ALCESTER TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Officials
Chairman Steve McAdam 07392 846290 srmcadam@sky.com
Finance Director & Vice Chairman
Ian Chester 07881 508522 ianchesteri@btinternet.com
Fundraising Officer
Gary Williams 07766 664289 garywilliams1@talktalk.net
Head of Junior Football & Child Welfare Officer
Simon McAdam 07565 526035 simonjmcadam@sky.com
Adult Club Secretary Phil Tattersall 07703 020499 tatsphil58webheath@gmail.com
Junior Club Secretary
Marcia Cox 07968 387831 marciaccox22@gmail.com
Marketing & Communications Officer
Dan Archer 07903 418411 dan_archer@hotmail.co.uk
Facilities & Groundcare Manager
Paul Dipple 07800 966956 dipple09@hotmail.com
Football Development Officer
Aaron Blackwood 07581 729008 a.blackwood@perfect-personnel.com
Life President
Jim Kenyon 07711 240732 jim.kenyon@jakwater.co.uk
Manager Aaron Blackwood
Ast. Manager Tony Round
Head Coach Ryan Faulkner
Coach Colin Tomlinson
Coach Ryan Dipple
Physio
Georgia Armond
Equipment Manager David Kilgallen
At Alcester Town FC, we strive to reduce our footprint on both our facilities and the surrounding community. We kindly request that visitors utilize the designated bins for waste disposal while on our premises.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
NEXT HOME GAME
Saturday Oct 25th KO:15:00 Hellenic Division 1
Mr Chairman
WELCOME
Welcome Back to Stratford Road
Good afternoon everyone, and a very warm welcome back to Stratford Road for today’s Hellenic League fixture. A special welcome to the players, staff, and travelling supporters of Chipping Sodbury Town FC, we hope you enjoy your visit and the hospitality here at Alcester Town.
Last weekend saw us return to league action against Ludlow Town, and I’m pleased to say the lads delivered with a hard-fought 1 - 0 win. It was a real team performance, built on discipline, determination, and no shortage of quality. Clean sheets don’t come easy in this league, and credit to the whole group for seeing the game through in a mature and professional way.
That result gives us a solid platform to build on as we head into today’s game against a Chipping Sodbury side who, like all teams at this level, will provide a tough test. We’ve spoken a lot in recent weeks about consistency, both in performance and results and today presents another opportunity to take a step forward on that front. The work rate, commitment, and togetherness shown in recent games has been excellent, and we’ll need more of the same this afternoon.
Off the pitch, it’s been encouraging to see the positive atmosphere building around the club. From the support on the terraces to the tireless work behind the scenes, the momentum we’re seeing is a credit to everyone involved. Whether you’re helping prep the pitch, serving behind the bar, or simply turning up in all weathers to back the boys, your contribution is what makes this club special.
We know there’s still plenty of work ahead, but we’re building something here and days like today are an important part of that journey. Let’s keep pushing, keep believing, and most of all, keep enjoying our football.
Thanks again for your support. Let’s get behind the lads and make Stratford Road a fortress.
Steve McAdam
Aaron Blackwood
THE GAFFER
Good afternoon all and welcome back to Stratford Road,
It’s great to be back on home soil again as we welcome Chipping Sodbury Town FC to Stratford Road for today’s Hellenic League Division One fixture. A warm welcome to their players, staff and travelling supporters we hope you enjoy your visit and have a safe journey home after the match.
Last weekend’s 1-0 win over Ludlow Town was exactly what the group deserved. It wasn’t the prettiest game of football, but sometimes you have to dig in and win ugly and the lads did just that. The character, focus, and defensive discipline we showed were first-class, and it’s a result that gives us something to build on.
Today is another opportunity to keep that momentum going. Chipping Sodbury will pose a different challenge, and we’ll need to match the work rate and intensity we showed last week but also be more ruthless with the ball. We’ve spoken a lot about consistency, not just in results, but in performance levels and today is a chance to take another step forward.
