After just completing a season to forget Launton Sports FC have announced their intention to continue in the Hellenic League next season and completed their season with a 4-1 win over bottom club Cirencester United.
To maintain this level of football it is essential that a major improvement is shown both on and off the field of play. This has already started with the introduction of a new 1st X1 management team of Jason Allen and Arran Hodges late in the season and this has certainly given the club a massive lift and both are confident of maintaining the progress and commitment for the new campaign.
As with nearly all clubs finance is a fundamental factor to it's existence. Therefore Sports are urging any interested individuals or businesses to come forward. Any help would be greatly appreciated and will hopefully ensure the clubs future.
The clubs A.G.M. is being held on Sunday 23rd May 2010 at Launton Sports & Social Club commencing @ 12.30pm. Anyone with any interest in the club is urged to attend. Potential players,sponsors, officials, or in fact if you want the club to maintain it's current statu,s your attendance is vital.
Local Duo Take Charge Of Sports - 11th February
After a long season were Launton have had many disappointments and defeats. The tide has changed again for the club. Roger Wise and Lewis McGowan stepped up at short notice to steady the ship on a temporary basis after Duncan Currie quit for personal reasons.
Since then the club have been actively searching for the right people to come in and take over what really is a Bicester team with a lot of potential. Despite their league position their has been serious interest from a number of parties, however the committee wanted to try and get a solution that would not only bring some positive results this season to lift the club, but prepare for next season, which is already looking quite promising after a major sponsor has given the club backing.
They now believe they have the right people in charge in the shape of powerful ex Banbury and Ardley defender Jason Allen, and local manager Aaron Hodges. Not only will Jason immediately tighten up the defence which has been battered at times this year, but his experience is obviously going to help improve anyone involved at the club. The duo have been brought up to speed by Roger Wise and have already strengthened the team and bring in the players that will provide some real tests for the remaining opposition to be played out. Watch this space!
New Man at Sports Helm - 9th November
After suffering a horrendous start to the current campaign which saw many familiar and supposedly loyal club players turn their back on the club in search of easy pickings. This left not only their team mates, but the club and manager high and dry.
However the club has survived and at last after some three months the tide has hopefully turned?.
Late last week 1st X1 manager Duncan Currie reluctantly resigned due to personal reasons, which left the club looking, yet again for a new manager. The club acted very swiftly to secure the services of Roger Wise, a well known and respected character on the local football scene. Roger together with Lewis McGowan took over the duties prior to the abortive Harrow Hill fixture, leaving their managerial debut for the vital away fixture against fellow strugglers Cirencester United, which unfortunately saw Sports suffer another defeat. Immediately the duo set about the task of strengthening the squad, both in numbers and fitness levels. The one thing that is certain is that things can only improve and also 100% commitment will be given and expected by the new managerial team. Perhaps those local players who have long advocated the need for a local manager with now show their loyalty. Rather debatable I feel!
Finally as with most local clubs Launton are suffering on the financial front , but hope to boost their funds with a ‘Race Night’ on Saturday 21st November at Launton Sports & Social Club - 1st Race 8pm. All players, supporters and friends are urged to attend.
Win-Dor Sponsor Sports - 10th October
At last Launton Sports had something celebrate with acquisition of new kit courtesy of sponsor Win-Dor.
Hopefully a change of kit will result in a change of fortune for the club who have had a torrid start to the current season.
The change of league from East to West resulted in the loss of the majority of last seasons squad due to the travelling involved.
Initially hopes were high that many local loyal players would keep to their word and battle for the club , but alas promises were broken as the players fled in all directions. However gradually manager Duncan Currie is assembling a much improved squad and despite numerous rumours Launton Sports are still fighting and will continue to show their usual commitment and resolutions for sometime yet. First team performances have improved in recent weeks plus the impressive form being displayed by the reserves under the direction of Gary Waddup and Chris Cassidy. So hopefully the corner has been turned and the future will bring a return to the glory days.
Club Manager Duncan Currie being presented with the new kit by Brian Greenwood of 'Win-Dor',Bicester's Largest window,door and conservatory company. The company are situated at Unit 7, Arena 14, Charbridge Lane,Bicester.www.windor.co.uk
Waddup Heads Reserves - 24th July
Launton Sports of the FTL Futbol Hellenic One West have announced the appointment of Gary Waddup as the new reserve team manager for the forthcoming season. Thus adding to the clubs increasingly impressive localised set up. Gary, together with his right hand man Chris Cassidy, are already hot on the tails of any available local talent.
