THE WHICH & FITCH SHOW www.wealdstone-fc.com 2017-18 Stones’ hard-working striker Dan Fitchett pulls the Poole Town defence all over the place in Monday’s 4-1 win at the Vale. He later scored a richly-deserved goal to add to Matthew Whichelow and Abs Eisa’s strikes Picture: FREDERICA PATMORE WEALDSTONE v FAVERSHAM T www.freddiepatmore.com Blue and white White and black Wealdstone v Faversham Town Jonathan North Simon Overland Saturday September 16, 2017, Eddie Oshodi Renford Tenyue KO 3pm Emirates FA Cup Ryan Sellers Matt Bourne 2nd Qualifying Round Josh Hill Ryan Cheek Matty Day Sam Bewick Ricky Wellard Danny Walder Matthew Whichelow George Monger Jerome Okimo Charley Robertson Dan Fitchett Macca Murray Danny Green Mark Lovell Abobakar Eisa Liam King Elliot Benyon Jordan Casey Sam Cox Sam Lawford Stephane Ngamvoulou David Blaikie Luke Williams Luke Griffiths Elliott Godfrey Kyron Lightfoot Alan O’Brien Daniel Carrington Abobakar Eisa Carl Rook Jermaine Osei

MATCH SPONSOR: Dominic Whyley BALL DONOR: Peter & Pauline Worby REFEREE: Daniel Lamport ASSISTANTS: Tom Ellsmore and Simon Parbery NEXT HOME GAME: v WHITEHAWK (Vanarama National Lge South) Saturday October 7, 3pm. PLUS: POSSIBLE FA CUP 3RD QUAL RD TIE here at the Vale on Saturday September 30, 3pm INSIDE: THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH NEW League sponsors Main club sponsor: CENTRE BACK MATTY DAY Award-winning matchday programme, sponsored by Ruislip Social Club £3 WEALDSTONE FOOTBALL CLUB SEASON 2017/2018 GROSVENOR VALE, RUISLIP, MIDDLESEX HA4 6JQ • 01895 637487 • [email protected] • WWW.WEALDSTONE-FC.COM • COMPANY NO. 3953962

PERSONNEL MATCH DAY OPERATIONS MAJOR HONOURS SINCE 1950 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Manager Steve Marshall Chairman Peter Marsden Safety Officer Victor Klarfeld LEAGUE TITLES Vice Chairman Nick Archer Match Day Staff Paul Bowley, Tony 1951 / 1952 Athenian League Directors Paul Fruin, Waller, Richard Hayward, 1973 / 1974 Southern League Division One South Mike Williamson, Pete Worby, Russell Greenberg, Adam Clancey, 1981 / 1982 Southern League Southern Division Dominic Whyley, Nick Symmons Matthew Impey, John Cahillane 1981 / 1982 Southern League Championship President Paul Rumens 1984 / 1985 National League Premier (Gola League) COMMERCIAL & MARKETING 1996 / 1997 Division Three SECRETARIES Commercial Manager Carol Griffiths 2013 / 2014 Isthmian League Premier Division Club Secretary Paul Fruin ([email protected]) (07790 038095) Graphic Design Steve Foster NATIONAL CUPS Company Secretary Andrew Lane IT Consultant Neil Rands 1965 / 1966 FA Amateur Cup Reporting & Social Media Chris Woods 1984 / 1985 FA Trophy CLUB PERSONNEL LIAISON OFFICERS Life Vice-President Alan Couch LEAGUE CUPS WFCSC / Social Club Markie Barton Treasurer Barry Benveniste 1981 / 1982 Southern League Cup WFC / Social Club James Klarfeld General Manager Nick DuGard Press Officer Nick DuGard MIDDLESEX COUNTY CUPS FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT ([email protected]) 1958 / 1959 Senior Cup PA Announcer Ashley Holding Manager Bobby Wilkinson 1962 / 1963 Senior Cup Kit Manager Tony Waugh Assistant Manager Jamie Leacock 1964 / 1965 Senior Cup Boardroom Hospitality Alison Moran, Coach Mike Percival 1967 / 1968 Senior Cup Jacky Shore Physio Stacey Wood 1984 / 1985 Senior Cup Club Photographer Freddie Patmore Goalkeeping Coach Ian Hobbs 2003 / 2004 Charity Cup Web Site Manager Alan & Matt Hill 2010 / 2011 Charity Cup

