CLANFIELD 85 FC NEWS

Regulars Out For Cup Clash - 2 February

Clanfield will be without a number of regulars for Saturday's Uhlsport Hellenic League Supplementary Cup Second Round match at home to Didcot Town Reserves.

Adam Little, Devon McCalla, and Courage Nyenya are Cup-tied having played in matches in this Competition or the Challenge Cup before joining Clanfield. Alan Rogers and Kevin Lewis are away whilst work commitments rule out Bradley Bridgewater, Kevin Brooks and Gary Smales.

Manager Peter Osborne supports the concept of a Supplementary Cup in which clubs who lose in the First Round of the Challenge Cup compete and expects a hard game with their opponents who play in Division One East.

"The Competition gives Clubs a game or two more and for some the prospect of getting involved for some silverware at the end of the season.We have not had the best of seasons so far and Didcot likewise but they had a very good win last weekend against Chalfont Wasps so no doubt they will be hoping to build on that while we have to try to put right our lack of wins at Radcot Road" said Osborne.

The fit again Dan Bishop returns and Osborne adds Darren Coleman,Yassin El-Ouhabi and himself to the squad.

Clanfield(from) Brain; Stalker; Butt; Blakely; SOlphert; Webb ;Keyes; Harrington; Edmonds; Odom; Everrett; Bishop; Coleman; El-Ouhabi; Osborne

Long Rehab for Hoskin - 29 January

Clanfield striker Rob Hoskin is progressing well after his recent knee operation but has informed the club that his rehabilitation will take up to another twelve months before he can consider playing again.

The player was a welcome visitor to the match on Saturday against New College Swindon.Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne commented. "The main thing is for Rob to take things as they come and make sure that he gets back to full fitness so that he can play again. It is a blow for the player to have such a long break in his career but at the moment his welfare and health must come before everything else."

College Boys At Radcot Road - 26 January

Clanfield entertain New College Swindon at Radcot Road in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West fixture on Saturday.

Manager Peter Osborne will hope that his team do not give the opposition two goal starts as they have done in the last two League matches. Said Osborne. "Our season has not gone as well as I wanted it to be after a very good season the year before. Against both Old Woodstock Town and Lydney Town we have had to come from two goals down at half-time. I can't fault the effort of the players but we are doing silly things and making mistakes which have cost us goals. We played New College in our first game of the season and they were a well organised and well coached side. Since that game they have gone on to get some very good results, so we expect a very difficult game".

Lee Keyes returns to the squad after serving a one game ban whilst 'flu victim' Eddie Everrett and Bradley Bridgewater are also back in contention.

Clanfield from - Brain; Smales; Stalker; Butt; Blakely; Odom; Edmonds; SOlphert;Little;Rogers; Harrington;Webb; Everrett; Keyes; Bridgewater; Osborne.

Little Returns - 22 January

Adam Little has re-signed for Division One West Clanfield after leaving Premier Division Thame United.

Little who started the season with the Robins but left to try his luck in the Premier Division in September returned to the club where he has been on and off since the age of 15. The player took his place in the Robins team against Lydney Town on Saturday and scored the equaliser in a hard fought 2-2 draw as Clanfield recovered from a two goal half-time deficit.

Elusive Home Win - 19 January

Clanfield still seek their first win at home in the League this season after suffering defeat to a late goal against Old Woodstock Town last night.

The Oxon Robins have a number of players with knocks after midweek but Kevin Lewis has returned to action after being out since early September.

Definitely out is leading scorer Lee Keyes who is suspended after picking up five cautions. Doubtful are skipper Jamie Butt, Jamie Stalker and Eddie Everrett, but manager Peter Osborne will select from a large squad after checking on fitness and availabilities.

Osborne expects a difficult encounter. "Our results at home are a major cause for concern and we are on a run of three successive defeats by sides in the top three. Like us Lydney (Saturdays opponents) were pressing for promotion last season and are a good, physically strong, side. We played them at their place in December and scraped in with a late goal in a 2-1 win. I expect them to come looking for revenge on Saturday."

Clanfield(from Brain; Rogers; Smales; Butt; Stalker; Blakely; Edmonds; SOlphert; Harrington; Odom; McCalla; Nyenya; Trinder; Lewis; Bridgewater; Everrett; Dixon;Brooks; Osborne.

Tonights Game - 18 January

Oxon Robins manager Pete Osborne,who missed last Saturdays heavy defeat at Tytherington Rocks due to work commitments, will be back in charge for the visit of Old Woodstock Town tonight.

Hopefully have more players available to him than at the weekend. Adam Webb is working and Jamie Stalker is doubtful after being injured on Saturday but on the credit side Chris Blakely, Gary Smales, Eddie Everrett and Lee Keyes are all
available for selection.

The Club hope that weather forecasts for tonight are correct as a frost free Tuesday Night and warmer Wednesday temperatures should see the game go ahead. The Club will be updating their website throughout Wednesday and additionally the Club Press Officer will be available up to 5.15 pm to keep everyone fully informed should there be any doubt. Though should there be a problem the the status of the game will be posted on the mitoo site a short while after the club advise the League Office, access this link Games 18 January

Bridgewater Sets Example - 16 January

In a week when team selection has again presented him with enormous difficulties Clanfield manager Peter Osborne has praised the commitment of seventeen years old Bradley Bridgewater for the match at League leaders Tytherington Rocks on Saturday.

Osborne himself was not able to attend the match due to his own work commitments and this applied to a number of his other players who were unable to meet the departure time for the early 2.15pm kick-off. Said Osborne "Brad is a promising young player and most weeks he would be in the team on merit. However the fixtures have not been kind to us in the months when clubs without floodlights have to kick off at 2.00pm and 2.15pm, as a result the teams we have fielded have not been what I would like them to be. Brad works on a Saturday Morning but for the Tytherington match he began work earlier than usual at 4.00am and then having finished work was driven to the game by his Grandad so that he could help us out. Good commitment from a young player and of course his Grandad, long may that continue"

Selection Problems Persist - 13 January

Clanfield travel to play runaway Division One West leaders Tytherington Rocks tomorrow. But Robins manager Peter Osborne is not able to finalise his squad as he waits on a number of players who are doubtful either with injuries, or others who are working on Saturday morning and unable to meet the departure time for the 2-15pm kick-off.

Osborne names a large squad from which he will check availabilities.
Clanfied(from) Brain; Stalker; Rogers; Blakely; Everrett; Odom; Miller; S.Olphert; Keyes; Harrington; Edmonds; McCalla; Cheetham ; Osborne; Butt; Bush; Smales; Bridgewater; Dixon; Nyenya; El-Ouhabi.

Blow For Hoskin - 10 January

Any hopes that Clanfield might be able to call on the services of former Cirencester Town striker Rob Hoskin during his down time from University have been dashed. With the news that the player has undergone a knee operation just before Christmas.

