2023/24 - Issue Fifteen - leicester Nirvana

Magazine

MARCHING IN

Official Digital Matchday Magazine Season 2023/24

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISON SOUTH

St Neots Town F.C. Established Established 1879 1879

President - John Walker

Board of Directors Joint CEO - Louise Sales & Mehmet Mimoglu Chairman - Barry Cavilla Secretary/Director - Gary Wilson Director of Football - Iain Parr Director - Jez Green Director - Mike Green Board Member - Brian Barnes Board Member - Andy Clay Board Member - Daniel Dodson

Saints Match Day Team Fixture Secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality - Andy and Evelyn Clay, Paula Robertson Stadium Announcer - Mike Green Music - Charlie Green Catering - Diane Sales

Media Press Officer - Mike Green Match Reports - John Walker Photographer - David Richardson Social Media - Mike Green

Ground Staff Pitch maintenance - Barry Oakley , Barry Cavilla, Bob Carpenter

First Team Manager - Cameron Mawer Assistant Manager - Steve Kuhne Coach - Alex Minall GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kit Man - Mick Hunt U18Manager - Nick Schleising Assistant - Ben Webster

Academy Manager - Alex Minall Club Welfare Officer - Chrissie Manly Academy enquiries - Alexsntfcacademy@gmail.com

Club Information Address: Rowley Park, Kester Way, St Neots, Cambs., PE19 6SL Website - www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires - enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk Commercial Enquiries - mehmetmi@hotmail.com Events - misslouises@yahoo.co.uk

Front cover - Image copyright protected by David Richardson, used under license.

Ownership: In accordance with the football association league rule 2.13 publication of ownership in relation to step 1-4 within the football pyramid, we hereby confirm the legal status of St Neots Town Football Club Identification Number 02921210, and is a Private Limited Company.

For the purposes of publication of ownership we can confirm that the following are listed as Directors of the Company: Lee Kearns (Significant interest 70%) , Iain Parr, Louise Sales, Gary Wilson, Mehmet Mimoglu and as Non Executive Directors Mike Green, Jeremy Green, and Barry Cavilla.

Company Secretary Gary Wilson

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green "Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today‘s United Counties League Premier Division South match. Today we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Leicester Nirvana Football Club and we hope you enjoy our hospitality this afternoon“.

Hello Twenty-Twenty Four !!!! First off, I’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year full of good health, happiness and success.

Well, What a twelve months 2023 turned out to be for the Saints. Certainly a year of two halves with the Club dropping out of Step Four after a very disappointing season in the Northern Premier League Midland Division, topped off by the humiliating promotion/playoff final debacle here against Lye Town when we were hammered 6-1 and looked like a Club in turmoil. However, unknown to many, a certain young upcoming coach, Cameron Mawer, was present that day and could see the potential the club had and the rest is, as they say, history.

The first half of the season has been fantastic. Good football being played, a wonderful bunch of lads representing the Club, an open and honest management team, attendances on the up and new supporters appearing week on week. Just now is a great time to be involved with this great Club. We know though that things can change very quickly so we need to keep our our feet on solid ground, never too high, never too low.

Back to today’s game versus Leicester Nirvana, who, despite their lowly league position, have proved recently that anyone can beat anyone else on the day, so give us that advantage by cheering the boys on as our twelfth man.

Be Loud, Be Proud, Be A Saint

Greenie

Saints Social Media Sponsor We are delighted to have ADP Fire and Security as our Media Sponsors for the 2023/24 Season

Boardroom Gossip From The Dugout With Chairman BarryCameron Cavilla With Manager Mawer " I’d like to welcome everyone associated with Leicester Nirvana to the Premier Plus Stadium. Leicester are a side who have only lost one of there last 10 league games by more then one goal and in that time they have drawn with high flying Wellingborough and top half of the table side Yaxley, which shows they are never out of football matches and can get results, when it comes to league position they may sit bottom but the leagues so competitive you have to be at your best every game if not your get punished“.

