13 February 2013

Witney Town FC

An "agreement in principle" was reached by the Carterton Football Club committee to try and assist Witney Town Football Club & the Hellenic League by hosting Witney Town FC games to the end of the 2012/13 season. Only if no disruption was caused to existing Carterton FC & Carterton Town FC teams. Extensive dialogue was undertaken with The Hellenic League & Witney & District FA to facilitate fixtures at Kilkenny Lane to accommodate all teams. This with a proposed “facilities rental agreement” was then drafted; Carterton FC were then informed of the resignation of all Witney Town FC officers.

May we take the opportunity to thank everybody involved for their time, positive attitude & willingness to help a neighbouring club especially Brian King (Hellenic League General Manager), Paul Bircher (Witney & District FA), Martin Wilkinson (Carterton FC 1st team), Toby Longman (Carterton Town FC A Team) & Sharon Redford CFC Secretary.

Witney Town Move Into Kilkenny Lane - 28 January

Due to a decision by the landowners to not issue a lease to the parent Charity of the Club on the ground at Marriott’s Stadium, Witney Town finds itself without a home to play its matches.

After investigating every available avenue to finance an alternative lease arrangement, and finding that this was not a viable option for the Football Club as it stands, ground-sharing options were sought. After various discussions an arrangement has been made with Carterton FC for Witney Town to play at their Kilkenny Lane ground until such time as a suitable facility may become available in Witney.

Witney Town Chairman Dave Donovan, only appointed to the role on 8th January, said “It came as an immense shock to be advised of the decision of the landowners after less than a week in my new role. I have spent the last few weeks exploring every avenue open to me to try and resolve the issue so that we could continue to play football at Marriott’s Stadium but, along with my committee, have had to accept defeat in my efforts. We will spend some time recovering from this blow by enjoying seeing a Witney Town team continue representing us – weather permitting! I fully intend working towards the re-establishment of a town football club in Witney and have already begun conversations to that end.

Anyone who wants to become involved in the Club in any way, however small, is more than welcome to join us as we redouble our efforts and try and ensure Witney Town FC can move forward from this blow and ultimately achieve our goal of bringing the town team home as soon as possible. I would also ask that all supporters - past, present and future, continue to support the team during its stay at Carterton and if anyone needs a lift to home or away games please contact Gary Walter on 07986 032772 who will find a space in a car for you. Equally anyone travelling to a match who is willing to take a fellow supporter please let Gary know.”

The thanks of Witney Town FC is extended to the Uhlsport Hellenic League, and in particular League General Manager Brian King who has acted in the best interests of football to assist in resolving this unfortunate situation. The same may be said of Tom Amer, Chairman of Carterton FC and formerly Chairman of Witney Town FC who has given massive support in bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

Witney’s first game at Carterton will be against Cheltenham Saracens on Friday 8th February with a 7.45 pm kick-off.

Who's Who - 11 January

Andy Wallbridge brings his Wantage Town team to Witney Town's Community Stadium on Saturday, with a squad that reads as a who's-who of ex-Witney Town and United players.

Ex-Captain John McMahon, Stuart Cattell, Tom Butler and striker Andy Younie are just some of the players that have regularly pulled on the Witney shirt over the years.

New Witney manager Chris Hurley has been busy over the last few weeks assembling a squad, and the visit of Wantage represents a stern test in only his second game in charge "Saturday's game with be a tough but exciting encounter, Wantage are having a good season lead by a good manager so I expect we will have to be at our best today, I know Andy and a few of the Wantage players so it will be good to catch up with all again."

It's also new Chairman Dave Donovan's first game in charge, and the Club has been buoyed by a turn out of over 25 people to an open meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the future plans. "After many years of boom and (nearly) bust, we hope to put the club on an even keel, and enjoy our football in the Hellenic League. If this means ending the dream of Southern League football then so be it".

The match kicks-off at 3pm and it is hoped to see more people from the Witney area returning to the stadium to support the club.

Witney Town Appointments- 9 January

Witney Town are pleased to announce that their new Chairman is Dave Donovan who has been a supporter of the club since its days at Marriot Close. Dave was also one of the founders of Witney United and held a number of roles with them before work commitments meant he had to reduce his involvement. Dave always continued to support the club through fund raising activities and attending matches as and when possible and has now taken up the challenge of chairmanship.

