Thong Rangers Do Their Bit For Meningitis Tot - 7th May
Most charity fundraisers would walk away if they were asked to push heavy concrete blocks in a wheelbarrow almost 20 miles from Didcot Town Football Club to Oxford.
But the Thong Rangers, who dress in thongs for their charity stunts, have set themselves the arduous task to help pay for prosthetic limbs for three-year-old Oxford girl Charlotte Nott. The fundraisers, who are associated with Didcot Town FC, stepped in after the little girl’s limbs were amputated below the joints when she contracted an aggressive form of meningitis.
The Thong Rangers will push three barrows, each containing eight 30lb blocks, from Didcot FC’s Loop Meadow stadium to the Prince of Wales pub, in Horspath Road, Oxford, on Saturday, May 21, setting out at 9.30am. Charlotte’s father Alex Nott will carry her in a barrow part of the way.
Father-of-two Clifford Oakes, 48, a binman from Park Road, Didcot, said: “When we heard what had happened to Charlotte we wanted to do something to help. We have been to visit the family and Charlotte is a lovely girl. There are lots of hills involved, so I think the journey will probably take us five or six hours. When we arrive, the Nott family will take the blocks to build a barbecue. We’re definitely not going to carry them back to Didcot.”
Mr Oakes said passers-by would be asked for donations as the team passed through Steventon, Drayton, Abingdon, Radley, and Kennington. In Oxford they will head along Abingdon Road, St Aldate’s, High Street, Cowley Road and Hollow Way to the pub.
Charlotte’s mother Jenny Daniels, 29, of Hollow Way, said: “We were delighted when they offered to help. Any money raised could go towards different prosthetics Charlotte will need as she grows up, to give her more independence.”
Doctors removed Charlotte’s limbs below the joints to stop the disease from spreading. She has taught herself to draw with her mouth, and to play her favourite Dora the Explorer computer game.
Short of players Southern League Didcot Town have signed their 60 year old chairman and ex- Hellenic League stalwart John Bailey. The item below has been extracted from the Didcot Town web site.
Diddy Go For 'Old' Banger
Friday, 01 April 2011
With just 13 players available last Tuesday for the trip to Hednesford manager Ady Williams has taken the remarkable step of signing-on ex-Swindon, Worcester City and Cheltenham Town legend, and our current Chairman of course John Bailey, on a non-contract basis just before the transfer deadline last night.
Bailey (or Banger as he's affectionately known) has kept himself incredibly fit since his playing retirement in the late 1980s and it appears a speedy jog along the touchline recently (to retrieve the ball following a trademark wayward Jamie Heapy shot against Hemel Hempstead) caught Ady Williams' attention.
Bailey made his name as a player in the 1970's becoming one of non-league's highest paid players and commanding significant transfer fees. His best days were undoubtedly at Worcester, playing alongside fellow Irishman Ralf O'Poil, where Bailey became club record goalscorer and an instant hit with the fans.
Bailey spoke exclusively to us about yesterday's dramatic events: "I'm incredibly excited but I know I can still do a job, especially hitting 'corners'. I haven't even discussed money; but I have to say for the first time ever sorting out the player's expenses this week will be a pleasure and not a chore."
If selected 60 year-old Bailey will be the club's second oldest player; a record that's currently held by the legendary Phil Thomas.
Jamie Heapy 700 games (not out) – Sat 12 March 2011
With so much financial doom and gloom prevalent in newspaper articles and football boardrooms up and down the country, how refreshing that we can today concentrate on what can be so good about the non-league game; in fact, we can celebrate the sort of achievement that typified the old non-league ethic that attracted us here in the first place.
This afternoon, in the Southern League Premier Division game between Didcot Town and Chesham United, brings the 700th First Team appearance of Didcot Town skipper Jamie Heapy. And it really is an impressive personal achievement… "Jamie is the most outstanding local non-league player of the past decade." So says ex-Abingdon United, Abingdon Town, Ardley United, Highworth, Banbury United etc. etc. stalwart Mark O'Hara. High praise from a local opponent (not withstanding a legend in his own lunchtime) who knows better than most just how good a player Jamie has been over the years.
