GOOD LUCK! GOOD LUCK!
1.Who did we play in our last 3 Round Qualifying tie? rd
1.Who did we play in our last 3 Round Qualifying tie? rd
2.Who was the last team we beat in the competition?
2 Who was the last team we beat in the competition?
3.What year did we have our best ever run in the competition?
3.What year did we have our best ever run in the competition?
4.Which team eventually knocked us out that year?
4 Which team eventually knocked us out that year?
5.Who scored our last FA Trophy goal?
5.Who scored our last FA Trophy goal?
6.What year did we beat Stafford Rangers on penalties to progress to the next round?
6.What year did we beat Stafford Rangers on penalties to progress to the next round?
7.Who was the last Premier Central opponent we faced in the competition?
7.Who was the last Premier Central opponent we faced in the competition?
8.Who won last season’s competition?
8.Who won last season’s competition?
9.Who did they beat in the final?
9.Who did they beat in the final?
10 In what year was the first final played?
10.In what year was the first final played?
Want to find out how you got on?
By Jon Couch
STEP 3 clubs enter the Isuzu FA Trophy at this third qualifying round stage this weekend – and already the Road to Wembley is shaping up into another thrilling adventure.
They join the 40 clubs from Step 4 to progress from the previous round to make up 64 intriguing ties, starting with Bradford Park Avenue versus Heaton Stannington and Worcester City against Rugby Town on Friday night.
As compiled by our friends at Non-League Factfile, two-time winners Grays Athletic are the last ones standing of the 32 clubs that started this season’s campaign in the preliminary round.
The 2004-05 and 2005-06 winners visit Hanwell Town and are one of four former winners competing in this round alongside Canvey Island (2000-01), Bishop’s Stortford (1980-81) and Hednesford Town (2003-04).
Indeed, Hednesford, flying high in Northern Premier League Premier division under manager Gavin Hurren, are involved in one of the ties of the round when they go to Southern League Premier Central leaders Harborough Town.
At the other end of the FA Trophy experience spectrum are seven debut clubs still involved, namely Lower Breck, Silsden, Shifnal Town, Sporting Club Inkberrow, Stanway Rovers, Hartpury and AFC Portchester – all bar one of which take on Step 3 opposition.
Hartpury have been handed a dream tie against high-flying Southern Premier South neighbours Gloucester City, similarly AFC Portchester, who can expect a big crowd at the Wicor Recreation Ground when Taunton Town visit.
Silsden and Sporting Club Inkberrow are at home, to Stocksbridge Park Steels and Stratford Town respectively, while Lower Breck and Shifnal Town face tough trips to Stockton Town and Gainsborough Trinity.
Stanway Rovers are the only debut club to face Step 4 opposition when Uxbridge make the trip to Hawthorns. Derby days are also aplenty this weekend with Suffolk pair AFC Sudbury and Bury Town locking horns, while Bracknell Town and Hungerford Town will be vying for Berkshire honours. Local bragging rights are at stake also for Waltham Abbey v Walthamstow.
Elsewhere, there are 25 other clubs for whom victory would either equal or set a best FA Trophy run. However, only AFC Rushden and Diamonds versus Malvern Town and Ashford United v Biggleswade FC will guarantee that outcome. Those two ties are two of five that guarantee a Step 4 club will be in the first round.
St Ives Town versus Kettering Town is the most common tie of the round with St Ives ahead by two wins to one in past Trophy games. Meanwhile, Ashton United knocked out Clitheroe in both their previous Trophy matches separated by exactly 50 years in 1970 and 2020.
St Albans City and Bideford FC have had to wait 43 and 47 years respectively for the chance to avenge past Trophy defeats by Aveley and Dorchester Town, whilst the 7-2 win for Barwell over Bromsgrove Sporting the last time they met in the Trophy is the two clubs’ respective biggest win and heaviest defeat in the competition.
A Step 3 side has won the FA Trophy as recently as Hornchurch in the Covid year of 2020-21 – and that will give lower league clubs hope that the Road to Wembley is very much open to all.
Step 2 Spennymoor Town made it all the way to Non-League Finals Day just five months ago, giving their fans a day out they will never forget. Dreams do come true.
Evan Watkins
Highly promising 17 year old midfielder Evan has worked his way through the Ives academy to earn his chance with the first team. He enjoyed a successful spell in men’s football on dual registration with United Counties League Yaxley FC last season and will benefit from that experience in his quest to get into Ricky Marheineke’s match day squad.
