Stones’ Dan Fitchett has a tug of war with an East Thurrock defender

in last Saturday’s 1-1 drawPICTURE: STEVE FOSTER

Main club sponsor:

League sponsors

Wealdstone v Bognor Regis TownSaturday September 9 2017, kick-off 3pmWealdstone v Poole Town Monday September 11 2017, kick-off 7.45pmBoth Vanarama National League South

Award-winning matchday programme, sponsored by Ruislip Social Club

www.wealdstone-fc.com 2017-18

£3

blue shirts, white shorts red & white halveswhite shirts, green shortsPOOLE TOWNWEALDSTONEBOGNOR REGISNick Hutchings Corby Moore Jake SmeetonWill SpetchJamie Whisken (c) Carl Pettefer Luke Burbidge Steve DevlinWarren BentleyJez BedfordOllie HarfieldJack DicksonTom Rees (GK)Ollie BalmerShaun CooperAbdulai BaggieLewis Lindsay

Jonathan NorthEddie OshodiCiaron Brown

Josh HillMatty Day

Jerome OkimoSam Cox (c)

Stephane NgamvoulouDan Fitchett Ricky Wellard

Matt WhichelowElliot Benyon Ryan Sellers

Elliott Godfrey Alan O’Brien Danny Green

Kaid Mohamed Abobakar Eisa

Ravan Constable

OFFICIALS v POOLE TOWN Referee: Jason RichardsonAssistants: Edward Turner and Steven Rea

OFFICIALS v BOGNOR REGIS Referee: Robert Massey-EllisAssistants: Craig Green and Gerry HeronBOGNOR REGIS MATCH SPONSORS: 1) MARTIN & SYL ALLEN 2) IN MEMORY OF DEREK READER MATCH BALL DONOR: FRANK FUNNELLPOOLE TOWN MATCH SPONSORS: TO BE ANNOUNCED

MAIN CLUB SPONSOR

YOUR GREAT

DOUBLE ISSUE

INSIDE:THE BIG

INTERVIEWWITH NEWMANAGER

BOBBYWILKINSON

NEXT AT THE VALE:

v Faversham Town FA Cup 2nd Qual Rd, Saturday Sep 16, KO 3pm

Dan LincolnHarvey WhyteJames Crane

Doug TuckSami El-Abd

Chad FieldJimmy MuittDan Beck (c)

Chinedu McKenzieOllie PearceBen SwallowPat Surachi

Tommy BlockJoe Lea

Jimmy Wild

Deadlines dictate that we are only now catching up with the events of the last three weeks here at programme

towers and we make no excuses for any sentimentality that may creep in over the next 60 pages.

Much has been written about Gordon since his departure and a few common words appear in most, loyalty, gentlemanly & honesty. Not words you would instantly recognise as being associated with a football manager in the modern game but in Gordon’s case every one of them are entirely fitting. Gordon and his teams gave Wealdstone FC 22 years of service, 4 promotions and countless enduring memories that when the dust settles, will rightly see another word associated with him.. Legend.

Thank you Gordon, you are now and always will be a massive part of our club’s history.

So, in with the new… welcome to our new manager, Bobby Wilkinson and his team of Jamie, Mike, Ian and Stacey. We wish you every success at our great club.

And finally, welcome also to the management teams, officials and supporters of both Bognor Regis Town and Poole Town. We hope you enjoy your brief stay with us and have a safe journey home.

Match day sponsorship packages and Match Ball donations are still available and are a fantastic way to mark a special occasion or advertise your company. Please contact either Paul Rumens on 07710 929692 or paulrumens59@gmail.com or Peter Worby on 07967 698370 or pworby@hotmail.com

Mark

WRITTEN IN STONEMark Hyde

MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAMBobby Wilkinson and the new management team are inviting fans for an informal Q&A on the evening of Thursday 21st September at 8.30pm after training.

MATCH SPONSORS - MARTIN & SYL ALLEN Todays match sponsors are Martin and Syl Allen who are joined, along with the ‘Jeffreson’s’, by Syl’s daugher Petra Knight and her fiance Philip Nunn from Northamptonshire. May we congratulate Petra and Phillp on their recent engagement and wish them all their best for their forthcoming wedding in June next year. We hope they enjoy the game and will hopefully be back again at the Vale in the near future’.

MATCH SPONSORS - PAUL & DAVE READER Paul and Dave are delighted tos ponsor today’s match in memory of their Dad Derek Reader. They are joined by their guests Torben and Russ

BALL DONOR - FRANK FUNNELL

WEALDSTONEFOOTBALL CLUB SEASON 2017/2018GROSVENOR VALE, RUISLIP, MIDDLESEX HA4 6JQ • 01895 637487 • OFFICE@WEALDSTONEFC.CO.UK • WWW.WEALDSTONE-FC.COM • COMPANY NO. 3953962

MAJOR HONOURS SINCE 1950LEAGUE TITLES1951 / 1952 Athenian League1973 / 1974 Southern League Division One South1981 / 1982 Southern League Southern Division1981 / 1982 Southern League Championship1984 / 1985 National League Premier (Gola League)1996 / 1997 Isthmian League Division Three2013 / 2014 Isthmian League Premier Division

NATIONAL CUPS1965 / 1966 FA Amateur Cup1984 / 1985 FA Trophy

LEAGUE CUPS1981 / 1982 Southern League Cup

MIDDLESEX COUNTY CUPS1958 / 1959 Senior Cup1962 / 1963 Senior Cup1964 / 1965 Senior Cup1967 / 1968 Senior Cup1984 / 1985 Senior Cup2003 / 2004 Charity Cup2010 / 2011 Charity Cup

NON TITLE-WINNING PROMOTIONS1997 / 1998 Isthmian League Division 2 (3rd)1998 / 1999 Isthmian League Division 1 (3rd, annulled)2003 / 2004 Isthmian League Premier Division (Play-Off)

