ROYSTON TOWN vs BIGGLESWADE TOWN - MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - MONDAY 18th APRIL 2022

PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

ROYSTON TOWN FC vs BIGGLESWADE TOWN FC Monday 18th April 2022 Kick Off: 3pm

Royston Town FC would like to welcome today's opponents Biggleswade Town FC for their visit to Garden Walk for this Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Division Central fixture.

We wish their Players, Officials and Supporters an enjoyable afternoon and hope that the match will be a keenly contested and entertaining game.

We also welcome today’s Match Officials and hope they too have an enjoyable game.

TODAY'S MATCH SPONSOR:

ROYSTON CRICKET CLUB

Royston Town Football Club President Chairman Secretary

Founded 1875 Alan Barlow Steve Jackson Terry McKinnell 9 Valley Rise, Royston, Herts SG8 9EY 07772 086709

Treasurer Welfare Officer Fixture Secretary Executive Board

Webmaster Programme Editors Official Photographer

email: secretary@roystontownfc.co.uk Jeff Gill Angela Baulk Steve Endacott (07971 512402) Trevor Burrows, Andy Toovey, Eric Joyce, David Baulk, Angela Baulk, Chris Coote, Duncan Easley, Giles Parnwell, Neil MacLeod, Matt Clowery Steve Endacott Angela Baulk, Neil MacLeod Kevin Richards

Football Management Team First Team Manager First Team Asst Manager Reserve Team Manager U18 Team Managers Women's Team Manager Vets Team Manager

Steve Castle Chris Watters Lewis Endacott Dan Evans/Matt Campany Lewis Endacott Lee Wilkinson

Ground

Garden Walk, Royston, Herts SG8 7HP Telephone (01763) 241204

Colours

First XI Reserves U18 Women's Vets

White/Black/White White/Black/White White/Black/Black White/Black/White White/Black/Black

Members of: The Hertfordshire Football Association Southern League Premier Division The Herts Senior County League Thurlow Nunn Youth League Eastern Region Women’s Football League The Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Ladies League Royston Town Football Club is an unincorporated association controlled by its members under the Constitution of RTFC

CHARITY MATCH in aid of

2021/22

FIRST TEAM

CROWS LEGENDS

SATURDAY 7th MAY GARDEN WALK KICK OFF 3PM PAY WHAT YOU WANT! ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY

CLUB HONOURS WINNERS Herts County League (Div I) 1969-70, 1972-73 Herts County League (Premier Div) 1976-1977 South Midlands League (Div I) 1977-1978 South Midlands Reserve League (Div II) 1978-1979 South Midlands Reserve League (Div I) 1979-1980 North Herts (Div IV) League Cup, 1978-79, 1979-1980 Herts Charity Shield, 1981-82, 1989-90, 1996-1997 Herts Intermediate Cup, 1988-1989 Chiltern Youth League (Div I) 1989-1990 South Combinations Reserve Floodlight Cup, 1992-1993 Chiltern Youth League Cup, 1992-1993 South Midlands Challenge Trophy, 1995-1996 Eastern Region Women’s League (Div II) 1998-1999 Eastern Counties Youth League Cup, 2001-2002 South Midlands Reserve Challenge Cup 2004-2005 KB Tyres Division III Champions 2006-2007 South Midlands League (Div I) 2008-2009 South Midlands League Cup (Div I) 2008-2009 South Midlands Floodlit Cup 1994-1995 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012 South Midlands Reserve League (Div II East) 2008-2009 South Midlands Reserve Challenge Cup 2008-2009 KB Tyres Division I League Cup 2009-2010 South Midlands Reserve Floodlit Cup 2009-2010 BIS Cambs League Division 2A 2010/2011 BIS Cambs League Divisional Champions 2010/2011 Veterans Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup 2010/2011 South Midlands Premier League 2011/2012 South Midlands Premier League Cup 2011/2012 Suburban League North Division 2012/2013, 2013/2014 Joint Winners of the Hinchingbrooke Cup 2013 Eastern Region Women’s League Plate 2013/2014, 2014/15 Suburban Premier League 2015-16 Eastern Region Women’s League Division 1 West 2015/16 Southern League Div 1 Central 2016/17 Southern League Challenge Cup 2021/22 RUNNERS UP South Midlands Challenge Cup, 1978-1979 Herts Charity Shield, 1978-79, 1998-99, 2004-05, 2008-2009 South Midlands League (Premier Div) 1979-1980 North Herts (Div IV) 1979-1980 North Herts (Div III) 1981-1982 North Herts (Div II) 1982-1983 South Midlands Res Section Trophy, 1982-1983 Chiltern Youth League Cup, 1986-87, 1988-1989 Herts Intermediate Cup, 1989-1990 Herts County Youth Cup, 1992-1993 North Herts (Div I), 1993-1994 South Midlands Floodlit Cup, 1995-1996 Herts F.A. Women’s Cup, 1998-99, 2001-2002 2013/14 Eastern Region Women’s League (Div I) 1999-2000, 2013/2014 2014/15 Eastern Junior Plate, 2001-2002 KB Tyres Division I 2008-2009, 2009-2010 South Midlands Reserve Challenge Trophy 2009-2010 South Midlands Reserves Floodlit Cup 2010/2011 Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup 2013/2014 Eastern Region Women’s League, League Cup 2014/15 Southern League Division 1 Central 2014/15 2015/16

