HOOK NORTON F C NEWS

"Benny The Greek" Hangs Up His Boots - 5th December

A recurrence of problems with the same knee that he seriously injured whilst playing for Hook Norton against Oxford City in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup Final at the Kassam Stadium in early 2003 has resulted in Ben Spiero reluctantly making the decision to retire from playing at the age of 32 years.

Prior to joining Hooky in the latter part of 2002, Benny the Greek first played in the Hellenic League at Letcombe under the tutelage of Des Williams before also having successful spells at Abingdon United and at Wantage Town. As a player, Ben was renowned not only for his prolific goal scoring but also for his deft touches and sharp turn of speed.

For the past four seasons, prior to this season and following the knee injury, Ben very successfully managed Hooky’s First Team and, without doubt, almost singly masterminded the team’s rapid development over this period, culminating in the deserved promotion back to the Premier Division of the Hellenic League in 2007.

After learning of Ben’s recent decision, Hooky Chairman Mike Barlow said: “I am naturally very sad that Ben has had to make this decision but, in all the circumstances, I believe it to be the right decision. Since joining our club over six years ago, Ben has certainly made his mark, initially as a player and more latterly as our First Team Manager, not forgetting his hard work and loyalty to the club on the committee and as a director of the club. Although he is no longer a player or a manager, Ben is still very much part of this club and always will be.”

For his own part, Ben has said: “Whilst it is with extreme regret that I have had to make this decision, I knew in my heart of hearts that I really had little or no alternative. With my family and business commitments now being paramount, I simply could not risk incurring a second serious injury. I have been exceptionally lucky, both as a player and as a manager, and although I will no longer be closely involved with the playing side of things at Hooky, I am nevertheless proud and privileged to remain as a director of the club and as an active committee member”
Vase Re-Arrangement - 20th November

Following the postponement on Tuesday 18th November 2008 of the FA Vase Second Round replay between VT FC and Hook Norton at the Portsmouth Road ground, Southampton due to a waterlogged pitch, the replay has been re-arranged to take place at the same venue on Saturday 22nd November 2008, kick off 3.00pm.

A coach has been arranged to convey players and spectators to Southampton. It will pick up at The Sun Inn, Hook Norton at 11.00am and at the Easington P.H., Banbury at 11.30am. The fare for spectators will be £10; £5 for concessions.

Any spectators interested in going to the match on the coach should contact either Garnet Thomas (07866035642) or Geoff James (01608 737476) to avoid disappointment.
Poignant Occassion For Hooky - 17th November

Hooky's home FA Vase Second Round match against VT FC, the current unbeaten leaders in the Premier Division of the Sydenhams Wessex League, was both an exciting and a poignant occasion for the North Oxfordshire FTL Futbol Hellenic Division team and its supporters.

It was exciting because the match represented the furthest that the village club has ever reached in any national competition and it was poignant because the club dedicated the occasion to the memory of Dave MacFarlane, the club's secretary from 1997 to 2003, who died suddenly on 4th November. Prior to the match, both teams, the match officials and spectators stood in silent tribute to Dave in the presence Dave's widow Sandra, father John and sister Ann.

The occasion was most touching not only because of the above circumstances but also because the Hooky team were accompanied by mascots, comprising of players from the club's Under 8s' team under the guidance of their manager Jon Hawkins. Together with the senior players, the mascots also observed the minute's silence.

There is absolutely no doubt that Dave would have been deservedly proud of all that occurred on this occasion, not least being Hooky's most creditable draw, thereby forcing a replay on Tuesday evening coming at Southampton, against very accomplished opponents.
Sudden Death Of Former Hooky Secretary - 5th November

It is with deep regret that Hook Norton Football Club has to announce the sudden death on Tuesday 4th November 2008 of  Dave MacFarlane, who was the secretary of the club for a number of years until 2003. Dave was in his mid 60’s and had just retired from full time employment as a traveling representative.

Dave’s roots were in the North West of England and in his younger days he played football at the highest level with Everton FC. After he and his family moved to Hook Norton some years ago, Dave offered his services to the local football club and thereby brought a wealth of experience to Hooky, as a result of which, with others, he oversaw the club’s elevation from the Oxfordshire Senior League to the Hellenic League in 2001.

In paying tribute to Dave, the club’s Press Officer Geoff James said, “Dave worked extremely hard on behalf of Hook Norton Football Club and, without doubt, his knowledge of the game was second to none. We are all so sad that he was not able to enjoy longer of his well earned retirement and our hearts go out to Sandra and Neil at this most difficult time.”

Details of the funeral are not yet known but, meanwhile, the club and everyone associated with it offer their sincere condolences to Dave’s wife Sandra and to their son Neil.