I also want to give credit to the squad as a whole. The recent cup performances including the win at Cheltenham Saracens have shown the depth and hunger we’ve got throughout the group. Everyone’s pushing each other, and that’s exactly what we want to see as we move deeper into the season.
Let’s get behind the boys again today, create a proper atmosphere, and keep pushing for more. Enjoy the game and up The Romans!
Up The Romans!
CLUB HISTORY
The History of Alcester Town Football Club has its roots in the Town's History and its Schools. Alcester Old Boys Football Club was formed after the First World War by pupils of Alcester Grammar School.
Shortly after this, in 1927, the Club became Alcester Juniors and joined the Stratford League becoming Champions of the first Division in their first season. The team played on a pitch by the Spittle Brook and later at the bottom of Bleachfield Street by the river, on what was known locally as the 'Soccer Beds.'
Sometime later in the 1950's the Club became Alcester Town Football Club, sharing their Stratford Road Ground with a Sunday side - 'The Black Horse'. They won a number of Cups, with their finest result being the 1-0 defeat of Alvechurch in the Birmingham Cup.
Alcester Town's most successful years came at the tail end of the 80's and the start of the 90's. In 1989/90 Alcester finished runner-up in the Midland Combination Division Two, this meant promotion to Midland Combination Division One.
The following season, 1990/91, Alcester went on to finish champions of the Midland Combination Division One and secured a place in the Midland Combination Premier for the very first time in Alcester Town's history. Alcester managed two seasons in the Midlands Leagues top division, in the first year finishing a respectable 13th from 21 sides competing. Second season Alcester finished rock bottom of a league hosting twenty sides.
Unfortunately the success of Alcester Town led to its downfall. Despite attempts to move to a new ground the Club were not able to improve their Stratford Road facilities. They needed to build a new covered stand to house 200 people to remain in the Midland Combination and so in 1993, due to lack of funds for the improvements the Club folded. However, one bright moment for Alcester Town was the success of Paul West who was transferred to Port Vale Football Club for £8,000 in January 1991. As part of the deal, Alcester Town hosted Port Vale Football Club in a friendly ahead of the 1991/92 season. Alcester were captained by Colin Saunders, whilst Port Vale had Neil Aspin, Martin Foyle and Trevor Wood in their squad to name just a few.
Was it just a coincidence that at the same time that Alcester Town was disbanded, Alcester Athletic competed successfully in the Mid Warwickshire, Central Warwickshire, Evesham Ambassador and Mercian Junior Festival Leagues and created sides form Under 6's to Under 16's. In September 2007, Alcester Town formed a new adult side playing in the Stratford Alliance - Cutler Division. In their 1st season they finished 4th in the league and got to their 1st Cup Final. So Football is well and truly back on the map in Alcester. In June 2008, Alcester Town merged with Alcester 2000 to create one of the largest youth organisations in the area. With twenty teams from under 6's to Adults and Veterans and girls and boys teams and over 200 members. The club have won several trophies over the last twelve years, including league championships, many Cup successes together with league sportsmanship awards.
The 2012/13 season saw Alcester Town once again join the Midland Combination Leagues, finishing 5th in the Midland Combination Division Two. The 2014/15 season saw a restructure of the Midlands League's and the then Midland Combination Division Two changed to Division Three. Despite leading the race for the title for much of the season, a late collapse saw Alcester finish 3rd.
Promotion to the Midland Football League Division to 2 was finally secured in 2019 and the team remained in the MFL until 2024-25 season where a sideways move to the Hereford Premier League was made. The team went unbeaten in the league throughout the 24-25 season earning promotion to Step 6.
Club History
THE VISITORS
In the summer of 1959 Cliff Phelps decided it was time football association was brought back to the town. It had been six long years since the boys of the town had donned the Blue & White of Sodbury in the Western League. After several meetings at The Bell Inn (Now Brooks Bar & Kitchen) the new club was formed. Major L.M.Harris was President, Mr. E Purbrick Chairman, Mr. C Phelps Vice Chairman, Club Captain Dennis Greenaway and Youth Captain Michael Boulton. In the initial 1959/60 season they entered a senior team into The Dursley & Wotton League and a team into the Youth Section. The following season Sodbury joined the Bristol and District League and throughout the 60's remained in Division 3.