Dave commented upon his appointment; “I am immensely proud to have the opportunity to chair Witney Town and will be looking to stabilise the club on both financial and organisational sides. I held a meeting with supporters of the club and outlined my plans and I was very gratified by the turnout and level of support shown to me. There is plenty of work to be done but I am looking forward to the challenge presented. Anyone interested in becoming involved or willing to take up any of the commercial opportunities available such as match, ball, player or kit sponsorship or ground or programme advertising please contact me on donovandk@hotmail.com”

Witney have also confirmed other appointments with Mark Harrison becoming Club Secretary, and Gary Walters assuming the roles of Vice Chairman and Match Secretary. It is hoped that details of an appointment as Press Officer will follow shortly.

Manager Chris Hurley has worked hard to assemble a reasonable squad for the remainder of the season following a number of departures subsequent to the resignation of Hurley’s predecessor.

Hurley Progressing Team Re-Build - 14 December

Witney's new man Chris Hurley has been extremely active since his appointment last week, with eleven formal player approaches being submitted to clubs.

Witney were left bereft of players following the resignation of the previous team manager and chairman, which was prior to Hurley's appointment and not within his control. The new man has been left to pick up the pieces, along with a nucleus from the 'old guard' of the committee. Those members have been involved with the Witney football club for many years and have the only the best interests of the club at heart, stepping up to the plate when needed.

Witney report that some fellow clubs have kindly waived the 7 days period in an effort to help the Blanketmen through this difficult period and that is very much appreciated by Witney Town Football Club.

Witney are confident that they will capture five, maybe six, of these players and hope to have more specific news on players over the next couple of days.

Hurley Joins Blanketmen - 7 December

In a week of changes at Witney Town, the club announce the appointment of Chris Hurley as manager.

Hurley, who relinquished his managers position at Division One West Clanfield midway though November, takes over at Premier Division Witney Town following the departure of Justin Lee last weekend.

The new man in charge also had experience of Hellenic League management with the now defunct Bicester Town, for two seasons prior to the club disbanding at the start of the 2011/12 season.

On the appointment Chris Hurley commented"When I got the call to take on the managers job at Witney it was an easy decision, regardless of the problem the club has had Witney Town is a great club with some really good people working behind the scenes so I am really looking forward to bringing back stability. Any one that knows me knows I like a challenge and this season will be one but I have a lot of experience of the Hellenic league so i relish the task. I am in the process of putting together my management team and will notify everyone over the weekend"

Witney talisman Andy Lyne, added his views on the recent upheaval. "Obviously i was personally very disappointed to see Justin Lee leave the club because we got on very well and held similar opinions and views on football and players. Football though is ever evolving and managers and players move on and we now have to concentrate on the future and do the best we can in the interests of Witney Town Football Club, which is after all, all that matters. As Justin’s replacement we are fortunate to have been able to appoint someone who has tremendous enthusiasm, energy and drive and an overwhelming desire to manage this football club. Chris Hurley has the ability to build a new team quickly, to get it organised, motivated and most importantly to post those extra few points needed to make the remainder of the season relatively comfortable."

Chairman Resigns From Witney - 4 December

Following the departure of the first team manager Witney Town announce that Stuart Pike has also stepped down as Chairman of the club.

Witney Town Football Club announce that Pike, who took on the Chairman's position two months ago, has resigned. "After a short tenure for personal reasons. All at Witney Town would like to thank him for his time at the club and wish him well for the future."

Witney Town FC committee convened a meeting last night to discuss the issues facing the club with regard to the loss of both chairman and manager and have agreed a way forward in the short term. They hope to announce something over the next few days.

Lee Resigns From Witney - 3 December

Witney Town announce the resignation of manager Justin Lee, who relinquished the position on Saturday.

Lee is the second Witney Town manager to resign this season. Justin Merritt, who was appointed in June this year, tendered his resignation in September, with Lee taking on management of the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division side.

Witney Town have released the following statement on behalf of Lee, who comments. "After this season with Witney Town FC I regret that I have made the decision to resign as manager. My time with the club has been memorable and I thank each individual player for their commitment and honesty. In addition the team's coaching staff who devoted time and professionalism to the club."