Gibou Njie
23 year old Londoner Gibou joins the Ives after impressing during preseason. The powerful midfielder takes a step up on his arrival at quattro tech Westwood Road having previously played for Combined Counties League Molesey and Isthmian League South Central South Park (Reigate).
SPONSORED BY JANET CARTER SPONSORED BY JANET CARTER
Claudio Dias
Claudio signed for the Ives during the second half of last season from Banbury United. The 30-year-old started his career at Northampton Town, and had several spells at Banbury, but has also played for a whole host of other clubs including Tamworth, Alvechurch and Stratford.
Amir Hadi
Exciting 22 year old striker Amir brings a new dimension to Ives front line. The hard working striker joined Ives from Step 4 Biggleswade FC where he scored six goals and three assists from sixteen appearance. He had joined FC in the summer of last year from Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Shefford Town and Campton where he had been even more prolific in front of goal.
Jamal Adams
25 year old Jamal joined Ives this summer from AFC Rushden & Diamonds where he finished top scorer last season with 13 goals from 44 appearances. Prior to that he had enjoyed similar success at Coventry United where he racked up 15 goals in 33 games in 2023/24 season. He has also played for Bedworth United, Coventry Sphinx and Studley. Good in the air and a willing runner in behind he will continue to be a handful for step 3 defenders.
SPONSORED BY JANET CARTER (IN MEMORY OF MARTIN CARTER)
SPONSORED BY JANET CARTER (IN MEMORY OF MARTIN CARTER)
Alfie Shepherd
Tricky 18-year-old winger Alfie has earned his chance with the first team by impressing manager Ricky Marheineke in his appearances for the under 18 and reserve sides. He will be keen to grab his opportunity when it comes and could become the first player since the establishment of the academy to rise through the ranks and gain a regular place in the first team match day squad.
Theo Alexandrou
Theo is a 20 year old winger who returns to the Ives for the 2025/26 season. He started his career at Stevenage before enjoying loan spell with the Ives, making the move permanent last summer. During the early part of last season, he was transferred to National League South side Dorking Wanderers where he made 11 appearances, scoring twice. However, he was then loaned to Welling United before ending the season at Wingate & Finchley.
SPONSORED BY ANDREW DUNN
SPONSORED BY ANDREW DUNN
Matty Miles
Versatile Matty is equally at home on the right side of a back four or in a defensive midfield role. He has joined the Ives from Stamford but spent the whole of last season as a regular starter for AFC Sudbury playing 41 games for the Yellows. Matty had started his career in the academy at Premier League Leicester City where he spent over ten years honing his skills. Since leaving the Foxes he has appeared for St Neots Town, Cambridge City, Biggleswade Town and prior to joining Sudbury he was a regular at National League North Peterborough Sports.
Neo Dobson
18 year old powerful, direct running, Neo joins the Ives on loan from League One Northampton Town where he has already made nine first team appearances and scored three goals. Last season he enjoyed successful loan spells at Kettering Town, Banbury United and Corby Town scoring eight goals in 29 appearances. He certainly has an eye for goal and will look to continue to impress during his spell at quattro tech Westwood Road.
George Munday
Exciting 18 year old striker George has joined the Ives on an initial one month loan from League One Cambridge United. He appeared in a number of U’s pre-season games and has so far made one appearance for the first team coming off the bench in the EFL Trophy tie against Bromley.
Jahrel McKoy
Cambridge United U18 midfielder Jahrel joins the Ives on a work experience loan. The second year scholar previously gained senior experience at Biggleswade FC.
MANAGEMENT
SIMON HOLLYHEAD-Manager-Simon was appointed as Kettering Town manager in June 2025, The former Banbury United manager has a wealth of experience under his belt, from being the assistant manager at Champions League side Malmo FC, he has also been an assistant at SK Brann (Norway) and Odense FC (Denmark) Simon holds a UEFA pro-license and was an assistant manager at Stevenage FC He spent his University years playing football and cricket where an opportunity arose to join Warwickshire County Cricket where he worked at Edgbaston as a fitness coach for 10 years before the lure of football came his way Currently Simon is the Head of Elite Sport at the Northampton Academy Learning Trust and is looking forward to the challenge with Kettering Town FC
ELIJAH BADA-Assistant Manager-Prior to joining the Poppies, Elijah has extensive experience both in coaching and scouting in numerous roles including Arsenal academy Coach, Banbury United Coach, Peterborough scout, MK Dons Scout, Baller League Head Coach, EB Academy Director and Head of football, MK College and U19 Lead Football Coach Elijah provides tactical insight in training and match days, technical details to improve the technical actions of the players, support to manager on team selection, teams strategies and game plans.