As a mark of respect and in recognition of Dave’s services to Hook Norton Football Club over a number of years, there will be a minute’s silence held immediately prior to Hooky’s First Team match against VT FC in the Second Round of the FA Vase at The Bourne on Saturday 15th November 2008, commencing at 3.00pm.
Injury Crisis Hits Hooky - 26th September

“In my entire football career, I’ve never known a list of serious injuries in one club as long as we’ve got at the moment”, lamented Karlton Stratford, Hook Norton's manager, immediately after his team’s recent home victory against Fairford Town in the replay of their 2nd Qualifying Round match in the FA Vase.

Stratford continued; “As is already well documented, our club is fortunate to have no less than three fully qualified physio’s on its books and, whilst I fully support Hooky’s initiative in this respect, I am naturally disappointed that those physio’s have been called into action to deal with so many serious injuries to our players so early in the season”.

Currently, the following seven players, of whom no less than five are regular first team players, are out of action for extended periods, as their injuries will suggest: Steve Prentice – broken leg; Mark O’Hara – broken leg; Kai Ridley – torn hamstring; Mark Griffin – damaged ankle ligaments and tendon damage; Ben Spiero – damaged knee ligaments; Joe Coleman – soft tissue ligament damage to foot; Joe Davies – torn knee ligaments

Nevertheless, the Hooky Manager has said philosophically, “Despite this most unfortunate situation, we have no alternative but to carry on and make the best of a bad job. So, like Arsene Wenger, I shall be looking to call upon some of our more talented younger players to help out when they will be given the opportunity to show me how they can perform at a higher level. Additionally, I will be possibly looking to make one or two loan signings to tide us over until the crisis abates”.
Hooky’s New Clubhouse Finally Opens - 18th September

Saturday 13th September 2008 was not only significant to Hook Norton Football Club because it hailed the first home match for the new season for the North Oxfordshire club, following the end of the cricket season, but also it signaled the taking into use of the Sports & Social Club’s super new clubhouse/pavilion.

The clubhouse/pavilion, costing in excess of £400,000, has been funded by various grants and donations and, without doubt, is a marvelous addition to the multi-sports complex that now exists at The Bourne.

In terms of football, there are four expansive dressing rooms, officials’ rooms and other rooms, not to mention a spacious clubroom with a widescreen television and, of course, a modern bar, selling a variety of ales, including that from the local Hook Norton brewery.

These facilities, which have been planned and worked for over many years, whilst long overdue, have been worth waiting for, as agreed by all those who have so far sampled them. Accordingly, heartfelt thanks are due to all those who have helped to bring this about.

Whilst our opening day was spoilt slightly by the First Team’s defeat, congratulations nevertheless to opponents Carterton, proceedings generally went without a hitch, as the images show:

  • Spectators enjoy after-match drinks on the patio;
  • Players and spectators enjoy the widescreen television in the clubroom;
  • First Team management sample facilities in the Home Dressing Room
  • Hooky shirts enjoy their new surroundings

Not Just A Pretty Face! – 18th September

Among the list of successful candidates announced recently by the FTL Futbol Hellenic League on this summer’s Level Two Course in the Treatment and Management of Injuries was the name of Hayley McDowell, Hooky’s regular First Team physio. Hayley (pictured) is the niece of First Team Manager Karlton Stratford and is in her second season as the North Oxfordshire club’s therapist.

Acknowledging Hayley’s success, former Secretary Geoff ‘Jesse’ James said, “Whilst we are naturally delighted for Hayley herself and offer her our heartfelt congratulations for this achievement, we remain pleased for the club since, in addition to Hayley, we can also call on the services of Julian Rakela and Terry Callow who are similarly qualified”. Geoff went on to say, “ If we didn’t realise before the prudence of the League’s insistence that each club should have a properly qualified therapist, we certainly do now as, since the present season began, no less than four 'Hooky' players have sustained serious injuries, two of these injuries being broken legs. Undoubtedly, the immediate attention of a qualified therapist on each of these unfortunate occasions has gone a long way towards ensuring that our casualties were dealt with properly.
End of the Road for Veteran O’Hara? - 12th September

Mark O'Hara, at the age of 40 years young made his debut for Hook Norton at Shrivenham on Wednesday evening after answering a call from first team manager Karlton Stratford to help out because of injuries and unavailability affecting other players.

Unfortunately Mark sustained fractures of his tibia and fibula in his right lower leg, following his involvement in a 50/50 tackle with an opposition player after only 5 minutes of Hooky's away league match at Shrivenham.