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME NON TITLE-WINNING PROMOTIONS Programme Editor Mark Hyde 1997 / 1998 Isthmian League Division 2 (3rd) Production Martin Read, Tim Parks 1998 / 1999 Isthmian League Division 1 (3rd, annulled) Printing People for Print Ltd. 2003 / 2004 Isthmian League Premier Division (Play-Off) www.peopleforprint.co.uk [email protected] GROUND REGULATIONS People are only allowed entry to The Vale on match days subject to the following rules and regulations: 1) The club reserves the right to eject from the ground any person who is considered to have committed any of the following acts: • Entering the ground through any means other than through the turnstiles or entrances • Entering the field of play before, during or after a game without prior authorisation • Being drunk, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs • Using violence of any nature • Carrying items which may be considered a danger to others, including cans, bottles, or glasses containing alcoholic beverages • Throwing any article onto the field of play • Climbing floodlight pylons, fences, stands or any structure or building • Using obscene or bad language likely to cause offence to others • Hitting the side or back panels of the Bulla stand 2) No spectator ball games. 3) The consumption of alcoholic drinks is permitted INSIDE the social club bar and boardroom areas. 4) Vehicles parked on the Grosvenor Vale site are at the owners’ risk. 5) Wealdstone Football Club supports the FA’s campaign on pyrotechnics (e.g. flares and smoke bombs). Any misuse of such items in and around the Ground will result in those responsible being asked to leave the Ground and, in line with football authority guidance, may result in a report to the Police, potential prosecution and a ban from the Club of up to three years. — Wealdstone FC Board of Directors WRITTEN IN STONE competition. Mark Hyde Faversham have already knocked up fever once again Croydon and Bostik returns to Grosvenor Vale Tonbridge Angels where we welcome the out of this season’s competition, Cofficials, players and traveling so should not be taken lightly. fans of Faversham Town for the very first time. Match day sponsorship packages and Match Ball donations are still I think It’s fair to say that the available and are a fantastic way results of our last two home to mark a special occasion or games have put a smile on both advertise your company. Please the faces of the supporters and contact either Paul Rumens on our new management team. That 07710 929692 or paulrumens59@ said though, Bobby knows only gmail.com or Peter Worby on too well that he has not had the 07967 698370 or pworby@ best record in the FA Cup and I hotmail.com am sure he is looking to finally Mark make his mark in this historic MATCH SPONSOR - DOMINIC WHYLEY & FRIENDS

Thanks once again to Dominic who so is often found amongst our sponsorship pages and gener- ally with very little fanfare. As well as generously sponsoring games and donating match balls Dominic dedicates a lot of his precious free time as a Club Director and helping with the Ruislip Social Club side of things… As a mark of your thanks please make sure you read Dom’s Social Club notes on page 41.

BALL DONORS - PAULINE & PETER WORBY

Husband and Wife team, Peter & Pauline will need no introduction but I am in no doubt that they will be happy with me plugging the Half Way Line Tea Bar that Pauline puts so much work into, so… If your tastes run to a cup of Tea, Coffee, Chocolate or Bovril to wash down a hot Panini, bar of Chocolate or the much commended home made Bread Pudding then make sure you pay Pauline a visit this afternoon.

GROUND REGULATIONS On behalf of the Board of Directors of Wealdstone Football Club may I bring to the attention of all spectators our ground regulations and in particular “Item One” line two in today’s programme The club reserves the right to eject from the ground any person who is considered to have committed any of the following Entering the field of play before, during or after a game without prior authorisation The club has been reported to the Football Association following such an incident shortly before the end of our fixture with Poole Town on Monday evening. This charge may lead to a fine or closure of the part of the ground the incident took place. Wealdstone Football Club reserves the right to ban any spectator eject from the ground for this type of offence and pass on their details to the police & Football Association for further action. Spectators are reminded to stay behind the pitch perimeter at all times and there is no standing in front of the seated areas of the ground at all times

Paul Fruin Director/Club Secretary 2019 UEFA EUROPEAN UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER ENGLAND v SCOTLAND FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER 2017, MIDDLESBROUGH F.C. KICK-OFF 7.45PM ADULTS £10 CONCESSIONS £5

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12867_FA_ENG_UNDERS_U21S_EURO_2019_QUALIFIER_CREATIVE_SCOT_PROGRAMME_AD_A5_V3.indd 1 01/09/2017 10:10 WEALDSTONE v FAVERSHAM 10-MINUTE INTERVIEW