PERSONNELBOARD OF DIRECTORSChairman Peter MarsdenVice Chairman Nick ArcherDirectors Paul Fruin,Mike Williamson, Pete Worby, Dominic Whyley, Nick SymmonsPresident Paul Rumens

SECRETARIESClub Secretary Paul Fruin(07790 038095)Company Secretary Andrew Lane

CLUB PERSONNELLife Vice-President Alan CouchTreasurer Barry BenvenisteGeneral Manager Nick DuGardPress Officer Nick DuGard(nick.d1@outlook.com)PA Announcer Ashley HoldingKit Manager Tony Waugh Boardroom Hospitality Alison Moran, Jacky ShoreClub Photographer Freddie Patmore Web Site Manager Alan & Matt Hill

MATCHDAY PROGRAMMEProgramme Editor Mark Hyde Production Martin Read, Tim ParksPrinting People for Print Ltd. www.peopleforprint.co.ukwfcprogramme@gmail.com

MATCH DAY OPERATIONSManager Steve MarshallSafety Officer Victor KlarfeldMatch Day Staff Paul Bowley, Tony Waller, Richard Hayward, Russell Greenberg, Adam Clancey, Matthew Impey, John Cahillane

COMMERCIAL & MARKETINGCommercial Manager Carol Griffiths (carolgriffiths@wealdstonefc.com)Graphic Design Steve FosterIT Consultant Neil RandsReporting & Social Media Chris Woods

LIAISON OFFICERSWFCSC / Social Club Markie BartonWFC / Social Club James Klarfeld

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENTManager Bobby WilkinsonAssistant Manager Jamie LeacockCoach Mike Percival Physio Stacey WoodGoalkeeping Coach Ian Hobbs

GROUND REGULATIONSPeople are only allowed entry to The Vale on match days subject to the following rules and regulations: 1) The club reserves the right to eject from the ground any person who is considered to have committed any of the following acts: • Entering the ground through any means other than through the turnstiles or entrances• Entering the field of play before, during or after a game without prior authorisation• Being drunk, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs • Using violence of any nature• Carrying items which may be considered a danger to others, including cans, bottles, or glasses containing alcoholic beverages• Throwing any article onto the field of play • Climbing floodlight pylons, fences, stands or any structure or building• Using obscene or bad language likely to cause offence to others • Hitting the side or back panels of the Bulla stand2) No spectator ball games.3) The consumption of alcoholic drinks is permitted INSIDE the social club bar and boardroom areas.4) Vehicles parked on the Grosvenor Vale site are at the owners’ risk.5) Wealdstone Football Club supports the FA’s campaign on pyrotechnics (e.g. flares and smoke bombs). Any misuse of such items in and around the Ground will result in those responsible being asked to leave the Ground and, in line with football authority guidance, may result in a report to the Police, potential prosecution and a ban from the Club of up to three years. — Wealdstone FC Board of Directors

FROM THE DUGOUT

I would like to welcome the players and officials of Bognor Regis and Poole

Town.

Firstly I must say special thanks to all the fans for the warm welcome you have given me and my staff since our arrival at the club. It has been a hectic 2 weeks and feels like a lot has happened and I’m sure after the stability the club has had it has felt like a roller coaster. We have taken over from a Wealdstone legend who will never be forgotten at this club. At the time of writing we’ve had 2 training sessions with the boys and 3 games and are very pleased with what we’ve seen since we arrived. We are very ambitious and have come to a club that firmly match those ambitions. There is a great infrastructure at the club, a wonderful chairman and board who are looking to push the club forward and I have come here to help the players absolutely deliver on that. It’s not going to be an overnight job but I’m not asking for time as I’m clear that results have to be delivered and we want to be

pushing towards the upper end of the league.

The response from the players has been superb. Despite 3 draws we have seen character in coming from behind to draw 2 tough games and a sucker punch at the end of the game at unbeaten East Thurrock, in which we dominated for 90 minutes was hard to take. However, the most pleasing thing is that we saw progress over the 3 games and our ideas starting to take shape in such a short space of time. I can assure you that the passion you display as fans is something that this team will take onto the pitch at all times whilst they play for Wealdstone. We demand hard work, energy, commitment and sprinkled with some quality believe that to be a winning formula that will deliver a team you can all be proud of.

There are some excellent players at the club and all the lads have shown fantastic attitudes. We were probably a little light in certain areas and want to create some hunger and competition for places so you will have seen a bit of activity with

new players coming in to boost the squad. It is an exciting time for Wealdstone and I’m delighted to be here. I want us to all stick together on and off the pitch. A word I like to use is “family” and at Wealdstone I want us to all come together and enjoy what I know is going be one hell of a journey. With that said we would appreciate any help that any of you can make with match, kit, player sponsorship and any contributions throughout the season.

In Bognor and Poole we face opponents who have lots of momentum. Bognor were promoted last year and are used to winning games and have adapted well to the new league. Poole Town are a side that have been together a long time, finished in the top 5 in their first year in the National League and I have huge respect for their manager Tom Killick. We will be going out to compete and get our first home wins.

Thanks you for your support

Bobby and the management team

THANKS TO ALL THE FANS FOR THE WARM WELCOME YOU HAVE GIVEN ME AND MY STAFF

WEALDSTONE v BOGNOR/POOLE THE BIG INTERVIEW

BOBBY Wilkinson’s hunger for success is addictive. Spend an hour with the

man, discussing tactics, the way ahead for the club and his footballing ideology and you can’t help but buy into his vision.

The day after our Bank Holiday draw with Hemel Hempstead at the Vale - his first home match in charge - I took the chance to try and understand how he intends to transform the Stones into the National League juggernaut that every supporter was wishing for at the start of the season.

Wasn’t it just bad luck that, under Gordon Bartlett, we lost a game we dominated at St Albans; drew a game we should have won at Gloucester; lost at home to Havant & Waterlooville despite having 70% possession and 80% of the goal attempts; and were then denied two penalties while conceding a soft one in the defeat by Chelmsford?

