Irchester Utd Matchday Programme - FA Vase

SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2025

IRCHESTER UNITED Official Matchday Programme Sponsored by:

The Isuzu FA Vase Irchester United vs Eastwood Community FC Kick Off - 3pm

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(From the kitchen on the left as you enter the clubhouse)

Irchester United Club Information Home Ground: Irchester Sports Association Alfred Street, Irchester, Northants, NN29 7DR 2025-26 Committee: Co-Chairmen - Dan Beaman & Chris Gell Secretary & Treasurer - Glynn Cotter Head Groundsman - Melvyn Tomkins Assistant Groundsman - Mark Wheeler Head of Sponsorship - Russell Smith Fundraising- Sarah Williams & Kerry Rutter Child Welfare Officer - Chris Gell Registration Officer - Chris Gell Kit man - Dan Beaman Club Photographer/Programme editor - Dan Beaman Matchday Catering - Julie Morton & Ann Bowden Other committee - Phil Lawrence, Peter Shipton Accreditation co-ordinator: David Cockings 2025-26 First Team Management: Managers - Liam Leonard & Trent Woodley Assistant Manager - Kallan Yearwood 2025-26 Reserve Team:

Managers - Daniel Willett & Matt Brown Assistant Manager - Will Holmes 2025-26 Under 18's Management: Managers - Mark Truman & Kallan Yearwood

Assistant Managers - Konstantin Tsvetanov, Alfie Day & Jake Thomas

Irchester United Club History The club was formed as Irchester Excelsior in 1883, changing its name to United two years later. In 1980 the club underwent another name change following a merger with Wellingborough Eastfield to overcome a player shortage. In 1990 a return to the more traditional United name was made.

In the early years the club played at “The Boundleys”, changing at the Working Men's Club. The present Alfred Street ground was first used in 1921 although it was ploughed up during the war. The club resumed football at the Recreation Ground before going back to Alfred Street in 1952.

The Roman’s first success of note came in 1929 when they won the first of a record nine Rushden & District League titles. A year later the championship was retained with further success in the Northants Junior Cup and Irchester Charity Cup, which the Romans won on ten occasions up to 1961.

The Northants League 2nd Division was won in 1931 and 1932 before Irchester briefly competed in the semi-professional 1st Division. In 1936 they returned to the Rushden League, winning it as the reserves had done in 1933 and 1934, when they also won the Northants Junior Cup. In the post war era more success followed as the Romans won the Junior Cup in 1949 and carried off four Rushden League titles between 1947 and 1957.

Irchester returned to the UCL in 1969 and won promotion to Division One in 1974. Highlights since have included Northants Junior Cup success in 1976, runners up in the same competition seven years later and a superb run in the first open Knockout Cup in 1981-82, three Premier scalps claimed en route to a semi-final defeat at Stamford.

The nineties saw the Romans struggle but in 2003 they enjoyed their best seasons in almost thirty Division One campaigns under Bob Reed & John Dower, narrowly missing out on the title and eventually finishing third. The success helped drive the club forward from a facilities perspective, with floodlights installed at the Alfred Street ground in the summer of 2005.

After a series of lowly finishes, the appointment of Daren Young as manager in 2009 revitalised the club and the Division One title was won in 2009-10. Ground improvements saw the Romans promoted to the Premier Division, briefly topping the table in September 2010 for the first time in the clubs history. After 3 seasons in the top flight the club returned to Division One for the 2013-14 season.

The club reached the second round proper of the FA Vase for the first time in 2018.

Season 2023-24 saw the Romans back in the Spartan South Midlands under the management of Daniel Stewart and his team of coaches.

Having secured Step 6 status for 2024/25 Daniel left to work in Peterborough United’s Academy and the new season saw Liam Leonard and Trent Woodley in charge assisted by Mitch Tuzzeo and Kallan Yearwood. Trent, Mitch and Kallan are former Roman players.

https://www.thefa.com/get.involved/respect

Todays visitors:

Eastwood CFC Club History – Eastwood Community Football Club Nickname: The Red Badgers Founded: 2014 Ground: Coronation Park, Chewton Street, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire Club Colours: Red & White

⚽Eastwood Origins & Foundation Community Football Club was founded in 2014 following the collapse of the town’s former senior team, Eastwood Town FC. After Eastwood Town folded, a group of dedicated local supporters, volunteers, and football enthusiasts came together to preserve senior football in the area — and so Eastwood CFC was born.

