GFA Reaches Agreement With Almonds - 20th May

The Gloucestershire FA and Almondsbury Town have reached an agreement which sees the club playing in the Southern League next season.

In announcing the agreement, Gloucestershire FA chief executive, David Neale said “I am very pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement that will give the club an opportunity to play Southern League football next season. The club had notified us that they were moving to Clevedon Town FC and we were already reviewing applications from other clubs to use Oaklands Park. However, The FA ruled that as Almondsbury Town were ground-sharing in order to meet the requirements of entry to the Southern League, they could not be promoted. Consequently, the club asked if it could return to Oaklands Park for one season in order to comply with FA rules. The board of directors accepted the club’s apology for the way it handled recent negotiations and its misrepresentation of Gloucestershire FA in statements to the press, and stood by its original offer of a one year lease at a reduced cost.“

Almondsbury Town secretary, David Jones, commented. ”We are very grateful to the GFA as I have to agree that our club has not, in recent months, conducted themselves in an appropriate manner. We were pleased to accept the offer of an additional year at Oaklands Park and as we have reached agreement with North Bristol Rugby Club to use their clubhouse and bar facilities next season, we can now look forward to Southern League football next season.”

David Neale said. “The GFA wish the club every success next season and has offered to support them in their search for a permanent home. We appreciate that losing access to a clubroom is disappointing for any club, but the building refurbishment programme taking place over the summer will enable Oaklands Park to become a focal point for the training and education of football volunteers. With over 2000 affiliated teams in the county, it is vital we provide ongoing training and support to the hundreds of volunteer club coaches, welfare officers and referees to ensure we retain them and their skills meet the needs of the thousands of players who participate each and every week.”

Almonds New Landlords Oust Other Tenants - 10th May

Toolstation League Clevedon United are facing a battle to stay in business after being ousted from the Hand Stadium by Almondsbury Town's new landlords Clevedon Town.

The Bristol Evening Post reports the Toolstation League Division One club have been forced to make way for Almondsbury Town, who themselves launched a search for a new 'home' after being evicted from the clubhouse they lease from the Gloucestershire FA.

Almondsbury have secured a ground-share deal with Clevedon Town, whom they could face in next season's Zamaretto League South & West Division. Richard Thompson's side won the Hellenic League and hope to be promoted to play at the higher level for the first time.

In the meantime, current Hand Stadium tenants Clevedon United are left frantically seeking not only a new ground, but one that satisfies FA ground-grading requirements to enable them to continue operating in the Toolstation League.
United, who have played at the Hand Stadium since 2002, claim that prior to the start of this season it had been agreed with their landlords they could continue utilising the facilities until at least the end of the 2010-11 campaign.
United chairman Colin Clarke said: "Although there were rumours of something in the air as late as last week, the news of the ground-share deal with Almondsbury having been finalised on Friday came as a complete shock, especially as it was all signed and sealed without any consultation with myself or my manager (Alan Smith). We still had at least a season left under the agreement and I made every effort to get answers from the Clevedon Town directors, but none were available or wished to comment over the weekend. We now face the prospect of having to find another ground very soon or face expulsion from the Western League."

Smith said: "At the start of last season, the agreement with Clevedon Town was with a view to making it a community-based partnership involving the development of young, locally-based players, and to allow them to progress from junior under-18s football via, hopefully, my team, and on to the Southern League with the Town and beyond. Sadly, it would appear that all community links are now being severed as a result of the new deal and if United fold due to the short notice they have received, there is no realistic mechanism for young players to progress locally. What is also frustrating is that the first I heard of the deal was when I read in the Evening Post on Monday, three days after it had all been signed, that we were looking for a new ground. If we had been told earlier I could have made plans but now, because of the short notice, we may have to fold."

Clevedon United chiefs say they have a fortnight to find another "viable option", which will meet Western League ground criteria. Smith added: "The club have worked hard to build up a family image and we saw our gates increasing this season as a result of our style of play and community spirit. All planned sponsored events, as well as other community projects involving joint ventures with schools and other local leagues, have had to be put on hold. Clevedon Town's response to us has been extremely disappointing but we will continue to look for a home and thank those members of the league that have expressed their support."

Toolstation League secretary Ken Clarke said: "We're keeping a close eye on the situation and we're ready to assist Clevedon United where we can."

Champions Secure Ground For Next Season - 1st May

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division Champions Almondsbury Town have a signed groundshare agreement with Zamaretto League club Clevedon Town.

