thamesmead town v hendon

THE MEADTHE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF THAMESMEAD TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB 2013/14

£2.00

vs. HENDONSaturday 10th August 2013 Ryman Premier League Kick-Off: 3pm

Match Sponsor

The Mead v Hendon 03

Company Director: Keith McMahonCompany Director: Paul Bowden-BrownCompany Secretary: Paul Bowden-Brown

HONOURABLE POSITIONS

Club President: Albert PantingVice-Presidents: Peter Tierney & Keith Dunsmore

CLUB OFFICIALSFOOTBALL COMMITTEE

Chairman: Terry HillVice-Chairman: Alan MartinSecretary: Dave JoyYouth Secretary: Paul TurnerMarketing & Communications: Mike GreenMatchday Press Officer: Colin Mair

Club Photographer: Louisa CoulthurstBoardroom Hospitality: Sue DingwellWelfare Officer: Paul TurnerWebsite Editor: Colin Mair

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

Senior Manager: Keith McMahonAssistant Manager: Steve WaitSenior Coaches: Peter Deadman & Ray BagnallPhysio: Alan WoodwardU21s Manager: Andy WeeksU18s Manager: Mark PaineU16s Manager: Danny HarrisU15s Manager: Spencer JonesU14s Manager: Alan PorterU12s Manager: Keith Medlen

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

Daniel ParkerDuplexity Artworkwww.duplexity.co.ukTel: 07748 536 306

THAMESMEAD TOWN FCBayliss Avenue, Thamesmead,

London, SE28 8NJTel: 0208 311 4211

WELCOME TO

SPORTING CLUBTHAMESMEAD

15Feature InterviewMead boss Keith McMahon gives an exclusive chat in today’s three-page feature interview on an historic day for the club.

04 The Chairman

07 The Boardroom

08 In Opposition: Hendon

13 The Green Door

27 Action Replay: Waltham Forest

30 Next Up: Met Police

FROM THE EDITOR...Welcome to Sporting Club Thamesmead for what should be a momentous occasion for the Mead, with the club playing their debut game in the Ryman Premier League.

There has been a lot of hard work over the summer months to create the fantastic facility we now have here at Sporting Club Thamesmead, whilst Keith has been busy moulding his squad for an assault on new territory on the pitch.

This afternoon we welcome Gary McCann’s Hendon side who, having finished in a very respectable mid-table position last season, ought to provide Keith and the lads with a good yardstick with which to measure their progress.

Enjoy the game and we’re back in action here in ten days’ time as we welcome Met Police for a midweek fixture - we hope to see you back then.

BEST OF THE REST...

CONTENTS

THE MEADTHE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF THAMESMEAD TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB 2013/14

£2.00

vs. HENDONSaturday 10th August 2013 Ryman Premier League Kick-Off: 3pm

Match Sponsor

04 The Mead v Hendon

FROM THE CHAIRMAN:

TERRYHILL

Good afternoon everyone and, firstly, can I welcome the directors, players and supporters of Hendon Football Club - I hope you have a pleasant afternoon with us and I wish you a safe journey home.

Well, this is it - our first ever game in the Ryman Premier Leage. A big thanks must go to Keith, his backroom staff and the players for their achievement in winning a thrilling play-off final against Maldon & Tiptree at the end of last season.

As I have said before, for a little club like ours this is a massive achievement for us, and presents us with a step into the unknown. We are in with the big boys now and, hopefully, we can

surprise a few along the way. Our aim is to obviously consolidate and to do ourselves proud.

Unfortunately, we are to be without our captain Lew Tozer this afternoon who is suspended for the first two games but, nevertheless, Keith has added to his squad this season and if we show the strength and commitment as we always do then I am sure that we will be ok.

We have settled in quite nicely now at our new home of Sporting club Thamesmead, although we still have a few teething problems as you would imagine with a new stadium being built but, as you can see when you look around, the stadium is very impressive.

Please also accept my apologies for the car parking this afternoon, but this is the last piece in the jigsaw to be finished.

I am even hoping that by the time you read this it has been completed!

Although the ground was originally ours, it is now owned by Trust Thamesmead who we the club are in partnership with.

I would just like to finish by mentioning Keith, Paul and the committee for all of their hard work during the closed season - thank you!

Enjoy the game,Terry

“For a little club like ours this is a massive achievement for us, and presents us with a

step into the unknown”

THE CHAIRMAN


FROM THE DUGOUT:

KEITHMcMAHON“We will have to be up for it as if we don’t

play well in this division then we won’t win - it is as simple as that”

Good afternoon and welcome to Bayliss Avenue for today’s game against Hendon, and may I take this opportunity in welcoming Gary McCann and his team this afternoon - I hope you enjoy your short stay with us and I hope you have a safe journey home afterwards.

The season has finally arrived after the last six weeks of pre-season, and there’s a buzz as we get ready for our first season ever in the Ryman Premier Division.

It has just been perfect timing with us getting promotion and then moving into the new Sporting Club Thamesmead facilities. The club does deserve its good fortune at the moment as things have been an uphill battle over the years, but now we are finally getting settled into our new surroundings, we can start concentrating on things in the pitch.

Pre-season has been a bit up and down as always and I’ve added a lot of new players to last year’s squad. Jon Main, Michael Power, Theo Fairweather-Johnson, Daniel Ailey, George Wilson, John Scarborough, Callum McGeehan and Stanley Muguo have all joined us, along with a new U21s side. I welcome you all to the club and I know you will enjoy your time with us.

As I said, pre-season has been a bit up and down. I don’t get carried away

and panic over pre-season as it’s just a time for players to get fit and get minutes under their belts. We have had some good performances and some indifferent ones but, all in all, I’ve been fairly happy with what I have seen. I know this season is going to be very tough for us so I had to try and strengthen the squad and I think I have done that. To get the calibre of some of the players that we have now just goes to show how far the club has moved on.

