Ardley United held their end of season party on Saturday 10th May with a visit to the Races at the illustrious Ascot racecourse.

During a pre-race day breakfast in the prestigious Bull Inn at Bisham, the annual club awards were presented.

Tom Green	Ian Trott	Leon Gordon

Tom Green was awarded The Managers Player Of The Year. Ian Trott got the double when he received both the Players Player and the Supporters Player Of The Year. The Goal Of The Season accolade was awarded to Leon Gordon, for a stunning goal against Flackwell Heath.

Presentations to Dan Still, the retiring team manager, were made by Club Chairman Norman Stacey, with sincere words of thanks for what he had done for the club during his three year tenure, and also to wish him well for his forthcoming marriage. The players presented Dan with a tribute collage of photographs of all the team. . . just in case he may forget them in the future.!

With sad farewells out of the way, it was off to The Races. A great day was had by all, combined with large amounts of liquid refreshment, finalising back at the Ardley club house for a further top up.!!

Still Aims To Bow Out In Style - 25th April

Dan Still wants to end his three season reign on a high after Ardley booked a place in the Sport Italia Hellenic League's Soccer Kits Plus Supplementary Cup final against Shortwood with a 3-2 aggregate win against Wantage Town. Still steps down after the final at Fairford Town on May 3, when former Oxford United star Kevin Brock will take over.

Still said he had no fears about facing Shortwood in the final, despite having lost 3-2 to them on Saturday. "We put out a very different side on Saturday," said Still. "Ian Trott and Ryan Curtin didn't play, and Danny Mason was on the bench. Looking at the final, Shortwood offer something of a threat, but seeing how well we competed against them, we certainly have a chance. You could not have scripted it better. Now it's up to the players to finish off a great three seasons for me by winning the cup."

Tomorrow, Ardley conclude their Premier Division campaign at home to Hook Norton. Still added: "It's my last home game, so it would be nice to go out with a win."

Tomorrow's team from: Dixon, Costella, Mason, Trott, Richmond, Martin, Garbutt, Johnson, Carrick, Prescott, Beckett, Green, Omar, Kirby.

Positive Finish - 18th April

Team boss Dan Still hopes for a positive end to the season before he steps down as manager.

Ardley host Shortwood on in the penultimate game of the League season Saturday, Still said: "It's good to finish above our local rivals Bicester. Our result against Hungerford was fantastic, and effectively knocked them out of the title race."

"I'm just enjoying my last few weeks, and its taken a bit of pressure of the players too. There's six points left to win, and hopefully we will take all of them."

Both of the the two remaining fixtures are home games, with the League season finishing against Hook Norton on the 26th.

Ardley Utd (v Shortwood, home): from Dixon, Costella, Trott, Mason, Richmond, Martin, Omar, Johnson, Gardner, Beckett, Prescott, Green, Kirby, Glendenning.

Can Ardley Upset The Title Race? - 12th April

Ardley put the disappointment of the Floodlit Cup Final loss aside and will be looking to get back into the League calendar with a tasty meet at promotion hopefuls Hungerford Town this afternoon. With four games left to play Hungerford will be League Champions if they win the remaining games, maintain their goal advantage and leaders Almondsbury make one error.

Though Dan Still will be showing no sentiment, as the team drive to improve the league position. Bicester are away to Lydney this afternoon having lost 4-0 to Lydney in mid week, if Bicester get nothing from the match and Ardley gain a point at Hungerford, it would move Ardley above The Foxhunters with a two game advantage.

Missing for the trip to Hungerford is Ryan Wiffen, the striker scored five goals on his return to Ardley from Winslow in the 11-0 thrashing of Wallingford last weekend. However, he has gone back to Winslow to help the Buckinghamshire side in their fight against relegation from Spartan South Midland League Division 1.

Ardley Utd (v Hungerford, away): from Dixon, Gardner, Mason, Trott, Richmond, Martin, Green, Garbutt, Omar, Gordon, Hill, Beckett, Carrick, Johnson.

The Reserves travel to Easington Sports this afternoon in their push to gain League runnners-up place at the end of the season. A 2-1 win against Hooky on Tuesday night put them on the same points as Shrivenham with a one game advantage.

