More Referee Promotions - 22nd April

Following on from news earlier in the month that former Hellenic 'whistler' John Busby has been promoted to the 'middle' of 'Conference National' more good news on the Referee front was advised yesterday.

Current Hellenic Premier Division Referee's Danny Leach, Adrian Piggott and Kevin Howick have all received letters from the FA inviting them onto the National list of Contributory Referee's for next season. This will mean moving onto the middle of the Isthmian and Southern League Competitions. The good news for the threesome does not end there as Kevin Howick has been selected by the Hellenic League to referee the 1st Leg of the A M Print & Copy Floodlit Cup Final at Reading Town on Thurday 22nd April whilst Adrian Piggott will be in the 'middle' for the 2nd Leg at Shortwood United on Tuesday 4th MAY, both legs kick off 7.45PM. The day before on MONDAY 3rd MAY Danny Leach will referee the Bluefin Hellenic Challenge Cup Final at Wantage Town, kick off 3PM when Ardley United face Division One WEST side Slimbridge.

Former Hellenic Club To Find New Ground - 18th April

Former Hellenic League club Badshot Lea will not play at Cherrywood Road next season after being priced out by Zamaretto League Premier Division landlords Farnborough.

Badshot Lea moved their first team to Cherrywood Road in season 2007/8 which enabled them to gain promotion from Hellenic League Division One East to the Hellenic Premier Division. The following season the club elected to play in the Combined Counties League which offered them more localised football.

Badshot chairman Mark Broad confirmed this week that his Combined Counties League outfit were actively seeking a new base, with completion on their own new permanent ground still some way off. “I’ve got seven weeks to sort it out and get a signed contract with the league over a suitable groundshare to secure the future of our club,” he said. “I’ve got some irons in the fire. There’s more than one but I can’t disclose who they are.”

Focusing on the reasons for leaving Farnborough, Badshot Lea's home for the past three seasons since leaving the village’s recreation ground, Broad explained it was down to cost. “Farnborough have put a figure to us which we feel is more than we’re prepared to spend. It’s a business decision and I accept that.”

But Broad admitted his club owed a debt of thanks to the Zamaretto League promotion-chasers, saying: “Without them we wouldn’t be where we are today. Tony Theo and Simon Hollis have enabled us to get to the level we are now.”

Coach Looking For Position - 16th April

Highly qualified Football Coach seeking an opportunity to join an Hellenic League club in a coaching capacity. Enrique is highly recommended by Football Development staff of the Oxfordshire FA If able to offer an opportunity please contact Enrique direct by phone or e-mail. CV and contact details download.

Registrations & Transfers Final Week - 4th April

Transfer deadline day arrived on Wednesday 31st March with just one completed transaction. Another couple were submitted but did not meet the requirement of Rule by the 5pm cut off time.

Final player regsitartion figures equate to:

Who's Got Fixture Problems? - 1st April

For those who knock the Hellenic League fixtures arrangements, perhaps the remainder of the fixtures for Southern League Division One South & West club VT FC, will open the knockers eyes. 14 games in 24 days to be completed.

Thursday 01 April 2010
VT FC v Cambridge City (League Cup 1st Leg)
Saturday 03 April 2010
AFC Totton v VT FC
Monday 05 April 2010
VT FC v Andover
Tuesday 06 April 2010
Andover v VT FC
Thursday 08 April 2010
VT FC v Mangotsfield United
Saturday 10 April 2010
VT FC v North Leigh
Monday 12 April 2010
Cambridge City v VT FC (League Cup 2nd Leg)
Wednesday 14 April 2010
VT FC v Cirencester Town
Saturday 17 April 2010
Taunton Town v VT FC
Sunday 18 April 2010
VT FC v Bridgwater Town 3.00
Tuesday 20 April 2010
VT FC v Uxbridge
Thursday 22 April 2010
Thatcham Town v VT FC
Saturday 24 April 2010
VT FC v Cinderford Town

And a postponed game from Tuesday 30th which was called off through weather condition, Windsor & Eton v VT FC, still to be allocated.

"Official's 'Buzzin' - 1st April

Great news for former Hellenic League referee John Busby, who has been promoted as a Referee to Level 2 and will be doing his stuff on the Conference National next season as well as operating as a Football League Assistant Referee.

