2022/23 - Issue Sixteen - Sutton Coldfield Town

THE

SAINTS

Official Digital Matchday Magazine Season 2022/23

Saints President - John Walker

First Team

Board of Directors

Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert & Sam Roblett Kit Man - Mick Hunt Analyst - Jordan Beale

Chairman - Barry Cavilla Director of Football - Iain Parr Events Director - Louise Sales Commercial Director - Daniel Dodson Secretary - Gary Wilson Director - Mike Green Director - Jez Green

Saints Match Day Team Fixture Secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality - Andy Clay, Paula Robertson and Julie Clark 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

Academy Manager - Iain Parr U18’s Manager - Ben Webster and Iain Parr Club Welfare Officer - Mick Hunt Club Information Address: Rowley Park, Kester Way, St Neots, Cambs., PE19 6SL Website - www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires - enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk Commercial Enquiries - danieldodson25@hotmail.com Events - misslouises@yahoo.co.uk Academy - iain@stneotstown.co.uk

Ground Staff Pitch maintenance - Barry Oakley

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 Keith Gotch, Company Accountant Keith Gotch

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green "Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today's Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midland Division game."

Today we extend a warm welcome to the Players, Officials and Supporters of Sutton Coldfield Town and we hope your brief stay with us here in St Neots is an enjoyable one.

At last, a Tuesday evening game with a positive outcome. Of course I'm talking about our last outing when we entertained Coleshill Town here at the Premier Plus Stadium in very chilly conditions. It was another late late show as we scored an 89th minute winner through leading scorer Trey Charles (his nineteenth goal of the season). This after Manny Osei scored his first league goal for us to put us in front and then the visitors equalised in the 85th minute so its testament to our fitness levels to be able to crank up the pressure once again so late on in a game and not just sit back and accept a point. It was also fantastic to see Charlie Johnson back in the blue shirt, earning the MOM plaudits with a superb display on his second debut for us. At the time of writing, we are not quite sure what the future holds in regards to him coming home as he is still registered with St Ives Town and we thank them and Ricky (manager) for allowing him to come along and help us out on the night.

Another tough game in store today against Sutton Coldfield Town, who also won on Tuesday evening, 2-0 at Bedworth United so we will once again have to be at the top of our game to achieve anything positive from the game. We then follow this up with an away trip to Daventry Town on Tuesday 14th February (Valentines Day) for what is a real six pointer as they currently sit just below us in the table.

Get behind the boys today from the off, your support is greatly appreciated by the lads .

PUMP UP THE VOLUME

Greenie

Boardroom Boardroom Gossip Gossip With With Chairman Chairman Barry Barry Cavilla Cavilla "Good afternoon and welcome everyone for today game in the Northern Premier League Midland Division. May I take this opportunity to welcome all the players, club officials and supporters of Sutton Coldfield Town, our latest visitors to the Premier Plus Stadium, Home of the Saints and we wish them a safe journey home later this tea time."

It was unfortunate that we lost the original fixture some weeks ago to the bad weather after many days of hard work trying to cover and get the pitch ready.

The Saints have had a positive start to the new year and have steadily been picking up points and after two difficult, long, away trips to Chasetown and Sporting Khalsa, we now have a couple of home games, the last against Coleshill Town who we played out a very competitive and thrilling game and picked up 3 valuable points to take us out of the automatic relegation places. We are hopeful the Pete and the lads can continue with these battling performances and strive to pick up some much needed points to push the Saints clear of the relegation places and to a more comfortable position in this very competitive league.

We are close to finishing one of our Community Club projects with the Memorial Wall and Garden Area and we will bring you more news very soon for all to see and have a place to put your special messages on and remember those special moments you and your loved ones have enjoyed at The Saints over the years.

Meanwhile please continue to give Pete and the Team your fantastic support as always and help push the club onwards and upwards.

Enjoy the game and look forward to seeing you around for a chat.

Together in Football.

Best wishes.

Barry

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.

