Monthly Archives: June 2009

Defender Matt Hadlum rounded off the season by picking up the Supporters Player of the Season accolade. Matt is seen here receiving the award from Alan Webster, who for the previous two years was voted Supporter of the Year,

Some of the characters who have made an indelible mark on our club

From left: Gary Holloway, John Kelly, Ian Holloway, Bob Mummery, Mark Day, Jack Stafford

Two wins from their opening fixtures sees the Green boys top of the Monday night sixes at Pitchside. After last weeks 9-2 success, they had to settle for a 1-0 win this week.

Ian Holloway, Trent Thomas, Aaron Neil and Liam Holman win major trophies

The awards night contained a wonderful mix of veterans from the past, players who are at their peak now, and clear signs that the future is bright with the youngsters staking their claim for a chance to be part of the great renaissance that will happen. Patron Dave Homewood enthused: “There were many great ‘names’ in the room tonight, it was like a “who’s who” of the local scene and if this is the atmosphere when we are struggling to win things, just wait till next year when the good times will have returned! We are proud of our players for their loyalty and managers who have remained dignified and ignored much of the crap from outsiders during a difficult season. To see Jack and George Stafford alongside the legendary Bob Mummery and John Kelly and our beloved Vice President Una Knott just reinforces the desire to strive to maintain our reputation as a family club. But, football is about winning, and I know a lot of today’s players respect the history but are themselves now desperate to emulate the feats of the past. In 1930 we were winnners; we now start our 80th anniversary celebrations and by this time next year we intend to be the best again. Full details and photos from our brilliant cameraman Paul Carter will follow but in the meantime thanks to all who supported the evening and here’s to next season”.

Pictured Aaron Neil who joins an elite band [including skipper Glenn Mackett] that have received the accolade of the Patron’s Award for Excellence

Managers, players and committee can’t wait for the start of next season. Here we see Steve Mailey who is rebuilding the Sunday first squad, Ashley Webster who was again amongst the goals and appearances awards, and the popular winner of the top award Ian Holloway (Bill Mickelborough Memorial Shield for Clubman of the Year).

More of the presentations to follow but the opening game in the small-side competition on Mondays saw a terrific start by the Green boys. The mix of ages clearly worked with the lads getting on well. Ryan Smith commented on the performance of 16-year-old Martyn Dalby: “Dalby was quite brilliant throughout, in fact all the boys were great”. The Green won 9-2 and we will be bringing you details of their games each week.

 Pictured Martyn Dalby, the only player ever to have won the Youth Clubman award twice, who is expected to make his mark now in the seniors set-up

The new club treasurer Gary Skillett [seen here in his youth before a cup final at Essella Park in the 1970s] is looking forward to seeing who wins the youth awards after sponsoring the U16s last season. Meanwhile, coming right up to date, Gary Mickelborough [in action right] has committed himself to the club for next season on Sundays while on Saturdays Gazza will be plying his trade at Ramsgate. More player news as the managers release details of their new signings.

It seems a lot of memories are being jolted with the old photos and there are many more that will be uploaded onto a special gallery during the summer. Here’s one of Trevor Carter and Steve Mailey with the Under 11s in 1988-89. Either side of keeper Dale Stringer (now manager at Ashford Cavaliers) is Paul Brasington and Gavin Janes. Gavin is expected to be back in a Green shirt next season.

The awards night is nearly here and we will build up to the event with some topical and historical editorial and pictures. To kick off here are two photos of past presentation evenings; the top one is at The Saracens Head Hotel in 1956-57 while below is 1962-1963 at Ham Street Village Hall. We have had lots of brilliant photos from Jack Stafford and Mick Teesdale and anyone else that has pictures from our past, please get in touch.

THE BROMLEY GREEN BOYS OF 1930-31

Back: Sambo Maidstone, Harry Hale, Bert ‘Bob’ Shilling, Bert Hale, Harry Holdstock, Harry Routes, Micky Linch (Trainer)

Front: Bill Trice, R Haywood, Albert Mickeborough, Jack Jones, Alf East, Charlie Green

Sitting: Gordon Knight

Winners in 1931-32

Back: Gordon Knight, Bob Shilling, Sambo Maidstone, Albert Mickelborough, Harry Holdstock, Cyril Parrott, Micky Linch

Front: George Hodges, Bill ‘Bumper’ Dorman, Jack Jones, Alf East, Charlie Green

And more up to date…players pledge to bring the good times back

Liam Smith

“I am proud to pull on a Bromley Green jersey. This is traditionally Ashford’s best club and make no mistake we are going to bring back the glory days and dominate again.”

Liam is profiled this month … just click on The Players tab.

Good times…let’s get them back!

 Our new Saturday Reservers manager, Ali Mehmet, has described the Green as a ‘wounded animal’. He is right and we must do what we have always done, bounce back. Below is an Ashford Saturday League presentation night picture from our pre-Kent Amateur League days. Representing the club were club captain Tommy Stafford [third from left back row], with legendary keeper John Kelly and manager Dave Homewood holding the championship shield. Sorry about picture quality, we will try and find a better one.

Winners and captains supreme

The much missed Tommy Stafford pictured here in 2005 with fellow Green leaders Gary Holloway and Glenn Mackett

* Confirmation that our Saturday first team will be competing in Division One next season was received tonight at the Kent County League AGM. Delegate Dave Smith reported that we will be in a section that has 13 sides.

* Gary Skillett, Maxine Smith (left) and Steve Wilson were elected onto the Executive at the Green’s AGM earlier this week.

* Managers are asking all players and supporters to bring a raffle prize to the awards night…Maxine is insisting on players wearing smart dress (well, I’m not going to argue with her, I like a peaceful life)

* We will have our great friend Tony Intrieri on the door on the 19th … thanks for volunteering Tony! And isn’t this an awesome photo!

* All are welcome to the ground next Tuesday for club night (there is an Executive meeting at 6.45pm)

* Our very own Paul Carter will be at the presentations with his eagle-eyed camera…Paul has taken some wonderful shots this season and we are really lucky to have him as one of our friends

The club is delighted to announce the final piece in its management jigsaw for the coming season with Ali Mehmet taking up the reins of Saturday Reserve team manager. After successful spells at Bliby and Aldington on Sundays, Ali is excited at the prospect of a new challenge in Saturday County League football. A club spokesperson said “We believe Ali’s experience will be crucial – both for players we want to retain and the batch of former youth team lads we are asking him to develop. Add the boys that he is inviting across, which include Mark Hazell and a possible return for former Green favourites Stuart Daniel and Gavin Janes, and the nucleus of a useful side is already there. We must stress Ali is seen as a long-term appointment with no immediate pressure for results; but we are confident he will instal much needed discipline, bring the youngsters through, and provide first-class back-up for the first team. Like all the managers here, Ali is passionate about the game, is outspoken and wants to win – and that’s just some of the reasons we know he will fit into our club ethos of all managers working together. He has already had positive talks with Dave Smith, Steve Mailey, Phil Wedge, Trent Thomas and club officers.” Quality players that wish to make contact with Ali can either attend the ground on Sunday 5 July at 10am for discussions, a light run about and a get-to-know-you barbecue; or email him direct at ali_mehmet38@hotmail.com