"My decision has not been an easy one, however, circumstances at the club have proven influential in prohibiting with I feel a successful football club requires as a sound foundation for both players and staff. I would like to personally thank Andy Lyne for support and encouragement and wish all at Witney Town every success in the future."

Eastleigh At Witney On Tuesday Night - 25 November CANCELLED

Witney Town have managed to line up a prestigious friendly against Blue Square South Team Eastleigh FC managed by former Witney manager Richard Hill.

This will take place at the Witney Town Community Stadium on Tuesday 27th November 2012 - 745 Kick Off. As an added bonus it will only be £1 for entry and children under 11 go free.

Eastleigh who currently sit 8th in their league will be bringing their first team with them due to a lack of games in their own league during this period.

It will be a good chance for the Blanketmen to test themselves against higher levels players such as former Swindon Town forward Lee Peacock, midfielders such as Glen Southam and Jamie Hand - so it is sure to be a good watch.

CANCELLED WATERLOGGED PITCH

Roadshow Sails To Port - 23 November

The WitneyTown 'Roadshow' continues at the weekend with their final trip of the month away to Holyport tomorrow - 3pm kick off.

Holyport have found the going fairly tough this season and sit in 14th position and are currently on a four game losing streak so will be keen to end that run. We overcame them at home early on in the season 5-1 when James Dobson was on fire and scored 4 on the day with Nick Thorne getting the other.

Jamie West has been the chief marksmen for the hosts scoring 13 times in 21 starts including one against us earlier in the season.

Witney Team news is that Christian Perkins and Jermaine Ferreira are both doubtful for the game once more having missed recent games.

Trip To Kidlington - 19 November

Witney Town are back in midweek Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division action tomorrowwhen they visit local rivals Kidlington - 7:45 kick off.

Kiddy under manager Gordon Geary lie just outside the relegation zone but have improved dramatically since the beginning of the season turning in more consistent results. They certainly raised their game at the weekend overcoming Marlow away in the FA Vase 4-2 so confidence will be sky high.

Ryan Curtin is head and shoulders the main man scoring 22 goals in 23 games and he hit all 4 this weekend. Jack Dunmall also has an impressive 9 in 15 games as well.

Witney news is that Jermaine Ferreira and Christian Perkins are doubtful but Dobson Morris and Meade seem likely to return after their rest at the weekend.

Senior Cup Game For Witney - 15 November

Another weekend another away game for the Blanketmen. This weekend it is a short trip across Oxford to visit Oxfordshire Senior League team Marston Saints in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup 2nd Round. Kick off is at 1.30 pm due to Marston having no lights.

Under manager Derek Measor The Saints currently sit 10th in their league, which is two rungs belowthe Uhlsport Hellenic Premier, having won 3 out of 8 league games and beat Horspath on penalties in Round 1 of the OFA Cup after a 2-2 draw.

Witney news is that Christian Perkins is pushing for a start after a month on the sidelines with doubts over Mark Janes and James Dobson who came off last weekend with injury. Jermaine Ferreira who missed last weekend with a strain is also doubtful.

Highworth Visit For Witney - 8 November

Witney continue on their travels this week with a short trip over the border into Wiltshire to take on Highworth Town in the Hellenic League Premier Division on Saturday 10th November -3pm kick-off

It has been a tough campaign for the Worthians so far and they sit 18th out of 20 teams with just 2 league wins (both at home) over Abingdon Town 2-0 and Cheltenham Saracens 4-1.

They fared better in the FA Cup though defeating Corsham and Shortwood before Wootton Bassett eliminated them. Their good cup form continued last weekend with a win over local rivals Shrivenham 2-1 in the Bluefin Challenge Cup.

Key man for the Worthians will be TJ Bohane - 2 goals in 3 games since his return.

Witney team news is that all players are fit apart from Christian Perkins who is back in training and may even make a return too.

Witney hope to see as many Blankets down there as possible especially considering the lack of home games this month.

On The Road - 1 November

Witney will look to put their recent woes behind them on Saturday as they begin a run of 5 matches away from home starting at the Barton Recreation Ground when they take on Headington Amateurs in the Bluefin Challenge Cup Round 2 - 1:45 kick off as Headington do not have floodlights.

Under Luke Cuff's management Headington sit in 2nd place in Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 East where they are unbeaten at home and standout results include a win in their last home game against leaders Rayners Lane 4-0.