Rob (pictured) who is nineteen joined the Robins in the summer but sustained an injury in the second league match of the season, ironically against Cirencester Town Development.

This was apparently a recurring injury and the player has now had the operation hopefully to solve the problem. He will be on crutches for six weeks and will undergo a full and lengthy rehabilitation after that, which will effectively rule him out for the season.

Robins Manager Peter Osborne said. "We knew that Rob would not be available for matches during the University term but our other "Uni" players have been able to play on the odd occasion and we had hoped that the same would apply to Rob. This is a blow for Rob, it is something that should not  happen so early in a players career and we wish him a full and speedy recovery."

Tough Task Ahead - 5 January

Clanfield face a tough task at high riding Purton, in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West football match on Saturday.

Purton are a club for whom the "Oxon Robins" manager has great respect. Pete Osborne comments. "It is always a tough task to play Purton on their own patch and it is difficult to remember when they have not been challenging for the promotion spots or in the top part of the table.They beat us at our place earlier in the season and we know that they will be looking for the seasonal double on Saturday. Purton Manager Chris Pethick always manages to get a competitive side together and is held in high esteem by many other local counterparts."

Osborne has named a large squad as he waits on players who have Saturday work commitments and may not be able to meet the 2-15pm kick-off. Definitely out are Jamie Butt who is suspended and Danny Bishop(injured), but Kevin Brooks, Devon McCalla and Jamie Stalker return.

Clanfield from) Brain; Stalker; Blakely; Everett; Rogers; Smales; Bridgewater; Odom; Edmonds; S.Olphert; Keyes: Harrington; El-Ouhabi; Nyenya; McCalla; Brooks; Cheetham; Miller; Bush; Osborne.

West Oxon Derby - 2 January 2012

Clanfield entertain near neighbours Carterton in the West Oxfordshire Derby this afternoon, Robins manager Peter Osborne expects a difficult game.

"I have great admiration for Carterton. They have turned their season round and we expect a tough game." Commented Osborne." Their manager Martin Wilkinson had to pick up the pieces and has steadied the ship and results of late have been very good. Carterton with their facilities should be in the Premier Division, Rob King, Carterton Chairman, has done an excellent job in getting them back on an even keel.We are hoping for a good game today"

Jamie Stalker will hopefully be available and is added to the Clanfield squad.

.

"Friday Lights All Right" - 31 December

Clanfield Chairman John Osborne says that the experiment with Friday night football was well worthwhile and proves his point about floodlight football.

"The weather throughout Friday in the Clanfield area was very poor and the only other game in the League was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.Thanks to hard work by our groundsman Geoff Collett and later bythe team manager the pitch, though heavy, was perfectly playable. The attendance was 62 which has only been equalled at Radcot Road this season in our only other floodlight league match on a warm evening in August. It was also noticeable that players seemed less inclined to rush off after the game to pursue their social life as they do for Saturday matches so the bar takings will be better as well. There could be a problem with traffic on a "normal" Friday evening but it might be something worth repeating" said Osborne.

The Friday evening fixture also had another benifit. When Match Referee Alan Baldwin was forced to retire with injury Senior Assistant Barry Timms took over and local referee Dave Woodcock, who might have been engaged elsewhere on a Saturday, filled in on the line. Dave was one of a number of referees in attendance.

Friday Night For 'Robins' - 29 December

It is Friday night football for Clanfield as they entertain Hook Norton tomorrow in Division One West with a 7.45pm kick off.

The fixture has been brought forward from New Years Eve at the request of Hook Norton and the home club were pleased to agree.

Club Chairman John Osborne said. "It will be an interesting experiment for us as a club. We have spent a lot of money on our floodlights and because of the numbers in Division One West we do not have many actual programmed fixtures under lights from the start of the season. We do of course have regular 3-00pm kick-offs throughout the season and are able to fit in any postponed matches later so it will be interesting to see if this one-off game has any benefit. Our regular attendance this season has been poor and if it brings a few more through the gate it will be worthwhile".

One immediate benefit will be the availability to the squad of Gary Smales and Bradley Bridgewater both of whom have regular Saturday work commitments.Alan Rodgers and Yassin El-Ouhabi also return.Jamie Stalker and Kevin Brooks are away.

Clanfield from; Brain;Edmonds;Bridgewater;Butt;Blakely;Odom;Everett;S.Olphert;Keyes;Harrington;Bishop;Cheetham;Nyenya; Smales;Rodgers;El-Ouhabi;Osborne

Delighted But Perplexed - 28 December

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne was delighted with his teams' performance and the three points from their visit to Headington Amateurs on Bank Holiday Tuesday, but is perplexed by their home form which has yielded only three points from six games.

Osborne stated. "Headington Amateurs are a very good side, sharp and direct, and good on the break but we took the lead which we held until half-time. We then fell behind but came back to draw level and scored a late winner to clinch the points. We have 22 points from 15 games and 19 of those have come from 9 games away from home. I cannot put my finger on the problem of lack of home form but we have two home matches coming up and we must address this problem if we are to make anything of our season. Both are tough games with Hook Norton on Friday Evening (7.45 pm ). Then Carterton, who are on a good run, on Monday".

Osborne knows that it is vital to turn the home form around as his team face difficult games at Purton and leaders Tytherington Rocks after the Carterton match.

A further move to strengthen the squad has been made with the signing of twenty-three year old Robbie Harrington from North Berks League side and near neighbours Faringdon Town. Harrington, a striker, had impressed in Jim Newman Memorial Cup matches for Faringdon Town at Radcot Road and also in matches between the two Clubs at both First and Reserve Team level at the start of this season and the Robins hope to include him in their holiday fixtures at least.

The player made his debut in the Clanfield win at Headington Amateurs on Bank Holiday Tuesday and capped a good performance with the Robins 88th minute winner in a much improved team performance.

Not Happy -24 December

Peter Osborne is not happy with Clanfield's season so far but realises that they have had many difficulties with injuries and availabilities, and he belives the fixtures have not helped.

Osborne comments. "I have never known a season like this when every week there have been so many unavailable for selection due to injury and other reasons. On two occasions we have been forced to field weakened sides or certainly not the side that I wanted to select."

He continues. "This is due to the early kick-off time and opponents not having floodlights. Our season has not been helped either by our dreadful home record. With our forthcoming match against Amateurs on Tuesday we will have played six league matches at home and nine away, but we have been drawn away from home in all but one game of the Cup Competitions that we have entered. Home matches seem to have been few and far between."

"We have only got three points from the league games at home" said Osborne. Who expects difficult encounters with Headington Amateurs, Hook Norton and Carterton over the holiday period.

For the Bank Holiday Tuesday game, against Headington Amateurs, Osborne hopes to have one or two players back in contention. But Jamie Staker and Kevin Brooks are away whilst Gary Smales and Callum Miller are working.
Clanfield (from);Brain; Bridgewater; Butt; Blakely; Rogers; McCalla; Everett; S.Olphert; Cheetham; Edmunds; Bishop;
Odom; Keyes; Nyenya; El-Ouhabi; Osborne

Oxon Robins Sign Nyenya - 18 December

Clanfield have moved to strengthen their squad by signing nineteen year old Courage Nyenya from near neighbours Carterton.

