Team Manager Needed - 1st June

Hungerford Town are looking for a local manager/coach with local connections to help run the new A team.

Hungerford have already appointed Martin Crane a level 3 coach new to the area from Essex and are now looking to recruit a second manager to help with local connections and attract players. The new A team will be playing in the Hellenic Reserve Section next season and training will be taken by former Reading winger Michael Gilkes and Noel Hunt starting on the 24th June at the John O Gaunt School.
If you are interested in applying please contact Garry Cook on 07931311829.

Braidwood & Trumper Out Brizzell & Murray In! - 24th May

Jason Braidwood has stepped down from Hungerford Town Reserves to take some time out of football. Garry Cook acting quickly has brought in the experienced Jason Brizzell (pictured) as Assistant Manager and Jamie Murray as a third man to help out.

Cook said: "I have acted quickly to replace Nigel Trumper and Jason Braidwood by bringing in Jason Brizzell as my Assistant Manager and to help with coaching. I have known "Brizz" for years and he is very keen to get into management, he is currently undertaking his Level 2 coaching badges and also works for Swindon Town within their 'Coaching in the Community Project'. The lads respect him but more than anything he is a winner a man that hates to get beat and I know he will give it his all."

Cook continued "I have also brought in Jamie Murray to assist when his work commitments allow, I worked alongside him at Kintbury under Bobby Wilkinson and he is a great bloke. He will have the calming influence in the dressing room that 'Trumps' used to provide, he is also a Level 2 Coach, a born winner and knows Division One East well. To add these two to my backroom staff in Matt Robinson and goalkeeping coach Ian Hobbs, I feel we have already a great team in place. I am not going into this league just to make up the numbers, I have already spoke to 5 or 6 new players with Division One experience, plus all out guys from last years winning squad on board. With the Clubs' new code of conduct in place this will allow players to step up and down through the teams and make the three teams one club, something that was missing last year."

With regard to those leaving Cook commented; "I would also like to say how sad I am to see Nigel and Jason leave as they are both good friends and enjoyed there company so much last year they both worked hard for the club and are both top men in my eyes. I wish them well in whatever they go on to do next year and will keep in contact with them through Cricket, Thanks again lads."

Training will also start under new Head Coach Michael Gilkes on Tuesday 22nd June at the John O'Gaunt School with all three teams together.

Trumper Resigns - 20th May

Hungerford Town report Nigel Trumper has stood down as Reserves Manager after the appointment of Bobby Wilkinson and Michael Gilkes to the First Team.

Nigel is reported to have said: "I have left because of personal reasons between me and the club after the appointment of Bobby and Michael. I want to thank all the lads involved with the reserves last year after their tremendous season including their effort and success. I also want to thanks Garry, Jason, Nobby and Jamo for the support throughout the season and dedication to the club. After 14 years with the club this has been a hard decision for me to come to but the right one. I wish the Club every success in the coming season."

Trumper helped mastermind Hungerford to success as Reserve Division One champions last season the innaugural season for the newly reformed Reserves team.

Hungerford Presentation Evening - 16th May

Hungerford Town held their annual presentation night last week, special guests including the Mayor of Hungerford and his wife; Nigel Sands author and Chaplain of Crystal Palace FC; and many club Sponsors.

First Team:
Supporters Player Of The Year: Luke Brewer
Managers Player Of The Year: James Lewis
Players Player Of The Year: Scott Davis

Reserves:
Managers Player Of The Year: James Mandry
Players Player Of The Year: Shaun Thorp
Referee's Man Of The Match Award: Chris Collins

Club Awards:
Club Top Goalscorer: Shaun Thorpe
Young Player Of The Year: James Foster
Clubman Of The Year: Jim McCaferty & Mick Butler

Hungerford Sixes - 15th May

Hungerford Town report an excellent day in their sixes competition held last weekend and congratulations to Shrivenham for winning the cup for the first time since the 70's.

The weather just about held out for an excellent day of football seeing lots of local teams enter. Player of the Tournament was Hungerford Reserves 'A' Tom Melledew.

Well done to Hungerford reserves for making the final on the day even overcoming our first team in the quarter finals.

