Glenn Lawrence Media Group

RACING CLUB WARWICK APPOINT NEW MANAGER
Midlands Alliance side Racing Club Warwick have appointed Martin Sockett as First Team Manager following the resignation of Bobby Hancocks who resigned over a playing budget cut that directors say is vital to the club's survival. Hancocks quit after the clubs Midland Alliance win at Rocester, quizzing the Hampton Road club's obligation to senior non-league football and saying the significantly reduced funding had made his Manager’s Job unachievable.

The experienced Sockett agreed to take over the reins at Hampton Road. Directors responding to Hancocks' resignation issued a statement to set out their situation and to take a swing at their interior analysts. It has been a turbulent year at Townsend Meadow, with some supporters demanding changes at boardroom level and questioning the club's long-term strategy. Former chairman Jim Wright has engineered a community project that has whipped up finance funding of £400,000, but some members feel the football side has been abandoned. Last month's budget cut proved the last straw for Hancocks, who said: "I just can't do it for what they want. The players deserve all the credit for their work. They have all done a very good job for me. We are sat just below halfway in the table, and we could have pushed on. It had all gelled well, and if we'd had £100 for a few extra players we could have been in the top six, but I don't think the powers that be wanted that. “He added: "There's a lot of posturing going on at the club and something's not right. I was there for 18 months and the only people who bought new kit for us were the supporters." Hancocks' team has already started to break up. Striker Jason Ramsey has opted to join Southern League Woodford United, where he capped his debut by scoring in 2-1 Midweek defeat by Bedworth United. With many of Hancocks' players based in the Birmingham regional further departures are unavoidable as the club faces a fight to safeguard its Midland Alliance League standing, but Mr Wright is confident it can be done he commented “We are going to endure fielding a team, but without advertising, we have already had some quality applicants getting in touch asking if they could be considered for the job and saying they could work with the budget," he added "The easy thing would have been to let things carry on and run up a huge debt and go out of business, but that's not what we've put all this work in for. “There was a difficult decision to be made, and we've made it.” The Board of Directors at Racing Club Warwick denies lacking ambition and say they hope the budget cut is a temporary measure. The social club traditionally funds the football team, but that isn't as cost effective as it used to be, a position made worse by the makeshift closure of the function room for renovation. Critics have drawn negative similarities between the playing budget and the level of expenditure on the decaying facilities at Hampton Road. That is unfair, the club stresses. “Enabling works and part of the club refurbishment are funded by Warwick District Council grants and as such all expenditures will be monitored and subject to inspection. It was unfortunate that the development work and the budget cuts coincided, but the two should not be confused," the statement said. The Midlands Club have seen several managers’ come and go over the past ten years who include Marcus Law, Billy Hollywood and Willie Barrett more notably the Midlands club kick started the professional playing career of Goalkeeper Ben Foster now at Premiership club Manchester United.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE CUP SPONSOR GOES BUST
GX Soccer has gone into receivership. GX were the official sponsors of the Southern League Cup Until further notice, the name of the League Cup will remain as The GX Southern League Cup a league spokesman said "Advertisements and logos are to remain in place for scheduled games this week and beyond as the sponsorship deal and agreement must be maiantained and honoured until such time as the GX Soccer company is officially wound up" The First Round of The GX Southern League Cup is due to kick off this week.