This will see both teams play their home games at the Hand Stadium from August. Clevedon Town spokesman Paul Guy said: “Whilst this has been a commercial decision for the club, outside of the business end, we are looking forward to working alongside Almondsbury Town and are keen to welcome them and to the Hand Stadium.

Almondsbury chairman Bob Jenkins added: “After twenty years at Oakland’s Park it is sad to leave but after winning the `double` as champions of the Hellenic Premier and securing the Gloucester FA Trophy, it’s a fitting end to our time there. Now we move on and look ahead to continuing success and are honoured to share such a great facility as the Hand Stadium.”

The outcome of promotion is not yet resolved though as a series of meetings will be held commencing in the coming week with the final outcome being decided by the FA League’s Committee and subsequently advised to League’s and clubs.

A Draw Will Do It - 17th April

Richard Thompson is urging his Almondsbury Town players to lift themselves from a demanding spell of games as they stand on the cusp of promotion to the Southern League.

Thompson's in-form team take on main challengers Reading Town today, knowing even a draw will deny their opponents vital points and put them on the brink of going up. The Almondsbury boss remains adamant their Berkshire opponents pose a lingering threat and won't rest until his team are mathematically certain of success.

All of Reading's final three scheduled games are away from home, while four of Almonds' final five fixtures are in their Oaklands Park backyard. Thompson is, however, concerned that Reading might yet be granted a replayed fixture with Flackwell Heath, after the original match was abandoned eight minutes from time in controversial circumstances following an injury to a Flackwell player.

Thompson, who is without suspended striker Mike Whittington for the next three games, but has midfielder Nick Dunn available again, said: "It's always in the back of my mind that game might be replayed, and who knows the consequences of that? The crucial thing for us is not to get beaten tomorrow. Our lads will have played six games in less than a fortnight and it's credit to them they have shown the same fighting spirit throughout."

Thompson Urges Caution - 26th March

Richard Thompson (pictured) is preaching caution amid a spell that has seen Almondsbury Town's promotion prospects in the Hellenic League dramatically raised.

While Almonds are back home tomorrow for the visit of Old Woodstock Town, following three successive victories on the road, leaders Reading Town's fortunes appear to be fading.

Three months ago, Almonds were staring at a 17-point deficit between themselves and Reading. Now Thompson's team take on Old Woodstock sharing 78 points with the Berkshire outfit and having three games in hand. Thompson, however, stressed: "Of course ,we're in a healthier position than we were a month ago but there's almost a quarter of the season still to play and 30 points up for grabs, so I'm certainly not counting my chickens and I trust the players aren't either."

Lee Bridson makes a timely return to the defence with Dale Peckham unavailable. Thompson has after all persuaded Bitton's versatile Matt Knapman to sign dual-registration terms, in the hope he can join their title chase once his Rec commitments are over.

A race night to raise funds for Almonds' broken-leg victim Paul Chenoweth takes place in the clubhouse after tomorrow's fixture.

Signing Disappintment - 19th March

Almondsbury Town boss Richard Thompson, whose side cut the gap to Premier Division leaders Reading Town to five points with a 4-1 midweek win at Hook Norton, is disappointed that Bitton utility player Matt Knapman has opted to stay with the Toolstation League club.

"We made an approach because we felt he could play a valuable part for us over the remainder of the season," said Thompson.

Pacy forward Dave Anyinsah is close to a comeback following several weeks out with a knee injury. Thompson does not intend taking teenage midfielder Nick Dunn to task after seeing him red-carded for his part in an off-the-ball skirmish in last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Ascot United. "Nick will soon be punished by a suspension and I am trusting he'll have learned a lesson from this," said the manager, whose team go to Shrivenham tomorrow.

Maintain Pressure - 12th March

Almondsbury Town manager Richard Thompson has backed his players to emerge fighting in the wake of their most frustrating night of the campaign.

Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Oxford City Nomads was only their second reverse of the Premier Division season and their first at home. It was also the first time Almonds have failed to find the net this term.

With four successive away games awaiting them, starting with tomorrow's trip to Ascot United, Almondsbury have a seven-point gap at the top to shut. And Thompson knows his side are at make-or-break time. He said: "It's all about how well the lads react to a bad night against an Oxford team who were quicker and sharper than us. I could see a lot of finger-pointing going on among our boys afterwards and I'd like to think that means they're hurting from a rare off-day and are doubly determined to get us back on course."

