T H E K I N G F I S H E R T H A T C H A M T O W N F O O T B A L L C L U B ' S O F F I C I A L M A T C H D A Y M A G A Z I N E
S E A S O N 2 0 2 0 / 2 1 # 0 2 - P A U L T O N R O V E R S T H E B I G M A T C H
THATCHAM TOWN v PAULTON ROVERS
Saturday 19th September 2020 Pitching In Southern Football League Division 1 South
Last weekend, while Thatcham were eliminated from the Emirates FA Cup by AFC Dunstable, Paulton suffered a surprise defeat at Saltash Town. The Cornish team, who play in the South West Peninsular League won 1-0.
When the Southern League was terminated last season, Paulton sat in seventh place and had a fair chance of reaching the play-offs. At the end of August Thatcham won 2-1 at Winterfield Road, with Joe Selman and Jordan Williams scoring after David Sims-Burgess put Rovers ahead. The return fixture at the Stacatruc Stadium was not played.
In the 2018/19 season Town completed the double over Paulton, winning both games 1-0. Adam Kelly scored an injury time winner here, while Kyle Tooze netted in Somerset.
The previous meetings between the club came during 2013/14 when Paulton won 3-0 in Berkshire, then 4-0 at home, on their way to winning promotion via the play-offs.
In midweek, Thatcham face a difficult trip to Cirencester, while Paulton host Bideford.
MATCH SPONSORS To sponsor a match, the match ball, or be the mascot for a Thatcham Town home game, please speak with the club's Commercial Manager, Ben Harte. T H E M A N A G E R ' S N O T E S
Good afternoon and welcome to today's Pitching In Southern Football League D1 South fixture. I would like to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Paulton Rovers and wish you all a safe journey home this evening. I would also like to welcome today's match officials, who are Mr Perry, Mr Malyon, Mr Turner and Mr Ford.
There’s nothing more exciting than the first league game of the season and that’s how we feel today. We start our league campaign with optimism, no fear, and ready to face what lies ahead.
Let's be under no illusions - it will be a tough season for us all as we go into it with a new group, but what we ask is that as a club we all stick together, keep believing in the team, and remaining as positive as we can throughout. We win together, we lose together! We aim to surprise a few people and we’re confident that we will do exactly that.
Last weekend's game saw us on the end of a disappointing result. Having started the game well, to give away a very soft goal from a corner and then a second on the stroke of half time was very naïve. The third goal, which arguably was offside, sucked the life out of the team which was the most disappointing thing for us on the day, and the last two goals were inevitable as our energy and desire waivered.
Whilst with the ball we looked competent, we felt we were too easy to score against. We won’t make any excuses, the performance was below what we expect from this group, the boys have been reminded of our standards and we have worked hard this week to correct some of the issues which were very much of our own doing.
We have an honest group of lads who recognise this and they will be back today giving everything to fight for the points. We won’t stand still and are working to improve the squad as it is evident we do need to add some experience.
As I write these notes we are 50/50 in hoping to get a signing over the line for Paulton. We continue to trust these lads, and as said before just ask you to get behind each and every one of them.
Today sees us take on Paulton Rovers. They were a top 6 side last year so will provide a difficult test. We’re ready for the challenge and hope it’s an enjoyable game.
Thank for you for your support, Jamie
T H A T C H A M ' S M A N A G E M E N T
Jamie Leacock (Manager) A former Kingfishers captain, who was the club's right-back in its early Southern League days. Moved to Hungerford Town where he won promotion to the Conference South and gained his first coaching experience. Jamie served as Assistant Manager with Wealdstone and Manager of Northwood before returning to Thatcham in May 2020.
Yashwa Romeo (Assistant Manager) Returned to Thatcham as Jamie Leacock’s Assistant, having previously spent 3 seasons with the club as a player, then the 2017/18 FA Vase & Hellenic League winning season as a Coach. Yash was the Kingfishers’ top scorer in the 2013/14 & 2014/15 seasons, and has represented many clubs across the region including Marlow, Slough Town and Oxford City.
Shaun Allaway (Coach) Joined Thatcham as a Coach following the managerial appointment of Jamie Leacock in May 2020. Shaun is a former England Youth international goalkeeper, who joined Leeds United from Reading for £300k in 2000, before moving into non-league for regular first team football with Slough Town and Staines Town.
Ghaffar Ghoddusi (Coach) Moved across to West Berkshire in June 2020 to become a Coach in the new management team, having performed a similar role with Hellenic League Premier Division outfit Reading City. ‘G’ works for Reading FC in their Community Department and is a UEFA B coaching licence candidate.