BRADBURY QUITS LIBERTY WAY.
Assistant Manager Ron Bradbury has decided to Part Company with Nuneaton Town but expects Kevin Wilkin's side to at least reach the play-offs if not win the British Gas Business Southern League Division One Midlands title outright. The experience former Atherstone and Rugby team-chief has been Wilkin’s number two at Liberty Way for the past eighteen months but following the recent arrival of Ken Gillard at the Midlands Club as assistant and coach, Bradbury feels it would be unfair on the new man if he hung around on the scene. Nuneaton born and bred Bradbury admits it' has been a tough decision to walk away as he's always been an ardent fan of the town's football club and that will never change. "I went down to watch Tuesday's friendly with Stockingford AA and Kevin came over to me and we had a chat about a few things. He offered me the chance to remain but I put myself in Ken's position and thought whether I would want the former assistant on the sidelines and still involved. It’s a situation I would not enjoy and with that in mind have since contacted Kevin to tell him thanks, but no thanks!" Bradbury has also revealed his days in the dug out and dressing room are now all but over and he's looking forward to just watching local matches with no added pressures. Bradbury added "I love my football and will be at most of Borough's games, home and away. I think they are still very much in the promotion race and certainly expect them to be in the top five comes next May. Before the Rothwell defeat last week I envisaged us winning our next six games as they were against lower teams we were more than capable of beating. And though we lost to Rothwell, I'm still very optimistic they can get fifteen points from the other five fixtures." He continued: "I've been telling Kevin all season that tough decisions regarding players, personnel and money, must be made to take the club forward and if bringing Ken in and releasing players to free up money achieves that then I have no complaints." Bradbury believes if Wilkin can get former striker and terrace favourite Gez Murphy back on board at Liberty Way then those hopes will receive an enormous boost. "He's the one player I've felt we needed from the start of the season as he's a natural goal-scorer and at our level would be a real handful. He's very much in and out at Hinckley but being a local lad he would relish it back at Nuneaton but whether he would want to drop down from Blue Square North is the question he needs to answer. "I would love to see Gez back at Borough, in fact I would pay the admission fee to watch him!" he said.

WOODFORD AXE MANAGEMENT TRIO
Southern League Midlands One Side Woodford United has acted swiftly following last weekends Eight-Nil Thrashing by Sutton Coldfield Town by relieving Manager Mark O’Callaghan along with his managerial back room duo Paul Brassington and Billy Hollywood of their duties. United Chairman Andy Worrall has appointed Aidy Fuller and Darren Tank as Joint Managers who took charge of United’s Midweek loss at Arlesey. Mark O'Callaghan, Paul Brassington and Billy Hollywood were relinquished of their positions following the heavy BGB Southern League Division One Midlands defeat at Byfield Road. Reds Chairman Andy Worrall said: "We felt that after the recent run of poor results, along with the 8-0 defeat to Sutton Coldfield, we were left with little option. However, we would like to publicly thank them for their work over the past 6 months and wish them all the best for the future. In Darren and Ady, we believe they have secured two of the best young managers around" Meanwhile, O'Callaghan has been retained by the club following his summer in-house promotion, he reverts back to continue his good work with the academy team and will also be working closely with Joint Managers Tank and Fuller in the development of the senior set up at the Northamptonshire based side. Meantime Ex United defender Aaron Parkinson is set to rejoin the Northamptonshire Club from Eagle Bitter UCL Premier Division title hopefuls Wellingborough Town

STEELMEN ADD NEW SIGNINGS
British Gas Business Southern League Premier club Corby Town have acquired their third signing this week after capturing the signature of Halesowen Town Striker Dean Breenan And Steelmen team-chief Graham Drury believes the 28-year-old hot-shot could prove himself to be the capture of the season. Brennan arrives at Rockingham Triangle having gained freedom from his contract with league contenders Halesowen Town after his public relations with the Yeltz management turned bitter. "It took a bit of work for Dean to get released, but he's able to join us now and I'm delighted about it," commented Drury. "If you look at the reasons Halesowen made the play-offs last year, Brennan's twenty-eight goals was one of the main ones. He’s a quality player, he scores goals but he also makes them too, links the play well and can hold the ball up. He does everything you would want from a striker." Brennan is a former Republic of Ireland Youth international who lists Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town, Stevenage Borough, AFC Wimbledon and Grays Athletic among his former clubs. Furthermore, his arrival at Corby couldn't be more convenient with the news that top-scorer Matt Nolan needs an ankle operation. "I brought Matt in at the start of the season to do exactly the sort of job Dean will now do for us," said Drury. "When you know you're going to lose such a key player as Nolan for that length of time, you need to get a quality replacement in. "And I think the fact we've been able to sign someone like Dean shows just how serious the chairman Peter Mallinger is about bringing success to this club. Gainsborough Trinity, Farnborough, Brackley Town and former club, Hemel Hempstead Town have all cast an eye over the sharp shooter, Drury added "But he's seen what we're building here, and he liked the way the club was set up and that convinced him this was the right move for him." Brennan and Lee Hildreth, signed from Tamworth, should both make their Corby debuts on Saturday against Bedford Town at the New Eyrie in the FA Trophy, However Drury has Michael Simpson signed from Sohan Town Rangers cup tied, heading for the exit door are Liam Nicell the third player to leave the club this week following the departures of Daniel French and Robbie Hughes.