T didn’t take long to unearth Matt Day’s guilty secret. No, not a furtive addiction to Iwatching Bake Off, or a ‘There’s a real passion superstition involving Superman underpants or being the last to leave the changing room. Whisper it quietly, but Matt is a here to succeed... and Manchester United fan. ‘Why?’ I had to ask him when we had a chat earlier this week. that’s why I’m buzzing ‘Why on earth would you follow Man U when you live in Basing- stoke and were brought up in Andover?’ to join Bobby He laughed and said: ‘Well, I suppose it is down to my dad who grew up in the 60s watching that great United side with Best, at the Stones Law and Charlton. He sort of passed it on to me. And then, ten years ago, I found myself playing against them for Oxford United!’ What? How come? I knew our new signing from Hungerford - who came across to the Vale two weeks ago with new boss Bobby Wilkinson - had started his career as a youth at Portsmouth, but surely Oxford were in the Con- ference National then? ‘Yeah, the story is that after spending ten years at Pompey and signing my YTS forms with them, I didn’t get close to playing in the first team. Lots in the reserves, but Ports- mouth were then in the Pre- mier League and the nearest I got was a game at Bolton when I was in the squad to travel... and then Steve Stone declared himself fit! ‘So I was off to Oxford United at the age of 19 when Jim Smith - who had been at Pompey - took over as manager at the Kassam, TIM PARKS gets the lowdown on our new centreback along with two of his as- sistants Andy Awford and ing when Exeter scored twice to game against Woking. Though it Sean North. Jim Smith is a great force extra time. was a dreadful 0-0 draw! man, he believed in me and I had “It went to penalties and our “As for than Man Utd game... two years at Oxford as a virtual goalkeeper, Billy Turley, missed a dream for me. It was a ever-present. The first year we the decisive kick. Absolutely pre-season friendly just after reached the Conference National heartbreaking. But I’ve got the 2006 World Cup, when play-offs but lost to Exeter City some great memories of Oxford Ronaldo had got all that stick over two legs... we beat them 1-0 including one Boxing Day when for apparently winking after away and were leading 1-0 at we had the record non-League getting Wayne Rooney sent off home with ten minutes remain- attendance of over 11,000 for a in the England- Portugal game. WEALDSTONE v FAVERSHAM 10-MINUTE INTERVIEW

Rooney’s first appearance after final 18 months ago, that was in this friendly - organ- went 1-0 down but ised I think by Jim Smith and Alex came back to win 2-1. Crawley in the Confer- Ferguson who are best mates And our first season in ence from 35 yards - and we had even more in the the Vanarama South that’s still on You Tube... Kassam for that one, over 13,000. last year, we were a 91st minute winner!” ‘To this day I can still name the relegation favourites Matt was also an United line-up: Ben Foster in goal, but finished sixth. All England C team (non- Phil Bardsley and Gabriel Heinze based on Bobby’s League) international the full backs, John O’Shea and organisation, a team while at Oxford Utd, Silvestre in the middle; Ronaldo ethic ... and a lot of and scored on his first on one wing and Keiran Richard- ability too.” appearance in Bosnia - son on the other; Darren Fletcher At first glance, another 30-yard belter and Dave Jones in central mid Matt (pictured right that wasn’t enough to and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and at Oxford) is a solid, avoid a 4-2 defeat. Louis Saha up front. We lost no-frills defender but inside that The Bosnia side - with 4-1 and Rooney got two of the stocky frame is a central mid- several senior players who goals... unbelievable to play fielder bursting to get out. had been omitted from the full against those guys. Especially Eagle-eyed fans will have international side the previous when you’re a fan!” spotted (particularly at East day - proved too strong for Paul Matt’s third year at Oxford was Thurrock on his Stones debut) Fairclough’s team. Matt had also curtailed when Smith was sacked his trademark 50-yard diagonal been named to play in Helsinki as manager, the Oxford chairman balls and a fierce shot at goal. against Finland for the England demanding promotion back to the C’s 2-0 win that year, but had to “Yeah, I played further for- pull out with a knee injury. Football League, and he moved ward as a teenager at Ports- into part-time football with a short mouth and had a range of pass- And just to underline his cre- spell at Eastleigh. ‘Yes, I fell out ing, and the ability to win the ball dentials, Matt was named in the of love with football a little bit, I in the air that had me earmarked Non-League Paper’s Southern wasn’t getting much game time to be a centre half before too League Team of the Year in and when Hungerford asked me long... and to be fair, when I was 2016 for his displays at centre to sign it made a lot of sense. I put in there I really enjoyed it. back for promotion-winning was living in Newbury, just down I’ve been a No.5 ever since” Hungerford. the road, and just wanted to play. “I’ve noticed you’ve scored Not a bad CV then. At the age I also wanted to concentrate a bit a few goals in your career” I of 30, is he finally ready to put on my job (Matt’s a self-employed asked him. ‘Is that mainly getting some silverware on his mantel- plumber and pipe-fitter). on the end of dead balls and piece with Wealdstone? “We were in the Southern freekicks?” “That would be nice!” he League Division One, and when “No, not really. They’ve been laughed. “Well, I’ve come here Bobby (Wilkinson) took over we mainly long-rangers. I got one at because the Stones have ambi- started to go places. We were tion. When Bobby left Hunger- organised, kept a lot of clean ford it was a surprise to every- sheets and got promoted one, and yes I was hoping twice through the play-offs he’d want me to come to make it to the Conference Matt day factfile over here to join him as South. We showed fantastic we’d had those six great Matt Day is 30 years old, and lives character to get promoted - years together and I was in Basingstoke with his wife Rachel. we were always up against his captain. I’m buzzing to They bought a house there only a few bigger clubs but won through. be honest. months ago after previously living in “That first promotion year, Newbury. He has never played in the “This is a great club, the 2011-12, we lost twice to Football League (or Premier League) Chairman is terrific, the Merthyr in the league and while at Portsmouth but appeared 79 fans are terrific, and we’re they thought they were going times for Oxford United in the National all committed to achieving to stroll through the play-off League, scoring six times, and six things for Wealdstone. I final - they’d even booked times for Eastleigh in the Confer- didn’t know much about their end of season celebra- ence South. His time at Portsmouth, the club before last sea- tion in Magaluf. That was a incidentally, pre-dates Stones legend son except that there is a great incentive for us and we Glenn Little who signed for Harry real passion here to suc- beat them 3-1 after extra time. Redknapp’s Prem side just as Matt ceed. The fans demand Then we played Leamington was leaving. it, and now Bobby’s here in the Southern Prem play-off demanding it too.”