Ground Share With Rivals Possible - 5th March

Almondsbury could ground share with local rivals Yate Town as uncertainty grows over their future at Oaklands Park.The Hellenic Premier Division outfit have contacted several other clubs, including Mangotsfield United and Slimbridge about the possibility Cossham Street or Wisloe Road next season.

Almondsbury are still in negotiations with Filton College over a proposed move to a new ground at WISE Campus, but that will not be ready next season meaning they are looking at the option of finding a temporary home. They are still hoping to play at Oaklands, despite being told to leave their clubhouse by May 31 by their landlords, the Gloucestershire FA, who are planning to turn it into a conference and training centre for referees and physios.

However, Almondsbury would not be able to play in the Southern League next season without a clubhouse should they win promotion, and they have had plans to build a temporary building in the car park turned down by the GFA.
Chairman Bob Jenkins fears a temporary clubhouse elsewhere in the ground would prove too costly on a one-year lease.
Yate, Slimbridge and Mangotsfield all have Southern League standard facilities and sharing with one of them could be a more viable financial option.

Jenkins said: “We’re in negotiations with the GFA at the moment but we’re not getting on too well to be honest. We put in plans for modules which were turned down but we’re looking at other possibilities of where we can put them without costing us a fortune on a one-year lease. We’re finding their expectations hard to deal with so we’re looking at ground sharing and considering all other options. We’ve put some feelers out there and we need to know where we stand very shortly.”

With the club feeling the pinch in difficult economic times, Jenkins is frustrated that Almondsbury have not yet been able to come to an agreement with the GFA. He said: “We are a level five club in a recession. They are closing down our social club so it’s making it harder and harder and the costs of ground sharing could be a lot cheaper. With hard work we’ve dragged ourselves up to be a reputable club, -that’s what grassroots football is all about - but we’re just being knocked backwards. We’ve only played two home games since December which is putting a burden on our finances and we’re finding it hard to cope with.”

Another option is for Almondsbury to share facilities with their current Oaklands Park neighbours, North Bristol rugby club, and Jenkins admits he would prefer to stay put. He said: “I would love to stay at Oaklands. I played for Almondsbury before I going into business and I’m an Almondsbury man.”

Under the stewardship of former long-serving Yate manager Richard Thompson, Almondsbury are on course to achieve their Southern League ambition. They are currently second in the Hellenic Premier Division, four points behind league leaders Reading Town with three games in hand.

Thampson refused to get carried away after his Almondsbury Town side closed the gap on league leaders Reading to just four points with a thumping victory at Oaklands Park. A fifth straight win for Almondsbury in the league this year and two home defeats on the trot for Reading has seen a 16-point gap between the top two reduced dramatically, and the Almonds still have three games in hand.

However, boss Thompson insists his side are still underdogs with 17 league games on top of cup commitments to cram in before the end of the season, a problem made worse by the postponement of their match at Pegasus Juniors on Tuesday night. He said: “I don’t think it has turned in our favour but it has given us a bit more light and it’s more realistic to chase. But with Reading’s running and the games they have to play, they probably still fancy themselves. We’re all realistic about the amount of games that we have got to play, we’ve reached the stage now where it’s not physically possible, but that won’t stop us trying to win every game.”

Since Thompson replaced Paul Weeks at the helm in September, Almondsbury have won 16 and lost just once in 19 league games in their relentless chase of Reading. “Any other league in the country we would be way ahead at the top but we’ve got this team called Reading who are probably as good as us,” said Thompson. “I’m pleased with how everything has gone but nobody is getting carried away. If we go ahead and do it then it will be one hell of an achievement.”

Almondsbury travel to Fairford Town on Saturday.

No False Dreams - 26th February

Richard Thompson insists feet are firmly on the ground at Almondsbury Town, despite growing excitement over a promotion chase that is gaining momentum.

Little more than a fortnight ago, the second-placed Oaklands Park outfit trailed leaders Reading Town by a daunting 16 points. Now, after breezing to five straight wins, Almonds head for Fairford Town tomorrow with only a four-point deficit to address, and three crucial games in hand, over a Reading side who have slumped to two home defeats in a row.

Thompson, pictured, is refusing to get carried away and stressed: "We've got almost half a season's worth of fixtures to play over the next two months, including a couple of cup games, and that will pose an astronomical test for our squad. I am not playing mind games in saying that, I'm simply being realistic, and it may be that I need to get a few more experienced bodies in to help us through."

