, where forward, the left back has developed into a Central defender Kiran returns to Priory his debut in 2009. He left in the summer of the Hawks twice made the play-o s in the fan favour- ite with his committed approach. Lane for his second spell with the Sports 2012 for League One side Crewe Alexandra, National League South. Joined Borough in Has also enjoyed time with Dulwich Hamlet, after a year away. The former Crystal Palace before he returned to Fleet in 2014. Mike the summer of 2017 where he almost been Merstham and had a loan period at Bognor academy product had spent four years with played the second half of the 2015/16 season an ever-present. Regis Town. the Sports until leaving for pastures new last DEAN COX - DEFENDER summer, when he had spells with Woking and Chelmsford City. Having shown great Born in Haywards Heath, Cox progressed potential in his rst spell at Priory Lane, he SPORTS LAST 5 through the ranks at Brighton & Hove Albion FIND A WHOLE OF THE WORLD WEALDSTONE MEMORABILIA MEGASTORE: AT will be looking to impress once again under