The A's overcame Hook Norton in Round 1 with an exciting extra time victory 5-4. Luke Cuff is the main man in front of goal scoring 15 goals in just 13 matches but Ben Green with 6 and Paul Hedger with 5 in 10 are close behind in a free scoring team. Any thoughts of an easy away day against lower opposition needs to be put to one side.

Witney who beat Bracknell in Round 1 by 3 goals to 2 have new signings Yashwa Romeo and Lee Allaway pushing for starts. Christian Perkins is back in training but misses out this time around although Denel Thomas returns after suspension.

Allaway Joins Witney - 25 October

Witney Town have signed central defender Ricky Allaway from Evo-Stik League Southern Division Thatcham Town.

Manager Justin Lee feels that Allaway, who is strong both in the air and on the ground, will bring much needed experience and leadership qualities to the Witney back line. Allaway started his career at Reading and has subsequently given great service to Basingstoke Town, Oxford City, Slough Town, Didcot Town, Hungerford Town, and Abingdon United.

Allaway will be pushing for a starting place on Saturday when Witney Town return to Hellenic League Premier Division action with a visit from high flying Slimbridge in what promises to be a mouthwatering clash.

The Swans under manager Leon Stirling sit pretty in 3rd place in the table just 3 points off the top winning 8 of their 14 games this campaign. Goals have been spread evenly amongst the whole team and although only netting 23 times (in comparison with Witney's 54) they boast the best defensive record conceding just 13 goals. Standout results include an early season thumping of rivals Wantage 4-0 which was followed by a 3-0 win over Ardley. Recent results have been shakier but this will be a tough game for the Blanketmen.

Witney Team News - only Jamie Brooks is on the injury list but Denel Thomas is suspended.

Blanketmen Expect Lilywhite Test - 23 October

Witney Town take a break from league action tonight when they entertain Brimscombe & Thrupp of Division One West in the AM Print & Copy Hellenic Floodlit Cup 2nd Round - 7:45pm kick off at the Witney Community Stadium.

And it is sure to be a tough test for the Blanketmen. Under manager Phil Baker the Lilywhites currently sit top of their division having won 9 of their 12 league games. They overcame Kidlington of the Premier Division in Round 1 by 2 goals to 1 and won their latest league fixture at the weekend 4-3 at Cricklade. Lee Pritchard is the main man in front of goal with an impressive 15 goal haul with Mish Green not far behind on 8.

Witney team news is that Jamie Zoldan returns after suspension and Ryan Brooks is pushing for a start after scoring twice from the bench at the weekend.

Witney Town - Special Promotions For Non League Day - 11 October

It is the official Non-League Day so there is no top level football on to watch so come out and watch the free scoring entertaining Blanketmen. If you have a friend who hasn't been for a while or even someone who hasn't been before spread the word and get them down to the Witney Community Stadium this coming weekend. Be great also to see some local businesses turn up and support/sponsor the game so contact Stuart Pike or myself if you are interested on 07814 706927

Match Ball Sponsor will be : Beryl & Adrian Bircher - In Memory of John Bircher - Former Vice Chairman

Admission Charges £5 per adult - £1 for Children - Concessions £3.50 for Disabled - Registered disabled including a helper and Senior Citizen - 60 years & over - and Students - Persons in full time education.
IMPORTANT: PROOF OF STATUS MAY BE REQUIRED. - Under 11's FREE When accompanied by a paying Adult
ALSO SPECIAL FOR NON LEAGUE DAY - £3.50 Adult & £2.00 Concession with any valid ST 2012/13 Season from any Premier League or Football League ST Holder for this Saturdays Non League Day! MUST BE SHOWN AT THE GATE

Witney would like to break the 200 attendance barrier!

Witney of course lost to the Yellamen in September Away in the league 3-1 after goalkeeper Jamie Zoldan's dismissal for a professional foul even though he appeared to get a touch on the ball. Ascot under Jeff Lamb currently sit in 16th in the table but have played a couple of games less than most. As well as beating us they have had good results against Marlow drawing 1-1 just this week with Boon getting the goal, and a win over Slimbridge 1-0 in the earlier round of the Vase before they beat Chinnor away 1-0 in the last round. Key man is Ben Knight who has 5 goals in the league.

