Webb Tops The Awards - 18th May

Shortwood United FC Secretary and Groundsman Mark Webb has been declared the winner of the Step 5 & 6 National Award of 'Groundsman of the Year'.

Mark was one of two nominations made by the Uhlsport Hellenic League to the FA for this prestigious award. As with groundsmen nationally Mark is extremely proud of the playing surface he is able to produce for his beloved Shortwood United to play on and, like most groundsmen, is a great grumbler towards any player that causes damage to his pitch.

Mark beat off strong opposition from several clubs including Northern League club West Allotment Celtic and Essex side Burnham Ramblers whose groundsmen were judged as second and third best by the FA panel of judges who visited grounds the length and breadth of the country.

In recognition Mark and a guest will be invited to Wembley for the England v Wales European Championship qualifier on Tuesday 6th September. Prior to that match it is hoped the FA will be able to arrange the presentation of the trophy for his achievement at a pre-season or early season Hellenic League match. Mark will also attend, yet again, he was in receipt of a 'Highly Commended' Certificate Award last season, the annual 'Winners Day' at Wembley in October for all nominated groundsmen in each of the catergories the day will include a tour of Wembley Stadium and lunch followed by a presentation of all the category awards.

The Wood Awards - 16th May

Shortwood held their presentation evening at Meadowbank on Friday evening and after an excellent buffet Chairman Peter Webb welcomed everyone and thanked everyone for all their hard work which made Shortwood the club that it is. He gave a special welcome to Stroud Rugby Club's Russ Hillier who was the guest speaker before presenting his own award, the Peter Webb Trophy, to Press Officer Jim Cunneen.

John Evans reflected on the first team's season which culminated in the winning of the GFA Trophy before presenting the first team awards. The Supporters Player of the Year was won jointly by Luke Benneyworth and Ash Thomas and Ash Thomas also picked up the Players Player and Managers Player of the Year. James Coates won the Most Improved Player and Ben Pugh the Pitchero Award.

Des Meredith spoke of the Reserves Team's success which ended with a great 9 match unbeaten run that saw them finish 3rd in the Glos Northern Senior League. Jake Davies won the Supporters and Players Player Award while Josh Jones and Ryan Thwaite won the Most Improved and Managers Player Awards. Nick Ackland and Liam Meredith then gave Des Meredith a shirt signed by the whole team as a thank you for all his work with his squad.

For the Vets Ian Freebrey spoke of his side's great season – finishing as Runners Up in the Nth Glos Vets League and winning the Skintact 6 – a – side tournament. The Players Player was won jointly by Matthew Williford and Neil Long and the Managers Player Award went to David Funnell. Andrew Smith was presented with a special award for all his hard work with the squad and Bill Stratford also received an award for his great support. Last, but by no means least, special thank you awards were given to Catherine Freebrey, Julie Peglar, Julie Leech and Kayleigh Freebrey for cleaning the kit and cooking all the food.

Club Photographer Brian Rossiter then gave John Evans and Des Meredith hard back copies of his photographic 2010 -11 year books as a memento of the season. Judy Yorke, Mo and Wendy Meredith were given flowers as a thank you for all their tremendous work throughout the season keeping everyone fed during and after all the games…

The evening finished with a hilarious speech from Russ Hillier before everyone retreated to the bar to talk about the great evening and reminisce about the season.

Brian Rossiter took some really great pictures and his pictorial album of the night has been uploaded to the Shortwood Website. It was a truly terrific evening and a huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it the success it was!

First Aid Course at Shortwood-15th May

Mark Sumpter, a qualified and practising Health & Safety First Aid trainer, is holding a 3 day Health and Safety First Aid at Work (HSE FAW) course at Shortwood United Football Club.

The course will be held over 3 consecutive weekends in June or July ( either a Saturday or Sunday of each week ). The cost approximately £100 per person, which includes certification, examination costs and a full HSE FAW manual.

This is an excellent qualification and is ideal for your club, work or everyday uses. It is a legal requirement for certain sized workplaces and companies.

If interested please e-mail Mark on marksumpter1@aol.com or phone on 07878647693

Evans On The Radio - 12th May

Shortwood United boss John Evans is the special guest on Stroud FM's local football show, 'The Locker Room' on Thursday at 7pm.