The club retained Coronation Park as its home ground, ensuring that football would continue in the heart of Eastwood. With a new focus on sustainability and community involvement, Eastwood CFC quickly established itself as a fresh chapter in the town’s rich footballing history.

Rise Through the Leagues Starting in the Central Midlands League South Division in the 2014– 15 season, the club experienced steady growth both on and off the pitch. After a strong campaign in 2016–17 as runners-up, the club went one better in 2017–18, winning the division and earning promotion.

Success continued, and the club’s reputation grew thanks to a competitive playing style and a professional approach. Eastwood’s most memorable cup run came in the 2018–19 FA Vase, when the team reached the Fourth Round, capturing attention nationally among non-league fans.

In 2021, after consistent results and league restructuring following the COVID-affected seasons, Eastwood CFC was promoted to the United Counties League Premier Division North (Step 5 in the English football pyramid).

Community and Development From its inception, Eastwood CFC has placed community at the centre of its mission. The club now boasts a thriving youth section with over 28 junior teams, providing a clear pathway for young players to progress into senior football. Inclusive, accessible training and volunteer-led coaching have made it a beacon for football development in Nottinghamshire.

Matchdays at Coronation Park — bring together fans of all ages.

With modern 3G facilities, a clubhouse, and regular community events, the club continues to strengthen ties with local residents, schools, and families.

Todays visitors:

Eastwood CFC Achievements at a Glance 2017–18 Central Midlands League South Division – Champions 2018–19 FA Vase – Fourth Round 2021 Promoted to United Counties League Premier Division North One Club, One Community Today, Eastwood Community Football Club is more than just a football team — Whether developing young talent, chasing success on the pitch, or supporting local causes, the club remains committed to its founding principles: "One Club, One Community."

Irchester United Todays Squads

Jonny Vallance Ellis Andrews Delroy Codrington Jake Newman Elliot Clarke Redford Williams Will Howes Dalton Leon James Harvey Connor Bailey Cordell Othman Lachi Codrington Nat Gosnal-Tyler Luke Aridegbe Dylan Wilson Lewis Fisher

Abdul Saad Alfie Flynn Tyler Khaljeet Johal Oliver Robinson Declan Dunn Danny Elliott Jermaine Hollis Terry Hawkridge Toby Woodward Thomas Hodgkinson Ryan Tait Kam Campbell Aaron O’Connor Tyler Blake Finnley Commons Noh Abraha

https://www.thefa.com/get.involved/respect

Beaman’s Brainteaser Quiz 1) Which club did Gareth Southgate manage from 2006-09?

2) Which club has the chairman Steve Parish?

3) Who signed for Leeds United on a free from Newcastle this Summer?

4) Who recently returned as Watford manager?

5) When did Leicester City last win the FA Cup? 6) Who scored the only Crystal Palace goal in their FA Cup final win against Manchester City in May 2025?

7) Who won the FA Vase at Wembley in May 2025?

8) What were demolished from the ‘old’ Wembley, being replaced by an arch in 2003?

9) Who scored a famous hatrick when England won the World Cup in 1966?

10) Which former Dutchman managed Chelsea and Newcastle?

Answers later in the programme...

Irchester United Co-Chairman’s Notes with Chris Gell So here we are, one of those games that everyone relishes. FA Vase against Eastwood community FC, who we would like to welcome to Alfred Street today.

Today’s game is one that the whole club, the village and anyone who knows football really looks forward to. With the FA cup qualification reaching the first round proper last weekend, now it’s the FA vase that takes centre stage. It’s obviously still very early days in terms of the round and the competition as a whole but a club our size really has to make the most of these games as they don’t come around all the time. I had a 20 year career at step 5 and 6 and only played a handful of these games so my tip for the players is to enjoy every moment.