Boardroom Gossip How We Stand .....As of 9am 28/01/23 With Chairman Barry Premier Cavilla League Midland Division Pitching In Northern

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.

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

BLAST FROM THE PAST SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY 2012 Evo Stik Southern League Central ST NEOTS TOWN

3

BURNHAM

3

St Neots’ eight league matches winning run ground to a halt as a lively visiting Burnham side pulled back a two goals deficit to take a deserved point. Never at their best St Neots had to settle for the draw and will reflect on conceding three goals at home for only the second time this season.

Defensively St Neots were shoddy and Manager Dennis Greene will be looking to find some improvement in this area but the main feature was their inability to control the game from midfield as has been their custom.

Neither Junior Konadu or Adrian Sear were at their best and but for a first ever hat trick by Ben Mackey this uncharacteristic performance could have been punished more significantly. The result was not too damaging because league leaders Slough conceded an injury time penalty to draw 1-1 at home to AFC Hayes so the gap at the top remains at three points with St Neots’ two matches in hand to be played in the next fortnight.

St Neots began well enough with early efforts from Lewis Hilliard and Jordan Gent both earning corners and it was a shock when Burnham went ahead from their first genuine attack after 14 minutes. With no danger threatening Rene Steer was penalised for an unnecessary push and from the free kick on the corner of the penalty area Will Hendry’s well placed free kick beat the outside of the defensive wall and goalkeeper Michael Duggan. St Neots responded with Ben Mackey bringing a fine save from Andrew Bayliss and it was from their fifth corner kick after 22 minutes that St Neots levelled. It was a delightful move as Chris Hope won a Dan Jacob cross and headed the ball down for Ben Mackey to smash home a low shot.That should have settled the nerves but because St Neots were being outfought in midfield they were guilty of conceding too many free kicks that kept their defence under fairly constant pressure.

BLAST FROM THE PAST SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY 2012 However when they did attack they were twice unlucky not to regain the lead as Johnny Gray cleared off the line from Mackey and Dab Jacob also suffered a similar fate when Ryan Bird blocked his effort on the line with Bayliss beaten. As half time approached Lewis Hilliard collected a neat Stefan Moore flick and carved his way through the defence only for Bayliss to leave his line and smother the shot.

A goal just one minute after the restart put St Neots in control. It was a carbon copy of the first with Jacob and Hope again involved and Ben Mackey applying the final touch. Within a further two minutes it was 3-1 as Mackey joyfully completed his first ever hat trick for St Neots after his first effort was parried by the busy Bayliss. That should have seen St Neots settle to protect their lead but just four minutes after going two goals behind Burnham were back in the game as St Neots failed to cover a Johnny Gray corner and Dan Willment was allowed to head past Duggan. The St Neots keeper then made an excellent save to deny Gray an equaliser as St Neots tried hard to regain the initiative. Despite the introduction of Pearson Mwanyongo and Shane Tolley to freshen up their attack it was the Burnham substitutions that proved significant for with just seven minutes left Gavin James found a gap on the right hand side and crossed to the head of Kieran Knight and he unselfishly set up the unmarked Lewis Driver for the goal that robbed St Neots of victory.

St Neots: Duggan, Webb, Steer, Sear, Gent, Hope, Hilliard, Konadu, Moore, Mackey, Jacob.

Subs: Mwanyongo (for Konadu 50 mins), Tolley (for Moore 78 mins), Greene, Kamara & Henebery Man of the match: Ben Mackey

Attendance: 382

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.

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

www.cpcfinance.co.uk / contact@cpcfinance.co.uk / 01923 655 441

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.

JW Match looking ahead SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN Year founded: 1879

Chairman: Steve Banks

Club Website: www.sctfc.com

GOOD AFTERNOON AS WE WELCOME SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR A LEAGUE FIXTURE A special return welcome for our visitors this afternoon who were the first side to visit us for 36 years in the FA Trophy in 2012 after the change of rules and our absence from the competition due to a combination of reasons. The match report of that meeting can be found elsewhere in this programme. Note this was to have been the first time we have faced the same team twice in our league programme this season. However, the first date for this fixture arrived as did our opponents, after our army of volunteers had worked to make the pitch fit after heavy overnight frost. The match referee took a very long time to inspect and less than an hour before scheduled kick off he announced that the pitch was unfit. So this is a return visit for our opponents.