This is a great achievement for John who was promoted from the Hellenic League list just four season's ago and as you can imagine he is "over the moon" as he looks forward to a very busy end of season. "Buzzer", an ex-Abingdon Boys, and for a short time Milton United youth team player, started refereeing when his then football manager asked him to undertake a referee course when he was14 years old, because he felt it would benefit John to have a better understanding of the laws of the game. Busby states. "I often became frustrated as a player, and became quite vocal at times towards the Referee!."

It will be a couple of weeks wait for those on the current HL Referee's List (Level 4) to see who gets the call for promotion to Level 3 and Referee appointments in the middle of the Southern and Isthmian League's etc. Brian King has had bets on some!

Hard Work Recognised - 29th March

The inspections of grounds are being undertaken for persons nominated to the FA as having worked very hard in trying situations, especially this season to maintain the playing surface of their individual clubs. Only three clubs in the Hellenic League responded and the submissions were made to the FA with suitable comments from the Hellenic League.

Two clubs in the Premier Division were nominated, Martin Baker of Kidlington and Mark Webb the secretary and Groundsman of Shortwood United. There were no submissions received from Division One West clubs.

Division One East had one club nominated and Ron Renton the recently appointed Chairman of Milton United e-mailed the League Office to report on the nomination. Ron stated: "Everybody involved with Milton United were pleased that our groundsperson Marina Horsman was one of the three nominated for the FA Award of "Groundsperson Of The Year" for the Hellenic League. The judging has recently taken place and we all wish her the best of luck."

To all three 'Groundspersons' congratulations on your nomination, we all await the outcome of the visits and more importantly the results.

Veterans Charity Match - 26th March

The Hellenic League Annual Veteran's Charity Match will take place on Sunday 28th March at Clanfield's Radcot Road Ground when the League Veterans Squad organised by John Daly will take on a Clanfield Legends side organised by Peter Osborne.The kick off is at 2pm and spectators will be made very welcome.

Proceeds from the match will go to the fundraising campaigns for Help 4 Heroes and The British Heart Foundation.
Hellenic League Veterans (from); Nigel Jenkin(Carterton); Sean Case(Chippy Old Boys); Paul Tanner(Chippy Old Boys); Mark Gorton(Chippy Old Boys); John McDonough(Chippy Old Boys); Richard Chiumento(Witney Royals); Dicky Knight(Old Hooky); Jason Brizzell(Wantage); Dave Southam(Kidlington); Chris Jones(OCC Veterans); Micky Ellaway(Chippy Old Boys); Steve McKenzie(Chippy Old Boys)

Clanfield Legends(from);Paul Woolford; John Mason; Dave Hunt; Shaun Miller; LeeKilfoyle; Liam Walsh; Jason Court; Chris Hunt; Davie Hamill; Peter Osborne; Rupert McFarlane; Alan Howard; Steve Hanham; Alan Frost; Colin Jordan; Marc Bowles;

Matches Abandoned - 26th March

ReadingTown and Flackwell Heath were involved in an abandoned match on Tuesday evening that League General Manager Brian King became involved with and he wasn't at the match. Flackwell Heath were leading 1-0 when Reading Town defender Michael Buck went into a challenge with sub Gavin Mernagh who suffered a serious injury that required attendance of the medical services.

The Hellenic League is waiting for reports from the two clubs and the Match Referee to allow the matter to be discussed and for a decision to be resolved regarding the outcome of the abandoned match.

On Wednesday evening the Veteran’s match at Kidlington was abandoned when, former Aston Villa and Leicester City, player Garry Parker suffered a serious injury in a tackle with an Oxford City Vet’s player.

Again reports have been requested from both clubs and the Match Referee to allow adjudication on this matter.

Clubhouse Management Workshop - 21st March

Are you getting the most out of your clubhouse? Bucks Sport are running a clubhouse management workshop to support clubs on the 6th May at Amersham and Chiltern Rugby Club.Link for details

Chairmans Reserves Challenge Cup - 18th March

The draw for the Semi-Final ties of the 'Chairman's Cup was made yesterday in the League Office and resulted in the following:

Semi Final 1st Leg
Binfield or Cheltenham Saracens v Hungerford Town
Highworth Town v Finchampstead

Semi Final 2nd Leg
Hungerford Town v Binfield or Cheltenham Saracens
Finchampstead v Highworth Town

Dates of fixtures yet to be confirmed.

