Pictured: Ollie Leslie Photo Courtesy of Guy Wills Photography
OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME Saturday 23rd March 2019 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
BIGGLESWADE UNITED v LONDON COLNEY FC
What’s Inside • Welcome • The Players • Guillem Balague on Biggleswade United (as published Friday 22nd March.) • Current League Standings • Results and Fixtures • Up Next at Second Meadow • Our Results So Far • Biggleswade United Under 23s • Biggleswade United Ladies FC • Our Forthcoming Fixtures • Our Club History • Venue for Hire • In Form Statistics • London Colney History • Player Profiles • Team Photo
Welcome Welcome to Second Meadow Good afternoon and welcome to Second Meadow for today’s Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division fixture. We extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of our visitors LONDON COLNEY FOOTBALL CLUB. We also welcome our three match officials and we hope that you enjoy your short stay with us. Match Preview – Courtesy of Leon Waite @leonwaite98 United were comprehensively beaten at home 3-0 by town rivals Biggleswade FC on Tuesday night as the visitors progressed to the final of the North Beds Charity Cup. Taylor Rhiney had the opportunity from the penalty spot to half the deficit at the start of the second half but squandered that chance and minutes later former United frontman Abraham Eze put the contest to bed. A disappointing result after a return to some consistency in the league that has yielded three consecutive wins- most recently a 1-0 success over Wembley- to consolidate their position in the top four. And Alex Salvador’s men are back at Second Meadow again this weekend as they entertain 2016/17 title winners London Colney. Our visitors - London Colney The Blueboys placed 13th last term and sit 15th this year with games in hand on the clubs above them. Ken Charlery’s side are winless in their previous five matches in all competitions, losing 1-0 in midweek to last season’s promoted runners-up Berkhamsted in the Herts Charity Shield. Defeats to Oxhey Jets, Tring Athletic and Colney Heath with a draw against Cockfosters sandwiched in between the latter two make up the rest of their recent form. United’s past two meetings with Colney have ended in emphatic victories at Cotlandswick Park 4-0 and 5-1 respectively. However, it was the visitors who prevailed 1-0 when the teams last met in Bedfordshire.
The Players..
Picture courtesy of GUY WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Pictured: Jaiden Irish
Balague on Biggleswade United GUILLEM BALAGUE Biggleswade United Chairman, Guillem Balague, provides this weekly column for The Biggleswade Chronicle.
I have always maintained that in football you often learn more from defeat than you do victory and we were certainly given a lesson in the art of finishing from town rivals Biggleswade FC on Tuesday night.
Our focus now turns to getting as many points as we can in our remaining seven league matches.
We have a clear eight point cushion between ourselves and fifth place Baldock Town and are just five points While the scoreline probably flattered behind Hadley who are currently in our guests a tad, there is no doubt second place. that they were more competitive and clinical and fully deserving of their I saw nothing in the faces of our victory in this North Beds Charity Cup players after Tuesday night's defeat to semi final. suggest that we aren't going to fight right to to the end of what has been We have to take it on the chin and the most successful ever league wish them all the best for the final campaign in the club's history. where they will meet Ampthill Town. At the Academy we are reaching that That said, I can't help but feel that we point of the season where we have to were a bit unlucky in key moments of decide what leagues we will be the game such as when Kane Farrell's competing in next season, something effort was saved on the line and then that will be determined by the hit the bar. assessment made by our coaches as to the strengths and capabilities of Just before half time they scored their our sides. second goal and then just after the break, we contrived to squander yet learn from Pro, A and B licenced another penalty opportunity that coaches from within the solid could have brought us back into the structure that we have established at game. An error let them in for their the club. third and on moments such as these, matches are decided. Let's learn from Continued Overleaf them and move on.
Balague on Biggleswade United GUILLEM BALAGUE Continued And we always have opportunities for people looking to get into coaching via our Academy. Aspiring coaches can learn from Pro, A and B licenced coaches from within the solid structure that we have established at the club.
