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Colwell New Man At Witney - 3rd June
Former Oxford City youth team coach Duncan Colwell has taken over as manager of Witney United.
He follows ex-Oxford United player Richard Hill, who quit the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division club last month. Colwell spent ten years at City managing teams in the youth structure before helping secure Oxford City Nomads' promotion to the Premier Division in 2009. He also had a short spell at Abingdon Town before joining Witney as assistant manager last season.
When Darren Teggart left, Colwell assumed a caretaker manager role before the appointment of Richard Hill. General manager Andy Lyne said: " The club has been through a difficult period on and off the field.In Duncan we feel that we have a safe pair of hands, someone who knows the club and has a good knowledge of young local players." |
McKeon Remains A Blanketmen - 30th May
 Witney confirm the clubs leading goal scorer last season, and talisman, Sean McKeon is remaining with the Blanketmen. 24 goal McKeon (pictured) formed a prolific strike partnership with Joe Tustain last season but Tustain has since moved to Shortwood United.
General Manager Andy Lyne said. "Getting an early commitment from a player of Sean's quality was an integral part of our summer plans. There are very few 20 odd goal a season players on the market so we are delighted to retain the services of one of the best at our level."
Witney are also pleased that teenage goal sensation Joey Fullerton has decided to stay with the club. Fullerton burst on to the 1st team scene towards the end of last season scoring 5 goals in 10 games. Lyne added " Like young midfielder Jordan Cormack, Joe made an instant impact and for players so young in years that was a real bonus and they both made good contributions to our maintaining our Premier Division status."
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 Hill Leaves Witney United - 12th May
It is with much regret that Witney United have to announce the departure of manager Richard Hill.
The reason for this is purely financial and the fact that there is no money for a playing budget next season, something Richard felt put him in an impossible position. General Manager Andy Lyne said "Hilly worked with no budget this season, he came in, pulled us up by our boot strings and got the players performing to their maximum. We are indebted to him for the work he put in and for helping the club maintain our Premier Division status. For me personally this is a massive disappointment as Hilly played for me and coached for me back in the day and it has been really great working together again."
Applications in writing along with a full CV are invited. Please apply to:
Andy Lyne, General Manager, Witney United Football Club, Downs Road, Witney, Oxon OX29 7WT. Closing date is Friday 27th May 2011
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Blanketmen Winners - 3rd May
Witney United FC (WUFC) are proud to announce their end of year award winners.
They are as follows:-
Supporters Player of the Year - Joe Tustain
Players Player the Year - Joe Tustain
Football Management Player of the Year - Jon Steedman
Leading Scorer - Sean McKeon
The Ivor Souch Website Man of the Match Award - Joe Tustain
Steve Lake (Chairman) stated. "In what was a difficult year on and off of the pitch our management team and squad worked extremely hard to maintain our Premiership status within the Hellenic League. The awards reflect the input of just three players but they did have a significant impact on our season. Joe (Tustain) came in part the way through the season and won fans and players over with some displays of non-stop football. Sean (McKeon) waded in with 23 goals in 44 appearances - no mean feat in a young side struggling to stay in the Prem. and finally our Captain, Jon Steedman, who worked so hard, under 4 different managers, to ensure that the squad stayed together and focused....I thank all three of them for their hard work and every player that pulled on a Yellow shirt this year."
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Vandals Strike Again At Marriott's Stadium - 4th April
Once again Witney United FC have been the target of mindless vandalism at their Marriott's Stadium site. During the Christmas period the pitch was subject to mindless individuals, who had broken into the site, and drove all over the pitch. Today (4th April) it was discovered that the same thing had happened yet again!
Steve Lake of WUFC stated 'I cannot believe why people would even think of doing this. We have had individuals who come to the ground drive around like maniacs and make a mess of our gravel car park - but to break in and drive and 'doughnut' all over the pitch is just heartbreaking'.
Lake went on to state 'Last summer we spent a small fortune to ensure we had a good surface at Marriott's Stadium. The early summer was very dry and so we also had a huge watering bill and so to have people do these kind of things is seriously disappointing and demoralising'.
Today WUFC have volunteers working hard to ensure that tonight's OFA U18 U18s County Cup Semi-Final match versus Oxford City will go ahead.