The idea of a 'one-club' player, even in non-league, is virtually unheard of these days. As soon as someone establishes himself in a side he is guaranteed to attract interest from neighbouring clubs. No doubt if the News of the World had bugged Jamie's mobile over the years they'd have uncovered more illegal approaches than seen on the French side of the Channel tunnel on a summer's evening near Sangatte. But ignoring all these offers (often flavoured with the promise of significant extra financial rewards) Jamie has stayed utterly loyal to his hometown club. It's no exaggeration to say that if you cut him in half, he would even bleed red!
This afternoon is a significant milestone not just because he's made so many appearances (and counting) in Didcot colours; but alongside it he has also skippered the First Team during by far the most successful period in the club's 100+ year-history.
Little Jamie (as he was then) made his first team debut against Cirencester United as a fresh-faced 16 year-old in 1995 under manager Malcolm Cox-Rogers. Diddy were then plying their trade (with limited success it must be said) in the Hellenic Division One - the equivalent of where our Reserve team currently play! Our last few years at the Station Road ground (towards the end of the 90's) are regarded fondly by both ex-players and supporters old enough to remember them, but in terms of footballing success they were pretty lean times.
Jamie was one of a number of emerging teenagers who came through the ranks at around the time of our move to the Loop Meadow. Alongside the likes of Jon-Paul Bailey, Alex Deadman, Jon Gardner, Glyn Jones and Dwaine Strong, Jamie helped formed the spine of a distinctly youthful side which stuck around well into the early 2000's: significantly, however, only Jamie retained his place on a regular basis as the decade progressed.
By 2004 Jamie's consistency at the back or in midfield had been rewarded with the captain's armband. Whether or not the unprecedented success that arrived over the subsequent period could be attributed solely to his leadership is debatable. But his consistently high performance levels, especially in the biggest games, no doubt inspired those around him. Team-mates like Stuart Beavon, Bradley Ward, Andy Cooper and Paul Powell more often took the newspaper headlines, but Jamie too was outstanding in the matches that really mattered e.g.: in all three successful Hellenic League Cup final games, in the draw at Bishops Cleeve in 2006 to earn promotion to the Southern League, and not least in the FA Vase semi-final against Jarrow at the Loop when he scored the game's only goal...time and again, Jamie led from the front and produced hugely impressive displays.
As skipper he helped re-write the club's record books. He will almost certainly remain the only captain of any club to lift the Hellenic League Challenge Cup three times on the trot. And closer to home, he'll most likely be the only Didcot Town skipper to lift the FA Vase trophy.
Diddy supporters will have differing views on what has made him such an influential and important player. For me, his versatility has been one of his greatest traits. How often is it said (incorrectly) that a player has played in every position for his club? Well, in Jamie's case, it's absolutely true; he really has occupied every playing position in a Didcot shirt including goalkeeper. More important, he's always played where he's been asked to without fuss and histrionics. And he's done it with calm authority over a period spanning more than 15 years. And you could count on the fingers of one hand the games he's missed through injury or suspension.
His popularity is unequalled both amongst his fellow players and with fans and it should be no surprise; playing colleagues appreciate his never-say-die attitude while supporters love to see players who make the most of their talent and wear their heart on their sleeve. But they also like to see a player who stays behind after the game for a drink and is always approachable (win or lose) for a chat about the game.
Injuries permitting, Jamie is still young enough that it's entirely possible he'll reach the 1000 game-mark for Diddy which, alongside Ian Concannon's astonishing goal-scoring record, is unlikely ever to be beaten.
Jamie's place in the Railwaymen's history is already secured as one of the best players ever to pull on the club shirt. Will anyone else ever reach 700 appearances for DTFC? It's possible, but in today's game highly unlikely. Indeed, it's with some confidence that even 100 years on from now we can predict that Jamie will be regarded as the greatest servant the club has ever known.
Steve Clare -Didcot Town FC
All Action Wrestling - 18th February
Come and see live what the rest of the world views on TV.
On Friday 15th April Didcot Town Football club is set to welcome the Stars of All Action Wrestling for a great night of top international wrestling, with wrestlers from USA, Canada, Germany and Japan taking on the very best of Great Britain.
Wrestling has proved very popular in the Oxfordshire area in the past and we hope to keep the tradition alive with regular events to be held at Didcot Football Club.
