Clubs clamour to support call for structural change
By Walter Gammie

JOHN MOULES was not saying how many but indicated that clubs from the premier divisions of the three feeder leagues were flocking to support the Nationwide Conferences proposal to establish either a second Conference division or separate north and south divisions next season.

When you consider that the invitations were sent out on the day before Christmas Eve, I can only say that I have been truly surprised by the numbers of letters I have received in such a short space of time in return as well as the phone calls to say that letters would be on their way, the Conference chief executive said.

Moules did reveal that numbers were already sufficient to set up a second 22-team division and on their way to fulfilling the regional option.

The Conferences proposed rule changes must be accepted next month by the FAs sanctions and registrations committee and then be referred to the National Leagues System although the FA Council will be the ultimate body to sit in judgment. One of the selling points for the feeder clubs is the promise of two-up, two-down from the regional leagues, decided on play-offs.

The approach of Basingstoke Town, the Ryman League club, is complicated by a change of ownership that is in process but Ernie Howe, in his tenth season as manager, said: I think its possibly a way forward. I think something has to change. I believe the bigger clubs in the three leagues up to the Conference would welcome something like this, personally. One promotion spot to the Conference from each league is hardly satisfactory.

Dennis Strudwick, the secretary of the Dr Martens League, said: Our clubs are under greater threat than the others. Our clubs already play in a semi-national league, the others are in semi-regional leagues, so our clubs are already playing above that status anyway. Wed agreed earlier in the year to two divisions provided the Southern League retained its position as the one in the south, but when the FA decided to go with three leagues, the Conference chairman told us to stick with that. So were confused.

Strudwick said that clubs might fear being left behind by any change but says that they have only until January 1 to resign from the Dr Martens League and risk being left in limbo if a new Conference does not happen. I dont understand how the FA would allow the season to start under one set of rules then change it mid-season, he said.

A minutes silence took place before Kingstonian's game against Bedford Town last Saturday to commemorate the death of club patron and former Chairman Alf Bixley. Mr Bixley died last Friday, he was 86.

He was K's chairman for 12 years from the mid-1960's, alongside president Sammy Emms and secretary Freddie Jones, when the K's were a major force in national post-war amateur football. The K's were regular Isthmian League title and local cup contenders, semi-finalists in the FA Amateur Cup and enjoyed capacity crowds at the old Richmond Road ground with the visits of strong Fulham and Spurs sides in the London Charity Cup.

Former local businessman, Alf Bixley was a K's supporter for over 70 years, often travelled away during the K's Conference campaigns and was still a regular at Kingsmeadow at the time of his death.

Brand New Car - To be won on the 31st January

Week 52 - 28/12/02 (Drawn 20/12/02)

5000 Jackpot F.1462 T. NELL
500 P.3489 Mrs Evans
200 D.0627 Mr C. Wood
200 Z.6917 J. Selcoe
100 R.1214 D. Hill
100 M.3574 P. Wright
100 A.0374 E. Cox
100 RR0575 E. Fletcher
100 A.3544 Westwood Family
100 W.6461 L. McPeake
100 AB5523 Dr G. Millar

Secretary
Kingstonians FC

In accordance with Football Association regulations last week the Football Conference provided the Secretary of The Ryman Football League with 7 (seven) days notice of approach to all member clubs of the competition's Premier Division. This letter is an invitation for the club to make application to be part of a newly formed Conference of up to 66 member clubs for season 2003/2004.

The Conference and the three Feeder Leagues have discussed re structuring for some time as have the Football Association with little or no progress during the past two years. The Conference believe that an expanded competition with either one additional or two new semi-regional divisions will enable clubs to play on a level basis and plan for the future development in a more stable environment within a single competition of up to 66 clubs at the top of the National Game.

At this stage the Conference have issued, in accordance with procedures, notification to the Football Association for sanction of rule amendments to allow for up to 66 member clubs for season 2003/2004.

Clubs seeking application at this stage are reminded that your current competition rules require you to provide written notification of your possible resignation from the competition, which in The Ryman Football League is the 31st January 2003.

