League AGM News

Following yesterday’s Southern League AGM, the constitution for season 2013-2014 has yet to be finalised due to two clubs having appealed against their placement for next season.  We assume that this relates to Godalming Town and Guildford City who, understandably, are not best pleased with their transfer to the South & West Division and presumably have outstanding appeals with the FA.  The situation has already caused Godalming the loss of their joint managers but should the appeals be upheld, it could now be that the Central Division will have 24 clubs and the S & W Division just 20.

Speaking from personal experience, trying to anticipate the outcome of FA appeals is not a task for the faint hearted but it would be ironic were Godalming to win their appeal and stay where they are, after what has happened.  The learned opinion of this scribe is that they will not, as the FA have broken no rules in doing what they have done as they make it clear that clubs can be moved around to suit circumstances, as required.  That said, this writer will not be putting any money on the outcome.

On to more definite matters, and the League have announced the new sponsors as Calor Gas, with the League to be known as the Calor League next season.  What benefits will accrue remain to be seen but thanks to them for stepping in and hopefully they will not require four full pages of adverts in the programme as their predecessors did!

Other news relates to the Red Insure (League) Cup.  We understand that the rule requiring a certain number of players who have appeared in recent 1^st Team matches having to play has been scrapped and the League has gone even further it would seem by making participation voluntary, which could be a tricky one.  If we decide to compete and no-one else within 50 miles does so, there could be some unwelcome midweek trips, especially if we progress to any extent.  It will be worth getting the views of some of the clubs around us before we commit ourselves.

New Ladies Team Head Coach/Manager & Players Required for 2013/14 Season

In addition to the below advertisement for new players, our Ladies team are also inviting qualified coaches/managers with experience of women's football to apply for key roles we currently have available.

The RPS boasts some of the best facilities in the Greater London Women's Football League and with a very supportive Senior club behind them there is a great platform here for a successful Ladies team.

Please register your interest with Secretary Stewart Cook either by email ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or telephone (07946 170277), closing date is 30th June.

Message from Burge

PRE-SEASON TRAINING starts on TUESDAY 2 JULY.  (At ground 6.45 pm for a 7.00 pm start)

All current and prospective new players are invited to attend.

Manager Paul Burgess can be contacted on 07799 583249

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UNDER-18 TRIALS WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 6 JULY

AT THE CLUB, COMMENCING 11.00 a.m.

ALL PROSPECTIVE NEW PLAYERS ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG

 I say this with a heavy heart and enormous thanks, I am sad to announce that Batts (Steve Battams) has made a tough decision in stepping down from his role as Assistant 1^st Team Manager due to family and business reasons. Steve was the first person I called when I took the managers job, his commitment from day one has been outstanding and along with Ben and Pat has brought stability, professionalism and indeed success to our football team(s) and will be missed. Steve will be around in the short term assisting with pre-season preparations and be involved in matches if I am unavailable. In the longer term Steve will assist in scouting.

I have moved quickly to appoint Steve Scott as Assistant Manager who will also bring extensive knowledge of Non League football, some of you around the club will remember Steve as a former ATFC central midfielder and was in the same side when we achieved promotion from Ryman Division 3 to Ryman Division 2 back in 2001 under Dave Kent. Steve also assisted Nathan Wharf for a short period during Nathan`s managerial reign.

Welcome back to the club Steve!

With the already announced departure of Mick (Snowden), I have appointed Kelvin Poulter to take charge of the 2^nd team, where we recognise the importance of developing players and specifically those making the transition from youth to senior football, with Kelvin`s major involvement and experience within the junior section and indeed management, I am confident that Kelvin will be a success working very closely with Leon Turner our youth manager.  Good Luck Kelvin!

I will provide further updates on 1^st team squad announcements in due course.

Hope you are all enjoying the break and starting to gather your appetites for the season that lies ahead.

See you all soon.

Burge

Latest News

PRE-SEASON TRAINING starts on TUESDAY 2 JULY.  (At ground 6.45 pm for a 7.00 pm start)

All current and prospective new players are invited to attend.

Manager Paul Burgess can be contacted on 07799 583249

///////////////////////////

UNDER-18 TRIALS WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 6 JULY

AT THE CLUB, COMMENCING 11.00 a.m.

ALL PROSPECTIVE NEW PLAYERS ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG

The latest news from the Club is that Kelvin Poulter has been appointed to manage the Suburban League side next season.  He will announce his management team in due course.  Several players from last season’s Suburban squad made it into the 1^st Team towards the end of the season and we hope that all or most of the lads who did so well for us last season will be back, although there is always room for new players.  Just come along on 2 July.

Leon Turner, who stepped in for Mark Hughes when he left to take a job in Grimsby towards the end of last season, will lead the Under-18’s in the Ryman Youth League and will be looking to improve upon last season’s 4^th placed finish.  All existing players within the Club and prospective new players of the right age are invited to turn up on Saturday 6 July, for an 11.00 a.m. start for initial trials.

There is an adjustment to the pre-season friendlies.   Unfortunately Winchester City have advised us that their pitch will not be ready in time for the planned friendly, so instead, there will be a warm up match against our tenants Staines Lammas.

Can anyone help with a cheap (or free) portakabin which we need to provide additional changing accommodation for the junior teams when they are playing at the club next season?  If so please contact Alan Constable on 01784 440613