Manager Peter Osborne was grateful to Carterton FC and manager Martin Wilkinson for their co-operation in the transfer. "We gave the usual Seven Day Notice in accordance with FA Regulations and Carterton and Wilky agreed to waive the seven day period. I am very grateful to them for that. I have also exchanged views with Wilky on the procedures, we have both agreed that there will be more telephone contact between the two managers if such a situation should arise either way in the future. We will have a drink and a chat after our game with them on January 2nd".

.

First Home Match In A Month - 15 December

Clanfield hope,weather permitting, to play their first League match at home since November 5th when they entertain Malmesbury Victoria on Saturday.

The two teams battled out a goal-less draw at Malmesbury on November 12th. After an improved performance at Lydney Town last Saturday Manager Peter Osborne had hoped to field basically the same squad but he is again beset by injury and availabilty.

Kevin Lewis and Rob Hoskin both have long term injuries, Mark Odom is on holiday, and Kevin Brooks, Danny Dixon and Garry Smales have work commitments. They are joined this week by Chris Blakely and Lee Keyes who are not available. On the credit side it is hoped that Alex Bush, Matt Cheetham and Callum Miller will be back from University and Danny Bishop back from injury. Bradley Bridgewater is added to the squad.

Osborne expects a tough game. "The Vics are on a bit of a run at the moment and had a good win last weekend so we expect a very difficult game. We were better last weekend and we have to try to maintain that"

Clanfield From; Brain; Stalker; Rogers; Butt; Everett; McCalla; S.Olphert; Cheetham; Edmunds; Bishop; Bridgewater; Bush; El-Ouhabi; Miller; Osborne.

Clanfield On The Road - 8 December

After last weeks dismal performance with a much depleted team at Trowbridge Town Clanfield are on the road again with a trip to Lydney Town.

Manager Peter Osborne hopes that a number of players will be available to him after being without thirteen front line players for last weeks match. Work commitments rule out Dan Dixon and Gary Smales but Jamie Stalker,Matt Cheetham,John Edmunds,Lee Keyes,Devon McCalla and Osborne himself are all added to the squad.

Clanfield (from); Brain; Stalker; Rogers; Butt; Blakely; Everett; Cheetham; S.Olphert; Brooks; Edmunds; Bishop; Keyes; McCalla; Osborne

Oswin Set For 2012 Return - 7 December

Clanfield defender Ollie Oswin is on course for a possible playing return in the New Year after missing the season so far due to injury.

Oswin was injured playing at Cricklade Town at the end of last season and underwent an operation on his knee in July. Since then he has been undergoing physiotherapy and rehabilitation and has now been able to take limited part in a recent training session and a pre-match warm-up. He is quite naturally taking matters very slowly so that he is fit and ready to play when the time is deemed to be right but he will be a welcome addition to the squad which has been badly hit by injury this season.

Sponsor Tour For Osborne - 1 December

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne will be combining his day job and his managerial post this weekend when he will be one of a number of Sports Retailers who will be the guests of League sponsors Uhlsport in Germany.

Osborne is Manager of Giles Sports in Carterton who are distributors of Uhlsport products and he will join other Sports Retailers on Friday. The party will fly to Germany on Friday for a visit to the Uhlsport factory where they will meet the staff and tour the factory.

This will be followed by a visit to a German Bundasliga match between Kaiserslauten and Hertha Berlin before returning to the United Kingdom on Sunday.

Osborne is looking forward to the trip; "It is always good to meet the people behind the goods we sell and to see how they are produced. This is particularly so because Uhlsport are our League sponsors." Clanfield's Manager whose ability to consume food is legendary at Radcot Road is also looking to sample some German sausages and may also look to sign on a player or two. What betting that the League Office receives a request for advice on International Clearance at the beginning of next week?

However most of his spare time before departure has been taken up with trying to get his squad together for the 2-00pm kick off at Trowbridge on Saturday. The Robins have been ravaged by injury and unavailabilty for most of the season but this week sees special problems created by the kick-off time.Definitely out are Kevin Lewis and Conor Olphert who are injured.Matt Cheetham,Rob Hoskin and Callum Miller are still away at University.John Edmunds and Mark Odom are missing due to holidays the latter being set to miss the next three games.Bradley Bridgewater has recovered from injury but work commitments prevent him from travelling and he may feature for the Reserves.Also unable to meet the departure time are Danny Dixon and Lee Keyes whilst Gary Smales will hopefully be available despite not finishing work until 12-30pm.

Said Osborne;"The fixtures have not been kind to us.This week we travel to Trowbridge for a 2pm kickoff and because of that we will not be able to play the team that I wanted to.Next week we travel to Lydney Town although they have lights but it is another long journey at this time of the year.In fact we have four games in December three of which are away with two 2-00pm kickoffs.Times have changed for footballers and work is sometimes hard to come by and to keep so those who are asked or told to do so have to give that their priority."

Osborne has only be able to name thirteen players for this weeks match at the present time. Clanfield(from)Brain;Brooks;Rogers;Everett;Blakely;Butt;S.Olphert;Bush;Bishop;McCalla;Smales;El Ouhabi;Trinder

Young or Old, They're In The Fold - 27 November

Clanfield Team Manager Peter Osborne was unable to complete his squad for the Supplementary Cup match with Bracknell Town on Saturday until very late on.

But his efforts were rewarded with victory over their Premier Division opposition. It was however his Substitutes bench which caused most comment. With his squad decimated by injury and unavailability Osborne called up sixteen year old Yassin Elouhabi and forty five year old Rupert McFarlane, to supplement nineteen year old Matt Cheetham and Osborne himself, a sprightly thirty eight year old.

Osborne was pleased to get out a full squad, commenting, "It seemed rather strange to have the two youngsters (combined age 35)sitting alongside the old timers (combined age 83) but it all worked out well. Matt was back from Uni for the weekend and made himself available.The state of the game enabled us to bring on Matt, Yaz and Rupert in that order so it all worked out well for us."

The Oxon Robins manager added. " Contrary to his wish I do not intend to sign our sixty something physio!"

Red Breasts! - 24 November

There will be Robins everywhere at Radcot Road on Saturday and probably not an ornothologist in sight when the West Oxfordshire Robins of Clanfield 85 meet the Berkshire Robins of Premier Division Bracknell Town in the Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Supplementary Cup.

This will be a first ever meeting between the two Clubs, both are nicknamed "the Robins". Clanfield are decimated by injury and unavailability and Manager Peter Osborne has struggled to name a full squad for the match. Callum Miller, Matt Cheetham and Rob Hoskin are away at University. Kevin Lewis is on the long term injured list and Bradley Bridgewater is also injured. Gary Smales, Jamie Stalker, Dan Dixon and Alex Bush have work commitments and Devon McCalla is cup-tied having played for previous club Cricklade Town in the Challenge Cup. On the credit side Kevin Brooks and Alan Rogers are both available after injury.