We are coming off the back of 6 games unbeaten and a fantastic performance and result against Histon. Yes we only won by a single goal but for long periods it looked like it would end up 5-0 or 6-0 but we weren’t ruthless enough and a switch off at the back allowed them back into the game and to go home with a score line that in my opinion flattered them.

It was great to see Kyle Lincoln back in the side after his recent absence, he has led the team brilliant and it gave everyone a boast to have him back, we are now getting closer and closer to building a squad that is capable of doing what we need. Rhys Thorpe has led the line excellently up top and I was delighted to see him get his second goal in a saints shirt on Saturday. Hopefully the young saints fans coming to watch games can relate to the side they see out on the pitch and even more so with us having 4 local lads in the side and that can show them that one day they could represent there home town team. The culture and mind set we are trying to build is one of a family spirit and a football club we can all be proud of.

Another outstanding turn out by the supporters against Histon and I said in my interview after the game the difference playing at home with the crowd behind us is huge. We now have 9 massive home league games left this season and we need as much support as possibly because it could make all the difference.

Here’s to a positive start to 2024 at home and let’s make it a year to remember.

Look forward to seeing you and hearing you all on Saturday.

Cam

Enjoy the game.

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

Boardroom Gossip Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla With Chairman Barry Cavilla “ Good afternoon and Happy New Year to you all. I hope everyone had a lovely time with the families over the Christmas holidays. Football has been in full flow as you know and we now kick off 2024 with another home fixture. I would like to welcome the players , officals and supporters of Leicester Nirvana for today’s game at the Premier Plus Stadium and wish them a safe homeward journey”.

Our visitors gave ourselves a very tough game at their place and it took a very special (worldy) goal from Harvey Williams that broke the deadlock on the day to secure victory for the Saints. I am sure Cameron and the lads would be fully aware of Leicester’s competitiveness and will be looking to continue their good form at home and will be determined to continue the unbeaten run and hopefully keep in contention with the leading pack. The Saints have a very busy 2024 and keeping the winning momentum and desire to succeed will go along way to securing a top finish this season and hopefully get the club in contention for playoff places.

However with lots of football and very tough teams to play in the remainder of the season, Cameron will hope injuries are few and his super squad of lads can achieve their goals and maintain their current form as long as possible to realise their dreams for all. This can only be achieved with your tremendous support you give home and away and the team know how important your all are in achieving our target together.

I would like to ask if there are any volunteers amoungst you who would like to join our team and help us on match days with various jobs to keep our club moving forward smoothly and efficiently, Come and be an active part of our football family, your help would be greatly appreciated. Please contact myself or any member of the club if you can help your team .

Your Town, Your Team.

Barry

Saints Partners Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

South Terrace Sponsors

Saints Partners Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

We pride ourselves on being open minded with a particular emphasis on working closely with our business partners to ensure mutually beneficial achievements. Our aim is to continue developing football for all, to offer duel career pathways and to continue to engage and support the Community and local businesses.

UNITED Boardroom Gossip COUNTIES LEAGUE With Chairman Barry Cavilla

PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH

Correct as of 10.00am - Saturday 6th January

Player Sponsorship Season 2023/24 CAMERON MAWER

STEVE KUHNE

ALEX MINALL

GARY DEAN

John Walker (President)