Evans will be on the program to discuss his sides Hellenic Premier Division campaign as well as their successful GFA Challenge Trophy win a couple of weeks ago where the Wood managed a 1-0 win over Gloucestershire County League outfit, Tuffley Rovers, in the final.

Listeners can send in questions for John during the show via the Stroud FM website at stroudfm.co.uk and the website is the best way to listen to the one hour show. The action all kicks off at 7pm on Thursday 12 May.

Shortwood Look To GFA Final - 24th April

Next Thursday evening, 28th April Shortwood will take on Tuffley Rovers in the final of the GFA Trophy at Oakland Park, Almondsbury kick off 7.30 pm.

By there own high standards Shortwood have had a disappointing league season and the main problem has been one of consistency. Some of their performances have been first class and they have saved two of those for the GFA Trophy. In the quarter final they demolished Ellwood 5-0 but perhaps saved the best for the semi – final where they beat an extremely good Bitton side 2-1 after an enthralling game that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

In the final they will play County League outfit Tuffley Rovers. Tuffley are currently 7th in their league and again have saved some of their best performances for the Trophy. In the quarter final they won 3-2 at likely County League Champions Brimscombe and Thrupp 3-2, after extra time and surprised a lot of people by beating Lydney 2-0 in the semi-final.

Shortwood will certainly not be taking anything for granted in the Final and will hope to follow up last years success in the AM Print and Copy Floodlit Cup by adding the GFA Trophy to the Trophy Cabinet.

Baldwin Returns To Wood - 10th March

Shortwood are delighted to have re-signed midfielder James Baldwin.

James was an important member of the squad but left Meadowbank at the start of the season to try his luck at Forest Green. He has recently been playing for Zamaretto outfit Cinderford Town. He will be included in the squad for Shortwood's trip to Thame on Saturday.

Lets Try Again . . & Again - 17th February

Shortwood United's postponed home GFA Trophy tie against Cadbury Heath has been rearranged for next Tuesday 22nd February.

The game, hopefully, will take place at Meadowbank with a 7.45 kick off. This means the home league game against Highworth Town, which should have been that night, has been moved to the 1st March. Shortwood are really hopeful that they have no more disruption from the weather. This is the third winter running that Shortwood and other clubs in the area have had such problems. The pitch was under water again on Tuesday evening. With all the disruption this winter from the rain and the earlier snow it has left Wood groundsman and secretary Mark Webb shaking his head and saying "I've never known or seen anything like it.....".

Invite From Across The Valley - 30th January

Forest Green Rover fans wondering how to spend a free weekend or mid-week when their team are away are being encouraged to get down and watch Hellenic Premier side Shortwood United for a cut-price.

The team from across the Nailsworth Valley are offering Forest Green season ticket holders half-price entry to any Shortwood game for the rest of this season for just £2.50, Programmes are 50p. For half price entry Forest Green fans need only show their season ticket at the turnstile.

The Shortwood team includes former Forest Green manager John Evans, Forest Green player Ben Pugh and youth and reserve team players Martyn Pearce, Mishy Green, Mike Green, Alex Allard and Jake Parrott.

Scott Mason Joins 'The Wood'

Scott is a Hartbury lad who can play anywhere in the back four or midfield. Scott has been playing for Cirencester Town in the Southern League Premier and will further strengthen John Evans' squad.

Mason who is 21 this month had a long spell at West Bromwich Albion before being released in the summer of 2008.

Prospects From Shortwood - 14th January

Meadowbank is very wet, but if there is no more dramatic rain The Wood should be OK for tomorrow's game against Wokingham and Emmbrook.

The Clanfield away 'Bluefin' - Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup game postponed Wednesday has been rearranged for the coming week Wednesday 19th January - 7.45 kick off.

If Wood win that they will be at home to Highworth Town in the next round on 29th January. If they lose then they will still be at home but to Old Woodstock Town in the League, and the possible return of former keeper Rich Barrett who is between the posts for them these days.

Snow Fence - 6th December

For the second year running the snow has taken it's toll at Shortwood but the winter break has come early this season.