Over two hours of fantastic entertainment for the whole family is what you can expect from this event. With tickets priced at just £10 each it is also excellent value for money.
The show will consist of 5 bouts, single matches, tag team bouts. Plus a very special appearance from our Star Of The Show. . . . " A star of Harry Potter films plus many TV appearances . . . Standing at 3ft 6inches … The Amazing Little Legs . . . Once seen and never forgotten."
Tickets are on sale now from the Didcot One Stop Shop or if tickets are still available on the date of the show they will be available from the football club itself.
Whether you here to "Boo the Bad Guy" or "Cheer on your Favourite", this really is the event for you.
The Only Way Is Up - 4th February
New Didcot Town Reserves manager Paul Noble is fully aware of his up-hill task to keep the Railwaymen in Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East and has been busy bringing in players to help with his quest.
Noble commented: "The season for us starts now. I met with all the players in the club boardroom on Tuesday night, and had a very positive response from them. As far as I am concerned it is a fresh start, all the players will be able to prove their value to the team"
"But it's not going to be easy for us. We have ten games of the season remaining, and are currently bottom of the pile with only 9 points from a possible 48. Nothing is sure in football but if we go out there with the right mind set, we have a good as chance as any in the competition of winning points to keep us safe."
The new manager has been busy in his first four days at the helm, using his contacts to bring in additional players to strengthen the team. 19 year old ex-Oxford United apprentice Niall Hodgkins (pictured), who scored 6 goals in 12 games for Abingdon Town before moving to Southern League North Leigh in October, has transferred to Didcot on Hellenic League papers this week. Along with defender Matt Saunders who has transferred from MIlton United. Premier Division Wantage Town have been very considerate in allowing Richie Guy to come to Didcot on a short term loan agreement.
Added to this Noble has also brought in some older heads from his playing days to work with the young Didcot players, Anthony Hill and Carl Fisher, both a sprightly 39 years of age, have registered to play for the club.
"Change At Didcot For . . ." - 31st January
The heading is a phrase heard on every trip for rail commuters travelling on the Great Western Line, but it's been a time of many changes at Didcot Town Football Club over the weekend.
Former Reading FC captain, and Wales international footballer, Ady Williams (pictured left) has been appointed manager of the Southern League first team. Then yesterday evening the club confirmed that Craig Hughes has stepped down in his role as manager of the Didcot Town Reserves Team.
Paul Noble (right) has agreed to take over in the position as the team look to move away from the bottom of the Uhlsport Hellenic Division One East. The ex-Didcot Town player also mentors the club Youth Team who play in the Allied Counties League.
Didcot chairman John Bailey commented: "I've said on many occasions that Reserve Team manager is the most thankless role at the club and Craig has worked his socks off this season. Unfortunately he's had very little luck on the pitch but I'd like to thank him for everything he's done while wishing Paul all the best in taking over for the rest of the season."
Craig Hughes still has considerable involvement at the club running the Didcot Town Ladies football team.
Noble will be assisted in running the team by long serving Didcot Town player Paul Bedwell, along with his father Dave Noble who is the team physio.
Three generations of "Nozzers", as the family members are fondly known, are now involved with the Reserves Team at Didcot. In addition to physio Dave "Old Man Noz" and Manager Paul "Nozzer" Noble, 16 year old Lewis "Young Noz" Noble is a member of the team. Maybe a cry of "Your ball Nozzer" could see grandfather, son, and grandson,all moving in unison!
Peace Bows Out - 27th January
Stuart Peace, probably one of the most successful managers in Hellenic League history, took his leave on Sunday from Didcot Town, the club he had successfully guided for the past 7 years.
During that time Didcot Town enjoyed easily it's most successful spell: Winning the FA Vase, Hellenic League Cup and Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy in 2005; the Hellenic League title for the first time in over 50 years and League Cup in 2006.
With promotion to the Southern League, Peace gained further promotion to the SL Premier Division, when Didcot won the South & West Division play-off final in 2009.
Didcot Town Press Officer Steve Clare commented on Sunday. "Retaining our Premier Division status last season was no mean achievement either but clearly recent results were not ideal and Stuart informed the chairman in a phone call today that he felt it was time for a change."
