News News Archive February 2004
Archived News: February 2004
The Bubbs Take On Guyana
28Feb2004
As reported earlier this weekend, the Bubbs - Alvin and Byron - flew to Grenada to represent their country in the World Cup Qualifyer against Guyana. We are delighted to report that midfielder Byron has become a full international, playing the entire match. Alvin was named as an unused substitute.
The result was something of a surprise, a 5-0 thrashing by Grenada, in front of an 8,000 crowd. The winners of the tie will earn the chance to play the USA, where Byron and Alvin could put themselves to the test against players of the quality of World Class players.
Well done to Alvin and Byron, and well done to Grenada on an excellent result. The second leg will be played on 14th March.
Email 
Share 
RSS Ex-Ducks In The News
28Feb2004
Winger Lee Cook was in inspired form for Watford yesterday, as he scored one and set up two goals for his team, against Wimbledon. One of his assists was the winning of a penalty, conceded by another ex-Duck Jermaine Darlington. To quote the News of the World "Watford were awarded a penalty as Lee Cook was bundled over in the area by Jermaine Darlington".
The Latest from Paul Curtis
28Feb2004
In what is set to become a regular feature, our reporter Alistair MacLaren caught up with Ducks boss Paul Curtis to get his views on yesterdays match, as well as the latest on the condition of the squad.
"I was quite happy with the performance yesterday. The displays of the three debutants - Jack Rashid, Matt Brandish and Adam Garner were good to see. I was pleased with Jack's performance in particular - stepping up from a lower level is always difficult, but he did well. He commanded his area and gave excellent support to his young defenders.
Obviously we are still lacking in firepower up front. Had we more options we could well have grabbed a winner, but I am looking to address this shortly.
On the squad front, Matt Hayward should be back in two weeks. Indeed, when Danny Gordon and Matt both return to full fitness it will be difficult to know who to play in defence - given the ever improving performances of John Winter, Dean Powles, and now Adam Garner.
The Oxford duo are with us in an open loan deal. They have to go back to Oxford at some point to achieve their qualification, and could be called back if they are needed.
Greg Williams has problems with both his knees. He is due to have his knees checked in the near future, which will determine whether playing with through the pain barrier will cause permanent damage. Obviously, if this is the case it's better that he's not involved until fully recovered."
Thanks to Paul for giving the time to talk to us, and to Alistair for interviewing him. This will become a regular website feature, and we're planning to allow you, the fans, to submit your questions to the manager. Watch this space.
Weekend Action
27Feb2004
This weekend will no doubt prove to be an interesting one for all the Aylesbury United teams. The First Team, Reserve Team, Youth Teams and Ladies Team are all in action.
The first team take on Heybridge Swifts at home this afternoon, kick-off at 3pm. Looking for their first point in 5 games, and their first win since December, Paul Curtis once again has a limited squad to choose from. With injuries still in plentiful supply, the manager will also be without Byron (and possibly Alvin) Bubb, who has been called up to play for Grenada vs Guyana in today's World Cup Qualifier.
There is some more positive news, as reported below, though. The two new loan signings, in Adam Garner and Matt Brandish may well mean that Curtis won't get a run-out himself this afternoon!
The Reserve Team face a tough looking trip to Crawley Town in the Suburban League Premier Division. Simon Lacey's men are also in need of a win, as they currently occupy a relegation spot in the league.
The Midweek Youth Team are playing on Monday, as they take on our old enemies Chesham United. The match will be played at Buckingham Road, with a 7.45pm kick-off. The Sunday Youth Team, currently 3rd in the league, are also in action, as they take on Loudwater at Walton Court, kick-off 10.30am.
Finally, the Ladies Team face Leighton Linslade in their quest for Cup Success as they bid to reach the 2nd Round of the League Cup. Kick-off at the Edinburgh Playing Fields is at 1.30pm.
Good luck to all the Aylesbury United Teams over the weekend, and look out for the results early next week.
Edgeworth Leaves
27Feb2004
Paul Edgeworth has decided that Aylesbury weren't the right move for him, and has returned to Newport Pagnell. We wish Paul all the best for the future, and thank him for his efforts during his short spell with the club.
Aylesbury 0 Heybridge 0
27Feb2004
Aylesbury recorded their first point since January with a goalless draw with Heybridge Swifts at Buckingham Road this afternoon. Although the visitors missed a number of good chances to score, Aylesbury battled well with their opponents, and the result was a fair one.
