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Plans In Place - 18th May
Binfield chairman Bob Bacon has revealed, in the local press, that plans are already in place for a second promotion push next season.
However, he insists the club will try to resist suggestions that a dividing fence will have to be erected between the club’s first-team pitch and the adjacent junior pitches.Had the Moles won the Hellenic Premier Division this season, then they would have been denied promotion due to their Hill Farm Lane ground not meeting the standards set in order to reach the Southern League. It was a predicament that befell eventual champions Wantage Town, who will not be elligible for promotion for the same reasons, despite applying for elevation and winning the league.
After failing to meet the March 31 deadline for completion of ground improvements this term, Bacon is determined to make sure that it doesn’t happen again next season, should Binfield find themselves in a similar position. In order to gain promotion, the club will need to build a fence that effectively prevents people who haven’t paid for entry from being able to watch the match.
Although the FA and Hellenic League guidelines suggest that this will preferably mean the senior pitch is enclosed, Bacon believes that simply fencing off the club car park will suffice. He insists this will not only make it impossible for people to view the match without paying, but will also make it a safe environment for the club’s 400 junior players to play.
“We are already preparing for next season and we want to do anything we can to be ready for promotion,” said the Binfield chairman. "We need to strive to hit top spot and move into the next level of football.
“We would need to fence off the car park, put in turnstiles and add a further stand for approximately 100 people – which we are planning on doing. We intend to do everything we need to do to gain promotion next year. I don’t want to put a fence up that will divide the two pitches and the reason for that is we are a community club with a thriving junior section. To put a divide there would be counter-productive for our goals. The FA have their guidleines and the Hellenic League have their guidelines. But it is fair to say that they should be seen as just that – guidleines."
“What they want to do is improve standards both for players and fans. When you look into the guidleines, it basically makes sure that the ground is safe, standards are improved and I have nothing against that.”
Bacon also revealed that the club have submitted a planning request to Bracknell Forest Council to redevelop the clubhouse at Hill Farm Lane to bring it in line with league guidelines. It is understood that Binfield would explore avenues available to them that could unlock grants to fund any future developments.If those improvements did come to fruition, then they could signal the beginning of a new era for football across the entire Bracknell area.
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Stay And Go One Better - 30th April
 Binfield boss Mark Tallentire is hoping the dressing room camaraderie and player-friendly nature of the club will be enough to convince his charges to stay on and go one better next season.
After a string of fine performances, the majority of the squad will have undoubtedly attracted attention from bigger clubs, but Tallentire is convinced that his players will be back when pre-season training begins in June. He has already been promised by top-scorer Ian Davies that he will be back to help fire the Moles to the Hellenic Premier title next season.
"We have an amazing spirit here and some of the players have come of age this season," said Tallentire to The Wokingham Times. "I expect a lot of the players will attract attention, but I'm confident that we can keep most of our players and the grass isn't always greener elsewhere. I don't believe that there is a massive difference between the league we're in and the one above and I would be amazed if we lose lots of our players to other clubs – I really don't think that will happen. Binfield is a great club to play for, but I am a realist and I have contingency plans just in case. You're in the lap of the gods with that one, but hopefully the players will all come back looking to have another good season next time."
In a rollercoaster title race, Binfield went from likely champions to rank outsiders on a seemingly weekly basis. However, after a controversial draw away at Witney United, their chances were effectively finished, and it seemed the best they could hope for was a top-four finish. Three successive wins saw them break into the top two, and although Tallentire was undoubtedly disappointed to see his team fall at the final hurdle, he was full of praise for everyone connected to the club.
"If we could have won our last five games on the trot then we would have won the league and it's disappointing that we didn't do that," he said. "Of course I'm pleased to finish as runners-up, but it's no consolation when I really think we could have won it. It's a good learning curve for the boys though. Some of the football that we have played over the season shows we deserve to be there and that we are one of the best teams in the league."
"I've got to pay tribute to every one of my players. They have been fantastic to work with all season – they worked hard and have the motivation to get results. We are a very close-knit bunch, from the players to the management team and we have all grown this year. Everyone has been first class and I can't heap enough praise on everyone for what they have done. It's been a fantastic ride for everyone and the whole club deserves a big pat on the back."