To complete a very good week it was also announced that Bicester's Largest Installer of Windows, Doors and Conservatives 'Win - Dor' have generously agreed to act as Launton Sports Kit & Supplies sponsor for the forthcoming campaign.
Sports Gaining Momentum - 17th July
With pre season training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evening’s under the guidance of new manager Duncan Currie (left). The build up for the new campaign for Launton Sports who will be playing in the FTL Futbol One West Division this season is quickly gaining momentum with the following pre season fixtures being announced, with more to be confirmed -
Tuesday 21st July Home v Brackley Sports
Saturday 1st August Away v Dursley Town
Wednesday 5th August Home v Witney United
Saturday 8th August Home v Slade Farm
The return of many local players has given the club a major boost with the likes of Nick Neal (right), James Lisseter, John Moore, Sam Donaldson and Danny Clifford already signed up and committed to the clubs cause. Many other locals have already indicated their intentions to register for the new season, however, it would be greatly appreciated if they put in an appearance, as already the battle appears to hotting up with other rival clubs stretching morality to its limits. However Launton as usual will rise above this and once again confound the critics by providing all local talent with the opportunity to parade their football skills whilst maintaining their increasing hunger for success. Manager Duncan Currie has already, via the press, clearly indicated his local talent ethic which mirrors that of the club itself.
The club have also been lifted by the prospect of a lucrative Senior Cup tie in November with a home fixture against local Hellenic premier opposition Ardley United. There also appears to be further good news with the imminent announcement of a new kit sponsor for the forthcoming season .The formal announcement is expected within the next few days.
The club also urgently require a Reserve team manager or managers. The team will be playing in Reserve Division Two "West” which includes such local teams as Old Woodstock, Easington Sports, Hook Norton and Witney United. Any one interested should make immediate contact with one of the following -
Tony Cotter 07909521819
Duncan Currie 07966829231
Mike Cannon 07900350624
Poole Leaves Sports - 24th June
With the new campaign just round the corner Launton Sports suffered a major setback at the weekend, when following the clubs transfer to the Hellenic League Division One West, Manager Kevin Poole decided to relinquish his duties. His main reason was the increased travelling commitments from his home. Launton Sports will always be grateful to Kevin for the way he rebuilt the team following a string of negative results which left the club as the basement boys early last season. After a succession of impressive performances he lifted the team out of that dreaded relegation spot and rekindled the clubs spirit. Regretfully his resignation has been accepted and the club would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Kevin for all his hard work.
However the club have acted swiftly to appoint experienced Duncan Currie as the new manager with the assistance Martin Lloyd for the forthcoming season. Being a local lad Duncan will hopefully attract more local players to the club and the club looks to continue it's progression in the Hellenic League. His appointment has certainly given the club a major boost and can look forward with a degree of optimism.
Launton Sports commence their pre season training on Tuesday 7th July when all current, new and former players are more than welcome to attend. It is hoped that many players will be forthcoming as the manager looks to build a squad capable of challenging for Hellenic League honours. Any players that may like to speak with Duncan prior to attending a training session, give him a ring on 07966 829231. Or just come over to the training at Launton Playing Field & introduce yourself.
Last season is now a distant memory as the club looks forward with renewed optimism to the 2009/2010 campaign. With the new season fast approaching the club is also on the lookout for potential sponsors. Interested, then give Mike Cannon a call on 01869 601358
The return of many local players has given the club a major boost with the likes of Nick Neal (right), James Lisseter, John Moore, Sam Donaldson and Danny Clifford already signed up and committed to the clubs cause. Many other locals have already indicated their intentions to register for the new season, however, it would be greatly appreciated if they put in an appearance, as already the battle appears to hotting up with other rival clubs stretching morality to its limits. However Launton as usual will rise above this and once again confound the critics by providing all local talent with the opportunity to parade their football skills whilst maintaining their increasing hunger for success. Manager Duncan Currie has already, via the press, clearly indicated his local talent ethic which mirrors that of the club itself.