Registration / FA Competition Deadline - 15th March

Clubs are reminded that no players may be registered for or transferred in The Hellenic League after 5.00pm on Wednesday 31 March 2010. Hard copies of transfer and registration documents must be received by the deadline, faxed or email copies WILL NOT be accepted.

The FACup Vase & Youth Cup Competitions - Season 2010-2011

Application Forms are now available on TheFA.com under the link below – please ensure you obtain and complete the form and submit to the FA Competitions Department by the due date. If you have not entered FA Competitions previously now is the time to deal with this matter.

Clubs with Floodlit systems are able to enter the FA Vase if playing in the Premier, One East or West. Clubs that have played in the FA Vase in the current season are eligible to enter the FA Cup, Premier Division clubs receive entry by right as a Step 5 Club. One East & West clubs entry will depend on final league position this season.

The closing date for entry is Thursday 1 April 2010. www.thefa.com/TheFACup/CompetitionAdministration.aspx

Transfers last week

Player Registrations & Transfers - 7th March

Details of recent transfers and registration totals.

Transfers – Period from 21st February to 5th March

Bluefin Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup - 25th February

The draw for the Quarter Final Ties was made on Tuesday evening in the League Office with some interesting ties being made.
 
Abingdon Town or Eton Wick v Shortwood United or Shrivenham
Almondsbury Town v Oxford City or Wantage Town
Ardley United v Reading Tn 
Slimbridge v Witney United or Woodley Town

Level 3 Course - 17th February

Please note the Level 3 Treatment and Management of Injury has been arranged to start on Friday 5th March. This course is open to all who have attained the Level 2 qualification.

There are very few Level 3 courses being arranged, and this course arranged by the Wiltshire FA, provides an opportunity to enhance your current knowledge. If you require any further details please contact Course Administrator, Adrian Riddiford, Cornerstones, Lower Littleworth, Amberley, Stroud, Glos, GL5 5AW.  Tel. 01453 872489. E-Mail: adrian.riddiford@low-littleworth.demon.co.uk

Web Master, Patrick Horsman has reported on the club submissions for the second quarter of the incentive package to encourage clubs to keep their Program details up to date. Also included in the Web Master Incentive package was submission of Match Reports together with regular reports on club news & happenings.
The second period under scrutiny ended on 31st January and the results from that period are detailed below with the TOP FIVE in each Division for period ONE & TWO

Unfortunately a number of clubs have failed to support this funded initiative with a number of clubs not making any submission of Match Reports, Club News or updated their Match Program Player Details at all;
THREE PREMIER Division Clubs
SIX ONE EAST Division Clubs
FIVE ONE WEST Division Clubs
The winners of each Divisional award in the THREE periods; Aug to Oct, Nov to Jan & Feb to April in each Division will receive club funding to the level of £125 for each period. This, in itself equates to £1125 and on top of this there are seasonal achievement awards that should bring the total funding to approx £2000.
You have to be in it – to win it

PREMIER DIVISION TOP FIVE

ONE EAST TOP FIVE

ONE WEST TOP FIVE

Transfers – Period from 7th to 12th February

Player Misconduct to 30th January 2010 - 8th February

Thankfully there has been some football played in the past couple of weeks after five weeks with little progress on the playing front.
Listed below are the overall reported misconduct stats for all matches played in Hellenic Competitions to Saturday 30th January with the exception of reports still awaiting receipt from a few referees.
Shown are the current stats for this season and also last season. However, to allow a view on the compatibility of last season against this season one needs to be aware of the percentage of the season’s matches played – these are:

This season the percentage played is 3.21% less than at the same time last season. Therefore projecting a 3.21% upturn on this season would increase the current season’s totals to: Cautions 2062 + 66 = 2128  Sent Off   172 + 5   =   177

Overall not a great deal of change throughout the Hellenic League, but with any statistics you can make of them what you wish. This asks the question is the FA Respect Programme working?