When players came down to see what the club had to offer they were blown away by the new facilities. The club has a very bright future and if we continue to move forward and grow with our landlords, the Thamesmead Trust, then the community will have a football club that everyone will be proud of.

There has been a lot of work on and off the pitch in the close season but I do want to make a special mention to our groundsman Keith who is unfortunately leaving us today.

Keith has worked really hard over the eight or so years he has worked here and we have a close relationship, taking great pride in our pitch. Again, he’s done a fantastic job for us this season to produce a pitch that we are proud of, so I wish him all the best in his retirement and I will miss our early morning chats, but hopefully he will still pop down to see us in the future.

With all the good things going on around the club we still need to focus on the most important thing and that is the football on the pitch.

Today, we make history for the club again when we play our first every game in the Ryman Premier Division. It has been a great achievement from everyone at the club to get here, as we’re only a small club with a big heart, but we have shown other small clubs that it is possible to achieve this.

Now that we are there we don’t just want to enjoy the ride. My job is to make sure that, firstly, we survive in the division and then secondly, that we are competitive and want to push on.

Today’s game will be a really tough test for us Hendon are an established Ryman Premier Division side and I am sure Gary will have his own ambitions for the season. It will be a good yardstick for how tough this league is but, like me, I am sure the players will be up for the task.

We will have to be as this division isn’t as forgiving as the Ryman North Division. If we don’t play well in this league then we won’t win. It’s as simple as that, but if we can perform to our highest level then I am sure we can get off to a good start.

Enjoy the game,The Gaffer

THE MANAGER

www.macron.com

MACRON OFFICIAL BENCH WEAR SUPPLIER TO THE RYMAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER.


FROM THE BOARDROOM:

PAULBOWDEN-BROWN“I’d invite you to join our club’s celebrations today - a special day and, hopefully, a good

game of football will be played”

THE BOARDROOM

May I welcome the directors, officials and players of Hendon FC to our new stadium, Sporting Club Thamesmead, and I hope after your short stay and some refreshments you all have a safe journey home.

Today is another momentous occasion within our club’s history, all due to firstly winning promotion to the Ryman Premier through the play-offs and, secondly, moving into the long awaited stadium.

I’ve only been involved with the club since September as a Director although I have visited here many times as a visiting Director together with my team, and there is one thing I can honestly confirm - whenever I ever visited here I always found a warm welcome and a very competitive game of football.

Although we have had to restructure the club to accommodate the promotion and to secure the future of the club, you can be assured there will still be the same warm welcome and always a very competitive game - something I hope will never change.

One of the reasons that I decided to join Keith last year when he asked for my help with the financial side of

the club, was the unity of everyone associated from the committee through to the managers and players.

It was clear that despite whatever problems they had encountered with constant delays and promises to complete the stadium over the past five years, there was a genuine feeling of accomplishment and perseverance to overcome anything that was thrown their way.

I believed that there was a foundation to build on for a secure future for the club as a result of the previous hard work of both Keith and his loyal committee; working through troubles that better men than I have met during twenty-five years within football would have walked away from.

But they got on with ensuring that the club was still here for its members and the community - one thing for sure is that we are truly a community club.

So I would invite you to join all of us in our club’s celebrations today - a special day for many and, hopefully, a good game of football will be played in the spirit the game deserves.

However, let’s remember that without the perseverance and bloody-mindedness of Keith and his loyal committee members, there may not have been a club to play within this fine stadium today.

Kind Regards,Paul Bowden-BrownDirector


IN OPPOSITION:

HENDON“Gary McCann will be hoping that his

Hendon side are capable of building on their tenth place finish & mounting a challenge”

Following a successful second half to the campaign last time out, Gary McCann will be hoping that his Hendon side are capable of building on their tenth place finish and mounting a serious promotion push this time around.

It’s been a positive pre-season for the Greens, with their only defeat at the time of writing a 4-1 defeat at newly-relegated Barnet.

Four wins and two draws in their other six friendlies has seen the side bag an average of two goals a game, but McCann knows there remains work to be done on his team following the defeat at the Hive.

“I don’t think the score is an unfair reflection of the match,” he accepted. “But we were much better in the

second half and Lee O’Leary was outstanding.

“Even if we focus on the negative of the first half display, it shows that we have something we can work on.”

George Bowerman, Brandon Horner, Aaron Morgan, Chris Seeby and Tony Taggart have all been added to the Greens’ squad this summer, along with an experienced head in the form of thirty-four year old Jefferson Louis.

The striker has spent plenty of time in the Football League with Oxford, Bristol Rovers, and Mansfield Town, as well as appearing for Wrexham, Crawley and Lincoln during his well-travelled career, and McCann will be hoping that his experience can help lead the line for Hendon this season.

LIKELY LINE-UP

FACT FILE

1 Berkley Laurencin, 2 Brandon Horner, 3 Scott Cousins, 4 Sam Flegg, 5 Carl

McCluskey, 6 Casey Maclaren, 7 Dean Cracknell, 8 Lee O’Leary,

9 Jefferson Louis, 10 Anthony Thomas, 11 Tony Taggart

Nickname: The Greens

Founded: 1908

Ground: Earlsmead Stadium

Chairman: Simon Lawrence

Manager: Gary McCann

Last Season: 10th

1

43 5 2

118 6

7

10 9

IN OPPOSITION


Hendon are now into their fourth season under the ownership of its supporters, following their takeover of the club in the summer of 2010.

Last season the club reached a milestone season as it was the 50th consecutive season that the club has played in the top division of the Isthmian League, with the highlight being a run to the first round of the FA Cup where the squad put in a superb performance despite losing 2-1 at Aldershot Town. The highlight of the game was the cracking goal scored by Dean Cracknell that gave the Greens the lead.

Gary McCann and the squad are very keen to build on the very positive second half of the season where the club finished 10th in the league.

