Captain's Log by Jay Evans

Well, what a season that was! Certainly there were some ups and downs along the way but I feel like we've come out at the end of this season a stronger and healthier club. First of all I would like to congratulate both teams on winning promotion from their respective leagues, a fantastic achievement especially as it was our first season in the Watford Sunday League. A special mention goes to the first team who were sitting in 8th place in the league at Xmas before going on what can only be described as a "championship winning run" which every player involved will never forget. I truly feel that we are making a name in the community as a club now. You only have to speak to other people who play in the Watford Sunday League and it's clear that we're making an impression as our meteoric rise up the leagues in Watford continues.

For the reserves, again I feel that a lack of consistency in the starting line up has contributed to the poor finish to the season. This of course goes with the territory of being a reserve team, as players are called up into the first team etc, but I feel that if the reserves are to be a success this season (and in my mind, they can have a real go at this league) then the commitment and hard work that was seen at the start of the season needs to be carried through until the final whistle of the last game of the season.

As for the first team, well I think we have a real chance of making a name of ourselves this season. We are now mixing it with the best Sunday league teams in Watford and with a couple of additions to the squad I think we can cause a few "upsets". The likes of St Josephs and Oakview are obviously at the top on merit, however as we've seen this season they can be beaten and I think it's well within our capability to do this.

Finally, a big thank you to all who turned out for the presentation night last month. I'm sure you would all agree that is was a very enjoyable evening (and night for those that can remember), and a special well done to all the winners of awards. So, lets look forward (I know, running) to pre-season on the 20th July where we can all get back together after some time apart and really put some hard work in that we know will stand us in good stead for another excellent season.


Presentation Night

A cracking day and night had by all. The morning saw the traditional Managers vs Seniors match which the seniors comfortably won 4-0 thanks to goals from Tom Oliver, Steve Shaw, Tom Mitchell and Stu Cartner. Award winners at the presentation were as follows:

AwardWinner
1st XI Players PlayerDave Nelmes
1st XI Managers PlayerDaniel Brooks
2nd XI Players PlayerMark Cassidy
2nd XI Managers PlayerMark Cassidy
ClubmanRussell Popplewell
Andy Davies Memorable Moment AwardTom Mitchell (goal vs West Herts)
GRFC Supporter of the YearLinda Evans
Chairman's AwardAdam Hills


Season 2010/11

The Watford Sunday League have released the constitution for the 2010/11 season (see below). The reserve team did achieve promotion despite finishing in fifth place and will take their place in the third division next season. The first team find themselves in the premier division following their league title and will pit their wits again the cream of Hertfordshire's Sunday football teams. The season will start on Sunday 5th September.


Premier DivisionDivision Three
BusheyAFC Bushey
Gadeside RangersAFC Oxhey Hall
Hammer OGBAFC Spartians
OakviewCroxley RBL
OcustaDome Bar Rangers
Oxhey EstatesEvergreen
St JosephsGadeside Rangers Res'
The WellyMangans
West HertsRailway Arms
Victoria VampiresWatford Irish Res'

Adam Hills in Team-mates

Russ Popplewell in Team-mates

Matt Evans in Team-mates

A total rip off from Soccer AM but hopefully some entertaining reading.


Brooks in injury blow

Gadeside Rangers have been dealt a huge blow as captain Daniel Brooks has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following an operation to reset his nose. Player/Manager Adam Hills told this website:

"It's a huge blow. We lost Brooksy this time last season and you dont realise how important he is until he isn't there. That said, we have a very competitive squad and I know have quality players ready to step in and do a good job."


Special Article

Gadeside talisman Tom Shurville gives his New Year musings on life at GRFC. Click here to read the article.


OSFL Committee Decision

The OSFL committee have confirmed that following their meeting on Wednesday, Gadeside Rangers have been awarded a 1-0 victory for the game which was postponed at the last minute against Abbots Langley on the 21st October. As a result, Gadeside now find themselves 9 points clear at the top of the Olympian League.


Birkdale Trophy Draw

The draw for the quarter final of the Birkdale Trophy has been made and sees Gadeside meet last seasons fellow finalists, Headstone Athletic. Gadeside will be after revenge after losing the final 4-1 at Kings Langley FC. The game will be played on Sunday 13th January at Westfield.


This Website

Thanks to the ineptitude of the hosts of this website to inform me of password changes (or me just not reading my e-mails!!), I was unable to update the site over the last couple of weeks. Normal service has now been resumed.


Xmas Piss Up - Comedy Store

Please note that the Xmas piss up to the Comedy Players Store has been rescheduled for Sunday 23rd December. Full details to be confirmed.


New Signing

Gadeside Rangers today set a new record transfer fee to bring Dan Campbell to the club for a fee of ?2 from Headstone Athletic.


Premiership Fantasy League

Come and join the Gadeside Rangers FC fantasy league. Based on the PremierLeague.com website, can you pick the best team for ?100 million. Register now and get involved by choosing to join a league and entering the league code which is 916359-147049.


Cup Draws

At last nights league meeting, Gadeside Rangers were drawn against Colne Valley in the Presidents Cup and second division in Ecocall in the Birkdale Trophies Challenge Cup. In the first round of the Herts Sunday Senior Cup, we will host Mercury Waltham League side Lea Valley Royals which takes place on 30th September.


Latest News

OSFL Fixtures

It is expected that the first few weeks of OSFL fixtures will be made available by the league on Wednesday 15th August. As soon as they are known, they will be posted on this website.


Latest News

Pre-Season Friendlies

Gadeside Rangers will kick off their pre-season fixture list by welcoming Suburban League Premier Division side Wealdstone Reserves to Westfield. They are the second string to the senior non-league side who play in the Ryman Premier Division. They will then entertain Bushey Park Rangers and will then face the Wealdstone U18 side who are using the match as a warm up for the FA Youth Cup game the following week.

More fixtures to be announced shortly.


Presentation Night


Congratulations to the following players who walked away with awards at the annual presentation night at Northwood Town Cricket Club:
Players' Player of the year:  Ian Freeman
Managers Player of the year:  Jay Evans
Clubman of the year:  Jason Brownhill
Memorable Moment:  Rob Metcalf