‘The stats don’t lie’ he said bluntly. ‘We’ve won 17 league games at home in the last three years - when I was at Hunger-ford we went whole seasons without losing at home. The fact is that you have to earn the right to play beautiful football. It has to be a bit ugly at times.

‘I work so hard to win games! It’s all about reacting to who you’re playing and knowing how to get the points... people labelled Hungerford a ‘long ball side’ and ‘no frills’ but we had some great flair players there - the difference is that you have

to earn that right to play the pretty football, you can’t just go out and play pretty football and expect to win.

‘When teams have played Wealdstone recently they set up to let you play football, but it’s not hurting them, it’s not turning their back four. I’ve seen the videos of the Stones games this season and we’re always being caught on the break. Our record at home has been poor for a reason, and it will take a while to change the whole mentality around the team, around the club.

Bobby Wilkinson: We WILL play beautiful

football..but only whenwe’ve earned the right

TIM PARKS meets Stones’ bright new manager

WEALDSTONE v BOGNOR/POOLETHE BIG INTERVIEW

‘I know how to win games and win leagues. That is my trade. I have to drill into the players, first off, that we don’t lose. Fitness is a huge part of that and this squad is nowhere near fit enough... pre-season, high-intensity training is the start and it enables you to close teams down so quick, so hard that they cannot play against you.

‘In my first game in charge, at Eastbourne, we played a quick passing game as they were the right tactics but the fitness levels meant we couldn’t keep that going for more than an hour.

‘You should be playing passes into the right areas and pressurising teams. You win your battles - on Saturday against Hemel we lost the first four tackles of the game! In a big local derby with a massive crowd willing us on, in my first home game and we lose our first four tackles! ‘

‘Was the thinking around Je-rome Okimo coming into midfield specifically to combat Hemel’s power in the middle?’ I asked him.

‘Yes, exactly! I set us up with Jerome going head to head with their No.7 James Caloczi, who is a real danger in the air. We han-dled it well in the first 15 minutes, keeping it tight then becoming a bit more expansive in the next 15 and really, we should have been 1-0 or 2-0 up with the good chance that Abs Eisa missed, and then Shaq’s header just over the bar. That would have settled us down, then we’d have kept it tight and seen the game out. Maybe even have seen a bit of pretty football because these boys can play, believe me!

‘But as it was, Hemel scored. I was restricted by not really having anyone on the bench who could change things, but we brought on Matty Whichelow and he did re-ally well - a great freekick delivery as well that led to our

equaliser - and in the end that was a good result against a very decent Hemel team.

‘Of course I wanted to get the three points but things don’t always go to plan. We failed to score the early chances and then conceded a goal that was clearly handball... but to come back the way we did showed real character. ‘

The style that Hungerford employed to beat the Stones 2-0 last season was a classic example of Bobby Wilkinson’s pragmatic style, and he freely admits it.

‘I set us up to bully you in that game last season’ he says.

‘Because the Stones were perceived as mentally weak?’ I asked. ‘No, just weak. It’s something you have to apply all over the pitch. Take the Hemel game again, there was a drop ball and we passed it back to their keeper - who kicked it long and they nearly scored! I was so angry... you hit those into the corner for a throw and then press up to contain

them. It’s basics. Just basics, but it has to be drilled into these players.’

So what were the circum-stances surrounding your sur-prise departure from Hungerford so early into this season?’ I asked Bobby. ‘Was it all about the play-off disappointment last season or were you hoping for a move to a bigger club?’

‘Yes, it was all about the play-off fiasco and as for leaving when I did... I was ex-pecting to have a few weeks out of the game while being aware that a couple of clubs wanted to get me on board.

‘I should really have gone at the end of the season after the farce of the extra seats stopped us from taking part in the play offs... I will never

forgive the club for what they did.

‘They basically didn’t have belief in our ability to get into a play-off position. When I first came to that club I was told that we’d never attract decent crowds, never get into the Southern League Prem, never get into the National League - well my attitude to that is to prove people wrong and I did that. But I was badly let down.

‘I was ready for a step up to a higher level and Torquay United were in touch. And then Peter Marsden. Peter is a great chairman and his vision for this football club matches mine - Wealdstone are the biggest

non-League club in the country, in my opinion, a massive club with so much potential. And you’ve achieved so much in the past.

But it’s all about getting on with the job in hand now: there is so much that needs doing. I’ve got to change the whole ethos of the club - to install a mindset that says ‘We don’t lose’.

TIM PARKS meets Stones’ bright new manager

“I set us up to bully you last season” Bobby admits. “Stones were weak then, physically and mentally”

Bobby (centre) with his backroom team: From left, Ian

Hobbs, Stacy Wood, Mike Percival and Jamie Leacock

WEALDSTONE v BOGNOR/POOLETHE BIG INTERVIEW

‘At Eastbourne I got the impression that the players didn’t think we could win. We played well but there wasn’t the clinical desire.

‘At Hungerford last year we lost 5-0 at St Albans on November 1st, and we told the players that would never happen again - we then went unbeaten for 19 games to get into a play-off position and never relinquished it.

‘Yes, Wealdstone had a good unbeaten run in March and April this year but the season was cooling off then, the pressure was off. Going unbeaten at the turn of the year is what I call a great unbeaten run, when there is

everything to play for and you have to be in the right frame of mind every game.

‘The season is not a sprint so I say this: Judge us on the last day of the season and you might well be saying, well Bobby it wasn’t pretty to begin with but things have got better week by week, the crowds have doubled, the place is buzzing and we’re in a play-off position.

‘I’m not going to make any rash predictions but what I can promise is an awful lot of hard work, on and off the pitch to take each game as it comes and do our utmost to win every one of them. And then see where that takes us.’

WEALDSTONE suffered their first defeat under the new boss at Weston Super-Mare on Tuesday night: a shocking 5-1 reverse. This is what the manager told Stones TV’s Chris Woods...