The club has an illustrious and proud history, and the club was formed in 1908, beginning its existence as Christchurch Hampstead. In the very first season, the club finished as Champions of the Finchley & District League Third Division. There was regular success in the early years, but not before the first of four name changes!

Ahead of the 1909-10 season, the club renamed itself as Hampstead Town, and immediately won the Second Division title, and the First Division title followed a year later. Further successes followed as the club entered sides in both the London and Middlesex Leagues, and on the back of this, the club was elected into the Athenian League in 1914, reaching the top end of the amateur game just 6 years into the club’s existence.

Just 2 games were played in the

1914-15 season due to the outbreak of war, but in their eventual debut season in 1919-20, the club finished a highly creditable fourth. The club finished runners-up in 1929, 1933, 1948, 1949 and 1952, before eventually winning the title in 1953. Further titles followed in 1956 and 1961.

The second renaming of the club came in 1926, when the suffix Town was dropped and the club was simply called Hampstead, followed by a change of name to Golders Green in 1933. The final name change came in 1946 when the club became known as Hendon.

There was a previous club called Hendon that reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup in 1883, and in 1932 the old Hendon club met Hampstead in two friendlies, the second of which was to raise funds for the old Hendon club, which sadly ceased to exist a few years later.

In 1963, the club were accepted into the Isthmian League and this is where the club has stayed ever since, always playing in the top division. Success continued as they finished runners-up in their first season, followed by the first of two Championships a year later. A further title followed in 1973, with 1966 and 1974 seeing the club finish second. Indeed, in their first 11 seasons in the Isthmian League, Hendon never finished lower than 6th. Since the the club has had both good and bad seasons in the league, and in 2006 the club was reprieved from relegation due to Canvey Island taking a voluntary relegation of three levels from Conference National.

During the amateur era, the club reached the final of the FA Amateur

Cup no less than 5 times, winning the final in 1960 (against Kingstonian), 1965 (against Whitley Bay) and 1972 (against Enfield) and losing in 1955 (against Bishop Auckland) and 1966 (against Wealdstone).

FA Cup success has been enjoyed by the club throughout its history.

As well as 21 appearances in the first round, including this season at Aldershot Town, there have been 6 appearances in the second round (most recently in 1999-2000 at Blackpool) and one appearance in the third round in January 1974 which saw the Greens draw 1-1 at Newcastle United before losing the replay 4-0 at Vicarage Road (the home ground of Watford FC).

The club has also seen plenty of success in county cups, winning the Middlesex Senior Cup no less than 15 times out of 27 final appearances, as well as winning the Middlesex Charity Cup 14 times. The London Senior Cup has been won on four occasions, with a further 11 appearances as losing finalists.

The club moved into its famous Claremont Road ground in 1926, with the first game being an FA Cup tie against Berkhamsted Town that took place on 18th September with Hendon winning 4-3. The final game was played 82 years later, almost to the day, on 20th September 2008 when local rivals Wealdstone were the visitors, and the Stones ran out 4-1 winners.

Since leaving Claremont Road, the club spent four years groundsharing with Wembley FC, and from the beginning of the 2013/14 season are now groundsharing at Harrow Borough’s Earlsmead ground.

CLUB HISTORY

IN OPPOSITION


IN OPPOSITION

Players Player of the Year 2011-12. Skillful midfielder with a wealth of experience who rejoined Hendon in October 2009 from Carshalton Athletic. Scott originally came to the club more than 7 years ago, when he signed at the beginning of the 2003/2004 season from Chelsea, where he had made 27 Reserve Team appearances. Scott’s debut for Hendon came in a 4-1 win over Basingstoke Town in August 2003 at The Camrose. During his first term with Hendon he completed 51 apps, scoring 8 goals before leaving to join St. Albans City (where he spent the next 5 seasons) just before the start of the 2004/2005 season. Recently represented England in the Euro 2012 6-a-side tournament.

SCOTT COUSINS

JACK BENNETTForward who signed in March 2013 following his return from the USA. Previously been with Northwood and North Greenford United.

GEORGE BOWERMANSigned in July 2013 from Wessex League side Blackfield & Langley. Exciting young forward to spent his formative years with Chelsea and Aldershot Town.

ELLIOTT BRATHWAITEStrong defender who joined the club in July 2011 after putting in some impressive performances in friendlies. Began his career in the youth academy at Wycombe Wanderers, before spells at Ashford Town and, most recently, Hampton & Richmond Borough. Unfortunately injured on his debut on the first day of the 2011/12 season, missing the rest of the campaign, but returned to action 13 months later in September 2012.

DEAN CRACKNELLMidfielder signed in June 2012 from Blue Square South side Welling United, where he was in the losing play-off final side against Dartford. Began his career at Northampton Town before having spells at clubs including Aylesbury United and Boreham Wood. Made his debut in the opening game of the season against Margate, and scored his first goal in the FA Cup replay win at Potters Bar Town. Made a name for himself in the FA Cup First Round tie at Aldershot by scoring what was considered by many to be the goal of the round.

DAVE DIEDHIOUDefender/midfielder who joined in the summer of 2008 from Middlesex County League side, Willesden Constantine. Dave originates from French speaking Senegal in West Africa. (Diedhiou is pronounced “Deejoo”). Made his debut from the subs bench in the away league fixture at Sutton United in August 2008 and scored

his first goal for the club in the home league fixture against Wealdstone in Sept 2008. Dave is now very much an important member of the squad.

SAM FLEGGDefender who signed from Thatcham Town in December 2012. Has previously played for Loughborough University and Reading Town. Made his debut in the London Senior Cup tie at Croydon.

BRANDON HORNERYoung defender who signed in July 2013 having come through the youth set up at Watford.

BERKLEY LAURENCINGoalkeeper who signed from Hillingdon Borough in the summer of 2008. Made his debut in August 2008 at Sutton United. Spent much of the 2008/09 season on loan at Wembley gaining valuable experience before returning to the club since when he has become an imposing figure between the sticks.