ADAMS RINGS THE CHANGES AT COLESHILL TOWN
Carl Adams, manager of Aspire Midland Alliance club Coleshill Town, has started ringing the changes as he looks to too rebuild his squad. Adams a Former Birmingham, Stevenage Borough, Kettering Town and Bedford Town midfielder has watched with interest as his side look to establish themselves in the Midlands Alliance following last seasons promotion from the Midlands Combination. And, although Coleshill have generally acquitted themselves well, Adams has decided now is the time to make some changes to his squad. Adams has swooped to snatch Studley's left-sided player Steve Rooke and Midland Combination side Coton Green’s attacking midfielder man Mark Adey. Meantime Danny Carter has been loaned out to Midlands Combination outfit Castle Vale, while Ryan Scott has joined Aspire league rivals Stratford Town.

FANCY A FUND RAISING NIGHT !
A visit to your local Midlands Dog Track is a great fund raiding idea for more information, please see the final section in our news page.

DOBSON RETURNS TO BUTLIN ROAD HOT-SEAT
Former Manager Tony Dobson aged 39 has been re-appointed Manager of Southern League Premier Division side Rugby United, Dobson returns for a second managerial stint having spent 4 and a half years in charge of the Warwickshire Club between February 2001 and May 2005,in that time Dobson guided the club into the Southern League Premier Division.

ANGUS DEPARTS STRATFORD TOWN
Stratford Town Assistant Manager Terry Angus has left the South Warwickshire Club.

DEVLIN SEEKING MANAGERS JOB AFTER BROMSGROVE’S U-TURN
Ex Birmingham City and Scotland international Paul Devlin has emphasized he had been offered the Vacant Managers position at British Gas Business Southern League Division One Midlands club Bromsgrove Rovers last week. Devlin claims he was offered the Number One position by Rovers Chairman Tom Herbert while driving home from the job interview. He revealed: “I was on the M42 at the time, so Roy Rencher, who would have been my Assistant at Bromsgrove, took the phone-call instead and relayed the conversation to me. There were one or two issues behind the scenes that we wanted to sort out, so Tom Herbert suggested we returned to Bromsgrove again the following morning to get matters ironed out, which we did as he was eager to make the appointment. We duly met with Bromsgrove again, but the issues we had concerns about still weren't resolved, and we were told they would get back to us. We'd heard nothing by tea-time, so I spoke to Roy and admitted I had a grave perception about the position. I then contacted Tom Herbert and told him I was pulling out, and he said ‘That's fine!' Then I read his statements in the Birmingham Mail and Post Newspaper claiming I was never offered the job, which simply isn't true. “His claims have made me look silly, and I feel it's important I clear my name. “I tried to ring Tom Herbert, but he's declining to take my calls, which I find Childish. “I never slagged off the club – actually, I've gone out of my way to be non-contentious. “Since then Rod Brown has been given the vacant Managers job. I've spoken with Rod and explained the situation to him and wished him all the best. I haven't got a problem with Rod. “I'm still on the look-out for a player-manager's job working with Roy. In the meantime I'm keeping myself match fit playing for Blues Old Boys and veterans football.'' added Devlin.