As important as today is, there are times as a club when football becomes slightly less important. Last weekend was a great example, during the reserves game against Moulton, talented young full back Connor Mcveigh went into a full blooded challenge with an opposition player, absolutely no malice just two players fighting to win the ball for their team, during the impact Connor took a blow to the head and was knocked unconscious. The response of the players in his team and manager Dan Willett was outstanding and Connor was very lucky to have such an experienced and well trained individual such as Dan on hand to support him. I know Dan raises it as a point in his notes but clubs need to be prepared for serious medical incidents like this. As a family orientated club we are always looking to improve how we support our players and visiting opposition players on match days. Last weekend made us look at ourselves as a club to make sure we have what is required to support these incidents and ensure that they are as well managed as the incident on Saturday. Scary as it was for all the spectators and in particular Connor’s family, the handling of the incident by someone as calm and able as Dan definitely made the situation go as well as it could do. There are things we learned and will improve as a club but for anyone reading this who is part of a football setup, don’t wait for these things to happen to have a look at yourselves regarding player safety, do it regularly. I have completed the FA first aid level 2 course which is mandatory from the FA but it is available to other volunteers at the club too and we should endeavour to encourage and promote this amongst our coaches, volunteers and players, Knowledge is power. To get back to Connor, a hospital visit later and I am sure what must have been a cracking headache, his recovery is going well and we as a club wish him well with it and hope to see him back on the pitch for us very soon. The reserves ended up on the wrong end of the result that day but as I say, some things are more important.

Irchester United Co-Chairman’s Notes with Chris Gell Lastly I wanted to mention our mascots for the day. Often on important games we like to invite a team from the local youth team Irchester Romans youth football club to be mascots for the day. The team for this game is the current under 8s whose squad includes children/relatives of players from the first team and committee. The under 8s have had a bit of a whirlwind start to the season, there was not enough players to have an under 7 side last year so they did a lot of positive recruitment in the summer and developed a list of 12 players, they only play 5 a side at that age so decided to gamble on having 2 teams, Roman’s (in yellow) and Gladiators (in dark blue), 6 Games into the season and both squads now have 9 players in each squad and are absolutely loving their football. Under 8s is non-competitive in the sense that scores are not published and don’t really matter it’s the love of the game, this is evident to see from all the players. If you ever want to fall back in love with football or as an ex player feel like giving something back to the game, come and get involved in youth coaching, watching young players develop their talent and learn and grow every week is amazing and well worth being part of. Watch out for half time as well as the 2 teams will go head to head in a challenge which will be fun to watch.

Enjoy the game today, enjoy the occasion as early in the competition that it still is and enjoy the opportunity that the FA vase brings.

C’mon the Irch!

cChris Gell Co-Chairman

Irchester United Meet the players

Oli Tuthill Age: 16 Position: Centre mid Former clubs: Daventry Town, GLK Red, Wellingborough Town, Northampton Town Academy Club you support: Arsenal Best moment in football: Winning a Cup Final for GLK Worst moment in football: Getting released from Cobblers Closest team mates: Connor, Cordell, Tommy Day, Luke Favourite film/series: Snowfall Favourite music artist: Gunna or Drake Favourite meal: Pepes rice box Tell us something not many people know about you: I want to be an electrician Thoughts on Irchester United: Decent so far, enjoying it a lot - you can have a laugh Best advice given in football and who by: Stay composed. Mistakes happen - the best players move on quickly and focus on the next play

Irchester United Name the club we used to play...

Answer later in the programme

Irchester United First team co-manager notes with

Liam Leonard Good afternoon and welcome to Alfred street.

I'd like to welcome the Eastwood Community coaches, players, committee members and supporters that have made the long journey to Irchester today.

I'd also like to welcome back those that have visited Alfred Street previously and also a huge welcome to the Under 8s Romans that will lead the team out today. I hope they enjoy the game and we see them back at Alfred Street again real soon.

It's been a few weeks since I last wrote notes for the New Bradwell home game following the Vase game against Abingdon. Since then not a lot has changed in terms of our availability and consistency. We're still yet to approach a game this season with everybody available but it is certainly improving.

On Saturday we were away to New Bradwell in the league only two weeks after facing them at Alfred Street. We headed into the game off the back of some patchy form and looking for a reaction from the team. The inclusion of Stedy and Dylan to the squad was a welcome boost and we were confident. The lads put in a reasonably good performance and travelled home with the three points following a 4-2 win but unfortunately it was another game of football ruined by the man in the middle. This is something we seem to see or hear about more and more this season and it's certainly worrying.

Irchester United First team co-manager notes with

Liam Leonard To date the Vase has been a welcome break from the regular league season, and we managed to beat sSep 5 opposition in the last round, so fingers crossed we can repeat that result today. We know very little about Eastwood other than they have a good reputation and equally they will know very little about us. Based on the fact that they have won 3 on the bounce I would expect them to come here full of confidence and looking to make a fast start to the game. Hopefully we can match everything they offer and give a little more.

