HINCKLEY
Hinckley AFC is a community owned club that was established in January 2014, following the liquidation of Hinckley United. The club aims to promote football for all in the Hinckley and Bosworth community, and is built on a structure of one vote per member. The club is committed to investing its money into football at all ages in the community, with a constitutional promise not to take any profitsout ofthe club.
The town of Hinckley has had a football team for many years, the earliest recorded team being Hinckley Town, who played in the Leicestershire Senior League in 1889. Following a name change to Hinckley Athletic, the club acquired land on Middlefield Lane, and in the mid-1990s they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Southern League on three occasions. Meanwhile, Hinckley Town were formed after changing their name from Westfield Wanderers in 1972, and they were promoted to the South-
ern League after a successful spellin the 1980s.
In the summer of 1997, the two chairmen, Kevin Downes (Town) and Mick Voce (Athletic) established that both sides had something positive to offer a merger. Thus, Hinckley Town and Hinckley Athletic became Hinckley United.
The intention of the merger was to create a higher standard of football in the town, something which was achieved when United won promotion to the Southern League Premier Division in 2001.
After finishing in 6th place in 2003/04, United were accepted into the newly formed Conference North. They moved into a new ground, on Leicester Road, in March 2005. After a successful start in 2006/07, tragedy struck when Matt Gadsby passed away while playing for the club at Harrogate Town on 9th September 2006. They went on to reach the play-off final, but lost out
4-3 to Farsley Celtic after conceding a last minutepenalty.
Seasons of financial woe followed, and after being relegated from the Conference North in 2012/13, the club wasliquidated sixmonths later.
After appointing Carl Abbott as their first manager, Hinckley AFC’s first match wason 5thJuly2014,a 4-2 win against landlords Heather St John’s. Abbott led AFC to a third-place finish in the Midland LeagueFirst Division in their inaugural season, including setting a new league record for matches unbeaten. They went 27 without defeat in all competitions from 21st October until 28th April, when they were defeated in the LeicestershireSeniorCupFinal.
The on-field success continued into the start of the 2015/16 season,
when they overturned a Redditch United side from three levels higher in the pyramid to reach the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup in their first campaign in the competition. That season, the club finished fifth in the league and won their first piece of silverware: going one better than the previous season by winning the Senior Cup with a 5-1 victory over OakhamUnited in the Final.
Continuing the theme of building on their success each season, 2016/17 yielded a new best league finish, with AFC ending as runners-up behind unbeaten champions Bromsgrove Sporting. Alongside that there were best ever runs in the FA Vase, where Abbott’s men reached the last 16 stage but were beaten in extra time by Buckland Athletic, and the Poly-
mac Packaging League Cup, where they reached the final.
Abbott stepped down the following October, and the club had several managers for short spells between then and the present day – Dale Belford, Richard Lavery, James Jepson and John Ramshaw all with brief tenures before Dale’s son Courtney Belford took charge in the summer to give renewed optimism after a disappointing campaign.
Covid regulations prevented him being able to complete either of his first two seasons in charge, ahead of the club’s move to the United Counties League in 2021/22.
But there the club mirrored their second-placed finish of five years previously, setting numerous records along the way. They hit a new FA Vase record 18-0 win at St Martin’s in the FA Vase and set a 13-match winning streak on their way to the play-off final. Ultimately, though, defeat to Belper United in the final meant another crack at step six and lateral
movement backto the Midland League after just one season away.
Upon a return to the Midland Football League, Hinckley finished third but yet again suffered play-off defeat, this time at the hands of Droitwich Spa on penalties in the semi-final. The club did, though, go one better in the Midland Football League Cup, winning the final, at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium, by beating Premier Division Whitchurch Alport 2-0.
The 2023/24 season saw Hinckley remain in the Midland League and have the best start to a campaign since formation, staying in the top five and losing only two matches until January 2024. A run undefeated throughout March, including an important late win against nearest rivals Droitwich Spa, sawHinckley win the Division One title, fittingly away at Heather St John’s, on 6th April 2024 courtesy of an 82ndminutewinning goalby ChandlerPegg.
The memory of Matt Gadsby lives on through his wife Sarah and daughter Amelia, who hold the membership NumberOne ofHinckley AFC.
When we talk about Casablanca, everybody thinks of the same thing. The dark charisma of Humphrey Bogart, the unparallelled beauty of Ingrid Bergman, and some of the greatest lines ever delivered on the silver screen. We don’t, as a rule, think about one of the most prominent players in World Cup history. But until 1955 Morocco was part of the French empire, and so its players could be called up by the European nation. And so, a short, powerful striker who started his career in Casablanca went to the 1958 World Cup as a Frenchman, and became the highest scoring player at a single tournament ever. And he wasn’t even supposed to play.
