Tuesday 26/5/09

Boss Cords is getting closer!

Sam Elliott reports

Steve Cordery says he is getting closer to knowing what’s what: who is staying, who is going – and who’s coming inThe Swans manager has already stated there will only be a handful of new faces as the club gear up for Blue Square South.

And with season tickets now on sale, the boss man has told fans he is confident of some announcements this week.

Cords said: “We’re not too far away on a couple of people signing up – but in case anyone gets wind I’ll keep my cards close to chest!

“We have been speaking to last season’s squad and things are progressing. We’re nearly where we want to be and I’m encouraged by what I’m hearing. But until the deals are done it wouldn’t be right to announce anything.

“There’s also nothing to report just yet on new signings either. But at the moment we don’t need to hurry – I’m still waiting on my budget and that should be a little clearer in the week.

“I’ve said all along I don’t see myself making a lot of changes to the squad. There’s something to be said for keeping with what you know, and that will be the club’s philosophy.

“I think the majority of the players that got us up from the Ryman will get the opportunity to show what they can do in the next league.

“But I should be in a position to update the supporters more in the coming days so keep an eye on the website.”Sunday 24/5/09

2009/10 Season tickets

Season tickets for Staines Town's 2009/10 Blue Square South adventure are now available for purchase at great value for money.

Prices are : £160 Adults, £80 under 16/Senior Citizens and£100 for students with ID.

e-mail or phone Angie Payne on 07825 067232 for collection.Thursday 21/5/09

Pre-season fixture news

Stuart Moore reports

Saturday 11th July - The Swans kick-off their preparations for life in the Blue Square South with the now traditional curtain-raiser versus our neighbours from Brentford. Andy Scott's 'Bees' lifted the Coca-Cola League Two title as the end of a successful season and so with both sides taking a step-up, interest in this game should be even greater than usual when we meet @ Wheatsheaf Park - Let's try and pack it out then and aim for 1500+ on what should be a terrific opening day.

Saturday 18th July - Steve Cordery's side travel to Boreham Wood to take on Ian Allinson's Ryman Premier side, following an agreement made after Chris Watters (who was voted the Herts side 'Player of the Year') transferred to WP on 'deadline day'.

Wednesday, 22nd July - The Swans make the short trip to Imber Court to take on Metropolitan Police. The 'Boys in Blue' unluckily lost in the play-offs at the end of last season and will surely count themselves amongst the favourites to challenge for honours this time 'round in the Ryman Div'n One South.

Saturday, 25th July - Another short trip sees the Swans off to Walton Casuals, the Club where our Reserve team POY Richard Orlu spent a long and successful spell last term.

Tuesday, 28th July - Following an invitation from Hayden Bird, we visit Carshalton Athletic for what will be a re-match following that fantastic play-off Final earlier this month. Surely a tough test for Cords' side against one of the favourites for the Ryman Premier title in the coming season.

In addition to the above, Swans manager Steve Cordery is still in discussion with several Premiership and Coca-Cola League contacts with a view to filling two/three more dates at Wheatsheaf Park, so watch this space.....

The BSS League campaign will kick-off on Saturday 8th August - as usual, seven days before the Ryman League season commences.

Furthermore, I'm excited to confirm that brand new HOME and AWAY kits have been ordered already this week and we will unveil these formally with a photo-shoot as soon as the final printing and embroidery is complete. Rob Gunning's initial order for replicas has also been satisfied and so the supporters will also be able to be decked-out in the smart new strips from the earliest days of the campaign. Tuesday 18/5/09

Manager Cords to get close-season support

Sam Elliott reports.....

Chairman Alan Boon has promised to support Steve Cordery’s summer recruitment plans.

The Swans supremo and his manager have yet to formalise next season’s playing budget ahead of the club’s Blue Square South adventure.

But the chairman confirmed Staines will not be going the same way as many other Non-League sides and cutting their costs over the summer.He said: “In a way the dust is still settling after we won the Ryman Premier play-offs – and what a day that was!

“Steve is busy gathering his thoughts and I’m taking a little rest from football but next season is always in the back of the mind.

“We’ve not sat down yet and spoken about a figure for the budget but I can confirm it won’t be reduced. I will always support the manager in any way possible.

“Decisions will start being made soon and Steve will be informing players of his plans I’m sure before too long.”

But Cords has hinted that he won’t require a big overhaul for the step up.