ABOBAKER EISA

PIC. Alan Palmer

SUPPORTERS CLUB Adam Edwards NEW TO THE MEGASTORE

he summer has been a very busy period for us in the Megastore, more Tso than previous years. Before last season had finished we were planning the new look for this season as we felt it was possibly time for a change. Having visited a few is usually available around the merchandise and digital / retail ground, but can often be found display events we realised that at half time in the Megastore whilst we more than catered for ready to take you name and those fans that like shirts and contact details for coach leisurewear we maybe could bookings do with more items that appeal Golden Girl – Mim will be to the younger fan amongst us. selling Golden Goals just inside You will now find a number of the ground for your chance to items that are more use around scoop an extra £50 for the first the home. For those who like goal scored or £10 for the last a tipple we have Wealdstone goal. If you are lucky enough to FC pint glasses (£10), foldable win pop into the Megastore at water bottles (£3) and 14 the end of the game to collect different coasters that feature If merchandise is not your thing your prize from Mim. famous Wealdstone ticket stubs please feel free to pop in and Junior Stones / Pebble News (such as Reading 1977, two peruse our huge selection of – Please don’t forget that from the 1966 Amateur Cup Wealdstone and football league anyone under the age of 14 final, three from the 1985 Trophy programmes. We have a great is entitled to a Junior Stones Final, the 1942 Red Cross range of England and FA Cup Loyalty card. They are free from Final at Wembley, Rotherham, finals all at bargain prices the Megastore. All you have to Watford and Leeds to name but and don’t forget we still offer do is collect six stamps and a a few) which are £3 each or any great bundle prices. We have free hat, scarf, mug, pennant, 4 for £10. We also stock cushion anything from Arsenal, Chelsea, coaster or fridge magnet could covers (£6), Stones clocks Fulham, Everton, Millwall, be yours. Pop in and pick up (£12) and finally fridge magnets Watford, Southampton, West your card as there is still plenty that come in two sizes (£2 & Ham and more. Have a look as of games left this season. £1.50 each) and display some you would be surprised at the of the more famous Stones prices we charge. Adam and other football programmes Payment – As always we can over that last 50 years. Oh yes process card payments in the and before I forget we do have Megastore on game days via a some Wealdstone t-shirts for the handy PayPal card machine, so smallest junior stones out there not only can you spend more in (24 months old). the Megastore, but you can also More Mega Items – Whilst retain your cash to buy pints, we stock a number of items programmes or golden goals. we do not always have every Travel – The next planned item in every size, but please supporters coach is hopefully remember if we don’t have your Bath City away on the 23rd Sept size in stock we are happy to so please see Victor Klarfeld order it in for a few weeks’ time. who will take you bookings. He WEALDSTONE v FAVERSHAM TOWN FAN IN THE STAND

To me, sport is A terrible picture but important, somehow it works... Rob is snapped in football’s the his natural most important environment sport and Stones are the most important club It’s Name: Rob Saville Where do you live? Luton Are you working (and where?): Rob Computer stuff in Hemel beat- First Stones game attended: Saville ing Spain euro 96, Arsenal Would have been around 1979 winning league at Liverpool, but against someone obscure like AP topping that is 1979 cup final Leamington or Barnet. And most memorable Weald- What or who persuaded you to son at home was very challeng- stone game, and moment? become a Stones fan? Mark and ing to watch. I can tolerate lack The whole FA Trophy day was Paul Fowler’s dad used to take of entertainment if we win, but amazing, ending in Roy Davies us to Wasps on a Saturday, then that was hard work. buying me a drink during the Wealdstone on occasion. Sud- How do you fit watching celebrations. denly it all made sense. A crowd, football, and Wealdstone, But for underdog excitement you an atmosphere and most of all the into your family/working life? can’t top Cambridge away. acerbic abuse. Especially Duncan Stones games are more of a Towell. What really gets your goat luxury now as I am busy at watching football? When Do you follow any other team? home on weekends and often people who know better don’t Arsenal from when Alan Ball away, so have to treat myself. realise I am a great judge. For transferred there. I’ve been in In the 90s and 00s it was every example I was discussing new the Wenger Out camp for a few game including midweek expedi- signing Chris Walton with some- seasons now and can’t believe tions to one horse towns with one - to protect his name let’s GB actually went first. non-league annual open, looking call him “Elmslie Ender”. I was Do you prefer lower-League for floodlights. saying how great he looked after footballer? Be honest! I prefer How big a part of your life is his first game. EE just couldn’t Wealdstone. I would never watch the game? Sport is important. accept it until after about 10 a non league game that didn’t Football is the most important games. Same with the nerdy involve us. I’ve tried watching sport. And Wealdstone the most mailing list! some conference footie on TV important club. Oh, and PEPF. B*rnet being and it’s pretty dire. I also prefer to Most memorable game/s there annoys me every day of stand up. you’ve EVER seen? Non my life. Any disadvantages? Last sea- Wealdstone would be England Continued overpage WEALDSTONE v FAVERSHAM TOWN FAN IN THE STAND