Like our lads Sutton have struggled to find a spell of consistency this season and they currently sit in fourteenth place in the table – a very comfortable ten points ahead of us. Away from home they have already recorded three victories – at Chasetown, Dereham and Gresley coupled with home victories over Bedworth, Hinckley and Yaxley plus of course a 6-0 midweek victory over our lads way back on 4th October. Since then, we have recorded just two wins and a draw in eleven league outings so today gives us a chance to chalk out the memory of that defeat and rebuild our confidence as we move further into the season. Last season our visitors finished seventeenth in the final league table – a comfortable thirteen points ahead of the three bottom clubs all of whom suffered relegation.

In Cup competition our visitors have recorded an inconsistent set of results. In the FA Cup extra-preliminary round, they lost 2-0 at Romulus way back in August before the league season had begun but they made up for that disappointment in the FA Trophy. In the first qualifying round they defeated Grantham Town away from home by the odd goal in three and followed that up with a notable home 2-0 victory in the second qualifying round over high flying Halesowen Town. Their third match in the competition was away at higher graded Matlock Town where they were beaten 3-0. Finally in their County Cup competition they recorded another impressive result winning 3-1 away at Sporting Khalsa. Last Saturday they beat Gresley Rovers by a goal to nil.

Previous meeting of our sides: 2012/13

St Neots

2022/23

Sutton Coldfield

Enjoy the match John Walker

3-1 6-0

Sutton Coldfield (FA Trophy first qualifying round) St Neots Town (NPL Midland Division)

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.

JW Match looking ahead SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN - OUR LAST MEETING HERE FA Trophy First Qualifying Round – 22/October/2012 ST NEOTS TOWN

3

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

1

Playing in the FA Trophy for the first time since 1976 St Neots made a winning start with a comfortable victory over visiting Sutton Coldfield. There was a return to the side for Shane Tolley and he obliged with a second half goal but this was a genuine all round team performance with Stefan Moore and Pearson Mwanyongo impressive up front and Chris Hope looking invincible at the back.

Adrian Sear gave another non-stop performance in midfield, and it was difficult to detect a weak link which gives Manager Dennis Greene an interesting task with the return next weekend of Dan Jacob. The visitors are fourth in their league, and it was understandable that the two sides looked fairly evenly matched in the first 45 minutes.

There was an explosive start and the visitors could have been in front after just 50 seconds when James Quiggin crossed from the left and Dean Rathbone’s fierce volley was brilliantly pushed away by Michael Duggan. However not to be outdone Duggan’s opposite number Niall Cooper threw himself full length to parry a Pearson Mwanyongo shot curling into the top corner of his net. Sutton looked most dangerous at set pieces and three quick succession corners tested the St Neots defence with Rathbone and Craig Marshall both finishing off target. An opportunistic lobbed free kick from inside his own half by Chris Hope caught the visiting keeper off his line and he had to back pedal to push the ball over the bar but he was beaten after 32 minutes. Lewis Hilliard’s deep corner was headed back by Lewis Webb and Stefan Moore applied the finishing touch. Quiggin might have levelled the scores but with only Duggan to beat he skied the ball over the bar and St Neots finished the half strongly with Cooper saving well from Hope and Mwanyongo stabbing the ball wide from close range.

JW Match looking ahead SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN - OUR LAST MEETING HERE Two minutes after the restart Shane Tolley displayed his predatory striking ability when Stefan Moore collected a Mwanyongo through ball and set up his strike partner for his first goal since 13th September. This visibly deflated the visitors and for a while St Neots were able to slow the pace and dominate play.