JEFFERSON LOUISExperienced striker who signed in July 2013 from Brackley Town. Born in Harrow and raised in Harlesden, he began his career with Risborough Rangers and Thame United, before joining Oxford United. Has played for numerous clubs including Bristol Rovers, Stevenage Borough, Mansfield Town, Wrexham, Crawley Town, Lincoln City and Newport County.

CASEY MACLARENTalented defender/midfielder who signed in the summer of 2007 having impressed in the pre-season friendlies. Casey’s debut for Hendon was from the bench in the home league win against Leyton in August 2007. Previously with AFC Wimbledon. Unfortunately, injury kept him out of the team for most of season 2008/09, but fighter that he is, Casey overcame his problems and is once again an integral part of the team.

KEVIN MACLARENYounger brother of Casey, who joined


IN OPPOSITION

Hendon from Walton Casuals prior to the start of the 2008/09 season. Kevin, who has proved himself adept to slot in where required in defence or midfield, made his debut in the 3-0 win over Dartford at Claremont Road in the first league game of 08/09. His exceptional work earned him The Young Player of the Season Award in 2008/09.

MAX McCANNYoung midfielder who is the second of manager Gary McCann’s four sons, signed from Boreham Wood in March 2013. Has had a spell on loan at Hertford Town.

CARL McCLUSKEYMidfielder who joined the club In July 2011 from Bedfont Town and has also appeared for Edgware Town. Made his first Hendon appearance against Concord Rangers on the opening day of the season, and scored his first goal a week later at Carshalton Athletic and was a regular in the side

throughout his first season with the club. Unfortunately his second season has seen his appearances limited due to injury.

GEORGE McCLUSKEYYounger brother of Carl signed in the summer of 2013 from Barnet. Spent a few weeks with the club on work experience terms from Barnet in the 2012/13 season. George plays in defence and made his debut in the FA Cup win over Lewes.

AARON MORGANExciting, hard working striker, who returned to the club in July 2013 from North Greenford United. Originally signed just before the start of the 2010/11 season from Hillingdon Borough. Scored 2 goals on his debut for Hendon against Tooting & Mitcham on his debut at Imperial Fields, and became a regular in the first team squad. Has previously played for Bedfont.

MICHAEL MURRAYMidfield & forward player who came to the club in July 2012 from Uxbridge. Opened his goal account with a fine free kick against Lewes in the FA Cup.

LEE O’LEARYTalented midfielder who rejoined Hendon in October 2008 from Chertsey Town. “Leo”, as he is generally known, originally signed for the club in February 2006 from Brook House, making his debut as sub in the league match against Folkestone Invicta at Claremont Road in the same month. Has had spells away at AFC Wimbledon and Wealdstone as well. Having spent 10 months out injured, made his comeback for AFC Hayes in November 2011, but unfortunately broke down again and missed the rest of the campaign. Has been working hard in rehabilitation and is finally back in contention for a place in the matchday squad.

CHRIS SEEBYEqually at home in defence or midfield, Chris joined the club in June 2013 from St Albans City. It was at the Saints where he began his career, working his way through the ranks to end up playing in the Conference Premier. Has also played for the England National Game XI, and had spells at Northwood and Slough Town.

TONY TAGGARTExperienced midfielder who joined the Greens in June 2013 from Hampton & Richmond Borough. Began his career with Farnborough Town, and went on to play for Barnet, Weymouth, Eastleigh, Newport County, Sutton United and Havant & Waterlooville.

ANTHONY THOMASProven goalscorer who signed in July 2013 from Wingate & Finchley. Previously spent a month on loan from Farnborough in the 2009/10 season. Scored on his debut against Wealdstone.

Experienced striker who began his career at Arsenal, and was with Ashford Town (Middlesex) last season before joining the Greens in August 2011. Had a long career in the Football League including spells at Colchester United, Bradford City, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Barnsley, Grimsby Town, Brentford and Macclesfield Town. Also played in the Conference for Stevenage Borough, Crawley Town and Forest Green Rovers. Made his Hendon debut as a substitute against Concord Rangers on the opening day of the 2011-12 season, and opened his goal account in the August Bank Holiday victory over Harrow Borough.

ISIAH RANKIN

Thamesmead Town are delighted to be involved with the Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day, so enjoy all of the fun that’s on show this afternoon!


THE TREATMENT ROOM:

BEHIND THEGREEN DOOR“It takes a lot for a club like ours to prepare everything for the new season & you are all

part of this Thamesmead family”

THE PHYSIO

The pen pictures are done, the new kit is ready and everything is looking good here at Thamesmead.

It takes a lot for a club like ours to prepare everything ahead of the new season and it also takes a lot to get eleven players out onto the pitch every Saturday!

You are all part of this Thamesmead family and everyone does their best to ensure each matchday goes smoothly, from the preparation work on the

sandwiches to the strappings.

The good thing from the Green Door at the moment is that there’s not much to report.

Ash is still on the way back and he has recently started running, whilst hopefully Danny can start to increase the level of his rehabilitation - so that’s two more players pushing for a starting place soon.

It was good to see some of the U21s getting game time during the pre-

season fixtures - youth and progression is what this club is about.

Soon enough the youth teams will be back playing on a Sunday and the club will be buzzing throughout.

Just remember that these boys are the future of the club and can also do with your support, so why not pop over one Sunday and give them a cheer?

Keep cheering the boys on.

Alan

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FEATURE INTERVIEW

THE FEATURE INTERVIEW:

ONE-ON-ONE WITHKEITH McMAHON

Throughout the season we’ll be sitting down with a member of the Mead for an exclusive chat in each issue, and ahead of an historic day for the club this afternoon, we begin with the manager, Keith McMahon. Today, of course, marks the club’s debut in the Ryman Premier League, the culmination of a journey from the Kent League in recent years under the management of Keith, and he was as excited as anyone ahead of this afternoon’s fixture.