Lastly i'd like to thank everybody for the support this season and all of the volunteers involved at Irchester United.

Enjoy the game!!

Up the Irch

Irchester United Reserves co-manager notes with

Dan Willett Good afternoon and welcome to today’s game.

The FA Vase is a great competition to go far in and has given me some of the best memories for life, so hopefully we can get ourselves in the next round.

On to the Reserves - recently and we have had some poor results with some mixed performances. We have been giving a lot of the U18s a chance in men’s football this season and slowly but surely are learning what men’s football is all about and hopefully will give them the experience they need to move on in to first team football.

On Saturday we had the unfortunate events of one of our young players getting knocked unconscious in a fair 50/50 challenge. I would like to try and take this moment to try and encourage as many people around football clubs to take some form of first aid training to make sure that players have someone available at all times to help them when they most need it.

Good luck to our first team today - Up The Irch!

Irchester United U18 round up with Coach

Jake Thomas Desborough Town (again...)

We faced off against Desborough in what was already our second match against them this season. We clinched a late winner in the first fixture, and Desborough would certainly be looking to take back 3 points from Alfred Street.

The visitors controlled much of the first half as we struggled to get going.

Their efforts were rewarded after their striker latched onto a nice through ball from inside the Desborough half, putting them 1-0 up.

Our response wasn’t overly impressive. Irchester began to grow into the game towards the end of the first half, with the HT whistle coming at the wrong time for us. 0-1 HT. Around the 55th minute, Tommy Day put a free kick into a dangerous area. Zane Cooper pounced on a loose ball into the box to equalise, scoring his first goal for our U18s after being at the club since a young lad.

Desborough was quick to reply. A corner aimed at the front post was easily headed home to return their lead just 3 minutes after losing it.

Within 5 minutes, the visitors scored again to make it 3-1. Apologies as I can’t remember how this one went in.

Late on, Desborough got their 4th and final goal. Their striker cut inside nicely and finished to put the game out of site.

On the night, Desborough were the better team. Irchester chances were sparse and we didn’t massively test their keeper. Credit to our keeper again, Toby Dann, who pulled off some excellent saves. I overheard their bench make positive comments about his saves and overall performance which is nice to hear for a keeper.

Our lads know we have to be much better in the future, and we have a chance to improve next week when we take on Wellingborough Town.

Beaman’s Wordsearch

Irchester United Meet the Players Jenson Leon- young goalkeeper who was superb for the Reserves last season and is pushing for more opportunities with the first team.

Jonny Vallance - young goalkeeper signed from Moulton who impressed us in all 3 games last season. Only 19 but shows maturity beyond his years.

Ellis Andrews - pacey and composed right back with good technical ability who was at Earls Barton and Whitworth U18 previously. Had trials with Peterborough United.

Delroy Codrington - a solid verstile defender who has had spells at Whitworths, Sileby & Earls Barton.

Jake Newman - experienced striker turned centreback, Has played higher levels at the likes of Diamonds, Kettering, Newport, St Ives and Stamford to name a few.

Zak Ward - versatile player who’s good in the air and likes a tackle. A very big character amongst the squad. Formerly of our U18s and Wollaston Vics.

Dan Law - experienced and vocal centreback from local rivals Whitworths.

Occasionally pops up with 30 yard screamers!

Redford Williams - Fullback Redz returns to the club after playing for our U18s many years ago, he’s now in his late 20s. Vocal and strong in the tackle.

Dalton Leon - former Coventry Academy player who joined our Reserves midway last season as he wanted to play with his brother Jenson, and scored goals for fun.

Deserves his opportunity with the first team and has scored a few in pre season.

Irchester United Meet the Players Elliot Clarke - Mr Composed. Centre mid /back who had been at Whitworths for 8 years. A very good leader with a calming influence. Another one of our ex U18s!

Lewis Fisher - centre mid with great technical ability and vision. Formerly of our U18s and Wollaston Vics. Superb at set pieces and a great leader.

James Harvey - attacker with superb skill, vision and a reading of the game. He was at Wollaston Vics, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, and even Tottenham, Chelsea and Real Madrid as a kid! Plays for the love of the game.