Declan Dowling (Physio) Joined Thatcham Town as Physio in August 2018 as the Kingfishers re- entered the Southern League. Declan works as a Sports Therapist, and has previously performed the role of Physio for several clubs in his native Ireland, including most recently Sligo Rovers. T H A T C H A M ' S P L A Y E R S Curtis Meare (Goalkeeper) Returns to Thatcham having originally spent a short spell with the club at the start of the 2016/17 campaign. Curtis is an experienced shot-stopper who has previously played for Wantage Town, Royal Wootton Bassett Town and Shrivenham Town.
George Legg (Goalkeeper) A 6 foot 5 stopper who started with Reading FC where he featured in the Checkatrade Trophy and was on the bench for some Championship games. George has played in the Football League with Barnet, and has enjoyed loan spells with Hendon, Hungerford Town and Boreham Wood.
Joshua Edwards (Defender) A powerful centre-half who previously played for Thatcham’s Youth Team, making a handful of first team appearances in the Hellenic League during the 2014/15 season. After playing for Flackwell Heath, Josh has returned to Thatcham from our near neighbours Basingstoke Town.
Kallum Thomas (Defender) A left-back who has joined the club from Fairford Town who were third in the Hellenic Premier Division last season when Coronavirus struck. Kallum has previously played for Hungerford Town where he won their Young Player of the Season award.
Tinashe Gwavava (Defender) An athletic right-back who is another former Youth Team player to return to the club. Since leaving Waterside Park he has played for the Hungerford Town Academy, then gained experience of first team football with Royal Wootton Bassett Town, then Tadley Calleva in the Wessex League Premier. Michael Miller (Defender & Captain) The club’s longest serving player, having joined in 2016/17 from Winchester City. Michael has made over 100 appearances for the club, mostly at right-back and central defence, and was part of the FA Vase & Hellenic League Premier winning squad. Had a loan spell with Royal Wootton Bassett Town last season to maintain fitness. T H A T C H A M ' S P L A Y E R S Aaron Voller (Defender) Aaron is a former youth team player who broke into the club’s first team in the 2014/15 season, making 20 appearances at right-back and centre- back, winning the club’s Young Player of the Season award. He has returned following a few years studying at Nottingham Trent University, where he regularly played for the university’s football team.
Nathan White (Defender) A left sided defender who plays with controlled aggression and is comfortable on the ball. Nathan has most recently represented Bedfont Sports and Spelthorne Sports, and has previously played in the Southern League Premier for our local rivals Basingstoke Town.
Conall Bark (Defender) Conall is a right sided defender who is equally comfortable playing at right or centre back. The 22-year-old signed for Thatcham in September '20 having spent the last couple of seasons playing for Wessex League Premier side Alresford Town.
Lamar Koroma (Midfielder) Lamar joined the club at the start of the 2020/21 season having previously played for Fleet Town, Winchester City and Bedfont Sports. He is a central midfielder and his aggression and physical presence will prove valuable within the Kingfishers’ young squad.
Jack Amitaga (Midfielder) Jack is a skilful ball-playing midfielder who has played for the club’s Youth Team, and last season was part of our Development Team squad and on the fringes of a first team call-up. In September ’19 he represented Albania U19s in an international friendly against Bosnia.
Osman Dabo (Midfielder) A 20-year old midfielder with great technique, who is comfortable in possession and likes to keep the ball moving. Ossie impressed in pre- season ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, and brings experience from spells with Reading City and Bracknell Town. T H A T C H A M ' S P L A Y E R S George Smith (Midfielder) 21-year old George has signed for the Kingfishers on loan having made his debut for Hungerford Town in the National League South last season. Previously with Kintbury Rangers, he is a central midfielder who is comfortable on the ball with great passing ability, but also enjoys a battle and is able to break up play. Matt Newbrook (Midfielder) Another young, talented player, midfielder Matt joined the club in August ’20. Having initially developed through the Reading FC Academy, Matt has since gained experience of first team football with Hanworth Villa, Aylesbury FC and Wantage Town.
Alex Fragata (Midfielder) A pacy and direct winger who graduated from the Hungerford Town Academy and appeared for their first team. Alex previously played for Thatcham’s Youth Team, and had a brief spell with the club at the start of last season before moving on to Tadley Calleva. He has returned to the Stacatruc Stadium determined to prove his ability in the Southern League. Kieran Jordan (Midfielder) A lively winger who was a key member of the club’s Development Team squad last season. Kieran regularly scored and assisted from both flanks, as the side reached second place in the Suburban League Central Division prior to the season being terminated.
Harvey Harry (Midfielder) A young left winger with pace to burn, Harry is currently a student at the John Madejski Academy. The biggest achievement in his career to date was winning the Berks & Bucks U15s Cup with Reading Pumas and subsequently progressing to national finals.
Jamal Branker (Midfielder) Jamal was a product of the Southampton FC youth system before he gained experience of first team football with Marlow and Slough Town. A versatile midfielder who likes to get on the ball and make things happen, he has also played for teams in the Manchester area, including Hyde United and FC Trafford. T H A T C H A M ' S P L A Y E R S
Carl Self (Forward) A former Thatcham Youth team player who broke into the first team in 2009, making 59 appearances in an injury-hit spell, causing many problems with his pace and trickery. Carl also played for Hungerford Town and Abingdon United before moving into a lower level of football, but was convinced to return to the club by the new management team.
