Jim Matthews

LYDBROOKvs ATHLETIC

BROADWELL AMATEURS

Saturday 22nd June 2024, 3PM HELPING TO RAISE MONEY FOR THREE GREAT CHARITIES 1 £3 Includes Raffle ticket

Dear Jim, Messages from friends Justin Tapfield – Club Chairman Good afternoon all, A very warm welcome to all that are in attendance at Stowfield Park today.

Today is not just about a game of football, it’s the coming together of the local footballing community to honour the one and only Jimmy Matthews. (More like two old foes kicking lumps out of each other for 90 minutes) I am a firm believer that the compliment ‘legend’ is often banded around far too easily in the modern era, however in the case of Jimmy, he is a legend to me and all involved with Lydbrook AFC. Even now in his hour of adversity his thoughts are still firmly with the football club.

It wasn’t until I joined Lydbrook back in 2013 that I fully understood the phenomenal impact Jimmy has had on the club over the years. Starting one Saturday over 55 years ago, with an offer to help mark the pitch and put the nets up to the present day. It would take far too long to mention everything else that he has done for the club over the years.

Let’s hope that the weather is with us today and we give Jimmy the win. Either way it is set to be a great day that we can all look back on in years to come with fond memories.

Thank you, Jimmy Matthews.

Tatty

Andrew Clements – General Manager I would like to start off with a very warm welcome to our friends from Broadwell on this special occasion. I appreciate all of the efforts you have gone to in order to get this fixture on today. We are all in attendance today to celebrate the remarkable achievement of 55 years’ worth of incredible service to Lydbrook AFC by Jim. When I joined Lydbrook 42 years ago it was very apparent to see that Jim had a huge passion for this football club and his enthusiasm for it to succeed soon rubbed off onto me.

From his first involvements at Lydbrook AFC, which saw him helping to mark the village pitch out 55 years ago, to being the first team physio and driving the side all around Gloucestershire (stopping at a few pubs on the way back, of course) it is safe to say Jim has done every job that has ever been asked of him to help mould Lydbrook into the successful club that you see today.

I would like to say thank you to Jim for everything he has given and achieved with Lydbrook during that wonderful 55 year period and for the friendship that we have formed during that time, something that I will cherish forever.

I hope I can continue the hard work and standards that you have set.

Clemmy

Nathan Hawkins – On behalf of Lydbrook AFC. Dear Jim, On behalf of everyone involved at Lydbrook AFC both past and present, thank you.

Your 55 years of unwavering support and service to our football club is a truly incredible achievement and a huge testament to you as a man. The level of commitment you have shown over so many years has been quite extraordinary and something that very few of us, if any, will ever witness again.

The successes that Lydbrook have enjoyed both on and off the field during this period have only been made possible thanks to your personal dedication and hard work, something that you should be incredibly proud of.

Your time at Lydbrook has and will always be about much more than just the football. The level of friendship, support, guidance and commitment you have shown to each and every player as well as their families is remarkable.

Your legacy at this football club will unquestionably last for all time. We hope and trust that you are able to take immense pleasure and pride from knowing that future generations will be able to look back on your exceptional contribution as an inspirational figure within Lydbrook AFC and that those generations aspire to be like you, just as you have inspired so many others over the years in our time involved in this great club.

On a personal level, I can honestly say it has been a pleasure and privilege to work alongside you since joining the club. Thank you for everything you have done for all of us, Jim

Gary Powell: Broadwell Manager

Nathan

Good afternoon everyone, I would just like to say what a privilege it is for myself, Steve, Jono, Gary & all of our players to be involved in this game for the great man that is Jim Matthews. Jim is a man I have and always will have the upmost respect for.

The work that he has done for your great club is unbelievable and something that Lynbrook should be really grateful and proud of.

Jim, this day belongs to you my good friend.

All the very best, Gary & everyone involved with BAFC.

Gary

on behalf of everyone involved with BAFC.

OUR

SPONSORS I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of the football club to our sponsors for their incredible support & commitment over the past 12 months. Your wonderful generosity has played a vital part in the steady progression of all three of our adult sides last season and the improvement of all of our facilities.

Our first team secured their highest finish on their return to Senior League football since the 2016/17 season. Our reserve side missed out on back to back promotions and a return to the North Gloucestershire Premier League on goal difference. Our A side enjoyed a large influx of youth complimented well by some very experienced players who together secured a mid-table finish.

Looking ahead we cannot wait to continue our wonderful relationship with you all going into next season and look forward to what we can achieve together on and off the field for the 2024/25 season. We are also looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible when we host our annual Sponsors Day on Saturday August 17th.

If any local businesses would like to join this great football family and advertise their business services at the same time please contact Nathan Hawkins on 07879998401.

Nathan Hawkins Treasurer

Lydbrook Athletic

Broadwell Amateurs

Michael Etheridge

Jack Watkins

Lee Lewis

Aidan Creighton

Nathan Hawkins

Kristian Burnard

Craig Collett

Steve Blaby

Oli Bonser

Ben Schiller

Blaine Smith

Steve Belfitt

James Turley

Jamie Belfitt

James Matthews

Guy Jones

Aaron Powell

Craig Lewis

Henry McAllister

Dan Brain

Fin Morris

Nathan Davies

Ryan Clarke

Steve Buffin

Jason Heaphy

Rylee Wilkins

Ben Jones

Greg Lewis

Harry Williams

Zac Marfell

Ryan Wilks

Toby Price

Harvey Warner

Ethan Wilkins

Louis Overthrow

Rhys Childs

Lee Morton Jonas Dobson Management Team Andrew Clements Grant Lawrence Keith Wilks Paul Emsley Justin Tapfield

Referee Kevin Brain

Management Team Gary Powell Steve Tucker Jono Marfell Gary Hurcombe

Assistant Jason Wood

Assistant Alan Hale