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 Nov 15th KO 15:00 Hellenic Division 1
Mr Chairman
WELCOME
Good Afternoon everyone, and a very warm welcome back to Stratford Road for this afternoon’s fixture against Newent Town. A special welcome as always to our visitors, their players, management, and supporters - we hope you enjoy your time with us and the hospitality that Alcester Town is proud to offer.
It’s fair to say Tuesday evening was a landmark night for the club. Our first ever home fixture under floodlights was a moment that will live long in the memory, and to mark the occasion with such a superb performance and a 7–1 victory over UDA Gloucester made it all the more special.
The team were fantastic from start to finish, full of energy, confidence, and quality and it was a real showcase of how far we’ve come on the pitch. It also highlighted the incredible support we had around the ground, with a good crowd creating a brilliant atmosphere under the lights. On behalf of everyone at the club, thank you to each and every one of you who came down to back the lads and be part of that historic evening.
Of course, that night was about more than just the football. It represented another big step forward in the ongoing development of Stratford Road. Installing floodlights is no small task, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our committee, volunteers, and everyone who’s given their time, effort, or support to make it happen. The progress we’re making off the pitch is every bit as important as what’s happening on it, and together we’re building something really special here.
Now our focus turns back to league action. Newent Town will provide a tough test this afternoon, and we know we’ll need to be at our best. Aaron and the lads are in good form and spirits after a strong run of results, and with the backing of our supporters once again, I’m confident we can keep that momentum going.
As always, my thanks go to our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone involved in running the clubyour contribution is invaluable, and without you, none of this would be possible. Enjoy the game, get behind the boys, and let’s hope we can celebrate another positive result together.
Steve McAdam
Aaron Blackwood
THE GAFFER
Good Afternoon everyone and welcome back to Stratford Road as we return to league action in the Hellenic League Division One, where we take on Newent Town.
A warm welcome as always to our visitors, their management team and supporters, we hope you enjoy your afternoon with us.
Tuesday night’s performance in the Wisemans Lighting Cup was one to savour - The lads were outstanding from start to finish and fully deserved the 7–1 win over UDA Gloucester, we played with energy, confidence and real attacking intent, and it was great to see so many of the things we’ve been working on in training come together on the pitch.
Our movement going forward was excellent, but what really pleased me was our attitude out of possession. We pressed well, worked hard for each other and stayed switched on defensively, which allowed us to control the game and play on our terms. Everyone who came on made an impact too – and that’s exactly what we want to see. It’s now important we take that same mentality back into the league. We’ve spoken a lot about consistency, and this weekend is another opportunity to build on the momentum we’ve created over the past few weeks. Newent will be another tough test - they’re a hard-working side with some dangerous players so we’ll need to be at our best to get the result we want.
There’s a real belief growing within the group at the moment, and the atmosphere around the club is brilliant. The support from everyone connected with Alcester, whether it’s at home or away really drives the players on. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and it makes a massive difference, so thank you once again for your continued backing. Let’s keep that energy going this afternoon, get behind the lads, and hopefully keep our good run going.
Enjoy the game, and as always – 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
Newent Town AFC was founded in 1920, and we proudly display a team photo from that year on the wall of our clubhouse!
Throughout its history, the club has participated in the North Gloucester league and achieved promotion to the Northern Senior League during the 1970s.
After some fluctuations in their league standing, they eventually settled in the Gloucester County League as a founding member.
They remained in the Glos County League for six years. Following a setback, a significant turnaround began in 2012 when Newent clinched the North Glos Premier League Title in a nail-biting final match of the season. Milkwall was leading the table, two points ahead of Newent, but the two clubs faced off in the last game. A draw would suffice for Milkwall, while Newent had to secure all three points to claim the championship.
It all hinged on a last-minute header that secured a 1-0 victory in the season's final match, propelling Newent from second place to Champions in an instant.
They achieved back-to-back promotions from Northern Senior 2 the following season. For three years, they competed in Northern Senior 1, achieving a commendable third-place finish and winning the League Cup consecutively.
After investing significantly in their facilities, Newent received an invitation to join the Hellenic League system in Division Two West, where they faced top teams from Hereford, Gloucestershire, Oxford, Staffordshire, Bristol, and Wiltshire.
In a controversial move, they tried to maintain a team in the Northern Senior League, arguing that the Hellenic squad was a new entity. However, after six matches, an Extraordinary General Meeting was convened, leading to a vote on their ejection, which
resulted in a tie of 16 votes for and 16 against. Thus, the Management Committee cast the decisive vote, leading to their immediate expulsion from the league. Fortunately, the Hereford League offered the team a chance to continue by providing a spot in Div 2, allowing them to anticipate some football action, albeit with 6 games still to play. Remarkably, this squad triumphed in the Hereford League, clinching victory against Bartestree in the final match of the season. However, the drama didn't end there.
