Wantage Town Chairman Tony Woodward confirms the management structure for the Alfredians team next season.

Woodward commented. "Consistency and stability are rare strengths in football clubs at all levels. I am particularly pleased to be able to re-appoint Richie Bourne and Ellis Langford for the Hellenic Premier League campaign 2009/2010. Great progress was made last season in assembling the nucleus of a squad that with just a little strengthening can have a top six position as a realistic ambition."

"The re-appointment of Peter Hogan and Paul Wilkins as the Reserve Team management, is equally important in ensuring progression from the strong emerging Youth set-up, into the 1st team for local players. Hopefully this coming season will see the Hellenic League at last take Reserve team football seriously,  and provide a properly structured and consistently fixtured Hellenic Reserve League set-up."

"As the first ‘green shoots’ of grass on the two new additional pitches at Alfredian Park begin to emerge, we continue with our declared ambition to integrate Youth football into the Club. Under the Youth Directorship of Roger Goodchild, three youth teams will be accommodated within the Club next season. The management is proven and qualified, and is early evidence of the long-term benefit that will be gained from the Grove and Wantage Charter Standard Community Football Partnership."

"The all-conquering Veterans, whose success in Cup and League this season was phenomenal, remain under the guidance of Fred Bint and Glynn Austin. This means of re-engagement with the Club for ex-players, adds another dimension to the extended community that is Wantage Town F.C."

Wantage Town F.C. are pleased to announce the following football management line-up for next season :-

First Team
Manager Richie Bourne
Player coach Ellis Langford
Physio Sean McCullough
Reserves
Manager Peter Hogan
Assistant Manager Paul Wilkins

Director of Youth Football Roger Goodchild

Under 17/18
Manager Gary Stone
Assistant Manager Trevor Hetherington

Under 16 (Two teams)
Managers Terry McCullough Gus Miles
Assistant Managers Ian Howard Mark Rowland

Veterans (Over 35’s and Over 40’s)
Manager Fred Bint
Assistant Manager Glynn Austin

At their recent end of season awards Adam Learoyd made a clean sweep of the Manager's Players's and Supporters choice. Woodward gave praise to the player. "It's great to see the universal acknowledgement of Adam Learoyd whose ever-present, determined, yet stylish performances, game after game, thoroughly justified the awards."

1^StFirst Team
Manager’s player Adam Learoyd
Player’s player Adam Learoyd
Supporter’s player Adam Learoyd
Top goal scorer Danny Keen

Reserves
Manager’s player Patrick Howe
Player’s player Andy Burt
Reserve Clubman Adam Hogan
Top goal scorer Rob Joyce

Veteran’s
Manager’s player Steve Norton
Player’s player Robbie McNeil

Clubman of the year
Darren Lister

Bourne Out Paces Gorilla! - 29th April

"Yep I've done it, not quite sure how I made it, but I did !!" Says Wantage manager Richie Bourne after showing a Gorilla his heels in the London Marathon.

Bourne reflects on his record marathon run (for a Wantage Town manager). "Theres no doubt these last 6 months have been torture since I took on the challenge of running the London Marathon. With being injured and not being able to do hardly any training for the majority of it, I really thought I might be pushing it a step too far (as the longest run I'd done was only 10
miles). I have to say if it wasn't for the Ridgeway Hospital (my secondhome) I wouldn't have been able to run it. I was actually getting treatment right up to Friday before the race."

"It was an amazing day though, the crowd were unbelievable. They give you such a lift when you feel you cant go on, because trust me there were times when I thought that was it. Funnily though it wasn't the injuries I was carrying that caused me problems, it was my right foot (this is what you get when you buy new running trainers 4 days before the Marathon and don't wear them in (and yes I was told what could happen)....Opppps !!!) I was in absolute agony !!!"

Still it was a special day, with so many great highlights. The best bit though was when I saw the lady hold up 800 meters to go, at this stage remember I'm hardly moving. This guy dressed as a gorilla had just passed me. I thought right, 'c'mon Bourno you can at least beat this gorilla!!! ' . The old adrenaline kicked in and it was race on. For the spectator, it must have be like watching two snails race it out to the finish. It was a great finish though, he was still ahead coming into the final 100, but with a final push I've done him at the line (Happy days!!) with a finish time of 5.26 hours"

"Well thats it (until next year anyway ??). I must say a massive thankyou to all of you getting me past my £1000 target. It means an awful lot to me and the people of the Calvert Trust. For all those people that sponsored me by form, I would like to get all the sponsor money collected by the end of May if possible. If you get the chance please pop the money or cheque (please make out to the Calvert Trust ) over to me, or I'll be coming round shortly to collect."

"Thanks again for all of your support."