As the scoreline would suggest, chances were few and far between, but there were some good ones. For Aylesbury Rory Hunter came closest, with a shot that was held by the keeper. Heybridge somehow failed to score, meanwhile, when Simon Parker woefully shot at goal when clean through.
There were a number of positives to take from the game though, as Aylesbury played some good football at times, but once again were unable to find the net. Debutant goalkeeper Jack Rashid was named man of the match by today's sponsor John Newman of Aylesbury Financial Services, and Oxford United duo Adam Garner and Matt Brandash both had good games.
Full report now online.
Click here: Heybridge Report
Aylesbury United Ladies! - Going For Glory!
26Feb2004
With the turmoil that is affecting the various men's teams, it's left to the Ladies to carry the flag for Aylesbury United and attempt to bring some success to the club.
Having had a disastrous 2002/2003 season, the Ladies have certainly turned it around for the first half of the season and hope to continue for the second half. However, this has been blighted by the weather so far this year and only 3 games have been played ? a win against local rivals Wycombe at the start of the year followed by 2 disappointing draws against Southampton and Burghfield.
Hopefully, we can get a number of games under our belts in the forthcoming weeks and get some consistency back into our game to show that we actually deserve to be in the top half of the table. Added to this we have a number of players returning from injury and the squad should be at it's strongest for the difficult matches ahead.
Looking ahead, we have home and away games against both Launton and Carterton Rangers ? two teams who have forged ahead of us in the League but have played more games ? along with games against Bracknell (A) and Caversham (H). None of them easy, but it will be necessary to take points off all of them if we are to achieve the pre-season target of finishing in the top half of the table.
Having had the start to the season that we have, the targets and expectations are that much higher and it would now be disappointing if we found ourselves outside of the top three ? a sign of how far we have come, both individually and as a team.
Here's hoping we enjoy the success that the early performances deserve and enjoy a winning end to the season.
Boost For Junior Development Programmes
26Feb2004
The Club's junior development infra-structure, now back on stream under the supervision of Jerry Dimond, is shortly to re-introduce the Aylesbury United/Aylesbury Town Performance Academy. Initially open to all players - but with limited numbers, the Academy will provide concentrated coaching at each age group from 7/8 years upwards.
Wright Football, who manage the Club's Football in the Community Schemes, will provide the coaches to the Academy. The first Academy last season benefited from Peter Wright's coaching - built up on the famous Ajax FC methods.
A new development will now allow players from this Academy, and other youngsters in the area, to progress through two other academies (Intermediate and Advanced levels) to a Chelsea FC Development Centre.
Wright Football has forged an official link with Chelsea FC having demonstrated to Chelsea's coaching staff that its junior development programmes and coaching qualities and methods meet their standards.
Graduates to the Chelsea Development Centres (which initially will be at two locations for 7 ? 9 year olds) will be monitored and those with exceptional ability will be able to trial for the full Chelsea Academy which the new directors of Chelsea are planning to improve and to expand.
The final part of a programme which will allow all youngsters in the Vale to receive progressive coaching from early ages and which provides the opportunity to graduate to senior football with Aylesbury United's youth, reserve and first teams, to higher level professional teams or even to Chelsea FC, is the establishment of a PASE youth team in the Bedford College/Conference League Scheme. It is planned to start an Aylesbury United PASE Team next season which will allow twentyfour 16 /18 year olds to have a second chance at obtaining an educational qualification whilst receiving 12 hours per week of football coaching and playing on a three year course. This will provide these students an opportunity to graduate into the Aylesbury United First Team squad, to higher level football or to obtain an educational or sports related qualification.
Assistance Required
26Feb2004
As part of our new fund raising campaign and efforts to raise the club's profile in the surrounding area, AUFC and 21CD are appealing for volunteers to help promote the club in the town centre and beyond.
If you can spare a few hours of your time and are keen to help us lift our fortunes please contact Graham Read at the Club offices on 01296 436350 or email Andy Foster at andf@talk21.com.
Offers of assistance are always gratefully received.
Two New Faces For Heybridge Game
26Feb2004
Paul Curtis has strengthened his side ahead of Saturday's game with Heybridge Swifts with the signing of two Oxford United youngsters, on a 'work experience' agreement. The duo will continue to train with Oxford, but be available to play for the Ducks.
Both are third year scholars, namely Adam Garner and Matt Brandish. Garner is a defender, whereas Brandish plays in midfield. Both will go straight into the squad, and we wish them good luck for their debuts.
News Links
Change Page
Change Month
More News
Search Website
