Category: First Team

Pritchett ends time at Rovers helm

Tuffley Rovers’ first team manager, Mark Pritchett, has announced his decision to step down from the role, after four years at the helm of the Uhlsport Hellenic League, Premier Division club.

Pritchett has cited a number of reasons that have influenced his decision, in a move that has come as a surprise, and draws a close on a largely successful period for the club who had been facing relegation from Step 5 at the time of his appointment in 2016.

“It has been a really difficult decision for me, but I’ve ultimately come to the decision that I am going to step down from my role as manager”, Pritchett confirmed. “I’ve got a really important year coming up with work and some of the challenges presented by Covid mean I need to put even more into that. I want to continue playing, having enjoyed my season in 2019/20, so I felt like it was the right time to make this decision.”

The departing manager went on to thank his squad.

 “We have a great bunch of lads and when I came here that is what I wanted; a good side with a great team bond.”

Pritchett confirmed he does intend to return to playing once he’s had a short break.

In confirming Pritchett’s departure, Rovers’ Chairman Dan Boon positively acknowledged his time at the club.

“I would like to thank Pritch for his time as manager of the first team, which I am extremely grateful for. He has been someone I have had a great relationship with and I’m sad to see him leave the role.”

The new Rovers Chairman then confirmed that Assistant Manager Richard Cox would temporarily take up the reins, on a caretaker basis, until the club are in a position to make a decision around a more permanent appointment.

Rovers achieve sponsorship boost

Tuffley Rovers have renewed their first team shirt sponsorship with local company JMJ Fabrications Ltd. for a third consecutive season, ahead of the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

JMJ Fabrications had previously sponsored the club’s second team squad for two years before becoming the main club sponsor and their support has been pivotal in many of the developments that have been introduced at Glevum Park over the past few years.

The Tuffley based company, a fabrications specialist, have moved into stadium design over the last five years and have been involved in the construction of Rovers’ new stand, pitch-side fence system and dugouts over the last three years; part of the transformation of Rovers’ home that has made it amongst the best facilities in Gloucester.

Rovers’ returning sponsor have also been involved in works with other clubs, including Premier Division side Chelsea, as they look to expand their stadium improvement clientele after recent success. Such has been the success of this expansion to JMJ’s business that they have now established a stadium specific brand in STAD-FAB (Twitter @ StadFab2020).

Football Secretary, Neil Spiller, was delighted that the club had secured the sponsorship deal for a further season.

“We’ve formed a fantastic relationship with a local company that has been mutually beneficial, as they’ve provided financial support, as well as helping us in developing the ground over the last few seasons”, he said. “We are absolutely delighted to secure their sponsorship and display the JMJ logo on our shirts for yet another season.”

JMJ Director, Jamie Gibbons, was equally effusive about the partnership continuing.

“As a local company we are delighted to continue our support for Tuffley Rovers and maintain a partnership that we believe is a great way for us to advertise our business and also our support for the local community”, he added. “The club are doing great things and we are very proud to be a part of it.”

In addition, Rovers have renewed their Veterans’ team sponsorship with Altripan UK Ltd., who have sponsored the club for almost ten years.

A worldwide supplier of plywood, Altripan have been a wonderful supporter of the club, with Director Andy Simpson a regular supporter at the club’s first team fixtures.

“Tuffley Rovers has been a big part of the local community and I am delighted that Altripan have once again been able to support the club”, he confirmed. “We continue to see ourselves as a passionate supporter of the club and are delighted to lend our financial support once again.”

Rovers are in the process of concluding several sponsorship deals ahead of the new season but would welcome support from any local companies. Their current sponsorship brochure can be viewed via their sponsorship booklet.

New Football Chair appointed

Tuffley Rovers have a new Football Chair, with the appointment of Dan Boon, as Interim Chair, following the decision of the previous incumbent, Neil Spiller, to step down from the role two weeks ago.

Spiller, who will remain at the club, had been holding a dual responsibility as Chairman and Football Secretary, but decided to call time on one of those roles, which created a vacancy and this has been filled, at least in the short-term, by 36-year-old Boon, who has been involved with the club since 2011.

The new Chair will now work alongside his predecessor, as well as Ken Blackburn, the Head of Football Development, as they look to shape the future of the club, with any ambitions for success undented by the recent change in leadership.

“The club has been moving in the right direction for some time, and so I’d like to pick up where Neil has left off, but working with him and the rest of the committee to put Tuffley Rovers in a position where we can offer facilities and a club culture that we can be proud of”, confirmed Boon.

“We need to look at creating an environment where all of our teams, coaches, spectators and anyone connected to the club enjoy their football, whilst we also become as competitive as possible, challenging for silverware in as many competitions as possible”, he added. “However, we also need to focus on player development and retention, so individuals can see a pathway to whichever level they aspire to play at, as well as establishing a much stronger community presence, creating partnerships with the local community and then with more organisations across Gloucester.”

The outgoing Chair, Spiller, was quick to welcome the appointment.

 “I am delighted Dan, who is someone who has become increasingly involved in the club, has stepped up to take on this role”, he said. “I think we’ve made great progress in recent years, but I felt that we need to spread the load by stepping back from some of the responsibilities that come with being the Chairman”, he confirmed. “With Ken Blackburn’s role now clearly established, I thought it was a good time to hand over the reins and Dan is, in my view, the right person to take this forward.”