Thompson Seeks Chenoweth Replacement - 5th February

Almondsbury Town boss Richard Thompson is seeking fresh blood in a bid to overcome the loss of Paul Chenoweth to his promotion-chasing team.

The popular 36-year-old central midfielder sustained a broken ankle during Saturday's 1-0 victory at Highworth.

His manager is feverishly searching for a replacement ahead of tomorrow's home fixture with Flackwell Heath.Said Thompson: "As it stands, Tony Davis and Nick Dunn are our only recognised central midfielders, and with Dean Griffiths and Dave Anyinsah (forwards) struggling with injuries the squad as a whole is looking threadbare. It's a major blow losing Paul because he's an immense character on and off the pitch. He's had the ankle plated and pinned and we're waiting for the long-term prognosis."

Chenoweth Suffers Ankle Break - 1st February

Following a tackle from behind midfielder Paul Chenoweth suffered a broken ankle on Saturday in the 'Almonds’ league match at Highworth Town.

The popular player went to Swindon's Great Western Hospital for treatment. The result of X-Rays confirmed a clean break and after a caste being applied he was able to be released to return to Bristol.

A massive thank you to the paramedics who treated Paul on the pitch and to the staff at the Great Western who looked after him so promptly. Almondsbury therapist Sylvia Durham kept Paul warm and comfortable while waiting for the ambulance. As Paul recovers we will keep you all updated.

Beyond Doubt - 22nd January

Chairman Bob Jenkins believes Richard Thompson has demonstrated "beyond doubt" he is the man to steer Almondsbury Town into the Southern League.

While the ambitious Almonds continue to haggle with various bodies in an attempt to secure a future home, Thompson is cracking on with the business of attempting to secure promotion. Jenkins said of Thompson's October appointment: "Richard has proved he has the capability of getting us up. His record speaks for itself – 12 wins and a draw from 14 league games. The nucleus of the squad is there and it's down to the players how much they want success."

In the meantime, Jenkins is continuing talks with Filton College WISE Campus chiefs about the prospect of a tie-up there once their Oaklands Park clubhouse lease expires. Almonds, who are in Bluefin League Cup action at Holyport tomorrow, had been given until May 31 to find a new HQ. It now appears likely their Gloucestershire FA landlords will grant them a year's stay of execution, but temporary accommodation may have to be erected on the site if the clubhouse is handed over.
Jenkins stressed: "The situation is a fluid one. We're considering speaking to other clubs about ground-sharing and we're in early negotiations with the WISE Campus. They have excellent facilities and we could offer their best young players the chance to launch their careers with a thriving club. I also feel the GFA would look more favourably on us were we to become a Southern League club. As it stands, they still want the clubhouse for their own administration and training purposes."

The Almonds may not have played a league game since December 15 but their title hopes were given a boost this week.
Hellenic Premier League leaders Reading Town lost their second game of the season at Shortwood United on Tuesday night. Almondsbury are still 13 points behind but have four games in hand on Reading. Wantage are a further three points adrift in third, while Shortwood are a further point behind and still in the hunt after their win.
Richard Thompson's side finally got 2010 underway with a 4-2 win at Cheltenham Saracens in the GFA Challenge Trophy Third Round mid-week.

New Heights - 1st January

Richard Thompson believes big rivals Reading Town's sparkling form will spur his Almondsbury Town team to reach new heights in the New Year.

While the Almonds head into their away encounter with Pegasus Juniors tomorrow in second spot on the back of a fine record of one defeat in their 20 opening fixtures, Reading are at Ascot United enjoying a 10-point advantage over the Oaklands Park outfit, albeit having played two games more.

Thompson, pictured, is acutely aware the leaders pose a major threat to his own side's chances of promotion and he said: "We've got a very good record so far, yet here's a Reading team doing even better. It's in our hands to a fashion because we've still to play Reading twice, but it does make for some pressure and all we can do is keep picking up the points and hoping. It certainly won't be easy at Pegasus because despite their mid-table position, they've won all seven of their league games at home."

Thompson, meanwhile, is delighted that his right-winger, former Bristol City and Forest Green youngster Ross Stearn, has rejected the chance to join Mangotsfield United. "Ross is a good young prospect and it's pleasing that he's chosen to stay, knowing regular football presents itself for him here," said Thompson.