Any one that has any information regarding this incident should, confidentially, contact the Club or the Police at Witney.
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Hill Returns - 24th March
Witney United Football Club are delighted to announce that Richard Hill has returned to the club as First Team Manager following his resignation last week.
General Manager Andy Lyne broke the news earlier today confirming that Hill would return to lead the club in its quest to retain Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division status after receiving a written apology from an individual within the club.
Lyne commented "This is truly a pivotal moment in of our season getting Richard back onboard. He had done a brilliant job in the short space of time he was with us and the players had responded really positively to him. His return, along with the signings of Tim Griffiths and Andy Younie and the return also of Jack Smith has given us a terrific boost at just the right time"
It was a double boost for United after goalkeeper Griffiths had signed for the club from Cheltenham Saracens and the return of crowd favourite Andrew Younie of which there will be more details on the web tomorrow.
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Hill Resigns - 17th March
Witney regretfully announce that after just ten games in command Richard Hill has resigned with immediate effect from the position of first team manager.
No explanation was given for his sudden and surprise resignation – other than it was not for the poor results over the last two or so league games. In his short tenure Hill managed five wins and two draws accumulating sufficient points to pull the club away from the Hellenic Premier League relegation zone and to progress in the Supplementary Cup.
The club would like to go on record to thank Richard for all he has achieved during his brief time with Witney United FC and for the professional way in which he conducted himself.
Going forward until a new management team is appointment the squad will be in the safe hands of experienced General Manager (Football) Andy Lyne and Pete Bridgewater.
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New Signing Unavailable - 12th February
Witney will be without new signing, midfielder Nick Weekes for the game at Flackwell Heath this afternoon.
Weekes recently joined Witney having previously been with Bishops Cleeve and Shortwood United. Also unavailable are Darren Queegan, Tom Smith and James Lambert.
Lewis Colwell and Eddie Everett are both expected to return from injury but midfielder Jason Smith remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
New 19 year old Central defender Tom Boxer, who made his debut against Reading retains his place in the squad. Boxer has been playing for Cockfosters in the Spartan South Midland League.
Squad: Tassell, Mcnally, Lonsdale, Boxer, Nagy, Evans, Steedman, Colwell, Blenford, Everett, Allmond, Wright, McKeon, Tustain, Jones, Harrison
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Hill Just Wants To Make Friends! - 4th February
New Witney United manager Richard Hill has two ambitions at the club – to save them from relegation and to make more friends, writes Kieren Bushnell in the Oxford Mail.
Hill took charge of Witney for the first time last weekend when, with only nine men, they crashed to a 5-0 defeat at Wantage in the Bluefin Insurance Brokers Cup. It represented the lowest point in the short history of Witney United, who were formed following the demise of Witney Town in 2002.
The former Oxford United midfielder wants to put last week behind him and focus on the future, which he believes is positive for the club. He said: “It was obviously disappointing going to Wantage with nine men. That shouldn’t happen at this level, and let’s be honest, we did well to lose 5-0. The boys I had available last week did as well as they could, but it was men against boys, literally.”
Hill has targeted Premier Division survival, and then to forge relationships with the other senior clubs in the area. “Over the years, the other clubs around us just seem to dislike us. We have to start making friends with them. We have to show respect to the likes of Carterton, Clanfield and North Leigh. All I can try to do is build a relationship with all of our local teams.
“North Leigh are our yardstick. We need to emulate what they have done. They’ve been magnificent. They are more than holding their own in the Southern League, and there’s no reason why we cannot do that as well. But everything has to start again. It’s a complete rebuild that is needed.”
Witney host Wokingham & Emmbrook tomorrow, and hope to welcome back a number of players who missed last week’s debacle.
Hill added: “I’m quite excited by the challenge ahead. The next month is going to be really important. If we can survive, then we can look ahead.”
Following last week's disappointment at Wantage there is no doubt Hill will be looking for his charges to produce a display in his first home match in charge when United entertain Wokingham and Emmbrook at Marriotts Stadium in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League (3-00pm).
It will be no easy task against a Wokingham side sitting comfortably in mid table and who have collected 5 victories on the road this season already.
The two sides met at the back end of October when United travelled to Berkshire but came home pointless as we went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat.
