Change Of Fortunes? - 12th March

Malmesbury Vics make the journey to Hellenic Premier Division basement side Bicester Town tomorrow as they bid to end their run of three straight league defeats.

Joint boss Martin Woodhouse is still searching for a stopper to replace himself between the sticks, despite his penalty save last weekend. “We’re still trying to look for a goalkeeper,” he admitted. “I’m 40 years old and although I can do a job, it’s nice to have someone younger. I’ll keep going until we find someone else to play.”

Appointment Confirmed - 26th February

Malmesbury Vics travel to Abingdon Town this weekend fresh from the news that Martin Woodhouse and Kev Coles have been given the jobs of joint bosses.

The pair were backed by their squad to continue until the end of the season in a meeting this week. Victoria’s players were given the chance to have their say on who would take over at the Flying Monk Ground and voted in favour of Martin Woodhouse and Kevin Coles. The Vics management held a meeting with players on Tuesday evening and the current caretaker bosses were given the thumbs up by their squad. “The players said that they were happy for us to continue taking charge of the team,” said Woodhouse, who is currently the Vics’ goalkeeper. “They also want to see it through to the end of the season which is great. We’ll take things game by game and try to steady the ship, we’re not a side that should be down near the foot of the table.”

Former Shrivenham and Swindon Supermarine coach Martin Robinson has stepped in an assitant to the management pair of Woodhouse and Coles. Midfielder Leigh Brown has left the club to return to former club Highworth Town. Woodhouse says that he is on the lookout for a handful of new siginings to bolster his squad, with his main target a new goalkeeper following the departure of Kurtis Sharkey.

Vics are without the services of Gareth Davies and Danny Beck tomorrow, who are both unavailable. Woodhouse said: “I think we’ve certainly got a good enough squad to get a result. Everyone seems very buoyant and we are sticking together.
If we carry on what we did against Marlow then there’s no reason why we can’t produce a result.”

Delighted At Response - 19th February

Caretaker boss Martin Woodhouse was delighted with his Malmesbury Victoria side’s performance as they beat Marlow United 3-2 on Tuesday night.

“Everyone worked hard and they were playing for each other,” said Woodhouse (pictured). “It was a great team performance and it’s important that the players start enjoying their football now.”

Midfielder Adam Whitefield scored either side of half-time, with John Edmonds grabbing the third. Woodhouse, who played in goal for the Vics during Tuesday’s game, has stepped in to take temporary charge of the club folowing the departures of Ken Regan and Lee Marshall last week.

Senior striker Kevin Coles has also been named as joint-caretaker manager as the Vics look to stabilise their club.
“We’ll just carry on and take things on a game-by-game basis,” said Woodhouse. “We need to concentrate on the team and we’ll stay until someone new is brought in or a different decision is made by the club.”

n the wake of Malmesbury’s management shake-up, three players have left the club. Adam Smith, Chris Green and Kurtis Sharkey, who has joined Shrivenham Town, have all said their goodbyes to the Vics, who don’t play again until February 27.

Duo Step In! - 13th February

After the news earlier this week with both joint managers leaving the Malmesbury Vic's, Martin Woodhouse and Kevin Coles have stepped in to pick up the pieces.

They are trying to make contact with all the club's registered players to see who is staying with the club as they look to field a team against Witney United today. That may be academic as the recent flooding is still a problem following the recent snowfall and freezing nights.

Malmesbury Victoria is now looking for someone to take the managers job on full time, contact is Cllub Secretary Sue Neale, 01666 823560

Player Commitment? -12th February

Ken Regan questioned the commitment of members of Malmesbury Vics squad after he and Lee Marshall ended their two-year tenure at the Flying Monk ground.

In comments to the Wiltshire Press, th joint bosses, who guided the club to promotion into the Hellenic League Premier Division only last season, called it a day after Vics’ Wiltshire Senior Cup quarter final defeat to Melksham on Tuesday night.
Regan admitted the pair, who took over in December 2007 and live in Swindon, were physically and mentally drained, and frustrated that their efforts and those of the club’s committee were not matched by some of their players.