Talks are continuing between players and manager with plenty of time until pre-season training begins.

He said: “I believe all the players the club have are more than capable of playing in the Conference South.

“No manager at this time of the year will ever say there won’t be some comings and goings but what I’m saying is that it won’t be sweeping changes.

“I want to give the players that took us up the opportunity to show what they can do at that level.”Thursday 7th May 2009 (7:45pm) – Ryman Youth League North West Division

AFC WIMBLEDON Youth (1) 2  STAINES TOWN Academy (2) 3

By Steve Parsons.

The last league fixture of the season also turned out to be the one that decided the title: AFC Wimbledon having defeated Staines in the game at Wheatsheaf Lane less than 3 weeks earlier, needed just a draw to be champions, but a Staines win would see them go one better than last term’s runners-up spot.  A good crowd, including many regular Swans followers and students and staff from Kingston College swelled the attendance to 300.  Staines were pleased to welcome Ryan Ford back from a troublesome foot injury, but unfortunately Alfie Arthur had not recovered from his broken metatarsal in time; the home side included former Swans Junior Jack Turner in goal.  The game got off to a lively start, with Ryan Ford flashing an angled shot just wide for Staines, and Clark-Gleave heading just over for AFC.  But it was somewhat against the run of play when Jordan Hutchinson fired a shot from nowhere to put the home side ahead on 16 minutes.  Staines now had a mountain to climb, but they responded magnificently, turning the game round with goals on 17 and 19 mins.  A throw-in was played back to Adam Nelson whose cross eluded Turner’s grasp, and Elliott Thompson scored with a stooping header.  Then a corner was only half cleared, and the loose ball was met by a wonderful left footed shot into the bottom corner by Bradley Murray.  But the game was far from over, and Wimbledon almost drew level with a lofted Wellburn shot being touched onto the bar by Danny Sonner on 36 mins, before Staines put together a good combination, with Thompson and Hyun-Jin Lee feeding Murray, whose cross to Will Marlowe whose powerful shot was blocked.  However, half time arrived with Swans 2-1 up.

But this changed just 2 mins into the second half, when AFC Wimbledon drew level, a cross from the very impressive Timi Borges-da-Silva reaching James Stenning, who fired a great shot into the top corner.  Staines now had to respond, and were unlucky when a corner led to Ford header seemed certain to find the top corner, only for Turner to make a fine save.  They continued to press forward, and received their reward in the 69th minute, when, from the third corner in quick succession, skipper Will Marlowe curled the flag kick towards the far post, Turner grasped it but, under pressure from King, could not hold, and the linesman spotted the ball drop over the line before he could gather it.  Play was halted as AFC players contested the goal, with Turner having his name taken.  Once again, the pattern of the game switched, with AFC now needing a goal, and they came desperately close within 2 minutes, Sonner bravely saving at the feet of Borges-da-Silva.  Seconds later, a quick free kick was pushed through to the same player, whose lofted shot beat Sonner but struck to top of the bar.  Two Swans players were booked for time-wasting, and Ford limped off with a recurrence of his injury.  Another Borges-da-Silva cross ended with Wombles’ Killick firing into the side netting, and right on the 90th minute, a desperate home attack ended with Clark-Gleave feeding Killick, who shanked a shot against the post before being cleared for the first of several corners during the agonising 7 minutes of stoppage time.  Stafford bombed in some long throws, Staines could not get out of their defensive third, and even had to contend with the ‘keeper joining the attack.  There was a solitary break when Nelson crashed a shot inches over the bar at the other end, but finally the final whistle sounded and Staines could celebrate.  After both teams had received their medals, skipper Will Marlowe received the championship trophy from Ryman League officer Brian Fish.  Three home players were reportedly dismissed for dissent after the final whistle.

Staines: 1 Danny Sonner, 2 James King, 3 Joel Jacobs (17 Daniel Dunning 85), 4 Jon Vickers, 5 Darren Millard, 6 Hyun-Jin Lee, 7 Elliott Thompson (14 Aaron Gilbert 67), 8 Bradley Murray, 9 Ryan Ford (15 Ricardo Gayle-Dixon), 10 Will Marlowe ©, 11 Adam Nelson; unused 1 Yoon Tae (gk), 16 Azainia Brown.

Cautions: Vickers (78m) & King (90+4m) both for time-wasting.

