Aldershot Town F.C.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
||||
| Full name | Aldershot Town Football Club | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Shots | |||
| Founded | 1992 | |||
| Ground | Recreation Ground/EBB Stadium Aldershot (Capacity: 7,100) |
|||
| Chairman |  John McGinty |
|||
| Manager |  Gary Waddock |
|||
| League | League Two | |||
| 2008–09 | League Two, 15th | |||
|
||||
 Current season |
||||
Aldershot Town Football Club is a Football League club based in Aldershot, England, founded in the spring of 1992 just after the closure of debt-ridden Fourth Division Aldershot F.C.. The latter, founded in 1926, had been a League member since 1932 and was a founder member of the fourth division. Aldershot, as a town, is often reported as being the smallest town in England to have a football league club.
Aldershot Town plays at The Recreation Ground in Aldershot, which for sponsorship reasons is now called 'The EBB Stadium at The Recreation Ground'. The team competes in Football League Two after winning promotion back to the Football League[1] on 15 April 2008 by winning the Conference National. In addition to winning the Conference National, Aldershot Town also completed the Non League double in the 2007-08 season by winning the Conference League Cup.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] The Isthmian Years
[edit] Formation
On 25 March 1992, the town of Aldershot was without a football club after Aldershot F.C. became the first Football League team since Accrington Stanley in 1962 to fold during the football season. Aldershot Town was born later the same year, and began life competing in the Isthmian League Division Three. Despite Aldershot Town playing five divisions lower than the Football League, the attendance for their first competitive fixture was higher than the old team's last home tie (against Cardiff City in the Football League Fourth Division on 20 March 1992. Ten successive victories were recorded under the guidance of former player Steve Wignall and Town won the championship by an 18-point margin, a feat made all the more remarkable by the fact that 12 months earlier the manager had just one player on his books.
Aldershot's revival as a footballing side attracted the attention of the national media. In November 1992, ITN featured a news story on the new club, who by this stage were top of their league and attracting average attendances of 2,000 in a division where clubs struggled to attract 100 spectators to games. [1]
A further promotion and an FA Vase Quarter Final placing was achieved in the 1993–94 season. When Steve Wignall departed to take charge of Colchester United mid-way through the 1994–95 season, former Nottingham Forest winger Steve Wigley took over. Despite steering the club to six successive victories at the end of the 1994–95 season only goal difference prevented a third successive promotion. After narrowly missing out during the next two seasons Wigley left in July 1997 to become Youth Development Officer at Nottingham Forest. He was replaced by George Borg. Attendances continued to rise during this period and the final fixture of the 1997–98 Isthmian League First Division championship-winning season, at home to Berkhamsted Town, attracted 4,289 people to the Recreation Ground. The success under Borg continued with an Isthmian League Cup, two Hampshire Senior Cups and a runners-up spot in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
The Reserves returned in 2000–01 and entered the Suburban League. The FA Cup in 2000–01 saw Aldershot take on league opposition at The Recreation Ground for the first time since reforming, when Brighton & Hove Albion visited for a 1st Round tie in November and a record attendance of 7,500 were there to see the game. However it was the league side who progressed to meet Scunthorpe United in round two.
[edit] 2001–02 season
Borg signed a number of experienced Isthmian League players in the summer of 2001 as the club aimed for promotion to the Conference encouraged by some excellent pre-season performances. In the FA Cup, Bristol Rovers were the next League opposition to visit The Recreation Ground, again in the 1st Round. In front of over 5,000 at The Rec, the Shots secured a replay, and only exited the competition when Vitalijs Astafjevs' 87th minute goal took the League side into the 2nd Round, with a 1–0 win in Bristol.
In November 2001 after Borg was critical of supporters whose patience was wearing thin, came a shock defeat at home to Boreham Wood. When Canvey Island overhauled a 1–0 Aldershot lead and won 3–1 just weeks later, the supporters put huge pressure on Borg and the club to end his tenure as manager. In little over a month, Borg, the most successful manager the club had yet seen, left Aldershot Town.
[edit] Arrival of Terry Brown
On 20 March 2002 - 10 years to the day since Aldershot F.C. played its last ever league fixture - Aldershot Town F.C. appointed Terry Brown as its fourth manager. He won his first game in charge beating Newport IOW 1–0 in the Hampshire Senior Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg. A 3–0 aggregate win saw them progress to the final at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium where a Stafford Browne hat-trick secured the Hampshire Senior Cup again with a 3–1 win over Havant & Waterlooville.
During the summer of 2002, Brown set about transforming Aldershot Town. Eleven first team players were moved on, and 11 replacements brought in, many former Football League or Conference players. After a few setbacks and injuries to key players, he steered Aldershot to the top of the table in mid November. The Shots never relinquished that position despite Canvey Island trying to close the gap. In April 2003 over 2400 Shots fans made the journey to Canvey Island for what was billed as the title decider. A Roscoe D'Sane penalty secured a 1–0 win.