The side are currently fourth bottom of the Premier Division and Regan said: “For Lee and myself, football was a Monday to Sunday thing and all we asked of the players was to show commitment on Tuesday and Saturdays. That commitment has not been matched by certain players within the squad and it’s been a struggle for us. I feel sorry for Paul and Sue Neale (chairman and secretary) and the committee who all work so hard.’’ Regan, who plans to take a break from football until at least the summer, admitted the Melksham defeat was the final straw adding: “That performance really upset me. About three or four players gave a damn if we went through, the others did not. Lee and myself have questioned ourselves for a few weeks and it could be that we’re not good enough. It’s not just down to the players, we take as much blame as anybody.’’

Marshall added: “We felt that we just couldn’t give any more to the club. “When you put 150 per cent effort into the job you expect to get some commitment back but that didn't really happen. It’s a fantastic club but the chairman is forced to do everything from washing the kits to marking up the pitch. I’m not sure if the club was ready to be in the Premier Division.
“We’re both gutted to be leaving Malmesbury because it’s a great club and last season was probably the best I’ve ever had.’’

Chairman Neale yesterday admitted the duo’s decision had come as a bombshell, with the search for a replacement starting immediately. He said: “They both just felt that they couldn’t give any more to the club and felt they’d run out of steam. It’s a complete shock and came straight out of the blue. I'll be having a meeting with the management committee in the next 24 hours to decide what we’re going to do. We’ve got a game on Saturday so we need to make a short-term decision quickly.
I’ve also got to contact the players to find out their commitment because when managers leave, sometimes they end up taking players with them.’’

Vics' Management Duo Quit - 11th February

Malmesbury Victoria management duo of Ken Regan and Lee Marshall has announced their departure from the Hellenic League Premier Division club.

The duo made the decision after Tuesday night's 3-1 Wiltshire Senior Cup quarter final defeat to Melksham Town.

Regan (left) and Marshall (right) took over the reins at the Flying Monk ground after the departure of Tommy Dryden in the 2007-08 campaign and presided over a successful three years at the club, culminating in promotion to the Premier Division after finishing runners-up behind Hardwicke.

This season had proved tougher, with Vics languishing near the foot of the top flight, with just four wins in 23 games.

Club Chairman, Paul Neale, who it would seem was one of the last to be advised of the duo’s decision, told the League Office on Wednesday that he was not particularly pleased in the manner that the former management team relinquished their post. Neale is now feverishly contacting players ahead of the club’s weekend fixture at home to Witney United.

Vic's Game Doubtful - 5th February

It has been more than three months since Malmesbury Victoria have played a game of competitive football at their Flying Monk Ground.

Bad weather has left the pitch covered in snow and ice, or waterlogged, as it is heading into this weekend. The state of the pitch means it is highly unlikely that Vics will get their proposed Hellenic League Premier Division fixture against Old Woodstock Town played.

“It’s very, very doubtful,” admitted joint boss Ken Regan. “The pitch isn’t too bad, the problem is we can’t get a tractor on there to cut it. If we put a tractor on it, it would just sink. But even if we did cut it I still think it would be doubtful.”

Incredibly, Malmesbury have not played at home since October 31 and the absence of home games has had a significant effect on the money-making abilities of the club. “That’s the biggest worry. We need money over the bar,” said Regan.
“The better side of it is that we don’t pay players, they just get travelling expenses. But even that is going to start taking it’s toll on the club.”

'Vic's Still Suffering From Flooding - 4th February

Malmesbury Victoria's home league game on Tue 2nd Feb was called off because the ground has not had time to dry out after last weeks floods.

The Groundsman has not been able to do the work needed in cutting the pitch and get it marked out, after having some 14" of water all over the ground we just have not had the weather to dry things up.