Reece Watson - midfielder/forward with an eye for goal, joined from Wollaston Vics but has had Step 6 experience with Rushden & Higham. Another one of our ex U18s!

Connor Bailey - rapid wide player from Wollaston Vics, good luck catching him!

Works very hard to track back when he/we lose possession.

Mason Richardson - 16 year old attacker, previously with Aston Villa and Northampton Town Academies, and Santos Panters U16s last season. Scored 4 in 4 during pre season and shows maturity beyond his young years.

Lachi Codrington - Young wide player with electric pace and eye for goal. Played for Earls Barton and has played for Liam Leonard since a very early age.

Nat Gosnal-Tyler - Experienced attacker with sublime footwork and an eye for goal. Can also play as a fullback. Years of experience at higher levels with the likes of Daventry Town, Newport Pagnell Town, as well as spells at Corby and Diamonds.

Luke Aridegbe - Midfielder/leftback who quit his role as Raunds Town co-manager to resume playing again. Now much fitter, he is giving Callum & Ashton a tough battle for that leftback spot!

Will Howes - Young, vocal and feisty central midfielder who breaks up play well and has good technical ability. Doesn’t look out of place after playing Step 7.

Jason Kwabena-Okai - 18 year old central midfielder from St Albans City U23s, who lives locally.

Cordell Othman - 16 year old attacker who lives within spitting distance of Alfred Street and has played for Irchester since he was 4.

Guest Column With Irchester Utd legend

Gary Cotter Guest column with Gary Cotter, who played UCL football for 30 years at Irchester United: I started off playing for Irchester Romans Youth Football Club when I was 6 or 7, when the club had just been formed. My old man (Geoff Cotter, Irchester Utd Chairman) ran my team at the time but in those days it wasn’t like it is now, with kids starting off at 4 years old and doing Cruyff turns by the time they leave infants school.

My dad used to piss me off because being his son, I was always subbed every game, even though I was probably the best player. If I complained, I had my old dear at home waiting to give me a clip around the ear!

When I was 12, I started training with Irchester United first team and Reserves. It wouldn’t be allowed these days of course, but back then if you were good enough they didn’t care. Technically I was good enough and I’d skip in and out of the players at training. Suddenly I was mixing with the hairy arsed UCL footballers of the early 1980’s. Mullets, moustaches and tiny shorts. Every other word was a swear word, and the players used to have a drink and a smoke before, after, and sometimes during training!

The first team manager at the time was Mel Lloyd, your typical old school UCL manager. Fitness, fitness, and more fitness, with a game at the end if you were lucky.

And as most people will know, the training area at Irchester is a muddy bog for most of the season, so for a 12 year old boy coming into that environment was eye opening but enjoyable.

Back then everyone used to train together, none of this first team and reserves training separately malarkey. It was all one club. I must say that the training area was bigger in those days – no cricket nets/run that is there now, and half of the current clubhouse wasn’t built. No porter cabins either, so there was a lot more space.

My brother Glynn was in the first team at the time, aged about 18, so I had him to protect me if anyone went over the top. People talk about the UCL being physical these days, but it is nothing compared to how it was then.

Elbows, stamps, kicks, shirt tugging, shoves, and that included towards your own team mates in training, not just games. It soon turned me from a boy into a young man, and I guess that’s where my taste for alcohol started too!

These days you see players go down like a sack of **** at the slightest touch, but UCL football was brutal in the 80’s and 90’s. The only difference being, as soon as the game was over, everyone shook hands and you respected each other off the field.

You could kick lumps out of each other on the pitch but have a pint or two with the opposition after the game. Unless it was Whitworths of course.

I had been training for a few months, and the first team had a cup game miles away, I can’t remember where, and they were very short. It was against a team in the league above. I don’t think any of the reserves must have fancied it, because at the tender age of 13, I made my debut for the first team. We were that short, I played upfront with the linesman Ted Gibbons, who was 56 at the time. Yes, a 13 and 56 year old playing upfront. Different times. I have no idea who ran the line, or whether the ref just called the decisions.

We only lost 4-0, and I loved it. It was backs against the wall, and I was the only one running around full of energy. Poor old Ted nearly died in the centre circle after 20 minutes.