WHO'S GOT WHO? Today's other fixtures MONDAY 18th APRIL 2022 Banbury United v Alvechurch Bromsgrove Sporting v Stratford Town Coalville Town v Rushall Olympic Hednesford Town v Tamworth Lowestoft Town v Needham Market Nuneaton Borough v Barwell Peterborough Sports v Hitchin Town Redditch United v Stourbridge St Ives Town v AFC Rushden & Diamonds

Knibbs Country food...at its best

Opening Hours

It’s been a while due to the pandemic and the curtailment of the past two seasons but it’s that time again when we need your votes for your Supporter’s Player of The Season.

Please either complete one of the voting slips [see below], available on the turnstile today or at our final home game against Biggleswade Town on Monday 18th April or email your nomination to Alan Barlow directly at the following email address: president@roystontownfc.co.uk

Voting closes on the 30th of April and the winner will be announced at the club’s presentation evening on Thursday 2nd June.

Tickets for our 2022 presentation evening tickets are now on sale. The cost is £20 per person and this includes a BBQ Buffet and dessert option.

Tickets can be purchased at the Clubhouse bar or by contacting Lauren Chappell at: laurenRTFC@gmail.com

SO WHEN DID IT ALL BEGIN? The history of Royston Town FC After some intensive research, the evidence is that the club came into existence in 1875 making Royston the third oldest Club in Hertfordshire after Hitchin and Bishop Stortford.

The Club’s very first honour came in 1911/12 when they won the Creake Charity Shield beating Wisbech 1-0 in extra time.

The Club’s first major honour in more recent times came in the guise of promotion to the Herts County Premier League in 1969/70 and they went on to be champions in 1972/73 and 1976/77. In 1978 we rejoined the South Midlands League and won the Division One title at the first time of asking. Success continued with a final appearance in the Herts Charity Shield for the first time in 1979 and runners up spot in the South Midlands League Premier Division in 1980. The Herts Charity Shield was won in 1981/82 and two years later the Club joined the Isthmian League Division Two North where we remained for 10 seasons before returning to the South Midlands League in 1994.

After a period in the doldrums that culminated in relegation from the South Midlands League Premier Division at the end of 2006/07, Paul Attfield was appointed manager with ex-Spurs favourite Tony Galvin returning to Garden Walk 1st Team Coach in November 2007.

Paul immediately set about building a new 1st Team squad and a run of 17 games undefeated saw the Club move from the bottom of the table to finish in 5th place in the League.

The foundations had been laid for the 2008/09 season and the first team took the South Midlands Division One League title with one of the best sets of stats for any Step 6 Club in the country W33, D4, L3, GF138, GA30, GD+108, PTS 103.

The 2011/2012 season will be seen as a watershed in our history with winning the South Midlands Premier Division title and promotion to Step 4 in the shape of the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central.

In our first season back at Step 4 after an absence of 19 years, it was hard to know what to expect and how we would perform. Most of our supporters felt a mid-table position would be an acceptable target for the season, but we quickly found ourselves exceeding all expectations as our performances propelled us towards the top of the table. Four straight wins in the first four games set the tone and a run of nine wins with just one defeat between October and December saw us maintain a play-off position. In the very last game of the season a playoff was still a possibility and having gone 2-1 up away at AFC Hayes with just a few minutes of the game left it looked a near certainty. But it was not to be as Hayes scored an 87-minute equaliser and our play-off place was lost.

In our second season at this level, our steady progress to claim a place in the playoff zone was given a severe jolt when Paul Attfield announced his resignation as first team manager due to ill health at the beginning of November. The search for his replacement began almost immediately and we were inundated with applications from some very well know and successful managers. After an exhaustive selection process, the Board appointed Steve Castle at the end of November and on Boxing Day Steve officially took over securing a 0 – 0 draw against the League’s form team and eventual champions Dunstable Town.

Our 2014/15 season opener was at home against one of the promotion favourites Rugby Town but an impressive team display ensured their threat was stifled and we ran out winners 2 -1. That victory really did set things buzzing but we were quickly brought back down to earth when on the following Tuesday night Bedworth United were the visitors winning the game 3 – 1.