The club had applied for elevation to the Southern League, but statutory deadlines set by The FA meant that the dream would have to wait for at least another year. The FAgrading requirements meant a fence to be erected around the ground, as well as turnstiles to be installed, by the March 31 deadline, a challenge Binfield would never have managed to hit.
But Tallentire is already looking to next season, and even beyond, as he aims to cement Binfield's place as not only the top team in the area, but the top club as well. He said: "I find it all a bit weird that just because you don't have a fence around your ground then you can't go up. It's stupid. All we can do is look after the team and I believe we have shown our intent this season. I'm just hoping the club makes the improvements that need to be made so when the time comes there are no problems with us moving up. We were prepared to do the work that was asked of us, but we couldn't do it by the deadline that the FA gave us. I don't want Binfield to sit in the Hellenic League for six or seven years – I want to take Binfield into the Southern League. There's nothing wrong with that ambition and it drives you to get results. We have nearly done it this year and it is definitely achievable. It's all well and good me having that ambition, but the club needs to match that ambition and I know they want to move forward."
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Derby Weekend For Binfield - 9th March
The Moles make their shortest trip of the season this weekend as they travel the 2 miles to nearest neighbours Bracknell Town. Binfield go into the game with their minds focussed solely on this game and the challenge that Town will bring, after their recent upturn in form including a brilliant home 4-1 win over league leaders Ardley United in the middle of February and a battling 2-2 draw at Reading Town this week. With several former Moles in the Bracknell side and management, including Chris Adams and James Rogers, who have both played for Binfield this season, no one at Binfield will be underestimating the battle they will face. But the Moles are in good form and will be aiming to complete the double over Bracknell after December's home win.
Binfield manager, Mark Tallentire is looking forward to the weekend meeting, earlier this week saying "We're under no illusions about how difficult it [the Bracknell match) will be. This is our last derby of the season and we know they're going to make it difficult for us. But we have to make sure we apply ourselves properly and do the right things" At the junior end of the club, the Moles enjoyed a successful weekend as both the Under12 Jets and the Under 9 Lions won their respective semi finals and look ahead to April 30th at Ascot, when their finals will be played
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Big Match Weekend At Binfield - 18th February
Binfield look forward to hosting league leaders Ardley United at Hill Farm Lane this weekend, anticipating an exciting match.
With Binfield in fine form after a good recent run and Ardley the best in the league so far this season, players and fans of both sides will be hoping to see a great match between two attacking sides. Earlier in the season, the Moles travelled to Ardley and returned with a creditable point after a 1-1 draw. Binfield took the lead that night early in the second half, through a Carl Davies penalty. But Ardley hit back late on and the Moles had to fight for their point, including a late penalty save by Chris Adams.
Binfield have the best home record in the division so far, having only dropped points all season at Hill Farm Lane when Slimbridge visited in late January and a fabulous match to watch ended with a very late equaliser for Slimbridge and honours even in a 2-2 draw. That apart, Binfield have taken all three points from 11 other home games a run that the Moles will hope to continue on Saturday, while no doubt Ardley will arrive determined to bounce back from last week's defeat at nearby Bracknell Town. Moles manager Mark Tallentire is instilling into his team that they should fear no side in the division, but respect everyone – an attitude that has shown through in the efforts of the players, where they have recently matched their skills on the ball with huge efforts to defend in numbers and win the ball back when not in possession.
See match action and reaction after the game on Binfield TV – www.youtube.com/user/BinfieldFCTV
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New Signings Boost The Moles - 4th February
 Binfield have made two exciting new signings in the last week, that will give renewed energy to the push to finish as high as possible up the Hellenic Premier division. After a great run of form that saw the Moles win 5 on the trot, scoring 26 goals and beating 2nd placed Kidlington in that run, only taking 1 point from their last two league games was slightly disappointing for all at Binfield. However these new signings should energise the team, just in time for a crucial February period, starting with a home game against Abingdon on Saturday and challenging Tuesday night trip to in form, Highworth Town.