Will Frank (Forward) Will is a former Youth Team striker who featured regularly for the Development Team last campaign, scoring 5 goals. Has made substitute appearances for the First Team in each of the past two seasons and will hope to gain further experience at Southern League level.
Callum Beasley (Forward) Another former Youth Team player, Callum was part of the squad that won the Berks & Bucks Youth Cup in 2018/19. Made his first-team debut as a 16 year old in 2018/19 and gained experience playing for Solent University in last season’s Wessex League Premier Division.
Jordan Alves (Forward) Jordan is a graduate from the John Madejski Academy football performance programme, who appeared for Basingstoke Town last season and has enjoyed a couple of spells with Reading City. He is a flair player in the central attacking midfield role, and his pace and dribbling ability will add another dimension to the Kingfishers’ attack. Brad Pagliaroli (Forward) A versatile forward who has represented the club a handful of times in the past. Brad is a flair player who will be one of the club’s main goal threats this season. He played for Royal Wootton Bassett Town in the Hellenic League Premier last season, and has had previous spells with Binfield, Letcombe and Kintbury Rangers.
Conor Lynch (Forward) Currently on loan from National League South neighbours Hungerford Town, Conor is a bustling forward who loves getting in behind defenders and has a good scoring record. He has had loan spells with Fairford Town, Basingstoke Town and also here at Thatcham where he made a good impression during the 2018/19 season.
T H A T C H A M ' S H I S T O R Y Thatcham Town Football Club was founded in 1894. The club were originally known as Thatcham, with Town being added to its name in 1974. In the early years Thatcham played at The Marsh on Dunston Green, Brownsfield (home of the Cricket Club) and Station Road, before moving to Lancaster Close in 1949. Floodlights were erected in January 1983 with Fulham FC visiting for a commemorative friendly match. To provide improved facilities, the club moved to Waterside Park in 1992/93, with the ground becoming known as The Stacatruc Stadium from August 2019. The club joined the Reading Temperance League in 1896, winning the Division Two title in 1905/06. In 1953 Thatcham became founder members of the Hellenic League and won promotion to the Premier Division as Division One champions in 1958/59, 1964/65 and 1972/73. The club then won the Hellenic Premier Division title in 1974/75. Following spells in the Athenian and London Spartan Leagues, the club joined the newly formed Wessex League in 1986 and won the title in 1995/96. After finishing second in 2005/06, ground requirements were met and promotion to step four achieved. The Kingfishers spent eight seasons in the Southern League Division One – seven in the South & West Division and one (2012/13) in the Central. After sixth-placed finishes in 2006/07 and 2008/09, the club achieved its highest ever position in 2010/11. Despite being in the bottom half of the table at Christmas, the club earned 38 points from the final 15 matches to finish in fifth, however Thatcham were beaten at Sholing in the play- off semi-final. Once safety was assured in 2013/14, the club resigned from the Southern League to cut costs by playing at a lower level. Town finished twelfth in their first campaign back in the Hellenic Premier, then second and fourth in the following seasons. However in 2017/18 the club embarked on an incredible 40 game unbeaten run which saw them overtake long-time leaders Highworth Town and eventually pip Bracknell Town to the title in a thrilling end to the season, on goal difference. After a season adjusting to step four football, in 2019/20 Thatcham sat on top of the Southern League D1 South table with eleven games to play. But with the club looking certain to achieve its highest ever finish, and promotion to step three a strong possibility, the Coronavirus pandemic struck, causing the season to be terminated. Following the subsequent departure of the management team and many senior players, the 2020/21 season looks set to be one of rebuilding with greater use of young, local players planned. T H A T C H A M ' S H I S T O R Y Thatcham Town FC have enjoyed some memorable success in Cup competitions over the years. In 1989 the club reached the last eight of the FA Vase before losing to local rivals Hungerford Town. In the same competition a record attendance of 1,400 was set when Aldershot Town won 1-0 at Waterside Park in 1993/94. However in 2017/18 Thatcham went all the way and lifted the trophy at Wembley Stadium on a brilliant day for the club. Victory over Bromsgrove Sporting brought realisation the club could be on the verge of something special, then over 2,200 attended the quarter-final win at Melksham Town as cup fever swept the town. Thatcham beat 1874 Northwich 1-0 and 3-2 in the two legged semi-final, and took over 5,000 fans to Wembley as Stockton Town were defeated 1-0 in the final. While the club are yet to progress beyond the Second Round Qualifying of the FA Trophy, 1996/97 saw Thatcham’s best FA Cup run as they reached the Fourth Round Qualifying stage. In September 2019 the First Round Qualifying tie at home to Salisbury was streamed live by the BBC which gave the club further national exposure, but unfortunately the visitors ran out narrow 3-2 winners. Thatcham completed the Hellenic League and Cup double, by lifting the Hellenic First Division Cup in 1972/73 and the Premier Division Cup in 1974/75. During 2017/18 the club reached both League Cup finals, losing to Bracknell in the Challenge Cup and Binfield in the Floodlit Cup. Meanwhile during the 1990s Thatcham won the Wessex League Cup on four occasions, completing the double in 1995/96. In 1974/75 the club were beaten in the final of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup but were awarded the trophy following a dispute between the victors, Wycombe Wanderers, and the Berks & Bucks FA.