TERRY THOMSON-Assistant Coach/Analyst-Terry is a former semi-professional player in the Scottish non leagues He started coach education pathway with the Scottish Football Association during Covid, gaining experience working from youth teams through to first team at Scottish Championship level. After relocating for work after Covid lock downs were lifted he had two seasons working between coach and Director of Football within the National League North and Southern League Premier Terry Currently holds a UEFA A Licence (level 4) candidate, Talent ID Licence (level 4) and accredited Performance Analyst with the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sports.
SHOHEIB EBRAHIM-Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach-Shoheib has extensive experience, knowledge and practical application of strength and conditioning practices to optimise player performance and minimise injury risk the majority of which was gained at his three seasons whilst at Mansfield Town FC. He will support the first team by specifically undertaking GPS and load monitoring, hydration interventions and diet/nutrition plans.
MIKE BROUGHAN-Mental Performance Advisor-From years in business and relatively new to sport in recent years, Mike brings insights to the management team and players about how to achieve maximum and consistent high-performance delivery across the group. He draws on experiences of having built numerous high performing elite teams using a mix of psychology and behavioural science concepts and techniques Mike has previous football experience in the EFL and the nonleague pyramid
JACOB DAVIS-Chief Scout Data and Recruitment Analyst–Jacob has played the game to a high standard across leagues in Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, and London He started coaching in the 2023/2024 season at Brackley Town’s Youth Development Centre He was recruited by Simon and his Management Team at Banbury United as their First Team Scout for the 2024/2025 season. Prior to joining the Poppies Jacob also serves as Women’s First Team & Girls Pathway Scout at MK Dons. Jacob has achieved qualifications in FA Level 1 in Coaching, FA Talent Identification Level 1, UEFA C Licence and is currently working towards FA Level 2 Talent Identification Jacob compliments Simon's management team by applying meticulous and insightful reporting with in-depth player and team-based knowledge combined with exceptional organisational skills.
MICHAEL HUNTER-Sports Therapist
PLAYING SQUAD
JASON ALEXANDER – Goalkeeper (b 22:08:88)-Jason returned to the Poppies in early August after an injury to Paul White. On the opening day of the season. He needs no introduction as he became a cult hero with an absolutely unbelievable display last season against Cleethorpes Town in the FA Cup paving the way for a superb run Among Jason’s previous clubs include Boston United, Chesterfield, Belper Town, Corby Town, Belper Town and Melton Town. On leaving the Poppies last season he went onto to play for Bedworth United, Coventry Sphinx and Matlock Town Jason’s return to Latimer Park saw an impressive 3-0 win over Leiston with another good display from the big man
MICAH ANTHONY – Winger (b 26:03:04)-Micah an exciting winger joined the Poppies on loan from Bristol Rovers in September. He has previously played on loan at Bath City and Hanwell Town Prior to his time at Bristol he played for QPR U19’s and was a Tottenham Hotspur youth player
LEVI ANDOH – Defender (b 12:03:00)-Levi was born in Amsterdam (Netherlands) before moving to England aged 6. He first played for Cradley Town before the Thompson Rivers University in Canada. He went onto to play for Worcester City, Solihull United, Ipswich Town, Lowestoft Town, Buxton, Hednesford Town, Darlington, Truro City, Hereford (3 spells) and York City Levi joined the Poppies during pre-season as manager Simon Hollyhead looked to strengthen his defensive unit. Levi is a tall powerful versatile defender with strength and pace.
BRANDON BARKER – Winger (b 04:10:96)-Brandon is a former Manchester City youth player who graduated to the first team, he went out on loan to Rotherham United, NAC Breda (Netherland), Hibernian, Preston North End and Oxford United He later played for Reading, Omonia (Cyprus), Morecambe and Avro FC. Brandon joined the Poppies in mid-August bringing experience to Simon Hollyheads’ new look squad.