As we all know consistency in performances provides the key to long term success and although the early stages of the season produced good results against the likes of Daventry Town and Beaconsfield these were punctuated by dismal performances against the likes of Aylesbury and Egham Town. From mid-November to mid-December We really lost our way with six defeats in seven games but our rollercoaster ride saw an incredible run of form over the Christmas period and into the New Year with five straight wins which helped us maintain a position in the playoff places.

On a miserable Tuesday evening in February, we travelled to lowly AFC Hayes and after an abject performance, we lost the game 2 – 0. This prompted our Chairman to tell Steve Castle that he had given up on this team making the play–offs and said that we should start preparing instead for next season. That message was conveyed to players and we witnessed a most remarkable transformation in our results with a 14 game unbeaten run during which we scored 29 goals and conceded just seven resulting in us achieving the runners up spot to league champions Kettering Town and securing our place in the playoff semi-final where we met local rivals Barton Rovers.

After an incident-packed 90 minutes and extra time the game ended in a goalless draw but it was not to be our night and we lost the shoot out 4-5 and had to suffer the agony of all the emotions which go with being defeated in this way.

We started the 2015/16 season strongly and between the end of December and the end of March we produced a rich vein of form with only one defeat in 14 games and this ensured we were sitting on top of the league with just 7 games to go and with the expectation that we could win promotion outright ran high throughout the whole club. However, three games in succession proved our downfall when we could only draw 0 – 0 with Bedford and lost to Egham away 3- 1 and Godalming at home 1- 0 and once again we ended up in the play offs against AFC Rushden but we failed to turn up and went out tamely to our opponents 2 - 1.

Having finished runners up for two years in succession Steve Castle was determined to make it third time lucky and began to recruit some experienced new blood in the shape of John Frendo and Adam Murray whilst at the same time giving youngsters Gus Scott Morris and Josh Castiglione extended runs in the first team.

However, the season didn’t start well and after four games we’d only mustered five points whilst promotion rivals Farnborough just couldn’t stop winning. Although results did improve, defeat in the FA Cup to Heybridge Swifts 4 – 1 and a thrashing by Barton Rovers at home 6 – 3 at the end of September didn’t do a great of good for our confidence.

Things took a dramatic turn thereafter with 12 successive league wins which ended with defeat 2-1 at Kidlington in early January 2017, interspersed by a magnificent run in the FA Trophy including a victory against Step 2 outfit Hampton and Richmond Borough before in the replay against Dulwich Hamlet we eventually went down 1 -0.

With cup football out of the way, the team put together an incredible run of 16 league games undefeated including a 5 – 0 thrashing of closest rivals Farnborough which saw us maintain the top spot until the end of the season by a margin of 12 points and the highest number of goals scored, 120, across all three Evostik Leagues.

Promotion to the Southern Premier League means that the Club was playing at the highest level in its 142-year history!

Season 2017/18 saw The Crows exceed all expectations in our first season at Step 3. Throughout the season we managed to maintain our hopes of a play-off place until they were finally put to bed with two successive defeats against the eventual play-off winners Slough Town and we had to be satisfied with a seventh-place finish. The signing of Adam Marriott, a proven goal scorer who had played for Lincoln City, Stevenage and Cambridge United was without a doubt a real coup and he was to play a key role in the progress made by the Club by becoming our leading marksman with 31 goals. A good run in the FA Trophy with wins against Enfield Town and Leatherhead came to an end against Eastbourne Borough when having managed to draw at their place we lost the replay on penalties. We managed to get to the final of the Herts Senior Cup where we played Borehamwood from Step 2 and in spite of a brave performance we never really had the power to compete and lost 2 – 1.

Given where we had started from we definitely exceeded our own and many other peoples’ expectations and this has provided us with the building blocks to face this season in the newly constituted Southern Premier Central League.

Season 2018/19 saw us finishing in a respectable 9th position in what proved to be a very strong Premier Division Central. During February/March we recorded six wins out of seven league games to give us a faint hope of a playoff spot, but three straight defeats in April put paid to our chances.

We suffered another early at AFC Sudbury in the FA Cup and in the FA Trophy we progressed through two rounds before being beaten in a replay at Needham Market.

Season 2019/20 will go down in the Club’s history as one of the most successful and exciting but ultimately one which ended in bitter disappointment.

Steve Castle was quick to ensure we had players who were proven goal scorers and the arrival of Matt Bateman, Brandon Adams and Claudio Ofosu did not disappoint. Perhaps the only sadness that our young and highly talented left wing-back Joe Newton had created so much interest from EFL Clubs that in the end, it was inevitable he would have to leave us and Joe was signed by Coventry City.