So far the season the ground has been flooded 3 times and with the water table so high it might not be the last time this year. With no football having taken place at the club since 17th November club finance is looking very poor, and now the club has to start repairs again after the floods this time. So to all supporters please bare with us and hopefully we have a home game this Saturday when we play Old Woodstock Town with a 3pm kick off.

In Search Of A Win - 29th January

Malmesbury Vics go in search of their first win in six games when they make the journey to Flackwell Heath tomorrow.

Ken Regan and Lee Marshall’s team have found life in the Hellenic Premier difficult of late and Regan admitted: “Everywhere is tough for us at the moment. Confidence is a little bit low which is understandable with the way results have been going. We’ve had a run of playing the top teams and we’ve got another one coming up on Saturday.”

For Vics Michael Solan is on holiday and Matt Charlton still out with a groin, but Phil Corcoran makes a welcome return to the first 11. The club have received a seven day approach for a player this week, but Regan did not disclose his identity.

Flood Problems For The Vic's - 24th January

The pictures supplied by Malmesbury Victoria show the result of the thaw, as you can see from the flooding the ground is once again unplayable but this time not only has the ground been flooded but also flood waters have gone into the club house and changing rooms.

Having only just finished the repairs from the last flood it will be some weeks until The Vic's are able to undertake the repairs required from this further flooding.

No Game For Vic's - 22nd January

Malmesbury Victoria have no game this weekend, much to the annoyance of joint boss Ken Regan. “We were supposed to be playing Oxford City Nomads in the Premier Division this weekend but they are playing in their county cup,” said Regan. “The Hellenic League told us we were playing our Wiltshire Senior Cup game against Melksham but didn’t contact them."

“We’ve had all this time to arrange fixtures and the first Saturday we have spare, we haven’t got a fixture. I’m not sure if the pitch would have been playable anyway but it would have been nice to have had the option.”

Though subsequent contact with the Hellenic League, advises that this statement is not true. "Malmesbury Vic's did not advise the Hellenic League of the date, and as County Cup ties take precedence the fixture against Melksham was factored in by the Hellenic League for 23rd January. This game has been re-fixtured by the Wiltshire FA for 9th February".

Meanwhile, Vics’ experienced defender Adie Roper has joined Purton. “He’s at an age where he wants to be playing week in, week out,” said Regan.

* Note: The clubs are required to inform the Hellenic League regarding dates and arrangements for County Cup fixtures, and clubs also liaise with the County FA and opponents regarding the fixture.

Derby Trip - 31st December

Goalkeeper Kurtis Sharkey and defender Matt Dale will both miss Malmesbury’s derby trip to Fairford on Saturday.

Sharkey is suspended, Elliott Jackson returning to the fold in his place while Dale has a back muscle problem. Vics are also waiting on Gareth Davies’ back problem and Chris Oke’s knee knock, while top scorer Phil Corcoran may have personal commitments.

Co-boss Lee Marshall, whose side have not played since December 8 after the Boxing Day clash at home to Almondsbury Town was called off, said: “We know all about Fairford and they know all about us. Some of our players have played for them and I was there for six years myself. It’s a derby so we know what to expect. They are just below us in the table so it’s a game we really need to win. Apart from that the players really need a game.’’

Red Mist - 23rd October

Hot headed striker Andy Varnham (pictured) was sent off for a minute of madness last Saturday to cap a disappointing afternoon for Malmesbury.

With The Vics chasing an equaliser with 20 minutes to go the former Hardwicke striker was lucky to only earn a yellow card for a foul-mouthed rant at referee Ed Turner. When the game restarted after the incident, the red mist descended over Varnham who launched himself recklessly into a tackle and Turner issued a second yellow, 15 seconds after his first.

“The ref was lenient and told him to calm down but then he went and made a rash challenge,” said boss Ken Regan. “It was brainless. It put us on the back foot although we actually battled harder after he went off.”

Regan was disappointed with the overall display and urged his players to step up a gear when they host Ardley United on tomorrow. “It was very, very poor from start to finish,” he said. "They seem to be up for the local derbys when we play sides like Binfield, no disrespect to them, we’re not. We had one chance in the first five minutes, and they had one in each half, the first of which they scored from. It was a pretty non-existent game to be honest.”