ISMAEL FATADJO – Winger (b 23:06:00)-Ismael was born in Portugal and joined the Poppies in the closed season from Leiston, having previously played for Wroxham, Kings Lynn Town and Gorleston (on loan from the Linnets). With goals in his locker, he is an exciting prospect bringing a different attacking dynamic to the squad Tragically ‘Ish’ broke his left arm in two places during the final game of the pre-season campaign which delayed his career with the Poppies, but he bounced back on his debut with a wonderful goal in the 3-1 home win against Bishop’s Stortford.
KAI FIFIELD – Midfield (b 14:07:03)-Kai joined the Poppies during pre-season in 2024 He previously played for Wantage Town, Wellingborough Whitworths, Beaconsfield U23 and St Ives Town He was noted for having a trial at Barcelona aged 7 when on holiday A live wire with definite talent he was given the chance to showcase his skills in the new look Poppies squad. Kai scored his first goal for the club in the 4-0 home win over Spalding United at Latimer Park, just his second game for the Poppies He went onto score 7 goals the most dramatic against AFC Telford United 5 minutes into time added on to rescue a 1-1 draw in a top of the table clash Kai was hampered midway through the season with injuries that disrupted an impressive first campaign with the club.
SHANE FLYNN – Left Back (b14:10:01)-Shane, a Simon Hollyhead signing joined the Poppies in July 2025 after impressing during pre-season The former Bray Wanderers, Leicester City Academy defender who played for the Foxes Premier League 2 side and U18’s before joining Waterford and Ballymena United (Ireland) A pacy defender who likes to go forward brings an attacking option for the new look squad.
GEORGE FORSYTH – Central midfield (b 04:12:98)-George re-joined the Poppies during the 2025-26 closed season reuniting with former Banbury United manager Simon Hollyhead. He has previously played for Bromsgrove Sporting, Hereford, Halesowen Town, Hednesford Town, Stourbridge, Worcester City, Kidderminster Harriers, AFC Telford United and Banbury United George originally joined the Poppies a loan signing during November 2022 from Bromsgrove George left the club in June 2023 and joined AFC Telford United He returned on loan during January 2024 from the Bucks and played an integral part (as captain) in keeping the Poppies from avoiding relegation, he returned to AFC Telford after his loan spell expired, and later re-joined Bromsgrove Sporting for the onset of the 2024-25 season, later playing for Banbury United George is the club’s Captain
WILL GLENNON – Midfield / Central defender (b 02:01:03)-Will joined the Poppies in early August from Bedford Town. The dynamic midfield / central defender is no stranger to Latimer Park having scored two goals last season in St Ives Town 3-2 win. Will has previously played for AFC Hackleton, Bugbrooke St Michael, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Stamford AFC and St Ives who he left in the summer to join the Eagles Will add a different dynamic for Simon Hollyhead’s new look squad, he has undoubted ability and is a powerhouse going forward.
JOSH HUMPHREY – Goalkeeper (b 17:05:06)-Josh is a young goalkeeper signed from Banbury United during the closed 2025-26 season, a former Northampton Town Academy graduate, he also played for Larne in the Northern Ireland Premier League.
ALFIE LEWIS – Midfield (b 28:09:99)-Alfie is a product of the West Ham United academy and was part of the Hammers first team squad, without making a firstclass appearance. He went on loan from West Ham to St Patrick’s Athletic, of the League of Ireland Premier before joining them full-time. Leaving Ireland Alfie joined Plymouth Argyle, playing in EFL League One and the FA Cup for the Pilgrims. After leaving Argyle he joined Dundalk in the League of Ireland First Division before joining Aveley FC in the Vanarama National League South where he made 18 appearances, last term
LEON LOBJOIT – Striker (b 04:01:95)-Leon joined the Poppies in the closed season from Bedford Town, where he won promotion and was the Eagles leading goal scorer with 26 goals He is a vastly experienced striker having among others played for Hemel Hempstead, Northampton Town, Corby Town (loan), Brackley Town, Nuneaton Town (loan), Banbury United (loan), Oxford City, St Neots Town and latterly Bedford Town. Leon is a real handful for defenders with a quick turn of pace, good in the air and clinical in the 6-yard box. He joins Simon Hollyhead’s new look Poppies as a new era begins at Kettering Town FC
JAMAR LOZA – Forward (b 10:05:94)-Jamar was signed in late March from Leiston where he scored 19 league goals in a very impressive season. His career began at Norwich City before loan spells at Coventry City, Leyton Orient, Southend United, Yeovil Town, Stevenage and Woking He has also played for Maidstone United, Billericay Town, Chelmsford City, Barnet, Dartford (loan) and Cheshunt (loan) Loza is a strong powerful striker with a good eye for goal who has already shown to be a fans favourite with some impressive performances at the latter part of last season.