Sutton changed their tactics sending on an additional striker but they got little success against a stubborn St Neots defence. After 66 minutes another excellently executed goal effectively decided the contest. Again Mwanyongo came back into midfield to pick up the ball and he found Tolley whose first time flick played Stefan Moore clear and he outpaced his marker to score his eighth goal in just twelve games this season. Towards the end Sutton looked determined to get a consolation goal and James Reid went close and in injury time he made up for his miss driving home through a packed penalty area following a corner.

St Neots Town: Duggan, Deeney, Steer, Webb, Henebery, Hope, Hilliard, Sear, Moore, Tolley, Mwanyongo.

Subs: Gent (for Henebery 27 mins), Konadu (for Webb 46 mins), Sno (for Hilliard 72 mins), Greene & Mitchell.

Man of the Match: Pearson Mwanyongo Attendance: 311 John Walker

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 Daniel Dodson on 07928494493 or email danieldodson25@hotmail.com

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.

Som’s Salon is a Mens Barbershop and Ladies Hairdressers, we are located on Longsands Parade, Saint Neots with FREE parking directly outside the shop!

01480 589037

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

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.

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.

www.abclifesupport.co.uk / 0800 0467 410

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 Social Media Sponsor BlueLine Security Ltd – Social Media Sponsors Your peace of mind is our business We draw all of our operational staff exclusively from the UK Police Force and HM Armed Forces. When it comes to your security, you can trust in us. At Blueline Security Limited we know how important integrity and reliability is to our customers. That’s why we draw our operational staff exclusively from Police and HM Armed Forces backgrounds, and have a stringent selection process to ensure that only the best people join our team. Our business is your peace of mind. To that end, our wide range of services include manned guarding, working dog teams, property/business protection, mobile patrols, close protection and surveillance/investigation. As we continue to expand across England, we pride ourselves on maintaining our ethical trade policy, and we will only ever offer a service when a genuine need exists. If you’re interested in any of our services, get in touch today. We’d be delighted to provide you with further details on any of our services.

03339874277 www.bluelinesecuritylimited.com 01480 407704

JW Match Report COLESHILL TOWN (H) 07-02-2023 NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE – MIDLAND DIVISION St Neots Town

2

Coleshill

1

As the clock moved on to the 90th minute Trey Charles, St Neots leading marksman, took advantage of a careless clearance to rob the last defender and slot home a fierce low shot under the diving body of the hapless visiting goalkeeper to give a resurgent home side all three points. It was the perfect finish to a match in which St Neots had shown a defensive sureness and a burning determination to overturn two previous away defeats this season by the visiting side. It had been a tightly fought contest with the goalless first half tribute to the defensive qualities of both sides, but the hard-working well-organised home side always looked to be the better of the two and deservedly picked up the points that lifted them out of the automatic relegation area. With leading scorer Charles fit again, he resumed his place in the side alongside newly re-signed defender Charlie Johnson who added steel to the back four. Making way for them was striker Robbie Mason and defender Charlie Stallard who were both on the bench and destined to make brief second half appearances.

St Neots began well and inside the first quarter hour had created two or three good chances to stamp some early authority on the tie. After twelve minutes home skipper Callum Anderson saw his first shot rebound from the crossbar before placing a second effort that shaved the wrong side of a goalpost. Then in the next attack a looping Joe Rider header from a Charlie Lewis lengthy throw was well saved by visiting keeper Paul Hathaway. At the other end a low effort by Chris Lait was wide but St Neots were enjoying the better of the exchanges and Jon-Paul Duncliffe fired over the bar after neat attacking play by Manny Osei.After 24 minutes Trey Charles did well to outwit a defender to go clear but his shooting angle was too acute and the chance was lost. Then around the half hour from a Liam Hook corner debutant Charlie Johnson forced a full length save from the visiting keeper. Although possession had been evenly shared the visitors seldom threatened the St Neots goal and just before the break another long throw – this time from Arron Smith – was won by Johnson but his snap shot passed the wrong side of a goalpost.