Have you ever played What are your expecta- the game yourself (to tions for the Stones for any level) and most this season? Still think memorable moments? we are a couple of players I was a very gifted foot- short of a play-off team. baller but only in my head. How does the current My feet just couldn’t keep programme compare up with me so it appears with others you see? I am, in fact, decidedly Been a higher standard average. I was completely since the eighties and still controlling the supporters v is. Amazing quality and officials game at the White dedication to production. lion ground till viciously Any articles or features hacked down by LFM! that you’d like to see? Any suggestions to “Best abusive comment improve your Stones of last week from the ter- -watching experience races”. (Mmmmmm -Ed) at the Vale? Scoring first What do you think of would be an idea. the bars and catering Favourite current Weald- at The Vale? Any beers stone line-up (1-11, with or food you’d like to be reasons)? North (on added? Bar is great, form has won us games); could we get permission Matt Day (beard); Brown for a St Albans -like beer (needs to keep improving stall outside at half time? and grow beard); Okimo Do you buy much at the (prob playing below his club shop? Plenty, my level); Cox (see below Wealdstone hoodie is a re tackling); Sellers (depends Bit of a treat (above) for Rob quality top I wear all winter. on formation but love to see him and fans of a certain vintage... What’s your Wealdstone claim bomb forward) the legendary inept Barnet to fame? I did the first Weald- Witchelow (only player who can centre back Bill Baldry is stone website (must mention beat a defender); Godfrey (carpet pictured (top) being skinned Colin Bunner who did all the discount and loves the dirty work); by Enfield’s Noel Ashford, pics and Martin Lacey who Benyon (with service will burn); and above at his own 60th paid for the space). This was in Eisa (jury a bit out but his name is birthday bash last year. Bill’s 1995 when only Stevenage had a very obscure old PC interface); the bald one flanked by ex- a website in non league, and Ijaha (unit)(and also left the club Bees Kevin Millett and Barry plenty of league clubs had noth- I’m told) Fry, Steve Percy (far left) and ing at all. I did match reports for Favourite all-time Stones line- Edwin Stein (far right) it for a few seasons...very hard up? Iles B, Bowgett P, Marshall to enjoy the games and keep R, Garner S’ Pearce S, Little G, track of everything. Our site won Cordice A, Venables D; Walton C; What was your highlight of some awards. Pretty soon there Jones B; Jolly R. last season? Southport. were loads of websites mostly Okay no room for a right back and Best non-League ground better than mine so I could retire the only surprise is probably Dave you’ve visited? Lower Mead. gracefully! I miss Jack’s stick Venables who amongst a pile of And the old Champion Hill had figure one. That and the mailing manure served up in the Vicar- the look of a once amazing list I’m sure attracted some age Rd days stood out for me. place. new fans, I know a couple from Otherwise all the above can either Best stadium you’ve EVER abroad and elsewhere in the uk tackle as if their lives depended on visited? Nou Camp. Was lucky started following us as a result. it, or be able to pass and beat a enough to be working in Barca *cough* lifetime vice president player in a dribble. during the Olympics and saw a *cough* Best away trips to watch foot- Spain game there. Finally, where do you see ball? Enfield trophy semi-final; Where do you like to stand the club in five years’ time? Southport; Barnet with Bill Baldry (or sit) at the Vale? Behind the Vauxhall National Conference Al- Bill Baldry Bill Baldry; Dartford goal. For some reason usually liance Premier, playing at Prince with Sammy Olaleye. behind Attic so I can’t see. Edward. FAVERSHAM TOWN The LILYWHITES