Meanwhile we continue to wait for some kind of communication, response, reaction, information....anything...regarding facilities - or, more accurately, the lack of them - available to our youngsters, although the silence emanating from those authorities, associations and While the youngsters at the club are bodies that could and should make a our highest priority we are also there difference continues to be deafening. to help those that are looking to go down the training route get their Our door is always open and we are badges and maximise their potential. always ready and willing to talk. Anyone interested can contact us at info@biggleswadeunited.com Meanwhile after our cup exit we return to league business as we After a hectic schedule recently, it's welcome London Colney to Second been marvellous this past week to Meadow today. spend more time in and around the area where I had the chance to meet up with, and interview fresh from a FA Guillem Cup quarter final win, Watford coach Javi Gracia and winger Gerard Deulofeu who also took time to join the long, distinguished list of footballing stars that are pictured on our Wall of Fame holding a Biggleswade United shirt It was also good to touch base with the ladies teams and the Academy, and as ever I remain in awe of the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of everyone to ensure we continue to move in the right direction.
Current League Standings
Results and Fixtures
Next Up at Second Meadow
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION SATURDAY 3OTH MARCH 2019 3pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED U23 V
HOLMER GREEN FC
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SATURDAY 6TH APRIL 2019 3pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED V
ARLESEY TOWN FC
Our Results So Far
Biggleswade United Under 23
Biggleswade United Ladies
BEDFORDSHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE WOMEN’S FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP SUNDAY 24TH MARCH2019 KICK OFF 2pm
AFC DUNSTABLE LADIES RES. V
BIGGLESWADE UNITED LADIES
Our Forthcoming Fixtures
Our History 1959 - 1999 Biggleswade United Football Club was re-formed on the 16th July 1959. However, local history records indicate that there was a Biggleswade United side playing at Second Meadow as early as 1929. Our first season (1959/60) saw us competing in Division Three of the North Herts. League (NHL). After 10 successful years in the NHL the club made the step up to South Midlands League (SML) football. But towards the end of a 15-year association with the SML the club began to struggle and after three years of finishing in the bottom three of Division One we sought fresh fields. The club joined the Herts. Senior but club continued to find the going tough. In 1986 we elected to return to local League football, joining the Bedford and District Football League and began to build again.
The appointment of Brian Swords as first team manager in 87/88 proved to be the turning point in the club's fortunes. During the next ten years the club achieved a tremendous amount of success on and off the football pitch. Our record of League and Cup honours speak for themselves but aligned to this a great deal of work went on behind the scenes to match the on-field success. The club now boasts one of the best clubhouse and ground facilities in the Mid-Bedfordshire area. The success of the club has also attracted many new players as well as commanding a great deal of loyalty from those players who helped the club progress from Division Three of the Bedford and District League to County Senior Club status in just 15 years. The 1995/96 season was the most successful in the club's history - winning five major honours; the Beds Intermediate County Cup, Bedford and District League Championship, League Cup Championship and as the League's representatives the club won the Beds. FA Centenary Cup. Having won every major Bedford League honour the club felt it was time to move on and made the decision to make the step up once again and returned to Division One of the SML. In an exceptionally successful first season we celebrated a Division One "double" by winning the Championship and the Division One Cup. We also retained the Beds. FA Intermediate County Cup, only the second club in the competition's history to achieve this feat. To crown our success the club were awarded the SML Special Achievement Trophy in July 1997.
In the season 1997/98 we finally achieved Senior status. This was achieved not only through the endeavours of the players on the field but ultimately as a result of an extremely hard working committee. With the help of the Biggleswade Town Council a new stand was erected and perimeter fencing installed. And two seasons later the club erected floodlights and on the evening of 26th October 1999 we played our first-ever floodlit game at Second Meadow, Ryman League side Leighton Town were the visitors in the Bedfordshire Premier Cup.