C L U B D I A R Y
AUG 28 - The new season’s Southern League fixtures were announced. Paulton Rovers will visit the Stacatruc Stadium in the opening fixture, while Cirencester Town’s visit will conclude the season. On Boxing Day the Kingfishers will visit Winchester City. SEP 1 - Following a 2-2 draw at Chertsey Town, in which the hosts won the resulting penalty shoot-out to lift the John Pomroy Cup, Hayes & Yeading of the Southern League Premier won 3-0 at the Stacatruc Stadium in Thatcham’s next pre-season friendly. SEP 3 - The Southern, Northern and Isthmian Leagues announced a new sponsor, 'Pitching In'. They are a grass roots sports investment programme fronted by former England international and non-league footballer Stuart Pearce. SEP 5 - Thatcham's final pre-season fixture ended in defeat at home to Marlow. SEP 9 - As the countdown to the new season began, Thatcham announced the signings of goalkeeper George Legg, defenders Aaron Voller and Nathan White, midfielders Lamar Koroma, George Smith, Matt Newbrook, Jack Amitaga and Ossie Dabo, and forwards Conor Lynch and Jordan Alves. Smith and Lynch have arrived on loan from Hungerford Town. SEP 11 - Thatcham Town FC released its first edition of The Kingfisher. The club's programme will no longer be printed to save costs, and will be available via the MatchDayInfo app. SEP 12 - The Kingfishers were dumped out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round by AFC Dunstable, with the scoreline rather harsh on the young Kingfishers squad. Two goals shortly before half-time put the visitors in command, and despite a Conor Lynch penalty, awarded for a foul on substitute Jordan Alves, the visitors went on to win 5-1. Three further players signed first team forms and appeared on the bench for the Kingfishers. Firstly, Jamal Branker, a midfielder who started out in the Southampton FC youth system. Secondly, Conall Bark, a defender who most recently played for Alresford Town. Thirdly, Youth Team goalkeeper Will Wyatt. SEP 18 - Thatcham completed the signing of North Leigh defender Andy Gunn.
Q U I Z T I M E
ANAGRAM 1) Which League One team is an anagram of RIVER ROT SLOBS ?
WORLD CUP 2) Who scored when Republic of Ireland famously defeated Italy in the 1994 World Cup? a) TONY CASCARINO or b) RAY HOUGHTON or c) JOHN ALDRIDGE
OVERSEAS 3) Which team have won the most Dutch league titles? a) AJAX or b) PSV EINDHOVEN or c) FEYENOORD
THE FA CUP 4) Which non-league team famously defeated First Division Leeds United in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup in 2017? a) KETTERING or b) LINCOLN CITY or c) SUTTON UNITED
SOUTHERN LEAGUE 5) Which club in Thatcham’s division play at The Snows Stadium?