On approval from the Football Association the Conference will provide all applicant clubs with a final invitation to form either one new national, or two regional divisions for season 2003/2004. The decision on the membership expansion will be based on the number of applicant clubs. Criteria for membership will be based on three key factors, current stadium facilities, club finances, community, and playing record. The specific elements of the criteria have still to be defined and are part of an ongoing process involving various football bodies.

If your club is interested in seeking membership of the Conference for season 2003/2004, please complete the enclosed application form, which should be return not later than Thursday 15th January 2003.

We look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Your sincerely

John Moules
Chief Executive

-----

We the undersigned on behalf of the above named club with to be considered for membership of the Football Conference Limited for season 2003/2004 should the competition receive sanction from the Football Association to increase its membership up to 66 clubs.

We would as a club prefer to be considered for:

A single national division of 20 or 22 member clubs - YES/NO
or
A semi-regional division, North/South (40 or 44 clubs) - YES/NO
or
Either of the above options - YES/NO

Next 5000 Jackpot - To be won on 27th December

Week 51 - 20/12/02 (Drawn 13/12/02)

2000 Jackpot K.6676 MR J. BEIGHTON
500 PP6088 J. Abberton
200 AD3894 B. Rogers
200 S.1444 Mrs Hodgson
100 L.1667 T. Howard
100 E.5306 W. Duncan
100 C.3056 S. Griffiths
100 X.0622 P. ODonnell
100 NN4400 A. Parker
100 L.3595 P. Emmett
100 M.1773 L. Andrews

K'S RESERVES WIN HOME CUP TIE AT WHYTELEAFE!

This was a stunning victory against the odds for Kingstonian's second string in the second round of the Surrey Premier Cup on Wednesday evening (writes Sean Cotter).

To start with, because of ground unavailability for the originally scheduled home tie, K's were ordered to play it away at Whyteleafe.

Then, against a team riding high in the Suburban League South Division, Suburban League Premier Division strugglers Kingstonian, hit by player defections, had to field no less than six under-18 Kingston Academy youngsters in their bare bones squad of 12. This even included their new manager, 33-year-old Trevor Jones, a goalkeeper until his retirement two years ago, as makeshift centre half.

But not only did Trevor last the whole game and produce a masterful display of football leadership, he also scored the opening goal with a searing 35-yard left-footed free kick on 31 minutes after Shane Crook had been tripped.

That after K's keeper Adrian Jones had produced a stunning tip over and then beat out a wickedly swerving shot to keep a rampant home side at bay in the opening 20 minutes, aided by consummate defensive work from Matt Elverson.

K's youngsters grew in confidence after the interval. Eventually Luke Fontana ran on to a Jake Newton through ball to score in the 72nd minute and then Josh Francois blasted home a right-footer from a Stuart Alexander pass four minutes later to seal an unlikely victory to the undisguised delight of team secretary Robert Wooldridge.

Ks: A Jones, Alexander, Sweet, T Jones, Newton, Elverson, C Fontana, George, L Fontana (Polley 88), Francois, Crook.

FREE ENTRY ON SATURDAY

Kingstonian FC are pleased to announce that on Saturday 21st December, children accompanied by an adult will be able to watch the Ryman Premier League match versus Bedford Town for free. This is the second such offer this season, and more will follow in the New Year.

This weekend is also when the Football Association are launching their Charter Standard Community Scheme nationwide. This is the pinnacle of the Charter Standard Awards Scheme and on this weekend they would like the first 100 clubs in the country to be presented with their award.

Kew Park Rangers FC and Caterham Pumas FC are the first two clubs in Surrey to achieve this award and the presentation will take place at half-time in the above match. 50 children and adults from each club have been invited to attend the game and will receive their awards from Les Edwards, Chairman of The Surrey County FA Development Committee and David Bromley, Secretary of The Surrey County FA Development Committee. Also present will be the organiser Larry May, Development Officer for The Surrey County FA.

An additional award will be made to Hamsey Rangers FC who, although not yet achieving Chartered Club standard, have nevertheless achieved Charter Standard Development standard.

New Manager Appointed

Kingstonian Football Club are delighted to announce that Kim Harris has been appointed as First Team Manager with immediate effect. Kim joined The Ks as Reserve Team Manager at the start of the 2001-2 season, and became the Assistant Manager in October last year.