On the team news front after last week's problems there is a huge boost for United with the return of five players. Tom Smith, Pete Nagy, Matt Blenford, James Lambert and Darren Queegan (right) are all available tomorrow and are joined by new signing Nick Weekes who was previously on the books of Zamaretto League side Bishops Cleeve.
There are still doubts over the strikeforce with Sean McKeon doubtful with the foot injury he suffered against Ascot United and Joe Tustain is awaiting the exit of his girlfriend from hospital following the birth of their son.
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New Blanketman - 29th January
Former Didcot Town coach Richard Hill has been appointed as the new manager at Uhlsport Hellenic League Witney United.
In his playing days Hill turned out for Nuneaton Borough (1984-85), Northampton Town (1985-87) Watford (1987) and Oxford United (1987-91) as a striker-cum-midfielder.
Towards the end of his playing career, Hill played, with great success, at Witney Town under United's General Manager Andy Lyne. Since retiring from playing the vastly experienced Hill has been assistant manager to John Gregory at both Wycombe Wanderers and Queens Park Rangers, Brian Little at Aston Villa and Tranmere Rovers, Martin Wilkinson at Northampton Town, Andy Hessenthaller at Gillingham, and was first team coach at Reading. He has also coached at Swindon Town, scouted for Derby County and managed Stevenage Borough.
In June 2010 Hill was appointed technical advisor to the Ethiopian national team and has been working with them during the African nations qualifying games.
It has also been confirmed that Duncan Colwell who had been in the Caretaker Manager role has decided to remain with the club and will be Hill's Assistant Manager.
Hill's opening game tomorrow sees him take United to high flying Wantage Town and is missing several players for what is a tough opener for the new boss. Unavailable for tomorrow's match are Vinny Byfield, James Lambert, Matt Blenford and Tom Smith whilst Sean McKeon, Lewis Colwell and Jason Smith all miss out with injury.
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Darren Teggart Steps Down - 13th January
Witney United announce Darren Teggart has stepped down from his role as 1st Team Manager at the club.
All at the Club would wish to thank Darren for his commitment to WUFC over the past 3 or so years where he has been pivotal in bringing through many, high quality, youth team players into the 1st Team side. In the interim Duncan Colwell has been asked to step up from Assistant Manager to fulfil the 1st Team Manager's role on a caretaker basis.
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Witney FC Loses Drinks Licence - 7th December
Witney United Football Club has been stripped of its right to sell alcohol after police took action over alleged violence, drugs and underage drinking.
Reported in The Witney Gazette: West Oxfordshire District Council revoked its premises licence today after Thames Valley Police sought a review over disorder from private parties. It now hopes to get a new licence. Officers listed 84 alleged crimes and incidents at the Polythene UK Stadium, Downs Road, in the last five years, with officers attending each.
The review was sparked by a September 17 call-out, where officers found a 16-year-old boy unconscious from alcohol and another semi-conscious from a ketamine drug overdose.
There were no licensed door staff and broken glass and vomit in the toilets, police said. A fight involving four to five people was reported on August 14 and a caller alleged his daughter was assaulted on September 4.
Chairman Steve Lake said he was "disappointed" at police action and pledged to bid for a new premises licence, which also allows recorded and live music.
The licence is expected to expire at the end of the month but Mr Lake said he hoped to get a temporary licence so alcohol could still be served in its club members' bar for games. Yet he said it would not apply for a temporary licence for its function room, the centre of the controversy, meaning there will be no alcohol and music events in January and February.
Police and councillors backed the club applying for two licences instead of one, for the bar and function room.
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 Witney Sign Jones - 2nd December
Witney United have further boosted their squad after they completed the transfer of Midfielder Nick Jones from fellow Uhslport Hellenic Premier League side Fairford Town.
26 years old Jones played his early football in the USA and since his return has had spells at Bishop's Cleeve, Shortwood, Westfields and Cheltenham Saracens.
More recently he was with Slimbridge in this pre-season before joining Fairford.
The Oxfordshire Senior Cup tie with Marston Saints which was postponed on Tuesday night has now been rescheduled weather permitting to Tuesday 7th December with a 7-45pm kick off.