NON LEAGUE TEAMS 6) Near which Midlands town would you find the United Counties League team Quorn FC? a) STOKE-ON-TRENT or b) BURTON-ON-TRENT or c) LOUGHBOROUGH
NICKNAMES 7) What is the nickname of National League side Weymouth FC? a) TERRAS or b) SHARKS or c) GULLS
ON THIS DAY 8) On this day in 2015, the Kingfishers won 4-0 at Chalfont Wasps in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup. Which current member of the Thatcham squad scored that evening? a) MICHAEL MILLER or b) CARL SELF or c) BRAD PAGLIAROLI
W A L K I N G F O O T B A L L Over sixty or retired? Why not keep active and come along for a kick-about. Enjoy a social and friendly game. No previous experience required - Refreshments provided No membership fee - Just pay and play Every Wednesday afternoon, 2:30pm at Thatcham Town Football Club Contact: 01635 862016 for further details
C L U B O F F I C I A L S
Thatcham Town Football Club Stacatruc Stadium, Waterside Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4PA Tel : 01635 866190
THATCHAM TOWN FC IS AN UNINCORPORATED MEMBERS CLUB RUN BY VOLUNTEERS CLUB OFFICIALS AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ARE ELECTED AT THE ANNUAL AGM OFFICERS: PRESIDENT: DAVID DOWNS CHAIRMAN: DAVE MELIN VICE-CHAIRMAN: ERIC BAILEY CLUB SECRETARY & DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL: STUART BAILEY TREASURER: SYLVIA BAILEY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, STAFF & VOLUNTEERS: COMMERCIAL MANAGER: BEN HARTE MARKETING MANAGER: PAUL AYRES CATERING MANAGER: PAUL LOVELOCK BUSINESS MANAGER: KEVIN HARRISON-ELLIS BAR & FUNCTION MANAGER, & MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: KAREN WARWICK P.A. ANNOUNCER: PETE WOODAGE MATCHDAY SUPPORT: CHARLIE HEAVER PROGRAMME EDITOR: ANDY MORRIS VIDEOGRAPHER: JAMES PARKER PHOTOGRAPHERS: PAUL ROBERTS & CHRIS BATES SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT TEAM : MATTY LOVEGROVE, DAN LEWIS & MATT BATEMAN FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT: FIRST TEAM: MANAGER: JAMIE LEACOCK ASSISTANT MANAGER: YASHWA ROMEO COACHES: SHAUN ALLAWAY & GHAFFAR GHODDUSI PHYSIO: DECLAN DOWLING YOUTH TEAM: MANAGER: BEN THORNTON ASSISTANT MANAGER: JAMIE POVEY COACHES: LIAM PARRY, ISAAC BLAKEY, CHRIS MORTON & ROB SMITH
website: www.thatchamtownfootball.club facebook: Thatcham Town FC twitter: @Thatcham_TownFC and @ThatchamU18 instagram: thatcham_town_fc email: [email protected] M A T C H A C T I O N Action from our FA Cup defeat to AFC Dunstable
Clockwise from top left: Conor Lynch tries to latch onto a through ball; Jordan Alves takes on a defender; George Smith charges down a shot; Michael Miller blocks a goal bound effort; Kallum Thomas in action.
Photos courtesy of Paul Roberts and Chris Bates A D V E R T I S I N G & S P O N S O R S H I P O P P O R T U N I T I E S There are a range of ways you can support your club! Advertising Boards Match Day Sponsorship Match Ball Sponsorship Player Sponsorship Company Logo on our website Mascots* Please contact Commercial Ben Harte for details [email protected] 07535 521953
*When guidelines allow P A U L T O N ' S H I S T O R Y Paulton Rovers were formed in 1890 by the village’s vicar and a local businessman. The club joined the Western League in 1900 and their best ever position was runners up in 2003/4 securing promotion to the Southern League. They won the Somerset Senior Cup on twelve occasions, and the Somerset Senior League seven times, the last being in 1974, when they were re-admitted to the Western League after an absence of 14 years.
Their best attendance of 2,070 (deemed maximum capacity) was on 7 November 2009 reaching the FA Cup 1st Round for the first time. The match v Norwich City, was live on ITV1 and broadcast to over 30 other countries. Prior to then a crowd estimated at over 2,000, saw them take on Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup 5th qualifying round in 1906.
After playing at several venues in the village, Rovers moved to Winterfield Road in 1954. In 1967, an old RAF hut served as the club house with a licenced bar. Soon plans were drawn to build bigger premises including skittle alley. The pitch was turned 90 degrees so the club house is built on the one penalty areas. The social club is now the premier venue for many social occasions within the rapidly expanding local community.
A new changing room block was built behind the main stand in 1972, and the Club was further extended. On promotion to the Southern League the premises and stadium were improved with the addition of another stand, covered terracing, and training facilities including an all-weather floodlit court used by Paulton Rovers' netball teams.
It was under the management team of Darren Perrin and Mike Kilgour that, Rovers secured promotion to the Southern League. Rovers finished just outside the play-offs in the following season and Darren left for Premier Division, Chippenham Town.
In July 2005 Andy Jones stepped up from Reserve Manager. In 2006/7 the club finished runners up in Division 1 South & West Division One and narrowly missed out on the play offs the following year. His successful 5 year tenure was highlighted by reaching the 1st round of the FA Cup.
“Joner’s” decided to move on in 2010 and former club captain, Mark Harrington took charge but he stood down after just one season to be replaced by former player, Nick Bunyard. Paul Milsom was assistant to all 3 managers during this time. However the season ended with Rovers winning the Somerset Premier Cup for the first time with a 3-1 win over Bridgwater Town. P A U L T O N ' S H I S T O R Y After losing out in the play off the previous year in 2013/14 Rovers finished 4th spot and defeated Tiverton Town 3-1 in the semi final when down to 9 men. “Bunny’s” men defied the odds to win the Play off Final at Merthyr Town in front of a crowd of 2,201 and thus gain promotion to Step 3 for the first time in their history. 2014/15 finished a more creditable 10th place in the Premier Division, during the close season Bunyard, resigned for personal reasons and the club appointed Richard Fey from Bridgwater Town, but after a disappointing start he resigned and former Bath City boss Tony Ricketts took charge at end of October. Unfortunately the club finished bottom and were relegated back to Division 1 South and West. Despite stabilising things Ricketts left at the end of 2016/17 and former Rovers keeper John Rendell was appointed bringing former player Paul Tovey as his assistant.