Ben Edwards
Signed last week and made a goal-scoring debut for Binfield in the Supplementary cup game against Wokingham. Ben can play anywhere across the midfield and has two good feet. Adding vast experience to the Binfield squad, he has played his whole career in the Southern and Ryman leagues, playing over 350 games for Bracknell Town. That will be invaluable as the season reaches it's climax.
Luke Williams
Signed from Woodley Town earlier this week. Luke (pictured with manager, Mark Tallentire) is a natural wide player with pace and power. His delivery from set pieces and open play will make our Strikers very happy indeed. He has a good goalscoring record too, so don't be surprised if he chips in with a few goals.
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Cardiac Screening Day - 2nd December
Binfield FC are arranging a CRY Cardiac testing day on 11th December and are opening it up to all local clubs.
"Every week 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions"
The cost to Binfield FC is £3500. We will be charging each person £35 for the test . At the moment nearly half the allocated slots have been taken, within our club, so if anyone is interested, between the age of 14-35 please book on the details below. If a place is booked, regardless of whether the applicant turns up or not, the fee must be paid, which is cash only, and paid on the day. Please honour this.
To book a place just go to www.mybookingcalendar.com/crysports and go to the date of the event on the calendar, which is December 11th at Binfield Surgery. All paperwork from the confirmation email will need to be printed and filled out and brought along to each patient's appointment. If you have any problems at all please let me know.
Please look at the CRY web site, which is a fantastic charity, originally set up from the tragic death of Lewis Marsh from Sandhurst FC.
We have already raised nearly £600 for this charity from a function last Saturday, and are hoping to raise even more on 11th December, by selling refreshments, sweets etc as well as collecting donations.
If you have any questions, please contact Mick Edwards on 07785 386877
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Binfield Supporting "CRY" - 10th November
 Binfield Football Club are supporting and promoting CRY (Cardiac Risk In the Young), as their nominated charity for this season. With nearly 30 teams covering a wide range of ages from 6 years through all age groups and the first team, who play in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division, Binfield have a vested interest in maintaining the health of their club members.
When he took his Under 15's Binfield Royals team to play at Sandhurst Town last season, Mick Edwards was so moved by the story of Lewis Marsh that he nominated CRY as Binfield's charity for this season. Lewis was an active young sportsman, who played for Sandhurst, but sadly died suddenly from an undetected heart complaint at the age of 13, in May 1998. Since then Sandhurst Town have adopted the charity and raised well over £30,000 through their annual "Lewis Marsh Football tournament" and promoted awareness within their club and in the community. They also offer ECG testing at the tournament, which is the vital early warning test that is not normally available to young people.
Inspired by this story, Mick set out to raise awareness and funding within Binfield FC. Subsequently the club have joined forces with the Binfield Surgery and CRY to offer an ECG testing day on 11th December, to all club members between the ages of 14 and 35 – a procedure that could cost up to £600 to arrange privately.
Binfield Surgery Business Manager, Roland Cundy has coordinated the plans for the day with Mick and club chairman, Bob Bacon. Roland commented "Our surgery is a big part of the community and is willing to help out with community events. This kind of procedure wouldn't normally be available to "fit" people. Care [for cardiac conditions] is normally reactive, rather than proactive. We're pleased to be involved in this proactive scheme making sure youngsters are fit"
There is a small charge to Binfield members wishing to take the test, to cover costs of the equipment kindly supplied by CRY, but the doctors involved are donating their time and all proceeds will go to CRY. A major element of CRY's mission is to raise funds for and to provide the essential ECG testing and screening for people aged between 14 and 35 that is the essential early warning.
As if to emphasise the value of the work of CRY, by a sad coincidence, Binfield played Hillingdon Borough in the FA Vase on 2nd October. Their captain, Nelson Monhon, was taken ill on the day before the game and didn't travel to Binfield with his team. Later on the Saturday, Nelson died, aged 20, believed to be from a heart attack.
Binfield are also holding a fund raising social evening with live music from "Sahara" at Binfield Social Club on Saturday 20th November, from which every penny raised will go to the charity.
