I said “Mike, do well and they will love you here”,
This town is waiting for a team to cheer,
So 12 months ago, we were busy, plans were laid,
I assured Mr. Chairman – “It’s a good choice you’ve made”

Preseason – sunny days – hot work – going well,
New players and old – but you can never tell,
Swindon came – good first half – we needed to take a chance,
Defeat probably down to the fact I was on a beach in France.

Quick recovery – Byrney encouraging, a clear pattern of play,
Points picked up, players responding, both home and away,
A comeback in the forest, both Bradley’s played their part,
8 points from 15 showed a solid if unspectacular start.

F.A. Cup – as always – optimistic club chat,
Duran’s strike soon cancelled, and we were out of the hat,
a fine run soon followed – including Coventry Sphinx in the rain,
and Ollie arrived, bringing experience and brain.

At Winchester disappointment, then bounced back at North Leigh,
Darius – late on – could have made one point three,
Supporters – now enlightened – taking all results on the chin,
Blimey – at Winchester – they applauded us in !

Our method cemented, George Nash, energy and time,
And Callum the Canary, raiding down the line,
Steaders reliable – Jack returned, defensive class,
And Charlie, everyone’s mate, learning how to pass

A feature of our play – Can we get it to Zac ?
And if you can’t go forward – you can definitely go back,
Belly on the ball – to the crowds delight,
And running back, showing us, he was up for the fight.

Cold winters nights – but good times in the bar,
Roy’s Chips, Sandra’s pies – and sausages – Gold star,
Dave’s programme – always impressing – he must never stop,
Informing, nostalgic – best of the lot.

Knee deep at Shortwood, then a Cinderford header looped over Jack,
Missed chances at Evesham, before they clawed us back,
January and February, division’s top team, scoring goals for fun,
The LOSING FINALISTS on March the 8th ended our run.

Dave and Simon, committed, doing their bit,
Terry Callow, ever thoughtful, getting chairman’s son fit,
Puritans Radio – awesome, playing our tunes every week,
Stewart and his gang ever present – teaching Louis to speak.

Barry with our team sheet – red and gold scarf he is proud,
Opinionated secretary – always standing with the crowd,
He tells you about the referees and players he has seen,
Ever honest and genuine, but language never clean.

At the front or the back, Ricky’s had a great year,
Opponents always eyeing his presence with fear,
Lucky punter Leam, honest – cheerful – never a moan,
He knows we all love him – he’s one of our own.

Gunny proud skipper, rarely missing a ball,
Errrrr – the tackle in Somerset was not a great call,
The two Mikes urging Mr Hopkins – get forward – on ya bike,
“But gaffa, at North Leigh, we just did what we like…”

Frenchy the physio – or dressed up in fun suit,
Either way, he’s a great crack, oh what a hoot,
His songs we all sung after the last final kick,
Elation, relief, about Jack’s hat my top pick !

Andy Mayo, irrigating, keeping the pitch soft and flat,
Andy Sinnott, intelligent – “Just keep doing that”
Jack Harding – best player – dodgy hat in the sun,
Safe hands – distribution – his career has begun

More unsung heroes, Jacob and Miles helped us win,
It’s a squad game, everyone counts, ready to step in,
Felipe, all pace, imported from Italy,
Emphatic finish in semifinal victory.

A word of the board, volunteers, head of the team,
Teething troubles no doubt – but never causing a scene,
Stephen, Dave and Mark – all quietly doing their stuff,
Ronnie handing out sandwiches until we’d all had enough.

We had some long away trips down to the south west,
One pound – everyone in – but who will predict best ?
Soon, back to some old haunts – our Saturdays to fill,
The bright lights of Weymouth, Kings Lynn and Merthyr Tydfil.

Rest in peace Annie Coleman – always so kind to me,
Smiling, dedication, clubs survive on their Tea,
Charlie Connor – thankyou- for all that you have done,
They’ll both be smiling down on what we have won.

So that’s about it folks, it has been a pleasure,
Be proud of our club, fine memories to treasure,
Summer well but be ready to make plenty of noise,
BE UNITED – SOUTHERN PREMIER – “COME ON BANBURY BOYS!!”

Matt Haycocks
May 2016