ASHBY TURNS DOWN MANAGERS JOB A RUGBY TOWN
Rugby Town are continuing their search for a new Team Manager following the departure of Rod Brown from the post last Thursday, However one name not in the frame now will be Roger Ashby after Ashby ruled himself out by turning down the chance to take over the managerial reins at the South Warwickshire football club. Rugby Town and Brown parted company by mutual consent, after Bromsgrove Chairman Tom Herbert contacted the Warwickshire club seeking permission to speak with the Valley team-chief in relation to the vacant managerial post at Rovers. Brown was then subsequently reappointed to the Bromsgrove Rovers hot-seat for a second time. Meantime Rugby Town have stated “Caretaker boss Craig Herbert will remain in charge in the interim period - with the assistance of Richard Scott and Chris Wells, whilst the club processes and consider other applicants and potential candidates” further adding that, “The experienced Roger Ashby approached the club at the weekend with an interest in the Rugby Town vacant manager's job, and was then interviewed and ultimately offered the position of First Team Manager ahead of Saturday's BGB Southern Midlands One home defeat against Hemel Hempstead. Ashby who has previously been in command at Rushden & Diamonds, Grantham, Nuneaton Borough and Brackley, initially accepted the Clubs offer, but subsequently changed his mind and communicated this fact to the board of directors the following day” Meanwhile Rugby Town striker Kevin Banner has opted to return to his old stamping ground following in the foot steps of manager Rod Brown from British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division Rugby Town back to Division One Midlands side Bromsgrove Rovers. Banner is a fans' favourite at the Victoria Ground after spending seven years at the club before joining Rugby in the summer. Also Joining him at Rovers are back-room staff physio Malcolm Cowell and goalkeeping coach Lee Phillips, who have also transferred from Butlin Road too the Victoria Ground. Kevin Banner joined Rugby in the summer from Bromsgrove where he had spent the previous seven seasons, making over 300 appearances. The left winger made just five appearances for Rugby, failing to truly discover and recreate his old form. Furthermore, also heading for the exit door is former Coventry City and Nuneaton Borough midfielder Avun Jephcott who made just one start and three substitute appearances in colours of Rugby Town Jephcott’s departure brings his third association with Rugby to an end.

LEAMINGTON CHAIRMAN OUSTED
David Hucker Former Leamington chairman has been forced out of the New Windmill Ground.Hucker, who was replaced as chairman last month by Jim Scott after a bad-tempered annual meeting, had disclosed, he was to leave the Leamington board at the end of September. However, in a shock move he parted company with the football club this week - to the distress of some followers who are now concerned about the aspiring club's future direction. The board-room bust-up, a mix of disagreements over Brakes' future advancement and personal ill-feeling had been mainly restricted to the boardroom. Even so, it is now out in the open to public scrutiny and to the concerns of many supporters who have accompanied the club since its re-launch eight years ago. Jim Scott, who took over the reins as chairman a month ago following the board's decision to eject Mr Hucker, Scott refused to comment on the real reasons or motives for his predecessor's departure. A brief club statement prepared for the official website simply revealed: "Everyone at the club respects the hard work and significant efforts that David has made on behalf of the club over many years and in varying roles. In the short term, his roles and responsibilities will be undertaken by a number of individuals whilst the board of directors considers its options on how best to replace his skills and experience. We wish David every success in his future ventures and interest pursuits." The dispute is not fresh, as Hucker's resignation letter made evident he wrote: "The year (as chairman] was not without difficulty and, from the outset, I did not feel I had the support of the whole board." "As a group we lacked cohesion and a shared vision on how to take the club forward, and I cannot see there being a meeting of minds in future, given the differing views." There are now two vacancies on the board of directors and which the club are searching to fill. Mr Hucker is keeping his worries to himself for now, but he is believed to be anxious about the club's volume to fund its dreams. Fellow directors are thought to have been hostile his plans to shake up the club's off-the-pitch pursuits. It looks probable that David Hucker, who operated closely with former Chairman Mick Brady to re-start Leamington as a driving force on the non-league circuit, had made rivals at the club who objected to his ideas and his governorship style. Mr Scott commented "We are looking to do a lot of what David was doing, which is to move the club forward in a business-like manner and get to where we want to go." He emphasized that the club's playing budget was sustainable. Supporters on the club's unofficial World Wide Web forum have been highly judgmental of the latest developments and are concerned about what effects the departure of the club's longest-serving executive will have on its outlook.

COVENTRY SPHINX SIGN TWO NEW PLAYERS
Midlands Alliance league side Coventry Sphinx have announced two additions to their playing staff, Goalkeeper Carl O'Neill joins from Midlands Combination Premier Division side Nuneaton Griff and centre forward Tom Thacker arrives from Midlands Alliance league rivals Highgate United. O'Neill signs after being recommended to Sphinx manager Paul Charnley and was active in Nuneaton Griff's FA Cup victory over Midland Alliance side Rocester earlier in the season. Proven goal-scorer Tom Thacker returns to the Midlands club having spent two successful seasons the Warwickshire side Sphinx in the seasons 2002/03 and 2003/04 he scored 47 goals from 65 starts. Thacker scored 31 goals for Highgate United last season which helped the club clinch promoted to the Midland Alliance.