Andrew Dodd

Justin Kiernan

RealHeat Plumbing & Heating

CRAIG LAMBERT

MICK HUNT

JAMES GOFF

TOMMY REYNOLDS

The Saints Ambassadors

Jeremy & Daniel Frome

Memorial Makeovers 01480 700840

Priory Ultras

DAMMY NICKELS

NATHAN GEORGE

KYLE LINCOLN

DEAN DUMMETT

Springfresh Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

The Cheese & Wine Society

Som’s Salon 01480 473573

The Farmers

JOSHUA BROWN

SAM JOHNSON

MAGLOIRE MUYEMBE

TOM ROWLEY

Som’s Salon 01480 473573

Chris Chapman

Priory Saints

Michael Rea

HARVEY WILLIAMS

ISRAEL AJANA

DEMI ROMEO

JAMES HATCH

Rodney Buckenham

Paula Robertson

St Neots Ultras

Hidden Gem Cupcakes 07734 821330

JORDAN BROWN

MATTEO PERKINS

DOM LAWLESS

RHYS THORPE

Bike NV www.bikenv.online

Lisa -The Pinata Lady

The Saints Ambassadors

AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

BLAST FROM THE PAST Saturday 7th January 2012

Evo Stik Southern League Central ST NEOTS TOWN 5

BARTON ROVERS

3

St Neots rounded off a great Christmas/New Year period with maximum points from three games and extended their unbeaten run to seven matches.However, the greatly improved Barton Rovers made them fight all the way for their victory scoring the last two goals in an eight goals thriller with just a hint of defensive overconfidence from the home side. Two goals each for Stefan Moore and Ben Mackey – both within five minutes of introduction as a second half substitute – ensured a comfort zone for St Neots and in front of his sides’ biggest ever Southern League crowd (438) Junior Kanuda celebrated his fiftieth start for the home side with his trademark brand of wizardry in midfield. Three team changes from the last victory showed St Neots undoubted strength in depth and this did not detract from the sides’ now familiar brand of attractive attacking football.

The first tackle of the match after just 22 seconds produced a yellow card for St Neots combative midfielder Adrian Sear and despite being a marked man by the opposition for the remainder of the match he survived the full ninety minutes. Home keeper Michael Duggan had to be on his game early as he stretched to push away an in swinging Lee Wilson corner whilst at the other end after 11 minutes Shane Tolley volleyed over the bar. A minute later Tolley set up the opening goal for Stefan Moore as he unselfishly knocked back a Pearson Mwanyongo cross which went in despite the visiting keeper getting hands to the fierce shot. Barton were serving up some attractive football but they were not really effective in front of goal but they almost levelled as Max Avory making only his fourth league start did well to clear off the line. A Dan Jacob volley beat Richard Wilmot but landed on the roof of the net and Junior Konadu had a shot pushed for a corner. Five minutes before the break Moore might have claimed a second goal after defensive hesitation but his shot went wide.

BLAST FROM THE PAST Saturday 7th January 2012

Barton made a blistering start to the second half and after Bobby Dance had spurned an early chance volleying high over the bar they deservedly levelled after 50 minutes with Niran Vaughan making a strong forward run to set up Ricky Case for a crisp finish. However, parity lasted just two minutes and then Renee Steer carried the ball from area to area and when his run was halted the ball ran loose and Dan Jacob slotted home – his second goal in successive matches. After 59 minutes Wilmot made a great save from Jacob but could not hold the ball and in the defensive chaos Adrian Sear was pulled back and a penalty awarded which Stefan Moore confidently tucked in to make it 3-1.

Duggan then made a crucial stop leaving his line to parry a shot from Theo Swaine and after 64 minutes St Neots opted for a double substitution with Ben Mackey and Lewis Webb replacing Shane Tolley and Max Avory. Within five minutes of his introduction Mackey had scored twice increasing the lead to an unassailable 5-1. With almost his first touch he made space in the six yards box to head in a cross from Moore and then from a neat set up by the other St Neots substitute Lewis Hilliard he hit an unstoppable shot in off the underside of the crossbar. With sixteen minutes remaining Barton pulled a goal back when an opportunist Paul Andrews shot was deflected beyond the reach of Duggan and with just one minute of normal time left a great through pass from Wilson set up Ricky Case for his second goal of the match.

St Neots: Duggan, Avory, Steer, Sear, Gent, Hope, Mwanyongo, Konadu, Moore, Tolley, Jacob.

Subs: Hilliard (for Mwanyongo 52 mins), Mackey (for Tolley 64 mins), Webb (for Avory 64 mins), & Henebery Man of the match: Junior Konadu Attendance: 438 John Walker

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

www.stneotsloftconversionsltd.co.uk

Little Paxton, Saint Neots PE19, UK 07932 453477 St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

The Saints Community Memorial Wall We would like to formally announce that the Saints Community Memorial Wall is now ready and opportunities for Supporters to remember their loved ones, who may have been Saints Supporters themselves, are now available.