Six days later, after a 5–1 win over St Albans City, the Shots travelled to Sutton United needing just one point for the championship. Another D'Sane goal secured a 1–1 draw and the Shots won promotion to the Conference at the fifth time of asking. The last game of the season saw 3000 Shots fans head once again to St Mary's as they retained the Hampshire Senior Cup with a 2–1 win over Bashley.
[edit] The Conference Years
[edit] Life in the Conference
A crowd of 3,680 saw Aldershot's first game in the Conference, a 2–1 win over Accrington Stanley. But it was just as taste of things to come as the still part-time side constructed by Terry Brown went on to stay in the play-off positions in the league table for all but 3 days of the season, surrounded by full-time professional former football league sides. The Shots equalled their best ever run in the FA Cup, reaching the 2nd Round and losing 1–0 to Colchester United at Layer Road in a hard fought encounter. And there were more club records tumbling as the side also reached the semi-final of the FA Trophy, losing to eventual winners Hednesford Town and the average attendance for league matches at The Rec ended on a record high of 3,303.
A 1–1 draw against Tamworth on the last day of the season carried the Shots into the play-offs for a place in the Football League. Over two legs the Shots held their own against favourites Hereford United, drawing 1–1 at The Rec and 0–0 at Edgar Street. Extra time finished without any further score and the tie was concluded on penalties with the Shots winning 4-2. The Conference Playoff Final against Shrewsbury Town finished 1–1 after extra time. Shrewsbury returned to the league with a 3–0 win in the penalty shoot-out.
[edit] Professional status achieved
A meeting on 24 May 2004 saw the club officers take the historic decision to convert Aldershot Town to full-time professional status from 1 July 2004. For the first time since March 1992 the town of Aldershot had a professional football team.
In 2004–05 the Shots once again equalled their best ever run in the FA Cup as they reached the 2nd Round proper, where they lost 5–1 to Hartlepool United. After a slow start in the league, Aldershot showed some fine form in the run-in. In their final game of the season they needed to beat Scarborough to reach the play-offs. In front of nearly 4,500 Tim Sills was the hero as his brace ensured Exeter City and Morecambe with their superior goal differences could not qualify.
The Shots faced Carlisle United but there was no repeat of the 5–0 home Conference humiliation at the hands of the Cumbrians, as Nick Crittenden's goal saw Aldershot take a 1–0 first leg advantage to Brunton Park. Before half time Carlisle had overturned Aldershot's lead to hold the advantage 2–1 on aggregate, before loanee Jamie Slabber levelled in stoppage time. Extra time could not separate the sides and the tie went to penalties. At one point the Shots were 3–1 up, but the shoot-out went to sudden death. Jon Challinor missed his effort and Danny Livesey sent Carlisle into the final.
[edit] 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons
The next two seasons were disappointing ones for the Shots. 2005–06 saw Aldershot's team ravaged by injuries, and they struggled to 13th in the table, with a goal difference of -13, 13 years after the end of the new club's first season. The team made it to the 2nd round of the FA Cup, losing 1–0 at home to Scunthorpe United. The next season was equally disappointing, with the side never really getting close enough to the aim of finishing in the playoff positions. The club eventually made it to 9th in the reformed 24 club Conference National, finishing 13 points off the playoffs. Terry Brown resigned, citing the poor health of his wife as the primary reason, although his position may have been untenable with regards to the season's performance. Martin Kuhl took over as caretaker manager. They made it to the 3rd round of the FA Cup for the first time, though, losing 4–2 at Bloomfield Road to Blackpool
[edit] Promotion to the Football League
In May 2007 Gary Waddock was appointed the new manager by the board of directors, with Martin Kuhl reverting to his coaching position. He appointed Rhys Day as club captain. The Shots started the season strongly, losing few games before the turn of the year. Jonny Dixon was sold to Brighton and Hove Albion in the January Transfer window for £56,000[2], which was then a club record. After 42 league games, the Shots were top of the Conference National on 97 points, giving them a 17 point advantage over Torquay United, and needing just one point to gain promotion as Champions. Aldershot were promoted to the Football League, for the first time since the club was reformed, on 15 April 2008, after securing the point they needed in a 1–1 draw away to Exeter City[3]. The Shots finished the season with a draw at Rushden and Diamonds, which meant that they were undefeated in the final 18 league games and had won a record 101 points.