“There was no heart, no passion and I’d like to apolo-gise to the fans who travelled three hours down here on a Tuesday night, took a day off work to watch that surrender.

“I’d like to not pay the players this week because they didn’t deserve paying after that.. on Saturday yes, they were excellent but in the

space of three days to then produce that is baffling. We gave up... six, seven players maybe actually gave up in the second half and that’s a disgrace. I hold my hands up to mistakes too: I took off Jerome Okimo to bring on attacking players and that unbalanced the middle - we’ll be working even harder in the next few days to get it right. The FA Cup draw v Faversh-am doesn’t interest me now... All that interests me now is getting two wins this weekend - we’d better bloody be trying to get two wins anyway!”

eee

Stop Press: Bobby in the aftermath of WSM

“I really want to get a ‘family’ feel here ..my wife and kids will be at games and we’re all in it together’

Bobby is employed full time by Wealdstone. He lives just outside Reading, Berkshire with his wife of 18 years Natasha and their three children Jessica (10), Lucas (9) and three year old Logan.

‘Most games they’ll all be there, along with my mum and dad - I want a family feel to Wealdstone, a sense that we’re all in it together.’ says Bobby. Will he be able to bring in a few new faces to augment the squad? ‘Yes I’m looking at that right now - we need a centre-back, a centre-forward and maybe a wide player. There is a bit of wriggle room -and I’ve not gone cold on Mustafa Teryaki - if we can get him in I’d like to see what he can do. To be honest I don’t know the whole situation around him. Other than that it’s complicated!’Bobby has brought his own back-room team over from Hungerford. They are his No.2 Jamie Leacock, who he’s known for seven years since becoming his first signing at Hungerford - where he was also Bobby’s team captain. Coach Mike Percival Mike has worked with Bobby for two years while Ian Hobbs (goalkeeping coaching) has been an ally for seven years. Physio Stacey ‘is excellent’ according to Bobby - she has her own practice and had worked at Hungerford for five years.

‘We are a family really’ says Bobby. ‘It’s all about loyalty and get-ting the right people around you. We make a great team’.

Smiles on faces: Coaches Jamie Leacock and Mike Percival lead a lively pre-match warm-up

Good afternoon and evening! Lots to update on as it’s been a

consistently busy month - in fact, as you’d expect, it hasn’t stopped as off field activity continues to ratchet up.

Unfortunately, I am away for these two matches as Jacky and I are taking a delayed summer break due to her major op a few months ago. I will be nervously following on twitter!

First a note on the recent Hemel match and the decision to segregate. I was a little surprised and disappointed at some of the criticism surrounding this decision. Can I be clear that this was a carefully considered operation and was planned in close conjunction and co-operation with the police and our security/stewarding partners APA. As a responsible organisation the safety and security of all spectators in the ground is always of paramount importance.

Taking into account the history of this fixture it is, not surprisingly, high on the radar of the authorities and we put a plan into place that had to take into account the current configuration of the ground and the regulatory facilities that have to be put into place for both sets of supporters. We make no apologies for the decision to allow the Hemel supporters out of the ground first. This was a security measure to ensure that they were moved out of the ground and away from The Vale’s vicinity before the home supporters were released

from the turnstile gate. The other way around would have created the potential for issues outside the ground. We do apologise for the inconvenience, and lessons are always learnt and we will take these account for future scenarios. Segregation is not something we want to impose and will always be limited to those games where a safety risk is heightened and we will look at the situation in co-operation with the Police and our advisors.

Finally, a huge thanks to the fantastic volunteers that helped out with the BBQ at the Hemel match – well done all, ensuring our fans were well fed!

Moving on here is a brief and summary update of some other activity:

• The STAND UP FOR WEALDSTONE (‘SUFW’) campaign got off to a great start and we have around 70 donors already. We need many more though and please do remember that all donations will go toward the playing budget that, as you will all be aware, is by far our largest expense. Check out the website for updates as donations came in

• We are continuing to improve our match day operations and we are grateful to new our volunteers stepping forward – we always need more help so see me or Hughie Marshall if you want to get involved. You will see the St John Ambulance staff at more matches as well as we review and improve our support services.

• I am working with UCFB

(Wembley) to look at a supporter survey and other activities after the students return to Uni

• UPCOMING EVENT: ‘AN EVENING WITH KERRY DIXON’– now confirmed for Saturday November 4th at 8pm with a Fish & Chip Supper. Tickets will be on sale soon at £25. Ticket purchase info will be announced soon. Put it into your diary (yes we know we are away at Dartford!). This is a WFCSC led event – thanks to all committee colleagues

• The London Economic website are now posting our match reports and some press releases which will further add to our younger age group reach

• As a result of a league directive all matches are now being filmed by all clubs

• Our SEASON TICKET CAMPAIGN has now ended with an over 500 take up. Thank you all for helping to make this project so successful. A very few left uncollected – see Alan Hill by the turnstiles at todays match.

• We continue our commercial activity and you will see more board advertising etc put in place soon - our grateful thanks to PJ and Mike Kane. We have a new major Sponsor for the new seated stand - EL PIRATA RESTAURANT – much more on this soon! Look out for the ad in today’s programme.

That’s all for now - see you at the FA Cup match!