The 1970's began with relegation, when we finished bottom of Division 3 and the slump continued in 1971/72 Season when finishing bottom of Division 4. The Mid 70's saw a few changes and the ground work of the team today. Mike Fox became player Manager and 'The Sods' began a Sunday Side. In the 1976/77 Season, Sodbury finished third in Division 5 and gained promotion. The 1978/79 Season saw us go one better and finished runners-up of Division 4. To finish the decade off and celebrate twenty years of the club's rebirth, we won the Championship of Division 3 in 1979/80.
The 1980's began were the 70's left off and a fourth place finish gave Sodbury promotion to Bristol and District Division 1. 1981/82 saw the rebirth of our Reserve side and by the end of the season, the 1st's had gained promotion to the Senior Division. From Division 5, to the Senior League in six seasons. The first season in the Senior division was mid-table finish and the end of the season saw Mike Fox's testimonial and an Ashton Gate appearance against Mangotsfield united. The following season we finished third. After finishing 15th in 1985/86 we were relegated to Division 1, where we remained until finishing runners up in 1988/89.
The 1990's kicked off with a third place finish and promotion to the Bristol Premier Combination Div 1. in 1990/91. The early 90's saw a new clubhouse and
changing rooms built with Players and Committee members contributing their trades. A fourth place finish and the winning of the Premier cup in 1992/93 was the clubs best season so far. The Sods remained in Division 1 until the end of the nineties, when they were promoted to the Premier Division for the 1999/00 Season.
The 2000's and after 3 seasons in the Premier, the Sods were relegated at the end of 2001/02 season. A new manager and new era began in 2002/03. Les Underdown and his Assistant Jeff Clark both ex-players with the club took over the reins. A mid table finish in their first season, saw Les leave and left Jeff in the hot seat. The following season saw another mid-table finish and the Reserves become Champions with the exciting players now in the squad. 2004/05 ended in a disappointing third place but the club now had a third team as well. The following season, the previous year was forgotten when the club won the Championship and promoted back to the Premier division. A mid table finish in the Premier division and the other 2 teams both winning promotion was a good season in 2006/07. 2007/08 became the clubs most successful season, when the first's won the Championship of the Premier and the reserves Champions of Bristol & District division 1. The first season and a change of manager in the Gloucestershire county league and the team finished bottom of the league, only winning 5 games. Even though the club finished bottom, they were not relegated. Mark Stenner was appointed manager and he started the steady march up the County league.
The 2010's has produced the club's most successful time in their history. Mark Stenner had taken the team to a third place finish in the County league in 2010/11. After his departure early the following season, Scott Gibson took over. A disappointing bottom place finish was followed by two seasons of rebuilding and climbing the league. Karl Reese was appointed new manager at the beginning of 2014/15 season and in his first season had promoted the club from the County league to the dizzy heights of Western League
had promoted the club from the County league to the dizzy heights of Western League football with a third place finish. Not a bad start for the new gaffer but with some new faces and playing great football, we went 1 better the following season and won the Western League Division 1 Championship. 2016/17 and the Western League Premier division was tough but a very creditable 13th position and competing in the F.A.Vase was our most successful season so far. 2017/18 was going to be a massive mountain to climb. Karl had left the club and also half the first team had departed to pastures new. Enter Neil Simons our new gaffer, a season in the Western league to take on with half a team and to make things a little more difficult, your first game is the clubs first ever game in the F.A.Cup. The season ended with a 13th place finish, an FA Cup victory and a quarter final place in the GFA Challenge trophy. Early in the 2018/19 Season Neil decided to leave the club and shortly afterwards we appointed our present manager Joe White and his assistant Steve. At the end of the season under his leadership, the club had finished 10th in the Western League and had the best run in the FA cup in the clubs history. The club were successful in their appeal against the Hellenic League, sideways move by the F.A. So 2019/20 season was in the Western League Premier. The uncertainty of which League we would be playing in unsettled the players and so several departed the Club before a ball was kicked that Season. Three weeks before the season started the club also lost our Manager and his Assistant. Justin Bishop & Scott Gibson took control of the 1st team as Caretaker management and remained there until the League came to an abrupt halt. The F.A. announced on 26th March 2020 that the Step 1-7 game and all grassroots football leagues and competition under its umbrella had ended, as a
Drew, Sean & Nick steering the 1st Team. The season was to be curtailed due to Covid-19. The 2021/22 season looked more promising with the new FA restructuring of the leagues; the football club then began their journey together with Jeff and his team in the Hellenic League - Premier Division. With a new 1st Team manager, James Mapstone, taking over towards the end of 2022/2023 season which unfortunately ended in relegation from the Hellenic Premier Division.