HIGHGATE UNITED LOSE TWO PLAYERS
Peter Frain boss of Midlands Alliance newcomers Highgate United emphasized his respect for frontrunner Tom Thacker and midfield dynamo Robert Higgs this week after the duo decided to leave the Tythe Barn Lane side. Frain revealed: “They’ve both accepted they will struggle after stepping up to Midland Alliance level, and I admire them for that. “Rob has joined Midland Combination Premier Division side Nuneaton Griff while Tom is still considering his next move. “It’s a great shame to lose them, because I think both are capable of competing at this standard.” said Frain

LINES SWOOPES TO CAPTURE THORPE
Phil Lines, governor of British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division club Brackley Town, has swooped to capture the signature of experienced striker Tony Thorpe ahead of the clubs weekend fixture with Cambridge City. Thorpe began his career at Luton Town and also had stints in the football league playing days with Queens Park Rangers, Swindon Town and Bristol City amongst others. In total he scored nearly 100 goals from around 300 League appearances. Last seasons front-man Thorpe played for several clubs including Grimsby Town, Tamworth and Barton Rovers and joins Brackley Town from Blue Square Premier side Woking, for whom he participated in last Tuesday nights 1-1 stalemate with Lewes.

WILKIN ADDS TO SQUAD AT NUNEATON TOWN
Kevin Wilkin team chief of British Gas Business Southern League Division One Midlands club Nuneaton Town has completed the signing of midfielder Paul Spacey from neighbours and local Midlands league rivals Bedworth United - Spacey, who faced his new team mates when in the Greenbacks' engine-room during the goalless local derby on Bank Holiday Monday, is well regarded by Boro superhero Kevin Wilkin. Spacey, deemed as a free kick expert, hooked up with his home-town club back in January following a stint at Chasetown, and the right-sided midfield maestro is hoping to bring more skill and creativity to a Boro team that may lie seventh in the table, but has not supplied the excellence perceived by Wilkin who revealed "We have lacked a bit of creativity behind the strikers and in Paul, I believe we have a player who could help cure that aspect of our game. He is good on the ball, a fine passer and looks to make things happen. Those are the ingredients that are badly needed, and I hope Paul provides the answers to those questions," said Wilkin. The demand could be fiercer for Spacey should Vice-captain Mark Noon fail to overpower a tight hamstring that has been torturing him since early in the season. The ex-Coventry City teenager has been arguably Boro's most stable midfielder with his give-and-go with brand of football has been one of the very few high spots for the difficult-to-delight Nuneaton fans.

BROWN QUITS AS RUGBY TOWN BOSS
Rod Brown has quit as Manager of British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division side Rugby Town to return to his former club promotion-chasing Division One Midlands club Bromsgrove Rovers, following the sacking of Rovers team boss Duane Darby. After one of the worse starts to a season in their history, Rugby Town currently rest at the bottom of the Southern Premier Division with just two points from their first six outings. Having scored just two goals all season, crowds and confidence at Butlin Road have also reached new lows. Intrusion from the chairman in team selection and an unrealistic low playing budget are rumoured to be amid the real reasons why Brown has decided to drop down a division to manage his previous club. Meantime Fans favourite Kevin Banner looks to be on his way back to Bromsgrove Rovers after new boss Rod Brown lodged a seven-day approach for the player. Brown doesn't officially start his second spell in control of the club until Monday, although he has wasted little time in trying to sign the winger, who he took to Rugby Town in the summer. Banner is highly rated by Rovers' supporters, having made more than 300 appearances during eight terms at the club, prior to his exit at the end of the season. He is one of the many quick-fire targets Brown awaits to obtain as he aims to rejuvenate the Greens' campaign. Goalkeeping coach Lee Phillips and physio Malcolm Cowell will also be joining the Rovers back room staff from Rugby next week.

MIDLANDS ALLIANCE SIDE WESTFIELDS SEEKING NEW MANAGER
Aspire Midland Alliance league club Westfields are seeking a new manager after the resignation of Darren Lynch. Lynch has quit his managerial role after twelve months owing to household and work commitments. Westfields chief executive Andy Morris said Lynch told the club committee he could no longer devote the necessary time to the role. He said: “The committee is appreciative of all Darren's hard work and commitment. He will be missed by everyone, and we are sorry that he has resigned.” Jon Hill and physio Brian Jones took temporary charge of team affairs in Westfields' 2-1 defeat at Lye Meadow against Alvechurch last Tuesday. Tom Harding fired Westfields into a 12th minute lead however Alvechurch equalised from Dave Dainty's penalty a minute into the second half. Sam Willis struck the winner for Alvechurch six minutes from time before Harding was sent-off for remarks made to the referee. Anyone keen in the managerial post, should contact Andy Morris on 07860 410548.