CRY was set up in 1995 to raise awareness of conditions that can lead to Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) and Sudden (Adult) Death Syndrome (SDS, SADS). The charity quotes that "Every week 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions"
Their Honorary President is Sir Ian Botham and their list of Patrons includes David Walliams, who recently launched the Heart Screening Awareness Partnership with Phillips and CRY. CRY promotes heart screening, an ECG testing programme and medical research. It also offers support to those who have suffered bereavement. More details can be found on CRY's website www.c-r-y.org.uk
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Big Away Trips for Binfield - 22nd October
Binfield enter a crucial period of their season, starting this Saturday with the short trip to high flying Ascot United this Saturday, followed by Tuesday night's away match at leaders Ardley United.
After battling to a 1-1 draw at Reading Town in their last away match, the Moles will know a lot more about how their season might unfold in the next week. In that Reading Town game, Binfield supporters saw their first glimpse of ex QPR midfielder Ollie Burgess. He unfortunately picked up a knee injury that will keep him on the sidelines for a couple more weeks, but for 70 minutes he showed the anticipation and ability to win the ball and set the play going that promises an exciting winter for Moles fans.
The Moles followed that up with a home win against a Pegasus Juniors side fielding several new faces. Scoring hasn't been a particular problem for Binfield, with Carl and Ian Davies always a threat up front. But with several key injuries at the back, Binfield have hardly played the same back line twice yet this season. But the Moles will definitely welcome James Rogers back to the squad after suspension and captain Gary Callaway back to the heart of defence this weekend. And with Ryan Millward close to a return, Paul Mortimer recovering well from his op and Dave Fenton not too long away, more strength in depth isn't far away.
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 Shone The Way To Binfield - 9th October
Binfield have strengthened their squad with the signing of Paul Shone from Flackwell Heath.
Shone started out with Flackwell Heath Youth and progressed through to the first team before moving on for spells at Wokingham Town and Chalfont Wasps. He returned to Wilks Park last season but transferred to the Moles this week. Looking to give manager Mark Tallentire more options in a defensive midfield or central defence role, Shone could make his debut on Saturday as the Moles travel to Slimbridge.
With great home form to date this season, Binfield will be looking to improve on their travels. Recent cup runs have seen Moles slip down from second in the league as the teams around them have played more games. With more bite added to Binfield's great attacking midfield, Binfield aim to grind out some results when the going gets tough. In the next few weeks, the Moles travel to Slimbridge, Reading Town and Ardley - so Shone's signing couldn't have come at a better time.
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Another Big Cup Weekend For Binfield - 1st October
Binfield continue their cup adventures this weekend with a 1st round FA Vase tie against Hillingdon Borough from the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division.
The two teams have not previously met, but both currently play at the same level of non-league football - "The Boro" lie third in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division. Both sides suffered heavy defeats last weekend, but Hillingdon got their defeat out of their system with a solid 4-0 midweek league win. Hillingdon arrive in the 1st round after beating near neighbours Wembley in the qualifying round, in a close encounter that they edged 1-0. Hillingdon also have a great pedigree in the competition, having got right through to the 2005/6 season final. Unfortunately the Boro lost that final to Nantwich Town, 3-1 at Birmingham City. The Moles will look to put last weekend's defeat at the hands of Carterton behind them as quickly as possible and return to their quick attacking game. Moles will be boosted by the return of top scorer, Ian Davies, along with influential midfielder Carl Withers and keeper Chris Adams.
Manager Mark Tallentire is looking forward to the game "because it's the F.A. Vase it just puts that little edge on it. Hillingdon's record in the league makes it obvious that this is going to be an extremely tough game for us today. They have scored plenty of goals, so that tells me they will be a real threat going forward, but on the positive side for us, they concede goals too, so I think this is going to be a proper "shoot out" this afternoon between two sides that like attacking football."
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Binfield Away Day " At Last" - 24th September
The Moles are on the road this weekend, after an amazing run of 6 homes games since 4th September that saw Binfield win 5 out of those 6 matches scoring 21 goals and conceding just 6 in the process, the only reverse being the FA Cup defeat by Margate.
On Saturday Binfield travel to Carterton in the 1st Round of the Hellenic Challenge Cup, sponsored by Bluefin. And although Carterton have had a difficult start to the season, they secured a good draw away to Pegasus in the week and no one at Binfield will be underestimating them.