Didcot Chairman John Bailey said. "It's a shame but Stuart has been here nearly seven years and he feels he's taken the team as far as he can. He certainly leaves with his head held high because his record at Didcot is remarkable - he's overseen far and away the most successful period in the club's 100 year history and it's quite a legacy to leave us. On behalf of the club I would like to put on record our thanks to him for everything he's done and all his hard work."
Clare continued."Stuart will no doubt always polarise opinions from supporters. But what is irrefutable is his astonishing record as manager here. Starting as assistant to Pete Foley, it is highly unlikely we will ever see another period of success to match the years from 2004-2009. I hope I'm wrong, but one day I think we'll look back at Stuart's tenure and realise we really didn't know just how good we had it."
Sponsorship Alliance- 28th November
Didcot Town Football Club are delighted to announce a major sponsorship deal with Minster, the fastest growing specialist insulation and dry lining distributor in the UK.
After gaining promotion in 2009, the Southern League club are looking to establish themselves in the Zamaretto Premier Division, which represents the highest level of football in the club’s 103 year history. And they are relying on sponsorship to help them preserve their current status.
Chairman John Bailey: “We are absolutely delighted that Minster has shown their support in this way and this sponsorship helps us continue to be a football club for the local community. We have teams from aged 7 upwards and while the focus will often be on our First Team, and also the Reserves who compete in the Uhlsport Hellenic League, we are looking to encourage local youngsters to come through the ranks to one day play for our senior sides. With the support of Minster, we can provide equipment and meet some of the running costs that will hopefully make this come to fruition.”
The picture shows Didcot chairman John Bailey receiving a cheque from branch manager Neil Cahart (centre) and assistant branch manager Gary Edwards.
Didcot Town supporters have a busy day ahead of them whatever they choose to do on August Bank Holiday Monday.
Those who will be watching football have the rare opportunity to see both the First Team and the Reserves away from home on the same afternoon.
In agreement with their opponents and the League office a re-organisation of the kick-off time means Diddy fans can watch their Reserves in a noon start against Maidenhead-based Holyport in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East.
That gives supporters ample time at the final whistle to then travel over to Windsor & Eton for the 3pm kick-off to watch the First Team in the Zamaretto Premier Division.
But all’s not lost if supporters are unable to travel to either game because they have the opportunity of attending the Didcot Thong Rangers Annual Fun Day at Didcot’s Loop Meadow Stadium instead.
The Rangers are raising money for two local children with specialist medical needs and are hosting their Fun Day at the football club for the first time.
The activities (which include stalls, music, classic cars, displays, raffles and lots more) start at noon outside in the car-park and field adjacent to the training pitch and then later-on in the evening continue inside with a ‘late’ finish expected.
The Fun Day itself already looks like one of the biggest public events ever undertaken at the football club and we hope the local townsfolk come out and support this thoroughly worthwhile cause.
Chris Kamara @ Didcot Town - 27th August
Didcot Home To Rangers - 17th August
No, not Glasgow Rangers, Queens Park Rangers, or even Kintbury Rangers, but we are delighted to announce that local fundraisers Didcot Thong Rangers have made the Loop Meadow Stadium and Social Club their new 'home'.
This means that Didcot Town will be lending our support to their various future events and fundraisers. Moreover, later this month, we will be playing host to the annual Thong Rangers Family Fun Day (Bank Holiday Monday 30 August from noon til 11pm). This looks set to be one of the biggest and best events ever held at the club as the Rangers look to raise money for two very poorly local children (and their parents) who are in need of vital medical equipment and support.
There are almost too many many stalls and activities going on to mention here but they include a showground arena, stalls, music, entertainiment, classic cars, raffle, auction with sensational prizes, displays and even the Thong Factor, a talent contest for budding local singers and musicians. For more information (and how you can hire your own stall for the day) please email Claire Hughes, hughesfamily08@o2.co.uk.
We hope you can come along and support this fantastic fundraiser at the Loop and would also ask you to print-off the attached flyer and get your family, friends and work colleagues to come along too. And don't worry, your grandma won't be offended, this is a family friendly event for young and old alike, without a thong in sight.
Didcot Football Partnership Training Day - 19th July
Late entries are being accepted for school leavers seeking further education opportunites to take part in the Didcot Football Partnership Training Day, which will take place on Wednesday 21st July at 9.30am.