FORMER PLAYERS RETURN AS STRATFORD TOWN MAKE NEW SIGNINGS
Micky Moore, governor of progressive Aspire Midland Alliance club Stratford Town, has recaptured the services of experienced play-maker David Foy. The former Tamworth and Worcester City midfielder maestro was on the substitute's bench during Stratford's 3-1 victory over Oldbury United. Moore said: “David played at Stratford when Denis Mulholland was manager. Once we get him match fit, he could prove a big player for us.” Richie Robinson becomes another returning player too the Stratford's ranks having spent pre-season with Hednesford Town. Moore is also confident of adding former Cheltenham Town and Redditch United player Richard Evans to his playing squad at Knights Lane.

MERTHYR TYDFIL FC SAVED BY HIGH COURT.
Read the latest happenings at troubled BGB Southern League premiership side Merthyr Tydfil FC as the club Strive's to pressure football in the Welsh Valley's.

FORMER COBBLER MANN MAKING A PLAYING COMEBACK AT NEWPORT PAGNELL
Ex Long Buckby and Woodford United manager and former Northampton Town midfielder maestro Aidy Mann is set to make an astonishing playing comeback with Eagle Bitter United Counties League Premier Division league club Newport Pagnell Town at the right old age of 41. The midfield dynamo who made over 100 appearances for the Cobblers in his earlier days, has already participated in several pre-season friendlies, including an Arsenal verses Tottenham charity match. His son Jordi who is a talented youngster is on the books with Blue Square side Rushden & Diamonds and Mann has been helping out with the training until coaxed to make a late-in-life football playing return by the Buckinghamshire side “I’ve told Newport Pagnell Boss Terry Shrieves, I’ll most likely need one week on followed by three weeks off,” he said. Mann was in command at Long Buckby during the gloomy days when the Northampton club strove to hold onto its Premier Division standing but was fired and replaced in questionable circumstances by Glenn Botterill his then number two at the time. Botterill and chairman Guy Loveland have since gone on to take the Long Buckby into the runners-up spot in the UCL behind last season champions Stotfold, even so Mann's who is said to have been under a contract still has his claim to be financially settled by Long Buckby FC.At Newport Pagnell, Mann has been accompanied by experienced striker Darren Lynch, who accomplished nine goals as Long Buckby pushed for the UCL title in the last three months of the season. The ex-Kettering Town and Bedford Town sharpshooter was then dismissed-off somewhat harsh circumstances for a tackle on Cogenhoe United`s Nick Ashby at the end of February in a 2-1 away defeat at Compton Park which all but finished Buckby's championship ambitions. By the end of the campaign contention for places up front in the Long Buckby starting line-up had become fiercer as the UCL’s joint top goal-scorer Ben Foster had been joined not only by Carl Holmes but also by former Woodford United marksman Russell Dunkley. Foster and Holmes participated in nearly 60 goals last season between them and with the Jamie Gilsenan also on the pay roll this time around at Station Road, Mann added “I wouldn’t be surprised to see my former club win the Championshire title race for the first time this season.” Mann expects his new side Newport Pagnell Town finish in the middle of the table, although he does not anticipate Stotfold repeating last seasons championship winning success. Mann said “I’m told the Eagles have lost a lot of players and rumour also has it that St Neots Town will have a very young side, despite moving to an outstanding new stadium.”