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Consultant Appointment For Witney - 29th November
 Witney United FC announce the appointment of Jonathan Martin as their Football Club Consultant.
Jonathan, aged 42, who is married with a 6 month old baby, is already working with, and advising several other professional and semi-professional sports clubs across the Midlands and Wales with a view to developing and growing the football club and maximising their existing commercial activities and introducing new income streams into the club’s annual revenue.
Witney United FC Chairman, Steve Lake, said of Jonathan’s appointment ‘We are delighted that Jonathan has agreed to come on board and help us at this important chapter in the club’s history as we look to continue to build the club both on and off the field. His experiences gained in professional and semi-professional sport will greatly help us as we plan the development of the Football Club over the next few years.’
Jonathan said of his appointment ‘I am honoured and delighted to have been invited to help with the development of Witney United FC. The achievements of the board and members are to be commended over the last few seasons when they built this new club from the ashes of its predecessor and this is something I have also experienced and helped to manage at my home club AFC Telford United. Witney is a vibrant town and I am sure that with the support of both the local community and local business we can continue to grow this club and look to progress up the football pyramid. I have no doubt that my experience gained through working with several successful sports clubs over the last 7 years will enable me to maximise the existing revenue streams at the Football Club but also importantly will allow me to develop new ideas and introduce an even wider audience to appreciate and support Witney United FC as we move into an exciting new chapter in the club’s history.’
If anyone would like to contact Jonathan to discuss any aspects of the Football Club then his contact details are as below
01939 260099 - office
01939 260995 - fax
07971 979261 – mobile
mmsportsgroup@aol.com
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Fireworks On The Pitch - 20th October
Witney United FC once again host the annual Curbridge Social Club fireworks night on 30th October 2010. The gates open at 5.30pm with the fireworks going off at 7.30ish.
There will be a pig roast, BBQ and plenty of hot and cold liquid refreshment.
Tickets prices are £4 for an adult, children (2-16) £2.50 or family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) at £12.
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 Tustain A 'Blanketman' - 15th August
Witney United have completed the signing of striker Joe Tustain from Slimbridge as they boost their squad for the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League season.
24 year old Tustain is a proven goalscorer at this level with 40 goals in 70 games for Slimbridge and 15 goals in 20 games for Chipping Norton. He has also had spells at Southern League level with both Gloucester City and Bishops Cleeve.
The Witney management team believes that Joe will form a good, well balanced strike partnership with Sean McKeon and that the pair, along with Matty Blenford, can fire the goals that will lift the team to the top half of the table.
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 Squad Boost - 9th October
Witney United have further boosted their squad for their Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League campaign by registering former defender/midfielder Dean Moss and snapped up former Ayr United youngster Tony Bryson.
Although he will not be available on a regular basis Moss (pictured) has agreed to help out the Blanketmen when the need arises. This will be his second spell at United, having made 24 starts and 11 substitute appearances and scoring one goal in the 2008-09 season.
Commenting on the signing General Manager Andy Lyne said " Mossy is a top lad and when he got the call to arms he came good for us! Like Tom Smith and Vinny Byfield he will be a great addition to the squad and all three of them will bring with them a high level of experience, consistency and professionalism, which we hope will rub off on our younger players"
Also snapped up by United is 21 year old central defender Bryson who was a youth team player with Ayr United and spent last season with Dundee North End in the Scottish Junior League East Region North Division.
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Witney United FC Support For Steve Tavinor - 1st October
Witney United FC urge all supporters of Witney United FC to support the Charity match for former Witney Town FC legend and captain Steve Tavinor at Oxford City on Sunday (2.30 KO). For those that cannot attend Sunday's game there will be a chance to support the fund for Steve via a bucket collection at Marriott's Stadium during Saturday's match versus Ardley United FC. The after match lottery card will also go towards Tav's fund.
Steve Lake (WUFC Chairman) said 'Tav was a huge player for Witney Town and is remembered with great fondness at the Club, let us hope that we can raise a few pounds for a great servant to the towns football club'.
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 Smith Puts On His Witney Boots Again - 30th September
Witney United have bolstered their ranks by completing the signing of the vastly experienced defender/midfielder Tom Smith.