AFC W: 1 Jack Turner, 2 Jack Stafford ©, 3 Callum Wellburn (14 Ollie Killick 82), 4 Jake Hill, 5 Charlie Clark-Gleave, 6 Josh Ayres (12 Tom Tollady 66), 7 Jordan Hutchinson, 8 Harry Knock, 9 Peter Rapson, 10 Timi Borges-da-Silva, 11 James Stenning (17 Matt Harmsworth 87); unused 13 Tom Gibson, 15 Daniel Coveley.

Cautions: Wellburn (12m foul on Thompson), Turner (70m dissent).

Ref: Simeon Potter (Sutton, Surrey); ARs Barrie Gale (North Cheam, Surrey) & Mark Sennett (Hayes, Middlesex); Att 300.

Monday 4/5/09

Cords on Carshalton

Sam Elliott reports..

We were still attempting to drag buoyant boss Steve Cordery off the ceiling this morning after the weekend’s promotion celebrations.The manager was quite rightly proud of his players after securing Conference status with Saturday’s dramatic extra-time win over Carshalton.

And he was full of praise for match winner Scott Taylor as his famous goal with time running out made history.

Cords said: “It was a fantastic day for the football club and personally I couldn’t be more proud.

“We have had our doubters along the way. When we went on that winless run people were asking questions, they were losing a bit of faith.

“But we’ve been proven right – resting players ahead of the play-offs was the correct thing to do. We were fresh and that is what we needed in extra-time. It went to the wire be we showed guts and determination. They are all heroes.

“Everyone who knows me will be fully aware I don’t single individuals out for praise or for criticism. But how can I not mention Scotty? Not only has he got a fantastic winner but his attitude has been first class.

“He hasn’t played as much as he’d have wanted but you never hear him moan. He gets on with his job and you always knew he was worth a goal.

“We’re thrilled and we cannot wait to get our teeth into the Blue Square South!”

Robins manager Hayden Bird sent his congratulations to the club after the nervy victory on Saturday afternoon.

He said: “Staines are our inspiration now. Beaten play-off finalists last season, look how they’ve reacted – they’re a credit to the division.

“We want to achieve what they have and we send them our best wishes and I’m sure they will do themselves proud in the Conference South

STAINES TOWN FC ANNUAL PRSENTATION NIGHT – Saturday 2nd May 2009

by Steve Parsons.

For the second successive year, Staines Town scheduled their annual presentations for the same evening as the promotion play-off final – a risky strategy that cast a long shadow over last season’s event, but helped the 2009 edition become a real celebration of the preceding 9 months.  Some 150 people attended – spilling from the function room into the sports bar at the Wheatsheaf Lane Thames Club – management, players of the senior, academy, and reserve squads, committee, and a colourful contingent of supporters, and they stayed in their numbers up to closing time!

After a brief introduction from compère Angie Payne, First Team skipper Danny Gordon triumphantly entered the suite, proudly carrying the Ryman Premier Promotion Play-Off winners’ trophy, bedecked in gold and blue ribbons, that had been won that afternoon.

Martyn Spong (Academy Manager) and his Assistant Mark Fabian were then called upon to present the Academy’s awards:

ACADEMY SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD – Luke Elliott

This went to a popular and talented player who conducted himself in exemplary fashion, whether training or playing, for both the U19s and the Reserves.

UNDER 19 (COLLEGE) PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Ashley Lodge

Ashley has been a solid and rapidly developing player in the U19s, and when loaned out to Staines Lammas.

YOUTH TEAM MANAGER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Danny Sonner

Ever since is release by Brentford, Danny has been a fantastic goalkeeper for Staines Town, and has helped maintain the best defensive record in the Ryman Youth League.

DEREK PERRIN YOUTH TEAM PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR – James King

A highly committed player in the Academy and a regular in the Reserves.

Next on stage came Trent Phillips and Chris Wainwright, to make the presentations for the Reserve team.         

RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Luke Roodenburg

Luke, who was unfortunately absent from the evening, has been a match-winning performer for the Reserves, and did brilliantly when loaned to Walton Casuals in the Ryman Division 1 South.

RESERVE TEAM PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Richard Orlu

An Academy graduate, who has been a model of strength and reliability at the back for the Reserves, attributes which saw him appear in First Team football when loaned to Walton Casuals, and when recalled by Steve Cordery to Staines.