This will be a fantastic chance for students to find out about all the opportunities available at Didcot Town FC and take part in professionally run football sessions.
This day will consist of a training session followed by matches and a chance for you to see how your lessons will operate in September. Attached is a timetable of the day and a flyer which explain in detail what you can expect and they will give you a great insight into how you will work on a day to day basis within a full time football and education environment.
Full details, and how to register, can be downloaded from these links:
Didcot Town have announced one of the more unlikely sponsorship deals of the summer – their official website is being supported by Black Swan Lane, a US/UK rock band with seemingly no connection whatsoever with the town or interest in football in the UK.
Didcot’s press officer Steve Clare explained how the sponsorship came about: “I am a big fan of Black Swan Lane and during some exchange of emails between myself and the band’s founder member and lead singer Jack Sobel he explained his frustrations at not being able to market their new album in this country. The band are receiving great reviews but unable to tell anyone about it over here.”
Although based in Atlanta in the US, Black Swan Lane is made up of a number of UK musicians too including Mark Burgess, former frontman of the Chameleons, who were highly influential on bands like Oasis and the Stone Roses in the 1980s and 90s. Another English-based musician who has collaborated regularly with the band is actor Andy Moore (real name Andy Whitaker), who plays PC Mike Swirling in ITV soap opera Emmerdale.
It’s not the first time a rock or popular music act has got involved in football sponsorship: Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) used his local club Brighton & Hove Albion to advertise his ‘Palookaville’ album in 2004 and Wet Wet Wet famously sponsored their local club Clydebank. In non-league football Margate were once sponsored by Bad Manners, Goldie Lookin Chain were involved with Newport County and indie-band Mega City Four supported Farnborough Town in the 1990’s.
But the link between Black Swan Lane and Didcot Town is particularly unusual since all the other deals involved acts that were supporting their hometown clubs.
Clare continued: “It’s possibly unique for a US-based band to get involved in a relatively small club like Didcot Town but not so daft when you think about it. The football club have a popular official website and it’s a great outlet for Jack to publicise his band’s new album ‘Things You Know and Love’ while supporting us at the same time. I’m not sure how I would describe their music, it has a unique sound; but anyone who likes the Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, Joy Division or even the Beatles I’m sure will hear something on the album they like.”
"Finances are tighter than ever and each pound is important to us right now. So we are grateful to Black Swan Lane for their valuable support and remain quietly confident about our chances of maintaining our Premier Division status this season.”
Oxford United will return to reserve action this season as they enter the Totesport.com Football Combination.
United will run a reserve side for the first time in four years and will play fourteen games in the Eastern Division, playing home and away against Colchester United, Ipswich Town, Luton Town, Peterborough United, Stevenage Borough, Watford and Wycombe Wanderers.
Home games will be played at npower Loop Meadow, the home of Didcot Town, with most fixtures taking place on Wednesday evening with 7pm kick offs.
OUFC coach Mickey Lewis (pictured) said: "It is good to have the opportunity to play in a reserve league again. The games are a great way for players to stay sharp, for injured players to make their return and for some of the exciting youngsters we have here to play alongside the senior players. We will have the fixtures set in place and can always arrange extra friendlies if games are needed. Didcot are a friendly club with excellent facilities so that will be a good venue for the games, and we know they will be competitive fixtures against good clubs in our division."
Railwaymen Back On Track - 28th June
After the disappointment of England's abject World Cup displays, Didcot Towns' attention now turns to the new season which starts in just a few short weeks.
Players new and old are invited along to pre-season training which starts on Tuesday 29 June at 7.15pm at the Loop Meadow. All welcome to come along as we prepare for life in the Southern League Premier and Hellenic League Division One East next season.
One piece of Reserve Team news is the new manager, Didcot Town welcome Craig Hughes (pictured) into the position and wish him and his team all the best in the Uhlsport Hellenic Division One East.
With new grading requirements introduced by The FA for season 2011/12, this season is important for many clubs at Step 6. Those with floodlit grounds who finish in the top 10 this season, in Hellenic Leagues One East and West, will be able to maintain progress at Step 6 and above in the forthcoming seasons.