The Wall is completely under cover and protected from the elements and the flowers/shrubbery are cared for and tended to on a daily basis by our dedicated grounds staff. We would like to thank Kite Utilities, Ballinger Construction and Oasis Promotions and Print for all their collective help in getting this project from an idea by Chairman Barry Cavilla to a quite splendid addition to our stadium.

Stainless steel wall plaques are now available for loving messages to be engraved in the following two options: 6” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch) Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued Total cost £36.00 8” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch) Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued Total cost £48.00 Any interested supporters should contact Chairman Barry Cavilla for further details via email on bcavilla77@gmail.com or in person at The Premier Plus Stadium on a matchday.

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Suite Hire Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/facility-hire to find out more......

THE REEDMANS SUITE HOLDS UP TO 80 PEOPLE AND IS PERFECT FOR SMALLER WEDDING RECEPTIONS AND PARTIES Suitable For: Smaller wedding venues / receptions & evening parties Smaller conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old Funeral wakes Event hire Music events Presentation events A modern bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drink We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu’s, Hog Roasts, Barbeques, Small dance floor perfect for any party or small wedding reception Comfy dining furniture configured to suit requirements.

This party venue can be dressed / decorated to suit the celebration.

Friendly and experienced St Neots staff Plenty of parking Very adaptable All our facilities are wheel chair accessible

For all enquiries and quotations please contact Louise on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk or call 07753222683 THE GREGORY SUITE HOLDS UP TO 200 PEOPLE AND IS PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS AND LARGE FUNCTIONS. FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED Suitable For: Wedding venues / receptions & evening parties Conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old Large funeral wakes Event hire Trade & Craft Fares etc Music events Presentation events A large, impressive bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drinks We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu’s, Hog Roasts, Barbeques.

Stage area for bands, disco, and productions A large roomy dance floor perfect for any wedding reception Comfy dining furniture configured to suit requirements This party venue can be dressed / decorated to suit the celebration Friendly and experienced St Neots staff Plenty of parking All our facilities are wheel chair accessible We do have a large projector in the Gregory Suite that can be used for corporate events.

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

SAINTS FOOD TERRACE

We pride ourselves on being open minded with a particular emphasis on working closely with our business partners to ensure mutually beneficial achievements. Our aim is to continue developing football for all, to offer duel career pathways and to continue to engage and support the Community and local businesses.

John Walker's Match Preview LEICESTER NIRVANA

Year founded: 1988

Chairman: Zac Hajat

Club Website: www.leicesternirvana.com

GOOD AFTERNOON AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. WELCOME TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM TO OUR VISITORS WHO ARE MAKING THEIR FIRST EVER VISIT TO OUR TOWN This is however the third meeting of our two clubs.Earlier this season our lads produced a smash and grab raid in Leicester when a first club goal for Israel Ajana saw us win 1-0 in our initial league meeting. However, twelve seasons ago when our visitors played under the banner of Thurnby Nirvana at Step Six they inflicted on our lads a surprise 2-0 victory in a preliminary round FA Cup tie with first half goals from Ryan Walker (now Manager of the side) and Ryan Amoo. We had just begun to enjoy life at Step Four with five league victories in six starts and we travelled to Thurnby as proud league leaders in the Southern League Division One. The defeat was only the second time in 69 league and cup fixtures in the previous eighteen months that St Neots had failed to score in a competitive match. Enough of history and back to today’s important UCL tie.

Since our victory at Hamilton Park, our visitors have continued to find points hard to come by and have won just twice in the league this season – both times at home. Their most recent victory came on 16 December when they defeated Easington Sports 3-1. So they arrive here today in search of their first away league victory of the season. Their fixture at home last Saturday to league leaders Racing Club Warwick was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. Since our defeat at Wellingborough on 11th November our lads have put together a six matches undefeated run as we have flirted with the top five places in the league table. So now we venture into the second half of the season.