JW Match Report COLESHILL TOWN (H) 07-02-2023 With little to show from the first half the visiting side was expected to restart the match in a positive way but they created little to threaten the defensive partnership of Johnson and Tom Dickens. On the hour a Lewis free kick to the far post was not cleared and Anderson sent an effort over the crossbar but St Neots were using their long throwing ability as a real threat to the visiting defence. After 71 minutes their persistence paid off as a throw from Smith was knocked into the area and Charles set up Manny Osei for the opening goal - his first league goal for St Neots. Briefly the visiting side rallied and Kai Tongue and Alex Tomkinson both had efforts comfortably gathered by Jamie Greygoose.

As the second half entered the final ten minutes St Neots sent on Charlie Stallard for Joe Rider but after 85 minutes St Neots failed to defend a Tomkinson corner leaving Amadir Sandhu the room to net an equaliser from close range. However, St Neots were not prepared to settle for a point, and they once again pressed forward. As the final minute of normal time arrived a poor clearance by the visiting keeper saw Trey Charles rob a defender to reinstate St Neots lead with a positive finish and St Neots were robbed of a second late goal when Hathaway made amends for his error with a backbreaking save to deny Liam Hook.

St Neots Town: Greygoose, Lewis, Smith, Anderson, Dickens, Johnson, Duncliffe, Hook, Charles, Rider, Osei Subs: Stallard (sub for Rider 84 mins), Mason (sub for Duncliffe 86 mins), Sylvester, Boxer, and Webster.

Card: Duncliffe (Y – 69 mins) Goals: Osei (71 mins), Charles (90 mins) Coleshill Town: Hathaway, Birch, Sandhu, Dainty, Byrne, Doyle, Tongue, Williams, Lait, Tomkinson, Washbourne Subs: Marsilla (for Birch 76 mins), Higginson, and Rowe Cards: Doyle (Y – 73 mins), Byrne (Y – 90+3 mins) Goal: Sandhu (85 mins) Attendance: 119 Referee: Luke Scott (Northampton) John Walker

Opponent Spotlight SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN FC HISTORY The football club associated with Sutton Coldfield was formed in 1879 with the first game taking place on the 1st of February at "Meadow Plat" in Sutton Park when the club lost 6-2 to Birmingham. The club moved to its present ground in Coles Lane in 1920. From just after the Second World War until the early 1980s, the club played its football in regional leagues in the area, including Walsall Senior, Birmingham Comb, Birmingham Senior, Worcester Combination, Midland Combination and West Midlands Leagues.

In 1980-81 we reached the First Round proper of the FA Cup for the first time in our history and were drawn at home to Doncaster Rovers of the then Fourth Division. In front of a record crowd of over 2.200 at Coles Lane we played well but were defeated 2-0 with two late goals.

In 1982-83 we joined the Southern League following the introduction of the revised football pyramid. We secured promotion to the Premier League after finishing runners up to Cheltenham Town. Relegated the following season and then remained in the Southern League at step 4 until 2010-11.

In 1992-93 we reached the First Round proper of the FA Cup for the second time in our history and were drawn away to Bolton Wanderers of the then Second Division at Burnden Park. In front of a crowd of over 5,000, a major shock was on the cards when a late goal for Sutton was ruled out for offside and the game finished with a 21 win for Bolton who were promoted that season and also reached the Fifth Round of the FA Cup winning at Anfield along the way. Another highlight came in 1998-99 the club won the Dr Martins League Cup, beating Cambridge City.

In season 2007-08 Sutton lost in the play-offs to eventual winners Stourbridge and in the following season 2008-09 missed out on the play-offs on goal difference when Chesham United equalized two minutes from time against Bromsgrove Rovers.

In season 2010-11 we were moved by the FA into the EVO-STICK Northern Premier League Division 1 South and again missed out on the play-offs finishingsixth for the third year in a row. In 2009-10 and for the first time in our 132-year history we won the Birmingham Senior Challenge Cup beating Nuneaton Town 1-0 in the Final.

2011 saw the installation of the 3G artificial pitch at Coles Lane.