“Of course its a huge day for the club,” he told us. “We’re going into the Ryman Premier and, coupled with the exciting opening of Sporting Club Thamesmead to go with it, we can’t underestimate how massive this

season is for the football club.

“We need to do our bit to make sure that we match our surroundings with the level of football that we’re at. Its going to be tough but make no mistake we’re looking forward to it.” Not only does today see the Mead compete in the Ryman Premier for the first debut, but it’s also the first competitive fixture here at the new Sporting Club Thamesmead, and Keith was clear in how the facilities would assist the team on the pitch.

“It’s a great facility and not only do we have the pitches, the bars and so on, but we have the pitches, the changing

room and the training facilities

all on the same complex which is

what will make this place special for us.

“With what the football club has done in its forty years of existence, especially in the last decade and in the local community, I think it’s no less than we deserve. But having a facility like this doesn’t put extra pressure on us on the pitch - once people realise the size of the club then there isn’t much pressure, although I create my own pressure from my personal goals, targets and standards.

Although the attendances at the Mead may not be amongst the biggest, it has been seen time and again in football

“THERE IS NO PRESSURE ON US

WHEN PEOPLE REALISE THE SIZE OF THE CLUB - BUT I CREATE MY OWN PRESSURE WITH

GOALS, TARGETS & STANDARDS”

DEBUT CAMPAIGN IN THE RYMAN PREMIER LEAGUE

THAMESMEAD TOWN FC2013/14 RYMAN PREMIER LEAGUE


that new developments can generate interest and a new wave of support.

Miracles won’t be expected overnight, of course, but Keith believes that the new facilities here can only assist in attracting new supporters for the Mead, particularly when coupled with the club’s new Ryman Premier League status, too.

He continued: “I think a lot of people will come here who don’t really know too much about us - we’re known as a small club, and we are, but this facility will help us get the locals in, as the club pushes forward and the only way is up. “Being in the Ryman Premier opens doors for the club. One is hopefully the increased away support that will visit which we’ll benefit from and, secondly, there are the silly things like your fixtures and results getting a mention on Sky Sports News - people will look at that and realise that Thamesmead does have a football side.

“I’m talking about the 250,000 people in Thamesmead who don’t know that we’re here which has always been a big problem that we’ve had. The Trust have been out and put a lot of flyers out marketing themselves professionally and that’s now what the football club has to do.

“We’re lucky enough to have gone out and got some good people who know what they’re doing and hopefully that will help.” Last season was an amazing one for the club with an unexpected promotion following the play-off final win over Maldon & Tiptree, but Keith points elsewhere for where he believes the momentum began in pushing the club forwards - namely, the Kent Cup semi-final defeat to Charlton where the Mead pushed the Addicks all the way into extra-time.

“That Charlton game really helped

and began the process of publicising the club to more people. It came at just about the right time for us - we were flying towards the play-offs and the ground was nearly finished, so everyone who came along could see what the facility was going to be.

“Thankfully, some of those fans came back for the play-off semi-final too, and we’re all hoping that some of them will come back for the new season.

“The club’s not had that much luck over the years and have always had to rely on the old development, so it’s nice that we’ve had things come along hand in hand - the Charlton game, the play-offs, promotion and then moving into the new facilities all at once!

“We have picked up a few supporters along the way and you just have to look at all of those who came to the Ebbsfleet friendly and the amount of people who simply came to look at what we’ve now got.

“Will our gates grow? Yes, I’m convinced that they will.”

The step into both the third tier of non-league football as well as moving into the improved facilities will ensure that the club has to ride through a transitionary stage both on and off the pitch this season.

Lessons will be had continuously as those associated with the club continue to realise what works and what needs to be further developed, and Keith is under no illusions of how much there will be to take in this season.

It has been a quick rise through to this elevated status from the not-too-distant battles in the Kent League, and

FEATURE INTERVIEW

“THE PLAYERS WANT TO GET TO THE PLAY-OFFS & I JUST WANT

TO STAY UP! BUT IT WOULD BE A

DREAM & YOU’VE GOT TO RIDE THE

BOAT”


it may take a while for the club to consolidate at its new-found level. “Its going to be a massive learning curve this year, not only for the football club but for everyone at Sporting Club too,” he explained.

“I’ll do my homework as I usually do and we’ll prepare the team as we’ve always done. But we don’t quite know what to expect just yet. We’re only a young club in the Ryman League but, so far, we’ve enjoyed every minute.

“When we stepped out of the Kent League into the Ryman North it obviously got stronger; now we’ve gone from the North to the Premier, and, as I speak to a lot of people, they’re all telling me that this is where the proper football starts and we’ve got to try and learn every game.

“But as long as we’re learning then that’s what matters - for such a young club to be in our position really is incredible.” Although the club may still be young, relatively speaking, Keith insists that he has always had the drive and ambition to push the club onwards from where it was when he took over.

Reflecting on those early days, he revealed: “When I first joined the club, I told the committee that I’m ambitious - I’ve always said that. My main intention was to get out of the Kent League and we did within two years.

“The committee laughed at me and said we weren’t ready, but the worst that could happen is we just go back down. But we worked hard in the Ryman North and I believed we could get to the Premier.

“The club brought in new people to take the club forward and we made it, so now we have to see how the club can continue to push on further - I think we could still go another level if we can get the right people in on the pitch.”

Despite remaining as one of the unfancied teams in the Ryman North last season and without large attendances or financial backing, the success of Keith’s side will have other clubs looking on enviously and attempting to fathom how they could also rise up a level.

What would Keith see as being the key ingredient

to doing so?

“You need the team spirit and togetherness that we have,” he stated. “We’ve worked hard on a small budget to reach the point we’re at today, and we haven’t got the support like Dartford, Maidstone and even AFC Wimbledon.

“But these days the club has to get more professional with every step of the ladder we climb and adapt the way that we do things.

