Irchester United Matchday Programme by David Cockings

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS—DIVISION ONE

IRCHESTER UNITED vs .EATON SOCON

SATURDAY 13th APRIL kick-off 15:00

IRCHESTER UNITED vs. CRANFIELD UNITED

TUESDAY 16th APRIL kick-off 19:45

Roman Review

Irchester United

Home Ground:

Irchester Sports Association

Alfred Street

Irchester

Northants

NN29 7DR

2023-24 Committee

Chairman David Cockings

Secretary & Treasurer Glyn Cotter

Head Groundsman Melv Tompkins

Assistant Groundsman Mark Wheeler

Match Day Manager Peter Shipton

Fundraising/Social/Social Media Sarah Williams and Kerry Rutter

Welfare Officer Karen Laxton

Club Photographer Dan Beaman

Matchday Catering Ann Bowden

2023-24 Team Managers

First Team

Dan Stewart Manager

Dan Hanger Assistant Manager

Dave Thomas & Chris Gell Coach

Ian Pratt Coach

Reserves

Marius Obreja Manager

Wayne Blundell Coach

Valentin Cerbu Coach

Mohamed Abdul Rezak Coach

POLITE NOTICE

As you will see we are situated in a residential area.

Please keep this in mind when leaving the ground and also in the language you use inside the ground.

Welcome to Alfred Street

Welcome to Alfred Street, with two home games in quick succession we are again producing a double issue programme

We bid a warm welcome to the players officials and supporters of both Eaton Socon and Cranfield United, hope they enjoy the game and have a safe journey home.

It’s the end of an era in some ways as both Daniel and Marius will be stepping down at the end of the season. Both have made a massive contribution to the club in a short time and that will not be forgotten. Everyone at the club wishes them well in their future endeavours, which will include coaching at Peterborough United;s Academy. I see that as a sign of what we as a club offer, as well as showcasing both their qualities.

This will also be my last column as chairman. The club is in good hands with Dan Beaman and Chris Gell taking on the chair and they have already taken steps by recruiting Russell Smith and Phil Lawrence to the committee for next season.

We are ending the season in run of form that, should it continue during the next two games will see us in a better position to retain Step Six status, the aim at the start of the season.

It’s always tough to be 100% sure but the current projections shows us having a points per game score that sites us firmly in the reprieve places for next season.

I’d like to thank all our sponsors for this season, their kind donations really do help us keep our heads above water.

If you can please pop into the club for a drink, it allows us the opportunity to keep playing on this site, at this level and enjoy the facilities.

As ever a massive thank you to our small but wonderful band of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the club going. If you would like to join us please come and see me, we can find a role for you.

David Cockings Chairman

From the Dugout

Hi all,

Our team has been on a fantastic run of form in the last few fixtures, with impressive performances and positive results which has seen us add to our points tally. The players have been giving their all on the pitch, showcasing their skill and determination to secure victories to ensure we secure our target or staying in the league. There is a sense of optimism and excitement among the boys as we approach the final home games of the season. The team is determined to finish the season on a high note, hoping for a happy ending to our home fixtures where we aim to pick up some additional points. The players and staff are still united in our goal to make the club proud and end the season on a positive note. The atmosphere around the club is upbeat and positive as ever, with everyone enjoying their time and looking forward to the future wherever that maybe for us all.

Let's cheer on our team and show our support as they strive for success in the remaining home games of the season.

Thanks Daniel

Irchester United

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 sees the Romans back in the Spartan South Midlands under the continued management of Daniel Stewart and his team of coaches. Marius Obreja and his team are in charge of the Reserve team for 2023-24

EasiPC proudly sponsor David Boddington & Matty Smith

Unsung Heroes

Football clubs live and die on the time that the committee members give to do the unsexy jobs like taking the gate, attending meetings, washing the kits and a hundered other jobs. We have a loyal and dedicated committee who we will take the opportunity to recognise.

Mark Wheeler—Wheeler will take your money on match days, during the week he’ll have helped Melv get the pitch ready for the game.

Melv Tompkins— Melv gives the players our excellent surface to play on as well as getting the pitch ready in the week. Rumours that Melv sold his sold to the devil in exchange for eternal youth have yet to be disproved.

Sarah Williams Like everyone Sarah will have a myriad of roles from organising our social events to washing the kit.

Kerry Rutter Another kit washer Kerry is a tandem with Sarah on the social side and both represent the committee on first team away games.

Peter Shipton you can’t play without balls and, while Shippo has had to limit his contribution this season he’s still chief ball pumper.

Dan Beaman— You won’t see many pictures of Dan as he’s usually behind the lens providing the shots for our socials and the programme. Dan also has a wealth of contacts within the local game.

