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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Who would YOU like to see the Shots face in Pre-Season?

With five pre-season friendlies already pencilled in, discussions for a further two are still ongoing, so we turn to the fans and pose this question: ‘Who would YOU like to see the Shots face in Pre-Season?’.

This is how each season’s pre-season friendlies schedule has panned out (see graphic below). Please also see the comparison of the schedules between 2014/15 and 2012/13 - the difference of divisions.

Whether if it’s a tour of Scotland (be it Dundee or Alloa Athletic) or just the usual local one (being Sutton United and Staines and a visit from a Chelsea XI side), we want to hear from YOU!

Get commenting using the form below - after all, this is YOUR Fan Blog!

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Barry Smith

Having arrived at the Electrical Services Stadium in April 2015, Barry boasts seven years of managerial experience and arrives with a reputation of developing young talent.

Having left Scottish Championship side Alloa Athletic in March - where he led The Wasps to the 2015 Petrofac Training Cup Final - Barry had set his sights on the league play-offs as a target in his first season in charge at the helm.

Upon his arrival as the man to lead Aldershot Town forward, he penned a one-year rolling contract whilst choosing Chris Barker as his number two (Player-Assistant Manager).

Roughly two years on after the Club’s exit from administration, Barry looks to get the ball rolling and is described as an experienced and ‘ambitious’ figure.

So “Come On You Shots” in 2015-16...Football League surely awaits?!

As A Player:

1991 – 1995: Celtic FC – 22 Appearances

1995 – 2006: Dundee FC – 359 Appearances

2006 – 2008: Valur FC (Iceland Premier League) – 43 Apperances

Other clubs: Partick Thistle, Greenock Morton, Brechin City

International: Scotland Under-21′s – 5 Appearances

Managerial Experience:

Jan 2014 - Mar 2015: Alloa Athletic

Oct 2010 – Feb 2013: Dundee FC

Dec 2008 – Oct 2010: Dundee FC Under-19’s

#homepage #Coaching Staff #Barry #Barry Smith #Smith #Playing Staff #Staff #Manager

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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League Table

Latest league standings, constantly updated for your peace of mind.

#homepage #League Table #Standings #League

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Chris Barker

Chris was named as Player-Assistant Manager of Aldershot Town upon the arrival and appointment of Barry Smith as the Club’s new first team manager.

After guiding a slightly downbeat Aldershot Town to Conference Premier survival (following his appointment as Caretaker Manager in January 2015 with the dismissal of Andy Scott), he was rewarded for his efforts by the Board with his new role after bagging 20 points from his 15 game reign as Caretaker-Chief at the helm.

Equally adapted and suited as a centre-back and a left-back, Chris had also been Club Captain at Southend United in his three year stay with the Shrimpers, leading United to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final in 2013 as well as the League Two play-offs.

Chris - nominated the Player of the Year by Shots’ supporters for 2014-15 - has also featured for the likes of Cardiff City and Q.P.R. and is also the brother of former Crawley and Portsmouth manager, Richie Barker.

#homepage #Chris Barker #Barker #Chris #Caretaker #Caretaker Manager #Player Profile #Player #Players #first team profiles

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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End of an Era for Team #TheShots as Matt Gray Departs

It’s the end of an era for Aldershot Town as the coaching staff’s longest-serving member and first team coach, Matt Gray, departs the Electrical Services Stadium.

Matt - who arrived at ‘FortressRec’ in June 2011 under the management of Dean Holdsworth - leaves the Club at the end of his contract ‘by mutual consent’ (according to a Club statement).

Serving as number three in line under both Dean Holdsworth and then, Andy Scott, he assisted Chris Barker as Caretaker Manager to steer the Shots to Vanarama Conference safety.

New manager, Barry Smith wishes Matt the very best for the future on behalf of all at Aldershot Town: “I would like to thank Matt for his work, not just in my first few weeks in the job but in his four seasons with Aldershot Town.

“Both Chris and myself are very hands-on coaches and we are looking forward to working with our new squad from 1 July,” Barry wanting no mix-up on the circumstances of Matt’s departure.

33-year old former Eastleigh coach, Matt, said: “I have had some amazing highs in my time at Aldershot Town, along with unbelievable lows, and enjoyed my four years here. I wish the Club well for the future.”