Thankfully the work to get the latest ground improvement work completed was resolved before the frost and snow hit 'Meadowbank'.

The image shows the latest ground improvements - a new pitch perimeter fencing making Meadowbank a real credit to the Hellenic League and a testament to the hard work of those behind the scenes!

The club would really like to thank those who have worked so hard.

Webb Commended - 16th November

Shortwood's Mark Webb was one of 3 highly commended groundsmen in the Steps 5 and 6 National Award category.

Mark was presented with a certificate at our 'winners day' at Wembley on Monday 25th October 2010.

The presentations were made by 3 members of The FA's Pitches and Facilities Committee, Mervyn Leggett (Chairman), Peter Hockley and Mike Birt. The winners day involved:

- A tour of the stadium
- A pitch walk led by the Wembley Stadium Ground Staff
- Lunch
- A Q&A session with the Head Groundsman and Group Facilities Director
- A trophy presentation ceremony

A full list of the winners can be found below:

The Football Conference Award

Winner, Ian Darler, Cambridge United FC
Runner Up, Oxford University Ground Staff on behalf of Oxford United FC
Third Place, Dick Peters, Dover Athletic FC
Highly Commended, Bob Mills, Bishops Stortford FC

Northern Premier League Award

Winner, Philip Varney, Belper Town FC
Runner Up, Keith Crostan, Boston United FC
Third Place, Graham Foxall, Trafford FC
Highly Commended, Mark Freeman, Loughborough Dynamo FC
Highly Commended, Elfed Morris, Colwyn Bay FC

Southern League Award

Winner, Paul Kuhn, Brackley Town FC
Runner Up, Idris Elms, Leamington FC
Third Place, Craig Ringsell, Chesham United FC
Highly Commended, Jeff Hinde, Uxbridge FC
Highly Commended, Peter Howard, Farnborough FC

Isthmian League Award

Winner, Rob Darby, Corinthian Casuals FC
Runner Up, Alan Mitchell, Wingate and Finchley FC
Third Place, Simon Rudkins, Hastings United FC
Highly Commended, Ken Fisher, Croydon Athletic FC
Highly Commended, Dave Blaszkowski, Leatherhead FC

Steps 3 and 4 National Award

Winner, Rob Darby, Corinthian Casuals FC
Runner Up, Philip Varney, Belper Town FC
Third Place, Keith Crostan, Boston United FC
Highly Commended, Paul Kuhn, Brackley Town FC
Highly Commended, Graham Foxall, Trafford FC

Steps 5 and 6 National Award

Winner, Harefield United Grounds Committee, Harefield United FC
Runner Up, Brian Foley, Cogenhoe United FC
Third Place, David Naylor, St Neots Town FC
Highly Commended, Tony Sitford, Corinthian FC
Highly Commended, Mark Webb, Shortwood United FC
Highly Commended, David Bland, Eversley FC


Step 7 and Below National Award

Winner, Jim Ferguson, Poppleton Junior FC
Runner Up, Chris Willcock, Matrixgrade FC
Third Place, Kevin Arbon, Framlingham Town FC
Highly Commended, David Hunt and Matthew Dunster, Somersham Town FC
Highly Commended, Mike Currie, Shamblers FC
Highly Commended, Keith Miller, Cold Ashby Rovers FC

Mortlock Signs For Wood - 5th October

Shortwood have secured the services of Chris Mortlock from Pegasus Juniors who has scored scored 7 goals in 13 games this season.

In the FA Vase 2nd Round Shortwood have been drawn away to Bristol based Bitton who are currently third in the Western League having played 7 Won 5 drawn 1 and lost 1, with games in hand on the teams above them. In the 1st Round Bitton secured a 1-0 win at Kidlington and this is going to be a tough game for the Wood.

Golf Day Huge Success - 16th September

Shortwood United held their Fourth Annual Golf Day at Stinchcombe Hill Golf Club on Friday 10th September to raise invaluable funds for the Football Club.

This year’s event was the most successful ever! It was a warm and very windy day and a record 21 teams of four players, with several mixed teams, set off to play 18 holes of golf.