The 2023/2024 in the Hellenic Division 1 season showed great promise with new players joining the squad , things were looking up for the team. Preseason went very well winning games. The team were looking good! Football has a way of knocking you back; picked up injuries to key players and never recovered form a bad run of results. Half way through the season , players began to leave. It was at this time Kevin Ashwood (was Wicks manager ) became available to join the club, working alongside James . Kevin, then brought along his assistants and an influx plyers.
The team finished in the relegation zone,; due to other movements within the NLS stayed up.
The 2024/25 season was in the end quite successful. The team had a new manager in Kevin Ashwood who assembled a very good crop of young but inexperienced players at this level. The team played some really good football but just couldn’t get results
BIRTHDAYS | SPORTS | RACES | STAG AND HEN | WEDDINGS | AIRPORTS
LUXURY TRANSPORT AND DELIVERY SERVICES
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
There’s plenty to be excited about off the pitch at Alcester Town FC as we take another big step forward in the journey of ‘The Romans’.
Thanks to funding secured from the Football Foundation, along with the incredible effort of our players, supporters, and local community through fundraising, we’re now in a position to deliver two major projects that will shape the future of the club:
• A brand-new clubhouse
• Floodlights at the ground
The new clubhouse will give us modern facilities for players, staff, and supporters, but more than that, it will become a proper community hub - a place where football, friends, and families come together.
And with the addition of floodlights, we’ll be able to host evening matches and training, opening up more opportunities for everyone involved with the club.
Work is already underway, and we’ll be keeping you posted every step of the way. At the moment, the plan is to have a couple of “soft launches” for the new clubhouse and an opening ceremony to follow! Please keep an eye on social media for these events.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the Football Foundation and, most importantly, you - our supporters, volunteers, and local community. Every fundraiser, raffle ticket, and donation has helped us get to this stage, and we can’t thank you enough.
These improvements are not just about bricks, mortar, and lights; they’re about giving Alcester Town FC a brighter future.
We can’t wait to see The Romans march on
JUNIOR ROUNDUP
October 2025
On the Pitch
From one extreme to another with the weather!
At the start of the season we were battling rock-hard pitches, and this weekend Storm Amy tried her best to disrupt the junior games.
Despite the wind and rain, the show went onwith 15 Alcester Town teams braving the storm. A few wayward crosses and unexpected ball swerves didn’t stop the fun, as our players showed true determination and spirit.
Another fantastic weekend of children enjoying their grassroots football journey - come rain or shine!
Fundraising
• Just £1 a week
• Pick six numbers between 1 - 59
• Numbers are knocked off each Saturday alongside the National Lottery
• The first to cross off all six wins 50% of the cash pot – with the other 50% going straight back into the club
To enter, please contact Gary Williams on 07766 664289 or alcestertownfootballclub@gmail.com
Finally...
A huge thank you to all our parents, volunteers,
IN FOCUS
This week our spotlight turns to the Alcester Town Under 8’s.
The Journey so far this season marks the start of something new for the Alcester Town U8 Juniors - and for me too. It’s my first time stepping into management and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to grassroots football. We’re one of the youngest teams in the club, full of energy, questions and an enthusiasm that reminds everyone why football matters.