he club was formed in In the following months, the to its former glory, before the future 1884, and experienced once proud Salters Lane ground became even brighter with the many ups & downs during was systematically wrecked by erection of brand new floodlights. Tthe early years, the storey vandals. Meanwhile, club trustees The revival of club and ground from below takes you from the 1970’s led by businessman Ray Leader the jaws of death was nothing short to one of its most successful fought a desperate battle to heal a of a miracle - a story that would periods which arguably has widening rift with the previous surely rival the efforts to revive both been the last 5/6 years. regime over the ownership of the “The Valley” at Charlton, and club and ground. Accrington Stanley F.C. After a brief flirtation with the In a separate development, the The revived club played their first Athenian League in the mid Faversham Town Independent season back in 05/06, competing in seventies, the club returned to the Supporters Club had been the County League and Kent League, winning the Kent formed, and quickly gained a finishing as runners-up. Having Senior Trophy in 1977. The membership of over 300 paid up passed ground inspections and following season they repeated members in the market town. This fulfilled minimum criteria, promotion this success and were also was despite the fact the club had to the Kent League was confirmed, crowned Kent League champions, no team, no manager, and a and Faversham Town had at last completing a famous “double”. ground that had been totally “come home”. The Lilywhites won the Kent wrecked by vandals and now Season 2007/08 saw the arrival of League again in 1990, but league resembled a bomb site. Perhaps Justin Luchford and Jimmy Strouts form dipped in the 92/93 season the real turning point came when taking over the management with and was to stay that way for trustees and Independent Town second bottom of the league. several seasons. The club Supporters Club committee The team sunk to bottom before the managed to to reach the final of members got together and pair gradually steered them up to mid the Kent League Challenge Cup in declared an alliance to get the table. Strouts soon left for personal 2000, but things were in rapid club back on its feet. An interim reasons and Luchford, along with decline. Matters reached crisis club committee was formed, and Clive Walker, took the Lilywhites to point in 2003, when the KCFA the long road to recovery was the Kent Senior Trophy final in suspended the club for started. season 2009/10, beating Greenwich nonpayment of fines, with the The revival was slow, but things 2-1 to lift the trophy. A week later, club’s operators blaming just finally started to happen. The they were crowned Kent League about everyone for the mess ownership dispute was settled Premier Division champions. except themselves. and access to the ground Towards the end of his first season obtained. Volunteer workers were in the Ryman League, and with Town confronted with completely within touching distance of the play- smashed and vandalized offs, Luchford resigned. His place buildings, and shoulder-height was taken by his assistant Ray grass on what had been the pitch. Turner. Turner took charge of the last A massive clear up operation seven league games securing eighth began but it was back breaking spot - the highest position of any work. Meanwhile, paperwork was Kent team competing at that level. put in order with a new club Another significant milestone was constitution written and agreed. reached in 2010 when the revamped Kent County FA allowed the stadium was renamed Shepherd club to retain their coveted senior Neame Stadium after a sponsorship status subject to several deal with the town’s famous brewery. conditions. Local authority grants Having consolidated their position were applied for and secured, as a mid-table Ryman South side sponsorship deals obtained, and during the first two years of Turner’s the club embarked on a range of reign, Faversham embarked on one fund raising initiatives. Slowly but of the best seasons in the club’s surely, Salters Lane was returned history during the 2012/13 season. AT THE VALE TODAY

The Lilywhites lost just three league goals - more than any other age group from Under 13s up- away league games all campaign Ryman League side that campaign wards in the 2017/18 campaign, a on their way to finish third and - and amassing a record 97 points mark of their growing stature in the reach the Ryman South play-off to finish in third place in the Ryman region and of their commitment to final against all odds. However, South for the second time in three a successful youth policy. In a fur- at United’s newly-built seasons. But the club suffered ther development, the Under 21s Gallagher Stadium in front of a more play-off heartache, as they also switched to become an Under 2,226 strong-crowd, Town were lost 5-4 on penalties at home to 23 Development team with the aim unable to pull off one final upset Merstham in their Ryman South of helping young players bridge the against a side with huge invest- Play-off Semi-Final following a gap from the Under 18s to the first ment and backing. Maidstone goalless draw away. team. The progress marked the cruising to a 3-0 victory to deny Faversham came fifth at the fruition of a vision set out five years Faversham their first taste of Ry- end of the 2015-16 season, again earlier by Ray Turner and Head of man Premier League football. reaching the play-offs, but after Youth Chris Greenfield, who was Town spent the majority of the beating Dorking Wanderers 2-1 promoted to Under 23s Manager. 2013/14 campaign just outside the in the semi-final they lost 3-0 to play-offs, and ultimately had to set- Worthing in the final, leaving them tle for tenth position in their fourth knocking once more on the door of FAVERSHAM season in the Ryman South. Off the Ryman Premier Division. the pitch, Town continued to grow The 2016/17 season was one of FACTS with another significant advance. transition for the Lilywhites on the They came together with nearby pitch, and success off it as they Founded 1884 Faversham Town Youth & Juniors forged ahead with Phase One their to form a new youth section, ambitious rebuilding programme. Ground Salters Lane meaning boys were now playing A tenth place finish was in the famous white and black kit achieved with a young squad as Capacity 2,000 from the age of five. The move manager Ray Turner dealt with (200 seated) also created a route through from a number of unexpected player youth development into the senior departures, which led to a mid- League side and enabled the newly-ex- season wobble. However, in May Isthmian League South panded club achieved FA Charter 2017 MP Helen Whately opened Division Standard Community Club rank, the new changing rooms as the marking their rise in status. first stage of the stadium rede- 2016–17 The Lilywhites took another step velopment was finally completed. Isthmian League South forward in February 2014 with the Another significant advance came announcement of an ambitious when, for the first time, the club Division, 10th project to redevelop Shepherd were able to field Kent Youth Neame Stadium. The plans - bro- League standard squads at every Manager Ray Turner ken down into five phases - include rebuilding the changing rooms, adding hospitality an function rooms, extra seating in the stands and a new stadium entrance. A coffee shop and retail store will then be added, with meeting rooms and offices also being built to bring in additional revenue. A new 120-seater stand, fitness centre and sports hall will also be built. Fundraising for the project then began. Faversham had a productive 2014/15 season, scoring 111 VANARAMA 09/09/2017 Wealdstone 3 Bognor 0