WE NEED TO IMPROVE OUR FACILITIES SAYS BUCKINGHAM TOWN CHAIRMAN AS CLUB CELEBRATES 125th ANNIVERSARY
Chairman of Eagle Bitter United Counties League club Buckingham Town's Tony Rosenburg has voiced his opinions about the clubs forthcoming 125th birthday commemorations this October and the Club's continuing need for improved facilities. In a communication to club supporters, Rosenberg said: "As we enter the 2008/09 football season all our managers and their teams will be aiming to bring footballing pride and possibly even some silverware to Buckingham Town Last season saw the encouraging sight of the advancement of some of our youth players into first-team football and the resurgence of a reserve team, also ably supported by Town's youth players. This, along with our more established and experienced senior players, all goes well for the coming season. This year we celebrate our 125th anniversary, and we hope to publish a special section in local press later in the year, so we look forward to our local sponsors and the local community joining with us in marking this occasion It is no secret that in order for football in Buckingham to develop improved facilities are desperately needed, whether at Ford Meadow or somewhere else nearby The chairman and committee of the club will continue to explore all avenues to achieve the aim of securing the long term future and viability of Buckingham Town Football Club and The Ford Meadow Club.

SPHINX FORM ALLIANCE WITH SKY BLUES TO PROMOTE COVENTRY FOOTBALL
During the summertime Coventry Sphinx and Coca Cola Championship Coventry City have come together and formed a relationship with the aim of promoting football in the City of Coventry from a football league level to grass roots level. Coventry City FC said it was delighted to announce that they are forging an association with the city's highest ranked non-league football club, Coventry Sphinx Football Club. Sky Blues director Joe Elliott and newly appointed Sphinx chairman Neil Long met over the summer to consider ways in which the two clubs could work together to ensure football in the Coventry area, gets to the very top at both levels within the national and non league game. Non-league football is fundamental to the progress of clubs as many of the players who make it in the professional game today have come through the ranks of non league clubs, the Sky Blues very own Robbie Simpson is just one Player who has entered the professional platform via this route. The Midland Alliance club was promoted to Step Five in the national league pyramid system in May 2007, having won the Midlands Combination Football League and last season flew the banner for the City of Coventry to reach the quarter finals of the FA Vase, only losing out to the subsequent Wembley winners Kirkham & Wesham in a replay at Sphinx's headquarters on Sphinx Drive. The Coventry City football club assisted Sphinx with the printing of tickets for the FA Vase replay. Many Sky Blues fans followed the Sphinx to Essex based Stanway Rovers in the fifth round and to Lancashire side Kirkham & Wesham where Sky Blue shirts and scarves were evident to the Sphinx players and management as they walked out at both away games. The Sky Blues song even echoed around Stanway Rovers' Hawthorns ground following a marvellous 3-1 away victory, although a few tweaks to the original words were needed. As the ninth biggest City in the country, Coventry is large enough to support two successful football clubs and this season will see the Midland Football Alliance alternate the Sphinx home games with City at the Ricoh Arena. New Sphinx chairman and lifelong Coventry City fan Neil Long are delighted with the co-operation.” With each of the 350-plus people connected to the club being keen supporters of the Sky Blues, to work so closely together will prove to be very beneficial to both clubs, "We get comments from many people saying that if home games didn't clash they would love to support both teams so this will allow them to watch non league football as well as supporting the City at the Ricoh Arena” Sky Blues director Elliott is equally excited by the two clubs formation of a new relationship. “It is in everybody's interests to work together and with a friendly fixture arrange to mark our new link-up with Sphinx, it would be nice to think that plenty of our fans will get behind them whenever possible this season. “To launch the new association Sky Blues Manager Chris Coleman will be taking a team to Sphinx Drive in early September to play in a friendly game. More details will be announced by the two clubs at a later date. Sphinx open their home campaign on Saturday, August 16 when they entertain Barwell in the Extra Preliminary Round of the E.ON sponsored FA Cup. For more information on Coventry Sphinx FC you can be found at http://www.coventrysphinx.co.uk

MASON STILL HAS SIGHTS SET ON FOOTBALL RETURN.
Following his departure from Northamptonshire Southern Leaguers Midlands One club Woodford United former boss Phil Mason is hopeful a return to the Non League Football Scene will beckon at some point, Mason guided the Reds to the United Counties League Championship to an incredible eight placed finish in their first Southern League campaign before savage budget cuts all but a few of Mason’s squad depart. Mason made 76 appearances for Newcastle United before finishing his playing days at Non League Banbury United under then team-chief Phil Lines.