Binfield have a couple of players unavailable, including top scorer Ian Davies, who will be replaced by 2008-9 season's top scorer Garry Sergeant, who has spent more time than he would like out of the starting line up as Ian and Carl Davies have formed a prolific partnership that has scored 25 goals already this season. Sergeant has played well when called upon and will be looking forward to a start. Scott Williams and Carl Withers are unavailable too on Saturday, but Jack Tallentire returns to the squad after a spell on the sidelines.
Manager Mark Tallentire is enjoying the recent run, including excellent wins in the last 7 days over Bethnal Green in the FA Vase and a 3-1 local derby league win over Wokingham and Emmbrook. "There's always room for improvement, but we have hit a good vein of form at the moment. The whole team is playing well and we're on a bit of a roll - we just need to continue it"
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Tough Weekend For Moles - 17th September
Binfield look forward to another two tough fixtures in three days this weekend, in the FA Vase and League.
On Saturday, we entertain Bethnal Green United in the second round qualifying of the FA Vase. Bethnal Green are a bit of an unknown quantity, having only been in existence since 2000, but last year finished 5th in their first season in the Essex Senior league and proved their cup credentials in winning the Essex Senior League Cup, beating Burnham Ramblers 4-1 in the final. This season, Bethnal have won 3 and drawn one of their opening 4 games and held Harlow Town to a draw in the FA Cup last Saturday, before losing the replay.
Manager Mark Tallentire expects a hard match, saying "There will be no complacency on our part. In my experience of playing against teams from that part of the country you can quickly come unstuck, as all the sides work extremely hard and are very organised. Put those qualities together with good individual players, and you can begin to understand that we will have to be at our very best to get something out of the game"
Monday night football returns to Hill Farm Lane next week as the Moles look forward to the visit of Wokingham and Emmbrook under their new management team. Wokingham's promotion last season allowed the Moles to renew this local derby, last played in the 2008/9 season, when each side won their home games that season in front of good crowds of well over 200 on both occasions. Wokingham have made a solid start to the season and the Moles have been playing great flowing football when they get going, so this will be a keenly fought contest with both sides looking to hold "bragging rights" by the end of the evening.
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Looking Forward To The FA Cup - 8th September
 Binfield entertain Margate from the Ryman Isthmian Premier Division this coming Saturday 11th September in another FA Cup tie.
Without underestimating the task ahead, hopes of an upset are high as the Moles have won all six of their home games to date this season, including their fine 5-1 win over Camberley Town in the previous round. Binfield's striking partnership of Ian and Carl Davies have been scoring freely and Ian has already notched 5 goals in the two FA Cup games so far.
 In only their second season ever in the world's most famous cup competition, Binfield have gone the furthest they have managed yet. Their opponents, Margate have some history in the competition - the highest profile of their matches being the 1972 third round visit of Spurs, who were then the holders of the UEFA Cup. Margate lost that tie 6-0, in front of a record crowd of 14,000 in their Hartsdown Park ground - which now has a capacity of 2,100!
Binfield manager, Mark Tallentire is looking forward to the match "These type of games conjure up all sorts of images from past FA Cup history and we will be hoping that we can play above our station on the day, as we have absolutely nothing to lose - whereas Margate will have the weight of expectation on their shoulders.... as we’re the only team in the area still left in the Cup, the spotlight has been placed firmly on our doorstep". With just a few injury concerns, the Moles will welcome captain Garry Callaway back into the squad, along with full back James Partridge, after both missed Monday's win over Thame United.
The club are hoping for a bumper crowd and with home advantage, who knows what could happen.... though one thing is for sure, all the players will be carrying the Hellenic League Crest on their arm, as Ian Davies displays in their new Nike kit.
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BFCTV -3rd September
Binfield manager Mark Tallentire gives Stuart Scammell top marks for Ascot United"s start to the season. Speaking on Binfield FC-tv Mark lamented the Moles performance against Flackwell Heath on Monday but looked forward to a
reaction against Fairford Town.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BinfieldFC
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 Moles First Injury - 17th August
Jack Tallentire is the first injury worry of the season for The Moles.