To see pictures of me in the Marathon (and me beating the Gorilla), click on this link: http://www.marathonfoto.com/index.cfm?RaceOID=19802009S1&LastName=BOURNE&BibNumber=35488&Mailing=22650

Wantage Town Vets completed their League programme on Wednesday evening at Oxford City who had a side out to spoil the Wantage party.

However, Wantage were superb as they have been all season and completed a great league season with their 10th win to finish the season without dropping a point and only letting in three goals in those ten games whilst scoring 28.

Wantage are also involved in the Over 40's cup and will host Oxford City in the semi final on Wednesday 29th April. The winners of that tie will play shrivenham or Moreton Town Vet's in the final on Wednesday 6th May.

Webmaster Warning - Image below not for the feint hearted

Matty Horsell is out for rest of Wantage Town's season with ankle ligament damage, picked up at Bicester on Tuesday night.

Manager Richie Bourne said. "It's a real shame for the lad, as I felt he was just getting back to top form after a long injury lay off. Liam Illsley is now away on holiday for the rest of the season, and Sean McKeon is 50/50 for the weekend with a groin strain. Thankfully everyone else is fit, and Sam Belcher is back in the squad after illness."

Bourne added. "I've been delighted with our turnaround in form over the past month. With 5 wins out of 6 all the lads must take massive credit in the way they've turned things around. What I think has been important for us, is the way the players stuck together through some difficult months. We could have easily buckled under pressure, but the players kept their belief, and have shown great hunger and desire to get the club out of trouble."

There is no doubt, since we've brought in Daryl Sims (keeper) and forwards Richard Guy and Sean McKeon, it's given us a massive lift at a crucial time in the season. All my players have really hit top form now, in particular Ellis Langford, Sam Belcher, and Danny Keen to name a few, all have been magnificent over the last few weeks. Everyone is buzzing around the place, and it's a nice feeling, as any Manager knows, when your winning".

" With only three games left and two of those against both the top sides theres still plenty to play for. With Hungerford on the Saturday and Shortwood next Wednesday we could have a big say in the title race!"

Saturdays Team From :- Darryl Simms; Sam Belcher; Andy Wallbridge; Adam Learoyd; Gary Swann; Ellis Langford; Danny Keen; Liam McCullough; Sean McKeon; Gavin Jones; Tom Rowe; Richard Guy; Richie Bourne

Some good news on the injury front for The Alfredians as Matty Horsell is back in the squad after being out for the last 4 weeks with ankle injury.

Though on the downside unfortunately, Ellis Langford, ankle injury, Andy Wallbridge, knee injury, are both doubts for Saturday. No other injury concerns at the moment, but all will depend on Wednesday evening’s game against Old Woodstock.

Manager Richire Bourne comments. "Last Saturday was a very important result for us against a very good Reading side. With some teams below us playing each other, it was vital we got something. I think there's no doubt the game was really won in the first half, where I thought we were good value for 3-0 lead at the break."

"That's probably the best we've played for a while, but I think also it was a case of we took our chances at important times where as in previous weeks it’s not gone our way. It just goes to show when we're pretty much at full strength, we're a handful for anyone. Barring any injuries, it would be nice to put out a consistent side between now and the end of the season. If I can do that, I still feel we have every chance of finishing mid-table, which would be a respectable finish."

Saturdays Team From: - Daryl Sims Sam Belcher Andy Wallbridge Adam Learoyd Gary Swann Liam Illsley Ellis Langford Danny Keen Liam McCullough Sean McKeon Richard Guy Matty Horsell Gavin Jones Tom Rowe Nathan Hall Paul Day

Alfredians Spring Chicken Needs Your Help - 25th March

Wantage Town boss Richie Bourne (pictured centre) could be forced to run in disguise if he does not get enough sponsorship for his Flora 2009 London Marathon run on April 26th.

The Alfredians "Spring Chicken" is requesting your help by donating to his chosen charity. "A very big thank you to all of you that have already sponsored me for my London marathon run. It's now getting closer (April 26th), and I really need your help in reaching my target for the Calvert Trust Charity, as I'm along way off at the minute. So please help me get there by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/richiebourne. If you would like to sponsor me directly rather than through just giving, please send me your postcode and address and how much your willing to sponsor to richie.bourne@uk.zurich.com and I'll add this to my sponsor form."

Kind regards Richie Bourne

Wantage manager Richie Bourne was very disappointed with Tuesday night’s performance; “To say I was angry would be an understatement and I think the lads knew my feelings after. Yet again we prove how indifferent we can be. After two good wins, we put in a really poor display. We can’t go on giving away silly goals like we did and expect to get anything out the game. I'm sure our youth team could have defended better, it was really that bad. When I say that, it’s not just my defenders. I always say defending starts from the front, and we were no where near our usual standards all over the pitch."