Following the conclusion of the season and Newent's presentation evening, the Hereford League cited a rule violation and awarded the title to Bartestree, despite the medals never being returned. Meanwhile, the Hellenic Newent first team, now managed by former players Ben Stringer and Martin Elton, secured the Championship title in their inaugural season.
Once again, they displayed remarkable composure to secure victory at home during the final match of the season, finishing just 3 points ahead of second place.
The FA recognized their achievement with a £100,000 grant, enabling the installation of floodlighting and a 75-seater stand, which facilitated their promotion to Hellenic Div 1 West. Following this advancement, their reserve team opted out of Hereford Promotion and transitioned to Hellenic Div 2 West, where they continue to compete today.
Since joining Hellenic 1 West in the 2018/19 season, the highest tier they have reached, they have adapted well to the standards of National League step 6.
With floodlights in place and a ground grading of ‘G’, they participated in the FA Vase last season, winning their opening match before narrowly losing 2-1 to Longlevens.
In the following season, Newent entered the FA Cup for the first time, narrowly losing 3-1 to Cribbs and establishing their presence in the competition.
Honours
League
Hellenic Division Two West: Winners: 2017-18
Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division Two: Winners: 1972-73
North Glos Premier League: Winners: 2012-13
Cup
Stat Pack
BIRTHDAYS | SPORTS | RACES | STAG AND HEN | WEDDINGS | AIRPORTS
LUXURY TRANSPORT AND DELIVERY SERVICES
WORD
UNDER THE LIGHTS
Highlights from Tuesday night's cup clash against UDA Gloucester, the inaugural game under the new floodlights at Stratford Road.
Images provided by: Russell Stone.
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
U13 Juniors Show Heart and Character in European Challenge
Our U13 Juniors faced a huge adventure during half term, travelling to The Barcelona Football Cup tournament.
Taking on teams from the U14 and U15 categories in what proved to be a fantastic learning experience. The boys found themselves up against some truly high-quality opposition, including players who have already represented their countries at international level.
Despite the size and age difference, our lads refused to be intimidated and approached every game with courage, teamwork, and determination. They competed for every ball, played some excellent football, and showed glimpses of the talent and potential that make this group so exciting to watch.
While results didn’t go our way and the team came home without a win, the performances were full of effort, pride, and resilience. Every single player gave their all, supported one another throughout, and represented the club in the best possible way - both on and off the pitch.
The coaches and parents couldn’t have been prouder of how the boys handled themselves against such strong opposition.
They’ve taken away valuable lessons and experiences that will only make them stronger for the future.
Aside from the football the team truly bonded over some very special time together and one no one will ever forget.
We’re already counting down the days to the next European tournament - and there’s no doubt this group will be even better prepared and ready to take on whatever challenge comes their way!
JAKE WICKETTS
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 Skipper Jake Wicketts.
Football Questions
Q. How did you first get into football?
A. my old man used to play and was pretty good so as soon as I was old enough to stand up he had a ball at my feet!
Q. Who was your footballing idol growing up?
A. Ronaldo at United, I was around 8 years old when he joined so watching him do what he did back then had a real influence.
Q. Best player you’ve ever played with?
A. played with loads of great lads but I’d probably say Chris Cowley, played at Studley and Heather with him, wand of a left foot and could bounce a ball on a 5p from 50 yards away.
Q. Toughest opponent you’ve faced?
A. Brad Hendry - Ex Alcester player, I grew up playing with him so he knows my game in and out and he’s now at Northfield Town. Solid defender .