He hurt the top of his foot in the opening game against Witney Utd and missed the FA Cup win against Crawley Down. Also missing from that match was Joel Havermans but he is set to return against Abingdon Town tonight.
Assistant Manager, Keith Pennicott-Bowen talked about the injuries to Binfield FC tv. http://www.youtube.com/user/BinfieldFC#p/u/1/4fMRpvxW-i4
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New Kit For The Season - 7th August
Binfield unveiled their brand new kit today (Saturday) at 1pm. It's a first for the Uhlsport Hellenic League club having two sponsors named on the shirt.
Swain & Co Accountants remains the main 1st team sponsor with prime position and size on the front of the shirt. Retiring Chairman Rob Jones has also secured Absolute Radio as the secondary sponsor who will appear on the reverse of the shirt.
The FA’s sponsor guidelines allows two sponsors on team shirts and Binfield are have taken advantage of this. Binfield claim to be the first club to include the Hellenic League logo on the sleeve of the shirt along with the club’s FA Community Club status on the other sleeve. The shirt itself is the same shirt worn by Brazil in the World Cup, who are sponsored by Nike, but obviously Binfield's kit is in their club colours, and no, The Moles are not sponsored by Nike!.
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BFCTV - 29th July
Ed Carpenter - Binfield's new Reserve team manager told Binfield FC tv that he is really looking forward to the challenge.
Carpenter
Keith Pennicott-Bowen, Binfield's Assistant Manager felt Binfield did reasonably well against rivals Camberley Town from the Combined Counties Premier Division and talked to Binfield FC tv http://www.youtube.com/user/BinfieldFC
Pennicott-Bowen
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 Chair Confirmed - 19th July
As expected Bob Bacon was elected Chairman of Binfield football club at their AGM on 18th July.
His Vice Chairman is Ryan Ray and they join Dawn Pritchard the Honorary General Secretary and Graham Taylor the Treasurer in becoming the new Executive of the club. In due course, it is likely that they will co-opt additional committee members to assist in the running of the club.
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 BFC /TV - 15th July
Binfield FC have started their own online TV channel. Early features include Manager Mark Tallentire outlining his squad and plans for the season, a look at the ground work taking place at Hill Farm Lane and the outgoing Chairman, Rob Jones with his AGM statement.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BinfieldFC
TV Review - Just like the real thing, once you hear Mark Tallentire using the phrase "over the moon" in an interview you can't tell the difference between BFC/TV and BBC/TV.
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 New Moles Reserves Boss - 5th July
Ed Carpenter is the new Reserve Team Manager at Binfield FC. Bobby Ellis decided to stand down at the end of last season after eight successful years in charge.
Ed (left) was recruited by Binfield's first team manager Mark Tallentire and it is the intention going forward to create a closer connection between the reserves and first team.
Binfield FC's AGM is on Sunday 18th July at 10:30am at Hill Farm Lane. Chairman for the last ten years, Rob Jones is standing down and has proposed Bob Bacon as his successor.
Bob (pictured right) is a club stalwart who as well as providing valuable help to the first team also runs the excellent U6 Soccer School at Binfield. He has most recently been the Club's Welfare Officer.
Ougoing chairman Rob Jones said, "The Chairman's job at Binfield requirers a full appreciation of the needs and priorities of every one of our 28 teams. Bob Bacon has worked closely with teams across the club and he is the ideal person to continue the progression the club has shown in recent years".
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 Sponsorship Extension - 26th June
Premier Division Binfield FC are delighted to announce an extension to their first team sponsorship with Swain & Co Accountants.
The sponsor has agreed a further year extension to their deal and will also embrace the Reserves for season 2010-11. |
 Davies The Mole - 10th June
Mark Tallentire, Binfield manager, welcomes Carl Davies to Hill Farm Lane.
Davies is the big new signing of the summer joining after a 61 goal, two season spell at Woodley Town.
He was a trainee with Cardiff City and later went on to play for Barry Town. He will be joining Ian Davies the UHLSport Hellenic Premier Division's 4th top scorer after just 18 games in what could be one of the Premier Divisions’ most prolific strike forces.
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