EDIMOND OPPONG – Winger (b 13:04:05)-Eddy, joined the Poppies in July having impressed Simon Hollyhead during pre-season, the fleet footed pacy winger with a lethal left foot, he has previously played for Union EuroCalcio (Italy), Middlesbrough U21, Belper Town and Mickleover FC
CALLUM POWELL – Forward (b 28:01:96)-Callum returned to Kettering Town in December 2024 from Braintree Town, having previously played for the Poppies during the 2020-21 & 2021-22 seasons The former Northampton Town U18, Rugby Town, Wrexham, Tamworth, Stratford Town, Stourbridge, Nuneaton Borough and Buxton player scored 19 goals in 35 sensational appearances while with the club before a move to Southend United for an undisclosed fee in January 2022. Callum only managed 4 games for the Poppies last season as injury curtailed his second stint with the club, but he did add one more goal to his tally
NILE RANGER – Forward (b 11:04:91)-Nile an experienced striker joined the Poppies in September 2024, getting off to a fantastic start to his Poppies career scoring 8 goals in his first 11 games. He scored the winning goal against Northampton Town in the FA Cup 1st round, televised for millions to see. He previously played for Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley (both on loan), Swindon Town, Blackpool, Southend United, Spalding United, and Boreham Wood The former England U19 international had a pre-season at Barnet but has returned to the Poppies under Simon Hollyhead’s stewardship..
CONNOR STANLEY – Winger (b 30:12:01)-Connor is an exciting winger who joined the Poppies from Banbury United during the closed season linking up with his former manager Simon Hollyhead He was a product of the Birmingham City and Manchester United youth academies which included a Europa League squad place while at United. Connor joined Atlanta United (USA) on loan, before loans at Bolton Wanderers, Bamber Bridge, and FC United of Manchester. He later joined Hereford in the Vanarama National League North before sojourns’ at Stourbridge, and Alvechurch
ANTHONY STEWART – Central defender (b 18:09:92)-Anthony is a vastly experienced centre-back who can operate on the right side of the defence and can boast over 300 first class appearances in English League Football He has previously played for Ebbsfleet United, MK Dons, Aberdeen, Crewe Alexandra and Wycombe Wanderers His career started as a youth at Wycombe Wanderers before making 253 appearances for the Chairboys in two spells. In his second spell he scored a goal at Wembley Stadium in Wycombe’s 2-1 EPL League One Play-off final win over Oxford United. He also played for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League where he was the Don’s captain and played against the likes of Celtic and Rangers Anthony is a welcomed addition to Simon Hollyhead’s side bringing undoubted quality at the back
ANDI THANOJ – Central midfielder (b 19:12:92)-Andi is a former Albanian U21 international born in Tirana He is a midfielder who has previously played for Grimsby Town, Alfreton Town, Harrogate Town, Redditch United and a 6-year spell at Boston United before joining Coalville Town The all-rounder who is a set piece specialist had an impressive first term with Poppies, he was instrumental last season in both the excellent FA Cup run and the Runners-up position in the league with a string of commanding performances.
CADEN VOICE – Central defender (b 14:09:06)-Caden is a young Wolverhampton Wanders U21 defender who joined the Poppies on loan during September
ASKUM WHITE – Right-back (b 21:11:2000)-Askum joined the Poppies from Bromsgrove Sporting in September having previously played for WBA (youth), Worcester Raiders, Tamworth, Barwell, Sporting Khalsa, Coleshill Town and Stratford Town He played for Bromsgrove last season in both games against the Poppies which saw a 2-1 win at Latimer Park.
PAUL WHITE – Goalkeeper (b 11:10:94)-Paul originally signed for the Poppies in 2016, going on to make 159 appearances keeping 52 clean sheets, a very impressive statistic. He was a member of the 2018-19 Title winning side before embarking on a career with Hereford, St Ives Town, Peterborough Sports Coalville Town and Rushall Olympic Paul returns to Latimer Park under new manager Simon Hollyhead as the Poppies strive to do one better than last season runners-up position
WES YORK – Defensive midfielder (b 10:05:93)-Wes joined the Poppies during the 2024-25 closed season from Coalville Town. Wes’s career began at Anstey Nomads, before spells at Nuneaton Borough, Wrexham, Gateshead, York City and Brackley Town He has played at the highest levels of non-league football and has featured against the Poppies in the past for Brackley and Coalville Town Wes always gives 100% in whatever position he plays in and excelled during the Poppies 2024-25 exciting season scoring some notable goals against Farsley Celtic in the FAC Cup and AFC Telford United in the Play-off final.