Just Fontaine grew up in Casablanca as one of seven children, and showed enough talent with a ball at his feet to join the local team in 1950, at the age of 17. He made an immediate impact, and over the next three years he made nearly 50 appearances for USM Casablanca, scoring 68 goals. It was enough to capture the attention of clubs in France, and Fontaine was ambitious enough to want, desperately, to play there. In 1953, he made the move to Nice. He also made his first
appearance for the French national team, scoring a hat trick against Luxembourg, but didn’t play for Les Bleus again for another year.
His time in Nice was interrupted by the requirement to complete two and a half years worth of national service, exacerbated by the Algerian War that was raging. But even with his military commitments, he found the time to score 42 goals in 69 appearances. When French champions, and European Cup finalists Reims lost star player Raymond Kopa to Real Madrid, they turned to Fontaine. The Moroccan, free of national service and able to focus on his football, was flying. He was top scorer in the French league over the next two seasons, which was enough to get him back into France squad. But Kopa was ahead of him, as was his Reims teammate Rene Bliard. He went to the 1958 World Cup as a reserve, not expecting to play very much. But when Bliard picked up an injury, he started the first game alongside Kopa. It was the start of a beautiful friendship.
He had to borrow a pair of boots for the opening game against Paraguay, and the South Americans scored first, but from then on it was all about the magic Fontaine and Kopa could work together. The Moroccan scored a hat trick, three of France’s seven, as their forward line clicked into gear. They lost to Yugoslavia in the next game, but Fontaine got another two. He and Kopa got one each in their final group game against
Fontaine
13
Scotland, after which Scottish wing half Tommy Docherty described the pair as ‘greased lightning’.
The quarter final against Northern Ireland saw the greased lightning working again, as Kopa worked his magic to create four goals. Fontaine got two of them, and their opponents couldn’t find a response. It was a magnificent performance, which set up an exciting semi-final against a rampant Brazil, and their 17 year old wonderkid, Pele.
One of football’s great ‘what might have been’ questions comes in the form of French defender Robert Jonquet. Fontaine scored early, but at 1-1 Jonquet clashed with Brazilian forward Vava, which fractured his fibula. No substitutions were allowed in 1958, and remarkably, with the aid of a painkilling injection, Jonquet played on. But a hobbling passenger was no match for arguably the greatest player to ever play the game. Brazil ran out as 5-2 winners, the same scoreline by which they would beat Sweden in the final.
France had one more chance to play for some pride, in the third placed playoff final against reigning champions West Germany. The Germans had injuries of their own to contend with, and couldn’t cope with the magic of the French attack. Fontaine scored first, and West Germany equalised, but then France ran riot. Fontaine won a penalty which he allowed Kopa to take, and then scored his second. Germany pulled one back in the second
half before France added three more, Fontaine getting four of the six. Their opponents added a consolation late on. That took Fontaine’s total to 13, a record that has never been beaten. He was the only French top scorer at a World Cup until Kylian Mbappe.
The year following the World Cup, Fontaine was top scorer in the European Cup as well, firing Reims back to the final. But of all the teams in all the world, it was Real Madrid, inspired by one Raymond Kopa. The Spanish side won their fifth trophy in a row, and that summer Kopa rejoined Reims. The two played together for three more years, until Fontaine broke his leg and was forced to retire.
He ended his career with four league titles and two French cups, alongside 21 international caps with 30 international goals. But those 13 in 1958, those are what he’ll be remembered for.
Enjoy the game.
Martyn Green, The Untold Game
Fontaine 1958
Dan Gleeson – Manager
Dan has re-joined us and this time steps into the number 1 seat, Dan is an ex-pro with Luton Town & Cambridge United who brings a lot of experience with him to the club. Dan will work well with the young squad we have for this season and has built a good back-room staff to join him.
Gary Marheineke - Assistant Manager
Gary is a pro-A licence coach who works for the local FA, brings lots of coaching talent to the training ground and to the pitch on match day, one of the most liked people in non-league football and has some England caps to his name as England's number 1 between the sticks. Gary is a great person to have in and around the club.
Paul France – Assistant
Mr Calm in the dug-out passionate as anybody about Godmanchester Rovers Fc, Paul is constantly looking for ways in which he can support the progress of the club, on and off the field. Very popular in the dressing room, the place wouldn’t be the same without him.
Errol McGammon - Fitness Coach
Errol is the beast of the engine room within the dressing room, combining his understanding of sports fitness with his understanding of the game. Errol has been around the non-league game for years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the coaching team.