Our History 2000- 2018 The next eleven years saw the first team led by Steve "Snowy" Wright and under his management the club continued to enjoy a very high level of League and Cup success ultimately achieving promotion to the Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and with it the opportunity to compete in the FA Cup. And under Snowy the club made three Beds FA Senior Challenge Cup final appearances, winning two of the three with victories over Stotfold (4-1) and Leighton Town (1-0) but missed out in 2006/07 going down 2-0 to Dunstable Town. Snowy's other cup successes came in the form of the Hunts Premier Cup, North Beds Charity Cup, Hinchingbrooke Cup, the SML Division One Cup and the SML Special Achievement Award once again. The end of the 2006 2007 saw Snowy step down as manager with his assistant, Nick Burton taking over the first team reins. January 5th 2009 saw the club embark on further ambitious ground improvements. With financial backing from Biggleswade Town Council, Mid Beds District Council and the Football Foundation we installed a 260-seater stand, fully enclosed the ground with a double turnstile entrance and players' secure walkway, which raised the ground to Grade E status. After several years of stability in terms of first team managers the next six years saw a regular turnover of first team and reserve team managers with Nick Burton, Dave Elkin and Phil Childs all taking over the first team reins for a time. At the start of the 2013-2014 season we appointed Mick Reardon and Mark Royal as first team managers both of whom had enjoyed success as coaches at the higher levels of football. Their disciplined approach was quickly adhered to and responded to by the players and under their stewardship we achieved the highest Premier Division position in nine years and first silverware in seven years winning the North Beds Charity Cup for the first time in the club’s history. In November 2014 the club took a further positive step to realise our ambitions with the appointment of Sky Sports Presenter and renowned author, Guillem Balague as Biggleswade United’s Director of Football. Following Mick and Mark’s decision to step down at the end 2014 2015, Guillem was quick to act and recruited a new Head Coach in Cristian Colas Beccera. Cristian was assisted by former professional player, Stuart Bimson, and under their guidance the team finished in eighth spot in the Premier Division in 2017 2018 - the highest position in the club’s history. Having built a strong reputation for their outstanding coaching ability and playing philosophy Cristian and Stuart moved up to Step 3 level club, Staines Town, for the start of the 2018 2019 season. Guillem was again in search for a high quality coach and Jimmy Martin came highly recommended by his predecessor, Colas, who worked with Jimmy at Stevenage FC Academy. Jimmy was appointed Manager in May 2018 and will be assisted by a former United playing legend and well respected character in SML football, Dean Bull. Also on the coaching staff is Spanish coach Emilio Gutierrez. The club has certainly come a long way in relatively few years but we could not have done it without the help of a very supportive Town and District Council who clearly understands the benefits of having a community based club in Biggleswade. Our success is also very much down to a very hard working committee who throughout the year - not just the football season continue to volunteer their time and commitment to the club, to help it continue to thrive and be a source of enjoyment for our supporters and the Biggleswade community.
Biggleswade United FC Clubhouse is available to hire for every occasion – Birthdays*, Children’s parties, wedding parties, christenings, naming ceremonies and lots more… The clubhouse can accommodate up to 100. Hire charges are from £25 to £100. For more information contact Tracey James on 07714 661827 or 01767 316270
* We are unable to accommodate 18th birthday parties
In Form Statistics
The History of London Colney London Colney Football Club was formed in 1907, playing at Whitehorse Lane until moving to its present ground at Cotlandswick, London Colney in 1976.The Club played in the Mid Herts League until the mid fifties, when it joined the Herts County League. The Club has enjoyed many successes over the years with the 1st team winning the Premier Division League 3 times between 1986 and 1990,and the reserves winning the Reserve Division 4 times between 1987 and 1992.
In 1992 the Club moved to the South Midlands League where in the first season the 1st Team became runners up in the Senior Division and the Reserves won the Division 1 Reserves section.Further successes came between 1993 and 1998 with the 1st Team winning The O,Brian Butcher Challenge Cup, The Herts Charity Shield, The Herts Centenary Trophy, The Premier Division Cup and gaining promotion to the Premier Division. The Reserves also did well during this time and in 1998 won The Reserves Challenge Trophy.
