Last season (05/06) Ardley had a slow start to the season and a fairly strong finish. Team spirit was at an all time high thanks to a host of new characters including Matt Smith, John Dennis, Gatesey, Axeman etc. Unfortunately the students have all left for this season, leaving Ardley needing a few replacement players. It's looking like it could be an Ed Bolt/John Cross partnership at centre back, with Tom White hopefully coming back, along with Spurge who had a good season, and Tim McRib who is back after his rib problems. Also bolstering the Ardley defence we could be seeing old Ardley favourite Lee Gillyon returning, although he has his eyes set on a position sitting behind the strikers, good luck with that one Lee. Alan Ramsay has been saying for a couple of seasons that he is going to get out of bed on Sundays and play, but it has never quite materialised. Could this be the season that Al will get a place secured in the Ardley back line??
In midfield the old legends are still there, Steve and Cain, Ardley through and through. Jimmy will be trying to get a few more games under his belt after an excellent season. Jimmy's corners were widely regarded as the best and the team and his goals and assists totals are there for all to see. Matt Mc has really found his place in the centre of midfield and is now considered as an essential part of the spine of the team. Will other midfielders make an impact and get in the first team?? Sunir and John Pride both had strong seasons although Sunir only played a few games. John Pride scored a fantastic goal in the last game of the season and I'm sure that he'll be looking to start a few games and score a few more.
Will Haz, who started nearly every game last season, be playing as a striker or on the wing? His pace and skills are immense, although he had a strong start to the season but couldn't keep the goals flying in towards the end of the season. Sam was top scorer AGAIN and his quality is recognised by all. With his physical stature Sam is always a target man and can always come back to help defend set pieces. Axeman Tom Whitehead is a likeable member of the team and scored some vital goals last season. What is really commendable is the fact that Axe was willing to play in goal several times last season and did really well. Also, Tom came to watch all the games when he was banned for his red card. What a guy!!
Last but not least let's not forget our heroic goalkeeper Chris. A servant to the Ardley cause Chris does so much for Ardley behind the scenes, as well as being a class shot stopper.
Let's hope Ardley can do it in 06/07 and be battling at the top of the table, instead of the mid table finishes that we are beginning to grow used to.
Ardley Athletic FC currently play in Division 2 of the East Midlands Public Authorities League (EMPAL). Kick offs are, unfortunately, at 10.30am on Sunday mornings. Most of the team are zombies at this time!
After a spell in division 1, Ardley got relegated and have been fairly inconsistent since. It is one of the worlds most puzzling mysteries why, as Ardley have a wealth of talented and determined players. All involved with Ardley would agree that the club comprises of a great arrangement of characters, both young and old. Sunday afternoons in the Newcastle Arms, Grosvenor or wherever we end up are nearly as (much more!) fulfilling as playing on Sunday mornings!
Below is a brief club history from the days before I joined, John C.
Like most good things, the concept of the club started out down the pub. It wasn't long before we had amassed enough bodies to refine our tactics and organise fitness training...OK, I'm lying, we had a kickabout on Forest Fields.
We joined our first league in 1994. This was the Nottingham Supreme league run by the legendary Ted Rose and served us well for 5 seasons. In those days we were based around Forest Fields, playing our home games on Aspley Lane. Footballing highlights of 1994-1999 were (not many!):
Promotion twice: 2nd Division to 1st and 1st Division to Premier.
Cup Final Runners-up (1997-98)...but don't start me off on that one!
In 1999 we were ready for a new challenge, applied to join the FA Sunday league, and were accepted. The all powerful league committee decided we were fit to join division 3 (of 4). In our first season we were promoted to Division 2, and last season we were promoted to Division 1.
Ed. | 