Guest Column With Irchester Utd legend

Gary Cotter Mel had sense, as I really was too under developed to play regularly, and I didn’t play again until I was 14, until I became a regular for the reserves. When I was 15 or 16, I was a regular in the first team. During those 80’s years, my managers included John Mayes, Derek Atkinson, Mick Thompson, Alan Ambridge and Andy Tebbutt. Even then, managers didn’t last long as they got fed up of all the hassle that comes with running a UCL side.

I really enjoyed training and playing in the snow – football didn’t stop due to snow in those days. You’d sellotape carrier bags over your boots to keep your feet warm an d away you’d go. I remember seeing the groundsman in the tractor on the snow covered pitch, with wooden pallets on the back with 10 players stood on the pallets to weigh them down whilst they skimmed along the pitch. No health and safety of any regard of whether your star player might fall off and get injured.

In my teens I had a trial at Bolton Wanderers who were managed by my uncle Phil Neal at the time, and also on trial was a young Jason McAteer. Whatever happened to him?

I returned to Irch, and in the 90’s, my managers included Kenny Codrington, Jon Spencer, Steve Webb, Howard Downs and Geoff Green. These were dark years with the first team and the reserves towards the bottom of the league every season.

The 2000’s were happier times for the club. In the 2003 season, we had the superb management duo of Bob Reed and John Dower. We came 3rd in that season but we should have won the league. They came from Bedford and so did half the players, with a few Irchy boys mixed in. There was a buzz about the place, and the football played was some of the best you’ll ever see at Irchester. Mark Reed especially was phenomenal and would rank alongside the best strikers you’ll ever see in Division One. Sadly but understandably, the managers and players were in high demand, and joined their local club Kempston. To the disgust of the Irchy faithful, so did a few of the Irchy born and bred players such as Phil “Lennie” Lawrence, Mark “Archie “Dudley, Ricky Hughes and a few others.

Chris Simmons the Reserve manager stepped up to take over the first team, with Linda O’Reilly taking over the Reserves. More about Linda later.

I remember playing over at Kempston early the following season, and as you can imagine we were pumped up for this one. We drew 2-2 which was a fantastic result.

You think West Ham v Millwall and Celtic v Rangers is passionate, you should have heard some of the things shouted from the Irchy faithful towards the “Irchy” Kempston players. Archie’s Dad Steve Dudley barely spoke to him after he left the Irch, and he gave him 90 minutes of ferocious abuse that day from the sidelines!

Chris only lasted a season, and Steve Whitney took over. Steve had been in Under 18’s football for a few years and it was his first senior role, and he rubbed a few people up the wrong way. He ran some sort of website and he invited the players to email him with their thoughts on his management, which goalkeeper Andy Flatres duly obliged, and Flatres was never selected again and was told to leave the club! He came back when Whitney left though thankfully and remained a loyal servant to the club.

The following season, Bob and John returned from Kempston with the Irchy boys, but it was never the same. Most of the previous Bedford based players moved up the ladder, and Mark Reed was playing for Bedford Town. We finished about mid table.

In 2009, in came Daren Young and half of Corby. I was given two first team games to prove myself, one of them at right back (I’ve always been a creative midfielder!), and I ended up playing for Linda in the Reserves. In hindsight it worked out well at the first team won the league and got promoted to the UCL Prem in the first time in it’s history, and I really enjoyed playing for Linda with the local lads.

Guest Column With Irchester Utd legend

Gary Cotter Linda was the first female manager in the UCL but she had great respect from the players and the opposition. She always tried to be professional in the way we prepared, she never lost heart or belief when we were on bad runs of form, and she took no sh*t from anyone.

She eventually stepped down due to work commitments and having lost the enthusiasm after a few years as manager, and Paul Hamblin took over.

We had a successful Reserve side with a good bit of experience and youth – the experience being myself, Phil Lawrence, Andy Flatres, Chris Gell, Jeff Busby, Dave Maguire, along with some good young players in their early 20’s in the Lawman twins, Sean Hamblin, Curtis Long, John Bowden, Shaun Melville and several of new Under 18’s manager Dan Beamans youngsters stepping up.

We had an Under 18’s for one season a few years previously but lets just say it wasn’t successful, and in 2010 Dan Beaman was hired to reform the Under 18’s and supply players to the reserves and first team. Many stepped up and did a great job such as Joe Ebsworth, Gary Stohrer, Mani Johal, Matt White, Kris Love, Kai Robertson, Nick Marriott, Kalle Wray, and a few more on the odd occasion when needed.

