BICESTER TOWN NEWS

Out For The Season - 17th October

Premier Division strugglers Bicester Town have suffered a blow to their survival hopes after Ben Elkington (pictured) was ruled out for the season following a knee operation.

It was hoped he would play some part in their FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division campaign, but he will now be sidelined for six months. They are already without long term injury victims Nigel Emsden (groin), Dan Ames (collarbone) and Ian Lovegrove (ankle operation).

Tim Fowler commented "Normally, we could get over the loss of Ben, because someone comes in as cover, but you can't expect four or five to do that. I'm trying to beg, steal or borrow players, but clubs are loathed to loan out players. It's a tough task at the moment, but we have to get on with it. Hopefuly, things will improve."

On Saturday, they are also without Jefferson Harriott (work) for their trip to Hungerford. Nathan Hunt (thigh strain) and Adam French (hamstring) are also doubtful.
A Fitting Tribute To NIgel Cassidy - 11th September

Family, friends and former football colleagues of the late Nigel Cassidy will gather for an evening of football and fun at the Oxford Road Sports Ground, the home of Bicester Town Football Club, on the evening of Saturday 20 September 2008.

Nigel, who tragically died recently aged 62, was a fans favourite during his career as a professional footballer, making over 113 League appearances for Oxford United and scoring 33 goals between 1970 and 1974. A former striking partner of Kevin Keegan at Scunthorpe, Cassidy joined Oxford United for a then club record £20,000 and formed a formidable partnership up front with Hugh Curran. He moved to Cambridge four years later for £28,000 and later went to the States, where he played for Denver.

Following his retirement from the professional game, he stayed in the area with time at the Black Bull in Launton and then the Shakespeare in Bicester and managed Bicester Town and Banbury United. Latterly he moved to Cornwall where he turned the Molesworth Arms Hotel in Wadebridge into a thriving business before selling it a year ago. He continued to actively support local sport. Nigel’s connections with Bicester have been maintained by his sons, Darren, Shaun, Stuart and Dean who have all played representative sport for the Town.

The evening will commence at 6.00pm with two junior matches involving sides from Oxford United Academy under 9`s and 12`s and Bicester town Colts under 9`s and 12`s including two of Nigel’s grandson’s Harry and Charlie. The main event – EXPECTED TO COMMENCE ABOUT 7.15 - will be a match between a Nigel Cassidy Select XI and Oxford United Legends full of Ex professional United stars from many eras. A barbecue will be in operation and the bar open.

Already confirmed to appear for the Oxford Legends are the following:,Pete Foley (Captain), Matt Elliott, Andy Melville, Alan Judge, Mike Ford, Kevin Brock, Paul Berry. Big Ron Atkinson and other former colleagues such as Roy Burton are hoping to be putting in an appearance.

The evening will conclude with a private function at the Clubhouse for family and friends, A special souvenir programme has been produced and will be available at the turnstile. Entry with the programme will be £2 for adults and £1 for juniors and senior citizens. The proceeds from the evening will be shared between local sides and a new trust in Nigel’s name that will continue his support of children’s sport in Bicester and Wadebridge. There is also an Auction after the game where some great lots have been kindly donated to start the new trust, these include, signed football, world superbike and rugby shirts, golf days, hospitality days at football and the Royal Albert Hall, rugby international tickets and many more.

On behalf of the family, Darren has stated how much he is looking forward to the event “ Dad was keen that we remembered him with laughter and smiles, this event where old friends and football rivals can renew friendships, have a good time and benefit some of the projects and Clubs which he supported is a great way of achieving this. Dad was also proud of his association with the Town and it would be great to see a good turnout from the community”.

Bicester Town Club Secretary, Nick Harverson, stated “The Club is really looking forward to hosting this event. Nigel was one of my heroes when I first watched Oxford United at the Manor and, as Nigel was a manager at Bicester Town, it is fitting that we host this tribute. His desire to see others benefit from the evening is a tremendous gesture by Nigel and his family.
Repeat Show For Fowler - 29th August

Bicester Town boss Tim Fowler says his side are capable of causing an FA Cup upset when they travel to Bracknell Town on Saturday - if they play the way they did in the Extra Preliminary round.

A goal from Dan Ames sealed the win against Bristol Manor Farm, but Fowler recognises that Bracknell, who play in Division 1 South & West, will be a tough nut to crack. "The Bristol side had the edge on us. They were probably a better footballing side than us," said Fowler. "We had to defend and they didn't take their chances and we nicked one at the end.

"Those are the sorts of things we can do well at. If we approach the Bracknell game as we did against Bristol then we are capable of an upset."

Fowler, whose side face Oxford City if they beat Bracknell, added: "We need to keep it tight for the first 45 minutes and see if we can hang on and get one at the end. It's going to be difficult."

They will be without new signing Chris Johnson (cup tied), Ben Elkington (playing cricket) and Adam French (unavailable).
Chevrolet Score With Bicester Town! - 11th August

Bicester Town Football Club, members of the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier Division, are delighted to announce that County Chevrolet have agreed to become the Club’s main Official Sponsor for the 2008-2009 season.

The support of such a prestigious company is a tremendous boost for the Club in its efforts to build a successful community-based football club. “The interest and commitment which County Chevrolet has shown is a very welcome endorsement of what the Club and its Board are seeking to achieve” stated Nick Rowles-Davies, Club Chairman. “Hopefully this will also encourage other organisations to come forward to work for our mutual benefit. We will certainly be working hard to justify the faith which County Chevrolet have shown in us” he added.

On behalf of County Chevrolet, Richard Palmer stated “County Chevrolet is conscious of its role within the community and has a proud heritage like the football club, which is seeking to provide a centre of football excellence for the community.” He added “we have been impressed by the openness and professionalism exhibited by the Board in our dealings with the Club and County Chevrolet looks forward to a happy association over the coming months”
Town Management Team Get Ready - 3rd July

Bicester Town Football Club is delighted to confirm that Tim Fowler (left) has agreed to continue as First Team Manager and that he will be joined for the coming season by Paul Spittle (right) as Assistant Manager and Coach as they attempt to improve on last seasons finish in the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier Division.

“The commitment of Tim is the best possible news for the Club as we continue to rebuild”, commented Chairman Nick Rowles-Davies (centre) , “we place a high regard on loyalty and integrity. In addition to his ability to get the best out of players, Tim has shown total honesty and a great work ethic in his time with the Club. I am absolutely delighted”.

Club Secretary Nick Harverson also commented “We are an ambitious Board, working hard to establish a secure platform for future growth and success. The fact that Tim will be joined by Paul Spittle next year is a great bonus. Paul has been a role model both on and off the pitch for our young players and his playing experience and enthusiasm will be reflected through the Club”.

Looking forward to the challenges he faces and the recruitment of Paul Spittle to the management team, Tim Fowler commented “This is fantastic news, especially as Paul has received many offers in the last few months. He has decided to retire from playing completely which I respect totally and am extremely pleased that he has accepted my offer to become Assistant Manager. He will undoubtedly be missed on the field, but his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game is first class and his contribution in this new role will be immense”