No Crows fans will ever forget the team's brilliant performances in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy and although our FA Cup run ended with defeat to the very talented Maldon and Tiptree in front of what was then a record crowd for Garden Walk of 1152. The interest generated in the Crows both locally and beyond was immense and set the scene for what was to come in the FA Trophy. It all started with very comfortable wins against Brightlingsea Regent and Haywards Heath and then were drawn away at Step 2 table-topping Wealdstone which for many was one of the games of the season as Royston shot into a 2- 0 lead before Wealdstone hit back to pull the tie level 2-2. In spite of being under constant pressure, the Crows mounted a great counterattack down the left and the cross was despatched by Brandon Adams to give the Crow’s victory 3-2. What followed was truly historic with home wins against Step 2 teams Boreham Wood 2-0, Chester 3-0 and away at National League Ebbsfleet 2-0, to set up a quarter-final tie away at Concord Rangers. In the run-up to the game, the rain had been falling heavily but our opponents declared the pitch playable and the invasion of six coach loads of Royston supporters and a convoy of cars and mini-buses descended on Canvey Island. As we started arriving for the kick-off the match referee declared the pitch unplayable and with a sense of extreme disappointment and also a lot of anger we all returned home. The following Tuesday the game went ahead but it was not to be and we were defeated 2-1. There is no doubt the Clubs achievements in the FA Trophy marked a watershed in our history which will be remembered for a very long time.

Running alongside the cup success it was easy to forget that we had got ourselves in contention to win the League with a run of only two defeats in 20 league fixtures. With 3 games in hand and only 2 points behind Peterborough Sports and Tamworth and playing some of our best football, we looked nailed on to win the League. Then out of the blue, the Covid crisis hit all levels of football and with what many felt was indecent haste the League decided to null and void the whole season.

All our achievements were suddenly for nothing and the taste of bitter disappointment amongst all supporters of the Crows was very hard to swallow.

Season 2020/21: As the pandemic took hold it seemed like the chances of seeing a new season start were remote but by summer 2020 there had been a massive improvement and by July the lockdown ended albeit with a host of restrictions in place.

By the time we had assembled a squad, we were without key players such as Matt Bateman who moved to Hemel Hempstead and Claudio Ofosu who joined Hartlepool and with a lot of the momentum and energy generated by the now-defunct season now dissipated we were finding it hard to get going again. In the League, we seemed to slip into the habit of conceding goals when in a winning position and a string of draws meant we languished in the lower half of the division.

The FA cup again promised to provide excitement with wins against Newmarket, Wroxham and AFC Stamford before losing to our old rivals Bishops Stortford. We won our first two ties in the FA Trophy against Hythe Town and Tamworth before going out 3-2 away at Brackley by which time the League season was yet again declared null and void as the second wave of Covid took its stranglehold.

A comprehensive history of the Club can be found in The History of Royston Town FC 1875 2012 first published in 2013. The book was written by the Club’s President, Alan Barlow following more than five years of painstaking research and can be purchased via the Club.

SCORES ON THE DOORS! LEAGUE TABLE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER CENTRAL DIVISION

https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/southern-football-league-premier-central-division

What would you choose £10,000 or 10 volunteers?

NORTHERN PREMIER League chairman Mark Harris has a good way of explaining the value of volunteers.

If you offer a club £10,000 or ten volunteers, he poses, then the majority of clubs will take the volunteers without a second thought. Volunteers are so vital. They are the heartbeat that keeps Non-League clubs going. Turn up at a random Non-League ground during the week, and the chances are pretty high someone will be there, be it cutting the grass, adding a lick of paint to the fences – all done for the love of the game and their club.

We’ve seen the value of volunteers through the covid pandemic. The fact so many clubs were able to withstand the gates being shut for so long is, in the majority of cases, down to the selfless work of so many. It’s a reminder that Non-League clubs will only thrive if they are able to find people to give up some of their spare time.

People probably underestimate how they can help. It’s not only about weeding the terraces, there are so many different skills that are invaluable to clubs and transfer across from the world business, social media or many other different walks of life. And sometimes even just distributing a few fliers advertising games around the town can make a big difference.

We’re really excited to have the return of the annual National Game Awards this season. If you’ve grabbed a copy of the paper recently, you would have seen all about it. Among the individual and team awards for achievements on the pitch, there is a very special gong that never fails to raise a smile. Our title sponsors Buildbase are also putting their name to this year’s Unsung Hero award.

Every club has that special person who goes above and beyond. Not that they do it for the pats on the back, but it’s nice to give them some recognition. We need your help to make sure this year’s Unsung Hero ends up in the most deserving hands. If you know of someone you think should be in the running, then please drop us a line. We’d love to hear all about the work they do at your club – and how valuable they are.