Player Transfers - 8th February

Transfer movement last week.

Registrations & Transfers - 1st February

Latest player registration totals for the season so far, and transfer movement last week.

Registrations & Transfers - 25th January

Latest player registration totals for the season so far, and transfer movement last week.

Supplementary Cup Suspended - 15th January

With the fifth consecutive weekend with mass fixture postponements the Hellenic League Executive has reluctantly agreed to suspend the playing of the Supplementary Challenge Cup this season. This will allow a further degree of flexibility in fixture re-arranging to the present seasons end date in late April

The fixtures in the competition that are planned for Saturday 23rd January are now cancelled. An updated fixture program for 23rd January will be issued on Sunday 17th January when the knock-on effect of this weekend's postponements will have been clarified and acted upon. All teams are considered available for matches except those playing in County Cup ties that have been re-arranged for 23rd January and take precedence over Hellenic Competitions.

King Wades Into Press Comments - 15th January

Hellenic League General Manager Brian King has waded into the recent comments by The Swindon Advertiser regarding fixtures, and states that the current campaign is still very much on track.

King was reacting to suggestions written by the Advertiser last week, which alleged that several managers across the region were concerned with a potential fixture pile-up in the latter months of the season. Denying the theory that clubs may be forced to play a condensed bulk of games in the final weeks of the term. In a printed response in the Swindon Advertiser, King comments. “We’ve had five weekends wiped out totally so far, and this weekend is likely to add to that. But up to the end of December we have almost met the target of completing 50 per cent of the league fixtures. That means that currently no club is going to have to play more than two games per week, although we have the flexibility to fit in a third game. We would never ask a side to play for than three games within a seven-day period.”

The league supremo also quashed intimations that the schedule’s start date could be brought forward from midweek.
Highworth Town manager, Dave , had told the Advertiser last week that he, apparently like many bosses in the area, would like to see the season kick off on a Saturday rather than a Tuesday. King insisted that such a decision could be reached by a vote at the league’s annual meeting, but so far no such suggestions had been forthcoming from club officials. “We are governed by the dates set at the AGM and clubs are at liberty to put alternatives forward, but no one has,” he said. "This has been explained to the clubs twice, a major impact occurs because of the FA Cup starting earlier now with the extra preliminary rounds."

“I can understand the comments Dave Webb made, but a lot of club officials, by which I mean the chairmen and secretaries, are quite happy with it and I have had no adverse comments. Whether they pass the message down the food chain I don’t know.”

King was quick to admonish the idea that an additional matchday in the summer months would lighten the load during the winter. “It’s easy to say that the season should start earlier,” he said. “But if we look at doing this, before long we will end up with one season ending and the next starting within a matter of weeks. The players need a break to recharge their batteries, the managers to come down from the highs they may have been on during the season and we need it for the administrative aspects.”

Weekend Fixtures Cancelled - 14th January

The recent additional snowfall Tuesday/Wednesday has exacerbated an already poor situation for matches being played this weekend. The Berks & Bucks FA has already called off all County Cup ties scheduled for 16th January. These will now be re-fixtured for 23rd January.

In view of the current weather status with snow still covering most of the geographical area of the Hellenic League the Executive Officers have agreed that play is extremely unlikely this weekend. If already laying snow melts we will be faced with very wet pitches that could cause much damage to the playing surface at a time when we can well do without further postponement problems.

Accordingly all fixtured Hellenic Cup & League matches for 16th January are postponed. Matches will be re-dated and clubs will be advised of new dates via the usual amendment list issue. FA and County FA cup matches are, of course, subject to the regulations pertaining to the individual competition.

List No 034, which covers matches postponed during the present week will be issued later today. The unfortunate knock-on effect is that further league matches later this month have been re-dated.

Fixtures - 7th January

Following the e-mail instruction issued to Member Clubs earlier this week regarding fixtures for this coming weekend further discussion has taken place today, with a further decision being taken regarding present conditions:

"With the temperature on Wednesday night falling to well below freezing and the FIVE Day outlook not seeming to predict any change in the present weather pattern the Hellenic League Executive has agreed to POSTPONE all of it's arranged League & Cup fixtures for SATURDAY 9th JANUARY".