Ground Prospects For Almonds - 31st December

Almondsbury Town are in discussions with Filton College, Bristol, about moving to a new ground on the WISE Campus.

The College are looking for a senior side to use the ground, which will be on the same site as the running track, possibly with Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club, who play on Sundays. Almondsbury Town chairman Bob Jenkins stressed that negotiations were only in the early stages and nothing has been finalised, but the option is appealing as it would create good links with the College and the ground would satisfy their Southern League ambitions.

The Hellenic Premier League outfit have been told to leave their clubhouse by May 31 next year by their Oaklands Park landlords, the Gloucestershire FA, who are turning it into a conference and training centre for referees and physios. However, they have been granted a lease to use the ground next season and could continue playing at Oaklands Park in the Southern League should they go up this season.

Almondsbury have applied for promotion and everything must be in place by March 31 2009, so a decision on which ground they will be playing at next season will be made before then. Jenkins said: “Ideally, if we get the opportunity to move to the WISE Campus that will do nicely for the training facilities and everything else that goes with it. It’s a great catchment area and if we could have a decent side playing locally we could get decent gates. It’s down to time and whether we can get things sorted out. We need to have a lease in place but common sense says it’s better to see the one year out at Oaklands Park.”

Almondsbury are currently second in the Hellenic Premier Division under manager Richard Thompson, who guided Yate into the Southern League earlier this decade, and are four points behind league leaders Reading Town. “The main aim is to get promoted this year,” said Jenkins. “Richard has brought in decent players with Southern League experience so hopefully that will take us forward.”

Almondsbury only suffered their first league defeat at Witney United on December 15th, and the weather has taken its toll of fixtures over the Christmas period, but the side are looking to make up ground on the leaders. Though 10 points behind they have two games in hand over Reading Town. Thompson said: “I see it as a chance of bouncing back and let’s see if we can go on another 20 game unbeaten run. If we do that, we’ll be there or thereabouts.”

Almonds Blow - 27th November

Almondsbury Town manager Richard Thompson admits the departure of midfielder Brad Andrews (pictured) to Cinderford Town came as a blow.

The 29-year-old former Norwich City and Bristol City youngster quit Oaklands Park to team up with former Almonds boss Paul Weeks at the Southern League club.

Thompson said: "It's disappointing losing a player of Brad's calibre but we always knew someone would follow Paul to Cinderford. We've still got Paul Chenoweth, Nick Dunn, Simon Gilbert and Tony Davis competing for places in that department and it's up to them to take their opportunities."

Thompson, whose high-fliers take a break from league engagements to host Division One West side Cheltenham Saracens in the Bluefin Challenge Cup tomorrow, has drafted in former Clevedon Town centre-half Dale Peckham, as well as ex-Yate Town goalkeeper Lee Matthews as cover for the injured Stuart Jones.

Defender Released - 20th November

Premier Division title chasers Almondsbury Town, fresh from a superb 5-2 midweek FA Vase second-round victory at Christchurch, have released right-back Dave Biggs, who has returned to Welsh football with Taffs Well

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Midfielder Brad Andrews returns from suspension for tomorrow's match at mid-table Marlow, while left-back Danny Haines is nearing a comeback from injury.

Promotion Not Clouded - 14th November

Richard Thompson admits he will not allow the potential for an exciting FA Vase run cloud his desire to deliver promotion to Hellenic League high-fliers Almondsbury Town.

Thompson experienced three Vase semi-finals while a player with Mangotsfield United and Taunton Town, plus five quarter-final appearances. He also performed at Wembley with Torquay United in a 4-1 Sherpa Van defeat by Bolton 20 years ago.

Thompson, mindful a tricky second round hurdle presents itself in the shape of fifth-placed Wessex Premier Division side Christchurch in Dorset today, stressed: "While it would be great for the club to keep the run going in the Vase, the bigger picture is the league and winning promotion, and that is always my main focus."

Almonds are without the cup-tied Dave Anyinsah and Jason Wood but fellow attacker Ali Gibb returns.

New Signing Brings Impetus - 6th November

Richard Thompson believes new signing Jason Wood (pictured) can add even more impetus to his team's promotion challenge.

Thompson pounced on Wood the moment the winger became available following his release from Southern League Mangotsfield United. The Oaklands Park boss, whose team face a top-five clash at Binfield tomorrow, said: "I had Jason at Yate for two spells and once he's getting regular football he will be a real threat to defences."