Drop us a line to nlp@greenwayspublishing.co.uk

WHO'S WHO OF THE CROWS Joe Welch (Goalkeeper) Joined us from Chelmsford City in 2016/17, Joe started his career at Southend United before joining Histon where he played over 50 games and earned a loan deal at Stevenage. Joe’s other clubs include Ebbsfleet, Bromley and St Albans City.

Ed Asafu-Adjaye (Defender) Versatile defender who re-joined the Crows in 2019 after spending a season at Hayes & Yeading. Started his playing career at Luton Town and broke into the 1st team during the 2008/9 season. In total he made 64 appearances for The Hatters before moving to Forest Green Rovers and then to Hemel Hempstead Town.

Adam Murray (Defender) Adam joined us at the beginning of 2017/18, having spent the previous two seasons at Cambridge City where he made 60 appearances. He quickly settled into the squad and has proved to be a formidable addition for the Crows.

Ronnie Henry (Defender) Signed for the Crows at the beginning of this season after spending a season at Billericay Town. Ronnie was a product of the Spurs youth system, before going on to play 502 games for Stevenage (the club’s all-time record appearances) in two spells either side of two seasons at Luton Town.

Daniel Brathwaite (Defender) Club skipper, Dan joined the Crows from Chesham United for the start of 2015/16.

He is an experienced defender whose former clubs include Boreham Wood and Dover Athletic.

Dan Newton (Defender) Joined the Crows early into season 2020/21, Centre-Back Dan's previous clubs were Biggleswade FC and Northwood. He is a calm and confident defender and cousin of former Crow Joe Newton.

James Brighton (Defender) Experienced full-back who joined us in November 2019 from Kettering Town, where he had spent a successful four seasons. James has previously played for Hemel Hempstead Town, Cambridge City & Cambridge United.

Spyros Mentis (Midfield) Versatile, hard-working and tough-tackling midfielder or defender, Spyros re-joined The Crows in 2018/19 after a season away at Hayes & Yeading, he previously played just under 100 games for us from 2013 during his first spell at Garden Walk.

Tom Newman (Midfield) Joined the Crows at the start of 2018/19, Tom has impressed when called upon and has chipped in with some useful goals from midfield.

Isa Rotimi (Midfield) Young midfielder who signed for the Crows at the beginning of season 2019/20, Isa previously spent two seasons at Colney Heath.

Dan Green (Midfield) Joined us in December 2018 from Chesham United, Dan is an experienced midfielder whose other previous clubs include St Albans City and Dunstable Town.

Brandon Adams (Forward) Signed for the Crows in 2019, Brandon previously spent four years at Queens Park Rangers which included loan deals at Malaysian club Perlis and Linfield in Northern Ireland. After leaving the R’s in 2018 Brandon dropped into non-league hoping to catch the eye of pro clubs and has certainty impressed. After a short stint at Enfield Town he moved to Ware in 2018/19 and bagged an impressive 23 league goals in 25 games.

Isaac Galliford (Forward) Previously with Hitchin Town, St Neots Town & Hemel Hempstead after starting out with Luton Town. Isaac signed for us for the beginning of last season. Whilst with The Canaries Isaac’s performances earned him an England ‘C’ call-up.

Matt Bateman (Forward) Re-joined us for the start this season from Hemel Hempstead, where he spent last season after moving from the Crows. Matt signed for the Crows at the start of season 2019/20 and scored an impressive 24 goals in 41 games during that season to earn his move to Hemel. Previous to that Matt played a big part in Berkhamsted’s push for promotion in 2018/19 where he netted 43 times in 54 appearances for The Comrades.

Harry Draper (Forward) Signed for the Crows on loan from Stevenage at the start of this season. Harry has been with Stevenage from the age of eight, he signed his first professional deal at Boro’ in summer 2019 and then spent that season on loan at Hitchin Town.

Finlay Titchmarsh (Defender) Young defender who signed for the Crows at the beginning of this season, Finlay was originally with Barnet before having spells with Staines Town and Ware.

Marcus Goldbourne (Forward) The 20-year-old pacey winger or striker came through the Stevenage U18 ranks and spent time on loan at Dunstable Town whilst on Boro`s books. Also had a brief spell in Swedish football with Ytterhagdaka IK before returning to the UK signing for Hitchin Town. In the summer he signed for Braintree Town and had a loan spell with Brightlingsea Regent.

Rhamar Garrett-Douglas (Defender) Young defender who started his career at Barnet and was a regular in their U18s. He was previously at Bishop's Stortford and has also had spells with Maldon & Tiptree and Hullbridge Sports.

Carl Mensah (Defender) 25 year-old towering central defender who joined the Crows from Welwyn Garden City at the end of November. His previous clubs include Bedford Town, Harpenden Town, Kempston Rovers, Tring Athletic, Cockfosters and Colney Heath.