Clanfield(from);Brain;Brooks;Rogers;Everett;Blakely;Butt;S.Olphert;Odom;Edmunds;Keyes;Bishop;El-Ouhabi;Osborne

Fledgling Robins - 19 November

Officials at Clanfield are delighted that two members of their newly formed Under 16 Team have signed Uhlsport Hellenic League forms with the club and will hopefully feature in the Reserve Team fixtures in the near future.

During the close season the Tower Hill Under 15 football team of season 2010/11 joined up with the Robins and this season they are playing as Clanfield 85 in the Oxfordshire Youth Invitation Under 16's 'A League'. Now Michael Steele and Yassin Elouhabi have put pen to paper for the Senior Teams.

Chairman John Osborne has welcomed the news; "It is important for Clubs like ours that there is some process where players can progress from youth to senior football and whilst the players first priority will be the Under 16 team we hope to bring some of them forward as and when we can. Michael and Yassin are age eligible and we are delighted that they have signed"

Injury Within Seconds - 14 November

Clanfield substitute Kevin Brooks sustained a nasty injury within seconds of replacing the injured Chris Blakely, in the 74th minute of his teams match at Malmesbury Victoria on Saturday and was himself substituted.

Attempting to recover a heavy touch on his part the defender lost his footing as he went into a tackle and his head came into contact with his opponents knee. Brooks (pictured right) received prolonged treatment from the Clanfield physio before leaving the field to be replaced by Devon McCalla.

After further treatment in the dressing room the player was able to travel home with his team-mates but was advised to attend his local hospital.Latest news is that the player was recovering at home.

Difficult Vic's - 11 November

Clanfield travel to Malmesbury Victoria on tomorrow and Pete Osborne knows that his team face a difficult task in what is becoming a very competetive league once again.

Osborne commented. "Malmesbury is never an easy place to go to and get points but the league in general this season shows that most Clubs are capable of winning against others.Look no further than last weekend when Trowbridge went to Purton and drew so league position is no guarantee of what will happen in any match".

Osborne hopes to be at the match after his eye infection but will be without Dan Dixon who is not available.Kevin Lewis (injured) and Bradley Bridgewater who is working. On the credit side Gary Smales and Lee Keyes return to the squad and Osborne is also able to add Chris Blakely and Alan Rogers who return after long term injuries.

Clanfield(from);Brain;McCalla;Stalker;Butt;Everett;Brooks;S.Olphert;Bishop;Odom;Edmunds;Bush;Smales;Keyes; Blakely;Rogers

Ozzie's Deyelema - 9 October

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne was eying up (pun intended) a return to the substitutes bench for his teams match at Malmesbury Victoria on Saturday but his eye infection continues to cause problems

After an out- patients appointment on Tuesday he has been discharged from further hospital treatment but is still signed off from work until at least next Monday and will therefore be unable to contemplate a playing return this week.

Osborne said that he had hoped to be able to return to work. "It is all very frustrating for me.The problem arose whilst I was at the match with Brinscombe and Thrupp and developed with frightening speed overnight. The good news is that I can return to work next week and at least it enables our Physio to practice his dry humour"

Osborne will select the side for this weekend but the training has been taken by Colin Jordan and Martin Staddon and Osborne hopes to be back in action fully after this weekend.

Match Fulfilment Problems - 6 November

Officials of Clanfield 85 FC have expressed their embarrassment at their late inability to field a Reserve Team for their Division Two West match at Easington Sports yesterday.

Club Press Officer Trevor Cuss expressed his sorrow at the turn of events and explained. "Like many clubs we suffer from players being injured or otherwise unavailable and to cover our difficulties at Reserve level we have signed on players just to tide us over for a particular game or period of time. Yesterday took on a whole new dimension with the lateness of the withdrawal of a number of players. Our Team Manager Chris Boot had organised his team and he and some of the players were actually at Radcot Road to travel for the match when a number of players withdrew for reasons as yet not fully explained. This meant that we could not fulfil the fixture. Our Linesman Alan Howard had actually finished work early and had got as far as Deddington when he was told. We apologise publicly to our opponents Easington Sports and the Match Official Barry Timms and to the Uhlsport Hellenic League. It is bad enough calling off a game a day or two before but it is unacceptable and embarrassing to have to do so so late when everyone and everything is ready for the game"

The Club will be re-appraising the playing situation in the next day or two and will make a further statement later.

On the first team front it was with a measure of surprise and relief that Clanfield found that they had been drawn at home in the Supplementary Cup because in the five knock-out competitions that they entered for season 2011/12 they have received away draws.The FA Cup, FA Vase,Floodlit Cup, Oxfordshire Senior Cup and League Challenge Cup have all seen the Robins on the road and in the case of the Vase for two matches.This has meant a considerable imbalance with the fixtures.Club Chairman John Osborne greeted the home draw with enthusiasm. "Before yesterdays match we will have played 15 matches being four at home and eleven away but that is just the luck of the draw and in fairness we have broken some new ground and played at some excellent venues as well as renewing some old friendships.It will be nice to play at home in a knock-out competition and we will look forward to welcoming Bracknell Town to Radcot Road when the date for the match is fixed"

No Place Like Home - 3 November

After a series of away fixtures in Cup and FA Vase matches Clanfield play their first home game for eight weeks when they entertain Wootton Bassett Town on Saturday.

Manager Peter Osborne hopes to be at the game despite his recent hospital treatment for an eye infection. Clanfield will be without Gary Smales, Kevin Lewis, Chris Blakely, Alan Rogers and Lee Keyes. Although Rogers, who is recovering from injury, may have a run out with the Reserves at Easington.

On the credit side Chris Brain and Jamie Stalker return, and it is hoped that teenager Bradley Bridgewater will be able to get away from his Saturday job for the match.

Osborne expects another difficult game, he commented. "Bassett are always  a difficult team to play. They were demoted from the Premier Division at the end of last season for ground grading reasons, not playing ability. They will be looking to get back to where they feel they belong at the first attempt. We have to get things right at home having won at Brimscombe last week but have not played particularly well at home. The standard of this league is excellent again this season and I think that Bassett will be in the frame when the honours are decided at the end of the season".

Clanfield(from) Brain; McCalla; Brooks; Butt; Everett; Dixon; S.Olphert; Bishop; Coleman; Edmunds; Odom; Bush; Stalker;
Pepper; Bridgewater

Eye Eye Ozzie - 2 November

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne has had a long list of injury and unavailability to deal with this season and now the 38 year old who has featured in a playing capacity this season must add himself to that list.

During the Robins match at Brimscombe and Thrupp the club physio had just treated defender Eddie Everett for a cut eye, when the manager asked him whether he could see anything in his eye and after the usual comments from the bench of "Eyeball,Retina etc", the physio said that he could not see anything visible that could be removed.