"If I can take anything out the game, it was great to see Gav Jones and Tom Rowe back after injury and suspension. If all goes well and nobody picks up any injuries over the weekend I should have at long last, a full squad to pick from for next weeks game home to Witney”.

For Saturday’s game against Marlow, who are down with Wantage in the league its going to be really important to get something out of this game. Bourne added; “You've seen in the league already you lose a couple and you get dragged down in a relegation scrap. I'm expecting a big response from the lads, after Tuesday’s defeat. If we show what we can do when we do the basics right, we're more than a match for any team. The problem is we're so inconsistent like many teams in the league, and until we get that right we're never gonna break into the top 6 which we all want. You've seen this season if you can manage to string 5 or 6 wins together on the bounce it makes a big difference to where you sit in the league. Reading Town would be a great example, sitting in mid-table before Christmas they've gone on a terrific run and are now sat in the top 5. It doesn't take a lot, just my players having that belief and that desire to want to win. Because theirs no doubt we have the quality”.

For the weekend Ellis Langford is suspended, Matty Horsell is the only injury doubt with ankle knock.

Team From: - Daryl Sims,Sam Belcher,Andy Woolbridge,Adam Learoyd,Gary Swann,Liam Illsley,Danny Allen,Danny Keen,Liam McCullough,Sean Mckeon,Matty Horsell,Gavin Jones,Tom Rowe, Nathan Hall

Alfredians Bounce Back - 20th February

Wantage travel to Carterton tomorrow, with manager Richie Bourne delighted with their midweek win.

Manager Bourne was delighted with the performance on Wednesday evening against a very strong Chalfont side, he said; “We took a bit of stick after Saturdays result ( a 6-1 defeat at Highworth), which I thought was unjust, so was delighted in the way we bounced back. The lads showed great character, and it was nothing more than I expected from them”.

He went on to say; “I thought overall we deserved our win, although I will say Chalfont played very well and pushed us all the way. What we have to do now is to take that performance into Saturday at Carterton, and if we can maintain the level we showed against Chalfont then there is no doubt we can move up league table and push ourselves away from danger.

The only injury concerns for manager Richie Bourne (pictured) are Nathan Hall, Sean McKeon and Andy Wallbridge.

Squad From: Daryl Sims; Sam Belcher; Andy Wallbridge; Adam Learoyd; Gary Swann; Liam Illsley; Danny Allen; Danny Keen; Liam McCullough; Ellis Langford; Sean Mckeon; Matty Horsell; Alex Welch; Nathan Hall

Manager Richie Bourne reports that Matty Horsell is back in contention for a place in tomorrows squad to travel to Almondsbury Town.

Horsell is back in contention after recovering from a recent injury, he only fitness doubts at the moment are Gary Swan with a calf injury and Nathan Hall suffering with a hamstring problem.

With weather problems still causing access problems Wantage are trained in Swindon Thursday evening on the astro turf as they attempt to beat the weather.

Wantage Team From :-Daryl Sims Sam Belcher Andy Woolbridge Adam Learoyd Gary Swann Liam Illsley Danny Allen Danny Keen Liam McCullough Ellis Langford Nathan Hall Sean Mckeon Matty Horsell Alex Welch

Wantage Visit Wokingham & Emmbrook - 5th February

Wantage Town will be missing Ellis Langford, not available, Andy Wallbridge, Cup tied,  Gary Swan, Calf Injury, Nathan Hall, Hamstring problem, are both injury concerns for the weekend.

The only good news at the moment, Matty Horsell is the squad against One East side Wokingham & Emmbrook in the SoccerKits Plus Supplementary Cup.

Manager Richie Bourne said; "This is a really difficult time for Wantage at the moment, definitely the worst, I would say, since I've been at the club. With a long list of injuries/players leaving to go travelling and the weather causing havoc, its been so far a very disruptive season. Its important we stick at it though, and I'll be looking for my players to give a big response this Saturday after the disappointing defeat at to Kidlington. If there was a positive to take out of the Kidlington game though, I thought the new boys Sean McKeon and Daryl Sims had good debuts".

Squad:- Daryl Sims, Sam Belcher, Adam Learoyd, Gary Swann, Liam Illsley, Danny Allen, Danny Keen, Liam McCullough, Sean McKeon, Matty Horsell, Alex Welch, Nathan Hall, Robbie Joyce, Richie Bourne

Wantage Town manager Richie Bourne is working hard to overcome the shortage of available players as his squad are plagued with injury problems.

Matty Horsell out for three weeks with an ankle problem, Gavin Jones is out for up to six weeks following an ear operation, Ellis Langford is only 50/50 at the moment, after suffering knock on knee in the club's penalty shoot out defeat at Aylesbury Vale. Tom Rowe is currently suspended and Paul Day still away on holiday. With Rob Durrant leaving, due to army commitments and Tom Malton leaving to go travelling in Australia playing resources are going to be stretched to the limit.