32 years old Smith rejoins United having first been with the club between 2005-2007 making 83 starts for the club with 7 further appearances as a substitute scoring 4 goals in the process.
He started his career at Oxford United and has subsequently had spells at Abingdon United, Team Bath, North Leigh and Ardley United.
Commenting on Smith's arrival General manager Andy Lyne said, " Both Teggy and myself believe that Tom will bring the necessary craft and experience to what is a very young side. He's done the miles at this level and above and he knows what the game is all about"
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Byfield Youth Coach - 28th September
 Witney United have turned to fans favourite Vinny Byfield to help boost their exciting young side for the current Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League campaign.
The hugely popular Byfield spent three seasons at Witney making 86 starts for the club and a further 45 appearances as a subsitute scoring 4 goals in the process. Reknowned for his total commitment he will be a welcome addition to the United ranks.
General Manager Andy Lyne said " In terms of best value for money Vinny is probably amongst the top 5 players that I have ever signed. He never let me down in terms of his effort, attitude and application. He has always conducted himself with great dignity and is a top non-league professional."
" When Teggy and me sat down and compiled a list of players who we thought were right for the position the club finds itself in and who could come in and make an immediate contribution on and off the field Vinny was right up there, so we are delighted to get him back onboard."
As well as his time at United the experienced Byfield also had spells with Corby, Brackley and Bicester.
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Lyne Returns To Witney - 21st September
 Witney United FC announce that Andy Lyne has rejoined the Club in a capacity of General Manager (Football) that should be of mutual benefit.
Steve Lake (WUFC Chairman) stated. 'Andy has not got the time to make a full time commitment in Football Management but has a wealth of experience that he can bring to assist the Club. His offer to come on board as a General Manager was one that we, as a Club, just could not turn down. His experience and contacts within the game should once again prove an asset to the Club and help take some of the pressure off of the 1st Team management'.
Andy Lyne commented: "This arrangement fits in well with my work commitments, which make it difficult for me to manage a football club at the moment. I believe that I can make life a little easier for Darren (Teggart) and his management team by assuming responsibility for some of the more onerous tasks and let him concentrate on working with the players and winning football matches. Hopefully my experience can be put to good use and we can all work together to get the club moving forward once again."
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Callum MacKinnon - 9th September
 Witney United Football Club were saddened to hear that their former player Callum MacKinnon had died in a car accident on Tuesday evening.
Callum had been with the club for three years playing regularly in the Allied Counties League and the Hellenic League Reserve Section. Last year he was a member of the Allied Counties North Division championship winning squad before moving on to Cirencester Town at the start of this season. Callum actually played against Witney in the pre-season friendly between the clubs last month.
He was a likeable, friendly young man who was popular both on and off the pitch. His popularity among his team mates and friends was clear from their devastated reaction after the game at Shortwood last night. Some of them had played together since they were young boys. Callum weighed in with a number of goals for the two United teams he represented. He had pace and could often be relied upon to chase down a lost cause. He scored some spectacular and memorable goals too, perhaps most notably at Kintbury Rangers in his first season with the club. Our thoughts at present are with all his friends and family. Callum will be much missed by all those who knew him at Witney United FC.
Following discussions with the players many of whom played for many years with Callum it has been decided that the match against Kidlington on Friday evening will definitely go ahead.
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Duo Missing - 4th September
Witney will be without the midfield duo of John Rixon and David Craig as they make the trip to Reading Town for our latest Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League clash.
Rixon was injured in the Flackwell Heath game and has still to recover whilst Craig is unavailable for tomorrows game.
The Blanketmen will be looking to get their first league point on their travels having tasted defeat at both Binfield and Highworth although ironically we are unbeaten on the road in the FA Cup having won at Milton and drawn at Thatcham.
Reading have underatken big changes over the summer with manager Colin Millward departing for Thatcham along with a number of last years squad.
They started like a house on fire winning their first three league games and an FA Cup tie but have since suffered three straight defeats and will be looking to put an end to that run tomorrow.
Last season we picked up one point out of a possible six against Town drawing 1-1 at Marriotts Stadium and despite dominating the match at Reading we went down to a 1-0 defeat.
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Blanketmen v Kingfishers - 27th August
 Witney United are back in action in the world's most prestigious cup competition when they travel to Thatcham Town in the FA Cup Preliminary Round tomorrow.