Witney team news is that Jamie Zoldan is suspended for the first of two games and Ryan and Jamie Brooks remain side-lined.

Keep On Tripping - 8 October

After Saturday's fine win away at Newbury the away trips keep on coming for Witney Town in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

Tomorrow night, the Blanketmen travel to the ASM Stadium in Thame with a 7.45pm kick off. Under the stewardship of manager Mark West Thame currently sit in 12th place in the table but with a game or two in hand on those above them. Their home record is exemplary suffering just one defeat in five matches.

Notable scores so far include two wins over Newbury - one in the FA Cup 1-0 and one in the league 3-1 last midweek. At the weekend they overcame Oxford City Nomads 2-1. Top scorers in the league are Stuart Barr, Mitchell Meredith, Alex Stewart and Dan West with goal-scoring evenly distributed around the team. This is sure to be another tough encounter for Witney.

Witney Town team news is that the Brooks brothers remain absent through injury.

Blanketmen Travel South - 4 October

Witney Town's season moves on a pace with another away trip this time to newly promoted Newbury.

Newbury FC have made a flying start to life in the Premier Division sitting in 4th place just three points behind leaders Marlow. They have however played two games more. Key man, as always, is Raymond Spence who has been banging in the goals as usual amassing 10 goals in 10 games. Stand out results so far for Newbury have been thrashings of Abingdon Town and Kidlington, 9-1 and 7-2 respectively and an excellent FA Vase win over Lydney Town 6-0. On their last run out in midweek however they lost 3-1 at Thame United with McCready scoring their goal.

It will a return to Faraday Road for Witney’s Director of Football Andy Lyne who spent two great years managing there.

Witney Town team news is that the Brooks brothers continue to be absent with their hamstring woes but apart from that there appears to now be a clean bill of health with no new knocks reported from midweek

Community Stadium Action Tomorrow - 1 October

Witney Town continue their Hellenic League Premier Division campaign tomorrow night with a match against Shrivenham at the Witney Community Stadium - 19:45 Kick off.

Shrivenham Manager Michael McNally has found the going tough so far this season with just the two wins (both at home) in seven league games this season and they currently sit 18th out of 20 teams but with a couple of games in hand. Their defensive record is fairly impressive only conceding 16 in the league so far - so they will be hard to break down.

Shrivvy did fare a little better in the FA Cup beating Kidlington in a replay before losing out in the next round at Bracknell and also progressed past Hartley Wintney in the Vase before once again losing in the next round to Cheltenham Saracens. However they will be well rested up for this game as they didn’t play at the weekend due to their opponent Didcot's involvement in the FA Trophy. Main players for Shrivenham are Josh Fowler who has struck an impressive 12 goals and Brad Gill with 8.

Team News for Witney Town is that the Blanketmen welcome back Mark Janes after a one match ban whilst both the Brooks brothers continue to miss out with hamstring injuries. Joel Meade has a slight knock but is expected to be fit.

Witney signed Kynan Isaac (pictured) from Oxford City last Thursday. Kynan is a left sided player with blistering pace and a great engine and is a very skilful player for one so young. He was on the books at Reading F.C. and after being released he joined Oxford City. He was a key part of Oxford City's promotion campaign last season as well as Oxford City Nomads' title winning side and has also been at Premiership team Stoke City this season on trial.

Blanketmen Bluefin Meet With Robins -27 September

Witney Town begin their Hellenic League Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup campaign with the visit of Bracknell Town from the Hellenic League Division 1 (East).

Under managers Stephen Debbett and Danny Oliphant the Robins who were relegated from the Premier Division last season have made a very solid start to their league campaign winning 3 out of 4 games so far. But their best results this season have been in the FA Cup where they overcame local rivals Binfield 2-1 and fellow Premier Division side Shrivenham 2-0 before finally succumbing to Bishop's Cleeve. They were just squeezed out of the FA Vase by Kidlington going down 3-2 and in their most recent game in midweek in the Floodlit Cup they lost on penalties to Fairford after drawing the game after extra time 2-2. Top scorers are Reece Jacques and Jake White who have scored 4 each. It is sure to be a tough encounter as the Robins look to upset a higher division side in the Cup once more.

