Aston Clinton FC

[jojo]

Hello all I'm new to this forum so thought I would say hello. I have had a look through some of the topics, great read and banter I must say. Apologies to those who are not interested and I'm sure that's most of you but thought I would update you on Aston Clinton FC. I have followed Aston for a long long time as a fan not a player (not good enough) and for me the best moment has to be when we won Div 2 and obviuosly the worst not getting promoted! Its a not easy following Aston when you have the Aylesbury teams and Tring on the door step in higher leagues attracting the best players in the area but Aston keep going the best they can. Just to update eveybody on the management team so people are aware, there is Malcolm Dovaston and as you all seem to know Paul Tomkins. Malcolm had been a player for Aston for many years playing in the local ADL but decided last year to retire and take on the 1st team as Manager as they were managerless, in my opinion at the time "mad fool". The team were languishing at the bottom of the league without a win in months and many players had also decided to leave. He did a great job in turning the results around with most often 12 players including himself as sub taking them on a good unbeaten run and at the same time bringing back players who had left. He kept them out of the bottom 3 which was his aim. During the close season more importantly he has talked some good players into joining the club, whether he can keep them is another story! For the new season Malcolm felt he could not run the team alone and bought in Paul to work with him. They both have a hard job ahead but I myself wish them both luck.

[Rhodes]

Jojo - A great post and welcome to the Forum, it seems that Malcolm Dovaston and Paul Tompkins are developing into a great Management team and Aston Clinton have really hit the ground running largely thanks to a meticulously planned pre-season, I gather they had the players back at the end of June with numerous games and impressive wins over the likes of Welwyn Garden City. Good luck tomorrow at Kent Athletic.

[jojo]

Thanks, I think Malcolm is a bit of a fitness freak and decided to get them back early on hill runs. I think even he did it once just so he could see how fit they were! Him and Paul seem to get on well though which is never easy when it's two people who don't know each other.

[Rhodes]

Jojo - I think Dovaston and Tompkins could easily be the next Keegan and Cox or Souness and Boersma don't you, it has a certain ring to it.

[jojo]

Aston Clinton out of Division 2 would be nice with the 2 of them but can't see that happening for a while!! Half their players work on a Saturday or go on holiday so I hear.

[Rhodes]

Originally Posted By: jojo

Half their players work on a Saturday or go on holiday so I hear.

It always annoys me when players go on holiday during the football season and disappear for two or three weeks which usually coincides with important fixtures, they have May, June and July to go and even the first week of August as long as they're back for the second Saturday.

[jojo]

Not difficult really for them to think about it, so a good start to the season could and probably will abruptly end when these players go away over the next few weeks. With a small squad your stumped really!

[Rhodes]

Jojo - How do you think they will get on this afternoon at Kent Athletic, I can't see any problems can you particularly as they lost 5-2 at home to whipping boys Old Bradwell United last week

[Rhodes]

Today's result, Kent Athletic 1 Aston Clinton 1. I gather Kent Athletic scored in the first minute and somehow managed to hold on against all the odds until the bitter end when Aston Clinton equalised in the 90th minute.

[jojo]

Morning Rhodes, didnt go to the game but what you say is correct. Aston didn't play well but created 10 good chances and a missed a penalty. Kent just sat on their 18 yard box for most of the game and played on the break. Great result for Old Bradwell though, must have new faces their and Padbury have played 3 without conceeding a goal. Looks like they might be the 2 teams to watch other then Berko.

[Rhodes]

Originally Posted By: jojo

Looks like they might be the 2 teams to watch other then Berko.

Like I've said before I don't think Berkhamsted will be in the shake up come April, Saturday's result rubber stamped that view.

[jojo]

That's not what I heard, I thought the manager had taken a load of his players with him who were playing in the Prem last Season, this may have just been a blip.

[Rhodes]

Jojo - If that had been the case then don't you think Berkhamsted would have managed to beat Old Bradwell United on Saturday

[jojo]

Would agree with you, but you don't know how many players were missing and more imprtantly how good Old Bradwell are. Last season they only won 4 and they have won 3 out of 3! Of course it's early days yet and really to early to judge any team until Christmas time!!

[Monkey8]

give it 10 games and i think we will have a much better picture of the division.

[Steve Tucker]

My money is on Padbury chaps.

[Monkey8]

havent seen them play and know nothing of them, they any good?

[Steve Tucker]

Got some of the best players in MK , none of them from Padbury

[Monkey8]

well lets hope some of the bigger clubs get wind! ha ha

[coach1664]

I think this years Div 2 could be very interesting. Some of the teams that use to make up the numbers will do well. I am told Padbury have a bit of money behined them, hence the influx of good players and a plan to develop a new ground. MK money and players a winning team in the making I suggest. Old Bradwell are due a good sesaon. Berko will be there or there abouts and of course have the ground. Mick Vipond won't have taken the job with out a plan to be a premier side in 2 seasons time.

 

Some odd results this year until it settles down, end of Oct and we will know which teams are in the running.