For us the aim is a place in the end of season play-offs whilst for our visitors’ survival will be the main object.

We wish them well in their quest.

Previous meeting of our teams: 3rd Sep 2011

Thurnby Nirvana 2

12th Aug 2023

St Neots 1

Enjoy the match.

John Walker

St Neots 0

Leicester Nirvana 0

(FA Cup Prelim Round)

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Seasons Past - With John Walker This Edition Focuses on Season 1998/99

This is another of the series of historical records, highlighting this time a further season at our Rowley Park stadium depicting both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. League-wise we lost some ground on our previous season dropping three places to thirteenth but once again our Reserve side came to the rescue with some headlines of their own. We surrendered our hold on the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup losing to Yaxley in a Final penalty shoot-out at Somersham when Chris Jones saw his penalty saved by the Yaxley keeper but our 9-1 victory over Stilton in round two was a record for us as well as seven different scorers! However, the Reserves lifted both the Scott Gatty Cup and the Huntingdonshire Benevolent Cups giving them their first trophies since our move to Rowley Park.

League

UCL Premier Division

Final League position:

13/20

League playing record:

P38 W15 D6 L17 For 70 Against 73 pts 51

Cup playing record:

P19 W8 D6 L5

For 44 Against 25

The UCL ordered the replay of two of our league matches for registration irregularities (we were only at fault once!)

We defeated the eventual runaway league Champions Spalding United 2-0 at home – one of only two league defeats for them away from home.

A total of 19 Cup matches played by the Senior team is probably an all-time record including six matches in the East Anglian Cup competition – two of which were won on penalty shoot-outs. We also reached Round Two of the FA Vase.

Reserve side finished fourth in their first season after promotion to the higher division and were the second highest scorers with 93 goals in 36 matches.

Our leading scorers were as follows: ·Darren Eady ·Chris Jones ·Frank Atkins ·Matt Hendra ·Neil Pope ·Brett Fairholme

18 12 12 12 10 8

This was to be Guy Loveday’s final season in charge.

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Saints - Goldstraw Goldmiths St Neots Town FC Academy & Main Stand Sponsor The Goldstraw Goldsmith’s St Neots Town FC Academy Sponsor Goldstraw Goldsmiths is an established, trusted, successful jewellery shop in the Cambridgeshire town of St Neots. At Goldstraws Goldsmiths we’ve been designing and caring for jewellery for over 30 years. We sell all styles of jewellery; new and antique. If you have a particular item in mind, we will always endeavour to source it. Two experienced goldsmiths work on the premises, offering quality craftsmanship with every newly created piece and repair. We take pride in our work and our customers tell us time and time again that wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Why not come in and say hello we” be happy to help.

www.goldstraw.co.uk 01480 407704

Goldstraw Goldsmiths St Neots Town Academy Team Sponsors 2023/24 U7s

U8s

U9s

U10s

Thank You for your ongoing support

U11s

Goldstraw Goldsmiths St Neots Town Academy Team Sponsors 2023/24

U12

U13

U14

U15

Thank You for your ongoing support

U16

John Walker's Match Report HISTON FC (H) 30-12-2023

ST NEOTS TOWN

3

HISTON

2

After dominating the first 84 minutes of this local derby and looking comfortable and deserved victors, St Neots were hit by a late Histon whirlwind that saw the visitors score twice and almost snatch a surprise point. However, the home side clung on by the skin of their teeth for what may prove an important home victory.

The late Histon revival came courtesy of the return after suspension of striker James Burnside who scored twice in as many minutes to send the home side into panic mode. After their anonymous showing against neighbours Eynesbury on Boxing Day this was St Neots back to their best as they restricted their visitors to long range shooting, and they should have easily seen out a more comfortable victory but for that late Histon surge. St Neots made two changes in defence with Kyle Lincoln and Dean Dummett returning to the side at the expense of Josh Brown and Christian Tavernier.