Bourne has been working hard the last week, to try and bring in loan signings and a keeper. Talks are in progress with a couple of players, and depending how things go someone could be in for the weekend.

But as Bourne comments. " Nothing in football is ever a "done deal until forms have been signed, so we'll wait and see what happens."

On the midweek County Cup match at Aylesbury Vale, which Wantage lost on penalties, Bourne said. "The lads put in a terrific effort at Aylesbury in the Berks & Bucks Quarter Final on Tuesday night. With some better luck we would have gone through."

"I really thought on the night we played some great stuff at times, and showed what we are capable of. Penalties are always a lottery, and to be fair to their keeper he made a couple of great saves to win them the game".

"There was some great performances that did stand out especially from Danny Keen and Tom Malton. I must also say well done to young Andy Burt who stepped in as keeper and did very well."

Looking forward to Saturday's fixture against Ardley United, he said. "We are in good form having not lost in five games, so I'm sure its going to be great game at Ardley. Its always a tough place to go, and we've had some close battles there. Hopefully we get the rub of the green after Tuesdays bad luck and we get a result. I'm sure my lads will be giving everything to do just that".

Squad for Ardley: Rob Durrant, Sam Belcher, Adam Learoyd, Gary Swann, Liam Illsley, Danny Allen, Danny Keen, Liam McCulloug, Ellis Langford, Tom Malton, Nathan Hall, Rob Joyce, Rich Bourne

Town manager Richie Bourne is on the look out for a keeper as Rob Durrant will not be available much from February, due to his army commitments.

Bourne explained. "This will be a big loss as Rob has done a terrific job since taking over from Luke Alford. The problem is there as a new challenge for me. And as all manager's know keepers are very hard to come by, so I'm going to be working very hard over the next few weeks to try and sort something out."

Danny Allen, and Tom Molton are back in contention for Saturdays fixture after being away, but Paul Day will now be away now for two weeks. Other than Paul's absence a full squad is available for selection for the weekend visit of Chalfont Wasps.

The manager was also delighted to learn Ellis Langford has decided to stay at the club after an approach from Witney United was received.

The manager commented. "I know it was a very difficult decision for Ellis to make as Witney are a great club, both the cluband I are delighted he's staying."

Bourne added. "I have also put a seven day approach in for a forward, and hope to speak to this player soon. We need some competition up front, and with Dayo away for two weeks I don't have many options. I'm also looking at loan moves, so hopefully I may have something sorted soon."

Wantage from : Rob Durrant Adam Learoyd Tom Rowe Gary Swann Liam Illsley Sam Belcher Tom Molton Danny Allen Gavin Jones Danny Keen Liam McCullough Ellis Langford Matty Horsell Andy Wallbridge

Richie Bourne expressed his pleasure after the 5-0 win at Abingdon Town last Saturday saying: "I was really pleased with the performance Saturday, a much needed win for us. This fixture was always going to be tricky, as its a local derby and they had beaten us earlier in the season."

"But I thought my lads were right at it from the start, never letting them find any rhythm and with us dominating from start to finish we thoroughly deserving our win."

"We now need to take this on to Hook Norton, which we know will be a tough game as proved in our earlier games against them this season".

Squad for Saturday from: Rob Durrant, Adam Learoyd, Tom Rowe, Gary Swann, Tom Malton, Danny Allen, Gavin Jones, Paul Day, Danny Keen, Liam McCullough, Liam Illsley, Ellis Langford, Sam Belcher, Matty Horsell

On the player front Gary Swan and Danny Allen are back in contention after suspension, otherwise everyone else is fully fit.

Richie Bourne is very pleased Matty Horsell is back at Wantage back after things didn't work out for him at Southern League Abingdon United. Bourne comments. "Matty is a terrific player with lots of pace, and we've certainly missed that since he left a few months ago."

"It’s been a very difficult time for Wantage over the last three weeks, having not had a game. So I was very pleased with our performance down at Witney on Tuesday night, and thought we were very unlucky not to have come away with a least a draw."

Bourne continued. " Fair play to Witney though, although its never nice losing, I thought they just had that bit of extra quality in front of goal when it mattered. I wish my old mate ‘Lyner’ all the very best in his team’s pursuit of trying to win the league title, and I firmly believe they have every chance along Hungerford and Shortwood. I'm sure it will be very close."

"In terms of us, we have to take the Witney performance into our local derby at Abingdon Town this weekend. I thought there were some excellent performances from my players, especially from some of the younger lads Tom Rowe and Adam Learoyd, just to mention two. It is plain to see though we have a bit of catching up to do in terms of points, and we need to start picking up wins. I know though with the quality we have it’s only a matter of time."