The 1999/2000 season saw Malcolm Doctor join Mick Wright as a joint manager of the 1st Team. They were finalists in the both the Challenge Trophy and the Premier Division Cup only being beaten in penalty shoot outs in both matches. This year London Colney was once again a competitor in the FA Vase and reached the last sixteen losing 4-3 to Eccles Hill United who travelled from Yorkshire for the match.
The 2000/2001 season saw the 1st Team finishing runners up in the League. The reserves finished a creditable 6th in the reserve division.
In the 2001/2002 season London Colney saw its greatest successes yet with the 1st Team winning the League with a ten point difference – the highest in the league’s history. We lost only two games; scored a massive 119 goals; had a goal difference of 87 after going unbeaten for the first 27 league games. We went top after just three games and maintained domination apart from a few days in December, won 28 of our 38 games In the 1998/99 season the South Midlands League and provided the league’s leading scorer through amalgamated with the Spartan League to form the Gary Sippetts who bagged an incredible 45 strikes. Minerva Spartan South Midlands League and London Colney were also runners up in the Herts London Colney finished 3rd in the Premier Division. Senior Trophy, the only team in the league to ever The ‘Blue Boys’ had the title within their grasp reach that position, only narrowly losing to after a brilliant 11 match winning streak between Borehamwood 3-2 in a very hard fought match. We October and December and they remained in the also won the Challenge Trophy and were semitop two throughout the final weeks of the season finalists in the Premier Division Cup. These only to be pipped at the post on the final day of achievements were rewarded with our Managers, the season by Barkingside and Potters Bar Town. Malcolm Doctor and Mick Wright being awarded This disappointment was eased a few days later with the Managers of the Year Trophy. when they beat Hoddesdon Town 1-0 to win the Herts Charity Shield. The Reserves had a brilliant season winning the Reserve League and the reserve cup comfortably. This was also the year Continued Overleaf that The Spartan South Midlands League Management committee made first Team Manager Mick Wright Manager of the Year for the 1998/99 season.
The History of London Colney Continued The 2002/03 season – what a difference a year makes – whilst not expecting the same successes as the previous season the loss of many of our players to other clubs meant a disastrous start to the season. We then lost Malcolm Doctor who resigned early in the season. However thanks to John Templeton stepping into the breach to join Mick we managed to finish the season a creditable 6th in the league. Our reserves were an academy side and whilst there footballing skills were undisputed and they won the league and were finalists in the reserve cup, they contributed little to the well-being and spirit of London Colney Football Club.
2005/06 season saw a new Management Team of Nigel Tester, Kevin Bland and Vince Buck without much success with the 1st Team finishing 14th in the league but having a good FA Vase Cup run. The reserves finished third under the management of Mark Tyrell and Gary Barber.
2006/2007 We started the season with a new management team but it was decided that for the long term good of the club we would have to part company with the new manager before the end of the season. The 1st team finished mid table and had an early exit in all major cup competitions. In contrast the Reserves, under the guidance of Manager Mark Tyrrell, had a brilliant season by 2003/04 season saw several of our players winning the league on the last game of the season returning to the club and with an optimistic and also winning the Reserve Challenge Cup outlook and a great deal of enthusiasm. The first beating WGC Reserves from a division above. They team management remained the same with Mick were also the losing finalists in the Herts Wright and John Templeton at the helm. The Intermediate Cup.2007/2008 London Colney FC reserves have reverted to a normal club side with Centenary Year. Ray Flanagan and Alan Connell in charge. The first Saw the club relegated from the Premier League team finished 6th in the league and were finalists for the first time we now start the next century of in the Challenge Trophy losing to Brook House on the club trying to get back to Premier SSMFL penalties after extra time. The reserves finished in Premier status. the bottom half of the reserve division, which was commendable as it was the first season with Ray and Alan in charge. 2008/2009 saw additional committee members joining a new management team of Julian Robinson as Manager with Frank Patrick as his 2004/05 saw Mick Wright stepping down as assistant with most of the young squad retained Manager leaving John Templeton in sole charge. with a couple of new faces to begin the season in After a very good start, when we won 7 league Division One and begin a period of stability with games in a row, we seemed to loose our way and steady consolidation of a club that had shared it’s finished a disappointing 11th in the league. near past of turmoil with near extinction a However we faired better in the Challenge Trophy possibility. and were finalists but were well beaten by Hillingdon Borough 4-1 on the night. The Reserves finished in the lower half of the table in the Reserve Division
Continued Overleaf
The History of London Colney Continued 2009/10 After what seemed an endless season due to fixture congestion and the weather being so inclement the club had a tremendous campaign, albeit after the disappointment of losing out by 1 point for one of the promotion places leaving everyone at the club deflated for a while until we reflected on two cup final victories and one losing 9-10 on pens in the other. The first team with a third place finish in the MSSML Div One good cup runs in the FA and Vase competitions, the reserves having a tremendous season finishing second in Div Two, The A team won the Bingham Cup and finished runners up in the other cup final and finally the U18’s winning the league and cup double.