I really enjoyed playing alongside Gary Stohrer in the centre of the park, and he eventually stepped up to the first team towards the end of the season, the only Reserve player that did if I remember rightly. You had to be bloody good to break the Corby lot up!

We came third that season but led the league for most of it, and threw it away towards the end. We needed a win at Eynesbury in the last game of the season to go up, and a few of the first team players stepped down to get us that win, and I and others were dropped down to the bench or left out of the squad. We drew 2-2 and let’s just say it backfired.

In hindsight, it was a good job we didn’t go up into the Reserve Division One… That Summer, a couple of weeks before the season started, Daren Young and the entire first team squad left to go to S&L Corby. Suddenly, Irchester had no first team manager, no players, with a fortnight to go until we faced Kings Lynn away in the UCL Prem.

Paul Hamblin stepped up to be first team manager, with 90% of his players, and Dan Beaman stepped up to be Reserve Team manager, with almost no players to work with apart from his Under 18s.

I was in my late 30’s at the time and the legs didn’t have it in them to play in the Prem, so myself, Jeff Busby and a couple of other old gits remained in the Reserves, and along with the kids, it was a tough start to the season. The best Under 18’s were playing in the first team, and Dan had the pickings of what was left. To his credit, he picked up a lot of players along the way, although due to the situation the club was in, if they were any good they were soon in the first team.

Paul resigned after only a few games, and that season we had several first team managers. Scott Goodwin and Craig Adams lasted a handful of games, Chris Gell lasted one, and Colin Ridgway took over the last few.

Guest Column With Irchester Utd legend

Gary Cotter I remained in the Reserves playing for Dan for four years, although I made one appearance last season to complete my 30 years. We never had the same players from week to week and it wasn’t what I was used to in all my years playing for the club, so it was impossible to get to know people let alone gel a team. So many managers and players coming and going, it was a very tough few years for all concerned. I did however make one more first team appearance, for Colin Ridgway, at the dreaded rightback against Spalding, at the age of 42. We lost. Heavily.

I guess my favourite day at the club was back in the 90’s when we played away at Bugbrooke at the end of the season. We were no hopers, and they needed a win to win the league. They were that confident, when we arrived, the clubhouse was covered in blue and yellow with “Congratulations” banners all over the place, the medals and trophy was laid out, and the UCL committee were all there to hand out the awards. What more motivation did we need?

We drew 1-1, and we spent the 90 minutes singing “Shit on the Badgers!”

Another good memory was of back in the 80’s or 90’s when the Northants Evening Telgraph used to give a crate of Carlsberg to the Team of the Week. We won it towards the end of the season, and we drank it on the way to our final game away at Harrowby. Needless to say, we had already downed a few pints at the Irchy clubhouse before we got into the minibus and opened the crate. We were absolutely legless by the time we got to Harrowby. Our linesman Melvyn could barely stand up let alone see who was offside, and Harrowby won their first game of the season!

After the game we had a few more drinks in a pub on the way home but Melv wasn’t allowed in by the doorman. The sight of him climbing through the toilet window to get in will stay with me forever!

My all time Irchy team that I played with would be: GK Mick Thompson, RB Willie Day, CB Neil Turnbull, CB Kenny Codrington, LB Malc Tebbutt, RM Martin Scarborough, CM Curtis Watts, CM Gary Stohrer, LM Dave “Snakehips” Hiscock, CF Mark Reed, CF Derek Atkinson.

Subs: James Westley, Derek Patterson, Greg Arnold and Mick Garside.

Apologies to anyone I’ve left out!

I take my hat off to every manager I played under, and every player and volunteer that stuck by the club through the bad times. It really is a special club as anyone who has played for the Irch will tell you, and although I never won a trophy in my 30 years, I don’t think those days will be too far away after the improved facilities and the recent stability on the pitch.

Every away player hated our changing rooms and pitch, but things have changed dramatically over the last few years. A new changing room block, new seated stands, floodlights, strong Under 18 teams, and a much improved clubhouse.

I had 30 enjoyable years playing for the Irch and wouldn’t have changed it for the world. I was once offered £50 to go across the river to play for Wellingborough Town, but at the end of the day that’s only 500 Curly Wurly’s. And my mum wouldn’t let me leave anyway, and boy she and my dad could nag!