Dimitrios Kyriatzis (Goalkeeper) A recent addition to the Crows squad having joined us from Bedfont Sports. Dimi's previous clubs include Brentford and Inter Leipzig.

TODAY'S OPPONENTS Biggleswade Town FC Club History 1874 - 1954 - the First 80 Years Biggleswade Town was originally formed as Biggleswade F.C. in 1874 and began by playing friendlies.

They became one of the founder members of the Biggleswade and District League in 1902/03 and won the championship at the first attempt. The successful season was climaxed by winning the Bedfordshire Senior Cup - the first of eight victories so far in the competition. The ‘Waders’, as the club are known, first entered the FA Cup in 1904.

2008 Chris Nunn became manager in November 2006 after a very poor start to the season saw the team heading for inevitable relegation. In February 2007 the team had made up a lot of points but was still bottom of the Premier table. The team avoided relegation on the last league day of the season. The winning of the NBC Cup in the very last match of the campaign reinforced that optimism.

The 2007/08 season saw the squad develop further with new signings and for the first time in 15 years, the club found itself top of the division at one point. A final position of 3rd was a result of hard work and changes gradually moving the club forward. As the 2008/09 season beckoned, the new Stadium was ready for occupation and the seasons in the 'wilderness of ground sharing' were over. For the first time in the club's 134-year history, it finally had a home of its very own.

2008 – 2009 Moving into the new ground certainly created a great feeling at the Club and new faces began to appear on the playing side as well as behind the scenes. As the final whistle blew on the last friendly there was a definite feeling of readiness for the forthcoming season.

The Wader’s first season (2009-10) at Step Four proved a tough start but gradually the team strengthened and finished in a comfortable twelfth place with the team taking points off every side that season except Bury Town and Hitchin Town who finished first and second respectively.

2010-2011 This season saw the Waders climb to their highest ever position in the football pyramid, finally finishing in 4th place and with the resultant position in the playoffs. Waders travelled to 3rd place Daventry Town, a team they had previously beaten both home and away in the regular season. Football being football, Daventry ran out easy winners ending Wader's hopes of promotion.

2011-2012 This season saw the Waders fade as the season progressed. Having topped the league early in the season, injuries and suspensions took their toll and the season finished with a top-half finish just outside the playoffs.

2012-2013 Winning the 2012/13 Playoff final secured a place in the Southern League Premier, was upstaged by the best ever season in the club’s 140-year history, finishing 9th in our first Premier season, reaching the First Round Proper of the FA Cup losing to a well organised Stourbridge side. The season ended with Waders beating Luton Town at Luton to lift the County Cup. 2013-2014 First season ever at step three and the Waders feel they have arrived. Finishing a creditable 9th in the table and reaching the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in the club’s history put the club in the record books. The Waders were the draw specialist of the premier division and had they converted the drawn games to winning ones, they would have finished in the play-off positions. Winning the Beds Senior Cup for the second successive season was the icing on the cake.

2014-2015 This season was a real test for the Waders, with injuries both on and off the field. Long term injuries meant bringing in loan players and they all played their part.

2015-2016 A difficult season for the Waders, Southern League gets harder every season, and an injection of new players helped steer the ship.

2016-2017 Having established their premier status the Waders went on to achieve their highest points total and finished just outside the play-offs in a creditable 7th position 2017-2018 A tough season with the club suffering a number of significant injuries ended with a Mid Table finish and a narrow loss to Luton Town in the Beds Senior Cup Final.

2018-2019 A successful first season for new manager Lee Allanson and his new squad. Winners of the Beds senior cup. 7th in the Southern League Central Premier Division, narrowly missing a playoff place. Reached the 2nd round qualifying of the FA trophy only just beaten 1-0 away to Conference side AFC Fylde.

2020-2021 Following a disruptive 2019-20 season involving the loss of Lee Allinson and most of the squad to Hendon, Waders appointed former manager Chris Nunn in a caretaker role to see the season out. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the season to an early close with the club safe from any relegation worries despite having to put together a new team in mid-season. Nunny was re-appointed full-time manager for the 2020-2021 season, bringing in Scott Davies and Russell Short as Assistants, COVID-19 ended the season again with the team looking towards mid-table.

2021-2022 Chris Nunn started the season with Russell Short and Joe Howe as assistants, Howe having joined from Hendon in the summer as player-coach and Scott Davies having moved on. A new squad has been assembled and started the season reasonably well despite a number of COVID enforced absences. With the club struggling for points, Nunny decided to move on with his legacy of most successful and popular manager for the club intact. Experienced manager Robbie O’Keefe joined the club to take on the task of avoiding relegation with Joe Howe continuing as player-coach and Russell Short moving on to Peterborough Sports.