Kettering Town were originally formed in 1872, turning professional in 1891. The club graduated through twelve different leagues from 1892 until they became founding members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979. The club maintained its status in the top flight of semi-professional football until the 2000–01 season.
Many honours have found their way to Rockingham Road, winning the Midland Football League title in 1896 and 1900. The Southern League Championship was won on three occasions by the club, in 1928 and 1957 under Tommy Lawton and in 1973 under the guidance of Ron Atkinson. In the 1930s the club won the East Midlands League and in 1948 the Poppies became Birmingham League Champions.
In a Southern League game against Bath City on 24 January 1976, Kettering became the first British club to play with a sponsor's name printed on their shirts after signing a deal with local firm Kettering Tyres. The deal was brokered by chief executive and manager Derek Dougan. Four days later, The Football Association ordered the club to remove the slogan, but Dougan changed the words on the shirts to "Kettering T", and claimed that the T stood for "Town". Nonetheless, the FA ordered the club to remove the words, which the club did due to the threat of a £1,000 fine. Shirt sponsorship was eventually legalised within the English game in 1977. Kettering are also the first ever British team to have their initials on their ground's floodlights.
The club finished runners-up in the Football Conference in 1981, 1989, 1994 and 1998. The GMAC Cup, (the non-league, league Cup) was won in 1987 and the Poppies were runners-up in 1995, then known as the Bob Lord Trophy. County competitions have been won regularly by Kettering Town, with the Northants Senior Cup won on 28 occasions and the Maunsell Cup 13 times.
The FA Cup has brought success and publicity to Rockingham Road with the first-round proper being reached on 41 occasions. In 1901 the club reached the last sixteen and in more modern times the Poppies reached the fourth-round proper in the 1988–89 season and also the third round in 1991–92 only to lose to Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn Rovers. During the 1994–95 season the club made their debut live on Sky TV in a first-round tie against Plymouth Argyle, soon followed by another appearance against Wrexham at Rockingham Road. As of 2013 (June) the Poppies had scored more goals than any other team in the FA Cup history, with 846 goals scored.
Wembley has been reached on two occasions before. The Poppies lost 2–0 to Stafford Rangers in the 1979 FA Trophy Final. More recently, the FA Trophy Final in 2000 saw the Poppies lose a closely fought final with Kingstonian 3–2.
Most recently, the club were narrowly relegated on the last day of the 2000–01 season which ended 30 years in the top flight of non-league football. The Poppies made a quick return to the Conference in the 2001/02 season winning the Southern Football League with a last-day victory at Tiverton Town under Carl Shutt, his first full season in charge.
Season 2005–06 was to be one of massive change at Rockingham Road. In October 2005 it was announced that long-serving Chairman Peter Mallinger was to hand over the reins to a consortium consisting of Imraan Ladak, Mick Leech and England legend Paul Gascoigne. Gascoigne was installed as manager, replacing Kevin Wilson, and ex-Arsenal stalwart Paul Davis was recruited as assistant manager.
The eyes of the world were on Gascoigne and the Poppies, and media interest was massive. However, for a variety of reasons, Gascoigne was only to remain in the job for thirty-nine days.
Kevin Wilson was given his old job back, but only held onto it for two months as a run of one win in twelve games saw the Poppies slump into the bottom half of Conference North.
Chairman Imraan Ladak installed former Tamworth manager Mark Cooper as the new Kettering Town manager for the 2007–08 campaign. The club finished the season as Conference North champions, breaking several records along the way (including seven consecutive wins at the start of the season, 29 wins overall, and a divisional record of 97 points). As a result, the club was promoted to the Conference National.
In the 2008–09 season, Kettering Town beat Lincoln City, Notts County and Eastwood Town to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they faced Fulham at home. While twice pulling even with the Premier League squad and looking like they could possibly produce a draw late in the second half, they gave up two goals and ultimately lost the spirited match, 4–2.