Nick DuGard

NICK DUGARD

General Managers notes

SUPPORTERS CLUB Adam Edwards

Good afternoon one and all and welcome to The Vale for today’s games

versus Bognor & Poole. We trust every fan has a pleasant stay here with us in the heart of Middlesex and also has time to share a drink with the supporters in the clubhouse after the game. Twenty-two (ish) years ago we played Molesey on the North London Poly playing fields on a warm summers evening. We won 4-0 in a game of three halves and it marked the dawn of a new era. The previous few years could not be forgotten soon enough with the hundreds of different players turning out in the blue and white quarters, coupled with the reasonably regular changes in managers and grounds. This was the start of the Gordon Bartlett reign and to a 14-year-old everything seemed exciting, new and the season could not start soon enough. On that night, attended by the usual core of diehard fans (who were all still fresh faced and sporting a lot less grey hair, or in some cases hair) everyone was curious and sporting nervous smiles. I remember a rather well-dressed, yet huge Steve Croad turned up in a suit straight from work whilst the game was underway. He promptly walked along the line of assembled fans shaking old and young hands proudly stating he was our new

skipper. My Dad also reckons Fergie Moore in typical fashion introduced himself to us all that night as the new Stuart Pearce of Wealdstone (no wonder he has always been so loved in the Edwards household). These were the days when my brother and I begged Dad as soon as

he got in from work to take us to some pointless friendly. I can still remember the excitement as we drove to the game. New management, new players, new teams to play every week, new home ground. The Harrow Observer couldn’t drop through the door soon enough to see what else had changed and who we had signed. Well as we all know a few weeks ago that reign finally came to an end. It marked the final severing of my childhood and while that is hard for me to take, there will be those 14-year-old Stones fans out there now who will be looking on this change just like I did all those years ago. There will be others in this programme that will be able to pay Gordon far better tributes than me, but all I will say that as a 14-year-old then or 37-year-old now Gordon has been… and is still my absolute hero and I thank him for taking this kid on a great adventure for those 22 years.

The NEW WFCSC - 2018 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Wealdstone FC Supporters Club and as such we have decided it is time to update the supporters club badge. What better inspiration can there be than an updated version of the original 1958 crest. Available to purchase online and in store you will find

a few items of clothing that proudly display this new crest. We have female & male sizes. You do not have to be a member of the supports club to purchase these items. We have started with a few quartered designs, as well as some smart drill tops for now. Please watch out over the coming weeks and months as we hope to release more items throughout the season.

Social Megastore – Don’t forget to check out our various Megastore digital platforms. The Megastore is now on Facebook (Wealdstone FC SC MegaStore) & Instagram (WfcMegastore) & Youtube (WFCSCMegastore) and of course the website wfcmegastore.co.uk. If you want to know all the latest Megastore news about product releases then these are your best place to start.

Travel – The next planned supporters coach is hopefully Bath City away on the 23rd Sept so please see Victor Klarfeld who will take you bookings. He is usually available around the ground, but can often be found at half time in the Megastore ready to take you name and contact details for coach bookings

Golden Girl – Mim will be selling Golden Goals just inside the ground for your chance to scoop an extra £50 for the first goal scored or £10 for the last goal. If you are lucky enough to win pop into the Megastore at the end of the game to collect your prize from Mim. Come on you Stones and don’t forget to bring your wallets.

Adam

Welcome to Wealdstone

LUKE WILLIAMS

KAID MOHAMED

STEPHANE NGAMVOLOU

ALAN O’BRIEN

MATT DAY

Alan has signed from newly promoted Chippenham Town.Former full Ireland International O’Brien , 32, started his career at Newcastle United and has enjoyed a long career in professional football. His clubs include Hibernian, Swindon Town and Yeovil Town. He linked up with Bobby Wilkinson at Hungerford Town in 2012 and stayed for 5 seasons before moving to Chippenham Town.

Stephane, 28, a tall and imposing box to box player, was born in Paris, France and in his formative years trained as a goalkeeper due to his height. He made over 40 appearances for French side Romorantin before moving to England in 2013 to progress his footballing career.After various trials with clubs he eventually settled at the then National League South side Staines Town before moving to Farnborough and then Whitehawk. He then journeyed North with successful loan spells for several National League sides before Wilkinson brought him to Hungerford Town.

JERMAINE OSEIYoung attacking midfielder/forward Jermaine Osei has experience at Hampton & Richmond Borough, Margate and Bishops Stortford and is signed on non-contract terms.

Matt is an imposing centre-back and is brought in from Bobby’s Wilkinson’s former club Hungerford Town. The highly experienced 29-year-old began his career at Portsmouth but didn’t make the breakthrough on the south coast, leaving Fratton Park for Oxford United in 2006. At Oxford, though, Day enjoyed a successful three-year spell, making 79 League appearances before departing for a short stay at Eastleigh. Day moved on to Hungerford in 2010 and went on to establish himself as the defensive anchor in Wilkinson’s side over the past five years.

Luke also joins from Hungerford Town, Williams has been described as a midfield wizard. He made 100 appearances for Hayes & Yeading United before joining the Crusaders in 2016 and has subsequently been a hugely influential player for Hungerford. Williams is renowned for his fitness, work rate and his ability to run at players, delivering the final ball to excellent effect. The 27-year-old has also appeared for Margate FC.

Kaid 33, is an experienced winger who has plenty of EFL experience. He spent the early part of his career in Welsh football and came to prominence in the 2006–07 season, scoring two goals for Carmarthen in their Welsh Cup final victory. He left Carmarthen and was handed a professional contract by Swindon Town in June 2007. From Swindon he was loaned out to Torquay United, and then transferred to Forest Green Rovers. Moving to Bath City he helped the Romans to win promotion at the end of the 2009–10 season, scoring the only goal of the play-off final. He left Bath for AFC Wimbledon in March 2011, and played for the Dons in their Play-Off Final victory. He signed with Cheltenham Town in June 2011, and played in two unsuccessful League Two play-off campaigns before transferring to Port Vale in June 2013. Mohamed then had several loan spells in the EFL including Bristol Rovers in January 2014, before moving to Stones league rivals Weston-super-Mare.