Image Shrivenham FC: BJ Twining,Scott Lane,Kevin Halliday,Tom Fila,TJ Bohane,Carl Porter,Rory Sproule

Well Done All - 20th April

Hungerford Town Reserves manager Garry Cook gives his thoughts on their inaugural season and thanks to the players and club.

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"Well Done to all the players for winning the league and showing what a great bunch of lads they have been all season. We started out on this road pretty much a year ago and said we wanted to win this league and gain possible promotion to Division One East and to form an "A Team" which would be with local players who want to play for HTFC and support their Club, this has now happened and we look forward to a Cup Semi Final first leg on Tuesday night."

"The boys have been great and have trained hard all season reaping the rewards for their efforts, seeing 20-25 players at a session and a golf day last week attracting 26 just shows their togetherness. All successful teams must have this, myself, Trumps and Jason have had fantastic support from a great chairman who gave us this chance and also Ken Holmes for his endless support.(Did I really sign on 68 players) Nobby for his 100% commitment, Hobbo with his hard work with the different keepers we have had. We have had Luke & Terry for their match day support and Jamo for being a top skipper all year round and the work he puts in behind the scenes, and anyone else I have forgotten. Now let’s make sure we go an win the League Cup to end this season on a real high, I speak on behalf of Jason and Trumps, who have passed on their thanks also."

Reserves Champions - 17th April

Hungerford Town Reserves were crowned Reserve Division One Champions on Thursday without even kicking a ball.

Finchampstead who had seven games left and if they had won all their games they could of pipped Town to the post. However near neighbours Wantage last night drew 3 - 3 with Finch and now Hungerford who still have two games left themselves can not be caught. Town are also in the League cup semi final playing at home in the first leg next Monday against Binfield and Hungerford remain favourites to lift the cup. Now the league is in the bag Hungerford can focus on the Cup and doing the double.

One Point For Title - 5th April

Hungerford Reserves edged closer to the Reserves Division One title on Saturday when they stretched their lead over Highworth to 14 points after defeating them 3-1 at Bulpit Lane.

This means that one more point is needed from their last three games to win the league title. Hungerford travel to bottom of the league Wootton Bassett on today and can secure the league title with a draw. This will be the first of two trophy's up for grabs with Hungerford also favorites to pick up the League Cup.

Will It Be Easter Celebrations? - 2nd April

Hungerford Reserves require four points from the next two games to secure the Reserves Division One title in their first season together and could be popping the champagne early as Bank Holiday Monday.

The Crusaders have remained top of the table throughout the season having lost only two league games, but have had Highworth breathing down their necks until recent times, when they dropped points drawing at Carterton leaving them 11 points behind Hungerford with only two games in hand.

Tomorrows game at Bulpit Lane welcomes Highworth Town in what is a must win game for both Highworth and Hungerford. If Hungerford win then they need just one point on Bank Holiday Monday. If Highworth win The Crusaders will need to win their remaining games to ensure the title.

Co-Manager Jason Braidwood has spoken about the weekend ahead: "I came to Hungerford late in the season, and taking nothing away from Garry Cook & Nigel Trumper, we have worked hard to be where we are in this league. From the outset we said we wanted to win the league and gain promotion to Division One East to compete against our neighbours Newbury Town and have led from day one. Tomorrows game is important for two reasons, firstly we need to win tomorrow and then a further point on Monday away to bottom of the table Wootton Bassett will win us the title, secondly we could very well meet Highworth in the Final of the league cup and if we can secure our second win against them tomorrow then we will psychologically have an advantage should we meet them in the Final."

Hungerford Reserves have done everything they said they would this season and with their Southern League first team not in contention for any silverware. The Reserves have a chance of bringing two trophy's back to The Town.

Level 2 Treatment Course- 18th March

Hungerford Town are looking to host a Level 2 Treatment & Management Sports Injuries course in the close season to allow for all clubs to have a qualified therapist ready for next season.

The cost will be approx £130-£160 and will also host the pre-requisites of emergency first aid and safeguarding of children if you don't have these already. To run this course Hungerford will need to understand what numbers would be interested in training course and if the uptake is good then the course can take place. All clubs playing in the Hellenic League require at least one person to hold this qualification as a minimum requirement.