New Signing Helps - 4th April

Injury problems cause a selection headache for Dan Still, though striker Ryan Wiffen has been signed from Winslow in time for tomorrow's trip to AFC Wallingford.

The team will be without Adam Beckett (thigh), Tom Green (knee) Darren Beckett (thigh) and Adam Richmond (groin). Steve Garbutt (knee) and Andy Prescott (ankle) are doubtful.

Ardley United's new man at the helm from next season, Kevin Brock (pictured), is pleased with the prospect of his new challenge.

Former top echelon player Brock, 44, was with Oxford, QPR, Newcastle United and Cardiff City, before he had a highly-successful seven year reign as manager at Banbury United. Where he steered them to the Hellenic League title and promotion to the Southern League Premier Division.

He left at the start of the season due to a row over budget cutbacks, before he had a brief spell as assistant boss at Woodford United.

Brock jumped at the chance to join Ardley after a phone call from Norman Stacey. "It's an opportunity to get back into football," said Brock, who went to see Ardley play North Leigh on Tuesday. "There is not a lot of money to spend, but I know what my budget is. It's going to be difficult to break into the top five, but North Leigh showed us what is needed.

"Ardley have been very stop start this season. We will need to get some consistency. If we can get four or five players to add to the ones that are here, I don't think we will be far away."

Work Commitments End Stiil's Tenure - 31st March

Manager Dan Still has informed the Chairman that he needs to relinquish his post at the end of the season, due to promotion within his job at Lloyds Bank.

Dan will be relocating to Gloucestershire, his new position will also mean he will be required to work on various Saturdays.

Dan states after finishing in 4th place on the Sport Italia Hellenic League Premier Division last season it has proved to be a difficult campaign this time round. He was looking forward to being able to prove his ability once again with a fresh start in August, but a living must come first, especially with a spring wedding in the offing.

Chairman, Norman Stacey was fully behind Dan to give him another season in the hot seat, but respects his decision given the circumstances. Stacey states: "We have had a great working relationship, with Dan achieving the highest ever league finish, and twice taking us to the semi-final of the County Cup. Also under Dan's guidance Ardley were finalists in the HPL Floodlit Cup and League Cup 2005/06. Plus winners of the Supplementary Cup 2006/07."

"It goes without saying the club is deeply indebted to Dan for all the time and hard work he has put in and the honours achieved for Ardley. There have been many magic moments, and I am sure there will be more before his departure at the end of the season. "

Looking to the future the Chairman has been quick to react, and has obtained the services of the ex Banbury Town manager Kevin Brock to take the reigns for the forthcoming campaign.

Being a local man Kevin knows an abundance of players to strengthen the present squad. He has a hard act to follow, but will introduce with his own style of management to take the club forward with an exciting season ahead of us.

Kevin Brock (pictured right during his Newcastle Days) has an impeccable football pedigree playing for Oxford United, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers. He began his career for Oxford United in 1979 and enjoyed an 8 year spell at the club for which he played 206 games and scored 26 goals. He was with the club as they rose through the divisions and enjoyed two years in the top flight with the club.

He was part of the England under 21s squad when they won the European Championships in 1984

In August 1987, Queens Park Rangers bought him for £260,000. At the time QPR were also in the top division. He played 40 matches scoring two goals in his one and a half year period at the club. Newcastle paid £300,000 for the mid-fielder in December 1988. In a six year period, he played 145 matches and scored 15 goals. He finished his Football league playing career on loan to Cardiff City, in the 1993-1994 season. He played 14 matches and scored two goals.

In 1999, Brock was offered the role of manager at non-league Banbury United after he had played a small number of games for the club. When he began his time as manager the club were in the Hellenic League. In his first season as manager, he led the team to the Hellenic championship. In 2003/04 he helped Banbury to promotion to the Southern League Premier Division.

The Challenge Is On - 14th March

Dan Still has thrown out a challenge to his players - perform or you won't be in team for the HPL Floodlit Cup final.

Commenting on Tuesday's semi final win, Still said "It's the chance to win some silverware in what has been a very indifferent season. The first thing I said to the players was not to concede an early goal and we did that. We did a professional job. I'm very pleased for the fans and the chairman.