Season 2013/14 Saw the side again finish 7th in the Spartan Midlands League Premier Division in what would be Ryan Thompsons last season as manager. After a slow start, the team had a good middle and end to the campaign climbing up the table in the process. Matt Newman also departed scoring 32 goals in his final season with the Blueboys, backed up well by Martin Collins with 17 goals.
Season 2014/15 had seen the start of a new era with Jim Nicholls and his coaching staff at the helm. However due to work commitments, Jim became Chairman and Ryan Thompson came back as first team manager. The club went on a remarkable unbeaten streak during the second half 2010/11 A management team of Dave Townsend of the season, narrowly missing out on the title by and Frank Patrick were quickly invited into the hot finishing second to Kings Langley. seat following the departure of Julian Robinson to Tring Athletic to try and stabilise the club once Season 2016/17 saw the club bring in Joe Sweeney more and push for honours, following early and his team from Chesham. An excellent start to disappointing results the team were unable to the season meant that the Blueboys went straight reach the promotion spots to remain in the to the top of the table, and remained there until division although a Hertfordshire Charity Shield the end of the season becoming the Spartan Final saw the Blueboys lose against Premier side Premier Division champions. The Reserve team Leverstock Green also won the Suburban league table to make it a double to remember. 2011/12 Following the disappointment of staying The powers that be decided to refuse promotion to in Division One a new management team of Ryan the Ryman's League Division 1 which meant 2nd Thompson, Chris Day and Tony Kavanagh were place Hertford Town gained promotion instead. brought in to bring fresh impetus into the club Manager Joe Sweeney and almost all the after Dave Townsend stepped down to become promotion winning squad left the club after this Reserve team manager due to his heavy work decision for pastures new. commitments together with his impending The board also decided they no longer wanted to marriage.The season went from strength to carry on running the club so unless a new board strength with promotion to the premier division could be found quickly the club would fold with gained by a record 15 points with top scorer Matty immediate effect. Newman hitting the 50 goal mark over all competitions, with the young reserve side finishing Season 2017/18 saw a new consortium headed up a creditable mid table. by Chairman Gareth Davies along with former Peterborough, Watford and Birmingham centre Season 2012/13 Saw the side finish 7th in the forward Ken Charlery agreeing to become the new Spartan Midlands League Premier Division custodians of the club which was perilously close consolidating the improvement under Ryan to folding. The season started brightly with the Thompsons guidance this after a season of Blueboys top of the league after the first 6 games unpresidented injuries leaving the squad sadly which was a remarkable achievement considering depleated of up to 10 first team players for most of the club had no players with less than 4 weeks to the season. go until the season started.