Quick Improvements - 16th October

Malmesbury boss Ken Regan praised his side for their quick improvements in a week where the club made progress on two fronts.

The Vics progressed in the Wiltshire Senior Cup last Saturday with a 3-1 home win over Wroughton, despite trailing the Wiltshire League side at half-time. Their fight-back was followed by a draw at home to Shrivenham, who had taken seven points from their prior three league games.

“I was happy with the results but could have been happier,” said Regan. “On Saturday I was looking for a more convincing win and a few choice words were said at half-time. First half on Tuesday night we were good. We hustled and bustled, never let Shrivvy settle and scored a good goal through Phil Corcoran. Their keeper made a great save from Adam Whitefield as well and had that gone in it might have been different. Shrivvy came out a different side though after half-time. They have a lot of pace and deservedly got a goal, but I’m more than satisfied. If the players can give Lee and I that performance week in, week out we’ll be fine.”

Malmesbury have drawn Devizes Town in the next round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup and visit Binfield in the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division tomorrow.

Striker Steve Avenell has joined Division One West Purton but Regan has signed defender Mark Peters from Shrivenham.

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Keeper Considers Future - 25th September

Vic's goalkeeper Martin Woodhouse (pictured) says he is considering his playing future at Malmesbury after taking exception to critical comments made by his manager.

Boss Ken Regan was angry at his side’s defensive display in the 4-4 draw against Marlow last weekend and told the Wiltshire Gazette about frustrations with a number of basic errors which were made in the game. Regan said: “It was a very, very poor goalkeeping display and a very poor defensive effort. Martin will have to have a look at himself and his performance after that one. i’m not going to slate him as he’s been a good servant to the club but maybe this Premier League is a bit too quick for him.”

Woodhouse, 41, had planned to retire at the end of this season but may now bring that forward after talks with his manager.“I was at fault for the first goal but not the other three,” said Woodhouse. “And I’ve made my feelings known about the comments made. I’m on the committee so I wouldn’t leave the club but whether I continue to play or not is up for debate.
I was man of the match against Thatcham on the Tuesday before but I guess you’re only as good as your last game.”

On the field, Malmesbury crashed out of the FA Cup on Saturday 4-2 at home to Flackwell Heath with Regan citing the loss of frontman Adam Giles as a key factor. The Flying Monk side started well against their fellow Hellenic Premier League opponents and were two up within half an hour thanks to strikes from the prolific Phil Corcoran and Adam Smith. Giles was then forced off on 40 minutes after twisting his knee and The Vics capitulated after the break. Flackwell scored their first on 51 minutes and were 3-2 with ten minutes to go before adding a fourth in injury time. “When Adam and Phil were up front they couldn’t handle the movement” said Regan.“But we gave away free kicks and Matty Charlton gave a penalty away. Then when we were pushing forward for an equaliser, they got a fourth. “I don’t think it was a fair result but I also think had Adam Giles stayed on it would have been different.”

Malmesbury visit Abingdon Town tomorrow.

All Out To Win - 18th September

Ken Regan insists his Malmesbury Victoria side will be going all out for victory against Flackwell Heath tomorrow, despite the FA Vase being low on their list of priorities.

The two sides meet at the Flying Monk Ground in the second qualifying round of the national competition, which rewards its finalists with a showpiece Wembley final. While co-manager Regan insists Hellenic League Premier Division survival is paramount for the Vics, he is refusing to let his side take their foot off the pedal against Flackwell. “Football-wise it is probably not the biggest priority for us, because staying in the in the Premier Division is our number one aim,” revealed Regan. “But in terms of finances, it is a big money spinner. There is £1,200 on offer tomorrow, which is something every club can do with - the chairman will tell you that. It’s still another 90 minutes and no different to a league match or a Wiltshire Cup game so we will approach it in the same way that we approach every weekend. Everyone will be fully focused on going through as we set out to win every game we play in. We may have to shut up shop now and again, but the last thing we want is a Tuesday night replay at Flackwell, so we will be going out to win the game.”