Richard Cosbey – Kit Man
Rich is exactly the sort of person who makes a non-league club run. If there is a job that Rich hasn’t done, we are yet to find it (and if we do, he will no doubt have a go). A top bloke and someone you want fighting for you not against you! Will not be in the dug-out next season as he steps up to his new role within the club.
Ben Newton (GK)
New to Godmanchester this season after we have tried a couple of people to fill this number 1 spot, Ben is just what we have been looking for and we wish we have found him sooner. Ben has immediately showed his quality. we wish Ben all the best for the season and look forwarded to working with over the coming seasons.
Charlie Nicolson (GK)
Charlie joins us from our U18 squad, he has already stepped in and played 90 mins for the first team at only the age of 16 years old. Charlie has been part of our youth set up since he was 13 years old and has worked his way through to our U18 squad, Reserves squad and now steps up as the backup keeper to Ben.
Alfie-Ray Turner
Alfie was part of our youth set up and at only 16 years old is a full-time member of the first team squad this season, he is young fearless and a rock of a defender for someone of his age. Alfie is keen to learn more and is always the first on the
training ground and taking information in.
Ruari O'Boyle
Rauri joined us in October from Coventry United, Ruari is a solid left back and a key member to our squad for this season. Ruari is calm on the ball and has a wicked left peg and places a lovely cross from set pieces and corners, we wish Ruari a warm welcome and hope we see him here for a long time.
Tom Spark
Another who played in a variety of positions last season but will be aiming to make a central role his own for the coming season. Sparky has great quality in possession and an ability to glide past players at speed. Will be looking to add more goals and assists to his game.
Owen Wallis
Owen joins us from Sweden in October and after taking 9 weeks for international clearance is was a pleasure to see him grace the field, hardworking centre back who can play some lovely football, won't shy away from a challenge and is a real leader on the pitch. We look forward to having Owen with us for a long time and become a legend of Godmanchester.
Ricki Goodale
Bob the builder, jack of all trades but what a centre back, great lad to have around the changing room, likes to see how far he can kick a ball out of the ground. Ricki is a old school centre back – head & kick it, do the simple things
correct. Ricki joins us halfway through the season and has already made a big difference to the squad.
Ben Arnold
Ben has joined us from just up the A1 and Yaxley Fc, Ben can play either centre back or holding midfield and is a very talented footballer, Ben does not mind a tackle and likes to get stuck in. He is a great talker throughout the game and is great to support the young guns of the squad.
Matt Green (Captain)
Matt is the most experienced player in our squad this season and is the club captain, Matt is a solid player and can play centre back or holding midfield. Matt is very good with the younger ones and is a real leader on and off the pitch. we look forward to seeing Matt lead our team this season and many more to come.
Ben Tait
we chased and chased for Ben's signature last season, but he was loyal to his previous club Ely City Fc (which is good, great guy) Ben is a young centre attacking midfielder who has a great engine to get around the pitch. Ben is a key member of this squad, and he is a very talented young guy. His quick feet and the drop of the shoulder leaves most players on the pitch for dust. Ben oversees the tunes for the dressing room.
Sammy Fisher-Diaz
Another signed for this season who can
play left full back, young and pacey who likes to get forward when he can, Sammy is keen to learn and always first to training and last to leave. Showed a great attitude during preseason, takes responsibility defensively and comfortable in possession.
Sam Tagg
Another signed from this seasons U18's, young centre midfielder who impressed in pre-season and has been called up to the senior squad, has a great left foot.
Mani Gbejuade
Mani rejoins us after having started with us at the beginning of the season, then departing to play step 4 football, after 2 months he is now back where he belongs, good strong forward player. Mani is big and powerful and has full backs running scared all day long.
Ron Sosoli
Ron joins us from local step 3 outfit St Ives Town Fc, Ron is a great lad who can play either side full back, likes to attack as well but is a sloid defender first. Ron is a quite lad off the field but comes out of his shell on the field.
Luke Lindsay
Luke is a big strong centre forward who re-joins us after spending a couple of seasons away at Histon Fc. Luke is big and powerful who can hold the ball up well and wins 99% of his headers. we are very pleased to have Luke back at Godmanchester Rovers Fc.
Hashim Bakar
Hashim is new to the squad for this season and is a striker who can play anywhere across the front three, Hashim is very quiet and keeps himself to himself but out on the pitch he comes alive. Hashim is strong and powerful and likes to run at the defence line of any squad he is facing.