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Monday Madness as Cup Final Comes To The ESS

Cup final drama and action is coming to the Electrical Services Stadium this coming Monday...

This coming Monday, 11 May 2015, local football is on show with the Eric Holbrook Trophy Final, between Waterloo FC (of the Aldershot Sunday League) and Sunningdale & Wentworth Reserves FC (of the Bracknell League).

The Eric Holbrook Trophy is an Aldershot Football Association competition and open to all Sunday League sides which come under its remit. Kick-off at the Electrical Services Stadium is 7:45pm.

Come along and support local grass roots football. Admission is £4 for Adults and £2 for Concessions and Children aged over 12.

#Cup #Cup Final #Final #Cups #Cup News #Cups News #ric Holbrook Trophy #Eric Holbrook Trophy #Trophy #Trophy News #Trophies #Trohys #Toffees #Monday #Monday Cup

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

Video

youtube

Here’s the promotional video for Graham’s book, titled “To Make A Dream Survive”, which is available now and for a signed copy, please contact Graham directly.

Co-Club Founder, Graham Brookland, relives the story so far...which oversees the highs and the lows of both working and supporting a football club.

From the demise of Aldershot FC, the reincarnation and reformation of the living Aldershot Town FC, the rise through the Non-League pyramid followed by a five-year stay in the Football League to throwing almost all of that away as extinction homed in on a Club who had experienced somewhat of a rough season - both on and off the pitch.

To get hold of your copy, visit Graham’s website: www.grahambrookland.wix.com/tomakeadreamsurvive and for specific requirements (like book signing), use the contact form at the bottom of the page.

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Shots Looking For New Programme Designer

Aldershot Town Football Club’s Media Team are - according to The Aldershot Writer sources - looking into finding a company or individual who specialise in match programme design.

It is with the ultimate aim of bagging a new programme design template along with “print-ready artwork for each individual edition”.

Current Programme Designer, Victoria Rogers, is also expected to stay on in her current role with the award-winning Shots’ official matchday magazine.

Taking through your latest news round-up is The Aldershot Writer.

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Chelsea Young Guns Face City at the ESS For Final ‘Home’ Game

Chelsea face a repeat of their victorious FA Youth Cup Final encounter with Manchester City in a Barclays Under 18 Premier League Play-Off fixture at the Electrical Services Stadium on Saturday 9 May at 1.30pm.

Admission is FREE as City look to avenge that 5-2 aggregate defeat in the end-of-season Play-Off group featuring the top teams from both North and South divisions. City won the North Group with 70 points and just five defeats from their 31 games, whilst Chelsea finished fifth in the South Group on 49 points.

Before The Blues face Manchester City, Chelsea host Liverpool in a Barclays Under 21 Premier League fixture at the ESS on Thursday, 7 May, with a 7.05pm kick-off. Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.

Chelsea’s squad – many of whom also featured in their UEFA Youth League Final victory last month – includes the prolific Dominic Solanke, who was on the bench for The Blues’ 1-0 Premier League win at Old Trafford and made his first-team debut in the Champions League last October, and prodigiously talented Isaiah Brown, who became the Premier League’s second youngest player ever with West Bromwich Albion before joining Chelsea.

Midfielder Kasey Palmer is building a formidable reputation for scoring spectacular goals (here, here and here), whilst Belgian Under 21 international winger Charly Musonda – who frequently draws comparisons with Raheem Sterling – is rated as The Blues’ most exciting young prospect.

Managed by former Blackburn Rovers and England winger Jason Wilcox, Manchester City’s Under 18 squad contains several players tipped to break into the first-team, including Spanish youth internationals Angelino and Pablo Maffeo, and Kelechi Iheanacho, who will represent Nigeria in the Under 20 World Cup at the end of the month. They are joined by youth internationals from Holland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Republic of Ireland and, of course, England.

Both matches showcase the best young players in the country. See them now, before the rest of the world.

The Aldershot Writer will hopefully launch a new feature coming soon, in regards to a Chelsea Under 21 calendar. Stay tuned for more news...

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Soccer At Six Is Back!

Local youngsters will be able to enjoy professional football coaching right on their doorstep as Aldershot Town’s famous ‘Soccer at Six’ community-based initiative returns next week.

