Wantage Town Chairman Tony Woodward is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy (Chic) Wallbridge as the new Manager of Wantage Town for next season 2010/2011. Woodward is equally pleased to confirm the appointment of Ellis Langford as Assistant Manager. This follows the departure of former Manager Richie Bourne to Abingdon United.
Woodward stated: ‘"We recognised some time ago the management potential in Andy Wallbridge (left), and had no hesitation in offering him the job. Maintaining continuity and stability within a Club and a squad is very important. Chic’s enthusiasm for the role has already impressed. His experience and knowledge of the game, backed up by the equally experienced and motivational Ellis Langford (right), offers the Club an ideal opportunity to continue to progress. We have never been afraid to offer managers a start in management, as evidenced by the progress made by Stuart Peace, (who moved to Didcot Town, winning the FA Vase in 2006 and has taken them to the Southern League Premier Division), and now Richie Bourne. Chic and Ellis are a safe pair of hands-on managers, who will bring fresh ideas to a developing and improving squad. We all look forward to next season."
"We wish Richie Bourne all the best for his new appointment at Abingdon United. Richie leaves on the best of terms, and with our thanks for all the service he has given Wantage Town during the past years."
Alfredian Honours Night - 10th May
Wantage Town F.C. Chairman Tony Woodward was pleased to announce at the ‘End of Season Presentation Night’ that Manager Richie Bourne and his Assistant Manager Andy Wallbridge, have been re-appointed for next season 2010/2011.
Tony Woodward stated ‘Next season will be Richie Bourne’s sixth season in charge at Alfredian Park. Richie has consistently improved season upon season, and given continuity, the senior squad has steadily developed and matured under his guidance. There is real evidence of Richie’s and Andy’s vast amount of experience being passed on to the younger players, particularly as players emerge from the Club’s youth development policy. We all look forward to next season.‘
At the end of season presentation night, the following awards were announced:-
1st Team Manager’s player Sam Belcher
Player’s player Tom Malton
Supporter’s player Sam Belcher
Top goal scorer Richard Claydon
Reserves Manager’s player Chris Hogan
Player’s player Tom Eatwell
Reserve Clubman Jake Rowe
Top goal scorer Rob Joyce
Clubman of the year Groundsman, Ian McCaig
Silver salvers were presented to Reserve Team Manager’s Peter Hogan,Paul Wilkins, and Clubhouse Manager Darren Lister, to mark the great service that they have given the Club.
"20/20 Vision" - 12th April
Wantage Town defender Andy Wallbridge was given a red card, and was then called back, as his side came from behind to snatch a draw in the Premier Division at Alfredian Park on Saturday.
In a game of little excitement, Wallbridge was a victim of mistaken identity in stoppage time after a largely uneventual match.
Wallbridge (left) received his surprise red card in injury time for a foul that was committed by Tom Rowe (right).
Andy, expressing his innocence, was sent off by referee Phil Wideson for a second yellow card. However, after Wideson consulted his linesman, he called Wallbridge back from the dressing room and booked Rowe instead!
" Oop's, should have gone to Specsavers"!
Tough Easter For Alfredian's - 1st April
Matty Horsell returns after a three match ban and will be available for the weekend. Eliis Langford is still out with a knee injury along with Gary Swan who is also still struggling with a knee injury. Sean McKeon is also a big doubt with a foot injury.
Likely squad: R Durrant C Copp T Rowe A Wallbridge S Belcher M Biddle T Austin T Molton L Mccullough R Guy M Horsell G Jones A Bruce L Illsley S Webb D Keen
Wantage News - 18th March
With injuries to Ellis Langford, Tom Molton and Matt Horsell, potentially, the squad is looking a bit thin though all three will have fitness tests prior to the weekend’s match at home to Bicester Town.
Wantage will be looking to bounce back after Tuesday’s narrow defeat at Abingdon Town as Bicester have struggled all season.
Likely squad:R Durrant T Rowe S Belcher C Copp T Molton M Biddle T Austin E Langford M Horsell S McKeon G Jones L McCullough R Guy D Keen A Wallbridge L IIsley G Swan
Injuries & Illness - 11th March
Wantage manager Richie Bourne has squad selection problems this weekend with injuries and illness taking their toll.
Gary Swan is struggling with a knee injury so only rated 50/50 as is Danny Keen who has been recovering from a groin strain. Andy Wallbridge also a slight doubt with flu and Sean Webb is away.
Welcome back Ellis Langford after missing last Sat with flu.
Richie Bourne said "Be glad to see the end of this bout of cold/flu we've had through the team over the last few weeks. Really affected a few players"
Wantage travel to Mangotsfield, the Bristol based Zamaretto League, South and West Division side looking to progress in the FA Cup.
This will be a tough test for still unbeaten, this season, Wantage Town, but players and coaches are full of optimism and confidence.