The hosts were quickly into their stride as Harvey Williams broke through to shoot narrowly wide but on the break the visitors created openings and former Saint Joe Sutton rattled the home crossbar from 35 yards. Lene Burden then headed into the side netting from a corner, but St Neots looked comfortably in control as Jordan Brown saw a fierce drive parried by visiting keeper Sam Roach, and Williams was only just off target. After 21 minutes Williams burst into the area to be upended by Myles Smith who was booked, and Magloire Muyembe stepped up to net his third goal of the season from the penalty spot. Williams had another effort blocked and the hard-working Rhys Thorpe saw his free kick deflected for a corner from which James Hatch headed over the bar. On the stroke of half time only a goal line clearance by Jake Kerins prevented a second goal for the hosts.

The pattern continued after the break and just two minutes after the restart the lead was doubled as a neat cross field pass set up Harvey Williams for St Neots’ second goal. Thorpe then forced a full length save from Roach and Jordan Brown had the ball in the net but was ruled offside After 63 minutes a long clearance from James Goff release Rhys Thorpe and he beat the offside trap to advance on goal to add St Neots third goal. That should have given the home side an unassailable lead but with six minutes left Histon substitute James Burnside celebrated his return from suspension with a smart finish through a statuesque home defence. Two minutes late the same visiting player finished off a slick move to put his side within touching distance of a famous comeback. However, the home defence dug in and managed to repel the best efforts of the visiting side through seven minutes of added time to take all three points.

John Walker's Match Report HISTON FC (H) 30-12-2023

St Neots Town: Goff, Nickels, Culkin, Dummett, George, Lincoln, Jordan Brown, Muyembe, Thorpe, Hatch, Williams Subs: Ajana (for Brown 77 mins), Brooks (for George 78 mins), Akinbobola (for Thorpe 90+4 mins), Josh Brown, and Rowley.

Cards: Muyembe (Y – 12 mins), Nickels (Y – 90 mins), Hatch (Y – 45+6 mins) Histon: Roach, Pepple, Smith, Towner, York. Kerins, Cole, Camara, Barnes, Burden, Sutton Subs: Leka (for Smith 68 mins), Burnside (for Sutton 73 mins), Motley (for Pepple 82 mins), Todd (for Cole 92 mins), and Monks.

Cards: Smith (Y – 21 mins), Attendance: 413 Referee: Paul McVey (Peterborough)

(John Walker)

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

Call 01480 470931 / Mobile 07950 496568

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Take away – Shop Local, Support Local

orders@takeaway-stneots.com Pizza/fried chicken, Turkish, British, British Cafe Order through our app Order online Order on the pay store

To Advertise with the Saints contact our Commercial Director Mehemt Mimoglu on 07946 318888 or email mehmetmi@hotmail.com

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Opponent Spotlight LEICESTER NIRVANA

Leicester Nirvana Football Club (Nirvana) nurtures junior talent from the age of 2 years (Nirvana Nippers) up to Seniors football. Providing a clear pathway for young players to develop in to men’s football. The club has grown tremendously over the years and now has close to 20 teams throughout the ages of under 7’s through to men’s. The club structure also includes Nirvana Nippers ages 2 years to 4 years and Nirvana Development club ages 5 years to 8 years.

Nirvana is known for developing young talented players and strong teams with many of those teams playing at the higher end of the league structures. Today, Nirvana embodies more than a football club and aims to be a platform that allows young people life changing opportunities via football or other arenas.

With a strong community focus, Nirvana will continue to fuse football and the sporting development of individuals, with the wider support of advocacy to influence public policy and the decisions that ultimately affect our members.

Nirvana FC began its activities in Leicester in the mid-1980s growing out of the Red Star youth group in the city. The club has always had a strong BME holding but discriminates against no one and welcomes all. A real local community club for the whole city, especially for parents and their children from multi-racial inner city backgrounds.

Nirvana is a true local melting pot around the integrative sport of football.

Starting on Victoria Park in south Leicester in the local Mutual League, Nirvana lacked the resources and the facilities demanded by the local football pyramid.