Boys and girls aged between 5 and 14, regardless of abilities, can just turn up and play for just £3 per session. Sessions being operated and run by Aldershot Town’s Community Team, run from Monday 4th May to Friday 28th August (bar any public holidays) from 6pm to 7:15pm, at the following venues:

Monday

Peter Driver Playing Field, Tweseldown Road, Church Crookham GU52 8DF

King George V Playing Field, Sycamore Road, Farnborough GU14 6RQ

Tuesday

Oakley Park, Albany Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 3PP

Aldershot Park, Guildford Road, Aldershot GU12 4BP

Wednesday

Crownfields, Odiham, Hook Hampshire RG29 1PL

Pinewood Park, Farnborough GU14 9LQ

Thursday

Basingbourne Park, Basingbourne Road, Fleet GU52 6TE

Manor Park, High Street, Aldershot GU12 4JU

Friday

Yateley Green, Reading Road, Yateley GU46 7RP

Cove Green, Prospect Road, Farnborough GU14 OEE

For more and to keep up-to-date on community-focussed activities, visit www.aldershottownfitc.co.uk or get in touch directly by phoning 01252 339384.

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Generous Blues Donate Gate Receipts To Nepal Relief Fund

Chelsea will donate all proceeds of next Thursday’s Barclays Under 21 Premier League match against Liverpool at Aldershot Town FC to the Nepal earthquake relief fund.

Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for children, with all money going directly to the areas most affected by Saturday’s disaster. Bucket collections will also be made around the stadium at a fixture which last year attracted a crowd of almost 4,000. Kick-off at the Electrical Services Stadium, on Thursday 7 May, is 7.05pm.

Shots Chairman Shahid Azeem said: “We have all been deeply moved by the tragic events in Nepal and had to do whatever we could to help our friends in the region. I am very grateful to Chelsea for such a great gesture and for their support to the relief fund. This was already going to be a special match but now it is about more than just football.”

Neil Bath, Chelsea’s Head of Youth Development, said: “Chelsea recognise the strong links between Aldershot Town and the local Nepalese community and are delighted to be able to help with fundraising activities. We enjoy great support from football fans in Nepal, India and China and will also make a donation from raffle ticket sales at Sunday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace.”

Further initiatives are being planned in conjunction with Rushmoor-based charity Sahara UK and Aldershot’s Buddhist Community Centre UK.

#chelsea #chelsea fc #Chelsea Football Club #chelsea academy #chelsea youth #chelsea u21 #chelsea-u21 #chelsea under21 #chelsea under 21 #chelsea under 21s #chelsea under-21s #chelsea 21 #chelsea u21s #chelsea-under21 #chelsea-under21s #chelsea under-21's #chelsea under-21

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Viva Mark Molesley Among Three To Depart

It’s the end of an era for Aldershot Town as one-time FA Cup hero and fan favourite, Mark Molesley is among three to depart the Shots at the end of their contracts.

As part of this summer’s squad shakeup (under the new management of Barry Smith), Aldershot trio of midfielder, Mark Molesley and frontmen, Andre McCollin and Josh Scott were not offered new deals and subsequently, have left the club at the end of their contracts.

Whilst all of the Shots’ loanees have returned to their parent clubs, Barry Smith has begun his restructuring early, offering seven players new contracts with a further three invited back for pre-season training as well as monitoring three players who missed the Shots’ final game of the season at Grimsby due to injury. Joe Oastler, as mentioned elsewhere, has triggered an extension clause in his existing deal to keep him at the Electrical Services Stadium for next season.

Molesley, who has established himself as a fans favourite during his stay at the ESS, arrived in August 2013 for his third spell in a Shots’ shirt, scoring 11 goals (including one in both legs of the Shots’ FA Cup first round ties with Portsmouth) in 110 appearances in the Club’s colours.

Former Dagenham and Redbridge striker Josh Scott joined Aldershot Town in January 2014 and scored 7 goals in 45 appearances for The Shots. He had scored 23 goals in 122 games for The Daggers (before joining the Shots in January 2014), including four against Morecambe in the first leg of the 2009-10 League Two Play-Off semi-final.

Joining the Shots from Kingstonian on a free transfer in October 2014, McCollin has netted four goals in 29 appearances during his time with Aldershot. A former PE teacher, Andre is known as a prolific striker, having scored 58 goals in 109 games for The Ks.