P A U L T O N ' S M A N A G E M E N T John Rendell – Manager : John (right) started his career as a professional at Cardiff City, during his playing days he went on to play for Paulton Rovers where he was involved in the 2004 promotion season into the Southern League, he then gained promotion in similar fashion with Bitton and has also had spells with Cinderford Town, Mangotsfield & Yate Town. John re-joined the club as Manager in June 2017. Paul Tovey - Assistant Manager : Ex Bristol Rovers midfielder who went on to play for many non league teams in the region. Paul (below right) is now in his fourth season as assistant at Paulton Rovers Andy Sandell - Assistant Manager : Joined this summer to bring his knowledge and experience back to Paulton, where he started out as a player in 2004. His playing career took off at Bath City, before spells at Bristol Rovers, Salisbury, Aldershot and Wycombe. He then helped Newport win promotion to the football league before a prolific spell as leading scorer for Chippenham Town. Jack Benden - Sports Therapist : Ex Hartbury college student takes a leading role on the training pitch as the fitness and conditioning coach, and doubles up to take the physio’s bag on match days. A trusted and valuable member of the management team P A U L T O N ' S P L A Y E R S
Goalkeeper Aaron Sainsbury - Aged 19. Came to Paulton on loan from Bristol City FC in the previous season, and joined permanently in the summer of 2020. He still gets the gloves on every day as a member of the Bristol City GK coaching set up.
Defenders Craig Allen - Aged 30. Centre half. Previous Clubs include: Bideford, Barnstaple Town, Bridgwater Town.In his second spell at Paulton. A strong commanding centre half who wins his battles and leads by example. Mason Harrison - Aged 18. Full Back/ Midfield. Came through the Youth set up at Paulton Rovers making his debut in 2018/19 season. A loan spell at nearby Radstock enabled him to get much needed game time last year and has returned in pre-season looking to cement a regular place in this years starting eleven. Ben Withey - Aged 23. Full Back/ Midfield. Previous Clubs: Frome Town, Mangotsfield Utd, Weston Super Mare. Can play either full back or anywhere in midfield. Defensively solid when needs to be with quality on the ball going forward. Dan Dempsey - Aged 20. Full Back/ Midfield. Signed at the start of last year after playing a handful of games for Melksham. Can play anywhere along the back line. Ultra comfortable on the ball. Another young player looking to cement a regular place in this years starting eleven. Charlie Hitchings - Aged 26. Centre half. Club Captain. Previous Clubs include: Cheltenham Town, Taunton Town, Yate Town. Joined from Yate where he played well over 100 games and has been the mainstay of our defence since he joined 2 years ago. Joe Hillard - Aged 23. Full Back/ Midfield. Signed from Mangotsfield Utd and has been an ever present squad member. Energetic and strong in the tackle, he can play anywhere along the back or midfield. Was the managers player of the year in 2018/19. Nuno Felix - Aged 29. Full back. Previous clubs – not enough space here to mention them all! Good talker and quality on the ball. On his day the best left back in the league.
Right : Charlie Hitchings and Joe Hillard. P A U L T O N ' S P L A Y E R S
Midfielders Braeden Symes - Aged 23. Centre Midfield. Joined from Bridport at the start of last season and was an ever present. Strong tackler with a wide range of passing and a commanding presence. Tom Llewelyn - Aged 19. Centre Midfield. Recent signing from Weston-Super-Mare. Combative centre midfielder who is neat and tidy on the ball. Will be looking to play 40 games for us this year and prove himself at this level. Liban Ibrahim - Aged 19. Centre Midfield. Signed after impressing everyone in pre season with his talent and energy. Always wants the ball. Like the other young players looking to get regular game time. Dave O’Hare - Aged 29. Midfielder. Signed from Bridgwater Town part way through last season after previously winning the toolstation league with Street. Strong running goal scoring midfielder with loads of experience at this level.
Forwards Jake Sloggett - Aged 23. Attacking midfielder. Local lad who previously played for Evesham Town, Bishops Cleeve whilst at Hartbury. On the ball as good as anyone in the league, can score off either foot. Tyler Jackson - Aged 20. Attacking midfielder. An exciting young player who was a product of Bath City Academy before playing at Chipping Sodbury last year. Fast, direct and willing to learn. Jack Fillingham - Aged 27. Attacking midfielder. Signed this pre season after a successful goal scoring campaign at Shepton Mallett. Hard working front man who is looking to progress and score goals at this level. Dan Cottle - Aged 24. Attacking midfielder. A local lad signed from Frome. Quality on the ball, great work ethic, will influence games and we're glad to have him on board. Will Hailston - Aged 26. Attacking midfielder. Another local lad whose previous clubs include Frome & Bradford Town. Will score goals but his link up play is second to none Ryan Gay - Aged 26. Attacking midfielder. Previous Paulton youth team player now in his 3rd season back with us. Great team player, will play all along the front line. Scores goals and links play well.
