Premier Division Flackwell Heath, have already begun work on planning for the next campaign and their first signing has been to the management staff.
Boss James Pritchard will be joined at the helm by Matthew Miller (pictured), who has resigned as Division One East Penn & Tylers Green manager, and together they will be joint managers at Wilks Park.
Pritchard was delighted that Miller has agreed to join, saying: “Between us I think we can push the club forward and really challenge for promotion next season. We both have extensive contacts, and with the backing of the club, things are set up nicely for us to progress. Things have gone well at Flackwell since I’ve been here, but we have had enough time to test the waters, now it’s time to go to the next level.” He added: “We need to add two or three to the squad, but otherwise most of the players have said they want to return, so I think things are already looking good.”
Top Six On - 4th February
Jamie Pritchard, manager of Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division club Flackwell Heath, says that a top six finish is definitely on.
Pritchard, speaking to the Press, reckons finishing in the top six would be the benchmark for himself as manager and for his playing staff, plus success in the numerous cup competitions they are involved in between now and the end of a congested 2010/11 campaign.
The basis of the Wilks Park club`s optimism is founded on present movement up to seventh in the table on the back of four wins and two draws in the last six outings and quality performances on consecutive Tuesdays taking four points from the meetings with table-toppers Ardley United, winning 1-0 at home, and drawing 1-1 away in a game that saw the hosts forge in front from a corner with just 2 minutes to go but pegged backed by a last-gasp Flackwell equaliser, courtesy of a Danny Jordan penalty.
Pritchard, now in sole charge at the Buckinghamshire club after his previous joint boss Matt Flint quit due to work commitments, said: “It`s a tough ask on your own, but hopefully help will be coming soon to redress the balance. The Ardley performances were particularly pleasing as they are a very good, organised side striving hard for promotion, but my players had matched them in all departments. Our recent additions to the squad have given us a competitive edge and there is definitely a real togetherness in the changing room. The up-turn in fortunes have convinced all sundry we are now in a position to push on as we have more strength in depth.”
Flackwell now know who their opposition will be in the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy semi-final after Combined Counties League side Sandhurst Town`s recent defeat of much-fancied Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division leaders Chalfont St Peter.
Ground Share Possibility ?- 13th November
Zamaretto League Division One Central club Marlow is looking into the possibility of groundshare with Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division club Flackwell Heath.
In February last year Marlow`s bid to build a new stadium at Little Marlow Gravel Pits was thrown out after planning inspector Ken Barton branded it ‘inappropriate’.
But the club has now been approached by Flackwell Heath, which are also looking to secure its future after worries about its own facilities.
Marlow director Ray Frith announced: “We have firmed up something in the last few weeks. We have been approached by Flackwell Heath about the possibility of joining resources and we are pursuing that.
“We are looking at the reasons why we were refused permission and we are taking a fresh look at the needs of Marlow FC.”
Marlow chairman Terry Staines has confirmed that previous partner North West Estates has ‘started talks with the council planning office.’
Durrant Set To Return - 1st October
Flackwell Heath's preparations for their FA Vase 1st Round tie at Barking on Saturday have been boosted by the news that Adam Durrant is now fit and ready for action after his three week lay off with a calf strain.
The ex-Maidenhead United and Oxford City captain (pictured right) will further strengthen the midfield for this crunch clash in East London. Simon Goodham is also now match fit and available following a spell in the reserves and Ryan Upward has recovered from an ankle injury and will come into contention for a place in the team. Nathan Poulton should also figure in Matt Flint and James Pritchard's plans after missing Saturdays 3-1 win at Fairford Town with a knock suffered during his triumphant return to his old club Bracknell Town last Tuesday.
This means that only Eamon McConigley and Paul Shone - who is the subject of a 7 day approach from Binfield - will be missing from the squad on Saturday.
Cannon Returns to Heathens - 26th August
Flackwell Heath have been boosted by the imminent return of ace marksman Riccardo Cannon to the fold after his release by Didcot Town last week.
Riccardo had scored 90 goals in his three seasons at Wilks Park and this form attracted the interest of the Railwaymen and he joined them for pre-season training and scored a couple of goals, including one against Oxford United. However he was deemed surplus to requirements and so re-joins The Heathens in time for their FA Cup (sponsored by Eon) Preliminary Round tie against Epsom & Ewell at Merstham FC in Surrey on Saturday. Jonny Mason and Adam Davis have both left Wilks Park due to lack of first team opportunities.