BRACKLEY SPORTS SEEKING NEW PLAYERS
Brackley Sports FC is currently looking for players, male and female. If you feel you could face the challenge of the North Bucks Premier Division and Intermediate leagues or the Northants Women’s league please contact:- Chairman Dave Shaw on 07940517726 or Club Secretary Andy Bannard on 01280701925 or come and join us at training at the Brackley leisure centre on Wednesday evenings starting at 7.00pm

COOKS UNVAIL TWO NEW STANDS
Eagle Bitter United Counties League side Cogenhoe United has been busy during the summer refurbishing their Compton Park Headquarters in addition the club have installed a new larger main stand and an additional stand behind the Goal adjacent too the Car Park, The New facilities will enable the Cooks to progress should they be successful in clinch what is expected to be a difficult United Counties Eagle Bitter title championship race with the Cooks facing stern competition from the likes of Northamptonshire rivals Long Buckby, Wellingborough Town, Daventry Town. The new additions will hopefully generate some interest from the Non League Ground hoppers and for those amongst you then Compton Park is well worth a visit. Meantime the Cooks under team boss Darren Collins have enjoyed a good preseason ahead of this Saturday’s showpiece opener against newly promoted Daventry Town at Communications Park in the Eagle Bitter United Counties Football League.

GX (SOUTHERN LEAGUE) CUP FIRST ROUND DRAW
The Full Draw appears in the last section of this page.

FORMER MANAGER PERRY RETURNS TOO DAVENTRY TOWN
One time Daventry Town manager Tony Perry is to reunited with the Eagle Bitter United Counties League Premier Division club Daventry Town in a brand new role as director of football at Communications Park. Perry was one of a small group of devotees who kept the Town name buoyant throughout the gloomy days a few years ago when a £5,000 yearly rental demand from Daventry District Council threatened to put the club out of exsistance. Mobile phone baron Iain Humphrey later came along in the nick of time to salvage Daventry Town from extinction. The rest, as they say, is now history. The Town streaked away with the UCL Division One title and reached a UCL Knockout Cup final against Desborough Town under Perry's successor Martyn Walker. Master-of-all-trades Perry then moved on after acting as Daventry Town's manager, general manager, treasurer, secretary, barman and programme editor at various times. The former Daventry Town and Ford Sports' full back, he also had brief spells as a backroom boy at two Woodford United and Ford Sports but said "He was glad to be back and feeling rejuvenated by a year off,When I left the Town new chairman Iain Humphrey said there would always be a post available for me if I wanted to return. Iain has been true to his word, and I am ready to come back at such an exciting stage in the club's 123-year history." said the returning Perry

STAPENHILL FC LOSE LEAGUE SURVIVAL BID
Stapenhill Football Club has lost their battle for league survival, Following a disastrous fire and vandalism at the clubs Edge Hill Headquarters, the Swans have formally resigned from the Midland Alliance Football League. Officials had hoped to keep the club in business while reconstructing work took place, but Midlands Alliance officials have given temporary measures the thumbs down. With no practical ground-sharing arrangements in the prospect, head of football Ian Gough announced the Swans had quit the league and Football Association competitions for the next season - but vowed to the fact the 60-year-old club will rise phoenix-like from the ashes. A Stapenhill FC club statement said: "Following a visit and inspection by four Midland Football Alliance officials, it was concluded that the facilities at Edge Hill are currently not acceptable and are unlikely to be so by the start of the new season. “The only option was to ground-share with another club with suitable facilities, but that has not proven possible, especially in the current economic climate. It is with regret that we have had to tender our resignation from the MFA with immediate effect. “A devastating fire ripped through the Edge Hill social club in April and further havoc was imposed by Vandals who trashed the dressing room area in June. Even though work to renovate the location has now started, The clubs Edge Hill ground still parallels a building site and would fall well short of meeting the Alliance league's ground grading criteria when the season kicks off on August the 9th.Gough, a former Stapenhill player and manager, said he was "very disappointed" with the MFA ruling, but acknowledged it was inevitable. He revealed: "This is a very disappointing day, especially for those players who have been with us for the last six years. We are all gutted. Even so, Stapenhill Football Club will not disappear from the map and hopefully will reform in the near future. The football committee will stay in place, and we will use the coming season to. raise funds to provide a sound base for the rebirth of the club. “He added the first of those events would be a sportsman's evening at Belvedere Park in Burton in September 2008. A spokesman for the Midlands Alliance confirmed the League “Had reluctantly accepted on Monday evening the resignation of Stapenhill Football Club”