Boardman Signs for Hellenic Crusader’s - 30th August

Jon Boardman who recently signed for Bobby Wilkinson's squad has now signed Hellenic Forms and will be ready for action on his return from injury. Boardman who signed pro with Crystal Palace at the start of his career comes to Hungerford after playing 10 years full time football. After being released by Woking at the end of last season due to them going Part time after failing to win promotion to the Conference, Boardman was looking for clubs and Kingstonian made the approach and quickly made him captain.

After re-locating to Reading for his first job outside football, Boardman decided that he could not let down Alan Dowson (Kingstonian Manager) going forward and decided to call it a day. Wilkinson was made aware of Boardman at the end of the season and had he not signed for Kingstonian he could well have been with The Crusaders before now. It is a welcome addition to the squad and Wilkinson is more than happy with his signing. Boardman comes to Hungerford with four years football league experience after spending seasons at both Rochdale and Dagenham & Redbridge, before returning as a fans favourite back to Woking, although plagued with Gilmores Groin gave him few opportunities last season.
Boardman also captained the England C National XI 8 times scoring against Italy in a 1-1 draw.

Hungerford Sign Players On - 26th August

After the return of first teamers Richard Byrne and Luke Brewer to training, Reserves manager, Cook, has managed to get them to sign Hellenic League forms ready for their come backs which could be as soon as Monday's derby with Newbury.

Cook has also signed experienced Goalkeeper Kieron Drake who is also currently with the first team. Both players looked good in training last night especially Luke Brewer who is raring to get back into it. Richie, is slightly behind on his recovery and will feature for the reserves for 4 - 5 weeks when he is ready to come back.

Derby Bank Holiday - 24th March

Hungerford Reserves travel to local rivals Newbury this coming Bank Holiday Monday and Manager Garry Cook say's "Local pride is at stake".

There has been a lot of changes between the two teams over the last couple of seasons, most recently with five players leaving Hungerford for Newbury.

Hungerford Reserves are new to the division and after a convincing win at home to Milton on Saturday Cook wants nothing other than 3 points from his trip to Faraday Road. "Newbury have got some excellent players over there, but the one I miss is Callum Willmoth, he is a great player with a tremendous attitude to the game unfortunately for him he is missing the game through suspension, However I know their best eleven our team is more than capable to match them." "Being a reserve team Manager I have the luxury of playing first team players who don't make the squad or who are returning from injury, but that’s what a reserve side is for."

It is looking likely that former Aberdeen professional is set to start for the reserves in his first competitve game this season along with Luke brewer who his fighting to be fit. Chris Blackford will also be back this weekend along with more local boys who can't wait for the game.

Player In Comeback - 20th August

Both Hungerford first teamers Luke Brewer and Richard Byrne are expected to return to playing in the next couple of weeks and will be expected to feature for the reserves before stepping back into the first team.

Brewer who is a battling midfielder has been with Hungerford for many years and unfortunately broke his collar bone in training 6 weeks ago, he has however made a speedy recovery and has featured back in training already. Richie Byrne who was at Darlington last year and previously played in Europe for Aberdeen (pictured playing for The Dons) will also be returning from a hamstring injury that has caused him troubles for many years of his career. It is possible that both players could make a come back for the Local derby against Newbury on the 28th August at Faraday Road.

Manager Garry Cook who lost James Mandry, Callum Willmoth, Danny Pearce & Darren Jones to Newbury at the end of the season is looking forward to taking three points from them and said "Having the experience of Byrne and Brewer with us, already with so many other first teamers in my squad are a great duo to have in any team and what a game to have them for."

Hungerford play Milton this Saturday and are missing Danny Lachacz through suspension and possibly Tommy Lanfrey who is suffering with an injury. Hungerford were then due to travel to Rayners Lane the following weekend but already this early in the season the match has been postponed due to the ground and club house not being available.

New Hungerford first team signing Sam Whiting has gone on a 28 day loan to Bracknell Town as he is keen to experience more first team football. Cook is disappointed that Whiting does not want to play reserve team football to secure his place in the first team, but could understand the player’s frustrations. "Hopefully he will get some games at Bracknell Town and then be ready to come back to push for his place with Bobby in the first team" said Cook. (At this time no paperwork has been received by the Hellenic League).