Squad for Saturday:
Rob Durrant; Liam Illsley; Adam Learoyd; Tom Rowe; Sam Belcher; Tom Malton; Gavin Jones; Paul Day; Danny Allen ; Liam McCullough; Matty Horsell; Ellis Langford; Gary Swan; Nathan Hall; Tom Caddon; Danny Keen

Wantage were without a game last Saturday when their fixture fell foul to the weather, Richie Bourne Wantage Town gives his thoughts on recent competition.

The Wantage manager said. "It was a shame for us the game was off on Saturday. We were just building some good momentum in the last couple of weeks, after some great performances against Witney and Chalfont. I'm hoping its a case of the lads being fresh after the weekend off, as we really need to pick up points after falling behind a little in games played.'

"Bicester on Wednesday and Fairford on Saturday will be just as tough, as games we've just played against Witney United and Chalfont Wasps. If we don't go in with the same attitude, we could come unstuck. As it's proved this season, anybody can beat anybody on their day."

The Alfredians obviously appreciated the day off and came back with confidence last night, thrashing Bicester Town 6-0 at Wantage. Though it seems it took them the first half to get back into the swing of it, all goals came in the second half.

"Pocket Rocket", Gavin Jones, opened the scoring on 55 minutes with Tom Caddon adding the second goal nine minutes later. The last five minutes of the match were a goal feast for The Alfredians, Caddon took his game tally to four with goals on 86, 88 and 89 minutes. Nathan Hall finished it off scoring on 90 minutes.

Bourne will be looking for his team to take that momentum to Cinder Lane on Saturday when they take on Fairford Town.

Saturdays Team From:- Rob Durrant, Adam Learoyd, Tom Rowe, Gary Swan, Tom Malton, Danny Allen, Gavin Jones, Paul Day, Danny Keen, Liam McCullough, Liam Illsley, Ellis Langford, Nathan Hall, Tom Caddon, Richie Bourne

Wantage Town boss Richie Bourne is relishing a crack at his former club manager, Andy Lyne, as they host Witney United in the first round of the SBJ Sports Insurance Brokers Cup at Alfredian Park on Saturday.

Wantage, who produced one of their best displays of the season to beat Highworth last weekend, should be at full strength for the clash.

Bourne, a former Witney Town player under Lyne, said: “Witney are in great form at the moment, and Andy has built a great squad of players. I’m looking forward to it though, because it will be nice to catch up with Andy and my former assistant manager, Andy Wallbridge.”

Langford Back From Injury - 23rd October

After being out for 10 weeks Ellis Langford (pictured) is in contention to start for the "Alfredians" at Highworth Town on Saturday.

Danny Allen is away on Saturday, Tom Rowe will undergo a fitness test on his hamstring injury. Also back is keeper Rob Durrant who was away on an Army course on Tuesday. Other than that everyone fit, for the tough away trip to Highworth.

Wantage manager Richie Bourne commented: “There is no question that Wantage are in a rut at the moment, and the lads are going to have to roll their sleeves up in the coming weeks to get us out of it. We've showed over the last couple of games, what quality football we can play but got no rewards for it. If we keep working hard and stay together as a group, luck will turn for you. I know my lads will go and give everything on Saturday, and hopefully we get that bit of luck and get a result”.

Team From: -Rob Durrant; Adam Learoyd; Tom Rowe; Gary Swan; Tom Malton; Matty Horsell; Gavin Jones; Paul Day ; Danny Keen; Liam McCullough; Liam Illsley; Aaron Parfit; Ellis Langford; Nathan Hall; Richie Bourne

Wantage Town Look To Overcome "The Heathen’s"- 15th October

It has been a difficult few days for the "Alfredian’s". A real sloppy performance (the managers' analogy) last Saturday at home to Shrivenham, denied Wantage the chance of climbing into the top six.

Manager Richie Bourne (pictured) said: “I don't know what it is with us, but every time we seem to get a chance to get in the top 6/7 we hit a brick wall. Sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint the problem, I know what my players can do, but we cannot do it consistently which has always been a big problem for us."

"The game home to Shrivenham though was poor, we didn't reach the standards we had set in previous weeks and were punished for some awful defending. If there’s one thing I do expect, that’s effort and there were too many hiding on Saturday. After the game I told them, in no uncertain terms, it’s unacceptable.”.

Tuesday evening saw Wantage travel to play Milton United in a local derby where the Wantage manager was hoping for a positive response.

Bourne continued by saying; “I was hoping for a big response with our local derby at Milton on Tuesday, and to fair to the lads I got it."

" I thought the midfield two of Malts and Scouse had an excellent game, and especially Swanny. Even though we went down by the odd goal again I didn't feel we got beat by a better side. The effort was there, we just lacked maybe a bit of quality in the final third".