In 1989 the club’s senior adult side moved out of Leicestershire football to join the Central Midlands League. But in the early 1990s, frustrated with a lack of access to resources in adult football in Leicester, club members began to think about developing a very different sort of club focusing on youngsters only. In 1994 Leicester Nirvana was born. As football for children really took off in Leicester in the 1990s so Nirvana grew, a positive haven for inner city kids, and for Leicester children from wider afield. Because of its enthusiasm and care the club recruited some of the most talented young players in the city.

Opponent Spotlight LEICESTER NIRVANA

After establishing as a very successful junior club, the club initiated discussions to re-establish a senior team for the young players to aspire to. This started in 2008 and the club entered a team in the Leicester City Football League.

However at the same time the club initiated conversations relating to the possibility merging with Thurnby Rangers to give us a pathway to Step 7, at this point Thurnby Nirvana was born.

Leicester Nirvana FC and Thurnby Rangers FC had both established their own identities at a local football level. Thurnby Rangers being a successful senior side in the early years 2001-03 in which time Leicester Nirvana no longer had a senior side but had an outstanding reputation at mini, junior and youth football levels both locally and nationally. Over the past period they have contributed to the development of players with to date 8 professionals playing at pro clubs and approximately 15 youths at academies across the country, who have been through the clubs youth system, an outstanding return.

In the build up of the 2008/09 season the decision to merge was only reached seven days before the season kicked off which left us scrambling to sign 15 players and get a team ready for the first fixture. Thankfully with the hard work of many individuals and a new merged management committee, we managed to field a team and finish in a very respectable 5th place. Considering our initiation to senior league football and the steep learning curve relating to the entire off field responsibility, as a club we were pleased with our return, although as a club first is always our goal.

Season 2009/10 started with more optimism, we had time to plan and prepare a good pre season programme with many new players being attracted to the club given our total football style of play. Again with both the on and off field learning curves we finished a respectable third in only our second season involved in adult football. We, as a club applied to the East Midland Counties League for promotion and after an extremely eventful summer and an enormous amount of effort and work behind the scenes, secured a place at Step 6 of the National league system.

The 2010/11 season was a new chapter in the club’s history, competing in the East Midlands Counties league at Step 6 for the first time.

Opponent Spotlight LEICESTER NIRVANA

The club firmly established themselves at this level with a respectable 9th place finish in the league, which was a good return with a young and somewhat inexperienced squad with an average age of 23. The season also saw defeat in the County Cup final and was topped off with success in the League Cup with a 4-2 victory over Holbrook Sports.

The 2011/2012 season was another learning curve in the history of the club, competing in The FA Cup for the first time. The season looked rather promising at the beginning after an explosive start and a memorable scalp of St Neots Town in the FA Cup, however inconsistency led to a 7th place finish in the league.

The 2012/13 season proved to be another exciting chapter in the short history of the club. Once again The FA Cup brought excitement with great victories over Lincoln Moorlands and Lincoln United in the Preliminary rounds, however we again fell at the First Qualifying round losing to Gresley in the replay. In terms of the league, this season was our best to date, an incredible run from December, which included 19 victories, 1 draw and 2 defeats ensured a third place finish.

The 2013/14 season once again looked promising for manager Damion Quailey who had managed to add some good depth to his squad while keeping together the majority of the players from the previous season. There had also been additions to the coaching team behind the scenes which again improved our young squad. Hannah Dingley was appointed Assistant Manager with Chris Gowan and Brain Quailey making up the coaching staff. This paid off for the club by winning the East Midland Counties League.

The 2014-15 season saw us playing at Level 5 in the United Counties Premier Division. A new venture for the club at this level which was again a memorable year in the history of the club. After securing the majority of the squad and again adding the few quality additions we made our mark on the UCL by finishing runners up in our first attempt. The season was also memorable as we embarked on our best run in The FA Vase by reaching the last 32, only to go out in ET during a thrilling encounter with Holbeach United.