If you are interested contact mattrobinson@hungerfordtownfootballclub.co.uk to register your interest.

Keeper Debut - 16th March

Tonights Hungerford Reserves game see's a debut for goalkeeper Jamie Lemmin who has recovered from Mumps, Steven Pope has been drafted in to bolster the defence, Darren Jones and Mark Jones return after struggling with knocks.

Club top goalscorers Benham 22 and Thorpe 30 are both looking to add to their tally's in Reserve Division One whilst Thorp is battling it out with Finchampstead's Lewis Frostick for league top goalscorer. Cook is said to be interested in aquiring Frostick next season to strengthen his squad and will be keeping an eye on the youngster who has struggled to gain a first team place with Finch with a view to play in Division One East next season.

Squad: - Lemmin, Pope, Mandry, Head, Brown, Rackham, Ponsford, Pearce, Thorp, Benham, D.Jones, M.Jones, Walker, G.Tingle, Lyons.

Hungerford Town Sixes - 3rd March

Hungerford Town Football Club will be staging a Sixes Competition at Bulpit Lane in May.

Details

8th May 2010
Enter your team into the new yearly six a side competition held at Bulpit Lane, Hungerford. All teams welcome £35 entry fee per team 9.15am start.

Contact Garry Cook on 07931311829 for details, or download Entry Form from this link

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There is a bar available and a disco later in the evening and plenty of entertainment for kids so bring the family along for a great day out.

Hungerford Reserve Management - 20th February

Experienced coach Jason Braidwood has joined the Reserve Team set up at Hungerford Town.

Braidwood has a lots of experience both as a player and manager, his management started at Thatcham youth team before going onto take the first into the Southern League. When Braidwood left Thatcham, he went to Kintbury Rangers spent two seasons there before moving to Newbury for the second half of the season last year. This year he moved with Andy Leader over to Andover and has now left to help with the management and coaching of the Reserve Team.

Garry Cook said:"This a great aquisition to Hungerford, he is really focused on youth football and believes the set up at Hungerford makes them the next big club coming through. He has great contacts and can attract great players to the club to assist the all three teams next year. I have known Jason for many years within football & Cricket and I know he is a winner. He will work hard with myself, Trumps, Hobbo, Jamo and Nobby to make sure we have the best local lads at the club and to stamp ourselves in Division one next year. Not only is Jason good on the pitch, he gets involved with lots of backroom stuff helping to bring local companies to support the club."

Braidwood will join the team on Wednesday when they start training at their new training facility at Park House school which offers a new state of the art 3G all weather pitch a fantastic development in the club plans to set up an A Team.

Mark James Signs Hellenic League forms with Hungerford - 13th February

Garry Cook and Nigel Trumper are said to be delighted to capture Mark James from Zamaretto League's Andover Town.

James (pictured) is coming back from injury during a freak accident during the snowy weather conditions. James has been training hard and wanted to sign for Hungerford reserves until the end of the season to get match fit in preparation for the next year.

Hungerford Town are also looking for a new Manager to take control of the new "A Team" which is being created to develop youth players and provide support to the reserves who are looking to win promotion to Division One next year and the A team will hopefully move into the Hellenic Reserve Section. Anyone interested in Managing the team please contact Garry Cook on 07931311829.

Cook's Reflections - 31st December

Prior to their Reserve Division One fixture against Fairford, Hungerford Town Reserves manager, Garry Cook, mentions the players that are available to him, and how important three points are.

He said; "We hope to have Darren Jones signed tonight from Newbury he will add to our attacking options, we also have Andrew Tingle available for his debut and look forward to his participation. Fairford will be a tough game, they have beaten Kidlington who we drew with last time out and taken a point of Wantage so we will need to be at our best. Myself and Nigel have a full squad available and will pick who we think will get us the three points."