At this age, it’s about discovery. For most of the players, this is their first real taste of organised football - wearing the club badge, playing on a proper pitch, following regulations and learning what it means to be part of a team beyond casual kickabouts with friends. The excitement is infectious. You quickly realise that for every tactical instruction you try to give, there’s equal value in simply encouraging them to smile, have a go and enjoy the game.
Our early sessions have been a blend of fun, focus and energy in equal measure. Some weeks we’re perfecting passes, other weeks we’re practising running backwards. But every session brings progress. Little by little, they’re learning to look up before passing, to support each other off the ball and to celebrate every small victory together. Those moments - the first time they string three passes or when they instinctively call out their team mate’s names - feel just as special as any goal.
The biggest lesson so far has been about development over results. It’s easy as adults to see football through the lens of wins and losses, but for the U8s, the real measure of success is growth - confidence on the ball, understanding the game and showing respect to teammates
and opponents alike. We talk a lot about bravery: being brave enough to take on a defender, to try again after a mistake, or to take a turn in goal even when it’s a bit scary.
We’ve already had our fair share of memorable moments - from the first friendly match to the first tournament where they got to wear their own black and red striped shirts with pride. The joy when someone scores, or the collective cheer when we make a great tackle, reminds you that these early experiences shape how young players fall in love with the game. There’s something pure about that. No pressure, no expectation - just a group of players learning together, developing together and supporting each other.
For me, the most rewarding part has been seeing how quickly they’ve started to think and act like a team. They’re learning to communicate, to encourage each other and to understand that everyone contributes, whether they’re scoring goals or stopping them. It’s teamwork in its truest form. Something myself and my fellow U8 managers are witnessing weekly.
We might be at the very beginning of our football story, but every player in this group represents the future of the club. If they carry forward the same energy, curiosity and team spirit they’ve shown so far, the future Alcester Town 1st XI is in safe hands.
Dan Archer Co-Manager - U8s Juniors
GEORGE DAVIS
This season we’re giving supporters the chance to know the lads behind the shirts a little better. From dressing room banter to favourite meals and footballing heroes, it’s time to shine a spotlight on one of Alcester Town’s first-team regulars.
This week, we catch up with George Davis.