The repartee was perhaps a little ill placed because the condition seriously worsened overnight with heavy swelling and Osborne had to consult the Out of Hours Doctor Service and the local Minor Injuries Unit from where he was referred immediately to the Oxford John Radcliffe Eye Hospital.The diagnosis is of a viral infection in the eye. Osborne has to return to the Hospital next Tuesday. and has been signed off work for at least two weeks. It is unlikely that he will be able to play for some time after that.The Manager will continue to deal with team affairs from his home and the Club will make a decision on who will take charge for the match on Saturday.

Understands Reason - 30 October

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne was disappointed to receive the news that his clubs Reserve Team would be awarded a place in the next round of the Chairmans Reserve Cup due to the withdrawal of Abingdon Town Reserves but understands the "Abbots" position.

Clanfield have been one of a number of clubs who have been beset by injury and withdrawals for other reasons this season but agrees with those who use their Reserve Team to resolve the situation.

Said Osborne. "The Abingdon website made it clear that their withdrawal was to prevent further inconvenience to League Officials and to Opponents but it is very sad that any club should have these difficulties so early in the season.I think that the economic climate means that younger players particularly often have to put work commitments before football.We have an example in our club with a player who is doing A levels and after breaking into our first team has had to take a Saturday job with Sainsbury's and is not available for away matches!"

Osborne says that he agrees with the view expressed recently by the Cricklade Town Chairman. "Clubs like ours have to use all of our playing resources and when necessary to bring in players from the Reserve team. It is a Club game and not a one team. At Brimscombe & Thrupp yesterday we brought in Jordan Day, Darren Coleman and Dan Pepper from the Reserve Team two of whom started in the game"

The Clanfield club were fulsome in their praise of the set-up at Brimscombe. "It is a very good playing surface in a delightful setting and we received a very warm and hospitable welcome.Apart from floodlights they seem to have most things in place for progression and I understand they have planning permission for lights as well.They are a very welcome addition to the Uhlsport Hellenic League" said a Club Official.

Oxon Robin's Break New Ground! - 27 October

Clanfield break new ground when they travel to meet promoted Brimscombe and Thrupp on Saturday.

Manager Peter Osborne expects a difficult encounter with last seasons Gloucestershire County League Champions; "The Gloucestershire County League is of a very good standard and Clubs who come from that League are usually there or thereabouts at the end of their first season. Brimscombe have got off to a good start and have had some good results. We expect a hard and competitive game."

Osborne is again beset by injury and unavailability this weekend. Chris Blakely, Kevin Lewis, Conor Olphert and Alan Rodgers are injured, Gary Smales, Ben Acock and Jason Trinder have work commitments and Chris Brain and Jamie Stalker are away. On the credit side Danny Dixon and Mark Odom are available whilst Matt Cheetham and Alex Bush are home from University and Jordan Day is added to the squad.
Clanfield (from); Day; McCalla; Brooks; Butt; Everett; Edmunds; S.Olphert; Dixon; Keyes; Bishop; Odom; Bush; Cheetham; Osborne

Reasons For Not Playing/Part Two - 25 October

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne thought that in six years of Management he had heard most of the reasons why players are not able to play ranging down from injury through work commitments to shopping but certainly never Do-It-Yourself!

Already missing a number of frontline players for the daunting visit to Premier Division leaders Flackwell Heath in the FA Vase Osborne lost the services of newly signed Ben Acock with work commitments and then Mark Odom called in to say that at best he was going to be late and possibly not attend at all. Seems that the Midfielder/Striker had been carrying out a spot of DIY at his home and had damaged a water pipe meaning that he had to wait in for a plumber to call!

Said Osborne; "I thought that we had turned the corner with player availability, but this is another twist in the saga". Let us hope that we can now put all this behind us, get everyone back and playing, and look to make inroads into the league program."
Osborne was full of praise for the Heathens;" They are a very good side as is shown by their league position and I can see why they have scored the number of goals that they have done. They have a lovely flow to their game and kept at us right through the 90 minutes. We defended well and they missed a few chances but I was very pleased with my player's commitment and effort. Lee Keyes had the ball in the net in the first minute but was ruled offside. Who knows what might have happened had that counted?"

Vase Outing for Oxon 'Robins - 20 October

Clanfield face a daunting task when they travel to play current Premier Division leaders Flackwell Heath on Saturday.

The "Heathens" have dropped only five points in their fourteen league matches to date and are five points clear of 2nd placed Binfield with a game in hand. Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne has no illusions about the task which faces his team; "Flackwell are setting the pace in the Premier Division and their record shows that they are a very good side. They have a goal difference of plus 35 and have scored 16 goals in their last three league games. We have been decimated by injury and unavailability all season but expect to have one or two back and also hope to have one if not two new signings."

Clanfield will be without the injured Kevin Lewis, Chris Blakely, and Alan Rogers whilst Danny Dixon has a personal commitment. On the credit side Gary Smales and Kevin Brooks will return after work commitments last weekend and John Edmunds hopes to be fit after injury. Ben Acock has re-signed for the club and is added to the squad whilst Osborne hopes to complete the transfer formalities for another player in time for the game.
Clanfield (from); Brain; Stalker; Butt; Bush; Trinder; Everett; S.Olphert; Odom; Keyes; Bishop; Forkner; Smales; Brooks; Edmonds; Acock; Osborne;

Olphert Doubt For Future - 19 October

Clanfield's Conor Olphert, who was stretchered off the field during his clubs Oxfordshire Senior Cup match at Henley Town, on Saturday faces at the very least a long spell on the sidelines and possibly a decision as to his future following the injury.

Conor (left), who is19, has undergone major operations on both knees in the past and shortly after coming on as a substitute on Saturday he fell to the ground after making a pass and was obviously in severe pain. He took no further part in the game and left the ground on crutches.

Olphert had only just returned after a similar episode in pre-season. Manager Peter Osborne commented. "Conor has worked so hard both with the Club Physio and on his own account and this is a real setback for him. We all wish him a speedy recovery from the immediate injury"

Desperate Clanfield! - 18 October

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne, at 38 and now classed as a 'veteran', was forced to play himself from the start on Saturday as his Clubs injury and unavailability struck at its hardest at the weekend.

Long term injuries to Chris Blakely, Alan Rogers, Kevin Lewis, Rob Hoskin and Ollie Oswin deprived the manager of five First Team regulars. They were joined for the Oxfordshire Senior Cup match with Henley Town by Danny Dixon and John Edmunds who were also on the injury list; Bradley Bridgewater, Kevin Brooks, Gary Smales and Ian Steele all had work commitments although Bridgewater and Steele were able to make the Reserve Team game at home to Shrivenham Town Reserves

Students Matt Cheetham and Callum Miller were also missing due to University commitments. Said Osborne "I have never known a season like this, I knew that three of the young lads would be away at Uni and we covered for that. From the start of the season we have lost Darren MacNamara who has retired and Adam Little who has transferred to Thame United but again we have covered for that. The state of the economy seems to dictate that employers are not so happy to give their workers time off or let them leave early and you cannot legislate for injuries. There were thirteen missing names on Saturday and we will have to work hard this week to try to restore some of those for the game at Flackwell Heath next weekend".