"But there is no hiding we got punished again for some indifferent defending, and that’s not just the back four who are to blame, it is us as a team."

"I need to make some big decisions over the coming days on who will start on Saturday. I just don't feel the balance is quite right across our back line at the moment, and it’s something I need to look at."

"One thing for sure though, I know the lads will work hard in training to correct things and hopefully a win on Saturday against Flackwell Heath could be a turning point for us.

Squad for Saturday: Rob Durrant; Adam Learoyd; Tom Rowe; Jon Stott; Gary Swan; Danny Allen; Tom Malton; Matty Horsell; Gavin Jones; Paul Day; Danny Keen; Chris Geary; Liam Illsley; Aaron Parfit; Ellis Langford

Richie Bourne comments "Wantage have pretty much a fully fit squad, so are in a very nice position for Saturdays game against Shrivenham."

Bourne said. "I have plenty of competition at the moment, which is what we need if I'm going to get the best out of players and hopefully maintain the good form were in at the moment. We might not be playing at our maximum yet but we've been sticking at the task in front of us and grinding out results."

"On the player front, It's great to have Gavin Jones re-join us from Thatcham, great little player as well as a fans favourite. I'm also pleased to confirm, I've extended both loan deals for Liam Illsley and Aaron Parfit. for the short term after agreeing with players and Andy Lyne. It has been a bit stop/start for these lads, due to them being away and injury but they've showed enough to suggest they can strongly push for a starting place."

Looking forward to the coming Saturday Bourne continued. "In terms of this weeks game, its another tough encounter for us. Shrivenham have always been a tough test for us. They've generally always been well organised, and a physical side with the Peters' lads being at the forefront of that with their commitment and leadership. With a new manager now in place, I'm sure he's starting to implement his own ideas and bed in new players which always takes time. But you can see from their results of late, they have been improving with every game. With our ex goalkeeper Luke Alford (left) now in goal for Shrivvy, having joined them earlier this season, I'm sure my lads will be looking forward to seeing him and hopefully knocking a few past him. Lukes a terrific lad, and it was a hard decision to let him go, but as they say that's football. I just hope I'm the one smiling at the weekend, otherwise I'm sure I wont here the last of it from Luke.

Team From:- Rob Durrant; Adam Learoyd; Tom Rowe; Jon Stott; Gary Swan; Danny Allen; Tom Malton; Matty Horsell; Gavin Jones; Paul Day; Danny Keen; Tom Caddon; Liam McCullough; Liam Illsley; Aaron Parfit; Nathan Hall

Could Jones Become An Alfredian? - 2nd October

Wing man Gavin Jones is moving from Thatcham Town, and it looks to be he is returning to the FTL Futbol Hellenic League.

Jones signed in the close season from the Hellenic League football has proved he was more than capable of stepping up a level to play in the Southern League with Thatcham.

However the Oxfordshire based player has found the travelling for matches and training, combined with his work commitments, a struggle to fulfil. Thatcham manager Gary Ackling is reluctant to release Jones but understands his reasons.

The player looks set to return to one of his previous clubs, Wantage Town, but will need to comply with transfer requirements as he is presently on retained Hellenic registration with Milton United.

Tough Game in Prospect - 1st October

With many clubs involved in FA Vase action this coming weekend Wantage Town entertain Highworth Town in an FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division fixture.

Wantage manager Richie Bourne comments on the match saying: “This is always one of my favourite games of the season being a Swindon lad. I know Webby and Smudge well, so I am looking forward to sharing a beer with them after the game, hopefully with me being the one celebrating. Having watched Highworth record a 1-0 win against Kidlington on Tuesday they are looking in good shape. Webby and Smudge have them playing some good football, and with the new players they have brought in this season they look a strong outfit. I think, the thing we're both looking for as managers, is a bit of consistency. With both our squads fairly young, there's always occasions when players can switch off, and both our teams have been guilty of that at times, and been punished for it! So I am looking forward to a competitive and hard fought game”.

Bourne reflecting on recent results commented. "At long last we broke our losing home duck last week against Harrow Hill, after a hard earned 1-0 win, and followed that up with another 1-0 home win in the Challenge Cup on Saturday against Oxford City Nomads. Although both performances were not up to our usual standards, it was pleasing to get a couple of clean sheets and takes us nicely into the Highworth game."

" The squad is looking pretty healthy at the minute, and apart from Ellis Langford (foot injury) and Sam Belcher (Hip/Groin) everyone is fit. Depending on how things go during the week I'm hoping to have a new signing in place for the weekend, but this depends on the people involved."

Wantage are looking for a better cup performance this weekend, after last weekends poor FA Vase result against One East Binfield, when they face One West Oxford City Nomads in the SBJ Challenge Cup.