Team News for Witney Town is that the Blanketmen are without the suspended Mark Janes and Jamie Zoldan serving one match bans whilst both the Brooks brothers are missing with hamstring injuries. Captain Kelvin McIntosh is now fit again and pushing for a starting spot. 15 man squad in full - Foster, Booker, Carbon, Abbassi, Perkins, Meade, Dobson, McIntosh, Rixon, Thomas, Morris, Thorne, Ferreira, Moses and McDonagh

FA Vase Debut For New Management - 15 September

Witney Town's new management duo of Justin Lee and Eddie Denton start their tenure with the FA Carlsberg Vase away to Holmer Green of the Spartans South Midlands League.

Holmer Green F.C. are an F.A. Charter Standard football club based at Holmer Green near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. They were established in 1908 and were founder members of the Chiltonian League in 1984. They are currently managed by Chris Allen.

They have had a very difficult start to this season however - currently sitting 21st out of 22 teams with just 1 win in 8 games losing the other 7. Scoring has been good at 16 but 36 conceded tells you where the problems currently lie. They have also lost in the FA Cup this season being edged out 2-1 by Hartley Wintney and they lost their last game in midweek in the Challenge Trophy 5-0 at Codicote. Top scorers are Dean Allen with 5 goals and Andy Shed with 4.

Witney say they must beware of any complacency however as a team from another league is always an unknown factor and this could just be a blip of fixtures in a very strong league. Of course in the Cup the form book easily goes out of the window.

Witney team news is positive ahead of the tie however with a return to the squad for injured trio Ryan Brooks, captain Kelvin McIntosh and Christian Perkins. Jamie Brooks is still ruled out with a hamstring problem

Full Squad - Zoldan, Foster, Janes, Carbon, Abbassi, Perkins, Meade, Dobson, Thomas, Morris, Rixon, McIntosh, McDonagh, Thorne, Younie, Moses and Ryan Brooks.

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Merritt Resigns From Witney - 12 September

Witney Town FC have accepted the resignation of Manager Justin Merritt, who has been involved with the club since June this year.

In a statement by Witney Town they report. "The huge success of Justin's coaching business has placed increased demands on him and he is unable to give his full commitment to managing a football club at this time. Justin will continue to be involved with Witney Town and his West Oxfordshire Soccer Academy will continue to operate out of the Witney Community Stadium home of Witney Town FC."

Director of Football Andy Lyne said. "Obviously on a personal level I am sorry to see Justin go as we have worked successfully together on and off for many years. He and his vastly experienced management team have introduced a high level of professionalism into Witney this summer and this has taken us to another level."

Eddie Denton and Justin Lee will assume responsibility for the team for this weekend's FA Carlsberg Vase tie at Holmer Green."

Carbon Tipped - 7 August

Witney Town have added another signing to their talented list of players for the start of season.

Josias Carbon, a very versatile defender with good ability and temperament who previously with Oxford City Nomads and has played for a number Southern League clubs including, Didcot Town, Oxford City and Slough Town.

Sweet Sixteen - 20 July

Former Oxford United trainee Conor McDonagh has become the 16th player to sign on for the new season.

Mc Donagh was the second top goalscorer in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Pemier Division, playing for Oxford City Nomads last season. Amassing just 30 goals, just behind another recent Witney Town recruit Ryan Brooks.

More Players For Witney - 16 July

Justin Merritt announced the signing of five further players to the Witney Town along with Jamie Brooks, brother of recent signing Ryan.

Jamie Brooks, 29 on August 12, came through the youth system at Oxford United, a skilful striker who marked his debut with a goal and an assist at the end of the 2001/02 season. He is considered as one of the best talents to come through United's books in recent years, scoring 13 goals in 33 starts in the first season at the Kassam Stadium. He walked away with all four player of the year awards after some great displays and goals, attracting attention from Arsenal. However, a week after receiving the club accolades he was fighting for his life in hospital after being struck down with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

It took Jamie (pictured in his Oxford United days) over a year to recover and he never found the same form again, dropping down to non-league level in 2005 with Brackley Town, before joining Didcot Town for the 2006/7 season. He was then registered with Abingdon United and went on to join up with Justin Merritt at Oxford City. Merritt made the approach after seeing his City side win just once in their opening six Southern League Premier Division matches.