O'Hara had to be removed from the pitch by stretcher after examination by Hooky’s qualified therapist and was subsequently conveyed by ambulance to The Great Western Hospital at Swindon where his injuries were confirmed.

His leg was put in plaster at the Great Western from where O'Hara discharged himself after agreeing to attend at the John Radcliffe Hospital as he lives in Abingdon. On Thursday morning his leg was re-examined at the John Radcliffe Hospital and it was agreed that the plaster would remain for at least another week when a further examination will take place. At this stage, since the fractures would appear to be straightforward, the need for surgery would seem to be unlikely.

After speaking to Mark O'Hara on Wednesday evening and again on Thursday Geoff ‘Jesse’ James, former Hook Norton Secretary, has advised the League Office that the present injury is likely to cause O’Hara to finally hang up his ‘boots’!

League General Manager Brian King adds." ‘Marco’ has been a good servant to local football and the Hellenic League in particular having played for several clubs in a long and distinguished career. He might possibly be able to visit the particular club whose name I cannot mention as an out and out ‘Smoggy’. However, best wishes of the Hellenic League family go out to the ‘Old Un’ who is, and never will, be one to turn down the chance of another match."
Not Exactly Wembley But It Ain't Bad For Hooky! - 11th August

Two additional stands, one providing covered accommodation for 50 seated spectators, including disabled spectators, and the other providing covered accommodation for 50 standing spectators have just been installed at The Bourne, home of FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division, Hook Norton, one week in advance of the new season commencing. This additional covered spectator accommodation means that Hooky now proudly possesses accommodation for a total of 100 seated spectators as well as for 100 standing spectators and, as such, the club has fully met the FA’s Ground Grading requirements in this respect for teams playing at Non League Step 5 level.

With the nearby new clubhouse nearly complete, Chairman of the Football Club and also of the Sports & Social Club, Chairman Mike Barlow said:
“These final touches, not least of which are the extended areas for covered spectator accommodation, are undoubtedly the icing on the cake for all the facility improvements that have been made at The Bourne in the last year or so. It has been hard and, at times, most frustrating work but now the end is in sight it makes it all seem so worthwhile, especially when the clubhouse is finally opened, hopefully in good time for our first home match in just over 5 weeks’ time. We only hope that spectators coming to our ground will enjoy the new facilities as much as the players, managers, match officials and club officials surely will”

The photograph shows the 100 seater stands (including the Ian Willoughby Stand) in the foreground with the 100 non-seater stands in the background, beyond the Away and Home Dug Outs. The stands are confined to the west pitch perimeter since the village cricket pitch forms the east pitch perimeter.
Ricky Joins Hooky - 1st August

FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier manager Karlton Stratford was delighted to secure the signature of Ricky Johnson for Hook Norton on Thursday.

The Easington Sports’ hotshot who won the One West 'Golden Boot' last season scoring 38 league goals in 34 appearances was courted by several clubs looking for his firepower but in the face of stiff competition from a number of other clubs in Oxfordshire, including Southern League Premier Division Banbury United. Stratford got his man. He said: “ After last season ended, I kept in touch with Ricky, knowing that he can provide the necessary fire power up front that we were lacking for most of last season. He is an excellent signing”.

In addition to the core of last season’s team, Stratford has also recently re-signed Carl Standen and has been joined by Jacob Goddard from Banbury United and by Mathew Keenan, Liam Garrett, Joe White and James Hastie, all moving from Easington Sports.
There's A Mole In The Camp At Hooky! - 28th July

It happened during last season and, you’ve guessed it, it’s happening again, even before the new season has begun. A mole has, once more, started to cause havoc in and around the northern goalmouth at FTL FutbolL Hellenic Club Hook Norton’s ground at The Bourne.

Last season, this underground nuisance left heaps on the western side of the goalmouth, as a result of which Geoff James called out a local mole trapper and then, with groundsman Billy Green, dug out and re-turfed the affected area. As of today, the offending mole has confined its unwanted activity to the area immediately behind the northern goalmouth fortunately and, as was the case last season, is doubtless originating from the adjacent pasture field. Once again, the mole trapper has been called in. Watch this space!

Bet they don’t have these sort of problems at Old Trafford or at Anfield!
Banbury v Hooky Game Off - 26th July

Hook Nortons sheduled pre-season fixture against Banbury United, today, has been cancelled.

An injury crisis has meant the derby match due to be held at the Spencer Stadium, will not take place. Banbury informed Hooky yesterday that they could not raise a side.

Hook Norton joint manager Karlton Stratford said he was disappointed the Southern League Premier team could not fulfil the fixture and had cancelled it at such a late stage.

Hooky travel to Woodford for a friendly on Tuesday, kick-off 7.30pm.