Unbeaten Almonds closed the gap at the top to three points with a 5-0 thrashing of Fairford Town on Wednesday night.

Old Foe's Meet - 30th October

Richard Thompson (left) is relishing the prospect of taking on an "old foe" tomorrow as he plots three more points for his Almondsbury Town fliers. While Thompson admits to knowing precious little about visitors Ardley United, the new Oaklands Park chief knows all about his opposite number, former Newcastle United and Oxford United midfielder Kevin Brock. He explained: "Kev and I had many a battle in the Southern League while I was managing Yate and he was with Banbury. I've noticed he's taken a lot of ex-Banbury players with him to Ardley, not least their striker Troy Bryan, who scored a hat-trick last weekend (in a 5-2 win at Malmesbury). Maybe I've had the upper hand over Kevin down the years so he'll certainly be keen to upset us this weekend."

Despite being unbeaten 11 games into the season, including five wins on the bounce since Richard Thompson took over as manager, the Almonds are still six points adrift of the pacesetters with two games in hand. But with Reading amongst several other clubs to be involved in cup action this weekend, Almondsbury can finally close the gap.

Ardley are also amongst the division’s fancied sides though and Thompson knows what to expect as he comes up against former Banbury boss Kevin Brock, who he met many times while in charge of Yate. “First and foremost we have to win the game,” said Thompson. “It’s a chance to get a league fixture in and it’s vitally important to get a win to keep in touching distance with everything around us.”

Almondsbury are still third after the 1-0 win at Flackwell Heath last Saturday but Thompson felt his side weren’t quite firing on all cylinders. He said: “Maybe we were tense going into the game, if we believed in ourselves more we could have made it easier. We might be half looking over our shoulder waiting for a defeat to come along but maybe we don’t have to fear it. If we play as well as we can maybe it won’t come along but this Saturday’s game against Ardley will be another tough one.”

Former Yate striker Dean Griffiths (right) scored the only goal of the game, his first for the club, three minutes into the second half. Now fully recovered from a hand injury, Griffiths was playing his second full 90 minutes for Almondsbury following last week’s 2-0 win over Berkeley Town in the Gloucestershire Challenge Trophy. “He gives us a different option up front,” said Thompson. “He worked extremely hard, scored the goal, caused problems for defenders and made things happen, so long may that continue.”

Almonds Moves - 17th October

Richard Thompson's Almondsbury Town overhaul has intensified with two new signings and a departure.

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The new Oaklands Park manager has signed centre-forward Dean Griffiths (left) from Tiverton Town, while former Bristol City Academy and Forest Green Rovers wide man Ross Stearn (right) has been recruited to pep up his attacking options. Thompson has, however, lost the services of striker Adam Cole, who is expected to move to Western League football.

The Almondsbury boss knows all about his latest additions. Griffiths, who is unavailable for today's trip to Bicester Town because of a hand injury, featured regularly up front for him during their latter days at Yate Town together, while Ross' father Nigel Stearn is another one-time Lodge Road favourite.

Thompson said of the duo: "They're great acquisitions. People have said Dean's attitude is not all it could be at times but he has always been fine for me. He's strong with good pace and gets goals, while Ross is only 19 and looking for a good platform to get his career off the ground."

New Keeper In Place - 9th October

Richard Thompson, the new manager of FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division club Almondsbury Town, is relishing making his mark at Oaklands Park.

The ex-Yate Town supremo has drafted in trusty former assistant Lee Barlass in a "flexible role" as his number two, while another former Lodge Road stalwart, Paul Chenoweth, is enjoying player-coach status.

Now, hot on the heels of new signings Chris Williams, Nick Dunn, Mike Whittington and David Anyinsah, comes goalkeeper Stewart Jones. The 32-year-old Bristolian has been recruited as a replacement for Ben John, who could be teaming up with his former Almonds` boss Paul Weeks at Zamaretto League Division One South & West side Cinderford Town.

Jones (pictured) has had spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton, Doncaster Rovers, Weston-super-Mare and Mangotsfield United, but more recently has been content to keep goal for Suburban League side St Aldhelms

Substantial List For Almonds Job - 18th September

Almondsbury Town chiefs will commence the interviewing process next week as the race to replace Paul Weeks intensifies.