On behalf of all Shots’ fans around the globe, we wish Mark, Josh and Andre the very best for the future.

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Barry Smith: Who Are Ya?

We have a little look at the new man at the helm: Scotsman, Barry Smith following his appointment this afternoon...

A UEFA Pro License holder, Barry boasts seven years of managerial experience and arrives at the Electrical Services Stadium with a reputation of developing young talent.

Having left Scottish Championship side Alloa Athletic in March - where he led The Wasps to the 2015 Petrofac Training Cup Final, Barry sets his sight on the play-offs for next term.

With the ultimate aim of bringing the club back into the Football League, Barry’s aiming for exactly that in his first season in charge at the helm but knows it won’t be as straight forward as some may initially think...

With tough opposition like Forest Green Rovers and FC Halifax Town, added to those joining from the Football League of whom are Cheltenham Town and Tranmere Rovers, the task in hand certainly won’t be as easy with acknowledgement that a bunch of players’ contracts are set to run its course this summer.

Brief outlook of Barry’s career to date:

Managerial Experience

Jan 2014 - Mar 2015: Alloa Athletic

Oct 2010 – Feb 2013: Dundee FC

Dec 2008 – Oct 2010: Dundee FC Under-19’s

As A Player

1991 – 1995: Celtic FC – 22 Appearances

1995 – 2006: Dundee FC – 359 Appearances

2006 – 2008: Valur FC (Iceland Premier League) – 43 Apperances

Other clubs: Partick Thistle, Greenock Morton, Brechin City

International: Scotland Under-21′s – 5 Appearances

Barry Smith on...

-- Quotes via www.TheShots.co.uk --

What he expects from his set of players: “First of all they’ve got to want to win – that’s what the game is about, and you only achieve that by working really hard and giving everything for the team, so I expect real commitment from players. I want lads who want to learn and improve their game however experienced they are, and also have the technical ability to get the ball down and play passing, attacking football.”

Growing up, his footballing idol: “If I’m honest I think I looked up to my mates on the local park more than anything, but I guess it would have to be Kenny Dalglish, who had such a fantastic career.”

Best player you’ve played against: “As a defender it was always the attackers that caught my eye. There are a few names that spring to mind as great players, but without a doubt the best was Henrik Larsson. His movement, and skill with the ball was fantastic, so it’s no surprise he scored 174 goals when he was at Celtic… and yes a few of them were against my team!”

Why Aldershot and what you are most excited about-about joining The Shots: “I can see lots of potential in the Club, and I know that the last few seasons haven’t been great for the supporters, so I’m just looking forward to getting started with Chris and trying to put a smile on the supporters’ faces. When I first visited The Rec I was blown away by the quality of the pitch, which must be one of the best in the country. I know it won’t be like that at lots of the grounds we’ll visit during the season, but it looks like a great surface to play good entertaining football on. Also I’m really looking forward to relocating my family down somewhere close to the club, and Bridges Estate Agents, the Club sponsor, are giving us loads of support with this, which has been a great help. I’ve heard a rumour that I’ll be able to get a decent pint in The Crimea too!”

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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New Era For Shots As Scotsman Takes The Hot Seat

Aldershot Town have today unveiled Scotsman, Barry Smith, as the man to lead the club forward as part of a new chapter in the Aldershot Town story.

Bringing a seven year package of managerial experience to the table, Barry has penned a one-year rolling contract, choosing Chris Barker as his number two (in the role of Player-Assistant Manager).

Whilst Matt Gray will also remain in his role as the First Team Coach, lets have a little look at the new man arriving at the Electrical Services Stadium.

Shots’ Chairman, Shahid Azeem, said: “Barry is ambitious, shares our desire to see entertaining football back at Aldershot Town, and has great experience of developing young players. I know supporters will join us in welcoming him to The Shots and we really look forward to working with him.”

Smith said: “I see Aldershot Town as a great club with the same aspirations as myself. I want to be successful and so does ATFC. It felt an ideal fit. The team are playing below par at the moment but if we have a great season we can get into the Play-Offs. We are looking to build a new squad, and we have to build slowly, but we want to put out a team that makes Aldershot proud.

