LETCOMBE F C NEWS

Onwards But Not Upwards - 1st December

Des Williams, team manager and holder of numerous other positions and responsibilties at the club, along with Russell and Dennis Stock. Gives his resume on the progress of his team in November.

November was another successful month for Letcombe, but in spite of a 100% league record, we have not managed to catch table toppers AFC Hardwicke. The month began with two free Saturdays. The dates were scheduled to be the next rounds of the Hellenic Challenge Cup and Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup, but our exit from both competitions in October left us without a fixture.

The away game against Lydney Town on November 15th was switched to Letcombe because the Lydney ground was waterlogged, and the lack of matches in the previous weeks was obvious. After going a goal behind, Richard Claydon equalised from a penalty just before half time, and another Claydon penalty in the second half secured all three points. It was good to see new signing Scott Hooper commanding midfield, and we are certain that his game will continue to improve. Skipper Adam Pendell was welcomed back for our trip to Tytherington Rocks, having missed the previous match because of injury. Again Letcombe went a goal behind because of poor defending at a corner, but a Tom Patten free kick brought us level early in the second half. We had settled for a point when Richard Claydon stabbed home the winner from close range to give us our first ever win at Tytherington with just two minutes remaining.

Our final November match was at home to bottom club Cirencester United. We totally dominated the opening exchanges, but failed to convert any of the numerous chances we created. As often happens in these circumstances, we then conceded the first goal for the third successive week. Frustration began to set in, but Richard Claydon side footed the equaliser, and Iain Whatley took advantage of an excellent Scott Hooper pass to put Letcombe ahead as the interval approached. The second half was one way traffic, and Pete Horswell and Mark Denny both scored twice, with an own goal giving us a comfortable 7-1 win.

In our wildest pre-season dreams, we would not have expected to be in this position at the end of November. The lads deserve great credit, especially for their fighting spirit after coming from behind in our last three matches. There are difficult games ahead in December, especially against Malmesbury Victoria and Wootton Bassett. Malmesbury inflicted our only defeat at Letcombe earlier in the season, and we always seem to struggle against Wootton Bassett. Nevertheless, we will go into both games with confidence after setting up a club record of seven successive league victories.

Striker Peter Horswell sets off on his travels around the world at the end of the year, and centre back Sean Webb is doing likewise a month later. We will miss them both, but it will be an opportunity for other people at the club to impress me. We wish them both "bon voyage", and hope to see them back at Letcombe when they return from their travels.
Comings & Goings At Letcombe - 31st July

After a worrying few weeks, Letcombe are looking forward to the new season in the FTL Futbol Hellenic One West and are confident that they will again have a squad good enough to be pushing for honours in Division One West.

Keeper Stuart Game will not be available regularly until October because of his forthcoming wedding on September 20th. Last seasons top scorer Richard Claydon has had offers from other clubs, but he also has a knee injury and is seeing a specialist in the near future. Talented youngster Lyle Gifford has won a football scholarship at a University in Tennessee, and will be leaving for the States in early August. We are told that it is a very religious college! Watch your language, Lyle! Thou shalt not swear at referees! You travel with our thanks and best wishes.

Centre backs Sean Webb and Tom Patten have been training with Wantage Town, but both have now committed themselves to Letcombe, and all other members of last seasons successful squad have re-signed. With former player/manager Liam Breen getting married in Canada, Letcombe will have a number of players missing for their opening fixture at Pewsey Vale, but are pleased to have made some promising new signings.

Keeper Steven Vaux has returned from Plymouth University where he had some games for the Argyle youth team. Robbie Fairchild has changed jobs and should be available on a regular basis. New midfielder Scott Hooper will be taking up a PE teaching post in Wantage in September, but will not be available until then. Youngster Tom Stone is on a one year work placement from Aston University, and is hopeful that he will be able to play most weekends. Forward Pete Horswell made a good impression in his first friendly for the club, and youngster Adam Sell has shown great talent and maturity as sweeper in two first team fixtures, but he can also play as a wing back.

There is likely to b a keen competition for places, and Letcombe look forward to the coming season with optimism.
Charter Status Award for Letcombe - 5th June

Letcombe FC of Hellenic League One West have achieved FA Charter Standard status. Club Secretary Des Williams was advised in an e-mail from Soho Square yesterday that the club has achieved the requirement for the award of 'FA Charter Standard' - Adult Club status. The Club will receive a formal letter and Certificate in due course. This is yet another achievement for Letcombe who are renowned for their hospitality on the Hellenic circuit.

The club is in the throes of raising funding for their proposed new clubhouse. Already received are offers from the Football Foundation and Football Stadia Improvement Fund, as well as the club raising some £50K from their own efforts but are still a considerable amount short of their target. Letcombe have registered with varioud bodies in an attempt to source further funding of substancial suns of money for mutisport use, Football, Cricket, Tennis and Pony Club.

No doubt with the tenacity of the leading lights at Letcombe FC they will overcome, however, if anyone is able to offer possible funding leads they have used within their own organisation please contact Des Williams, details as shown on Letcombe FC information page.