WHO ARE YA? Biggleswade Town FC Player Pen Pics ROBBIE O’KEEFE - MANAGER Robbie has a wealth of non-league management experience, including at Hitchin Town, Arlesey Town and St Neots Town. Robbie jointly managed Arlesey Town to FA Vase glory at Wembley in the mid1990s. He joined the Waders in January 2022 following the departure of Chris Nunn. Robbie also continues to head Stevenage FC’s Category 3 Academy and retains a wealth of contacts in the game that Waders hope to benefit from.

JOE HOWE (CAPTAIN) - DEFENCE Recently joined the club in a player-assistant manager role from Hendon FC. Joe had made 23 appearances for Hendon during the past two COVID hit seasons. Joe has slotted in at left-back to provide cover whilst also running the team management with the previous manager Chris Nunn. Joe has now stepped up to be club captain and provide much needed experience in the team.

JOSH HILL - GOALKEEPER New Zealand-born backup goalkeeper who lists Chesham Utd, Swindon Supermarine, Hawkes Bay, Stop Out, Wairarapa Utd and Napier Cyprus amongst his former clubs. Recently has become a regular in goal for the Waders with confidence growing and an outstanding performance against Bromsgrove Sporting.

KANE FARRELL - DEFENCE Farrell, 25, is an attack-minded left-back who originally signed for Biggleswade Town in the summer of 2020. He was previously with Kings Langley and Wingate & Finchley. An ever-present for the Waders this season, despite the mid-season squad changes.

CHARLEY O’KEEFE - DEFENCE An excellent 1 v 1 left-footed defender who started the season at Welling United in the Conference South before a nasty ankle injury and COVID ended his stay. Returned to fitness at neighbours Biggleswade FC during November – January before signing recently for the Club CAIN KELLER - DEFENCE Recent signing from Hendon, Cain is equally at home in midfield or at right-back. A very athletic, technical player who can also put his foot in.

JALEN JONES - DEFENCE Tall and rangy central defender who joined the Waders in March on a dual registration with Braintree Town in the National League South. Settled into the Waders backline with a debut goal against Needham Market and offers much-needed height both defending and attacking set-pieces.

SAM SQUIRE - MIDFIELD Squire, 21, is an attacking midfielder who first put pen to paper for the Waders last summer. He'd joined league rivals, Needham Market, on a permanent basis in June 2019 after being released by Cambridge United. He spent 2018/19 on loan with the Marketmen from the League Two outfit and made 38 appearances. He contributed to Cambridge City’s strong run at the end of the 2017/18 season, in which they lost in the Southern League Division One East play-off final whilst on loan.

BLAKE D’ARCY - MIDFIELD Central midfielder Blake D`Arcy joined Biggleswade from Isthmian League South Central Division side Chalfont St Peter earlier this month. Blake signed for the Saints last summer having previously been on the books at League One newcomers Cambridge United.

JOE DEARMAN - MIDFIELD Another recent signing, from near neighbours St Neots Town. Joe provides further competition for midfield places and his preferred position is on the left side. A former Spurs Youth and Cambridge United under 18s player, Joe brings experience despite only being 20 years old.

ADIAN MANNING - MIDFIELD Signed on loan from Watford’s under 18s, Adian has featured for Watford’s under 23s on occasions this season. Recently scored the winning goal in Watford’s recent FA Youth Cup win over Cardiff City.

Adian marked his debut for Waders with the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Nuneaton Borough.

DEAN PARRETT - MIDFIELD Ex-professional Dean brings a wealth of experience to the Waders' midfield. Dean’s youth career started at QPR before moving on to Spurs where he spent several years, making the first team in a UEFA Cup tie versus Shakhtar Donetsk. Several loans followed to clubs including Charlton Athletic, Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town before Dean moved on to have two spells at Stevenage. More recently Dean has played for Wealdstone and Barnet and joins Waders with a career total of 253 games and 32 goals to date. Scored a penalty in his second game for Waders in the win v Needham Market.

ROBBIE PARKER - MIDFIELD A competitive midfielder who re-joined the Waders from St Ives Town earlier this season. Opportunities initially limited by injury/illness and suspension but now having a consistent run in the team. Versatile enough to play at centre half when needed ENOCH ANDOH - MIDFIELD/FORWARD Signed for the Waders from Stratford Town in January 2021. 28 years old forward with non-league experience at a number of clubs. Higher-level experience includes time at Port Vale from League Two. Originally played upfront for Waders but has recently been playing a creative attacking role in midfield.

MAX GRANVILLE - MIDFIELD Central midfielder who is comfortable on the ball and doing the defensive work in front of the defensive line. Joined the Waders on a work experience opportunity from Stevenage. Impressed in the away draw at Stratford Town but unfortunately picked up an injury afterwards which has limited his playing time.