Times have changed, it wasn’t uncommon for players to drink all Friday night, play UCL football either hung over or still drunk, and then go back out on the beers on a Saturday night before playing Sunday football.

I remember being absolutely legless at Bugbrooke one game, and I was up against a young lad. I puked twice whilst I was running down the wing, but at least it put him off his game. He never bothered to chase me after that.

Guest Column With Irchester Utd legend

Gary Cotter On another occasion, my manager Alan Ambridge had to drive me to a game as he had a bare 11 and I was too pissed to drive. Apparently I had my best game of the season as it happened. That’s just the way it was back then.

I can honestly say I loved every minute of playing football, and I urge any players reading this to respect your managers and volunteers. Not many people will do what they do, a lot of it unseen by the players.

Enjoy playing whilst you can as you can’t go on forever, although I tried. You never lose your heart and you can always play football in your head, but you know eventually when your legs can no longer do it.

Finally, a little words of wisdom to any player wanting to do well: No matter what the circumstances, no matter what your manager or team mates may think of your performance, the only person you can really disappoint is yourself…

Irchester United Name the club we used to play...

Yes, it’s S&L Corby

Beaman’s Brainteaser Quiz 1) Which club did Gareth Southgate manage from 2006-09? Middlesbrough 2) Which club has the chairman Steve Parish? Crystal Palace 3) Who signed for Leeds United on a free from Newcastle this Summer?

Sean Longstaff 4) Who recently returned as Watford manager? Javi Gracia 5) When did Leicester City last win the FA Cup? 2021 6) Who scored the only Crystal Palace goal in their FA Cup final win against Manchester City in May 2025? Eberechi Eze 7) Who won the FA Vase at Wembley in May 2025? Whistable Town 8) What were demolished from the ‘old’ Wembley, being replaced by an arch in 2003? The Twin Towers 9) Who scored a famous hatrick when England won the World Cup in 1966?

Sir Geoff Hurst 10) Which former Dutchman managed Chelsea and Newcastle? Ruud Gullit

Beaman’s Wordsearch Word Reveal

https://clubshop.macron.com/northamptonshire/irchester-united-fc

We’d like to thank all of our club and player sponsors!

https://www.thefa.com/get.involved/respect

We’d like to thank all of our club and player sponsors!

https://www.thefa.com/get.involved/respect

We’d like to thank all of our club and player sponsors!

We’d like to thank all of our club and player sponsors!

We’d like to thank all of our club and player sponsors!

We’d like to thank all of our club and player sponsors!

As we enter a new season, with lots of new faces either playing for Irchester United or visiting as the opposition, we'd like to give a warm welcome to everyone and hope you enjoy your time at Alfred Street this season and beyond.

May we post a friendly reminder of some of our "rules", which aren't hard to follow, but make all the difference to our small band of volunteers: * No dogs in the ground please, apart from guide dogs * No parking on Alfred Street - residents struggle to get out of their drives. If the car park is full (which VERY rarely happens, use the overflow parking along the side of the pitch by the bungalows - DON'T park in front of this access!) * Goalkeepers - please don't warm up in the goal mouths, we'll give you poles to use to warm up in the corners of the pitch * No one is allowed into the changing room block apart from players, coaches and officials. This is to protect people's personal belongings as well as our own equipment etc. Everything will be locked during the game unless a PLAYER needs to go in. No children for Safeguarding reasons (players showering etc). * Please respect our facilities. Don't clean your boots in the showers (the mud clogs the drains), and don't bang your boots on the walls - we've just painted them! Do it on the pitch or into one of the bins... *Please supervise your children if they attend games. The ground is not a playground, neither is the clubhouse. We welcome children to watch and support the teams but if you can't see them they might be somewhere they shouldn't be... * Please don't take beer glasses outside. Broken glass is a danger to players, spectators and children (who play at the ground on Sundays).

Plastic pint cups will be provided if drinking outside. * There is a smoking area at the back of the clubhouse - if you're unsure where is then ask. NO SMOKING OR VAPING IN THE CLUBHOUSE. * If a ball goes into someone's garden, please don't climb their fence to get it. Either go round and knock (through the alley by the rec), or wait for them to throw it back over. Anyone damaging property will be asked to pay for repairs. * and lastly...... don't cut the socks!

Enjoy the game!

https://www.thefa.com/get.involved/respect