With the future of the Hellenic League high-fliers shrouded in doubt, prospective managers will be seeking assurances that the Oaklands Park outfit have the facilities in place to strike out for the Southern League – even if they have to relocate.
Almonds have been told they must vacate the clubhouse by May 31 next year in order that their landlords, the Gloucestershire FA, can transform it into a conference and training centre for referees and physios. While ambitious Town would still be allowed to use the pitch to host fixtures, the absence of a clubhouse would undoubtedly scupper any promotion prospects.

Chairman Bob Jenkins (pictured) and his board are sifting through "a substantial" list of applications to find a replacement for Weeks, who has been appointed Cinderford Town's new supremo. Jenkins admitted: "It's going to be tough finding someone to fill Paul's shoes because he did a great job. There has been no shortage of applications and I'm hoping to have someone in place to take charge of our FA Cup match with AFC Totton on Saturday week."

Weeks said: "It's a massive wrench to leave Almondsbury, but I want to better myself, and obviously the uncertainty over the ground was one factor in my decision." Paul Milsom, Chris Parsons, Shaun Bond, Martyn Grimshaw and Richard Thompson are some of the names which have been linked with the vacancy. In the meantime, Almonds director of football Jon Haile, and club captain Danny Haines, take charge for tomorrow's FA Vase second qualifying round clash with Cowes Sports on the Isle of Wight.

Weeks Moves To Cinderford - 8th September

The following statement was lifted from Cinderford Town FC Web Site this afternoon, Brian King has subsequently spoken to Dave Jones, secretary of Almondsbury Town who assures him that Paul Weeks will be at the helm for the FA CUP 1st Qualifying Round tie against Yate Town on Saturday but sadly it would seem that will be the last match under the 'Weeks' regime at Almondsbury Town.

CINDERFORD TOWN’S NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the football club’s new management team is Paul Weeks and Steve Peters. They come to us with a wealth of experience with a proven track record.

Paul Weeks
Paul’s previous clubs : QPR, Yate Town, Radstock Town, Corsham Town and Bitten and lastly 3 successful years as keeper of Cinderford Town. Paul was appointed as club manager of Almondsbury Town in 2005 and has achieved a fifth place, fourth place and second place finish in his 3 full seasons with the club. They have also appeared in 3 cup finals under Paul’s tenure and that’s including last season’s cup win.

Steve Peters
Steve’s previous clubs : Southampton, Torquay United, Tiverton Town and Yate Town and lastly his beloved Bristol Rovers. Steve was appointed assistant manager to Paul in 2008 and has also achieved a UEFA B badge in coaching.
We at the cub would like to take this opportunity of wishing both Paul & Steve a long and successful tenure's with Cinderford Town football club.

Praise For Squad - 4th September

AlmondsburyTown boss Paul Weeks has praised his depleted squad for their undefeated start to the season.

John Lock became the latest to join the growing list of Oaklands Park crocks when he twisted an ankle in a work accident, sidelining him for the 2-2 midweek stalemate with Shortwood United. With fellow centre-back Steve Peters and left-back Danny Haines also out, not to mention several other absentees, Weeks has had plenty of early problems to contend with.

But Almonds, who entertain Kidlington tomorrow, have been lifted by a run of three wins and two draws and Weeks said: "To get a point at Shortwood, who are title favourites in many people's books, was a fantastic achievement with so many good players missing. Because we're never fielding a settled side we're not firing on all cylinders, but the players' work rate and fitness levels are seeing us through."

Almonds Coup - 21st August

Almondsbury Town have pulled off a significant coup with the capture of ex-professional player Ali Gibb.

The versatile right-sided former Bristol Rovers and Bath City flier, 33, made his debut for Almonds in Wednesday night's 2-1 home victory over Pegasus Juniors, having finally shaken off a long-standing ankle condition that wrecked his Twerton Park stint. Gibb decided to call time on his 16-year prefessional career in April last year at the age of 32. His career took him to Norwich, Northampton, Stockport, Bristol Rovers, Hartlepool and Notts County.

Manager Paul Weeks said: "Having Ali with us is a real bonus but the truth is he could have continued playing at a higher level. The reason he dropped down is purely down to his work commitments in the financial sector. Nevertheless I was delighted when he got in touch with us; he showed in midweek he still has quality and the challenge for him, and us, will be how well he adjusts to this level."

Unbeaten Almonds face a tough trip to Ardley United tomorrow boosted by the return of Casey Johnson, Danny Wixes and John Lock to the squad.