Team from: D Simms S Webb C Copp G Swan S Belcher T Malton E Langford T Austin R Claydon S Mckeon M Horsell R Guy L McCullough M Biddle J Daley A Wallbridge S Dewar
The First Week - 21st August
Richie Bourne, manager of FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier side Wantage Town gives his views on the first week of the season.
“Its been a up and down few days for my lads and the supporters, having set some good standards against Almondsbury in our first league game, we started our FA Cup journey down at Hamble on the Saturday. It turned out to be close fought encounter with neither side probably doing enough to win it on the day. From our point of view it was a bad day at the office having been nowhere near our best. Mind you after the way the day panned out with the coach not turning up and lads and the supporters having to drive at the very last minute, I think overall we were all just happy to still be in The Cup and bring Hamble back to our place”.
He continued; “Tuesdays replay saw a similar first half to Saturday. We struggled to get hold of the ball, and often by-passed the midfield which made it very difficult for us to get any rhythm. However what we are doing well is creating chances, and with all my forwards in very good form they are taking them. In the end we ran out 4-1 winners, which might look convincing, but credit to Hamble they pushed us all the way”.
Looking ahead Bourne said; “Without taking the gloss off what was a good win though, we know there is still plenty of work to be done, so its important we don’t get carried away because Newport (Isle of Wight) in the next round will be a much tougher test for us”.
“But before that is our next league game on Saturday, as the games start coming thick at fast. Against Hook Norton at home, which wont be easy. I'm sure after Hooky’s heavy defeat on the opening day of the season they will want to bounce back quickly. We have to ensure that is not against us".
With Richard Claydon, and Andy Wallbridge away the Wantage Team will be selected from:- D Simms T Rowe S Belcher G Swan C Copp T Malton E Langford G Jones T Austin R Guy S McKeon L Illsley L McCullough J Stott S Webb J Daley S Dewar
Wantage Ready For ‘Big Kick Off’ - 4th August
As the season’s start approaches Wantage Town complete their friendly programme with an away game tonight in Portsmouth against Moneyfields F.C. Wantage begin their campaign with a league game on Tuesday, 11th August at home to last season’s high flyers Almondsbury. This will be a good test and will set the scene for the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday, 15th August away to Hamble.
Manager Richie Bourne, starting his 6th season at the Club, and Assistant Manager Andy Wallbridge are pleased with their squad’s progress in pre-season training and friendly matches. Not many new faces at Alfredian Park this season, but several players return to the Club. Richie Claydon looks sharp in pre-season games as he rejoins from near neighbours Letcombe, after a successful season in Division One West in the last campaign. Manager Richie Bourne states that Claydon is a player he had always highly rated, a player with great touch and movement, and a knack of producing something out of nothing, already evidenced in his pre-season games. Bourne is also pleased to see the return of wingman Tom Austin, who returns to the Club from Abingdon United. Austin gets the opportunity to join a group of emerging youngsters, such as Claydon, Tom Malton, Sam Belcher, Liam Illsley, Richie Guy and Matty Horsell who have all featured strongly in the pre-season period. Experience, particularly in defence is essential. The welcome return of Chris Copp stabilizes the defence following the departure of Adam Learoyd to Banbury United. Adam takes the best wishes of all at the Club as he ventures to a higher level. The defence featuring Copp alongside seasoned campaigner Gary Swann, backed up by the substantial presence of Keeper Darryl Simms, has looked particularly sound in early games. Central midfielder Ellis Langford returns to action after a short break to get married. The player looking sharpest as the formal action gets underway is pacey wingback Gavin Jones.
A balanced squad, who know each other well, and who are setting out to repay Manager Bourne’s faith in them as they have developed over the past couple of seasons. Interesting times ahead for the squad, if the pre-season promise is delivered throughout the coming season.
Wantage Town Chairman Tony Woodward is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy (Chic) Wallbridge as the new Manager of Wantage Town for next season 2010/2011. Woodward is equally pleased to confirm the appointment of Ellis Langford as Assistant Manager. This follows the departure of former Manager Richie Bourne to Abingdon United.
‘"We recognised some time ago the management potential in Andy Wallbridge (left), and had no hesitation in offering him the job. Maintaining continuity and stability within a Club and a squad is very important. Chic’s enthusiasm for the role has already impressed. His experience and knowledge of the game, backed up by the equally experienced and motivational Ellis Langford (right), offers the Club an ideal opportunity to continue to progress. We have never been afraid to offer managers a start in management, as evidenced by the progress made by Stuart Peace, (who moved to Didcot Town, winning the FA Vase in 2006 and has taken them to the Southern League Premier Division), and now Richie Bourne. Chic and Ellis are a safe pair of hands-on managers, who will bring fresh ideas to a developing and improving squad. We all look forward to next season."
The First Week - 21st August