"Saturday was a bit of comedown, but we always lose to them (Shrivenham) . But it's seven wins from our last eight games."

"There are now seventeen players in the squad and I said to them after the game that only fourteen can be part of the cup-final team. It's up to them in the next games to show that they are worthy of a place in the fourteen."

Tomorrow, Ardley are at full strength when they travel to Milton United in the Premier Division.
Team selection from: Dixon, Smith, Willman, Mason, Richmond, A Beckett, Johnson, Carrick, Costella, Hill, Gordon, Feaver, Martin, D Beckett.

The Chairman's Reserve Challenge Cup - 29th February

The Reserves face Hungerford Town Reserves at The Rec tomorrow in the Quarter Final of the Challenge Cup.

It will be a good test against Reserve Division One competition, Hungerford Town are mid table in Division One. The Hungerford first team also face Cup competition tomorrow in the Quarter final of The FA Vase. All the best to Hungerford in The Vase fixture.

Extra Training For Fairford - 22nd February

It's reported in the press that Fairford Town's players will literally be chasing shadows when they take to their Cinder Lane pitch at 1pm tomorrow, before Ardley get there.

Apparently during their last three matches the manager, John Paget, has watched in amazement from the dugout as Fairford have gifted their opponents goals from set pieces. So his players will report for duty early in a bid to put right their wrongs. He feels in open play they defend quite well, but seem to switch off at set pieces.

Will Dan be countering this by getting the lads to do a gentle jog to Fairford instead using the transport?. Thus ensuring the team are nicely warmed up for kick off.

Phillips Returns - 18th February

There was a familiar face at the Ardley – Launton reserves fixture this Saturday as injured striker Luke Phillips returned to see how his team-mates fared. Phillips had scored four goals for the Reserves this season before he was ruled out for the rest of the season due to knee damage.

Ardley Reserves Team reporter, Ben Davies, spoke to Phillips to catch up with his progress with his injury and how he’s faring.
BD: So Luke, obviously you’re a valuable asset to Ardley, when are you expecting to be back to fitness?

LP: Well my operation is in March and it’s a long road back but I’m looking to be back around Christmas. Obviously I’m raring to go and can’t wait to play football again but I’ve got to take it slowly and not rush things.

BD: You’ve been at quite a few of the Reserves games since you’ve been out, how do you think they are doing so far this year?

LP: We’ve done really well so far this season and I’m really pleased for everyone. We are third or fourth in the league and in a quarter final and semi final so it shows how well we’ve progressed.

BD: Finally Luke, what’s your favourite thing about being at Ardley?

LP: The atmosphere down here is incredible. We’ve got such a mixture of nationalities and personalities at the club and we all gel together really well. No matter who’s in the team, we all talk and there is always great communication. When you’ve got someone like Banjo in charge you either understand what he says or he shouts it louder! Anyway, I can’t wait to get back to playing and get back to scoring goals.

Win Boosts Resolve - 15th February

Tomorrow, Ardley travel to Hereford to take on Pegasus Juniors. Words of wisdom from Dan Still and the midweek performance against Hook Norton will have gone some way to restoring Ardley's positive resolve.

"Our display against Highworth was lacklustre," said Dan. "I told them after Saturday's game that if we continued to perform like that we would be in the relegation fight. I said there are 14 places on the coach and if you don't contribute you aren't going to Hereford.

The words of wisdom obviously struck home with the emphatic 5-0 score sheet away to Hooky on Tuesday. The manager added. "To their credit, they responded. We are now looking to carry it on."

Former Beaconsfield defender Tom Woolment keeps his place after making his debut against Hook Norton.

Hamp Moves To Bicester - 14th February

Last night striker Adam Hamp completed a transfer to Bicester Town. Adam joined Ardley from Bicester in the summer as was named as captain on his arrival.

Manager Dan Still explained "Adam (pictured) is probably one of the most gifted touch players in the Hellenic League and I was delighted when he joined the club. I had a vision of changing the way the team played in order to have a more attacking brand of football with Adam playing the pivitol role."

"The team struggled to gel this year and results have been poor, during this time Adam has had a few injuries which have hamperd his season. During his recent injury Alex Feaver has hit form restricting Adam's chance to start games."