This does not include any COUNTY CUP Competitions, postponement in respect of these matches are the responsibility of the respective County FA. However, were such cup ties are postponed please advise the Hellenic League Office accordingly. It will be anticipated that such fixtures will revert to the following weekend Saturday 16th January

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Weather Problems - 5th January

Following mid-day pitch inspections Tuesday evening's matches. Kidlngton v Wantage Town, Premier Division and Marlow United v Farnborough Reserves in the 'Bluefin Challenge Cup have been postponed.

This is not really surprising as pitches have been frozen for a few days now. The Gloucester Challenge Trophy tie, Cheltenham Saracen's v Almondsbury Town scheduled for Wednesday 6th has been postponed to the following week on 13th January.

With the weather forecast looking very bleak the outlook of football this weekend must be considered to be very doubtful and with the current weather predictated to continue into next week it is also anticipated that midweek matches next Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the balance.

Instructions have been issued to HL clubs regarding this weekends matches and early inspection of facilities though it is possible that further instructions will be issued later in the week.

Updates will be posted on the HL Web Site and Football Mitoo will be updated as decisions are made regarding fixtures.

With the ongoing weather problems and numerous Match Postponements it is opportune to remind Club Official's of the need to update match based suspension details to their County FA and Hellenic League as required by the FA Match based regulations.

Whilst a number of HL clubs correctly and properly submit FA Form D56 a number of clubs, it would appear, do not comply with this requirement. Accordingly,all club secretaries have been sent an updated Form D56 for use.

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Transfers & Discipline Tables - 3rd January

Transfer movement for week ending January 1st and club discipline tables for December.

Registrations & Transfers- 20th December

Player Transfers - week to 18th December

Transfers - Period from 7th to 11th December

Discipline League Tables - End November 2009

FA Carlsberg Vase - 4th Round Draw- 8th December

Congratulations to both Shortwood United & Witney United, who both came through tough ties on Saturday to reach the last 32 of the FA Vase. The draw for the 4th Round, now on a national basis, has been kind to Shortwood United, who have another home tie, unfortunately against Barwell the present leaders of the 'Aspire Midland Alliance, who are unbeaten in 19 league matches this season conceeding just FIVE goals.

Witney United are on the road for their tie and will travel to meet New Mills of the 'Vodkat North West Counties League' Premier Division. New Mills are currently second in their competition and have lost two of 18 League matches this season.

The best wishes of all go with both clubs in their endeavour to reach the last 16 of the competition, ties are scheduled to be played on Saturday 16th January.

Transfers- 6th December

Transfers- 29th November

Transfers- 22nd November

FA VASE 3rd Round Proper - 16th November

To be played Saturday 5th December
Shortwood have been drawn at home to either Redhill or Shoreham who both play in Division 1 of the Sussex League. Shoreham are currently 3rd and Redhill 8th.

Should Carterton triumph at Beckenham they face a visit to Tiptree, Flackwell Heath host the winners of the Wroxham and Halstead Town 2nd Round tie.

Witney United has secured another home tie and will play the winners of Saturday’s postponed match between Christchurch and Almondsbury Town.

See full draw at:
http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFAVase/Fixtures.aspx

Transfers- 15th November
Period from 26th October to 13th November

Hellenic League Cup Draws - 8th November

The draw was made this morning for the next rounds of the Bluefin Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup, Soccer Kits Plus Supplementary Cup and Chairman's Reserve Challenge Cup - all games to be played November 28th unless indicated.

Bluefin Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup 2nd Round Draw

Soccer Kits Plus Supplementary Cup Preliminary Round

Chairman's Reserve Challenge Cup 2nd Round

The Player Registrations keep on coming a further 78 players being registered taking the number of registered players to 3365. With a further Twelve Transfers during the week taking the total to 80 so far this season.

Player Transfers Last Week - 11th October

Floodlit Cup Draw - 10th October

The draw for the 2nd Round of the AM Print & Copy Hellenic Floodlit Cup was made on Friday.