Opponent Spotlight LEICESTER NIRVANA

Season 2015/16 once again has seen tremendous change in the club. The club had to move from the site in Thurnby to Gleneagles Avenue and has also reverted back to its original name of ‘Leicester Nirvana. On the playing side, while a few players have progressed up the Non league ladder, Manager Damion Quailey has re-signed the whole squad from the previous season and in addition made some good signings. This, with the promotion of some very talented youngsters from the youth, gave the players the appetite to improve on last year’s achievements. Once again we finished runners up only missing out on the title by Goal Difference. However, there was a sweet ending to the campaign as for the first time in the club’s history we were crowned Champions of the Leicestershire Challenge Cup by beating Barwell 3-0 at the King Power Stadium, the home of the Premier League Champions.

Season 2016/17 once again threw up new challenges for the club after manager Damion Qualiey and his coaching staff moved on and the club found itself in a transition period. Many of the senior players followed suit and moved on to play at a higher level. This presented a number of talented young players with the opportunity to compete at this level. Martin Sockett, who has a vast amount of managerial experience in Non League football, was given the task to develop the youngsters in order to compete, however this was short lived as Martin also moved to coach at a higher level. The club appointed Scott Goodwin as Manager, with Cheddi Gore as his assistant to stabilise the club and provide guidance to the very young squad. They were excited to work with the talent and the imminent development of moving to our very own ground. Friday 23rd December was an historic occasion when we played our first ever game at our own home of Hamilton Park, Oadby were the visitors and unfortunately for us the result went in the favour of Oadby, an entertaining 3-2 defeat in our first game at ‘Home.’

Opponent Spotlight LEICESTER NIRVANA

The season was once again a steep learning curve for the club and its young players. At times some of the football played was incredible, however we lacked that consistency over a stretch of games. A very inexperienced and young squad competed well given the circumstances and eventually finished 17thin the league.

This season the club have appointed Nick Anderson, who has plenty of experience in Non-League football and in particular the UCL. This will allow Nick to build on the players’ experience from last season and bring more consistency to our play. Winning the League Knock Out Cup against a strong Yaxley side was the highlight of the 2017-18 season.

During the summer Nick Andersen stood down as manager. So we go into the 2018-19 season with a new management team of Dave Clay and Graham Chambers.

The club in football history terms is still very immature but with a great thirst and desire to keep moving onwards and upwards. The club is also proud to represent a very diverse population from across all cultures within the city. We have created a club that represents the communities in which we live today. A great achievement whilst striving for football success.

Looking forward, the club is hopeful we can continue to grow at the current pace and who knows? In a short period of time we may be plying our trade at the very top of the national league system knocking on the door of the football league.

Joint Manager - Dan George Assistant - Connor O’Neil Physio - Aimee Falconer

Manager - Cameron Mawer Assistant - Steve Kuhne Coach - Alex Minall GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kitman - Mick Hunt

Squad List

Squad List

James Goff (GK) Tommy Reynolds Dammy Nickels Nathan George Kyle Lincoln Ollie Brookes Murphy Culkin Malaki Black Dean Dummett Joshua Brown Jamal Batchilly Magloire Muyembe Christian Tavernier Harvey Williams Israel Ajana James Hatch Jordan Brown Rhys Thorpe Tom Rowley

Jude O’connor(Gk) Luis Parry (Gk) Youssef Abouraia Ziyad Al-Oyouni Shaquile O’Neill-Brooks Benedek Banyasz Edward Bamfo Matthew Brown Orrin Carter-Fell William Clarke Tamar Clayton-Naute Basheer Dassu Jacob Elliott Omar Jagne Lynas King Tawanda Mangondoza Mass Mbye Elias Mcintosh Samuel Muggleton Ethan Naylor Jordon Nelson Joel Oliveira Mohammed Polli Richemone Sylla Kyle Tott

Colours Navy/Light Blue Quarters Dark Blue Shorts Light Blue Socks

Referee

Colours Red/Black Striped Shirts Black Shorts Black Socks

James Cantwell Assistant 1 Donald McClarty MBE Assistant 2

Next Home Match....

Wellingborough Town UCL Premier Division South Saturday 20th January 3.00 pm KO

Laurence Evans