"Like any footballer Adam wants to play and Tim (Fowler) can give him that chance at Bicester, where he shined last season."

"I wish Adam all the best, I have been in football at this level for quite some time now and I can say Adam is the most genuine lad I have ever managed. Being his company brings a smile to your face, I know during Adam's time at the club I have made a good friend and he will be sorley missed by all the players"

Bicester Town Reserves Withdraw - 9th February

Despite a 2-1 loss away to table toppers Highworth Town Reserves, the Ardley ressies remain in third spot after Bicester Town withdraw their Reserves team from the League.

The ressies were scheduled to meet Bicester for the two local derby games in March. As Bicesters' results have been expunged from the league, and the two teams have not yet met, their withdrawal has not had any adverse affect on Ardleys' table position. For those teams who have already played Bicester, if they gained points they have lost out, if they lost to Bicester they have possibly benefitted by having the result expunged from the records.

Injuries Strike First Team - 8th February

Ardley go into the weekends clash against Highworth Town with an injury crisis. After training Thursday evening Manager Dan Still confirmed he would be without Darren Beckett (thigh), Ian Trott (hamstring), Danny Mason and Adam Hamp (both suffering fron ankle problems).

However Ardley are boosted by the news that young hot shot Alex Feaver returns.

With the last two games postponed the team are keen to get going and try and find some consistent form. Dan Still commented "The players have worked hard in training this week to stay sharp but its playing matches that give you the edge or confidence you need, despite all the players hard work, the busiest man at the training ground this week has been Graham Bowerman the physio" .

Norman Says. . . "It's Good To Talk!" - 3rd February

The scheduled opponents for Saturday, Lydney Town, who have been playing at Cinderford Town's Causeway ground whilst awaiting their floodlight problems to be sorted, informed Norman Stacey on Friday evening that Cinderford had withdrawn permission for the game to take place there on Saturday.

At short notice on Friday evening, Chairman Norman Stacey (pictured) was contacted, Ardley were given the option to play at Lydney's own ground. Albeit not up to Hellenic Premier League standard Ardley agreed to play the fixture at the alternative venue, to save a possible mid week trek to Gloucestershire.

After making contact with the various parties and players to advise the change of venue, it came as a bitter and frustrating blow when a phone call at 11.55am on Saturday advised that the game was now cancelled.

The chairman states."Lydney were made aware that we were departing at 11.30am yet failed to make an effort for an early inspection, not until 25 minutes after Ardley had left to make the journey to the Recreation Ground was a phone call received informing the game was off due to a frozen pitch. "

Normans' opinion on the matter is. "Why, why, why, could the inspection not have been made earlier ?. . . . or if not , they knew the time we were leaving, a courtesy phone call to say 'don't leave yet guys, we are still waiting for the pitch inspection to be carried out'."

The day only got worse when the Ardley Reserve home fixture was also cancelled due to the opposition Cricklade Town being unable to field a side!.

Martin Stays - 31st January

Dan Still is pleased to announce that Phil Martin (image) has turned down a chance to join Premier Division rivals Witney United. The winger has had a frustrating season with injury and loss of form but made his comeback from a loan spell in Northampton to feature as a sub in the recent game against Witney.

Phil followed up a decent return by scoring Saturday in his first full start for over two months against Bisley Sports at the weekend when he was named man of the match. Phil, who has been with the club for three seasons, stated. “I have never wanted to leave the club, even through the season when I have had a frustrating time, my sole aim was to get back into the side and enjoy contributing like I have done in the past”.

Phil was one of the outstanding performers of last season scoring the opening goal in the Supplementary Cup Final against Wallingford.

The SoccerkitsPlus Supplementary Cup - 27th January

A trip to the west awaits United in the next round of The SoccerkitsPlus Supplementary Cup. Though how far west has yet to be decided as drawn opponents are either Harrow Hill or Winterbourne United, who have to play the first round fixture.

Premier Division Harrow Hill are yet to win a game in the league this season, United have met the side twice in the league with a 3-1 win at home and a 2-1 away victory.

If the opponents are First Division West Winterbourne they are a team who may provide some stiff competition. In the SBJ Sports Insurance Challenge Cup they shipped 5 but scored 3 at home to Shrivenham, then in the preliminary round of the Supplementary Cup they shipped 3 but scored 5 away to Lydney.

