An Emotive Return Home! - 17th October

Premier Division Ardley United Chairman Norman Stacey is as passionate about his club as any club official, though his comments in Ardley's match programme on Tuesday, emphasises the "Highs & Lows" of missing a game.

'Chairman’s Chatter'
. . . . . . . . . . . . . "Due to my annual pilgrimage in October to Menorca I missed a cracker of a game by all accounts at Milton last Saturday."

By kick off time I was on my way to the airport for my journey home the first text message came in whilst in the Taxi. One down, not quite what I was hoping for.

Half time pacing the departure lounge with coffee in hand, shortly after another text . . . . . 1-1, Stidder. . .Great.

Barely had I dragged my wife from Duty Free to tell her, we were then 2-1 down, which became 3-1 (a Paddy Malone hat trick).

Time to go into sulk mode, (Wife knows better than to approach me). . . . Stidder misses penalty (everyone stay clear, looking for something to kick).

Phone goes again frightened to take message, now 3-2 (Could we salvage a point?).

Flight is called, I am not turning phone off now. "Sit down dear" I barked, "We will be last on board, no need to rush."

Staring at phone, willing it to go off, sure enough its 3-3. Boarding card in hand and ring tone on silent I board the plane with broad grin, check watch 4.45 English time, must be over.

Wife enquires have you switched that phone off? "Read your magazine" was the reply.

Phone flashes (must be full time) . . . 3-4 . . . . Stidder hat trick. . . leap out of seat. . . . OUCH, seat belt done up.

Phone switched off. . . . . "Champagne darling?".

. . . . . . .Hope you all enjoy the game tonight as much as I did the flight home.

Norman Stacey
Chairman

Clarke Moves To Ardley - 19th September

Kevin Brock has obtained the signature of Danny Clarke (pictured) transferring him from Kidlington FC to Ardley in time for the second qualifying round of The Carlsberg FA Vase.

Kevin first spotted Danny when he was watching the Kidlington v Bicester FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division local derby, and liked what he saw. The following week it was Kidlington v Ardley and again it was Danny that stood out.

Danny who played for Lydney before moving to Kidlington with his job, was reluctant to break his allegiance with Kiddy, but following a week of negotiations his signature and pledge to give his new club 100% was in place.

Ardley welcome both himself and his wife and baby to the club, and feel he will enjoy his football here for many seasons.

Clarke will start his Ardley career against Forest of Dean club Harrow Hill at the Playing Fields tomorrow, when the two sides meet in The Vase. Mid-table Ardley are unbeaten in their last three league games while Hill, who have yet to win a league match this season, are bottom of the pile.

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