As reported in the June edition, Alkerton Rangers were allowed to remain in the Stroud and District Football League for 2019/20, with the hunt for new players then kicking-off. Sadly, as the new season approached numbers were still insufficient to raise a squad. Fortunately, Alkerton were not the only ones in that predicament…
After 114 years in existence, Woodchester FC had hit the same problem of dwindling player numbers. They approached us to propose an equal merger of the two clubs, with a meeting of both committees hastily arranged in the Kings Head. All the critical points were agreed smoothly and rapidly – using the OHMG as the home base, the new club to be named Alkerton and Woodchester, and a new committee formed from both management teams – with all actions then swiftly expedited to sort everything out with the League and the GFA.
With a full team for four pre-season friendlies and the first two league games, made up almost equally from the two original squads, we may still be looking for our first win but remain delighted to have kept both clubs alive – and ensure that Alkerton can still celebrate its fiftieth anniversary!
Any new players wishing to join please contact either of the Joint Managers
Steve “Doug” Lovell (07490 734047)
or Martyn Lowe (07855 277662)