In reflecting over the first half of the season Cook commented; "After our first 6 months together I am delighted with what we have achieved so far but we are not to get too carried away because we could easily throw it away. We need to step up a level and give another 10% to finish top of this league. If you look at Kintbury over the last few years, they have got to Christmas and then started falling away from the top. We have the Clubs backing to seek promotion to Div One East or West next season and also setting up an "A" Team so we now need to deliver what I have promised and that is silvrware. I read other club websites often and alarmingly read about my last club, talking about how happy they were about having a local club again, but to be 5th from bottom and stepping back into North Berks football is worrying, we now have a local group of lads and we want to progress, not step back, It just shows me how good a club Hungerford really is the ambition behind Nigel and the committee is obvious. We have obtained many sponsors this year and already have some committing to next year, The whole team appreciate the sponsorship and is massively important for any club looking to progress".

Jones Re-signs For Hungerford - 14th November

Hungerford Town have re- signed Mark Jones who will intially play in the Hellenic League side in an attempt to gain a first team place.

Jones previously played for Alan Clarke in the first team before travelling to New Zealand, the player featured in a training Match with the first team on Wednesday. Reserves manager, Garry Cook, is pleased that Mark has signed Hellenic forms, and wants to get him fit and help get back to first team football.

The addition will come as a welcome signing as Glen Head is still suffering from a niggling injury. Cook has also arranged a training match next Wednesday at Bulpit Lane against a team from the Reading Senior Division. Cook said " I have had to let my pride go and as much as I hate losing, this game will provide me and Nigel a chance to look at some of the fringe players we have."

"We will also be looking to play Mark Jones and Dominic Green in an aim to get them fit and playing full time. Spencer Annett's will get a good run out, he's been really patient and deserves his chance, he also brings a lot to the changing room with hit wit and experience. If we lose, we lose, but that's not important, what's important is to get some of our fringe players fit and get them in the frame to play"

Midweek Friendly - 29th September

Bobby Wilkinson will bring his Milton United first team to Hungerford making it the first time the two have met since Garry Cook and Wilkinson went their separate ways.

Milton United make the short trip up the A34 for a mid season friendly match against Town's reserve squad. Cook said "It will be good to have a game against division one east opposition again and am looking forward to coming up against Bobby. We both know each other very well from last year at kinbury so will need to get the tactics right to win." Wednesdays game kicks off at 19:30.

Reserves Get Southern League Chance - 4th September

Gary Cook's young Hungerford Town Reserves hopefuls have impressedfirdt team manager Alan Clark and signed on the dotted line.

Ex Aldershot youth, Russell Benham, and Ex Swindon Town youth, Calum Willmoth, have signed Southern League forms last night. Hungerford Town manager Alan Clark watched the reserves in training last night and he picked three players out. Clark said "I was impressed with the individuals, they really stand out. I want them to be able to step up to Southern League football. I told them they will all get there chance and if they perform they will stay with me."

Benham and Willmoth were delighted with the opportunity given to them. Benham said that his ambition was to play for the first team when he signed for the reserves and Willmoth has not played at a higher level since leaving Swindon Town Reserves. Danny Lachazc also caught the eye of Alan Clarke, but signed Southern League forms with Andover pre-season. So negotiations will have to take place prior to him stepping up to first team duty. Training with the reserves last night was last year's Hellenic Premier top goal scorer Ian Concannon, he will feature with the reserves on Saturday and Tuesday trying to gain fitness from a recent injury.

Crusaders Start Campaign - 22nd August

Hungerford Rezzies start there league campaign today at home to Wantage Town in Reserve Division One.

Joint Manager Gary Cook has praised the players for their unbeaten pre-season but has said that "it means nothing unless they come away with three points" They have a full squad available to them and are looking to see their pre-season fitness training give them an advantage. Cook said "All pre-season our fitness has showed and that for me will win us the league, we have a great playing surface at Bulpit lane and can play some great football. With us kicking off a week earlier than the rest it is important we stake our claim in today's match" Hungerford will look to field a strong lineup from 16 available players, the competition for places is fierce and they playes will all have a point to prove.

The Crusaders will kick off at 3pm today at Bullpit Lane admission is £2.

Ron Tarry Awarded For Services To The Sport - 14th August

Ron Tarry, who is now the president of Hungerford Town FC, is the first person ever to receive the 50-year service award from the Berks and Bucks Football Association.

“I was very surprised and I’m very pleased,” he said. “It’s nice to think that people appreciate what I do.”
His involvement with the club started in 1948, when he started helping on the gate and then qualified as a referee.
“I have done pretty much every job around the club, including a long spell as chairman, but I haven’t ever been behind the bar. I prefer to be on the other side of it.”