“We’ve got a great committee here who are loyal and, without doubt, this will be a massive learning curve for them, too. But I really believe we could be pushing even higher within the next few years.

“The players we’ve got at the club are ambitious - they want to get to the play-offs and I’m laughing, as I just want to avoid relegation! But you need a goal and, every year, each manager will say they want to get into the play-offs or win promotion and we’re exactly the same.

“If we could get there it would be a dream, but you’ve got to ride the boat whilst you’re in it.”

Not only will the Mead’s successes both on and off the field in recent years help to attract new supporters to the club, but Keith also believes it could see an opportunity for potential backers to get involved with the club.

On a grander scale it has been seen recently with the likes of Crawley and Fleetwood who have made it into the Football League with financial backing, and Keith believes you can never say never.

“You’ve got to take it to the next level but we’ve got the facilities here now and so, hopefully, we could get the backing for the football club to push on,” he suggested.

“If you were a big businessman who enjoyed your football and you were looking for a football club that you thought you could get involved in, then this could well be the one.

“We’re a great bunch of people who are all committed to taking the club forward. You can never say never and so if that happened to be to the Football League one day then so be it.”

Keith was speaking to Mike Green

FEATURE INTERVIEW

Boux Avenue stores are located nationwide or shop online at www.bouxavenue.com


THE YOUTH TEAM

Thamesmead Town are delighted and honoured to be hosting one of 150 events being held today, the Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day, as part of the FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA’s Director Of Football Development, said: “The Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day has been created as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations to showcase the nation’s love for the game and the huge number of people who get involved in football every week, whether that’s playing, coaching, volunteering or refereeing.

Today is also one of the biggest games in Thamesmead Town’s history to date, as we welcome Hendon to our fantastic facilities here at Sporting Club Thamesmead for our first ever Ryman Premier League match following our promotion last season.

So it really is a special day here at the Mead and we hope the match and occasion provides a fitting tribute to Sir Bobby, one of England’s most iconic and successful managers of all time, and that we get our season off to the best possible start. However, we’re not underestimating our opponents and know we’re in for a tough match. One (of the many !) amusing quote from the great man himself springs to mind - “I’m not going to look beyond the semi-final - but I would love to lead Newcastle out at the final.” So let’s see what the day brings!

With the Sir Bobby Robson Day also showcasing the FA’s work at grassroots level, it provides us with an opportunity to highlight the vibrant and successful youth set up we have here at Thamesmead Town.

Members of our U13s and U14s Kent Youth sides are acting as club mascots for today’s match, and will also provide

half-time entertainment with some training drills. Please do take the time to watch and encourage the lads who, after all, represent the future of the club.

The club’s youth set-up sees us represented at age groups from U13s through to U18s in the Kent Youth League and, additionally, in the Ryman U21s and U18s leagues. All of our sides have enjoyed great success over many years and strive to play attractive and expansive football. All of our youth teams benefit from the tireless efforts of the many volunteers that help to run each and every team and we’re lucky to have a core of really committed managers and coaches helping to develop the lads.

In partnership with Soccer Coaching Limited, we have also started an U19s Academy this season. The football academy is a two-year, full-time education and football development programme delivered in partnership with professional and non-league football clubs. Open to talented footballers aged between 16–18 years, the academy programme is a must for any football enthusiast. A playing trial will be required as places will be offered based on playing ability.

SCL deliver the NVQ Football Coaching Diploma in partnership with over thirty Sixth

Form Schools, Further Education Colleges and professional/non-league football academies in the south of England. After a recent inspection by OFSTED, the course and delivery were awarded: ‘Excellent, without any weaknesses’.

Over the two-year programme, academy players will study a variety of nationally recognised qualifications within the subject of sport, coaching and fitness. The education programme will include qualifications such as VRQ Diplomas, delivered at Level 2 and Level 3 (A-Level equivalent).

Successful completion of the educational programme will enable players to follow pathways into higher education at selected universities and employment opportunities within the sport and leisure industry, including coaching placements and playing scholarships in America.

So, as you can see, we take our youth teams and their development very seriously and have an unstinting desire to maintain this long into the future. Which can only help us here at Thamesmead Town and our surrounding areas.

Enjoy your day with us here at Bayliss Avenue and let’s get right behind the lads - come on the Mead!

“WE TAKE OUR YOUTH

TEAMS & THEIR DEVELOPMENT

VERY SERIOUSLY WHICH IS

GOOD FOR THE SURROUNDING

AREAS”

THE YOUTH TEAM:

THEY ALSOPLAY FOR US

Kent Sport News were launched in July 2009 and have progressed to over 200,000 unique visitors to the site and

over 4.8 million hits per year.

From launch, Kent Sport News have tried to get more of a flavour

of what is going on within Kent by covering more and more sports,

whilst producing in-depth match reports, all the latest interviews

and exclusive blogs from some of Kent’s top sporting stars.

With partnerships including that with the Kent FA, Kent Sport News

are looking to go further in years to come and cover more clubs,

more sports and promote all the good things that go on in our

great county, and we’re delighted to welcome their support here at

Sporting Club Thamesmead this afternoon.


IN OPPOSITION

COMMERCIALCORNERThe very first VHS pre recorded video I ever bought was a film called Major League; a comedy based around a season of the Cleveland Indians baseball team and starred a very young Wesley Snipes and Charlie Sheen.

Anyway, it begins with effectively what was the board of directors sitting in a grand office with the owner standing and saying: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another season of Indians baseball”, and you know that’s exactly how I feel this afternoon. So to borrow the expression - ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to a new and very special season for Thamesmead Town. It is the start of a learning curve - one that the commercial and marketing office have to learn very quickly, especially in today’s desperate economic climate. And that’s why we’re incredibly grateful to Steve Wolfe and the Kent Sports News website for sponsoring our debut in the Ryman Premier League this afternoon.

Sadly, because of a family holiday, Steve cannot be with us today, and so our thanks to him are even more grateful as KSN were keen to be a part of this such special day.