In the short term the Railwaymens' concentration will be on the pre-season games at the Npower Loop MeadowStadium , with Coca Cola League newboys Oxford United , on Tuesday July 13th, making their first appearance after their play-off success at Wembley. Followed on Saturday 17th July with a visit from Kevin Dillons' Aldershot Town, then on Tuesday 20th July Conference Premier Forest Green Rovers take on The Railwaymen at The Loop.
Seeking a Fixture - 7th June
Zamaretto League Premier Division Didcot Town, are seeking a pre-season away fixture on Saturday 10th July.
Didcot would be pleased to receive enquiries from club's, at step 6 or 5, who would be interested in playing the Didcot Town first team on this date. Interested parties should make contact with Didcot Town secretary, Pat Horsman - by email didcot@fernring.co.uk or webmaster@hellenicleague.co.uk
Please note it is only the 10th July that Didcot are seeking a fixture for.
But the Thong Rangers, who dress in thongs for their charity stunts, have set themselves the arduous task to help pay for prosthetic limbs for three-year-old Oxford girl Charlotte Nott. The fundraisers, who are associated with Didcot Town FC, stepped in after the little girl’s limbs were amputated below the joints when she contracted an aggressive form of meningitis. 
Father-of-two Clifford Oakes, 48, a binman from Park Road, Didcot, said: “When we heard what had happened to Charlotte we wanted to do something to help. We have been to visit the family and Charlotte is a lovely girl. There are lots of hills involved, so I think the journey will probably take us five or six hours. When we arrive, the Nott family will take the blocks to build a barbecue. We’re definitely not going to carry them back to Didcot.” 
With so much financial doom and gloom prevalent in newspaper articles and football boardrooms up and down the country, how refreshing that we can today concentrate on what can be so good about the non-league game; in fact, we can celebrate the sort of achievement that typified the old non-league ethic that attracted us here in the first place.
By 2004 Jamie's consistency at the back or in midfield had been rewarded with the captain's armband. Whether or not the unprecedented success that arrived over the subsequent period could be attributed solely to his leadership is debatable. But his consistently high performance levels, especially in the biggest games, no doubt inspired those around him. Team-mates like Stuart Beavon, Bradley Ward, Andy Cooper and Paul Powell more often took the newspaper headlines, but Jamie too was outstanding in the matches that really mattered e.g.: in all three successful Hellenic League Cup final games, in the draw at Bishops Cleeve in 2006 to earn promotion to the Southern League, and not least in the FA Vase semi-final against Jarrow at the Loop when he scored the game's only goal...time and again, Jamie led from the front and produced hugely impressive displays.
On Friday 15th April Didcot Town Football club is set to welcome the Stars of All Action Wrestling for a great night of top international wrestling, with wrestlers from USA, Canada, Germany and Japan taking on the very best of Great Britain.
"But it's not going to be easy for us. We have ten games of the season remaining, and are currently bottom of the pile with only 9 points from a possible 48. Nothing is sure in football but if we go out there with the right mind set, we have a good as chance as any in the competition of winning points to keep us safe."
Former Reading FC captain, and Wales international footballer, Ady Williams (pictured left) has been appointed manager of the Southern League first team. Then yesterday evening the club confirmed that Craig Hughes has stepped down in his role as manager of the Didcot Town Reserves Team. 
Paul Noble (right) has agreed to take over in the position as the team look to move away from the bottom of the Uhlsport Hellenic Division One East. The ex-Didcot Town player also mentors the club Youth Team who play in the Allied Counties League.
Didcot Town Football Club are delighted to announce a major sponsorship deal with Minster, the fastest growing specialist insulation and dry lining distributor in the UK.
Didcot Town have announced one of the more unlikely sponsorship deals of the summer – their official website is being supported by Black Swan Lane, a US/UK rock band with seemingly no connection whatsoever with the town or interest in football in the UK. 
United will run a reserve side for the first time in four years and will play fourteen games in the Eastern Division, playing home and away against Colchester United, Ipswich Town, Luton Town, Peterborough United, Stevenage Borough, Watford and Wycombe Wanderers.
Players new and old are invited along to pre-season training which starts on Tuesday 29 June at 7.15pm at the Loop Meadow. All welcome to come along as we prepare for life in the Southern League Premier and Hellenic League Division One East next season. 