Louis Aftersmith
Louis is from our last season U16 and now in our U18 set up, he is a young strong centre back and has already had 5 run outs in the first team squad. Louis will only get better and better while training and playing with the senior squad. We are super proud to have brought so many of the U18's into the senior side.
Ed Watson
Ed is another young gun from the Royston U18 set up. Ed can play anywhere across the forward line who likes to get in and around the defence of any team we are playing against. Ed is learning every time he steps onto the pitch and is becoming a key member of the senior squad.
Kingsley Bates
Kinglsey is another young gun from the Royston U18 set up. Kingsley is a young quick and tricky winger, drives at defences all day long as is very direct for someone of his age. New to the squad Kingsley has fitted in straight away.
ROVERS FIXTURES & RESULTS
Upton Park is inextricably linked to the Olympics. Mention the old ground to any West Ham fan and you’ll likely be met with a wistful look of nostalgic remembrance, glorious memories lost to the relentless march of property speculation in the capital. A move to the London Stadium following the 2012 Olympics may have made business sense, but to fans, it made little football sense, and there is still a sense of mourning for the history that was abandoned. But they are not the first side from the area to have their history connected to the Olympics. In 1900, when football was making its debut at the hallowed international exhibition of sporting excellence, the FA needed a team to represent the nation. They turned to the amateur side from London; Upton Park.
Upton Park were formed in 1866 as an amateur side, a status they fiercely maintained and one that gave them a ticket to the olympics in Paris some three and a half decades later. They were participants in the first FA Cup in the 1871-2 season, and conceded the very first goal scored in the competition, at their coincidentally named West Ham Park ground, a strike from Jarvis Kenrick that gave Clapham a 3-0 win. The club regularly attracted
impressive crowds to their games, and have been cited as a possible influence in Thames Ironworks, who would become West Ham United, moving to the area.
Despite their amateur status, Upton Park would be one of the key drivers of the professionalisation of English football, following an FA Cup tie in 1884. The club made a complaint to the FA about possible illegal payments to players by their opponents Preston North End. They were thrown out of the competition, but the FA were forced to confront the issue, and when the illegally professional clubs threatened to break away and form their own league, the legislators relented.
Despite being wound up in 1887, the club were reformed in 1891 and were founder members of the Southern Alliance, a league system that was set up for clubs in southern England, the most notable of which was Tottenham Hotspur (Arsenal were banned from the competition having recently professionalised). Upton Park finished the first season bottom of the league, but more concerning was the general failure of the competition. The Southern Alliance was wound up after that single season, with clubs having to find their places in other leagues.
And so, having spent most of their time bouncing around amateur football with limited success, it was something of a surprise when the FA asked Upton Park to represent the nation at the 1900 Olympics. The squad would comprise of the players registered to the club, with the addition of William Gosling from Chelmsford City (who had beaten Upton Park 7-1 that season), Alfred Chalk from Ilford, Jack Zeally from Bridport, and Richard Turner from the excellently named Crouch End Vampires. With the squad sorted, the team made the relatively short journey to Paris.
Only four teams entered the football competition, Upton Park, a representative XI from France, a Swiss team, and a group of students from Belgium that included one Englishman (Eric Thornton) and a Dutchman, and who were only there because Racing Brussels had pulled out. Before the tournament started, the Swiss team also withdrew, leav-
ing just the three sides.
The slightly chaotic nature of these Olympics meant that Upton Park had to play just one game, against the French XI (who also had to play the side from Belgium, in the Belgian’s only fixture). Although no medals were awarded, the International Olympic Committee have attempted to reconcile the early competition with our modern competition, and have designated the game between Upton Park and the French XI as the ‘gold medal’ match.
Taking advantage of a slight breeze, the French chose which way to kick in the final match in Vincennes, but it was no real advantage at all. Upton Park raced into a two goal lead, John Nicholas and Richard Turner with the early goals. They then sought to control the game, slowing down the play due to the hot weather. Gosling went off injured in the second half, but the British side couldn’t be contained, and Nicholas got a third before Zealley completed
Olympic football (1900)
the rout.
The players raced from the final back to England for an FA Cup tie against, of all sides, Olympic, which they lost 5-0, and then back to France to complete their touring duties. Despite not getting medals in the Olympics themselves, the FA awarded them commemorative medals at the end of the following season.
Upton Park wound up in 1911, and apart from a trophy named after them in the Channel Islands, that was that. Until West Ham vacated the Boleyn Ground. Upton Park were reformed in 2016, and played the final game at West Ham’s old ground, against Royal Engineers. Most of all, though, they are remembered as the very first World Champions.
Enjoy the game.
Martyn Green, The Untold Game
Upton Park FC 1900