SoccerKits Plus Supplementary Cup 2nd Round Draw
Bicester Town	v	Oxford City Nomads
Carterton	v	Holyport
Clanfield	v	Witney United
Finchampstead or PennTylers Green / Abingdon Town	v	Shrivenham
Harrow Hill or Winterbourne United	v	Ardley United
Marlow United	v	Easington Sports
Shortwood United	v	Wokingham & Emmbrook/ Englefield Green
Wantage Town	v	Thame United / Flackwell Heath

Help Indeed - 24th January

An e-mail received this week in the Hellenic League Office once again showed the camaraderie within the Hellenic family by passing on thanks for help and assistance from Ardley offered to injured Witney United player Gary Wickens.

Dear Mr King

What a pleasure it was to arrive at the Ardley ground and find a illuminated concrete path from the car park to the club house, not to easy to fumble along in the dark when your legs are becoming weak.

I would also like to commend the Ardley Physio (Graham Bowerman pictured) for his help in dealing with what looked like a nasty injury to the Witney striker Gary Wickens. Gary went down on the edge of the pitch and was obviously very distressed the Witney physio Andy Leach was quickly on the scene followed by the Ardley man who helped to assess the situation, provided a leg splint, and sent for a stretcher. Thankfully Gary recovered after a while and was able to leave the pitch without the need of the stretcher. How good it is to see clubs helping each other out in what could have been a nasty injury to our player.

Yours truly,

Witney Faithful

Feaver Hit By Hip Injury- 24th January

United could be without young striker Alex Feaver for several weeks because of a troublesome hip injury. It's a real blow to Feaver, who has been in sensational form since he broke into the first team, scoring four goals in his last two games after being promoted up from the reserves.

Two weeks ago he scored a double against Abingdon Town and last weekend he notched a double in their 4-0 win against Carterton.

"He's had a problem with his abductor muscle," said Dan Still. "He's down at University in Southampton so is having a consultation with Southampton football club's physio. He's paying to see him privately as he is so desperate to play. He's been a breath of fresh air at the club."

Still added: "He's been carrying this injury for three weeks, but it has just got worse and worse. He came off with 15 minutes to go against Carterton."

Feaver was missed on Tuesday night in the 4-1 home defeat against Witney United in the Premier Division.

On Saturday, we will be looking to bounce back against Bisley Sports in the first round of the Soccer Kits Plus Supplementary Cup - a title Still's side won last year. Still added: "I could blame the absence of Feaver, Darren Beckett and Adam Hamp for the Witney defeat. But the side I put out are part of the first-team squad and should have been up to it. To their credit, though, Witney were all over us. We were lethargic in attack and our defending was inept. It was definitely a performance to forget. We need to write the Witney game off and start again. We're looking to defend our trophy and I expect us to give it a real go."

Darren Beckett will not be playing on Saturday, while Hamp (ankle) and Luke Richmond (thigh) are doubts.

Saturdays Squad: from Dixon, Mason, Trott, Smith, A Beckett, Gordon, Garbutt, Green, Hill, Prescott, Omar, Kirby, Hamp.

Chesterton U18 - 22nd January

Chesterton FC of the OFA under 18s B League have surpassed all expectation this season by reaching their very first cup semi-final by beating title chasing AFC Henley, of the under 18s A league,  4-3 in a dramatic quarter final game.

Former Ardley United players, Eoin Davies and Banjo Malcolm are joint managers of the Chesterton FC under 18s. The pair got involved with the under 18s when their last manager Steve Honey stood down as manager after ten years in the hot seat, however Steve Honey is still involved with the club as Chairman of Chesterton Boys Fc. The Chesterton players fearing that their team would fold due to not having a manager, approached Eoin and Banjo and they gladly accepted. Some say that they were press-ganged into accepting, but that’s another story.

Ardley Utd and Chesterton Boys FC have always had a good relationship over the years. The good relationship with both clubs was cemented in 2006, when a firm partnership was sealed enabling Chesterton Boys FC to be a direct feeder team for future young talent for Ardley Utd. This enabling the young talented players of Chesterton Boys FC the opportunity to train with the Ardley Utd Reserves team under the watchful eye of the reserve team manager Banjo Malcolm.