Glynn Cotter If every there was a “Mr. Irchester United” then it’s Glynn. Player, secretary, treasurer, ball fetcher etc. About the only role he hasn’t taken on is team manager, although there is still time.

Ann Bowden—Although not technically a committee member Ann is certainly an Unsung Hero. Her warm welcome from the tea hatch is what many people remember about their trip to Alfred Street.

Ian Pratt—Another who is firmly in the Unsung Hero bracket. A former First Team manager, although that’s not a short list, Ian rejoined the club when his son, Dylan, started playing. With Dylan off at University Ian has continued to be an absolute godsend on match days (Daniel’s words) doing whatever needed doing.

Unsung Heroes

Welcome to St Giles Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic!

We are delighted to have you here and would like to share the story behind the genesis of our business—a unique bond between a sports therapist and a patient that sparked an innovative vision.

Frustrated by unsuccessful attempts at finding effective treatment, I was on the verge of giving up hope. With unwavering dedication, Claudiu developed a personalised treatment plan for me, merging his expertise with cutting-edge technology.

Motivated by our shared success and the desire to help others facing similar challenges, we joined forces to create a clinic dedicated to providing exceptional physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation. Our collaboration combined the expertise of a skilled therapist with the invaluable insights of a patient who had experienced firsthand the profound impact of tailored care.

At St Giles Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, we bring this unique perspective to every patient we treat. Our team of skilled therapists, led by Claudiu, are available to help alleviate your pain and aid in your recovery. With more than two decades of experience, specialised training, and extensive research, we can accurately identify the underlying cause of your discomfort and guide you towards complete reha-

At our Northampton clinic, we employ advanced technology and tailored exercise rehabilitation programmes to aid in the recovery of persistent injuries and chronic pain.

Over the past six years, we have successfully provided long-term pain relief to 95% of our patients at our sister clinic in London’s Covent Garden.

We are committed to delivering the best possible care and customer service to ensure that your experience with us is exceptional.

If chronic pain or injury is something you are currently facing, seeking expert assistance from St Giles Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic is highly recommended without any delay.

Meet the Players

Nathan Hewett (Goalkeeper) - Nathan is a big presence in the goal and joins the club adding to competition for the number 1 spot.

Adam Barabasz (Defender) - Equally at home on either side of the pitch Adam combines a great engine with some excellent technical ability.

Kenny Kwarteng (Defender) - Kenny has come on leaps and bounds this season and is worth his place in the squad.

David Boddington (Defender) - Mr Reliable “Bodds” always plays with his heart on his sleeve, another no nonsense defender who enjoys nothing more than clean sheets.

Daniel Adetoye (Defender) - Daniel has everything that you look for in a defender. He is quick strong and loves defending.

Harry Lawrence (Defender) - The latest in the line of an Irchester footballing dynasty Harry has made the breakthrough into the first team in the past couple of weeks and looked worthy of his place.

Billy Bodell (Defender) - Hard to believe that Billy is only 16 and in his first season of men’s football. Comfortable on the ball to a level of players older than him, the future is more than bright for this young man.

Dylan Carlin (Defender/Midfield) - Joining us on a dual registration from Cogenhoe Dylan is a highly technical player. It is the hope of both clubs that getting valuable minutes on the pitch will aid the next stage of his development

Dylan McGinley (Midfield)- Brings energy and skill into the midfield area with the ability to link the midfield to the forward line. Despite his young age Dylan has plenty of experience already at a higher level and adds good quality to the side.

Patrick Broynan (Midfield) - A new addition to the squad “Trick” possesses all you need to run games from centre midfield at this level.

Bayley Leslie (Midfield) - Younger brother of Lewis, Bayley is your archetypal box-to-box midfielder, as likely to be blocking a goal bound shot as he is popping up with a much needed winner.

Matty Smith (Midfield/Forward) - fantastic technician. Extremely comfortable with ball, has an eye for goal, strong and never stops going. Matty is a popular member of the side and often at the source of good football.

Tomas Oliveria (Forward) - Full of pace and no little ability Tomas is a top prospect in the traditional Irchester way.

Mo Ahmed (Forward) - Mo brings a physical presence to the forward line. Godd with his feet as well as his head he will make life difficult for centre backs.