Right : Jake Sloggett and Braeden Symes. Photos from Paulton Rovers' official website
2 0 2 0 / 2 1 S E A S O N F I X T U R E S
Southern League Division One South
September March Sat 12 H - AFC Dunstable (FAC) L 1-5 Sat 06 H - Mangotsfield Utd Sat 19 H - Paulton Rovers Sat 13 A - Evesham United Tue 29 A - Cirencester Town Sat 20 A - Melksham Town Sat 27 H - Bideford October April Sat 03 A - Willand Rovers Tue 06 H - Moneyfields Sat 03 A - Frome Town Sat 10 A - Bideford Mon 05 H - Winchester City Sat 17 H - Melksham / N Leigh (FAT) Sat 10 A - Paulton Rovers Sat 24 H - Melksham Town Sat 17 H - Willand Rovers Wed 28 A - Larkhall Athletic Sat 24 A - Highworth Town Sat 31 H - AFC Totton May November Sat 01 H - Slimbridge Tue 03 H - Bristol Manor Farm Mon 03 A - Sholing Sat 07 A - Barnstaple Town Sat 08 H - Cirencester Town Sat 14 A - Mangotsfield Utd Sat 21 H - Basingstoke Town Sat 28 A - Cinderford Town
December Sat 05 H - Evesham United Sat 12 A - Slimbridge Sat 19 H - Highworth Town Sat 26 A - Winchester City
January Sat 02 H - Sholing Sat 09 A - Moneyfields Sat 16 H - Frome Town Sat 23 A - AFC Totton Sat 30 H - Larkhall Athletic
February Sat 06 A - Bristol Manor Farm Sat 13 H - Barnstaple Town Sat 20 H - Cinderford Town Sat 27 A - Basingstoke Town U P C O M I N G L E A G U E F I X T U R E S Southern League Division One South Saturday 19th September
Tuesday 29th September
Wednesday 30th September T H E M O N T H L Y D R A W P L A Y E R P R O F I L E NAME : GEORGE LEGG AGE : 24 POSITION : GOALKEEPER
George made his Kingfishers debut last weekend. He has played in the Football League with Barnet and the National League with Boreham Wood. However he is well known locally following his time as a young pro with Reading FC and a season-long loan with Hungerford Town.
WHICH TEAM DO YOU SUPPORT : ARSENAL WHAT COLOUR BOOTS DO YOU WEAR : YELLOW WHICH TEAM ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING : BASINGSTOKE WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYERS : GIANLUIGI BUFFON & SERGIO RAMOS BEST PLAYER PLAYED AGAINST : JACK GREALISH WHAT IS THE BEST GROUND YOU HAVE PLAYED AT : BOREHAM WOOD < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > FAVOURITE PIZZA TOPPING : CHEESE FAVOURITE TYPE OF MUSIC : R & B FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL : P.E. WHAT DO YOU PUT ON YOUR CHIPS : PERINAISE FAVOURITE DRINK ON A NIGHT OUT : RED BULL & VODKA FAVOURITE FILM : THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < > < >
GOLF or CRAZY GOLF MESSI or RONALDO HORSE RACING or MOTOR RACING CATS or DOGS NETFLIX or A NIGHT OUT BEACH or POOL READING or NEWBURY COFFEE or TEA JIMMY CARR or ANT & DEC PUB or CLUB DUA LIPA or LITTLE MIX VAR or NO VAR STORMZY or ED SHEERAN FIFA or FACEBOOK HARRY POTTER or TOY STORY MCDONALDS or KFC USA or AUSTRALIA WEIGHTS or CARDIO SUMMER or CHRISTMAS STARTER or DESSERT CRICKET or RUGBY THEME PARK or CINEMA JEANS or JOGGERS WIN 1-0 or WIN 4-3 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE or FA CUP RADIO 1 or TALKSPORT Y O U T H T E A M
This Tuesday evening, Thatcham Town's Youth Team host Kidlington in the First Round Qualifying stage of the FA Youth. It is the youngers' first competitive fixture and they would welcome your support at the start of what will hopefully be another successful season.
The club's opening Allied Counties League Central Division fixtures have been announced and are as follows: * Tuesday 6th October : Basingstoke Town (A) * Monday 12th October : Binfield (H) * Thursday 22nd October : Badshot Lea (A) * Monday 26th October : Fleet Spurs (H) M A T C H A C T I O N
Thatcham and Dunstable players come together following a midfield tussle; Dunstable's keeper saves from Alex Fragata; Conor Lynch harasses a visiting defender.