An ex-Kingstonian centre-forward, Kim has already been a major factor in helping to build the promising young squad at Kingsmeadow. After he left Walton and Hersham, several players followed him across Surrey to join The Ks.

Kim, who took charge of his first game as Manager last night, said: "Im pleased that Ive been given the chance to continue the work begun by Steve Sedgley and myself. Weve got great players here, and if we can keep this squad together then Im sure that we can have a great team for years to come."

Chairman Rajesh Khosla said: "Im very happy that Kim has agreed to take over the team. His work under the previous manager sometimes went unnoticed, but hes more than capable of getting Kingstonian into the Conference."

Kim has already brought two people to the club. Leke Odunsi - a 21 year-old midfielder from Millwall - started last nights match and has signed for the club, whilst Paul Holden has been appointed as coach.

Paul holds an A-grade UEFA Coaching Badge, has previously held the post of Director of Coaching for the Kent FA, Gibraltar FA and the Armed Forces FA and was awarded the MBE in 1997 for services to sport. He has previously managed Walton and Hersham, Bognor Regis Town and Camberley Town.

TOOTING & Mitcham United FC and AFC Wimbledon are working together on a 3-year ground share agreement. Subject to finalising the deal and obtaining planning approval, AFC Wimbledon will join Tooting & Mitcham United FC in its brand new, 3,500-capacity stadium at the Imperial Sports Ground, Bishopsford Road, Merton.

Welcoming the agreement, chairman of Tooting and Mitcham United FC, John Buffoni said: "This is a great deal for both clubs and the community. It secures the long term future of the stadium, which provides a classic home for peoples football and fantastic facilities and growth potential for other community sport and leisure activities."

Chairman of AFC Wimbledon, Kris Stewart said: "Were still looking for a permanent home but this would provide a first-class base in the meantime. An agreement for us to share the excellent facilities at Bishopsford Road would be great for AFC Wimbledon, for Tooting & Mitcham United FC and for the community here in Merton. I am very hopeful that we could develop a mutually beneficial relationship during the initial 3-year term of the deal."

The Clubs are applying to Merton Council to extend the seating capacity of the stadium from 650 to 1,650 and convert wasteland behind the stadium in to an enclosed, floodlit, practice pitch. The aim is for AFC Wimbledon to move into office accommodation during February 2003, ready for the start of the new season in August.

Richard Rawes, director of Merton Councils Environment Services said: "Both Tooting & Mitcham United FC and AFC Wimbledon are important parts of the Merton community. Over past months, we have been in talks with both clubs, looking at ways to secure their future in the borough. We will continue our work with The Dons Trust to help identify a permanent home for AFC Wimbledon in the borough. We now look forward to receiving the proposals and working with both clubs in helping them to reach their aims."

In addition to its first class football pitch, the stadium complex has four all-weather pitches which play host to many hundreds of footballers of all ages and abilities every day of the week. There is also almost 20,000 sq ft of covered space awaiting fit-out for community sports and leisure activities.

Both clubs respect the possible concerns of the neighbours. They are therefore currently reviewing any potential impact on the local community arising from the new development and have organised an open day from 11am to 1pm on Sunday, 12th January at the Stadium, when the local community is invited to meet with Club officials to discuss any concerns they may have, and to see and enjoy the facilities at first hand.

On Boxing Day at Beveree there will be no parking at the ground, as the council will not allow us to use the training pitch to park on in this kind of weather. Therefore the only parking at the ground will be for players, officials and disabled badge holders only.

As it is a Public Holiday, it will be possible to park on Station Road and in all the sorrounding areas. For anyone who may be travelling from Sunbury or down the M3, there is a meet at Kempton Racecourse (first race starts at 12.40pm) so heavy traffic is anticipated down Hampton Court Road.

Public transport may pose problems too, as there will be no buses running at all, and only a Sunday service for the trains.

FA CHARTER STANDARD COMMUNITY CLUB
PRESENTATION WEEKEND

The FA and the County FAs are holding a Charter Standard Club presentation weekend on 20th - 22nd December 2002. The first 100 Charter Standard Community clubs in the country will be presented with their award during this weekend at various venues around the country.