THIS ISSUE EE REMINDS US OF OUR RECENT HISTORY AND THE CORRECT USE OF THE WORD LEGEND

BY SUDHIR RAWAL

When I threw out on twitter that I was going to write an article

on Gordon Bartlett and only had around a thousand or so words to use, the response was that I only needed one, legend. In footballing parlance, probably the most over used word in the most inappropriate circumstances. A Johnny come lately who has played a few matches is labelled as one, just because he has worn the shirt of the club. In my forty plus years of watching Wealdstone, there are probably only three players that really justify that label: George Duck, despite later playing for a darts team, was a finisher extraordinaire during the seventies and still the club’s highest goal scorer; Stuart Pearce needs no introduction being the greatest player that the club has ever produced; whilst Alan Cordice is my favourite player even to don a Wealdstone shirt. He was the fulcrum of our Southern League triple and then onto to the double and a gentleman to boot. That’s not to say that there aren’t other players that don’t very nearly reach that level, but truly, a club legend should be few and far between, the sort of person

that statutes are erected for or stands named after. Gordon stands in that exulted company.

As our supporter base has grown so much since we have arrived at the Vale, it is sometimes appropriate to remind people the state of the club when GB arrived. We had just ended two years of a disastrous spell of groundsharing at Yeading’s Warren ground. Our first season at the Warren had seen the worst team in Wealdstone history, where relegation was only averted because of financial problems elsewhere, and though the second year had seen some improvement, our average crowds there were only 196 and 192. To reduce costs, Wealdstone took a forced demotion to Isthmian League division three and were about to enter our third different ground share since leaving Lower Mead. On a positive note, the new stadium was two years away (and we are still waiting) and we had just banked shy of a million pounds from a legal claim against the solicitors involved in the sale of Lower Mead. On the back of this, directors Layne Patterson and Graham Sharpe sought out an up and coming management team at Yeading, who had already reached two

and won one FA Vase finals, in Gordon Bartlett and Leo Morris and then the persuasive charm of chairman Paul Rumens finally sealed the deal as they became manager and assistant at the White Lion Ground, Edgware, where Stones were now in situ.

Over the next twenty years, Wealdstone won four promotions, a non-promotion due to ground issues, reached the first round of the FA Cup twice and the semi-finals of the F A Trophy. Only in around five seasons, did we finish in a worst position that the previous one. In the background there has been the continual disappointment of not having a new stadium, probably the greatest betrayal for the management team and supporters alike and only when we arrived at the Vale did we have a permanent home ground. During that time there have been the normal footballing ups and downs and there will have been occasions where at other clubs, under different boards, the management team’s time would have ended sooner than it did. Equally there were occasions when Gordon and Leo had, on paper, lucrative offers to manage at other clubs, with better facilities and further up the food chain, but those, for a variety of reasons, were not

JEROME OKIMO He’s back at The Vale, though possibly not as fresh faced as he

appears in this 2013 squad picture

taken up. Loyalty does and has worked in both ways. Once we arrived at the Vale, as Gordon always said it would, the club has gone from strength to strength, taking over, developing always said it would, the club has gone from strength to strength, taking over, developing and growing the youth section at the Manor, integrating a women’s section and evolving a ramshackle footballing facility into a decent football ground with a fine playing surface. In truth, creating a football club rather than a vagabond travelling circus. Gordon developed links with neighbouring professional clubs that has enabled us, particularly with Watford, access to a number of players that have gone onto a career in the pro game, as well as links with local schools that has cemented the club in the local community. I have also seen GB working in his day job, as a sports teacher at Alpha Prep when my boys came up against him in the Hindes Road prep school derby verses Quainton Hall. The care and attention that this was afforded was as you would expect and no different to dealing with a semi professional football club.

When Gordon took over our average crowd was 192, it now stands at nearly 900. The club was on its knees and he was instrumental in bringing the club to the edge of the Conference National from the fifth tier of non-league football. He did that with decency, humility and honesty. His word was his bond. As a football club, we did things properly. From a players’ perspective, wages were paid on time and the amount that it should have been, which is not always the case at other clubs.

He managed to attract players for lower wages because of how the club operated and he sold them the dream of playing at football. His reputation about how he goes about his business is unrivalled and the messages from other clubs, former players and fellow managers was a test of the high regard in which he was held in. If he decides that he still has a hunger to manage, he’s not going to be short of offers.

Life is all about renewal. A football club cannot stand still and those of us that operate in the cut and thrust of the corporate world know that change is constant. A football club is not any different and to progress sometimes painful decisions have to be made to move to the next level. Those decisions may not always work, as a club for many years we have taken the safe and conservative option when maybe a risk or two should/could have been taken. It was probably time for a different approach; a change of voices being heard and I say that with a very heavy heart. GB had been manager for half the time that I have supported the club, my boys know no other manager at this august football club.

As an organisation, we owe Gordon a debt of gratitude that it is immeasurable. It would be fitting if the new

stand were named after him to honour his contribution to the club. As I said legend is bandied around in football willy nilly, but with Gordon and his contribution to Wealdstone it is wholly appropriate.

SUD

ELMSLIE ENDER

ON A PEDESTAL STAND BY FOR A FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE

WEALDSTONE v BOGNOR/POOLEFAN IN THE STAND

Name: Doug McLeanWhere do you live: Rick-mansworth for 17 years - originally from the west coast of Scotland, moved to England 23 years ago!Are you working (and where?) Yes! I was manager of a butch-ery department within Costco Wholesale for 20 years, and recently changed my role within the company to Re-ceiving clerk/Forklift driver... this has worked out to be pretty handy as it means I can get to watch more Stones games away from home. First Stones game attended? Bath City in 2014 I think - we unfortunately got beat 2-1 with Michael Malcolm scoring for us.What or who persuaded you to become a Stones fan? My son Scott he joined one of the youth football teams here and he and his grandad went to watch the first team play... I tagged along and became hooked! The standard of football is pretty good, the passion of the supporters is incredible. Real fans who love the club, who have standards and expect those standards, passion and desire from the players to give their all at all times.Do you follow any other team? Glasgow Rangers, plus I have a wee soft spot for Arse-nal. There’s been a connection be-tween the two clubs since the 1930s, maybe even longer as Rangers actually owned shares in Arsenal way back in the early 1900s! Ar-

But there is an unfortunate end to this for when Rangers were taken over by Craig White in 2012 he put them into adminis-tration as he hadn’t been paying the PAYE tax to HMRC - and the b****r had sold the 14 shares for £250,000 which were not his to

Continued overpage

It’s Doug

McLean Doug’s got a beard to be feared..but only

if you criticise Stones or a Scottish team also in blue!

senal were struggling financially and Rangers loaned them £2.00, and in return they gave Rangers some shares.. and when Arsenal were on sound footing in the 1930s they doubled Rangers’ share holding to 14 as a goodwill gesture to say thank you for their good deed!