Q U I Z A N S W E R S
1: Bristol Rovers, 2: b) Ray Houghton, 3: a) Ajax, 4: c) Sutton United, 5: AFC Totton, 6: c) Loughborough, 7: a) Terras, 8: c) Brad Pagliaroli F O O T B A L L P R O G R A M M E S Continuing a series of articles by the author of the book ‘A History and Guide to Football Programmes’, describing how programmes have changed over a century-and-a-half of Association Football
Some Early Sixties Surprises Programmes did not emerge from their post-war slump in standards until after the 1966 World Cup, but there were rare beacons to illuminate the gloom for early 1960’s programme buyers. The continued excellence of some of the major London clubs’ programmes will be explored next time, but this was matched only in isolated instances elsewhere in the country. In Scotland, a notable exception to the rule of indifference was in the capital city, where both Hearts and Hibs produced excellent programmes from the war until the early 1960’s. Hibs, in particular, enjoyed splendid large-page issues, with thoughtful, informative editorial, an attractive design and plenty of photographs. Indeed, it could be argued that the Easter Road programme was just about the best in Britain in the 1950’s. An unlikely outpost for programme excellence was Barrow, then a perennially struggling Third or Fourth Division club. The Holker Street issue was unexceptional in looks - for many years the front cover never changed from its stark dark blue and white advert-dominated basic design which contained no match information. Inside however, there was unsurpassed value for money in an enormous article by “Chatter Box”. This ran for up to 7 or 8 pages, consisting of paragraphs of news and comment presented without headings or illustrations. Aesthetically pleasing it was not - but it made for an excellent read. Fulham’s programme in the 1960’s matched the team - unheralded in comparison with its larger London neighbours, but clinging doggedly to top League status. There was always plenty to read in the Craven Cottage programme, which was one of the first to introduce full colour to the front cover. Portsmouth made an effort to improve their programme in that period, with a determination to provide more candid articles from manager and players. In common with their counterparts throughout the leagues, Pompey could not justify an increase in size or pages; and modern print and design techniques were expensive and in their infancy. However, they recognised that giving more thought and imagination to the contents could easily make the programme more attractive to potential buyers. Such thoughts were not shared amongst the major clubs. The programmes of the Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham clubs could not be considered the worst in the League, but they were predictable, changed little with each passing season, and performed only the rudimentary functions. It took the 1966 World Cup to galvanise clubs into action towards improving their image and catering for their supporters needs. For more information and advice on programmes and programme collecting, visit www.pmfc.co.uk P L A Y E R S P O N S O R S H I P
£60 + VAT Your name or business name in every programme for the 2020-21 season Player photo plus sponsor information added to our new Player Sponsorship Board by the entrance to the Cross Bar Your name or business included in the player profile on the website. Contact for details Ben Harte: [email protected] Paul Ayres: [email protected]
Bella Luna Thatcham is an Italian restaurant situated in the heart of Berkshire, offering a minimum of 50 covers in a spacious and idyllic atmosphere, which is why our restaurant is frequented by many locals, visitors and celebrities alike. Our large selection of traditional Italian & modern dishes are prepared by our acclaimed chefs, using only the finest sourced ingredients, leanest of meats and the freshest fish. We also offer an extensive range of fine wines, beers and spirits. 21 High Street, Thatcham, RG19 3JG Tel 01635 860 724 T H E S Q U A D S THATCHAM TOWN PAULTON ROVERS
George LEGG (GK) Craig ALLAN Will WYATT (GK) Dan COTTLE Tinashe GWAVAVA Dan DEMPSEY Aaron VOLLER Nuno FELIX Michael MILLER (C) jack FILLINGHAM Andy GUNN Ryan GAY Conall BARK Will HAILSTONE Nathan WHITE Mason HARRISON George SMITH Joe HILLARD Matt NEWBROOK Charlie HITCHINGS Lamar KOROMA Liban IBRAHAM Jack AMITAGA Tyler JACKSON Jamal BRANKER Tom LLEWELLYN Jordan ALVES Dave O'HARE Kieran JORDAN Aaron SAINSBURY (GK) Harvey HARRY Andy SANDELL Carl SELF Ali SEN Alex FRAGATA Jake SLOGGETT Callum BEASLEY Braeden SYMES Brad PAGLIAROLI Alex TWIGGS Conor LYNCH Ben WITHEY
Manager : Jamie LEACOCK Manager : John RENDELL Assistant Manager : Yashwa ROMEO Assistant Manager : Paul TOVEY Coach : Ghaffar GHODDUSI Assistant Manager : Andy SANDELL Coach : Shaun ALLAWAY Sports Therapist : Jack BENDEN Physio : Declan DOWLING
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee : Matthew PERRY Assistant : Daniel MALYON Assistant : Edward TURNER Observer : Barry FORD