He added that the team’s recent promotion had been one of the highlights of his time there, but beating Wycombe Wanderers in the final of the Berks and Bucks league was also a high point.

Crusaders Ressies Entertain Rangers - 6th August

Joint Manager Garry Cook has said he is relishing the chance to beat his old club this Saturday. Cook who left Kintbury Rangers when Bobby Wilkinson got relieved of his duties at the end of last season, came to Hungerford Town to set up a new reserve squad. With an unbeaten run in four games with two good wins, Cook believes his squad have the ability to make it three wins on the trot. Cook said he has got one of his strongest squads available to him this Saturday:

Taylor, Holt, Mandry, ponsford, Jones, Collin, Willcock, Lachacz, Howe, Brown, Howard, Walker, Nutley, Willmoth, Thorp, Rackham and late fitness test's on Sam Peacock (Ankle) and Glen Head (Calf)

Cook said "I hope we can get a big crowd come and watch us, Hungerford is a great club and really going places but not without the help of our supporters". £2 entry at Bullpit lane for the game on Saturday. The First team are away to Didcot is their last pre-season friendly before they start the campaign in the Zamaretto League.

Ressies On The Rise? - 31st July

With their first team now into the Zamaretto League, the Hungerford Town have re-formed a reserves section run by Joint Managers Garry Cook and Nigel Trumper.

Re-entered in the Hellenic League Reserve Division One manager Garry Cook (pictured) has stated his early objectives for the team. He said "If successful we would like to make it into Divison One East over the next couple of seasons playing alongside Kintbury and Newbury's first teams"

Hungerford have signed former Kintbury Rangers captain and Stalwart James Mandry, Division One East top goalscorer for 2006/07 and 2007/08 season's, Shaun Thorpe. Experienced centre back Glen Head, former Hungerford captain and favourite Jason Brizzell, Danny Lahazch from last years Newbury side, along with veterans Mark Willcock and Craig Angell. Finally over the hill from Lambourn have come Chris Collins, Matty Howe and frontman Ben Hopkins.

Cook stated; "We wanted to get local players together and enjoy our football, the club is really going places and have a fantastic first team, Hopefully we can give Clarky, the 1st team manager, some support and also give local players the chance to play Southern League football. The training has been good with strong turnouts and I look forward to a successful season on what I think is the best pitch around. Matt Robinson and Chris Butters are currently undergoing training to become Physio's and we have sponsorship from local companies such as AJ Willcock, MVM, MJ McCauley Roofing, Mantrose, Trumper Computers Ltd, Just the Job to name but a few, with others in the pipeline"

Hungerford Reserves have been unbeaten in their first two warm up matches away to Reading's Premier Division winners Frilsham, and Wantage Town Reserves, drawing both. Cook said "It has given Nigel and I a chance to look at new players and a few youngsters.

1st Aug Harwell Village vs Hungerford Town FC Friendly 2:00 PM
8th Aug Hungerford Town FC vs Kintbury Rangers Friendly 2:00 PM
15th Aug Shrivenham vs Hungerford Town FC Friendly 2:00 PM
22nd Aug Hungerford Town FC vs Wantage Town FC League (Res One) 3:00 PM

Tournament at Bulpit Lane - 31st July

The annual Nicky Green,Manny Preston & Bill Todd Veteran s Football Charity Day will be held on 30th August at Hungerford Town’s Bulpit Lane ground.

The day will include six teamseams, holders Great Shefford, plus Newbury, Hungerford, Reading, Kintbury and Lambourn all competing for the Trophy which is now in its third year.

Local Groups and Bands will play outside on a large stage from 12 noon until late that evening. Entertainment will be provided from local company 'Happy Hire', with Bouncy Castles, Slides, Rodeo Bull, Sumo Suits and Fairground side stalls. There will be an outside bar and BBQ, and also Clowns for toddlers.

The Charities benefiting from this event will be 'Cancer Research. Cystic Fibrosis and The Duchess of Kent hospice.
Anyone, Sponsors, Bands or Groups who would like to help, please Contact Garry Cook on 07931311829