Match Centre—Eaton Socon

IRCHESTERUNITED

DanielAdetoye

MoAhmed

EthanAldridge

DavidBoddington

BillyBodell

PatrickBronyan

DylanCarlin

NathanHewett

ConnorI'Anson

PraiseIheme

KennyKwarteng

HarryLawrence

BayleyLeslie

DylanMcGinley

DannyMontenegro

RebusNoel

TomasOlivera

MattySmith

Colours:Red/White;Red;Red

Manager:DanStewart

Assistant:ChrisGell

Coach:IanPratt

EATONSOCON

AyomideAkinbobola

HaydenAmiger

StanleyAyre

ThomasBaxter

BradleyBown

ThomasBaxter

JakobBuckle

CharlieClark

StanleyDawkes

SammyFisher-Diaz

MatthewHayden

JoshKane

DevonPhelan

StevenShaw

CallumStockwell

DarrenWoodend

CalebWright

Colours:AllYellow

Managers:MGarwood

CSmith

Coach:NSagwete

Officials:BenBright;TrevorMartin;StephenHoare

Match Centre—Cranfield United

IRCHESTERUNITED CRANFIELDUNITED

DanielAdetoye

MoAhmed

EthanAldridge

DavidBoddington

BillyBodell

PatrickBronyan

DylanCarlin

NathanHewett

ConnorI'Anson

PraiseIheme

KennyKwarteng

HarryLawrence

BayleyLeslie

DylanMcGinley

DannyMontenegro

RebusNoel

TomasOlivera

MattySmith

Colours:Red/White;Red;Red

Manager:DanStewart

Assistant:ChrisGell

Coach:IanPratt

FlynnBaker-Bond

JoeBradbury

RyanBray

ThomasDavison

MichalDerkarcz

AlbaraElforjani

JamesElkington-Soan

AlfieGardiner

TimotheeLongo

BrandonMacrae

TobinMarshall

CiaranMcEvoy

FelixMoon

CharlieNorman

LukeSmith

OscarSmith

Colours:AllYellow

Manager:JasonGoldman

AssistantManager:MartinWells

HeadCoach:MartinPowell

Officials:LukePilly;TrevorMartin;AndrewJohnson

Eaton Socon

Library records indicate that Eaton Socon were playing football as early as 1867.

Since that time the club have played at various locations within the Eaton Socon area .

In 1961 club captain, Peter Chamberlain, along with local landowner Spencer Thomas, appealed to the local council to find Eaton Socon FC a permanent new home. A ground was developed and from 1963 to the present day the club has resided at River Road ground in Eaton Socon.

Up until 1997 the club has always played its football within the Bedfordshire League however in 1997, the club decided that it would attract more players and a better press coverage by moving from Bedfordshire to Cambridgeshire league football.

Eaton Socon

The club has now three senior sides ,first team in the Spartan South Midlands League , reserves in Cambs Senior A, A team in division 2b.

There are also a ladies team in the Cambridgeshire div 1, a veterans team who play in a Bedfordshire Monday night league and a pan disability team who play in the Hertfordshire league .

The club has come a long way and to have reached Step 6 football is great testament to all the hard work it has put in.

In the club’s first season it won the Division 1 knock out in an exciting final win against Holmer Green.

Cranfield United

Cranfield FC were formed on 4th November 1903 , but due to it’s then remote location could not join the Bedford League as they would only accept teams within a 5 mile radius. Our early games were all friendlies.

The first recorded entry into a formal league was during the 1920/21 season, when Cranfield joined the Bedford League Division 2. In 1931 they joined the North Bucks League.

The first trophy came in 1935 when they won the North Beds Shield and followed this by winning the Division 2 ( E ) Championship.

After WW2 the club reformed , entering teams in the Bedfordshire League and the North Bucks League. In 1949/50 they joined the SML South Division 2 and finished with the following unique record; P22 W22 GF 98 GA 8 Points 44 , winning promotion to SML Division 1. The then Chairman James Bettle brought the present ground at Crawley Road for approximately £500, and donated it to the club for the ground to be held in trust ' for the furtherance of football in Cranfield '.

The present clubhouse and changing facilities were built in 1980 and extended in 2000 , with the original four floodlights being erected in 1988 and upgraded to six in 2004. The club was awarded FA Standard Chartered Status in 2004 and accepted into the FA Vase in 2005.

Cranfield United

In 20011/12 Cranfield United beat Biggleswade Town FC 4-1 to win the North Beds Charity Cup in its 104th year. The following season, due to rising costs , the club took the difficult decision to withdraw from the SSML and return to the Bedfordshire County League, taking the place of the Reserve team in Division 2.

A climb through the divisions saw Cranfield rejoin the Beds County Premier Division in 2015. A successful 22/23 campaign saw the club return to SSML Division 1 this summer.

Notable records include leading appearance maker Paul Bampton with 568 from 1971—1991 , and leading scorer Michael ' Mick ' Johnson , with 358 goals in 390 appearances, although due to missing seasonal records his actual scoring record is believed to be in excess of 550 goals for the club. Mick's ashes are buried behind the goal at the Western end of the ground.

We are Kaliaaer the goalkeeping specialist, we are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to attack the opposition, this is why we are so proud to sponsor Clarke Timson and his keepers for this season and beyond.