Having overcome Miton United in the last round its another away trip for The Blanketmen and a difficult one in the face of the Zamaretto League side managed by former Reading Town boss Colin Millward.
Millward made the switch to Waterside Park in the summer and recruited a number of his former players to Thatcham including striker Graham Lewis and former Witney winger Aaron Parfitt.
The two sides have met in FA Cup action once before Witney were held 2-2 at Marriotts Stadium before bowing out 3-1 after extra time in the replay.
On the team news front United will have to make do without on-loan Lee Stevens who is suspended and also central defender Carl Evans is unavailable as he is at a wedding. Drafted into the squad are Mark Hague, Sam Wright and Dan Walker as United go looking to create a cup upset.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes the tie will be replayed at Marriotts Stadium on Tuesday 1st September and the Carterton game will be postponed.
The winners of tomorrow's tie will be at home in the 1st Qualifying Round where they will meet the winners of the all Uhlsport Hellenic League clash between Thame United and Lydney Town.
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Squad Boost - 24th August
 The Blanketmen have been handed a boost ahead of this evening's trip to Highworth Town with the news that young striker Chris Zoldan (pictured) has recovered from injury and returns to the squad.
Zoldan picked up an injury in the opening day defeat at Binfield and has been missing since but is now fit and back in contention for a starting place. Also returning is midfielder Eddie Everett who was unavailable for the win over Flackwell Heath but injury rules out John Rixon who limped off in Saturday's match.
Highworth have had a similar start to the season to us with one win in the league and one in the FA Cup. In the league they lost their opener at Slimbridge (0-2) and then were beaten at home by Ardley United (0-3) but they recovered at the weekend to get an excellent win at Ascot United (2-0) with former United man Tom Dingle amongst the goals.
In the FA Cup they also progressed at the expense of Melksham Town winning 2-1 to move into the Preliminary Round.
United boast a good record at Highworth losing only once their in the league in six outings and also winning our only cup encounter. Last season saw us draw 1-1 at Highworth with our goal coming from Andrew Younie.
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Witney United Highlights On TV- 24th August
Witney United's first two home matches have been covered by witneytv.co.uk and can now be viewed on that website.
Witney report that the on-line service has good sound, commentary and some good interviews to boot make it a "must watch" service for all their fans, forthcoming away teams and match day opponents alike. Next Monday they will feature the Bank Holiday clash versus United's nearest rivals Carterton FC. So if you cannot get there not all is lost as you can see the action in the comfort of your own home.
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Bahamian Blanketman - 21st August
The Blanketmen will have a goalkeeper with International caps to his name in goal for this afternoon's clash with Flackwell Heath at Marriotts Stadium.
 Dwayne Whylly has 12 caps for the Bahamas, played in their World Cup Qualification campaign and has signed for United as cover for the unavailable Paul Tassell. Whylly has previously been with Oxford City Nomads and will make his Witney debut today. He played for the Bahamas national youth and U-23 teams making his debut for the senior Bahamas team in a March 2004 World Cup qualification match against Domincia, aged 17. He had earned 12 caps by November 2008, 6 of them in World Cup qualification games. The "Rake n' Scrape Boyz" keeper has also represented his college sides playing for Yale University in the US and for Oxford University. Whylly's penalty save in the 126th Varsity football match, held in May this year, gave Oxford the spoils over rivals Cambridge University.
There is also a return for midfielder John Rixon who missed the win at Milton and the midweek draw with Bracknell as United go in search of their first league victory.
The Heathens have suffered a difficult start to the season losing 3-0 at home to Abingdon Town and then suffered a 2-1 reverse at Wokingham and Embrook in midweek and will be keen to get their first points on the. United don't have the best home record against Flackwell having won, drawn and lost one of the three meetings at Marriotts Stadium. Last season they suffered a 4-2 reverse with goals coming from Gary Wickens and Ani Odihambo.
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Friday Nights At Marriotts - 19th August
After last season's successful trial Witney United Football Club are pleased to announce they have confirmed two Friday Night Football fixtures for this season.
The local derby against Kidlington in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier has been brought forward to Friday 10th September.