ealdstone bounced and Stephane Ngamvoulou on corner. back from their the bench with Kaid Mohamed The home side grabbed a midweek hammering left out completely. deserved third goal just six Win Weston-Super-Mare by The first half stayed a largely minutes later when Brown rose scoring an impressive 3-0 tight affair until Green broke highest in the area to bullet victory over Bognor Regis the deadlock in the 38th a header past Lincoln from a Town at Grosvenor Vale to minute with a superb, swerving Green corner. climb out of the relegation 30-yard free-kick. This perked Matty Whichelow almost zone. the Stones up and they went added a fourth but his shot into the break with the lead was tipped over the bar by A spectacular first half free- and momentum. Lincoln. kick from Danny Green began They carried that into the the scoring before two quick- second half with Rocks keeper Wealdstone: North, Oshodi, fire second half goals from Dan Lincoln tipping low strikes Sellers, Brown, Day, Wellard defenders Ryan Sellers and from Eddie Oshodi and Dan (Ngamvoulou 84), Whichelow, Ciaron Brown. Fitchett around the post. Okimo, Fitchett (Osei 84), It was manager Bobby Bognor Regis did offer Green, Eisa. Wilkinson’s first victory as some threat with Chad Field Stones boss since his arrival collecting the ball on the edge Subs not used: Hill, O’Brien, from Hungerford Town two of the area before hitting a Godfrey weeks ago and he largely kept thunderous strike off the post faith in the side that suffered and out. Attendance: 845 a disappointing 5-1 defeat in But the Stones doubled their midweek by making only three lead on 71 minutes after Words: Chris Woods changes. Sellers, Green and Jerome Okimo won the ball Abobaker Eisa returned to the into the middle to play to Picture:Freddie Patmore starting eleven with Josh Hill Sellers who cut inside and www.freddiepatmore.com swerved a shot into the top WEALDSTONE v FAVERSHAM FA CUP ODYSSEY

Above: Brian James won- derful book and (left) the cabbage-stocked terraces of Tividale Our journey to Wembley starts today.. but who remembers this FA Cup classic from 1976? ome surprising things hardback ‘Journey to pop up when you follow BY TIM PARKS Wembley’. Twitter. You might think Left forgotten at the back S‘young groundhopper’ to be course. ‘Wembley to Wembley’ of my sports bookcase, the an oxymoron, considering is a tried and cliched formula weighty tome was every bit as most of that fraternity are of starting with Wembley FC, good as I remembered it. The the greybeard-and-carrier -bag just across Harrow from here premise in this original book persuasion, but here today is at Vale Farm, and following was to start at the epicentre 20-something video blogger whoever knocks them out of of England and, as others had Sion from Swansea (follow him the cup into the next round etc copied, followed the victors @groundhopper) whose aim is etc... All the way to Wembley into the next round. But what to watch an FA Cup tie at 13 dif- Stadium. elevates this 41 year old pub- ferent grounds all the way from To my knowledge, none of lication is the genius of author last month’s extra preliminary these video delights have ever James (who sadly passed on round to the Wembley semi featured the Mighty Stones so in July) who gets to the nub of final. the @groundhopper offering football people from the very He’s a Swansea fan and our will at least offer insight into first page. ground happens to be conve- the Cup matchday experience The wider sports world, im- niently close to Wembley Sta- here at the Vale. mersed in the tedious premier dium, where his Swans take on But the exercise did have the league soap opera, has no Spurs at 5.30pm today. A quick happy reward of reminding me need to consider the nuts and jump on tghe Met Line! of the first ever similar venture: bolts of grass roots football; It’s been done before of Brian James’ magnificent 1976 the dreams and aspirations of WEALDSTONE v FAVERSHAM FA CUP ODYSSEY