Ties to be played week commencing - 9th November

Henley Town v Pegasus Juniors
Highworth Town v Shortwood United
Holyport v Binfield
Kidlington v Almondsbury Town
Milton United v Witney United
Old Woodstock Town v Ardley United
Reading Town v Abingdon United
Wantage Town v Thame United

Registrations - 4th October

Another busy week of Registrations with the total number rising to 3194 from 3059

Twelve Player Transfers, making the total 59 so far this season.

Transfer & Registrations - 27th September

Milton United have been busy on the transfer front this week securing players from Newbury FC and Finchampstead.

Registrations
Total registered has risen from 2974 to 3059 with another six player transfers, making the total 47 for the season so far.
Registered Players 2009 – 2010

Blast from the Past - 27th September

Andy Meaden, of AM Print, e-mailed the League office with a copy of the team sheet from the 2001 fixture between Fairford Town & Carterton who played at Cinder Lane yesterday. It would seem most of the players from both teams have either moved on or retired. For Fairford only Lee Clark is likely to feature this weekend, Carterton fair slightly better with Gary Smales, Kevin Lewis & Mark Threlfall named in the games line-up.

Interestingly enough the referee for the 2001 game was Simon Hoope (pictured) of Swindon who is now strutting his stuff at more luxurious surroundings.

No game on Saturday as he is 4th Official, live on Sky on Sunday for the Championship game at Home Park, between Plymouth Argyle and Nottingham Forest. Next Tuesday evening he takes charge of Cardiff City v Derby County in the Championship. Another example of a Hellenic League referee done good!

Registrations & Transfers - 20th September

Total registered has risen to 2974 with 41 Player Transfers having been made since the start of season. Veterans’ Registrations are included with 337 players registered from 15 clubs so far.

Transfers

Registrations & Transfers - 13th September

Total registered has risen to 2601 with 34 Player Transfers having been made since the start of season. Next week’s figures will include Veteran’s Registrations which are being made ready for the Vet’s League kick off next Wednesday.

Transfers this week

Player Misconduct to 2nd September

Registrations - 7th September

With Reserve football starting last weekend it has been very busy with Player Registrations, with almost 200 more players being registered by 3pm Friday 4th September.

Transfers this week

Discipline Warning! - 6th September

The Hellenic League has recently been notified by The FA of numerous player suspensions, most as a result of incidents in local league and Hellenic Reserve football towards the end of last season. These offences carry suspensions based on weeks not matches and you are therefore urged to check your current registered players on the Football Mitoo data base to ensure that you do not field an ineligible player. Most of the suspensions started on Monday 31 August. If any player who is suspended plays in a match, even if he claims not to have received notification, both he and the club will be responsible and could lead to point’s deduction or removal from cup competitions and a substantial fine – and further suspension for the player. All players listed as suspended on football mitoo have been suspended by the County FA of the club for whom they were playing and any queries should be addressed to the CFA and not the Hellenic League.

FA Level Two Therapist Courses - 14th August

Reading Town in conjunction with Berks & Bucks FA is arranging an FA Level Two 'Treatment & Management of Injuries' course.

The proposed course details is listed below, there will be a cost of £120.00 per student.

It is possible that the course will run over 4 weeks or longer, as there is a high degree of 'self learning' and until Roland Ford, Chairman of Reading Town has feedback as to who is interested and is able to canvas them about preference's the actual learning format may well be changed.

As every club in the Hellenic League is required to have someone at this level present for each match it is expected interest will be high. Therefore places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and restricted to 10 students. However, if there is a much greater interest perhaps we can arrange another training course.

Please pass on this information to anyone within your club who may be interested. People should contact Roland Fort direct on 07734 551002 or by e-mail roland.ford@hotmail.co.uk

Course Day 1 (Week 1) - Unit 1 - Basic Anatomy and Physiology GLH's = 5 hrs

Homework = 6 Hrs Unit 1 Additional Student led learning hours (ALH)

Course Day 2 (Week 2) - Unit 2 - Recognition of Injury GLH = 5 hrs

Homework = 6 Hrs Unit 2 ALH

Course Day 3 (Week 3) - Unit 3 - Basic Treatment & Management of Injury GLH = 7 hrs

Homework = 4 Hrs Unit 3 ALH
Course Day 4 (Week 4) - x10 30 minute Viva's and 45 minute Exam = ~ 6 Hrs

Course Debrief = 1 Hr