Also the clash with Wantage Town has been moved to Friday 15th October with both matches at Marriotts Stadium and kicking off at 7-45pm.
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Blanketmen At Home - 17th August
Witney get a chance to show the home town public their new look side tonight when they entertain Bracknell Town in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division at Marriotts Stadium.
Having played the first two matches of the season on the road Darren Teggart will be hoping his new look Blanketmen can carry on where they left off on Saturday at Milton. As opponents go though its a tricky opening home league match against a side recently relegated from the Southern League and who have won both their opening two matches without conceding a goal. They beat Oxford City Nomads 2-0 in their opening league fixture and followed that up with a 5-0 thumping of Dorking in the FA Cup on Saturday.
United however will have gathered some confidence from Saturday and will be further boosted with the arrival at the club of Lee Stevens who has signed on loan from Thatcham Town and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow night. Stevens is a midfielder who has also been on the books of Salisbury City, AFC Totton, Cirencester Town and Swindon Supermarine. Also back in the squad for the match is young striker Chris Zoldan who was unavailable for Saturday and he will replace Sam Wright in the squad who is unavailable. There is still a fitness doubt over defender Jon Steedman who is struggling with a calf injury. Admission prices have remained the same for this season with Adults £5, OAP £3-50 and Under 16's £1 but supporters are advised that due to rising printing costs the matchday programme will now cost £1-20
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Witney's Journey Begins Tonight - 9th August
After three and a half months the real action gets underway again tonight. Witney United kick off their Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League campaign at Binfield (7-45pm).
After a pre-season of changes on the management and playing front the talking stops and they get down to the real business of trying to rack up points in what this season looks a very tight division.
Of course it will also be new boss Darren Teggart's first competitive match in charge since replacing Andy Lyne and he has no injury worries as he heads into the opening encounter. It will be interesting to see the opening line up of the season with probably only Paul Tassell guarenteed to be starting the game and the remaining places all up for grabs. Binfield of course will be no easy opener as they showed last season when they did the double over us beating us 2-0 in both encounters and they will be looking to push on into the top six this season. They have also lost their manager over the summer so will be keen to get their new man off to a flying start to the season as well.
United's squad building process for the new season continued taking shape last week with more players committing to the cause. Central defender Joel Meade has signed from Oxford City Nomads having made 34 appearances last season scoring three times and was on the bench for Oxford City in their recent friendly against Oxford United. Fellow Nomads team mate Matt Blenford has also put pen to paper following 27 appearances and 10 goals for the Oxford side last season. Also putting pen to paper was striker Sean McKeon who has moved to the club from Wantage Town having scored 13 goals in 33 appearances last season for The Alfredians. Two of the pivotal members of last season's youth team champions have also signed for the club with Chris Zoldan returning from Carterton and Sam McNally looking to build on his susbtitute appearances from last season.
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Three More For The Score - 5th August
 Witney United have added to their squad for the forthcoming season by bringing in three players from fellow Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League side Oxford City Nomads.
Pete Nagy (right) is a centre-half who has featured in pre-season so far made 21 appearances last season for the Nomads scoring five goals and his height will no doubt be a major factor at both ends of the field. Joining him at Marriotts Stadium are full back Darren Queegan and midfielder John Rixon both of whom again have featured through pre-season. Along with them midfielder Richard Conway has signed for the club having just moved to the area.
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Two From Last Season Stay! - 1st August
 Witney United have been given a major boost with news that two of last season's squad have committed to the club for the forthcoming season.
Goalkeeper Paul Tassell (pictured) has put pen to paper for the Blanketmen having made 19 appearances last season following his signing in the middle of the season. Tass is also heading towards another landmark as four more matches will see him through the 150 appearances barrier for the club and his decision to stay is a huge positive for manager Darren Teggart. Also remaining at the club is midfielder Dan Walker who made the step up from Witney & District football last season and although he only made 1 starting appearance for the club he featured as a substitute on 9 occasions.
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More Signings At Witney - 30th July
As the season draws closer Witney United announce three more players who have put pen to paper for the forthcoming season.
First up is highly rated youngster Cameron Lagan who scored 11 goals for the Reserves last season before they folded and also scored a hat-trick in Tuesday's friendly against Stonesfield.