clubs far smaller than our own. The contradictory boasts and self knowledge. The wonderful drama played out across the ‘most fa- mous cup competi- tion of the world.’ That assertion seems a little hol- low these days, when the top clubs routinely put out shadow squads in their early FA Cup rounds that devalue the achievements of the ‘little’ clubs who might pull off a genuine upset. Sure, the Big Six don’t want to lose. Their managers say the right things when they name an XI they wouldn’t dream of announc- ing even on a wet Premier League night at Burnley. But the con- tinuing, feeble attempts by the FA to persuade the BY TIM PARKS Prem to sanction a Champions League place for the FA Cup win- The opening chapter of Brian ners means that James’ book sets out Tividale’s nothing is ever place in the football hierarchy. It going to change. just leaves you wanting more... Back in 1976 the FA Cup was HUGE. It really did James’ book start at Hinck- of the final itself, at Wembley. meant something- probably at ley v Tividale? Well, as every- After beating Hinckley, Mid- least on a level with winning the one should know (especially land League side Tividale were League. In the days of claggy, my daughter who now lives in knocked out by the Stones’ mud bound pitches from Octo- the town) Hinckley is the geo- fellow Southern Leaguers ber onwards, just the thought graphical centre of England. Telford United (who featured of playing on Wembley’s lush He states that he hoped the player manager Geoff Hurst, Cumbrian turf was a major turn- story would loop around the ten years after his World Cup on for every pro player. whole of our sceptred isle, but heroics) and there is even And, like now, every non in the event It never strayed mention in the book of Tividale Contd after the next page... League club dreamed of a south of Hinckley until the day ‘having watched Telford last crack at the big boys. So why WEALDSTONE v FAVERSHAM FA CUP ODYSSEY

week at Wealdstone’. I hope the Stones didn’t raise Tividale’s hopes by thumping Telford 4-2 that day - but the Shropshire side proved just too good for Tividale in front of a 1,100 crowd. Next up for Telford was Northern Premier League side Matlock Town at the Peak District side’s pictur- esque ground. After a 2-2 draw, Matlock won the replay 4-2 and the book followed them to Chesterfield for a 5-2 giant-killing in the first round proper. But Matlock were found wanting in Round Two as they crashed out at Carlisle United. At this point in the book, beautifully writ- ten though it is, this reader at least lost a little interest. At least, I did at the time, four decades ago, as Carlisle promptly lost to Liverpool in the Third BY TIM PARKS Round and the book became a chronicle of the Mersey club’s attempt to win the Tividale lament their FA Cup first-ever ‘triple’ - knockout by Telford, with non- Football League, FA League ledge Jack Bentley (2) and Cup and European England ledge Hurst getting the Cup. goals. Above: a bigger crowd You youngsters will know that it bley thanks to Lou Macari’s for the club was Man Utd who won that deflected strike, in-off Jimmy Yes, I know what you are accolade some 22 years later, Greenhoff.... and Liverpool thinking! How did the mighty in 1998-99, but Brian James would indeed have been the Stones get on in the FA Cup thought he had chanced upon first treble winners as they that season? Well, it wasn’t an unusual vehicle as Liverpool conquered Borussia Mo- half bad. At the back of Brian won through round after round enchengladbach in a fabulous James’ book, bless him, he to reach the final in the climax European Cup Final the fol- listed EVERY ONE of the FA of his book. lowing week. Skipper Tommy Cup ties that was played any- Ironically it was Tommy Smith headed a rare goal in where that season complete Contd after the next page... Docherty’s Manchester United his emotional last-ever game with team line ups, goalscor- side that beat them at Wem- WEALDSTONE v FAVERSHAM FA CUP ODYSSEY

rers and atten- dances. A statto’s dream! And so on the next page we chronicle Weald- stone’s progress past four Isth- mian (nowadays Bostick) League clubs- Clapton, Kingstonian, Dul- wich Hamlet and Bishops Stort- ford - to an away draw at Third Division (League One) Reading in the First Round Proper. And we should have won! The Royals only went through 1-0 thanks to a de- fensive howler by Lennis Prince and the Stones ending up with nine men after John Arnold and Alan Fursdon were sent off. As a bit of a postscript to Telford’s season, BY TIM PARKS after climbing into the top four in October Geoff Hurst’s side fell away A bit of insight into the Hurst- after their Cup household before the big game exit and plum- with Matlock. It all ended in tears meted into the relegation zone in a hectic end World Cup to the season. In fact, much in winner the same way that the Stones Hurst is escaped relegatrion due to mobbed Dunstable Town folding the after the previous season, Telford were final saved by Wimbledon’s election whistle at of the Football League that Tividale summer The Dons’ last game in the Souhern League was a 0-0 draw at Lower Mead in early May. Contd overpage...