Oxfordshire Senior Cup - 14 October

Clanfield will again have to wait on late fitness and availability reports for their First Round trip to play Hellenic Premier Division Henley Town

Definitely missing will be long term injury victims Chris Blakely, Kevin Lewis and Alan Rogers whilst work commitments rule out Gary Smales, Kevin Brooks and Ian Steele. Manager Peter Osborne hopes that Dan Dixon, John Edmonds and Lee Keyes will recover from knocks in time and may also have to hope that the University trio of Matt Cheetham, Rob Hoskin and Callum Miller could choose this weekend to make a home visit. Jason Trinder and Conor Olphert are added to the squad and Osborne can also call on Alex Bush whose University field placement brings him back to the area.
Clanfield: from, Brain; Stalker; Butt; Odom; S.Olphert; Everett; Bishop; Keyes; Edmonds; Bush; Dixon; Bridgewater; Osborne Trinder; C.Olphert

Clanfield Reserve Team Manager Resigns - 13 October

Gordon "Jago" Kane has resigned as Clanfield's Reserve Team Manager for personal reasons

He had been in the post since the start of the season and under his guidance the team have reached the Semi-final of the Faringdon Thursday Memorial Cup. First Team Manager Peter Osborne has thanked Kane for his efforts saying; "It is very difficult to run a Reserve Team and this has been even more so this season as a result of the 1st Teams crippling injury and unavailability problems. He has done a good job in difficult circumstances and we thank him for his sterling work"

Chairman John Osborne has added his thanks commenting; "Jago has worked very hard for this Club both on and off the field and we are very grateful to him for all that he has done".

Chris Boot has been appointed as Reserve Team Manager and it is hoped to appoint an Assistant shortly.

Robin's Back In The 'Nest' - 6 October

After four consecutive away games Clanfield return to their Radcot Road ground for a difficult encounter with League highflyers Tytherington Rocks who currently lie second in the table.

Manager Peter Osborne believes that once again Division One West is a very competitive league and expects Tytherington to be in the mix come the end of the season; "The Rocks are always a difficult team to get anything from and this season they look to be one of the clubs who could win the league. They are well coached and well managed and in Justin Bishop and Marc Hughes they have two of the best players in the league. It will be a difficult game on Saturday but there are numerous difficult games in this division this season."
Osborne hopes to have Jamie Stalker, Eddie Everett and Dan Bishop back for the game but the injured Alan Rogers, Kevin Lewis and Chris Blakely are still out.
Clanfield(from):Brain;Dixon;Smales;Butt;Brooks;Odom;Steele;S.Olphert;Keyes;Trinder;Winney;Bush;Osborne; Stalker; Everett; Bishop;

Osborne Full of Praise But..... - 3 October

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne was full of praise for the playing surface at Division One East Rayners Lane and also for his own teams performance.

His team were knocked out of the Bluefin Insurance Brokers Hellenic Challenge Cup on Saturday, and he was not pleased with the decision that ultimately cost his side at least a chance of extra time. On the ground Osborne commented. "The Lane have just had floodlights installed and I understand that they have had the playing surface done as well".

Without many regular players to travel on Saturday he felt that those who played. "Gave me everything and I am very grateful for that."

With regard to the decision he felt they should have had, he added. "I was very unhappy with the third goal scored by Rayners Lane. Everyone thought that Jason Trinder had been fouled and that the free kick was awarded in our favour but Referee Ed Turner saw it differently and gave it to them. They took it quickly and ended up three on one on our keeper. Even when I thought the final touch was offside. This is not sour grapes because the home side were very good and possibly the third goal caused them to ease up. In fairness to the Ref he explained to me after the game what he "thought" he saw and we must accept that. But on this occasion, I with many others, thought that he had got it wrong. However if we had not made mistakes we might not have been two nil down so it works both ways!"

Robins Take Flight Again -29 September

Clanfield continue their sequence of away games in Cup Competitions when they travel to Rayners Lane, leaders of Division One East, in the 1st round of The Bluefin Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup.

The West Oxfordshire side have been drawn away in the opening games of all the knockout competitions in which the First Team have entered this season FA Cup, FA Vase, Uhlsport Hellenic Challenge and Floodlit Cups and the Oxfordshire Senior Cup.

njury and unavailability are still causing problems. Callum Miller, Rob Hoskin and Matt Cheetham are now away at University. Gary Smales and Bradley Bridgewater have work commitments whilst Dan Bishop is not available and Alan Rogers, Kevin Lewis, Adie Holder and Chris Blakely remain on the injured list.
Clanfield (From) Brain; Stalker; Brooks; Butt; Dixon; S.Olphert; Everett; Keyes; Edmunds; Odom; Trinder; Winney; Osborne, Forkner; Pepper; Bush

Osborne Pleased By Vase Win - 28 September

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne has again praised the players at his disposal after his team had made progress in the FA Vase on Saturday.

After a good win at Old Woodstock in the League the week before Osborne had hoped that his injury and unavailability problems would be lessened for the visit to unbeaten in Division One East Newbury but it was not to be. Darren MacNamara has retired and Adam Little has transferred to Premier Thame United. Alan Rogers, Chris Blakely, Kevin Lewis and Rob Hoskin were all injured whilst Bradley Bridgewater and Gary Smales had work commitments and Rob and Matt Cheetham were embarking on University life at the weekend so that meant that no less than nine first team regulars were not available to me. The players who have come in have done well and the remaining players have rolled up their sleeves and got on with the job in difficult circumstances."

Osborne was also fulsome in his praise for the pitch and facilities at Newbury. "Without running down any other ground at which we play it was nice to play at what I would call a proper football ground an excellent playing surface and a totally enclosed facility. I know that Newbury in previous formats have played at a higher level but it is what every club in Step 6 must strive for and gives us all food for thought". Osborne will be without Callum Miller in the next few weeks as he too goes off to University.

Vase Glory Road - 22 September

Clanfield make the trip to Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East Newbury who have a 100% League record after four matches.

Manager Peter Osborne expects a very difficult game. "We played Newbury in the League Cup last season and they were a very good side. They now have former pro Steve Melledew in charge and I expect them to be well organised and well coached.Their unbeaten start to the season and a win at Holmer Green in the last round suggests a very good side and it is a difficult game for us"

It is still a matter of names and numbers for the Robins. Rob Hoskin, Kevin Lewis, Alan Rogers, Mark Odom, and Chris Blakely are all injured and definitely out as are Gary Smales and Bradley Bridgewater who have work commitments. Callum Miller and Matt Cheetham are also doubtful as they begin University life this weekend. On the credit side Chris Brain, Dan Dixon, Jamie Stalker and Steve Olphert should all be returning whilst Osborne adds himself to the squad and Reece Winney and Jason Trinder who came in last weekend keep their places.