Whilst we all hope that this will be a very exciting time for the club on the pitch, can there have been a better time for local businesses and companies to get involved with TTFC? We’re delighted to offer a range of advertising and sponsorship that will surely have something to suit all businesses and those wishing to support the club.

Whether you own your own business or just want to back and support your favourite player, we’ve got a sponsorship package just waiting for you. Whether it be £30 to sponsor your favourite player’s home kit all the way through to having your company’s name on our

all-new away kit, we will be able to help all kinds of budgets. Simply either see me at any home game; call me on 07845 751 319 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Community wise, you have hopefully noticed around the ground today, that its Sir Bobby Robson Football Day, and we’re delighted that the FA have chosen us to host an afternoon - there are only another 149 of these such events all over the country - where we can demonstrate to the whole community just how good our grassroots are here at SCT. I hope that you’re enjoying the first read of the new-look matchday programme The Mead - and I’d like to formally welcome on board our new programme editor and designer, Daniel Parker... and whilst I’m on welcomes, it’s a big welcome to our new Head of Match Hospitality, Sue Dingwell, and to the lady whose action shots we hope will display our historical season - new club photographer, Louisa Coulthurst. Thanks for your attendance this afternoon and please, if you want to get involved, contact me on the details above!

STOP PRESS:As we went to print it was announced that in association with our new travel partners - Streamline Coaches of Maidstone - there will be an executive coach running to Lowestoft this coming Tuesday (August 13th) for our first away game of the season.

It will leave Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexleyheath at 2.30pm, returning after the game. Cost of the trip will be £20 per person and spaces are limited - to book, contact the commercial team at [email protected] or on 07845 751 319 before 11am on Tuesday. Cheers,Greenie


PLAYER SPONSORS

FIRST TEAM KITSPONSORS

WANT TO SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE? CONTACT US

TODAY BY E-MAILING: [email protected]

KeithMcMAHON

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ChrisEDWARDS

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JackHOPKINS

The Roberts Family

MichaelPOWER

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RobCARTER

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TheoFAIRWEATHER-JOHNSON

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SteveWAIT

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AlanWOODWARD

Cleveland Cables

DanielAILEY

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JonMAIN

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RichardSTEVENS

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RossLOVER

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TomJEWERS

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AshleyPROBERTS

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GeorgeWILSON

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LewisTOZER

The Roberts Family

RobBUDD

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TyrusGORDON-YOUNG

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The Roberts FamilyRichardBUTLER

A&R Foods Limited

RayBAGNALL

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www.macron.com

MACRON OFFICIAL BENCH WEAR SUPPLIER TO THE RYMAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER.


ACTION REPLAY

ACTION REPLAY:

MATCH ACTIONv. WALTHAM FORESTThe Mead took on Waltham Forest last weekend in the penultimate friendly before this afternoon & club photographer Louisa Coulthurst was on hand


DATE OPPOSITION COMP ATT. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14AUGUST

Sat 10 Hendon H RPTue 13 Lowestoft Town A RP

Sat 17 Billericay Town A RP

Tue 20 Metropolitan Police H RPSat 24 Margate H RPMon 26 Cray Wanderers A RP

Sat 31 Enfield Town A RP

SEPTEMBERSat 7 Wingate & Finchley H RPTue 10 Dulwich Hamlet H RPSat 14 FA Cup Qualifying One

Sat 21 Wealdstone A RP

Tue 24 Maidstone United A RP

Sat 28 Bognor Regis Town H RPOCTOBER

Sat 5 East Thurrock United H RPSun 13 Kingstonian A RP

Sat 19 FA Trophy Qualifying One

Sat 26 Hampton & Richmond H RPNOVEMBER

Sat 2 Canvey Island A RP

Sat 9 AFC Hornchurch H RPSat 16 Harrow Borough A RP

Sat 23 Carshalton Athletic H RPSat 30 Lewes A RP

DECEMBERSat 7 Leiston H RPSat 14 Lowestoft Town H RPSat 21 Hendon A RP

Thu 26 Cray Wanderers H RPSat 28 Metropolitan Police A RP

JANUARY 2014Wed 1 Margate A RP

Sat 4 Billericay Town H RPSat 11 Bury Town A RP

Sat 18 Grays Athletic H RPTue 21 Maidstone United H RPSat 25 Wingate & Finchley A RP

FEBRUARYSat 1 Enfield Town H RPSat 8 Bognor Regis Town A RP

Tue 11 Dulwich Hamlet A RP

Sat 15 Wealdstone H RPSat 22 Kingstonian H RPMARCH

Sat 1 East Thurrock United A RP

Sat 8 AFC Hornchurch A RP

Sat 15 Harrow Borough H RPSat 22 Carshalton Athletic A RP

Sat 29 Lewes H RPAPRIL

Sat 5 Leiston A RP

Sat 12 Hampton & Richmond A RP

Sat 19 Canvey Island H RPMon 21 Grays Athletic A RP

Sat 26 Bury Town H RP

2013/14 FIRST TEAM

FIXTURES & RESULTS

2013/14 FIXTURES & RESULTS


DATE OPPOSITION COMP ATT. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14AUGUST

Sat 10 Hendon H RPTue 13 Lowestoft Town A RP

Sat 17 Billericay Town A RP

Tue 20 Metropolitan Police H RPSat 24 Margate H RPMon 26 Cray Wanderers A RP

Sat 31 Enfield Town A RP

SEPTEMBERSat 7 Wingate & Finchley H RPTue 10 Dulwich Hamlet H RPSat 14 FA Cup Qualifying One