The Shots also made it to the Conference League Cup Final after a 4–3 penalty shoot out victory over near neighbours Woking in the semi-final. The final, played at the Recreation Ground on the 3rd of April, was against Rushden & Diamonds. With the scores 1–1 at full time, then 3–3 after extra time, Aldershot won 4–3 on penalties.[4]
[edit] The Football League
16 years afer the demise of Aldershot F.C. the town of Aldershot had a Football League team again. The club retained many of the 2007-08 promotion winning team, and add several signings, both permanent and on loan. Gary Waddock and Martin Kuhl also committed their futures to the club by signing new three-year contracts.[5] Joel Grant was sold to Crewe Alexandra for £130,000, a club record.[6]
On the opening day of the 2008-09 season, Aldershot Town won their first league game on their return to the Football League at Accrington Stanley 1-0.[7] This was followed 4 days later by the clubs first ever Football League Cup game, against Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena, which the Shots lost 3-1.
[edit] Stadium
Aldershot Town play their home games at The Recreation Ground, which has a capacity of 7,100. The stadium was previously the home of Aldershot F.C.
[edit] Players
- As of 27 May 2009.
[edit] Current squad
|
|
[edit] Notable players
For all Aldershot Town F.C. players with a Wikipedia article see Category:Aldershot Town F.C. players.
[edit] Players of the season
| Season | Player |
|---|---|
| 1992-93 | Mark Butler |
| 1993-94 | Keith Baker and Steve Harris |
| 1994-95 | Stuart Udal |
| 1995-96 | Danny Holmes |
| 1996-97 | Jimmy Sugrue |
| 1997-98 | Otis Hutchings |
| 1998-99 | Jason Chewins |
| 1999-00 | Ollie Adedji |
| 2000-01 | Mark Bentley |
| 2001-02 | Jason Chewins |
| 2002-03 | Nikki Bull |
| 2003-04 | Ray Warburton |
| 2004-05 | Steve Watson |
| 2005-06 | Nikki Bull |
| 2006-07 | John Grant |
| 2007-08 | Nikki Bull |
| 2008-09 | Anthony Charles |
[edit] Managers
| Name | Nat | From | To | Games Managed | Games Won | Games Drawn | Games Lost | Win percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Wignall | |
23 May 1992 | 12 January 1995 | 146 | 97 | 24 | 25 | 66.43% |
| Paul Shrubb* | |
13 January 1995 | 25 January 1995 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
| Steve Wigley | |
26 January 1995 | 30 July 1997 | 135 | 72 | 25 | 38 | 53.33% |
| Andy Meyer*, Mark Butler* & Joe Roach* | |
1 August 1997 | 17 September 1997 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 37.50% |
| George Borg | |
18 September 1997 | 31 January 2002 | 261 | 147 | 50 | 64 | 56.32% |
| Stuart Cash* | |
1 February 2002 | 23 March 2002 | 14 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 64.28% |
| Terry Brown | |
20 March 2002 | 27 March 2007 | 284 | 145 | 52 | 87 | 51.05% |
| Martin Kuhl* | |
28 March 2007 | 16 May 2007 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 45.45% |
| Gary Waddock | |
17 May 2007 | Present | 74^ | 47^ | 12^ | 15^ | 63.51%^ |
- *Caretaker Managers
- ^As of the 4th October 2008
[edit] Records
[edit] Appearances and goals
Jason Chewins holds the record for the most number of appearances for the club, playing 489 times between August 1994 and May 2004. This led to the left-back being the first and, to date, only player to receive a testimonial which was played against Portsmouth in July 2004.
Before Chewins, the record was held by Mark Butler, who joined the club at its inception in 1992. Butler played 303 times between August 1992 and May 1998, also holding the all-time goal scoring record by netting 155 times, a record he still currently holds. Current goalkeeper Nikki Bull made his 300th appearance for the Shots in November 2008. Two others have played more than 200 times for the club, Stuart Udal, whose brother Shaun was an England international cricketer, played 236 times for the club. Winger Jimmy Sugrue has also passed the land mark.
Gary Abbott is, apart from Butler, the only Shots player to have ever scored over 100 goals for the club. Over the course of three seasons, between August 1998 and May 2001, he scored 120 goals.[8]
[edit] Transfers
Record Purchase
- Marvin Morgan from Woking for an undisclosed fee (but a club record)[9] in May 2008. The previous highest fee paid for a player was the £20,000 paid to Woking for Grant Payne in November 1999.