IBROX ROCKS Rangers’ remodelled stadium as it is today and (right) the infamous Stairway 13 where 66 fans lost their lives in the 1971 disaster

UP FOR THE CUP Doug gets stuck

into a brew at The Vale.

Pic: Alan Palmer

WEALDSTONE v BOGNOR/POOLEFAN IN THE STAND

sell , A piece of football history gone for one mans greed!Do you prefer lower-League football? Be honest! Yes I do as Premier League football is pricing the working man out of the game. I’d also rather watch 22 guys out there playing for the love of the game rather than a £300,000 a week powder-puff player who falls over at the slightest shoulder chal-lenge. I also like the fact I can chat with the players when they are on the sidelines and most of the time they seem to like to hear your feedback on the team.How do you fit watching foot-ball, and Wealdstone, into your family/working life? My whole family are football mad between Wealdstone,Rangers and Arsenal - if Rangers or Arsenal are on TV the same time as the Stones are playing it will get recorded and off to the game we go - you can’t beat being at a live game, I get most Saturday’s off work so no probs!Most memorable game/s you’ve EVER seen? August 27 1988: Rangers 5 Celtic 1. Celtic took the lead through Frank Mcaven-nie early in the match, Rangers equalised through McCoist and then there was “The Goal Made In England”... from a throw in on the right in line with 18 yard line from Gary Stevens , a flick on from big Terry Butcher and it dropped to Ray Wilkins about 20 yards out who blasted it on the volley in to the goalkeepers top right hand corner! McCoist scored the third, Kevin Drinkell got the 4th and Mark Walters got the 5th.... what a game ! And most memorable Wealdstone game, and moment? I’ve got two, and both from last season - first-ly Ricky Wellard scoring that amazing goal up in South-port... we drove to the game coming back down from Scotland and the happiness and elation of winning that match was out of this world. Then the FA Trophy match away to Wingate and Finchley

Rangers)... I could say Wembley or the Emirates but Ibrox comes out on top as it is a modern all seated stadium, 55,500 capacity with the stands brought right in so the crowd is right on top of the pitch. It also has managed to still incorporate the old brick facade into the modern arena intially built by Archibald Leitch. Building work started at Ibrox in 1978, seven years after the Ibrox disaster in 1971 when 66 people lost their lives due to being crushed when leaving the stadium on stairway 13. The new stadium was based on Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion and work was completed around 1982 - later on a third tier was added to the main stand and the corners filled in. Most new stadiums look like Meccano, they have no soul and no atmosphere as the fans are too far away from the action and you lose your heritage!Where do you like to stand (or sit) at the Vale? Behind goal that The Stones are attacking.How does the current pro-gramme compare with others you see? Its a superb pro-gramme! Great read! I quickly learned not to buy the others...Any articles or features that you’d like to see? Better player profiles, Maybe highlight the hard work of the many volun-teers at the club and what each employee does at the club!What has been the most read-able/least readable Fan in the Stand so far? They are all good as people take the time to do this.What do you think of the bars and catering at The Vale? Any beers or food you’d like to be added? Roadcrew ale “Motorhead”,What’s your Wealdstone claim to fame? Tweeting Vin-nie Jones to f*** *ff for not com-ing to the Wealdstone anniversary lunch after he was spotted at the live Watford game on the TV!Finally, where do you see the

club in five years’ time? Hope-fully in the Conference National.

and Danny Green’s 120th minute free kick. I think it was about 20 yards out

on the keepers left hand side - he struck it and it snuck in at the keeper’s bottom near post, It was inch perfect! I had a great view just behind the goal... I tell you it’s non league but we do see some amazing goals!What really gets your goat watching football? People not watching the game and talking about irrelevant s**t nothing to do with football, and maybe talking about their fu@%&*n shopping!Have you ever played the game yourself (to any level) and most memorable moments ? No! Just for some work teams!Favourite current Wealdstone line-up? North, Oshodi, Hill, Brown, Sellers, Wellard, Cox, Whichelow, Eisa, Teryaki and Benyon. A 4,3,1,2 formation and Dan Fitchett if Mustafa doesn’t sign.Favourite all-time Stones line-up? I don’t have one as I think we get better every season over the last four to five years although there could still be room in the team for (Hollywood) Scott Davies!Best away trips to watch football? Southport was a great day! Along with Rangers’ UEFA Cup final in Manchester in 2008. 250,000 supporters took over the city WATP!Best non-League ground you’ve visited? St Albans and Bath - I love the big terraces.Best stadium you’ve EVER vis-ited? Ibrox stadium (Glasgow

PROPER FANS Doug and the rest of the McLean clan get behind the

Stones at Poole last year

Welcome to The Vale the very dedicated and successful Help for Heroes fundraiser and Stones fan Chief Petty Officer Andy “Gibbo” Gibbs and the team he leads who have raised £523,000