Along with Jamie's signature on Saturday were those of past Oxford City Nomads players Christian Perkins, Ben Moses, John Rixon. And Nick Thorne, a winger signed up from Ardley where he was considered one of the top wide players in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Divison. With these additions a formidable squad is being assembled for the start of the season.

Strong Signings For Blanketmen - 12 July

Witney Town have completed their first batch of signings for the forthcoming season including the 2011/12 Uhlsport Hellenic League Golden Boot winner Ryan Brooks.

Brooks (left) scored 61 league goals in 64 games playing in the colours of Ardley United over the past two seasons. In addition, Justin Merritt's management team are pleased to announce the arrival of James Faulkner, who was with Southern League Didcot Town for part of last season. Along with Adam Morris, James Dobson, Kelvin McIntosh, who were all involved with Merritt previously at Oxford City playing for the Nomads team, and Mark Janes who was with Abingdon Town last season.

Update - 13 July

Witney Town signed another 4 players last night (Thursday) to add to the squad for the coming season. Defenders Kamran Abbassi and Joel Meade along with midfielder Jermaine Ferreira who were all part of Oxford City Nomads last season. The fourth player is midfielder Danny Thomas who has moved over from Abingdon Town.

Ferreira (right) is no stranger to Witney fans as he made his debut as a 15 year old schoolboy in the Southern League.

Merritt Can't Wait - 8 June

Justin Merritt says he can't wait for the season to start after he was appointed as the new manager of Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division side Witney Town. The former Witney midfielder takes over at the club following the resignation of Mark Love last month.

Last season he and joint boss Justin Lee steered Oxford City Nomads to the Premier Division championship. "I'm delighted to be appointed and now the first aim is to build a squad able to compete in that league," said Merritt. "The eventual aim is to get the club back into the Southern League. It was difficult with Nomads. They were more of a development side which I didn't have a problem with, but I want to be competing for promotions and wanted a new challenge and to go somewhere like Witney with all its history, is perfect for me." He will be assisted, as at Nomads, by Lee, as well as former Slough manager Eddie Denton.

As boss, Merritt has previously won promotion with Oxford City into the Southern League and was a coach when the same side completed the Spartan South Midland League and Cup double under manager Andy Lyne. And now Merritt is setting his sights on bringing success to Witney, who narrowly avoid relegation from that division. He added: "I am really excited with the management team we have assembled and I have already met a number of players about coming here. Anybody that saw Nomads play last season will have seen the brand of attacking football we played and that is the philosophy of all of us here."

Merritt Confirmed - 2 June

Witney Town are pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Merritt as manager for the forthcoming season. Assisting Justin will be Eddie Denton and Justin Lee as a new and vastly experienced management team .Merritt and Lee managed Oxford City Nomads to the Hellenic League Premier Division Championship last season and both have experience and pedigree as players in non league football.

Merritt a UEFA A licence coach has previously managed Oxford City to promotion into the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division. Prior to this he coached City to the Spartan South Midland League and Cup double under Manager Andy Lyne.

Lee is a former Arsenal player who was capped at both England youth and under 21 international level, he also played for Oxford City, Thame and Banbury.

Denton a former Witney player had a playing career that started professionally at Oxford United before moving on to Watford. After spells at Newbury Town, Chesham, Aylesbury and more locally Abingdon Town and Witney Town he commenced a 10 year association with Slough Town as player, coach and latterly, four years as manager in the Ryman Premier League. During his time as manager at Slough he master minded a famous 2-1 FA Cup 1st round victory over League One side Walsall, took the side to an FA trophy quarter final and also won the Ryman League Cup, Slough's first silver ware in almost twenty years.

The backroom staff is completed with UEFA B licence coach Paul Davis taking up a coaching role which he excelled at for Oxford City nomads last season.

Andy Lyne also returns to the club to oversee matters as Director of Football.

To Liverpool Via Witney - 1 June

A little known fact is that the new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers played for Witney Town back in their Southern League days.

Rodgers (left), a midfielder, spent two months on loan to the Blanketmen in season 1994-95 under the management of Gary Ackling (right), who had that season taken over from Andy Lyne. Ackling also took Rodgers with him for a short spell when he was manager of Newbury.

Ackling commented. " Brendan was a very gifted player and I have followed his career closely and with interest ever since he entered the professional game. I am delighted for him and it just goes to show that if you get the breaks anything is achievable in football."