Q. Favourite position you’ve played in?
A. probably in the 10. I enjoy picking the ball up and trying to make things happen
Q. Best goal you’ve ever scored (or seen)?
A. Paul Scholes against the Villa in 2006 - volley from 30 yards out, bar & in!
Q. Most memorable moment in an Alcester Town shirt so far?
A. finishing the league unbeaten last year and getting promoted. Great achievement for the club
Q. If you could play at any stadium in the world, which would it be?
A. Has to be the Bernabeu, Madrid
Q. Which teammate is the biggest joker in the dressing room?
A. there’s loads who think they’re funny! I’d give it Azza X
Q. Who’s the most serious before a game?
A. Tristan, always has his head on and raring to go Off the Pitch
Q. What’s your day job outside football?
A. Glazing manager for Birmingham Glass
Q. Favourite food?
A. ? Italian, without a doubt
Q. One song that gets you pumped before a game?
A. After last years antics, freed from desire
Q. TV series or film you can watch on repeat?
A. Prison Break. Best tv series ever made
Q. Dream holiday destination?
A. Maldives
Q. Hidden talent most people don’t know about?
A. balancing pints on my head
Q. If you weren’t a footballer, what sport would you play?
A. Tennis
Q. Who would play you in a film about your life?
A. Someone who looks like me, Brad Pitt or Bradley Cooper!
Q. First car you owned?
A. Vauxhall Astra, my mom and dad bought it for me. Class!
Q. If you could invite three people (dead or alive) to dinner, who would they be?
A. Paddy McGuinness, Killa & Margot Robbie! (Don’t tell my Mrs!)
Full Name: Jake Wicketts
Age: 30
Position: CAM / ST / LB / CB / GK
Joined Alcester Town: 2022
Previous Clubs: Studley, Heather St
John’s, Fairfield, Northfield Town, Cadbury
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 Nov 01
NOVEMBER
Tue Nov 04
Sat Nov 08
Sat Nov 15
Tues Nov 18
Sat Nov 22
Sat Nov 29
Stonehouse Town Wellington
Malmesbury Victoria Carterton
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
Thame United Reserves
UDA Glos Dev.(cup)
Newent Town
Brimscombe & Thrupp
Sutton United (Cup)
Stonehouse Town
FC Stratford
DECEMBER
Sat Dec 06
Sat Dec 13 Sat Dec 27
JANUARY
Sat Jan 03
Sat Jan 10
Sat Jan 17 Sat Jan 24
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 07
Sat Feb 21 Sat Feb 28
MARCH
Sat Mar 07
Sat Mar 14
Sat Mar 28
APRIL
Mon Apr 06
Sat Apr 11
Sat Apr 18
Carterton
Redditch Borough (Cup)
Redditch Borough
Woodford United Cheltenham Saracens
Shortwood United
Bewdley Town
Clanfield 85
Malmesbury Victoria
Wantage Town
Wellington
Newent Town
Ludlow Town
FC Stratford
Redditch Borough
Shortwood United
the Wisemans Lighting (UHL) Midweek Cup.
From the first whistle, The Romans looked sharp and purposeful, with their dynamic front line of Will Skelton and Arran Richmond causing constant problems for the visitors.
UDA started brightly, forcing Sam Hart into an early save before Nassim Chehmani in the away goal made a fine fingertip stop to deny Jack Cole at the other end. But it was Alcester who struck first in the 23rd minute. A swift counter-attack saw Richmond released down the right, and his clever cutback found Skelton, who calmly slotted low past the UDA goalkeeper to make it 1–0.
Moments later, Skelton almost doubled the lead, rattling the post with a fierce effort, before Chehmani again came to UDA’s rescue with another excellent save. However, the pressure eventually told as Alcester broke at pace once more and Skelton finished off another flowing move to make it 2–0 before the break.
Half Time: Alcester Town 2-0 UDA Gloucester
Alcester picked up exactly where they left off after the interval. Ten minutes into the second half, a corner wasn’t fully cleared by UDA, and the ball dropped perfectly for Jack Cole to volley home for 3–0. The home side’s set-piece threat continued to wreak havoc, and captain Jake Wicketts made it four with a thumping header from another corner.
inswinging corner flicked on by Wicketts and headed home by Drew Ricketts for 6–0.
The rout continued as Alcester’s high press forced another turnover deep in UDA territory. Jack Cole latched onto a through ball and finished smartly low beyond the onrushing keeper to make it 7–0. To their credit, UDA Gloucester kept pushing and were rewarded late on when Luis Mendez bundled the ball home after a scramble in the box to make it 7–1- a mere consolation on a night dominated by the hosts.
Full Time: Alcester Town 7–1 UDA Gloucester
Scorers:
• Will Skelton (23’, 38’)
• Jack Cole (55’, 79’)
• Jake Wicketts (61’, 67’)
• Drew Ricketts (70’)
• Luis Mendez (84’, UDA)
Alcester Town Line-Up - Starting XI: Hart (GK), A. Bunn, Ricketts, Xavier, Davis, A. Bunn, Gibson, Cole, Wicketts (C), Skelton, Richmond.
Substitutes Used: Roberts (VC), Bowen, Bell, L. Jones, Bourn.
Unused: Stone.
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
Jaber Ahmed
Ibrahim Akhlaq
Ed Bagley
Connor Baker
Zachery Blood
George Brand
Reece Bufton
Mitchel Butterworth
Andre Carapeto
Isaac Cooper
Taylor Cordell
Tommy Duff
Stuart Fleetwood
Samuel James Franklin
Oliver Godfrey
James Halsall
Ben Harbourne
Dylan Hart
Isaac James Cooper
Harrison Jones
Leyton Joyce
Samuel Judge
Kirk Layton
Reagan Martin
Aaron Murphy
Matt Nestorowski
Max Poidevin
Callum Preece
Joshua Reed-Jones
Tiago Ribeiro
Jonty Scott
Logan Philip Stoddart
Kyle Taylor
Elliott Vanstone
Connor Wagstaff
Aaron Webster
Reece Williams