Picture courtesy of GUY WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Pictured: James Smith
BIGGLESWADE UNITED PLAYER PROFILES Ollie Leslie – Goalkeeper Highly respected goalkeeper in the SML, Ollie joined United at the start of the season. Great shot stopper whose height adds to the all round ingredients needed for United’s number 1. James Cooper – Defender. Joined United in 2015 as a striker from local side Gamlingay United. “Coops” has made over 150 appearances for the club. Extremely fit player who combines the defensive full back / attacking wing back position to great effect. Kane Farrell – Defender Former player with Southend United Centre of Excellence who joined United in 2015. Kane has made almost 200 appearances. Highly committed player who rarely misses a training session. High technical ability and a complete allrounder who chips in with some stunning goals. Charlie Briggs – Defender Joined United in June 2018 having previously played at Stotfold. Impressed as an opponent and was very much on the United wanted list. A young, solid, no nonsense centre half who is growing in stature in every game he plays.
Joe Gauge – Defender 18 Year old Joe is having an amazing start to senior football and is already one of the fans’ favourites. Eager to learn and showing a great maturity in every game. Is certainly one to watch for the future. Is part of the Stevenage Elite Development Progarmme. James Smith – Defender “Snoops” joined United in 2017 and became an instant hit with the United fans with his never say die attitude. Beset by injury last season, he managed only 14 games but this season has already notched up 24 appearances and fingers crossed he’ll make it to 50 this season.
Matt Clark – Defender Former Watford Academy player, Matt has bided his time as captain of the Development side but has recently broken in to the first team reckoning where his growing from game to game. Strong player who is quickly adapting to the United style of play.
BIGGLESWADE UNITED PLAYER PROFILES Jaiden Irish – Midfield United’s midfield powerhouse who recently made his 100th appearance for the club since joining in 2016. Don’t let his shy persona fool you, he is a terrier in the middle of the park and uses his high quality technical ability to great effect. Dylan Logan – Midfield Another young player who joined United from Stevenage at the start of the season. Highly skilfull player who has the ability to wreak havoc on unsuspecting defenders .
Liam Andrews – Midfield A player who has impressed since the very start of the season and is adapting superbly well in the midfield and in his first full season at senior level having spent his youth years at Stevenage. Excellent technical ability and superb engine. Rafe Goodman – Midfield – Another young player who was previously at Stevenage. Started the season with United but ventured in to Step 4 football with AFC Dunstable returning to United in January. A long pass technician who has also chipped in with the goals. Taz Andrews – Midfield – Began his playing career at United in the Under 11s before moving to the Stevenage Academy. Another technically gifted player who looks comfortable on the ball and despite his small stature proves difficult to shake off the ball. Ricky Christie – Midfield – Joined United at the start of last season having spent his young playing days in his native Scotland. Gritty hardworking player who takes no prisoners.
Ieaun Lewis – Midfield / Striker / Captain – Vastly experienced and highly respected player who has played at Step 3 and Step 4 with the likes of Hitchin Town and St Neots Town. Has been the Academy coach at Stevenage for many years and he is passing on his knowledge and experience to the younger players. A leader on and off the pitch.
BIGGLESWADE UNITED PLAYER PROFILES Dave Parkinson – Midfield / Striker Highly popular player within the League, “Bullet” is a renowned goal machine and probably the fastest frontman in the Premier Division. Currently the club’s leading goalscorer. Sam Holmes – Striker – Prolific goal scorer who was previously with Division One side Ampthill Town where he was leading goal scorer with 35 goals from 43 appearances. Hot on the heels of his United strike partners for the golden boot. Joe Hankins – Striker – Previously with Royston Town, Joe joined United in September and is a key player in United’s forward line. A creative wide man he has assisted in many of United’s goals this season. Will be looking to take his goal tally to double figures by the end of the season. Codi Spavins – Striker – Definitely a young player to watch out for, Codi enjoyed a highly successful season with the Under 18s last season and made the transition to senior football with regular appearances for the Under 23 and I November justifiably took his place in the first team squad. George Brinkman - Striker. A likeable rogue and the changing room joker, George is well known in football circles having played for many clubs at the higher level including Hitchin Town, Barton Rovers and Bedford Town. Sadly a broken ankle sidelined him for much of the season but celebrated his comeback with a wonder goal against Harpenden in February. Taylor Rhiney - Midfield Striker Returned to the United line up recently after a short spell at Bedford Town and has already made his mark with a brace at Leverstock Green.