Chris Wainwright then thanked Trent Phillips for his three years as Reserve team manager, a position from which he was standing down owing to the recent birth of daughter Darcey. Senior players Richard Orlu and James Courtnage then made a presentation which Trent accepted on behalf of Darcey and his wife, Claire.

Moving on to the First Team, and the initial presentation was for MAN OF THE MATCH for today’s nail-biting play-off final against Carshalton Athletic.  This went to Louis Wells, whose late penalty save paved the way for victory, and which proved a fitting end to his exceptional season.

Next, Kim Sherwood made the second annual presentation of an award voted upon by the Club’s hard-working matchday staff –

STEWARD’S TROPHY – Gareth Workman

Gareth’s behind the scenes work as physiotherapist has been vital in securing the fitness of the First Team players, but he also turns his skills to Reserve and Academy players, and even the occasional staff member, too.  (The award was accepted on his behalf by Danny Gordon).

Alan Boon then took the stage to briefly review the First Team’s season.  “What a day!”, he began, referring to the promotion.  The players’ efforts represented the pinnacle of the Club’s achievements, so he extended thanks to the supporters, who had been in great voice lately; Graham Gould for preparing an excellent pitch aided by Jesse Richards, Andy Jones, and John Hanson; Angie Payne who has given the Club the necessary organisation for the higher league; Stuart Moore and Steve Parsons for work with the programme; Martyn Spong and Mark Fabian for their work with the Academy who could yet win their League on Thursday; and Trent Phillips for guiding the Reserves to 2nd or 3rd spot in the League (the final position is subject to a ruling over an unplayed match between Maidenhead Utd and Wingate & Finchley).  The football this season has been of a fantastic quality, and it was a fairytale ending that Scott Taylor should return to his first club and score the goal which earned promotion.  He concluded by presenting gifts of chocolates to some of the ladies who had worked so hard within the Club this season –

Margaret Gould (kit manager), Vanessa Cox (boardroom hospitality),

Maureen Hanson (boardroom hospitality), Barbara Moss (boardroom manager),

Sally Payne (catering), Kim Sherwood (steward),

Angie Payne (commercial manager), Corinne Boon (treasurer / admin),

Chlöe Boon (steward).

The Chairman continued by mentioning that one new LIFE MEMBER had been created at the turn of the year, in the shape of the Club’s most appeared player of all-time Dick Watmore, and he was now pleased to inaugurate a second – Steve Parsons.  Club Secretary Steve has served as programme editor for 27 years, and on the committee for most of that time, and – having seen every one of the club’s last 1169 Isthmian League games, is looking forward to his first Conference South fixture.

It was hoped to present the players with their Ryman League Premier Division League Runners-Up medals at this point, but this had to be deferred until they are received at the League’s dinner next month.  Alan Boon then proceeded with the remaining awards:

The next award was a hard one to judge, as there are many who were worthy of it:

SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR – Michael Burgess

‘Tevez’ rarely misses a match, and often comes to Reserve and Youth games, too, as well as supporting the Club socially.

One of the Club’s most prestigious awards came next:

JACK HANSON CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR – Chris Boyce

Chris stepped in as Safety Officer at short notice in mid-season, and has continued the excellent work of his predecessor, Bob Sherwood, as well arranging coaches for away matches.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Steve Cordery & Craig Maskell

The First Team’s Management pairing have achieved the wonderful success of promotion, and have done so with entertaining, attractive, and attacking football that has been a pleasure to watch all season.

ALBERT ESTALL PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Danny Gordon

The First Team captain was the winner of this highly sought-after award, voted upon by his team-mates.

DICK WATMORE SUPPORTERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Danny Gordon

The traditional climax of the evening saw Danny Gordon complete a ‘double’ of the awards, in a season which saw so many high performing players that it was difficult to single out any one of them for the award.

Saturday 2/5/09

Staines Town 1 Carshalton Athletic 0

(After extra time)

It was a long time coming, and a feeling of immense relief for everyone concerned with the club that Staines Town finally won promotion to the Blue Square South today.

Carshalton battled long and hard all afternoon and when awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the game, should have wrapped up promotion themelves. However Louis Wells in the Staines goal stood firm to save the Swans and take the game into extra time.Cue substitute Scott Taylor, a player who will go down in Staines Town folklore after firing home a low extra-time centre, I'm sure this day was written in the stars for the former youth who returned 'home' to finish off an illustrious pro career.

BLUE SQUARE SOUTH HERE WE COME!!

COME ON YOU SWANS!!!