Lee Stratford Community Trust 6-A-SIDE Tournament - 22nd July

For the second successive year, the above tournament is to be held on the new football field at Hook Norton Sports & Social Club on (this) Sunday 27thJuly, between 11.00am and 4.00pm.

The tournament is held in the memory of the late Lee Stratford, Hook Norton FC’s Number 1 Supporter, who died suddenly almost three years ago, aged only 23 years.

Proceeds from the tournament will be presented to the Lee Stratford Community Trust, a charity that was set up by Lee’s parents shortly after his death, to provide funds for local young peoples’ organisations and enterprises.

Last year’s winners of the specially engraved trophy were Middleton Massive from Middleton Cheney and the trophy will once more be there to be won at this year’s tournament, as will medallions for the members of the winning team.

Currently, Hook Norton FC’s Club Secretary, Garnet Thomas is most anxious to obtain at least two more teams to make the tournament into the success that it deserves to be and, in this respect, he is asking that any prospective teams/players contact him as a matter of URGENCY on 07866035642, please.
Hooky Scoop The Hungerford Cup - 20th June

When Hook Norton Chairman Mike Barlow and Secretary Garnet Thomas attended the AGM of the FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League at Carterton FC on the evening of Wednesday 18th June they were taken by surprise when it was announced that, for Season 2007-2008, the winners of the Hungerford Cup were Hook Norton Football Club.

This cup, which was presented to the League by Hungerford Town FC, has been competed for since Season 1978 – 1979 and, since that date, has been won by a number of illustrious clubs, including Forest Green Rovers, Cirencester Town and Abingdon United. Last season it was won by Lydney Town.

The award is made to the club out the whole of the Hellenic League (consisting of 60 clubs) which, in the opinion of a majority of member clubs, has made the most progress, both on and off the field of play, during the season just ended.
Obviously, other clubs in the League took note of the fact that not only did Hooky compete successfully in the Premier Division following the 1st Team’s promotion from the previous season but also provided new covered spectator accommodation, dug outs and floodlights, with the prospect of a new clubhouse to follow at the beginning of the coming season.

Having been presented with the cup on behalf of the club, Mike Barlow said, “It was a most unexpected award but I am thrilled and delighted to receive it since it provides deserved recognition for the efforts of so many people at our club, both on and off the field of play. Furthermore, the fact that a majority of other member clubs voted for us obviously means a lot. We are grateful to the Sports and Social Club as a whole for playing its part in helping the Football Club to receive this prestigious award.”
Hooky End Of Season Presentations - 7th May

The sun shone brightly on the evening of Friday 2nd May as the curtain finally came down on Season 2007/2008 for Sport Italia Hellenic Premier club Hook Norton FC when it held its end of season presentation event at the old clubhouse which is shortly to give way to the new four dressing rooms’ building that will be situated just north of the senior football pitch.

A well attended gathering of players, their wives, partners, friends, sponsors and other supporters tucked into a pig roast meal before listening to Chairman Mike Barlow describe the season as being one of achievement and success for the club, not only on the field play but also off it. As well as referring to the First Team more than holding its own on its return to the Hellenic Premier Division, Mike also referred to the Second Team improving on its performances of recent years. Additionally, he made reference to the club’s pride in finally be able to unveil new spectator accommodation, dug outs, perimeter hard-standing and, of course, new floodlights after many years of fighting bureaucracy. Mike went on to say that the jig saw will be finally complete when the new clubhouse is brought into use for the beginning of next season.

Awards were presented to players from both the First and Second Teams and, in this connection, local lad Pete Moulder distinguished himself by scooping no less than 3 awards, including the Spirit Award, presented by the Lee Stratford Community Trust to the young player who, in the opinion of the club’s management, had best shown the qualities of dedication, camaraderie and pure spirit throughout the past season

The awards for Club Persons Of The Year were deservedly presented to Colette Warner and Kerrie Fisher for their unstinting work in the clubhouse at home matches for both the First and Second Teams. Throughout the season, these ladies have worked tirelessly for the club and have received praise and thanks from many visiting clubs and from match officials for the levels warmth and hospitality that they have shown at all times.

Finally, the occasion saw two well known figures within the club step down from their respective posts and receive awards from Mike for their efforts over many years.

Firstly, Joint First Team Manager Ben Spiero confirmed that he was standing down from his post at the end of the season, although he will remain as a player and as a director at the club. Karlton Stratford has succeeded him as the First Team Manager

Secondly, Club Secretary Geoff James confirmed that he also was stepping down and will be succeeded by ex- Hooky player Garnet Thomas.

This was a most happy event and encapsulated all that is good about Hook Norton Football Club.