Creditable finishes were achieved in the Blue Square Bet Premier League, until a disastrous move in 2011 from Kettering to Nene Park, the former home of Rushden and Diamonds, saw the Club in financial turmoil and relegation of two divisions followed a bottom of the table finish and the declaration of a CVA.
In February 2012 George Rolls took over control of the club from Imraan Ladak, although Rolls wasn't officially the Kettering Town owner, he was involved in the day to day running of the club and John Beck was appointed manager. On the 6th June 2012, George Rolls was suspended from football for five years after breaches of Football Association betting laws were proven, Rolls was also fined £10,000, and this led to the appointment of Ritchie Jeune as Chairman.
In September 2012, Imraan Ladak the owner of the Club assumed the role of Interim Chairman after a dispute. John Beck who had been appointed as Manager in June 2012 was asked to leave the premises just before a game against Bashley on 6th October. On 8th October, the lights were switched off at Nene Park and several games were postponed by the Southern League in order that the Club could find new investors. On 10th November 2012, Kettering recommenced their fixtures by playing Redditch United at Corby’s Steel Park with Alan Doyle as Caretaker Manager. Volunteers, led by Northampton businessman Ritchie Jeune, ran the Club in the absence of the majority shareholder and Director with the support of the Kettering Town (Poppies) Supporters Trust.
Thomas Baillie, the former head of the Youth set up, took over as Manager in February 2013 with Alan Doyle becoming Football Technical Director, and the experienced Dean Thomas arrived to become Assistant Manager. The inevitable relegation followed another season of turmoil and the club was placed in the Southern League Division One Central, with Dean Thomas assuming the Manager’s role and Thomas Baillie reverting to become Assistant Manager. The Poppies moved again to Latimer Park ground sharing with Burton Park Wanderers.
After a disappointing start to the 2013-14 Kettering whose Chairman was now Ritchie Jeune, went on a record 21 game unbeaten league run, following that up with 10 consecutive victories (9 in the league) in April to create a National record, ending the season in third place just, 2 points behind Champions Dunstable Town and losing to Slough Town in the Calor League Division One Central Play-off final in front of 2,331 at Latimer Park, the club’s most successful season in the last four campaigns. Sensationally though Dean Thomas stood down as manager of the club in mid-May 2014, leaving his assistant Thomas Baillie to return as joint manager along with Scott Machin.
The combination of the joint managers reaped the benefits from the previous season as the 2014-15 Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central Championship was won in style, at their first attempt, winning the division by 11 points. But the club wanted a sole manager for the 2015-16 season, Tom Baillie soon resigned and after that shock so did Scott Machin, paving the way for the return of Marcus Law to become the club’s 57th manager. Marcus steered the club to 6th position in the Evo-Stik Premier missing out on the play-offs by just one point. In 2016-17 the club finished in 9th place while winning the Northamptonshire Hillier Senior Cup (for the first time since 2001) in a thrilling final against rivals Corby Town at Sixfields, Northampton.
The 2018-19 season saw manager Marcus Law guide the Poppies to the EvoStik League South Premier Central title, winning the league by a massive 14 points and promotion back to the Conference North. But Marcus resigned his position in June 2019, paving the way for former Poppy Nicky Eaden, to guide the club in the Vanarama National League North for the 2019-20 campaign. After 11 league games with just two wins and an FA Cup exit against Sutton Coldfield Town, Nicky Eaden was sacked. Former Poppy and ex-Eastwood Town, Mansfield Town, Torquay United, Barrow and Guiseley manager Paul Cox was appointed in October with the Poppies bottom of the league!
Cox transformed the Poppies fortunes and was well on course to finish in a respectable league position until the Covid-19 pandemic forced the season to end null and void with only 31 of the 42 games played, final positions were decided on a points per game ratio. The following 2020-21 season was even shorter, just 14 games for the Poppies, as financial implications due to the continued restrictions on fans in the ground, lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic, again made the season null & void after a vote in the National League North to discontinue (well the majority of clubs) the campaign.
Paul Cox embarked on the 2021-22 season, technically having not managed a game for the club despite being at the club for almost two seasons! But with the club in mid-table Cox’s tenure during his first full season lasted until Friday January 21st 2020, a day before our game away at Bradford (Park Avenue), when it was announced he and his staff had resigned to join rivals Boston United.