Opponent Spotlight SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

In September 2012, Chris Keogh stepped down as manager after 12 years and joined the Board, his assistant Neil Tooth taking over as manager.

In 2014-15, the Club took the big step of changing the status of the club from a Members Club to a Company Limited by Guarantee.

In the same season, we earned a play-off berth by finishing fourth in the regular season. In the Semi-Finals we travelled to Newcastle Town, who had finished third, and came away with a 3-1 win. This put us in the Final, away at Leek Town, who had finished second. This turned out to be a great game and Sutton scored a very good 20 victory to get promoted to the NPL Premier Division. The last time we had played at level 3 was some 30 odd years ago in the Southern League.

Season 2015-16 was a new experience for us, after promotion via the play-offs, to the Premier Division. Many people were saying we would immediately get relegated, but the team proved them all wrong. After a steady start of 3 draws and 2 losses in the first 5 games, we hit a purple patch over the next 9 games, winning 7, drawing 2, putting us second place in the league. Following a number of injuries, we slipped down the league to finish a creditable 12th. In the FA Cup we were knocked out in the First Qualifying round by Oadby Town but in the FA Trophy we were more successful, when we reached the First Round proper only to lose to National League side Barrow AFC 1—0 to a late goal.

After a poor start to season 2016-17, Sutton struggled to pick up points and were knocked out of the FA Cup and Trophy in the early rounds. A difficult decision was made and the club parted company with the management team having won 3 and drawn 5 of the 20 league games played. Despite some improvement in form we remained in the bottom four for almost the entire season and went into the last game needing to better Corby’s result to survive. A tremendously spirited performance earned a point with a 0 – 0 draw at much fancied Workington and with Corby losing at Coalville survival was ensured.

Opponent Spotlight SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

The 2017-18 season mirrored that of the previous year; again, Sutton struggled to pick up league points and were knocked out of the FA Cup and Trophy in the early rounds by lower league teams. At the beginning of 2018 with the team having only 5 wins and 5 draws from 29 games and a goal difference of minus 48 the decision was once again taken to change the management. Neil Tooth (Toothy) was reappointed with a new management team and reinvigorated the team doubling the number of wins and being competitive in almost all the remaining games. However, the deficit inherited was too great and relegation became something of a formality.

Relegation saw us competing in the Southern League Division 1 Central for the 201819 season. ‘Toothy’ completely rebuilt his squad and, unsurprisingly, this took time to come together and there were some early season disappointments. However, given a little time, and how often have Managers at all levels craved for that, the new squad with its balance of experience and youth got to grips with the league and two very good runs in the season saw us finish 5th and qualify for the play-offs. This saw us lose 3–2 after extra -ime to Bromsgrove Sporting in front of a crowd of 1,850 in what was possibly the best and most exciting game of the season. Other highlights were a good FA Cup run which saw us beat Rushall Olympic of the South Premier League Central after a replay before losing to Alfreton Town of the National League North in another replay. We had a little earlier lost on penalties to another National League North Team, Leamington, in the Birmingham Senior Cup. Our last game of the season was against Boldmere St. Michaels in the Final of the Walsall Senior Cup where we lost 2 – 0. Coming so close after the play-off Semi-Final this just proved a game to far for the team.

With a further revision of the National League Structure the 2019-20 season saw us back in the North/East section after one season away “down south”. This was an opportunity to re-acquaint ourselves with a number of former adversaries, while for many of the Club Players, Officials and Supporters it was an opportunity for a number of first-time visits to some Clubs. Again, ‘Toothy’s’ philosophy for the season was to blend experience with the continuing development of, in particular, U21 players and many were given the chance to play at senior level. We had considerable success in the FA Cup with a win over Gresley Rovers, while Redditch and Kettering were beaten after replays. The dream ended with a 1 – 0 defeat to a very good Boston United team in the Third Qualifying Round. There was some success in the FA Trophy with wins over Yaxley and Stafford Rangers before a defeat at the hands of Hednesford Town.