LUKE MIDDLETON - MIDFIELD Recently signed from local rivals, Biggleswade FC, Luke joins the club when competition is needed in midfield. An aggressive versatile player who is very comfortable in possession LUCA CARDINES - MIDFIELD The 17-year-old son of well-known former Stevenage Borough forward Colin Cardines, he was on the books at Spartan South Midlands League side Stotfold last season. Luca originally came through Hitchin`s youth set-up, a Skillful wide player who likes to take opponents on.

FRANCIS MAMPOLO - MIDFIELD Left-sided midfielder who recently joined the Waders and made his debut in the narrow defeat at Hitchin Town. Recently Francis has been trialling with Newcastle United’s under 23s.

HARRY LODOVICA - MIDFIELD/FORWARD Attacking midfielder who recently joined the Waders from Kempston Rovers. Harry has a much-needed physical presence on the pitch and made his debut for the club in the 1-1 draw with Nuneaton Borough.

Has been playing as a striker in his first few games for the Waders.

JACK VASEY - FORWARD Signed for the Waders in late 2021 from Welwyn Garden City to provide additional options upfront.

Seriously injured at Hitchin Town recently which means Joe’s season is now unfortunately over.

LEON OKUBOYEYO - FORWARD A former Reading apprentice who has played at Hitchin Town. On his way back from a long term injury, Leon is an exciting wide player. Appearances for the Waders so far are limited by injuries.

FINLAY JOHNSON - FORWARD Son of former Crystal Palace, Everton and Fulham striker, Andy Johnson, Finlay brings explosive pace to the Waders' front line and joins from Stevenage on a work experience loan. Finlay has already made the bench of Stevenage’s first team in the EFL and has a bright future ahead. Very sharp goal poacher with an excellent goal to game ratio this season.

GEORGE DEVINE - FORWARD George spent a short time at Waders under Lee Allinson and has gathered experience at other clubs including Hendon and Hemel Hempstead. George has an eye for goal and rejoins from Colney Heath.

LIAM SMYTH - FORWARD Joined Waders on loan from Wingate and Finchley. Liam has played for Stevenage (becoming the youngest first-team debutant at age 18) and Braintree Town as well as representing Northern Ireland at under-19 level. Scored twice in his first home game for the Waders against Needham Market.

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Joe Welch Ryan Easley

Daniel Brathwaite Katherine Thompson

Ed James Brighton Asafu-Adjaye Kelshall Jake Easley Plastics

Brandon Adams Martin Pendrick Royston Plastering

Isa Rotimi Martin Pendrick

Ronnie Henry David Gray

Adam Murray Jeff Gill

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Matt Bateman DFM Matt Clowery

Marcus Goldbourne AVAILABLE

Spyros Mentis Mick & Enid Toovey

Isaac Galliford

Dan Newton Graham Haggar

Carl Mensah

Tom Newman Clive Middlemass

Steve Castle

AVAILABLE

Steve Tuck

AVAILABLE

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Dimi Kyriatzis AVAILABLE

Finley Titchmarsh AVAILABLE

Fred Brown AVAILABLE

Rhamar Garret-Douglas AVAILABLE

Sponsorship available from

£150

per season

Dan Green

Makai Murray

Chris Watters

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

Contact ALAN BARLOW for details

SQUADS Monday 18th April 2022 Kick Off: 3PM TODAY'S MATCH SPONSOR:

ROYSTON CRICKET CLUB TODAYS OFFICIALS REFEREE: Mark Stevens ASSISTANTS: Jordan Lee, Jake Bloom

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Joe Welch (GK) Ed Asafu-Adjaye Daniel Brathwaite Carl Mensah Adam Murray (c) Ronnie Henry Finley Titchmarsh Devonte Aransibia Brandon Adams Matt Bateman Isaac Galliford Tom Newman Dimitrios Kyriatzis (GK) James Brighton Brooklyn Ilunga Isa Rotimi Makai Murray Dan Green Spyros Mentis Dan Newton Marcus Goldbourne Rhamar Garrett-Douglas

Steve Castle / Chris Watters Scott Taylor / Amber Murray

Josh Hill (GK) Joe Dearman Joe Howe (C) Morgan Mahoney Cain Keller Francis Mampolo Kane Farrell Finlay Johnson Robbie Parker Adian Manning Jalen Jones Luca Cardines George Devine Blake D’Arcy Dean Parrett Luke Middleton Harry Lodovica Leon Okuboyeyo Enoch Andoh Charley O’Keefe Liam Smyth Sam Squire Max Granville MANAGERS SPORTS THERAPISTS

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Robbie O'Keefe