Malmesbury welcome back goalkeeper Anthony Brown but forward Kev Coles misses out due to family commitments.
And Regan knows his side will be in for a stern test against in-form Flackwell. "They are a good side and flying, having had some good results in the cups and in the league,” said the joint boss of tomorrow’s opponents. It will be hard but as long as we can make sure they come to Malmesbury and have to fight for everything they earn, then that will be good enough for me. Make no mistake about it though, they are beatable, just like all the sides in our league.”

1 Out Of 2 = Success - 11th September

Ken Regan said it has been a successful week for The Vics in two cup competitions even though they only made progress in one.

Malmesbury defeated Hook Norton 2-1 in the prestigious FA Vase First Round Qualifying on Saturday thanks to goals from Adam Smith and Phil Corcoran, and earned a vital £850 for the win. However a weakened Victoria side crashed out of the Hellenic League Floodlit Cup on Tuesday evening, with Steve Avenell netting the only goal in the second half. “That was a non-entity,” said Regan. “It was something we used as a chance to play reserves, new players and those coming back from injury and suspensions. I’m not taking anything away from Thatcham, as they did the same, but we have 101 games this year and it wasn’t our priority.”

He added, “The FA Vase is a money-spinner. We deservedly went a goal down after our slow start but in the end we could have won by more.”

Malmesbury host Marlow United in the league tomorrow and Regan is looking an improved attendance after crowds of just 21 and 37 for the last two home games. “It is disappointing and we would like to see more people,” he said. “I understand times are hard for people but we had 117 for the win over Highworth so where have the rest of the people gone?”

Greater Belief - 4th September

Ken Regan has urged his Malmesbury players players to show greater belief in their ability after a successful week in which the club took four points from two games.

The Vics came from behind on Tuesday evening to defeat rivals Highworth Town with two goals in the last ten minutes.
They also emerged with a creditable 1-1 draw from their visit to Ardley United on Saturday and Regan believes these performances underline their skills. “We need to be more confident from the outset,” he said. " I sometimes feel we are too aprehensive for the first 20 minutes as though we are worried about what we are up against. But from what I have seen there is no team in this league who is that much better than any other.”

Alan Webb and Adam Giles were the Vics’ goalscoring heroes on Tuesday while Phil Corcoran netted his fifth of the season on Saturday. Regan has also also secured the signatures of versatile defenders Jif Wilkins and Chris Brown.
They host Hook Norton in the FA Vase on Saturday.

Learning Curve - 21st August

Malmesbury boss Ken Regan says his side are still on a learning curve following a bizarre week in which a one-sided victory was followed with a heavy defeat.

The Vics, in their first season in the Hellenic Premier Division, beat Ascot United 6-1 at home on Saturday but lost 5-2 at Kidlington on Tuesday night.

“We knew it was going to be a tough midweek game,” said Regan. “Especially after Saturday when we scored some really good goals. Everything for us is a learning curve at the moment though in this new league. I actually think Pegasus, who we drew 1-1 with in our first game, were a better team than Kidlington but we’ve got to show that same level of performance week in, week out at this level.”

Malmesbury were 2-0 down at half-time on Tuesday but fought back well after the break when Adam Giles netted on 49 minutes. The Vics continued to dominate the play but were caught with a sucker punch five minutes later when they conceded. The referee also awarded a contentious penalty decision against them soon after, following advice from the linesman, to make it four. “Our heads dropped a little bit after that,” said Regan. “But credit to us we came back and Phil Corcoran got a touch on the end of a Kevin Coles corner.”

Victoria have also completed the signing of former Hardwicke striker Andrew Varnham who will be available to play against Bicester Town tomorrow. On the forthcoming game Regan added, jokingly.“They lost 4-0 to Ascot, who we beat 6-1, so maybe we’ll get ten”