Clarke told us “After spending a long time looking at gloves on the market it was an easy choice to work with Kaliaaer at Irchester United. I really think they are the best gloves on the market.”

Potbelly Brewery was started 2005 in a leather goods factory in the heart of Kettering.

As the demand for UK produced belts and handbags was declining the owners (Glenn Morris and Toni Hooper) decided to diversify and turn their passion for beer into a full-time job. Equipment was sourced and manufactured to build a 10 barrel microbrewery in the corner of the factory. With the building of the fermenting room, the conditioning room, and an additional two cold stores, this took over more and more of the building. As the factory, and staff reduced further, the brewery eventually took over completely with a Function room, and bar with eight working handpumps. This area is used for brewery tours, which take place every Friday evening and used for the annual beer festival.

The first beer brewed was called Aisling which was a golden 4.0% lightly hopped beer which featured at Leicester Beer Festival to good reviews. A testament to the quality and taste is the fact it is still brewed today, although to a slightly higher ABV.

To compliment this light delicate ale, Potbelly Best was introduced using four different malts, and Goldings hops to give a traditional flavoured beer (which won best category Northants CAMRA 2015), and “Beijing Black – a smooth mild (Champ Mild at many SIBA and CAMRA festivals).

10 years after the first commercial brew, the original founders wanted to take life a little easier, and their brewer lan Loasby, and colleague Greg Johnson decided to take over the reins. Still brewing the original beers, several new ones have been added to the repertoire: including “Saint or Sinner, at 6.66%. This has been highly rated by many CAMRA members, but not as much as “Ambrosia Mild” which was awarded Overall champion at Northampton County Beer Festival 2016. We have up to 10 different ales available at any time, including a certified gluten free beer called “Piggin Saint”.

Things have changed greatly in the last 12 years; a great a many pubs and clubs have sadly shut, and many more micro breweries have been born. With the trend going towards micro pubs, and real craft ale bars, the interest in beers has increased dramatically. This has led to some strange non-conformist brews but whilst we embrace change, we have decided to stick to more traditional, and consistent methods, hops water yeast and occasionally real fruit.

Potbelly Brewery proudly sponsor Connor I’Anson

Goodbye Daniel

As you will know Daniel Stewart will be leaving his role at the end of the season. We caught up with him to find out more about his time at Alfred Street.

What were your impressions of Irchester as a club before applying for the manager job?

I knew it was a bigger club than what I had previously managed given the years they had spent in steps 6 & 5 and previous successes, however my knowledge of the club in general was limited. It was pretty much the unknown to me what I maybe walking into but I did know a handful of good people that had been at the club for many years so I knew that it must be a great place to be.

What were your first thoughts about how you would fit in with the club ethos?

After speaking with David and Glynn on that summers evening. I immediately knew that I was the right fit for this club. It's one that embraces the same values that I do not only as a coach but as a person. It's built on hard work, honesty, good stand up people who pour everything into the club. The belief that player development and young players is the way forward to grow the club and the boys was music to my ears I knew it would be a challenging role but that's how I like it. This was definitely a club that I thought could evolve season after season with hard work and patience. The fact that they leave you to deal with the football side of things makes life so much easier.

How easy or difficult was it to attract players for the first season?

It happened with relative ease. It seems to be a club that everyone fancies playing for and one eventually we found having to turn players away. I think it speaks volumes that we always have 20+ to chose from, the same amount at training and a full squad of 16 home or away. I built up a bit of credit in the bank with players I have crossed paths with as my own or rivals that helped also. The style of play is always one that is attractive to players as they're able to express themselves rather than be pigeon holed and restricted in how they play.

Goodbye Daniel

How has your coaching philosophy changed over the past two seasons?

It hasn't really. I have always adopted an on the front foot, try and dominate and work hard out of possession style of football. This allows the boys to make their own decisions and express themselves in the final thirds. I find this hugely Important for their development. I give the players lots of small information that can make big differences (Touches away from pressure etc)

Adopting a more win at all cost approach with old heads may have granted more short term success but at what cost? I believe in the way we play and the youth approach we adopt for the spirit of the game and development of the boys, this helps secure the long term future for the club.

What, if anything, would you do differently if you could?

I think it's hard to pick on anyone thing or things. There will be plenty o have done well and plenty I haven't but I until I have time to sit, reflect and assess it's difficult to say. I think effectively having a concrete backroom staff that can commit to their roles is probably where I have struggled most. Life happens though, we are all volunteers. I've had some great people with me on the training pitch and the dugouts however life waits for nobody and everyone has a journey.

What bit of advice would you give to anyone looking to take on the Manager's job at Irchester?

Be patient, believe in your philosophy and stick to it at all costs! Your own personal development is just as important as the clubs and the players so upskilling and developing your way should be priority number 1. That will help you, the club and the young players no end!