Former youth team player Jamie Wyatt has also agreed to put pen to paper following in the footsteps of older brother Robbie Wyatt who of course played for United.
Young defender Lewis Colwell who was with Oxford City Nomads last season has also decided his future lies at Marriotts Stadium.
The Blanketmen expect to announce more signings over the weekend.
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Signings For Witney - 29th July
 The Blanketmen announce they have re-signed defender Jon Steedman from Abingdon Town for the forthcoming season along with two members of last year's Under 18's championship winning side in Conor Allmond and Frank Harrison.
Steedman has returned to the club for his fourth spell following a year at Culham Road last season and the left back cum central defender will be a popular signing amongst the United faithful. In his previous spells he has made a total of 60 starting appearances for United with another 18 as substitute and has scored twice for the club.
Allmond was a regular amongst the first team squad last season coming off the bench on numerous occasions and also started the Floodlit Cup clash at Milton United.
Harrison was another member of that youth side and has made one substitute appearance for United already also in the Floodlit Cup at Milton United last season.
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Manager Sought - 11th July
Witney United FC are looking for a reserve team manager for the coming season.
The club are ideally looking for someone with management or coaching experience at Oxon Senior League, Witney & District League, Hellenic Reserve Section or Allied Counties League level. This would represent an excellent opportunity to someone looking to develop their coaching and management career in non-league football, who would be expected to work alongside the current first team and youth team management structure. Interested parties should contact Gary Walter on 07986032772 or grwalter@hotmail.co.uk
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McMahon Leaves 'Blanketman' - 20th June
 One man who won't be part of the Witney United set up next season will be skipper John McMahon who after 6 seasons has decided to try his luck at a higher level. McMahon was brought to the club by Alan Clark and has gone on to become the record appearance holder for the club making 230 starts for the club and a further 13 appearances as a substitute and has scored 54 goals in his time at United.
Macca wasn't going to leave without a fond farewell though and took the time out to to explain the reasons of his switch to Southern League side Abingdon United. "First up let me say what a good appointment Darren Teggart is for the club, I have spoken to him at length about my decision and he has impressed me with his plans for the club. However after six seasons I owe it to myself to give it a go at a higher level and the opportunity to try my luck in the Southern League with Abingdon United was one I felt I couldnt turn down. I have loved every minute of my time at Witney United and this is a great club with some really good people working behind the scenes and I would like to thank them all. Lastly to the supporters, I am sorry to be leaving and again thank you for your support over the years for me personally and the team and who knows I may be back in a Yellow shirt for Witney one day"
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 Number Two Appointed - 15th June
Darren Teggart has moved swiftly to start organising his backroom staff with the news that he has appointed Andy Leach as Witney United Assistant Manager.
Leach was assistant to Andy Lyne previously and resigned during last season due to personal reasons but has joined up with Teggart for the forthcoming season. Mell Dean will also continue in her role as the club's physiotherapist.
The club have also announced they will entertain Zamaretto Southern Premier League side Cirencester Town at Marriotts Stadium on Saturday 7th August with a 3-00pm kick off. Cirencester were promoted through the Play-Offs last season and are managed by former Witney Town favourite Brian Hughes.
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New Man At United - 11th June
 Witney United confirm that former Town, and United, player Darren Teggart has been appointed as the new 1st Team Manager.
Teggart takes over from the departed Andy Lyne, having cut his teeth in the Allied Counties North Division where he guided United's Under 18's to the league title last season.
Having made more than 300 appearances for Witney Town and also a number of appearances for Witney United there is no doubt that the job is ideal as Teggart takes on the mantle at his hometown club and he sees the local area as key to any success.
He said: "There is a lot of local talent about and it is a case of tapping into it and trying to encourage some of these lads to make the step up. Obviously I am well aware of the skills and attributes of the Youth Squad from last season having managed them for the last 3 seasons"
Teggy is also keen to keep as many of last season's squad as possible and admitted that his style was about playing attractive football, he commented further; "Hopefully a good number of last years squad will stay on and help us to build what we already have and if we can mix them with some of the youngsters and some new faces then despite the budget cut we will be OK"
An announcement will be made shortly about the remainder of Teggart's backroom staff.
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