Clanfield (from); Brain; Butt; Brooks; Cheetham; Miller; Everett; Bishop; Edmunds; Keyes; Dixon; Trinder; Winney; Osborne; Stalker; S Olphert

Performances Please Osborne - 20 September

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne has paid tribute to the performances of both teams on Saturday in the face of the long injury and non-availability list for the games at Old Woodstock Town and at home to Cheltenham Saracens Reserves.

Osborne, pictured, commented. "I have never known anything like the situation that we experienced before this weekend. We already had two players out with what look like long term injuries and players with work and personal commitments. Then we lost four more after a hard midweek match in the Floodlit Cup. It was all hands to the pump and I am very grateful to the players who came in to help out at short notice. It was considered a triumph just to be able to field two sides to fulfil the fixtures but both sides gave gritty and totally committed performances in their respective games to win at Old Woodstock and draw with Cheltenham Saracens at home."

Osborne hopes the wedding season will soon be over but still has a number of players who will be doubtful for next weekend; He continuedt. "A number of players remain on the injury list and we have one maybe two with work commitments but we shall have to take stock of the situation at training this week and go from there."

Selection Problems - 15 September

Clanfield travel to League leaders Old Woodstock Town and Manager Peter Osborne has selection problems with a number of players injured or unavailable.

Definitely out will be the unavailable Steve Olphert and Jamie Stalker, whilst Darren MacNamara has announced his retirement. With Kevin Lewis, Alan Rogers,Chris Blakely, Mark Odom, Rob Hoskin and Bradley Bridgewater all suffering from injury the Manager is unable to name a team until all options have been explored.

Osborne has gone on record as saying that injuries and unavailability are inevitable at this time of the year but he did not expect this. "Work commitments and weddings seem to blight most clubs in August and September and we are no different, but we have had a spate of injuries to add to our problems and we will be down to the bare bones on Saturday"

Youth Teams At Clanfield - 12 September

For the first time in their history Clanfield 85 FC will be fielding two Junior Teams this season in addition to their First and Reserve Teams in the uhlsport Hellenic League.

Having tested the water with an Under 12 team last season that team will now compete as Under 13's in the Giles Sports Witney Boys League and the Robins have been joined by last seasons Tower Hill Boys Under 15's team who will compete as Under 16's in the Oxfordshire FA Invitation Boys League.

Chairman John Osborne is delighted with the move and hopes that eventually it will result in players supplementing the Senior Teams; "As a club we want to provide good football for local youngsters and having started off with Under 12's last season we are pleased that that team will stay together as Under 13's and we are delighted that we now have an Under 16 team joining up with us which we hope will see them stay on as possible players for the Senior Teams when they are old enough" said Osborne. Both sides played their first games on Sunday, the Under 13's winning 9-1 and the Under 16's winning 6-2 but both know that there are difficult games ahead.

Clanfield Back In Action - 8 September

Clanfield were the odd team out in a seventeen club division last weekend and had no game. This week they entertain high riding Purton in what looks to be a difficult fixture for the Robins.

Manager Peter Osborne has great respect for his counterpart, Purton Manager Chris Pethick and his team, saying; "Purton are always strong and well organised,well coached and managed so we could have done without the fixture break last weekend. Purton had a very good win at Tytherington last weekend and will be buoyed up by that so we must expect a difficult match".

Jamie Butt and Gary Smales are not available whilst Steve Olphert is suspended. Chris Blakely returns and Kevin Brooks is added to the squad.

Clanfield (from)Brain; Little; Rogers; Bridgewater; Blakely; MacNamara; Everett; Odom; Keyes; Dixon; Lewis; Brooks; Miller; Cheetham; Osborne

Oxon Robins Reflections - 2 September

With no League or FA Cup game this weekend Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne has praised his players for their Bank Holiday performances following the traumatic events at Cricklade Town when the Robins were hammered 8-0.

"We got four points out of a possible six over the weekend with a draw at home to Winterbourne United and a win at Carterton. I said on many occasions last season just how competitive Division One West was and I think that it will be even more so this season. Cricklade have got off to a good start and our performance there was abysmal. It is not an ideal scenario kicking off at 6-30 in an away game but that is no excuse and on the night we just were not with it. We had a long chat in the dressing room afterwards and I was pleased with the attitude and application in both games over the weekend. We still have a long way to go and our next four games all have a difficult look to them. We play Purton at home and Old Woodstock Town away in the League with a Floodlit Cup Tie away to Premier Division Fairford Town and an FA Vase match away to either Holmer Green or Newbury to complete the month!"

Osborne expects to add to his squad in the near future to cover the imminent departure to University of three members of his existing squad. "They may or may not be able to get back every weekend and they are unlikely to be available for midweek matches so we need to try to cover for that just in case" said Osborne.

A Return To The Nest - 29 August

Clanfield Manager Peter Osborne has moved to strengthen his squad with the transfer of, former Robin, Eddie Everett from Witney Town.

Everett (pictured) was a regular with Clanfield but left to join the then Witney United at the start of last season. Osborne has welcomed the return of the player and has paid tribute to the Witney Club in facilitating the move. "Eddie will be a welcome addition to the squad as we have one or two long term injuries and potential unavailabities. I would like to thank Andy Lyne and Duncan Colwell of Witney Town for their co-operation in the transfer in waiving the usual seven days. They have been very helpful and we are very grateful"

Quick Re-Group - 26 August

Clanfield were humiliated and embarrassed by their 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Cricklade Town at the Leisure Centre on Wednesday evening and will need to regroup quickly if they are to get anything from their home game with Winterbourne United on Saturday.

The Robins conceded three goals in the first half when they also missed a penalty and five more in the second half when they missed another penalty. Manager Peter Osborne has been very forthright on his teams performance including himself; "It is easy to suggest that we were at a disadvantage in having to kick-off at 6-30 pm in an away fixture and whilst that is not ideal it is not the reason why we lost and lost heavily. Cricklade are a good side,fit and sharp,and well organised and in Ben Carter and Ian McSherry they have two of the best forwards in the League. Cricklade took their chances well and accepted the gifts that our performance presented them with. Yes we had some players missing but this is a squad game and we should be able to cope with that. We all agree that the performance of everyone on Wednesday including myself and everyone involved fell far below the standards that we need to compete in this league and we willl be looking to get our act together quickly starting with this Bank Holiday weekend"

Osborne has not yet named his squad for the Winterbourne match as he awaits fitness and availability reports on a number of players who missed Wednesdays game.

FA Cup Trip - 19 August

Clanfield make their second entry in to the Competition when they travel to meet Staines Lammas who play in the Combined Counties League. Their hosts have a ground share agreement with Ashford Town (Middlesex) and the game will be played there.