Opponent Spotlight SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

The League season started slowly, the cup runs taking a toll, but the results improved as the season progressed including six wins on the bounce in February and March and gave hope that the final weeks of the season might see a play-off place.

However, it wasn’t to be and in March the season was terminated, and all football activity ceased with the onset of the Covid pandemic.

Sadly the 2020-21 season was significantly compromised by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic which had a significant impact on all clubs; not just from a playing perspective but survival became a real issue for many across all levels of football.

The season didn’t start until September and was curtailed and then cancelled in November. We had a slow start losing the first games in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, while only 7 games were possible in the league and we finished with a record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats.

After losing last season we approached 2021-22 with anticipation, expectation and a little trepidation. Budgets had been compromised due the closure of facilities, after two difficult seasons a number of players had retired or moved on and some supporters (the life blood of clubs at our level) were uncertain about attending games. Nevertheless, we retained key players from the previous year’s squad, with a number of former U21 players maturing well and putting themselves in contention.

As always, our Manager, ‘Toothy’, was watching the local scene and made some key signings. During the lockdown the Board continued to invest in the Club’s future with a number of facility improvements and a commitment to other long-term developments. We also looked to continue the total development of the club as the Ladies and Junior sections went from strength to strength and continued our commitment to working with the local community.

2021-22 began with a 2-0 home win against Soham Town, which proved to be one of only a handful of wins in 2021 in what became a difficult season for the Royals.

Under Neil Tooth’s leadership only one more win was recorded before the end of October against Sporting Khalsa and following a 5-1 defeat to Ashton United in the FA Trophy resulted In ‘Toothy’ and his assistants resigning as the management team.

Ross Thorpe was appointed as the new manager following a short stint as interim manager, with Steve Hinks later joining as assistant. A resurgence in December saw the Royals record their first away wins at Soham Town and Coleshill Town and further wins at home against Stamford and Shepshed also followed. The key game to avoid relegation came in a home tie which saw an incredible attendance of 823 witnessed a crucial 3-0 win against fellow strugglers Wisbech Town. This run of results helped the Royals beat the drop with games to spare on 37 points.

Opponent Spotlight SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

On guaranteeing Step 4 for the Royals, Ross Thorpe resigned as first-team manager to follow other career options. The Royals appointed former Chasetown and Shepshed Dynamo manager David Stringer to take the Royals forward in the 2022-23 season. As well as a new management team, it was also an important pre-season for the Royals as the 3G pitch has been replaced following the original being installed back in 2011 along with the new LED lights and a refurbished main stand ready for the 2022-23 season. We look forward to the challenge ahead in the new season under David Stringer.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

Jonno Brown- GK Jonno is a strong keeper with a big presence. The keeper impressed when coming into the side at the back end of last season to help The Royals to survive relegation and will be looking to help the team push forward this season.

Kieran Hart - GK Kieran is a young goalkeeper who has come up through the youth teams. He made his first team debut last season and went on to save three penalties in the five appearances he made. Kieran will be continuing to gain experience and push for the number one spot.

Tom Hurley - DEF Tom is a young fullback who has come up through the junior and youth teams. He was a regular since he made his debut last year against Halesowen at home at just the age of 16. Tom will be looking to cement his place in the side.

Will Mansfield - DEF Will is a versatile player who can play across the back four or in midfield. Previously of Heather St John, Will was able to score 8 goals from right back and centre half last season.

Harry Sawyer - DEF Previously of Coventry United and most recently Hinckley United, Harry was instrumental in their push for promotion last season. Harry operates at right back and brings a threat going forwards.

Sam Walton - DEF A young defender who is previously of Heather St John, Bedworth and Tamworth Academy. Sam will be looking to compete for his place with a strong selection to go from at centre half.

James Beresford - DEF Club captain and central defender ‘Bez’ is a true defender who will put his body on the line. James is looking for a successful season and to help the team push on from last year’s position.

Matt Hunt - DEF With a tall and physical presence, Matt has been able to impress in pre-season.