“It would be a great achievement to reach the Play-Offs next season and ultimately we want to take the Club back to the Football League. The fans will be proud of this team, but we need everyone working together – the fans, the management and the team.

“We’ve got a great pitch out there and it’s one that deserves good football. I want to get the ball down and pass, we have to be positive and attack-minded in the way we play.”

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Shots vs Chester FC: Live Text Coverage

Live text coverage of this afternoon’s game against Chester FC.

Live Blog Aldershot Town vs Southport: Live Text Coverage

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Exclusive: Claridge In It To Win It

Steve Calridge is in it to win it as the former Aldershot man is linked with the today vacant post at Portsmouth FC - left by Andy Awford after the two parties parted company this morning.

The Aldershot Writer sources reveal that Claridge could well be the man to succeed at Fratton Park but will not be in line for the job as another familiar face to Shots’ fans and former manager, Gary Waddock has been placed in charge on an interim-caretaker day-to-day basis whilst the search for a new manager commences upon the term’s end.

Claridge revealed to BBC Sport that he would jump at the chance of getting his hands on the Pompey managerial job and took no prisoners with accessing Awford’s failed task at Fratton Park this season, saying they’ve ‘underachieved’ and should be aiming for the ‘play offs’, with a respectable budget.

Former Ireland international Waddock will have four games during his caretaker-interim reign between here and the end of the season and won’t be under massive pressure either as the League Two club once threatened with relegation from the Football League, are safe from the drop.

BBC Radio Solent analyst Andrew Moon also had his swing on things: "The play-offs were the minimum requirement for Portsmouth this season and, barring a good first month of the season, the team haven't looked like featuring in the promotion race.

"Awford was almost sacked at the end of January, only to then go on and win the League Two Manager of the Month award for February.

"However, things have fallen away badly in recent weeks, with the club in danger of their lowest ever Football League finish."

Awford, who has served in almost every role at the Fratton club including as an academy coach and chief scout, will sit down with the club’s Board of Directors once more after a ‘natural break’ with the aim of supporting the club in another capacity.

Stay with The Aldershot Writer for the very latest from the Electrical Services Stadium and a Shots Trust exclusive in time for next week.

#Portsmouth #Andy Awford #Awford #Local News #Roundup #Neighbours #Hampshire #Fratton #Fratton Park #Park #FC #FC Portsmouth #Portsmouth FC

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thealdershotwriter-blog · 9 years

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Donavan Next To Walk

The Aldershot Writer sources indicate that the Shots Trust have a handful of roles to fill following the resignation of two of it’s directors in the past week.

Exclusive sources reveal that Shots Trust Vice-Chairman, Stuart Griffiths and David Donovan have both walked in the space of just over a week - with the reason of Donovan’s resignation being due to ‘personal reasons’ - a Trust official has now confirmed. We have just been informed by our sources though that the reason behind the resignation of Griffiths’ resignation could well be due to ‘work and study commitments’, before being confirmed by Stuart on Twitter

David “Dave” Donovan, who is a Business Development Manager for a major insurance firm, has been dealing with the Trust’s finances and has served on the Shots Trust Board for the past eight months. However, fresh and younger blood has been added in recent times with the addition of Scott Simpkin and a new Business Advisor in the form of local man, Ian Dawkins.

It was confirmed in the meeting minutes issued via the Trust website that Donovan missed last month’s Trust meeting with the Wiltshire based lifelong fan sending his apologies for his absence alongside Sefton Owens, Jason Berney and Stuart Griffiths. It does sound as if there is further and more new blood coming on board for the Trust as it looks to strengthen it’s ranks, with the hope of ‘several new appointments’ - following the welcoming of Simpkin and Dawkins.

John Orme is also back, accepting a Community Advisor role. The club supposedly views the Trust as an ‘irritant’, according to the Trust’s meeting minutes, yet a bid seems to be unlikely for the time being.

Also keep an eye out for The Aldershot Writer’s exclusive on fan ownership - such as the potential of Aldershot Town being solely a fan-owned club and more, coming soon on The Aldershot Writer. Keep your eyes glued to the news pages of our website.

We also hope to catch up with Ian Barnett, current Chairman of the Trust, in our exclusive article on fan ownership, which is being finalised as you read this.

#Supporters #Supporters News #Shots Trust #ShotsTrust #Trust #Trust News #Shots Trust News

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