Chesterton Boys have a wealth of talent at all ages which we are privileged to work with. We have currently two very talented Chesterton players in the Ardley Utd reserves squad. "They are now established players and they both have a very bright future" said Banjo Malcolm.

The joint managers are hoping that more players will progress into the Ardley Utd set up and continue the good relationship between the clubs.

Keyes Transfer Listed - 17th January

Striker Lee Keyes has been placed on the transfer list, less than a month after joining from the Sport Italia Hellenic Premier Division club Highworth Town.

The former Witney United frontman has failed to settle since signing in December from Highworth and is omitted from the squad for Saturday's home game against Carterton.

Boss Dan Still (left) is hoping that Alex Feaver, who scored twice against Abingdon Town, will keep up his good form. "Since Luke Holden left we have struggled for pace up front," said Still. "Every manager will tell you that you can't coach pace and Alex has that. He has done really well."

Still commented on the appointment of Jason Allen as assistant manager after Steve Wilkes stepped down temporarily for personal reasons.

The boss added: "Jason is probably one of the best players we have had at Ardley and he's very well respected. He has distinguished talks to people, he is not a shouter. I think Jason is the right man to work with."

Ardley will be without Tom Smith (suspended), while Darren Beckett (thigh) is doubtful.

Allen Joins Management Team - 11th January

Assistant manager Steve Wilkes has relinquished his post needing to give some time to his family Manager Dan Still has acted quickly in appointing Jason Allen (pictured) as his assistant. Jason comes with an impeccable pedigree, having played for most of the big clubs in the area, he finished his career in the 2005/06 season at Ardley and it is a great pleasure to have him return as assistant to Dan. His local knowledge will be an asset, plus the respect he has gained in the game during his playing career.

On behalf of all involved at the club, Chairman, Norman Stacey expressed thanks to Steve for his input into the club during the last two seasons, and hopefully he will back on board shortly.

Feaver Is Floodlit Hero for Ardley - 10th January

Alex Feaver fired a double as Ardley United reached the fourth round of the Floodlit Cup with a 3-0 victory against Abingdon Town on Tuesday.

Feaver (pictured), who returned to the club six weeks ago, having had spells at various clubs including Southern League Burnham, got the nod after impressing in the reserves.

"He used to play here when his dad, Ian, was manager here and has done quite well since he came back," said assistant manager Steve Wilkes."He approached us about playing again. He has been playing for the reserves and scoring goals. So we decided to give him a chance and he has taken it. He's got that bit of pace which is useful at this level."

Foxhunters or Heathens? - 10th January

Ardley are drawn at home in the first leg of the HPL Hellenic Floodlit Cup in a two leg semi final against the winners of Bicester and Flackwell. A local derby could be on the cards if Tim Fowlers' men can pull it off I what will be a difficult game

The other semi will see Witney and Kidlington lock horns in what will be an interesting tie

Beckett Saves Garbutt Blushes - 27th December

Striker Steve Garbutt was breathing a sigh of relief after Adam Beckett scored the equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Bicester Town on Boxing Day. It looked as though Bicester would win the Sport Italia Hellenic League Premier Division derby clash after Garbutt headed a spectacular own goal past his startled keeper Matt Dixon into the top corner on 63 minutes. However, he was a happy man when his cross was headed into the Bicester net on 79 minutes by Beckett for the equaliser.

Dan Still was pleased with the draw, but says the team need to rediscover their goal touch.

"It's typical of our season. At the start we were scoring goals and conceding them," said Still. "Now we have closed it up at the back, but can't score. In the Senior Cup (Ardley lost 1-0 to Hook Norton), we didn't create enough and then gave away a stupid penalty. And it was the same against Bicester. We had long spells of the game and then Steve heads into the top corner. It was a very good goal, but then he was the hero when his cross is headed in by Adam."

Ardley hope to parade Chris Johnson (pictured) at home to Milton United on Saturday if they re-sign him in time from Witney. Still added: "He was skipper here when I joined Ardley with Pete Foley. He's an experienced Hellenic player. He breaks up play and keeps it simple."