Previously of Tividale, Matt is looking to help The Royals in the step up for success.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

Yahiya Todd - DEF The centre half, previously of Highgate and most recently Heather St John captain is a pacy defender who can drive forward at the opposition and get fans of their seats.

Tom Armitage - DEF Previous Nuneaton Town left back joined Sutton last season. Tom is an exciting young full back who shows energy going forward.

Aaron Dickens - DEF Previously of Heather St John, Aaron will be looking to compete for the left back spot in the step up in the non-league pyramid.

Harry Eden - DEF An energetic full back who spent the last few games on loan at Rugby Town last season. The left footer will be looking to compete for a starting place on a regular basis.

Tim Oyanda - MID A young player who can operate across the midfield. Tim is a tidy footballer who can fit in and adapt to different systems. Tim will be looking to push for his place in the starting XI this season.

Cameron Collins - MID A midfield with lots of natural ability, Cameron is a brave, typical midfielder who will want to get on the ball no matter the situation. Cameron is previous player of Highgate and Heather St John.

John Mills - MID The left footed midfielder who will be keen to help the team get ticking with his passes this season, John is previously of Rugby Town, Highgate and Heather St John.

Lamin Ceesay - MID Lamin is a young footballer who has progressed through the ranks of Sutton Coldfield. Previously being involved with the first team last season, Lamin will be looking to cement his place in the starting XI. Benedict Wilson - MID The young midfielder gained experience in last season’s campaign. A player who will work hard and use this season to push for his place in the team.

Flavio Tavares - MID Flávio is an exciting player who will get fans off their seats. With pace and his tricky feat, Flavio will be looking to stretch the oppositions defence this season.

Rhys Hilton - MID Rhys can operate in the higher areas of midfield and likes to take players on. The left footer is certainly a threat to defenders and will pose a threat throughout the season.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN

Sam Ellis - MID A 20 year old attacking midfielder who has worked his way up the non-league pyramid over the last few years. Sam is a hard-working player who is happy to get the ball in congested areas.

Stuart Hendrie - MID An experienced midfield player who will work well into The Royals playing style.

Stuart will be looking to help the team and younger players progress with his experience.

James Spruce - FWD A goal scorer who netted 30 times for Heather St John last season. James can work across the attacking midfield area or as a centre forward.

Ashanti Price - FWD Ashanti will be looking to display his page, energy and physical presence throughout the season. A centre forward who will be looking to rack up his tally of goals for The Royals.

Playing Record Season 2022/23

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

1 KESTER WAY, ST NEOTS, PE19 6SL

01480 211771 www.flamesgrillstneots.co.uk Free local delivery (minimum order applies) Delivery up to 8.0 miles (see prices) Card payments accepted 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.

Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose Coach - Marc Abbott GK Coach - Gary Dean Physios - Craig Lambert & Sam Roblett Kitman - Mick Hunt

Manager – Dave Stringer Assistant – Andy Iland Coaches – Tony Clarke & Craig Herbert

Squad List

Squad List

Jamie Greygoose (GK) Aaron Smith Steven Sylvester Tom Dickens Charlie Lewis Charlie Stallard Panny Boxer JP Duncliffe Liam Hook Callum Anderson Manny Osei Joe Rider Robbie Mason Tremayne Charles Brandon Njoku Liam Smyth Jack Barnett

Jonno Brown Kieran Hart Tom Hurley Will Mansfield Harry Sawyer Sam Walton James Beresford Matt Hunt Yahiya Todd Tom Armitage Aaron Dickens Harry Eden Tim Oyanda Cameron Collins John Mills Lamin Ceesay Benedict Wilson Flavio Tavares Rhys Hilton Sam Ellis Stuart Hendrie James Spruce Ashanti Price

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

Colours Yellow Shirts Black Short Black Socks

Referee Christopher Darling Assistant 1 Vitali Burnus

Next Home Match versus Gresley Rovers Saturday 25th 25th February 3.00pm 3.00pm KO

Assistant 2 Jack Birch