End Of Season Celebrations - 16th May

Ardley United players, management and officials enjoyed a day at the races on May 8th to celebrate a successful season which culminated in the winning of the Bluefin Insurance League Cup.

Not for the first time this season Ardley made their way to Ascot, however this time it was to the racecourse and not the Ascot United ground. Stopping at the Bull at Bisham en route for a belated breakfast, players from both the first and reserve squads were thanked for their efforts this season as were the small band of dedicated backroom staff without whom no club would function.

Reserve team manager John Prpa summed up their first season in Division One and presented trophies for Player of the Season and Managers Player both of which were won by Liam Godin.

For the first team, Troy Bryan was Kevin Brocks' choice for Managers Player of the Year and the same player was voted Players Player by his team mates. The Spectators Player Award went to Jordan Ayris.

The whole party then proceeded to Ascot where the day passed all too swiftly. On arrival back at Ardley the celebrations continued well into the evening at the Fox & Hounds pub before everyone went their separate ways until the start of pre-season training which will no doubt be upon us before we know it!

Image: Norman Stacey, Troy Bryan, Kevin Brock

The Celebrations Start - 5th May

Ardley returned to the Oxford Road club house to carry on the celebrations after lifting the Bluefin Hellenic League Challenge Cup on Monday evening.

Saturday the May 8th will see more celebrations, when 35 players and committee are off to Ascot Races. Stopping off for breakfast at the Bull at Bisham Abbey, where presentations will take place.

The season has been long and hard but rewarding. Seventh place in the Hellenic League Premier Division table, League Cup champions, and Troy Bryan the leading goalscorer in the Division.

Will United Turn The Blankets?- 18th March

Ardley United will be playing at Witney United’s Polythene UK Stadium on Saturday hoping to get a result against the other United.

Over the past three seasons the sides have met on eight previous occasions in League and Cup competition. At the moment its honours even, United (Ardley) winning three, United, (Witney) three, and two drawn games. Both clubs have won five and lost three in league competition since the start of the New Year, with the ‘Blanketmen’ logging three drawn fixtures against United's, Ardley that is, one. For spectators it should be a cracking game to take in, kick off is 3pm.

"Elvis" Returns - 15th March

Having signed on for Ardley in the close season, but playing for Didcot Town in the Zamaretto Premier Division for the majority of it, Jason "Elvis" Costello is back at Oxford Road hopefully assisting the side to have a successful end to the season.

Costello is a big favourite with the Didcot fans, and played in many of the teams matches this season. Though in defence, basically out of position for a striker!.

With 15 games left in the season "Elvis" has a decent chance to get back on the score sheet with United. With an average of one goal in three games last year he has a possibility of scoring at least five on that record.

Gordon Returns Home - 10th December

Leon Gordon was tempted away from his much loved Ardley United, by the offer of higher level football in the Zamaretto League with Abingdon United. He stressed on his departure that he was not going to sit on the bench week after week and was looking for regular football .

Despite scoring a hat trick in his only full 90 minutes of football, he found himself relegated once again to a few minutes on the pitch. A call to Kevin Brock assured him of a return to Ardley, and he will be in the squad for Saturday's tough encounter at Wantage Town.

Ardley Chairman Norman Stacey stated."Managers from higher levels appear to be happy to entice players to their club, only for them to assist in warming the bench week after week. The expenses may be higher but commitment and lack of football need to be carefully considered by anyone contemplating such a move."

Ex - Ardley Boys Doing Well - 27th November

Shows what strength Ardley has to offer. One ex-player scored a hat-trick for his debut with a Zamaretto League club on Monday night, and another is holding his place playing football two steps above.

Abingdon United’s new striker Leon Gordon may have to be satisfield with a place on the bench when they host Division 1 South & West leaders Windsor & Eton tomorrow.

The former Ardley United frontman, who moved up a league level this month signing for the Zamaretto League club, scored a hat-trick on his debut in Monday’s 3-1 Red Insure League Cup win at Beaconsfield, but his new boss Andy Slater has not decided on the line-up for Saturday.

“He gives us another option upfront with his pace,” said Slater, whose side are fifth in the table. “We will see whether he makes his league debut, but he has done his chances no harm at all. You can’t really do any more than score a hat-trick on your debut.”

Another "ex-player" doing well, two league levels above, is "Elvis". Though Elvis (aka Jason Costello) is signed on the Hellenic League register as an Ardley player, he has been plying his trade this season with Didcot Town in the Zamaretto Premier League.

The Didcot Town secretary commented. " Jason quickly became a favourite with the crowd, and has featured in the majority of Towns' games this season. Football at this level is a not only a new experience for Jason, it is also a new experience for the club (Didcot were promoted last season). We are up against some very strong sides, and it's a learning curve for both the club and the team. Costello has not been overawed by the jump in competition, and is playing his part, along with the others, in Didcot's quest to establish the club at this level".

Edwards Nets At Ardley- 3rd August

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Ardley’s pitch was converted into a wedding venue when Goal Keeper Steve Edwards married Charlotte Hughes, and held their wedding reception in a marquee erected on the pitch. The Ardley groundsman although concerned gave his blessing for the reception to take place and a good time was enjoyed by all.

Although Steve had made many great saves at Ardley, it is believed this was the first time he had scored at the ground.

They're Off! - 4th June

The club presentation evening took place on Friday 29th May at Oxford Greyhound Stadium. Two hospitality boxes provided the setting for a hot meal, plenty of liquid refreshment , and one or two winners on the track.

Presentations and speeches took place after dinner, with Adam Garner (left) picking up the first team Managers, and Players player trophies, and Jason Costello (right) lifting the supporters trophy.

Ardley's Division Two West championship winning reserve side were congratulated, with Jason Prpa picking up the players player and Joe Ewers the Managers player awards.

The evening was well received by everyone, and players were last seen departing to Oxford searching for a late night!

Pre-season friendlies have now been arranged starting mid July.

18th July Bedworth town (home)
21st July Oxford City (home)
23rd July Banbury United (home)
28th July Daventry (away)
8th August Woodford (away)

We are still seeking away friendlies for the 1st and 4th of August.

Training will commence on June 30th - All welcome.