Ardley Snap Up Hotshot Keyes ! - 8th December

Manager Dan Still has hailed the capture of striker Lee Keyes after signing him from Premier Division rivals Highworth. Keyes signed for Ardley on Monday and is set to make his debut when they host Kidlington on Saturday.

"He's got a great scoring record," said Still. "He's scored 14 goals in his last ten games. Lee became available and I couldn't turn it down. I think it will put fire in the bellies of my other strikers."

"I know he has his critics, but it was a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned. We have not been scoring enough goals. Maybe signing Lee is what we need."

"Highworth recently signed Phil Corcoran from North Leigh and the manager said he could not afford them both. He wasn't happy about that. So we had a chat and he agreed to sign. He is looking to kick-start his career again."

Still Issues Cup Warning - 25th October

Dan Still has told his players to be on their guard against complacency when they host Chalfont Wasps in Saturday's preliminary round tie. Although Chalfont are a league below Premier Division Ardley, Still is warning that they could come a cropper if they relax.

"There will be no complaceny from us," said Still, who is again without leading scorer Chris Hill. They won their league (Division 1 East) last season, but they couldn't go up because of their facilities. And it looks as though they will win it this year too. If you get a side that has done that, then they are going to be better than probably about 30 per cent of the teams in our division."

Still said it was vital Ardley got back on track after Saturday's 4-0 home drubbing against Hungerford in the league he added: "We need to score some more goals. We had the chances on Saturday. In the first 20 minutes we ran the show. Our left winger Phil Martin gave them a torrid time. But we couldn't get the goal. Our final ball into the box is not good enough. You have to score when you are on top."

"Two errors cost us against Hungerford. They scored a goal against the run of play. The second came when Adam Richmond hesitated and allowed them to get a cross in and Ian Concannon scored. Then Steve Edwards our hero against Almondsbury becomes a villain when he dropped a routine cross at the feet of Concannon who said 'thank you very much'.

"We started the second half well, but we couldn't score. Hopefully we can get back on track against Chalfont."

Still Launches Spying Mission! - 12th October

Dan Still is hoping that one of his former players, Nick Levitt, can help plot the downfall of Ringmer when the sides meet in the FA Vase second round next month. Levitt, who played for Still when he was boss of Aylesbury Vale, lives nearby and will watch the Sussex League Division 1 side in action ahead of the tie on November 17.

"I have known him for years," said Still, whose side booked their trip to the south coast with the 5-1 demolition of Premier Division rivals Witney United. I wish he could play for us now."

"He used to play in the Conference League. Nick works for the FA in London, but lives in Sussex, so I'm sending him along on a scouting mission. I don't know much about them, only they have a lad who used to play for Manchester United's youth team (Mark Whiteman) and he's been knocking in the goals. I'm hoping it will help us by looking at their set-pieces and other aspects of their game."

Still said he was delighted with the draw which was made on Monday.

"I think the players were too. Ringmer's only ten minutes from Brighton, so they have started planning their weekend already! Seriously, though, they play at a similar level to us and as long as our preparation is right we can get through. We are not going to win it, but for a club like ours it's a money-spinner. We got £700 for the Witney win and there's £1,000 if you win the next round."

Meanwhile, tomorrow, Ardley welcome back centre back Ian Trott when they travel to Premier Division leaders Almondsbury. The new signing was cup-tied for the Witney game.

Still added: "That's going to be a problem because we aren't going to be able to play Greg Gardner as we did against Witney instead of Ian as he has gone back to York University.

Ardley Wait On Keeper Fitness - 31st August

Ardley United are sweating on the fitness of keeper Steve Edwards ahead of tomorrow's Premier Division home game against Badshot Lea.

He will have a late fitness test on a dead leg. If he fails to make it, Matt Dixon who has been signed on loan from Banbury United, will take over. Otherwise they are at full strength.

Assistant manager Steve Wilkes said they were delighted with their haul of four points from their two holiday games, the last of which was Monday's Bank Holiday draw against Bicester Town. Tom Green gave Ardley the lead before Sam Houlihan levelled late on. "We were satisfied with the draw on Monday against Bicester," said Wilkes. "Bicester deserved something from it. They had a very good penalty shout turned down. But it would be easier to take had they not scored in the last 30 seconds. But we are still unbeaten in the league which is very important."