Clanfield have a number of problems following the midweek match with Cirencester Town Development, striker Rob Hoskin has a hamstring strain and is likely to miss the match and a number of players have knocks from a well contested game. Chris Blakely serves out the last of a three game ban whilst Aidy Holder has back strain and there are doubts about the availability of Dan Bishop. Teenager Bradley Bridgewater is added to the squad.

Clanfield: (from) Brain; Little; Rogers; Butt; Smales; Dixon; MacNamara; S Olphert; Odom; Hoskin; Lewis; Bishop; Cheetham; Miller; Holder; Bridgewater

Chipchase Stands Down - 16 August

Jason Chipchase who has been helping out with the Coaching at the Club has stood down for Personal and Work-related reasons.

Manager Peter Osborne thanked Jason for his help during his spell with the Club. "Jason has been a great help to me whilst he has been with us. I know that he has been very busy and at this time of the year is also heavily in to cricket. We all wish him well for the future"

Clanfield are also on the web, their new 'Pitchero site can be found at www.pitchero.com/clubs/clanfield85/ - set up by Neil Lee and club stalwart Trevor Cuss has been taken over as Primary Webmaster.

.

Another Challenging Season for Oxon 'Robins' -11 August

Clanfield just missed out on a promotion place last season but Manager Peter Osborne has no illusions about the difficulty of his task this season. Osborne, now in sole charge after Jason Court stood down as Joint Manager, feels that Division One West will be even stronger this season. "Last season Headington Amateurs got off to a fabulous unbeaten start and the rest of us were playing catch-up. Every team below Amateurs were capable of beating each other and the composition of the League suggests that this will be even more so this season with clubs relegated or demoted from the Premier Division, Clubs promoted from the Feeder Leagues as well as clubs brought in from the Reserve Section and the existing hardcore of regulars from Division One West"

Clanfield begin their campaign with a trip to New College Swindon promoted from the Wilts Premier League and Osborne anticipates a difficult game. Chris Blakely begins a three match ban for indiscretions last season and Ollie Oswin is recovering from a cartilage operation but most of last seasons Squad have re-signed whilst newcomers Rob Hoskin, Gary Smales and Mike Duerden will also feature. Dan Dixon and Mark Odom who missed the end of season due to Service commitments and injury respectively are also available.

Clanfield(from);Brain; Little; Rogers; Smales; Butt; Dixon; MacNamara; S Olphert; Odom; Lewis; Hoskin; Miller; Cheetham Bishop; Duerden.

Clanfield On The Road (In Cups) - 3 August

Clanfield 85 FC have been drawn to play away in all five of the Cup Competitions in which the First Team will take part and where the draws have been made.

Having been drawn away in the FACup, FA Vase and Oxfordshire Senior Cup the Robins have also been drawn away in the AM Print and Copy Floodlit Cup where they will play Fairford Town and in the Bluefin Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup where they will travel to Rayners Lane. Chairman John Osborne quipped "It's a good job that all matches in our own Jim Newman Cup are played at Radcot Road or else we would have been away in that too.Come to think of it we were last out of the hat in the First Round draw."

Jim Newman Cup Starts Tonight - 26 July

Clanfields popular pre-season competition gets under way this week with the first Quarter Final between Faringdon Town from The North Berks League and Shrivenham Town from the Uhlsport Hellenic League this evening (Tuesday).

Tomorrow evening(Wednesday) Division One West Carterton and Purton will meet. Both games will be played at Radcot Road kick-off 7-30pm

Manager Stands Down - 18 July

Clanfield Joint Manager Jason Court has stood down from his post due to personal and work reasons.

Court who has been in the post for six years jointly with Peter Osborne has three children all of whom are involved with a number of aspects of sport and he has found it increasingly difficult to juggle football commitments with his family commitments. In addition the former Clanfield boss works shifts.

The Club were quick to pay tribute to Court who has served the Club in some capacity since the age of fourteen when he joined Clanfield as a player and apart from a short spell has remained there ever since. Joint Manager Osborne said; "It will be very strange for me for Jason not to be involved because we began playing for the Club at about the same time and apart from a very short period when we both played elsewhere we have been team-mates and Joint Managers together. He and his family have put in a great deal of work and effort for Clanfield over a long period of time and we do understand his need to help his three boys along in their own sporting careers. We thank him and wish him well".

Chairman John Osborne also paid his tribute to the outgoing Joint Manager; "Jason and his family have been involved with Clanfield Football Club for very many years and it will be very strange not to see him involved with team affairs on Match days.He has been a good servant to the club".

Peter Osborne will take sole charge of the Management duties and will be discussing the way forward with his "off field team" of Martin Staddon,Jason Chipchase and Trevor Cuss and senior players.

Seeking Matches - 4 July

Clanfield Reserves are looking for away Pre-season friendlies on any of the following dates; July 15th;16th;22nd;23rd;and 30th If any Club is able to fill any of these dates, plese contact is Gordon Kane on 07827816857

Jim Newman Cup (Clanfield FC) - 1 July

The draw for Clanfield 85 FC's pre-season tournament the popular Jim Newman Memorial Trophy has been made and with all games being played at the Radcot Road home of the host club a feast of competitive pre-season football is on the cards for late July and early August. The full draw is;

1st ROUND
Tuesday July 26th Faringdon Town v Shrivenham Town (7-30pm) Wednesday July 27th Carterton v Purton (7-30pm) Saturday July 30th Headington Amateurs v Abingdon United (2-00pm) Saturday July 30th Eynsham v Clanfield 85 (5-00pm)

SEMI-FINALS
Tuesday August 2nd Eynsham/Clanfield 85 v Carterton/Purton (7-30pm)
Wednesday August 3rd Faringdon/Shrivenham v Headington/Abingdon (7-30pm)

FINAL
Saturday August 6th (5-00pm)

Appointed From Within - 23 June

Clanfield have appointed from within as experienced players Ian Barrett and Gordon Kane take charge of the Robins Reserves for the forthcoming season.

They will replace Lewis Cuss who stood down at the end of last season.The duo are hoping that the new Reserve level structure will give them the continuity of football which was missing in the past. A Club spokesman said that the Reserve team had by their standards had a reasonable season reaching the knockout stages of The Chairmans Reserve League Cup and also making progress in the Oxfordshire Intermediate Cup but had an enormous turnover of players as players sought regular games elsewhere.

The Club will welcome any players new old or new to Pre-season training at the ground on ThursdayJune 30th commencing at 7 pm

Oxon Robins Begin Pre-Season Training - 20 June

Clanfield begin Pre-season Training at their Radcot Road ground at 7.00pm on Thursday June 30th when all players old and new will be made very welcome as the Robins look to better their 4th placed finish in Division One West last season.

Joint Manager Peter Osborne believes that the Division will be even more competetive in the forthcoming season and promises an interesting and varied pre-season with some interesting pre-season friendlies in the pipeline with final details to be confirmed.