Former European Tour player Stuart Little, pictured, who is Vice President, played as part of the G K Joinery team.   Format for the day was two scores to count stableford.  There was nearest the pin prizes on all par three's, with a prize for nearest the pin in three on the 18th par five.  Teams were made up of individuals and businesses. There was great camaraderie amongst the teams, as you would expect from any Shortwood event.

The presentation of prizes, mostly donated by companies and players, was held in the club house.  BT Precision were eventual winners with 84 points on a count back over T & M Decorators.  A raffle was drawn with Andy Hoskins winning first prize of a Z1 push golf trolley, kindly donated by Stewart Golf.

Next year's golf day will be on 9th September 2011.  Please contact Shortwood Football Club (01453833936) or Dave Stallworthy (07788827578) for details. 

Everyone connected with Shortwood United would like to thank everyone who took part, donated prizes, or helped organize the event for making it such a great day!

Sparkes To Set Wood Alight? - 15th September

Shortwood have signed Jon Sparkes from Ryman League Division 1 (North) outfit Needham Market.

Jon is currently studying locally in Gloucestershire. He is described on Needham's Website as a "Left side midfield player and possesses electric pace". His last appearance saw him score in Needham's 6-1 demolition of AFC Kempston in the FA Cup last Saturday.

Teacher Needs No Lesson - 27th August

Shortwood United manager John Evans does not need any lessons in why The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON is so important to lower league clubs as he prepares to take his team to Totton & Eling in the Preliminary Round tonight.

In fact, the Deputy Head Teacher need only glance around his club's new-look ground to see the benefits that football's oldest Cup competition can bring.

"Two years ago we won several games and met Havant & Waterlooville, who had given Liverpool a real scare the year before,” explained Evans. “We gave them a fright that day by drawing 2-2 at their place and then they beat us 1-0 at our place after we'd missed a penalty in the last minute. That was hugely exciting. The year before that we beat Gloucester City from the Southern League Premier which was very exciting. So, for our level we've done pretty well. Those runs have helped finance a new stand and improve the facilities at the club."

The clash has been scheduled for tonight night due to Totton's ground-share scheme with a cricket club, meaning all their home games in August are played on Friday evenings. That means a two-hour journey to Hampshire for Shortwood, who currently play in the Hellenic Premier, the lowest entry level for The FA Cup.

And Totton manager Andy Tipp hopes to make the most of Shortwood's potentially travel-weary legs. "I know they are a decent side but they've got a long way to come after a work day so I am hoping that's an advantage for us," he said.

But one man who will be fresh for the game is Totton striker Chris Marwood who Tipp will be looking to for goals. "Chris usually scores goals for us. He’s a PE Teacher and he's just come back from holiday so I am hoping he is fresh and ready to go.”

Another trick up Tipp's sleeve will be former Shortwood player Phil Ward who now plays at Totton and has revealed his old side's secrets. Tipp said: "Phil has given us the lowdown on the team and we know they will be organised and a hard team to beat."

It should be an enthralling FA Cup encounter.

www.thefa.com

Friday Football for 'Wood' - 20th August

Shortwood United's Preliminary Round FA Cup tie at Totton & Eling will be played on Friday 27th August kick off 7 45pm.

The Totton ground is dual use and the club has to accomodate the local cricket club on Saturday's. Shortwood Secretary Mark Webb was less than enthusiastic at the prospect of a trip to Southampton on a Friday evening.

Signing for 'Wood' - 9th August

Shortwood have added Ben Pugh to their squad after he decided to return to Meadowbank after his short spell at Forest Green.

Ben has committed himself to the club for the season and we welcome him back! Wood have also signed Rob Colwell who is returning from a serious injury. He was a prolific goalscorer at Slimbridge and Cinderford prior to his injury.

Last but not least Jody Bevan has signed from Cirencester Town and he too will be a useful aquisition to John Evans already outstanding squad.

Wood Prepare For League Challenge - 30th June

With the new season almost upon us Shortwood United commence pre-season training at Archway school at 7pm on Monday July 5th. Training will also be on Wenesdays, and Wednesday's sessions will be at Rednock School also at 7 pm. New players would be more than welcome. Further details please ring John Evans on 07817946166.