The club wasted no time in appointing a successor as former Kings Lynn Town guru, Ian Culverhouse was appointed as the 60th Kettering Town manager, along with former Poppies goalkeeper Paul Bastock as his assistant and coach Joe Simpson. They continued and improved the club’s form with the Poppies finishing 8th in the Vanarama National League North. Only engaged until the end of the season it was a surprise though that Culverhouse and his staff left the club two weeks later.
The search for a new manager began and in mid-May former Nottingham Forest and Port Vale star Lee Glover was appointed as the Poppies 61st manager since 1922 for the onset of the 2022-23 season. But a disappointing season with just 3 players on the books when he arrived, Lee built a squad that ultimately saw relegation on the final Saturday of the season when safety a few weeks earlier seemed most likely.
Lee left the club in May by mutual consent. The club prior to Lee’s departure saw long term chairman and owner Ritchie Jeune leave the club as a new owner was sought after. The 2023-24 season saw Poppies in the Southern League Premier Central with Andy Leese being appointed as the new manager, Again, he only had 4 players at his disposal at the start of his tenure at the club so the rebuilding began. But a poor start to the season saw the Poppies in the relegation zone, after 21 games Andy was replaced with his assistant and former player Jim Le Masurier, first in an interim capacity and then appointed as manager. After a promising start he in turn took a step back in February and became part of new manager Richard Lavery’s backroom team. ‘Lavs’ is no stranger to the club being part of Marcus Law’s, (his assistant), in the title winning side in 2018-19. He steered the club away from relegation, winning 5 consecutive league games, with 4 games to spare as the rebuild for the 2024-25 began in earnest.
In May 2024, after 12 dramatic seasons legendary club owner Ritchie Jenue sold Kettering Town Football Club to Nadim (George) Akhtar, a new era begins. It was a great first season for the club, getting to the FA Cup 2nd round for the 17th time after dispatching Northampton Town 2-1 at Sixfields in front of millions around the world watching on BBC TV in the first round. A heartbreaking Play-off final defeat at the hands of AFC Telford United at Latimer Park saw the end of the Poppies campaign after finishing the regular season runners-up, in a tightly fought contest with eventual Champions Bedford Town.
It was all change in the summer 2025, with the surprise departure of manager Richard Lavery and the majority of the 2024-25 squad. Former Banbury United manager Simon Hollyhead was appointed in July becoming the 65th different manager of the Club, and so began his task of shaping a squad together for the 2025-26 campaign.
THANK YOU TO OUR THANK YOU TO
We hope you enjoyed our sixth edition of ‘10 To Tackle’ for the 2025/26 season! Some tricky ones in there, so well done to anyone who gets 10/10 this week. Let’s see how you did!
1.Worksop Town 2.Marine
Ollie Taylor (GK)
Ethan Creary
AAron Smith
Jordan Williams
Jernade Meade
Jahrel McKoy
Ed Hottor
Michael Richens
Claudio Dias
Albie O’Keefe
Johnson Gyamfi
Amir Hadi
Gibou Njie
Theo Alexandrou
Liam Cross
Jamal Adams
Jiah Medrano
Alfie Shepherd
Evan Watkins
Neo Dobson
Matty Miles
Duncan Idehen
George Munday
Jason Alexander (GK)
Levi Andoh
Micah Anthony
Brandon Barker
Ismael Fatadjo
Kai Fifield
Shane Flynn
George Forsyth
Will Glennon
Josh Humphrey (GK)
Alfie Lewis
Leon Lobjoit
Jamar Loza
Eddy Oppong
Callum Powell
Nile Ranger
Andy Thanoj
Connor Stanley
Anthony Stewart Caden Voice
Askum White
Paul White (GK)
Wes York
ManagementTeams
Ricky Marheineke (Manager)
Adam Fisher (Assistant)
Jim Freeman (Assistant)
Frankie Fry (First Team Coach)
Paul Swannell (Goalkeeping Coach
Jardaine Patel-Joseph (Physio)
Simon Hollyhead (Manager)
Elijah Bada (Assistant)
Terry Thomson (First Team Coach)
Shoheib Ebrahim (First Team Coach)
Michael Hunter (Sports Therapist)
KitColours
Shirts-Black and White Stripes
Shorts-Black
Socks-Black
Goalkeeper
All Green Kit
Shirts-White and Blue Hoops
Shorts-White and Blue Hoops
Socks-White and Blue Hoops
Goalkeeper
All Purple Kit
MatchOfficials
Referee-Martin Beard Assistant- Kabir Rai Assistant-Lewis Hunt
LocationDetails