Liam Illsley and Aaron Parfit are newcomers to the squad, covering for injured players Ellis Langford & Sam Belcher. While Nathan Hall returns after injury.

Team From: Rob Durrant;Adam Learoyd;Tom Rowe;Jon Stott;Gary Swan;Danny Allen;Tom Malton;Matty Horsell;Paul Day; Danny Keen;Jack Daley;Tom Caddon;Liam McCullough;Nathan Hall;Liam Illsley;Aaron Parfit

Manager Richie Bourne welcome’s back Jon Stott into the squad after his one match ban. Otherwise Wantage Town will look to field the same team, in The FA Vase against Binfield, as last weekend with no other injuries to report at the moment.

Bourne said; “We'll be going into the game with full of confidence after a terrific win at Kidlington last weekend, ending their unbeaten run. I thought the lads really put in a good shift against a very good Kidlington side and special mention must go to Tom Rowe who I thought had an excellent debut after re-joining the club. Hopefully we can start turning in some of our away performances in at home”.

The manager (pictured) continued by saying, ”This FA Vase tie will by no means be an easy game for us on Saturday, Binfield have had an excellent start themselves in the FTL Futbol Hellenic One East and I'm sure they will be thinking they have every chance of getting a result. These games are so important for all clubs at the moment, due to the current climate. The financial gains from getting through a few rounds of this competition can really help clubs like Wantage. Hopefully we're the ones smiling Saturday night and Club Chairman Tony Woodward can relax for a few weeks”!

Team: Rob Durrant; Adam Learoyd; Tom Rowe; Jon Stott; Gary Swan; Danny Allen; Tom Malton; Matty Horsell; Paul Day ; Danny Keen; Jack Daley; Tom Caddon; Liam McCullough; Richie Bourne

Rowe Joins Wantage - 10th September

Manager Richie Bourne welcome's back Tom Rowe to Wantage Town, who has re-signed from Milton.

He said; “It’s great to have the lad back at the club, after he had an excellent season with Milton. Having played under my good friend Gary Ackling last season, Acko reverted Tom to a centre back, where he was terrific for him. Tom will provide so much needed competition at the back and will be in strong contention to start on Saturday”.

Wantage Town make the trip to unbeaten Kidlington this Saturday for an FTL Futbol Premier Division fixture.

On the injury front Ellis Langford is still looking about 4 weeks away from a return, with his foot injury. Sam Belcher is still out and Sam Collier, out long term after suffering a knee injury. Nathan Hall is away at the moment.

Bourne is still in talks with players/managers with the view of signing further players to strengthen the squad.

Team From: - Rob Durrant; Adam Learoyd; Jon Stott; Gary Swan; Danny Allen; Tom Malton; Matty Horsell; Paul Day; Danny Keen; Jack Daley; Tom Caddon; Tom Rowe; Liam Mccllough; Richie Bourne

Town Secure Illsley - 8th September

Wantage have secured the loan signing of Liam Illsley (pictured) from Witney United for the next month.

Manager Richie Bourne states: "I'm delighted to have agreed with Andy Lyne to bring Liam in on loan for the coming month. With our growing injury list, it was important for me to strengthen the squad quickly. With Liams' height and versatility, he will give me great options.'

"I'm still also working hard to bring in another one or two players in the coming week or so subject to agreement with clubs involved. Hopefully I will have some news on this soon."

Wantage Town play local rivals Abingdon Town in the first of this seasons derby matches. Wantage are looking to bounce back, after a poor performance against Hook Norton last weekend. Midfielder Ellis Langford is out for 6 weeks with a broken bone in his foot.

On the team front Tom Caddon and Paul Day are unavailable. Matt Horsell, Sam Belcher and Chris Copp return to the squad after recent injuries.

Team From: Rob Durrant; Gary Swann; Adam Learoyd; Jon Stott; Sam Collie; Danny Allen; Tom Malton; Danny Keen; Liam McCullough; Jack Daley; Richie Bourne; James Hicks; Sam Belcher; Matt Horsell; Chris Copp

It is hoped the following statements from the Chairman & Manager of Wantage Town will dispel silly rumours of inflated entrance prices for Friday evening's FA CUP tie.

From Tony Woodward, Chairman Wantage Town F.C.
‘Whether you are Wantage Town, Walsall, or West Ham, the F.A. Cup is a magic competition and is the real focus of unreal dreams at all levels of the game. For Wantage Town the first round proper verges on the over ambitious. For the mid-ranked professional clubs, a quarter or semi-final place will be beyond most, and at the very top level, only a few can harbour realistic dreams of a final place. Great then that it all starts this year at Wantage, on Friday evening at 6.20pm (for television). The Cup will be there, having travelled from Brading Town, Isle of Wight, at the very start of its journey to Wembley. The sponsors Eon will permit photographs to be taken with the Cup, and the ground is open from 5.00pm. Adults £5.00, concessions £2.00 are the down to earth prices for the beginning of many dreams’.