Gibbo along with Georgina Crumpton formed the brand Doing

it for Heroes (DIFH) in June 2011 and their first sports ground collection was at Wealdstone when Margate visited The Vale in August 2011. This achievement is even more impressive when you consider Gibbo is a full time serving sailor in the Royal Navy and during this period of fund raising has been deployed around the globe on numerous deployments for many months.We asked Gibbo a few questions on Monday afternoon before the

draw against Hemel.How did this all start Gibbo?? “Whilst sat on a beach in 2008 returning from a 7 month deployment me and my oppo, Chas decided we were going to do “a little something” for Help for Heroes. Obviously this was discussed over a beer, as no great plans are hatched over a salad and a glass of water. We planned a walk from Glasgow to Edinburgh carrying the iconic Help for Heroes stretcher. At the time we were both serving on HMS Edinburgh and it seemed a fitting walk as the ship was visiting Glasgow before Heading to Edinburgh. I never expected a little walk nearly 9 years ago

to start something which has grown and grown to where we are now. The first walk raised £14,000 and was the hook that got me involved in raising money for Heroes.Why Help for Heroes?It is simple when you see how much good the money does it just drives you on to carry on and get bigger and better. This was clearly seen at last year Paralympic Games in Rio and will be seen again during the forth coming Invictus Games. There’s no better sight than seeing people that I raise money for and have met personally lifting gold medals for Team GB.How do you raise over £500,000 for charity?Since 2011 we have conducted the following collections, 44 football matches, 31 train and tube station collections, 24 rugby matches, 23 concert Venues, 5 cricket matches, 187 collections in pubs pre large sporting events, and I have walked 1215 miles which equates to roughly 1,677,000 steps.What has been your single biggest collection?In June last year we collected pre AC/DC at the London Stadium and raised £8,200 with 8 people collecting for 3 hours.Most memorable moment?Passing £500,000 earlier this year and being able to say the next £1 donated was dropped in our bucket at The Vale when we

JEROME OKIMO He’s back at The Vale, though possibly not as fresh faced as he

appears in this 2013 squad picture

collected here pre Chelmsford last season. Followed by receiving a standing ovation at Upton Park after being awarded my Point of Light award from David Cameron which was presented to me by David Gold pre West Ham V West Brom. Worst collection and why?There have been a few when you wonder if you have the right day as its so quiet and some when you wish you did have the wrong day. One of those was Baker Street outside the Globe Pub with Grimsby fans in the pouring rain when one of the fans decided to throw a flare, which stopped right by my foot and ruined a whole side of my uniform. That was a short collection, 15 minutes in total.Most famous person you have had a coffee with?In the football world it must be the late Gary Speed MBE who always made time to talk to me

and the team when we were in Wales planning events. Closely followed by Wayne Rooney as he ran on the pitch in Cardiff he took the time to stop and ask “how are the feet” after we had walked the match ball from Wembley to Cardiff.

Other sporting stars who have taken time to talk to us over the years is quite long, but I would highlight the recent walk and talking rugby with Alun-Wyn Jones and Sam Warburton was pretty high up there. What’s next Gibbo?We aim to keep the total ticking over through the season with various collection around Wembley pre Spurs games and also the forth coming NFL.What about this Wealdstone season?Hopefully watching more games is on the agenda. I am

working with the club and new management to involve the real hero that is Simon Brown to deliver one of his motivational speeches to the team. Maybe, Simon could deliver one to the supporters club to redefine hope!!!Finally Gibbo, we know you have been in the programme before, will there be another salmon and ecru fashion clash on Saturday?I promise after the grief I got last season for my fashion statement, I will not be repeating. Saturday I will be suited and booted with shiny medals on show.

You can follow the team on twitter @Teamdifh and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/doingitforheroes

MATCH Sponsors

What better way to celebrate an occasion or advertise your company’s support of Wealdstone?Our comprehensive match day sponsorship involves you or your company in every aspect of the match.To find out more, contact club president Paul Rumens paulrumens59@gmail.com, (07710 929692) or Peter Worby (07967 698370). Specific requests can be negotiated, and prices start from £295 +VAT for four guests.Matchday partner packages are available from £59 per person, and tailor-made packages from five up to 30 persons are available on request.

MATCH SPONSORS

CONCORD RANGERSVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 5th August

FULHAMVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 8th July

HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLEVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHMonday, 14th August

BOGNOR REGIS TOWNVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 9th September

POOLE TOWNVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHMonday, 11th September

CHELMSFORD CITYVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 19th August

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWNVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHMonday, 28th August

WHITEHAWKVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 7th October

In Memory of Karl Schmitt

Ray Corner & Pete Carter

David Leigh

In Memory of Naomi Benveniste

Ian Stapleton

Wealdstone FC Supporters Club

Half Way Line Tea Bar

Miriam Goodman

HUNGERFORD TOWNVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 11th November

ST ALBANS CITYVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 23rd December

TRURO CITYVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 21st October

BRAINTREE TOWNVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 2nd December

Martin &Syl Allen

In memory ofDerek Reader

In memory ofJohn Jones

Tony Platt

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MATCH Sponsors

EAST THURROCK UNITEDVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 31st March

WELLING UNITEDVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 3rd February

DARTFORDVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 17th February

OXFORD CITYVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 3rd March

BATH CITYVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 7th April

CHIPPENHAM TOWNVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 21st April

WESTON-SUPER-MAREVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 27th January

GLOUCESTER CITYVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 13th January

HAMPTON & RICHMONDVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHMonday, 1st January

EASTBOURNE BOROUGHVANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTHSaturday, 17th March

• 4 admission tickets, each with a seat in the directors’ area of the main stand• 4 match day programmes• Full hospitality prior, during (half time) and after the match in the board room • You or your organisation’s name featured prominently here in the programme• You or your organisation’s name announced over the PA to the crowd• You or your organisation’s name featuring prominently on the club website leading up to the game• A meeting with the manager post match• A memento of your special day.• Your nomination of the ‘man of the match’ announced over the PA at full time.• Your picture taken in the boardroom with your chosen man of the match.

HERE’S WHAT MATCH SPONSORS GET:

Martin Seacombe

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Preston Manor Century Boys

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In Memory of Steve Pegg

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Torben Prestwich – For all the volunteers at WFC

Mark Lloyd – inmemory of Ian Spicer ProKit UK