Record Sale
- Joel Grant to Crewe Alexandra for £130,000 June 2008.[6]
[edit] Honours & achievements
- Champions - 2007-08
Isthmian League Premier Division
- Champions - 2002-03
Isthmian League First Division
- Champions - 1997-98
Isthmian League Third Division
- Champions - 1992-93
- Third Round - 2006-2007
- First round - 2008-09
- First round - 2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09
- Winners - 2007-08
- Quarter Finalists - 1993-94
- Winners - 1998-99, 1999-00, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2006-07
[edit] Season-by-season record
[edit] Football Kits
Aldershot Town's home kit is red with blue and white trim. The club have always played in a predominantly red kit with blue features, including stripes and quarters.[10]
[edit] Kit supplier
In June 2008, Aldershot Town signed a three year kit deal with Carbrini Sportswear.[11]
[edit] Kit manufacturers and sponsors
| Years | Manufacturers | Sponsor |
| 1992–93 | Ribero | Pam’s Florist |
| 1993–94 | Fiva | Datrontech |
| 1994–95 | ||
| 1995–96 | ||
| 1996–97 | ||
| 1997–98 | ICIS | |
| 1998–99 | Charters Peugeot | |
| 1999–00 | ||
| 2000–01 | ||
| 2001–02 | ||
| 2002–03 | Hi-Speed | |
| 2003–04 | ||
| 2004–05 | Errea | Charters Peugeot |
| 2005–06 | ||
| 2006–07 | EBB Paper | |
| 2007–08 | ezylet.co.uk | |
| 2008–09 | Carbrini Sportswear[12] | EBB Paper[13] |
| 2009–10 | ||
| 2010–11 |
[edit] Previous kits
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
[edit] Famous Fans
- Arthur English (president of Aldershot F.C. at time of bankruptcy; one of the original Aldershot Town F.C. investors and designer of the new club's phoenix logo)
- Jack Rollin
- Shaun Udal
[edit] Rivals
Aldershot's biggest rivals are Rushmoor neighbours Farnborough Town and another nearby team, Woking.[14] Fixtures against these sides attract larger than average crowds, including 5,961 for a Hampshire Senior Cup semi final and a league record 5,518 in an Isthmian League Premier Division match against Farnborough[8][14] and 6,870 for an FA Cup 1st round match against Woking.[8]
Aldershot were arch rivals with Reading until their demise in 1992. However since then no significant rivalry with the new club Aldershot Town has been created.[15] The only meeting between the two clubs was in a friendly in 2001. Despite the game being relatively low key, trouble broke out between rival supporters resulting in several arrests[14][16].
Other teams which may be considered rivals include Basingstoke Town, Bournemouth and Brentford.[citation needed]
[edit] References
- ^ "Rise of the Phoenix". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aldershot/7337126.stm. Retrieved on 2008-04-15.
- ^ "Brighton complete deal for Dixon". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/7217266.stm. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ "Exeter 1-1 Aldershot". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7344140.stm. Retrieved on 2008-04-15.
- ^ "Aldershot Town win Setanta Shield". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/6903365.stm. Retrieved on 2008-04-04.
- ^ "Waddock signs new Aldershot deal". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aldershot/7471799.stm. Retrieved on 2008-06-24.
- ^ a b "Crewe sign Aldershot winger Grant". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/7473894.stm. Retrieved on 2008-06-25.
- ^ "Accrington Stanley 0-1 Aldershot Town". www.theshots.co.uk. http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=30107&newstype=m&matchid=8254. Retrieved on 2008-08-09.
- ^ a b c "ShotsWeb: Shots Stats". 2007-12-04. http://www.shotsweb.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&Itemid=25. Retrieved on 2007-12-27.
- ^ "Playing Squad 2008/2009 – Marvin Morgan". www.theshots.co.uk. http://www.theshots.co.uk/PlayerDisplay.ink?skip=15&season=2008/2009&Playertype=P.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Aldershot Town". http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Aldershot_Town/aldershot-town.html. Retrieved on 2009-02-20.
- ^ "Kit Announcement". www.theshots.co.uk. http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=29962&newstype=n&matchid=. Retrieved on 2008-06-23.
- ^ "Kit Announcement". www.theshots.co.uk. http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=29962&newstype=n&matchid=. Retrieved on 2008-06-23.
- ^ "We are pleased to welcome EBB as new club sponsors of Aldershot Town FC". www.theshots.co.uk. http://www.theshots.co.uk/NewsPage.ink?nid=30007. Retrieved on 2008-07-08.
- ^ a b c "Aldershot News". Aldershot News. http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/25060_battle_lines_drawn_to_avert_fan_trouble. Retrieved on 2005-11-03.
- ^ "No 6. Reading". "The Guardian". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2001/feb/21/footballfanzines.sport2. Retrieved on 2009-02-20.
- ^ "Aldershot News". Aldershot News. http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/26965_publisher_denies_book_glamorises_hooligans. Retrieved on 2005-11-03.
[edit] See also
Yokohama FC a replacement football club, which also has a phoenix as it's badge.
[edit] External links
- Official club web site
- Red Blue Army Supporters Group
- Shotsweb Unnoficial Club Web Site
- Stray Shots - Part of the Footy Mad network