From Richie Bourne, Manager, Wantage Town F.C.
‘This is a remarkable and unique competition, which gives players at all levels a buzz. We can dream about later rounds, but will only be concentrating on the next one, when we take the field on Friday evening. It is great for the Club, and very year brings us into contact with teams who we would seldom get to play. We have a had a good pre-season, and have played some great football. All we have to do is repeat that form on Friday evening, and with a little bit of luck, the Cup will continue its journey with Wantage Town.’

From Brian King, General Manager, FTL Futbol Hellenic League
"The very best wishes go to both clubs in this seasons inaugural tie in the Nations favourite Cup Competition. It is especially pleasing that an Hellenic club is involved in this tie and I am certain that Wantage Town FC will represent the standards that the Hellenic League strives to achieve with the fervent wish that the tie be played in a sporting manner with 'Respect' being given & received by all Players, Team Official's and Match Officia

ITV Local is to show live coverage of Wantage Town ’s extra preliminary round clash with Brading Town on August 15 in an FA Cup first.

The whole game will be shown live from kick off at 6.20pm on http://www.itvlocal.com. The first kick of the ball in this season’s FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON, will also be live on ITV1’s Meridian Tonight.

Isle of Wight team Brading Town , who have never previously taken part in the competition, have been selected by Cup sponsors E.ON as “the team to follow” in this season’s FA Cup. E.ON will remain with the winners of Wantage v Brading for the next round and continue to follow the winners of each further match until the final in May. The Cup will be on display at Brading Town ’s Vicarage Lane ground on August 15 and will then accompany the team to the extra preliminary round match at Wantage that evening. This 2008-09 FA Cup season sees a record 762 enter the world's greatest domestic cup competition.

In a joint initiative with the FA, the ITV websites are filming a number of matches involving non-League clubs that will be made available on ITV Local and ITV.com but the Wantage Town vs Brading Town match is the only match scheduled to be covered live. ITV Local's Director of Content, Lindsay Charlton, said: "We are delighted to be covering the very earliest stages of the FA Cup and giving two local clubs their 90 minutes of fame. This is what ITV Local is all about – broadcasting live the kind of match that would not normally get coverage on a terrestrial channel. It’s the start of an exciting few weeks as we follow the FA Cup early round in earnest. Our focus on local programming means that the buzz around the FA Cup is not limited to the famous clubs. “
All FA Cup videos from early round matches will hosted at http://www.itvlocal.com/facup

For full coverage of all the FA Cup from news and views and video go to http://www.itv.com/football

Wantage Town face a tough start to their Premier Division, FTL Futbol Hellenic League campaign with a home game on Tuesday, 12th August against last season’s ‘nearly men’ Almondsbury Town. This is followed by an equally tough away trip to Shortwood on Tuesday, 19th August. Please note that in some publications the Almondsbury fixture is still shown incorrectly as a Wednesday fixture.

The reason for the change to Tuesday for the visit of Almondsbury Town is the visit to Alfredian Park of Brading Town, from the Isle of Wight, on Friday evening (kick-off 6.20pm) in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. This game has been selected as the start of the ‘Road to Wembley’, the FA Cup itself starting the journey by accompanying Brading Town from the Isle of Wight to Wantage, and being available for personal photography before the game. The game is being televised or streamed on ITV3 Online.

On the pitch, Manager Richie Bourne, and Captain Gary Swann welcome the experienced Ellis Langford into their management team as player coach.

The starting squad for next week’s fixtures against Almondsbury and Brading Town is:-

Luke Alford Adam Learoyd Jon Stott Gary Swann (Captain)
Sam Collier, (ex-Swindon Supermarine player making a welcome return after injury.)
Sam Belcher Liam McCullough Ellis Langford Danny Allen
Matty Horsell Danny Keen Tom Cadden, Jack Daley
Nathan Hall Paul Day Richie Bourne

The Football Association in consultation with partners EON & Arena have changed the date of the tie between Wantage Town and Brading Town from Saturday 16th August to the Friday 15th August with a K.O time of 6.20pm. This change has been made as the team to start the ‘Road to Wembley’ is Brading Town. The Isle of Wight club will be arriving at Wantage with the FA Cup having been followed by a TV crew who will follow them from the Isle of Wight and arrive at Wantage with the team. They will have the FA Cup with them for photographs with the teams and in the club house there will be for photo opportunities for the fans.

The match will also be televised live on ITV3 On-Line. Discussions are in hand with Wantage Town regarding planning the evening next week.

This will cause the Wantage Town v Almondsbury Town fixture to also be brought forward 24 hours and this match will be played on the opening evening of the season Tuesday 12th AUGUST