Football Questions
Q. How did you first get into football?
A. Dad took me to a game when I was young and fell in love with it from then!
Q. Who was your footballing idol growing up?
A. James Miller or Gareth Barry were childhood heroes for me.
Q. Best player you’ve ever played with?
A. Callum Stewart
Q. Toughest opponent you’ve faced?
A. Archie Brown (now at Fenerbahce)
Q. Favourite position you’ve played in?
A. Centre Half
Q. Best goal you’ve ever scored (or seen)?
A. Scott Sinclair vs West Brom in the FA Cup quarter final
Q. Most memorable moment in an Alcester Town shirt so far?
A. Winning managers player 24/25 season
Q. If you could play at any stadium in the world, which would it be?
A. Villa Park
Q. Which teammate is the biggest joker in the dressing room?
A. Wicko or Azza
Q. Who’s the most serious before a game?
A. Drew Ricketts
Off the Pitch
Q. What’s your day job outside football?
A. Recruitment Sales
Q. Favourite food?
A. Fillet Steak
Q. One song that gets you pumped before a game?
A. Can’t seem to hide - BOSQ
Q. TV series or film you can watch on repeat?
A. Fury
Q. Dream holiday destination?
A. Sychelles
Q. Hidden talent most people don’t know about?
A. I know Pi to 20 decimal places
Q. If you weren’t a footballer, what sport would you play?
A. Pádel
Q. Who would play you in a film about your life?
A. Tom Holland
Q. First car you owned?
A. 2005 BMW 1 series
Q. If you could invite three people (dead or alive) to dinner, who would they be?
A. Nicola Tesla, Diego Maradona & Margo Robbie
Full Name: George Davis
Age: 24
Position: RWB
Joined Alcester Town: U6s Previous Clubs: Coventry United & Bolehall Swifts
Proudly sponsored by:
2025/26 SQUAD
FIXTURE & RESULTS
AUGUST
Sat Aug 02
Tue Aug 05
Sat Aug 09
Sat Aug 16
Sat Aug 23
Mon Aug 25
Sat Aug 30
SEPTEMBER
Tue Sep 02
Sat Sep 06
Sat Sep 13
Sat Sep 20
Sat Sep 27
Tue Sep 30
OCTOBER
Sat Oct 04
Sat Oct 11
Sat Oct 18
Tue Oct 21
Sat Oct 25
NOVEMBER
Tue Nov 04
Sat Nov 08
Sat Nov 15
Sat Nov 22
Sat Nov 29
Stonehouse Town
Thame United Reserves
Bewdley Town
Brimscombe & Thrupp
Woodford United
Cheltenham Saracens
Chipping Sodbury Town
Wantage Town
Ludlow Town (Cup)
Cheltenham Saracens (Cup)
Ludlow Town
Chipping Sodbury Town
Clanfield 85
Cradley Town First
Shortwood United
UDA Glos Dev.(cup)
Newent Town
Brimscombe & Thrupp
Stonehouse Town FC Stratford
DECEMBER
Sat Dec 06
Sat Dec 27
JANUARY
Sat Jan 03
Sat Jan 10 Sat Jan 24
Sat Jan 31
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 07
Sat Feb 21
Sat Feb 28
MARCH
Sat Mar 14
Sat Mar 21
Sat Mar 28
APRIL
Mon Apr 06
Sat Apr 11
Sat Apr 18
Carterton Redditch Borough
Woodford United
Cheltenham Saracens
Bewdley Town
Thame United Reserves
Clanfield 85
Malmesbury Victoria
Wantage Town
Newent Town
Wellington
Ludlow Town
FC Stratford
Redditch Borough
Shortwood United
to give Alcester an early lead.
The hosts responded with a flurry of chances, including a strike that rattled the crossbar late in the half, but Alcester held firm to take a 1–0 advantage into the break.
Half Time: Cheltenham Saracens 0-1 Alcester Town
The second half began just as positively for the visitors. Midfielder Luke Dugmore continued to boss the middle of the park, while striker Will Skelton stretched the Saracens backline with his movement. A direct ball over the top found Skelton, who broke through and smashed home at the near post to make it 2–0. The goal sparked protests from the Saracens bench, claiming Roberts had interfered from an offside position, but the referee allowed it to stand.
Cheltenham pulled one back with around 25 minutes remaining via a quickly taken free-kick that split the
onslaught, Alcester showed tremendous grit and defensive discipline to see out the match and seal a memorable win on the road.
They now advance to the second round, where they will take on UDA Gloucester.
Final Score: Cheltenham Saracens 2–3 Alcester Town
SQUADS
Jack Atkinson
Adam Bourn
Josh Bowen
Luke Brown
Aaron Bunn
Ashley Bunn
Jack Cole
Cameron Crook
Kian Davies
George Davis
Harrison Dodd
Billy Eric Duggins
Luke Dugmore
Christopher Dyson
Henry Gibson
Samuel Hart
Woody Hawkett
William Haycock
Dan Jarvis
Louis Jones
James Lev
Connor McCarthy
Daniel Murphy
Jack Nicholls
Liam O'Donnell
Joe Reynolds
Arran Richmond
Drew Ricketts
Tristan Roberts
William Robert Skelton
Kyle Stenson
Jake Wicketts
Daniel Williams
Luke Wyatt
Aaron Xavier
Ryan Young
Sam Allen
Toby Allsopp-Jones
alfie andrews
Keane Ashwood
Harvey Baker
Liam Barrett
Joshua Bell
Owen Bell
Lewis Bezer
George Adrian Lee Box
Jonathan Britton
Tyrese Carter
Josh Coombe
Tyler Dacres
James Dobson
George Hale
Kyle Head
Luke Henderson
Jordan Hickman
Liam Jones
Joshua Law
Bailey Jake Leach
Teddy Maggs
Kylan Mapstone
Guy Mcewen
Sean McSharry
Jacob Owers
Josh Pandolfino
Adam Perks
Liam Pullen
Ethan Roberts
Nathaniel Smith
Kalil Traore
Archie Williams