After one a week it is all change for Cook, with both Fila and Lewis gaining a call up to the first team squad. Cook has made a statement to his players stating: “If you work hard enough and have the right attitude you will get a call up to the 1st team squad. I look at our squad and every player is capable of the step up, But, we have three good sides and they will need to be flexible each week to play for whatever side they get asked to play for. For next week Cook mentioned he has five players all returning so the messages he has sent to the players is "Keep your Shirt"

Squad from:
Foster, James, Allaway, T.Browne, G.Brown, Pedder, Thorp, Concannon, Gifford, Midwinter, Collins, M.Howe, Sadler, Rackham, Blair.

Cook Can't Wait - 19th August

Hungerford Town reserves boss Garry Cook has said he "Can't Wait" to get started on Saturday where they welcome Milton United to Bulpit Lane on Saturday.

Cook has said that pre-season has been top draw and getting in someone like former Reading professional Michael Gilkes has done all the players favours.

"Gilkesy has been great with all the lads not just his own first team, he has come to watch our players and has picked the players who need more work than others and helped them gain fitness. We have a tremendously strong side this season with many first team boys playing within our squad as Bobby Wilkinson has brought in so many good players this year for his Southern League campaign."

"Milton will be a good side, I went to watch them on their opening game against league favourites Holyport and they should of won but Holyport stole a late equaliser, I know some of the players with them and it will make for an exciting first league game."

Former Milton midfielder Robbie Sadler (pictured), who played for Milton when Gary Ackling was manager at The Heights, will captain Cook's side to line up against his old club.

Cook "More Than Happy" - 11th June

Hungerford Town Reserve team manager Garry Cook is said to be more than happy with his new look squad.

Cook (pictured) has signed 32 players to date with 4 players with Southern League experience to bolster his squad ahead of this season Hellenic Division One East Campaign, Although he expects everyone of them to push for first team places. They include new skipper and former Bulpit Lane favourite Robbie Sadler, tricky wingback Tommy Langfry, Striker Alex Toley who played first team for Burnham at the age of 17, speedy Andover wide man Tom Gooding and from Newbury comes Danny Lachacz who is already impressing 1st Team Manager Wilkinson in training.

Last seasons club top goal scorer Shaun Thorp has resigned along with Steve Rackham, Mattie Howe, Gareth Brown, Danny Pearce, Jamie Lemmin, Greg Nutley, Chris Collins, Paul Davies and from Milton, Steve Howe, Adam Drake, Anthony Allyne, Matty Midwinter, Ben Ashby, George Brewer, Ian Concannon, Adam Pilling, Liam Thorne and Ryan Williams. And some players brought to the club by former Manager Alan Clark have all signed Hellenic League forms and they are Mark Jones,Scott Davis, James Foster, Dominic Green.

Midfielder Lyle Gifford from Division One West's Letcombe, Centre Back Liam Illsey from Wantage Town and last years Kintbury player of the year Tommy Chapman has also impressed Wilkinson after training with the squad for 5 sessions.

Cook spoke about the recent training sessions: "The training under Bobby and Gilkesy has been fantastic and we will be the fittest club around without a shadow of a doubt. All three teams are looking very very strong, I knew Bobby would work them hard and the boy's are loving it, 58 players at sessions is amazing and its clear that this is the club to be at. Goalkeeping Coach Ian Hobbs is bringing the best out of the keepers and he say's they are all working real hard to be really fit."

All players have signed to the clubs code of conduct and are willing to play for all three teams. Any companies who would like to sponsor the reserves or A Team, contact Garry Cook or Martin Crane.

Team Manager Needed - 1st June

Hungerford Town are looking for a local manager/coach with local connections to help run the new A team.

Hungerford have already appointed Martin Crane a level 3 coach new to the area from Essex and are now looking to recruit a second manager to help with local connections and attract players. The new A team will be playing in the Hellenic Reserve Section next season and training will be taken by former Reading winger Michael Gilkes and Noel Hunt starting on the 24th June at the John O Gaunt School.
If you are interested in applying please contact Garry Cook on 07931311829.