Kew Park Rangers FC and Caterham Pumas FC are the first two clubs in Surrey to achieve this award which is the pinnacle of the Charter for Clubs Awards. The presentation will be held on Saturday 21st December at the Kingstonian FC v Bedford Town FC game. 50 children and adults from each club have been invited to attend the game and will receive their awards from Les Edwards Chairman of The Surrey County FA Development Committee and David Bromley Secretary of The Surrey County FA Development Committee. Also present will be the organiser Larry May Development Officer for The Surrey County FA.

An additional award will be made to Hamsey Rangers FC who, although not yet achieving Chartered Club standard have nevertheless achieved Charter Standard Development standard.

The weekend is aimed at promoting the FAs Charter Standard Community Clubs scheme nationwide and those clubs who have achieved the award this year. All the clubs provide youth through to adult football, have attended child protection workshops, achieved coaching qualifications and all deliver Best Practice amongst their clubs. All the clubs which receive a comprehensive FA benefits package which include equipment, balls, bibs, cones, medical bag, tickets to high profile game and the possibility of Football Foundation funding in the future.

Larry May
Surrey County Football Development Officer.

Next 5000 Jackpot - To be won on 27th December

Week 50 - 13/12/02

2000 Jackpot A.0309 WESTWOOD FAMILY
500 N.2002 Mrs Hullah
200 Y.6814 W. Goodacre
200 Y.5484 R. Whitty
100 S.3107 P. Kerr
100 Q.4455 A. Dugdale
100 W.6294 K. Harley
100 B.3490 G. Forsyth
100 E.3993 Mrs Dorner
100 H.4810 R. Fullerton
100 GG1088 K. Alliston

I regret to announce the departure of Mr Steve Sedgley who resigned from our club last Friday. Steve joined the club as a coach and managed the team during the Administration period last season. The team had a great start to this season going undefeated for a number of matches. A lot of credit is due to Steve Sedgley and Kim Harris, as well as obviously, the players for their great performances and team spirit.

I tried to persuade Steve to stay with the club but he wanted to spend more time with his family at present. I wish him all the best for his other projects and future. His expectations were more in line with a Premier League Club, such as Tottenham Hotspur, rather than those emanating from a Ryman Premier League Club, such as the K's. I as the Chairman of Kingstonian have to see the future of the K's progress, on and off the ground.

I am already in talks with the local council to obtain permanent grounds for the Reserve and Youth teams to play on. At present, our honourable Club Secretary, Mr Graham Richards, has arranged a ground share deal for the Reserves at Dorking FC.

We are at present looking for a new manager who can lead the team. Steve's efforts to keep the K's 10th position in the league is appreciated and I have asked Mr Kim Harris to take control as a Caretaker Manager. I am sure the players will continue to fight for Kim Harris, the K's supporters and the Club as a whole.

Rajesh Khosla,
Chairman,
Kingstonian FC.

Sat 14th Dec - Heybridge A - 3pm
Tue 17th Dec - Worthing H - 7.45pm
Sat 21st Dec - Bedford H - 3pm
Thu 26th Dec - Hampton A - 12 noon
Sat 28th Dec - Boreham Wood H - 3pm
Wed 1st Jan - Hendon H - 3pm

Please note that next Tuesday's match versus Worthing in the Bryco League Cup has been confirmed.

Wonderman Sedgley quits K's in cash row by Steve Parsons

Kingstonian manager Steve Sedgley dramatically resigned on Friday night after a difference of opinion with the club's owners - the Khosla family.

Sedgley arrived at Ks 18 months ago as Geoff Chapple's assistant manager, but took over the reins just three months later, following the club's relegation from the Conference.

The former Tottenham midfielder worked wonders last season during the club's spell in administration, keeping Kingstonian in the top half of the Ryman Premier.

The Khosla family, headed by Rhajesh Khosla, saved the club from extinction last Christmas and promised to give Sedgley a long-term contract.

However, the honeymoon period soon ended and Sedgley and the Khosla family have reportedly fought a running battle over finances and the long-term future at Kingsmeadow all season.

"There were far too many questions that were left unanswered and that was unacceptable" said Sedgley.

"I couldn't keep going with the way the football club was being run this season. I've got no problem with any of my playing staff; it was a difference of opinions away from the pitch.

I'm going to take a step back from football and have a well-earned rest."