Sat 21 Wealdstone A RP

Tue 24 Maidstone United A RP

Sat 28 Bognor Regis Town H RPOCTOBER

Sat 5 East Thurrock United H RPSun 13 Kingstonian A RP

Sat 19 FA Trophy Qualifying One

Sat 26 Hampton & Richmond H RPNOVEMBER

Sat 2 Canvey Island A RP

Sat 9 AFC Hornchurch H RPSat 16 Harrow Borough A RP

Sat 23 Carshalton Athletic H RPSat 30 Lewes A RP

DECEMBERSat 7 Leiston H RPSat 14 Lowestoft Town H RPSat 21 Hendon A RP

Thu 26 Cray Wanderers H RPSat 28 Metropolitan Police A RP

JANUARY 2014Wed 1 Margate A RP

Sat 4 Billericay Town H RPSat 11 Bury Town A RP

Sat 18 Grays Athletic H RPTue 21 Maidstone United H RPSat 25 Wingate & Finchley A RP

FEBRUARYSat 1 Enfield Town H RPSat 8 Bognor Regis Town A RP

Tue 11 Dulwich Hamlet A RP

Sat 15 Wealdstone H RPSat 22 Kingstonian H RPMARCH

Sat 1 East Thurrock United A RP

Sat 8 AFC Hornchurch A RP

Sat 15 Harrow Borough H RPSat 22 Carshalton Athletic A RP

Sat 29 Lewes H RPAPRIL

Sat 5 Leiston A RP

Sat 12 Hampton & Richmond A RP

Sat 19 Canvey Island H RPMon 21 Grays Athletic A RP

Sat 26 Bury Town H RP

2013/14 FIXTURES & RESULTS


NEXT TO VISIT SCT...

MET POLICEIt is another ten days until Keith McMahon’s side will take to the pitch at Sporting Club Thamesmead again, welcoming Met Police to South East London following trips to both Lowestoft and Billericay Town.

The fixture will prove to be an extremely stern test for the Mead, with Met Police having enjoyed a strong campaign last time out - only missing out on a place in the play-offs on goal difference.

Indeed, Jimmy Cooper’s outfit achieved a sixth-placed finish in the Ryman Premier League and ended up level on points with East Thurrock United, and they’ll be hoping to go one better this time around.

Cooper’s side also enjoyed success in the FA Cup last season, making their way to the First Round Proper before succumbing to a 2-1 home defeat to Football League One side, Crawley Town. It would have been the first time that the Met had reached the Second Round had they been victorious.

Following a 7-0 win over Moneyfields

in a recent pre-season run-out, Cooper told the local press that he was hoping to begin the season with a squad of nineteen players.

“I want a big squad going into the start, and then I’ll whittle it down after about five or six weeks,” he revealed.

The Met had already made eleven new additions to the squad this summer in their attempts to earn promotion

to the Conference South this season, including Chelmsford City goalkeeper Stuart Searle.

And, having moulded the squad exactly how he would like it to be, Cooper is eager for this afternoon’s opener away at Enfield.

“I cannot wait for the season to start,” he admitted. “This is the point where things start getting exciting.”

Jim Cooper will be hoping his side can go one better this season having only missed out on the play-offs last time out on goal difference to East Thurrock United

ON THE ROAD:LOWESTOFT TOWN

Tuesday 13th August 2013 Kick-off: 7.45pm Ryman Premier League 122 miles 2.5 hours

Go north through the Dartford Tunnel before exiting the M25 at junction 28, taking the third exit onto the A12 eastbound. Remain on the A12 until you reach Ipswich around fifty miles later, again taking the third exit onto the A14 eastbound where Lowestoft is signposted. At junction 58 on the A14, take the first exit back onto the A12 for around forty miles, until you go over the bridge into Lowestoft by the Harbour Inn. Go straight on towards Great Yarmouth, following the road as it bends round to the left and by the train station, before taking the first right - still towards Great Yarmouth. At the roundabout, take the immediate first exit towards Raglan Street and, at the crossroads, turn left. The ground will appear on your right.

NEXT HERE

Business Account Card

4

4

A5_Charity Gala Ad 2013.indd 1 22/07/2013 11:20

THAMESMEADManager: Keith McMahon

Rob BuddJack HopkinsSean RobertsChris EdwardsLewis TozerJohn ScarboroughCallum MacgeehanJames DonovanStuart ZanoneJon MainTheo Fairweather JohnsonRobert CarterBaff AddaeMichael PowerRoss LoverRichard ButlerRichard StevensDaniel AileyStanley Muguo

HENDONManager: Gary McCann

Jack BennettGeorge BowermanElliott BrathwaiteScott CousinsDean CracknellDave DiedhiouSam FleggBrandon HornerBerkley LaurencinJunior LewisJefferson LouisCasey MaclarenKevin MaclarenMax McCannCarl McCluskeyGeorge McCluskeyAaron MorganMichael MurrayLee O’LearyIsaiah RankinChris SeebyTony TaggartAnthony ThomasSean Thomas

OFFICIALSReferee:Paul Yates

Assistants:Sunny GillErrol Walker

OTHERFIXTURESTodayAFC Hornchurch v Lewes

Bognor Regis v Grays

Canvey Island v Kingstonian

Dulwich v Lowestoft

East Thurrock v Bury

Enfield v Met Police

Hampton & Richmond v Margate

Harrow v Billericay

Leiston v Cray

Maidstone v Wealdstone

The Mead v Hendon

Wingate & Finchley v Carshalton

Monday 12th AugustHendon v Dulwich

Kingstonian v Enfield

Wealdstone v Bognor Regis

Tuesday 13th AugustBillericay v East Thurrock

Bury v Harrow

Carshalton v Maidstone

Cray v Canvey Island

Lewes v Hampton & Richmond

Lowestoft v The Mead

Margate v AFC Hornchurch

Met Police v Wingate & Finchley

NEXT UP

Met PoliceTuesday 20th AugustRyman Premier LeagueKick-Off: 7.45pm

thamesmead town v hendon

Documents

keith mcmahonassistant

sporting club thamesmead

little club

alan woodwardu21s manager

alan porteru12s manager

keith mcmahoncompany

mark paineu16s manager

danny harrisu15s manager