With plans to start the 2020/21 season still very much up in the air, Boon might have to wait a while for his first competitive football as Chairman, with none of the nine sides he’ll now lead yet clear on when their respective campaigns will start.

 

Rovers prepare for week of cup opportunities

Tuffley Rovers take a temporary break from Hellenic League Premier Division action this week, as they look to make progress in two separate cup competitions.

After an entertaining draw at Windsor on Saturday, Mark Pritchett’s team will travel to face Division One (West) side Malvern Town on Tuesday, with both sides looking to secure a quarter-final place in the Banbury Litho Floodlit Cup and the Rovers Player/Manager is expecting a tough challenge against a team who have recorded some impressive results during the season, to date.

“I’m really looking forward to the game and the opportunity to visit a new ground”, Pritchett said. “I’m expecting a very tough game, against a side who are doing well in their league, who did well in the FA Vase and who have already beaten a few Premier Division sides in cup competitions this season.”

After a patchy opening 45 minutes at the weekend, Pritchett scored a superb, long distance strike to earn his side a point at Windsor, although they might have stolen all three points after a second half performance that was full of positives.

Youngsters Adam Bloomfield and Jerry Idowu, who were both substitutes at Windsor, will play for the U18s at Cinderford on Tuesday, in order to get game time, but Pritchett does expect to have Lewis Bainbridge and Ben Prictor available again for selection.

This will be the first of two cup fixtures in five days, with Rovers due to travel to Gloucestershire County League side Hardwicke in the GFA Challenge Trophy on Saturday.

Sunday Summary – 6th & 7th December 2019

Our five games over the weekend all offered an element of positivity, albeit with the weekend ending in disappointing fashion, with our Ladies’ team going down to their first defeat of the season, conceding an 85th minute goal as they lost their top of the table clash with Tytherington Rocks Ladies. That result aside, it was a weekend largely made up of success, with three wins and a draw.

The first games to kick-off on Saturday, at 2pm, brought wins for our two lowest ranked Saturday sides. The Fourths, who have been much improved this season, secured a solid 4-2 win over Frampton United, with Jake Anderson scoring twice, alongside goals from Brad Poole and a first Rovers goal for Tyerese Douglas. More notably, the Fifths recorded a first league win of their season, following promotion at the end of 2018/19, as their blend of over 40s and under 18s scored all their goals in the second half, as they beat Randwick Reserves 5-0. One of the elder statesmen, Andy Blackwell, scored alongside a brace for substitute Henry Jordan, as well as goals for Jack Webb and William Cronshaw (Jnr).

In the 3pm KO on Saturday, our Player/Manager Mark Pritchett was the hero for his side, as he scored twice – the second a contender for goal of the season – in a 2-2 draw away at Windsor. Rovers had trailed to a 7th minute goal from Billy Montague, before Pritchett fired home a free-kick, and then fell behind moments before the interval, when Danny Horscroft finished off an excellent Windsor move. Pritchett’s wonder strike, midway through the half, after good work from Liam Wright, levelled the scores and despite a late onslaught on the hosts’ goal, their keeper stood firm and a few chances went begging, meaning Rovers returned with a potentially valuable point.

Sunday started well, with the Vets Reserves recording a fantastic victory against top of the table and previously unbeaten Southside Star, with Dave Cornock scoring twice and Kevin Schmitz securing the three points with a late, late free-kick.

Chloe Taylor v Tytherington

Then came the biggest game of the weekend, as the Ladies travelled to face fellow title challengers Tytherington Rocks, with both sides holding 100% records in the league. Chloe Taylor’s goal gave Rovers the lead, but the hosts levelled scores deep into first-half injury time. A tremendous battle ensued in the second  period and it looked like the game might be heading for a draw, but The Rocks struck again, five minutes from full-time, and the game went their way.

Overall, a good weekend for The Rovers, albeit without a maximum haul of points that might have been possible with just a little more luck! #uptherovers

*Pictures courtesy of Brian Rossiter – full albums can be viewed at Brian Rossiter – Flickr

No football today! All games off…

There will be no football at Glevum Park or for any Tuffley Rovers team today, after all four scheduled games were postponed following the heavy rainfall experiences over the past few days.

The Hellenic League game against Burnham was postponed following a 10am inspection, before the Fourths’ away game at Stonehouse Town 3rds succumbed moments later.

The final two games looked to be going ahead, but a torrential downpour in the hour between 10-11am ended those hopes and the games were called off just after 11am.

So, no action today. Next up is the first team visit to Bishops Cleeve, in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup on Tuesday evening (7:45pm). Weather permitting….

 

 

Sunday Summary – 14th & 15th September….

Once again, this Sunday Summary is a look back at the past seven days and what a week it was….goals, goals, goals!!

The week started with a flurry of goals in a first team fixture, as Mark Pritchett’s side won their Banbury Litho Floodlit Cup tie 6-1 against Hellenic League, Division One (West) side Thornbury Town. Ross Langworthy and Jack Beardsell both had a brace within 24 minutes, before second half-goals from Pritchett and seventeen-year-old Niall Priday saw us to a comfortable win.

On Thursday, it felt a little like deja vu! Priday scored again (three times, in fact!) in a thumping 6-1 win for the U18s over Cinderford Town. The other goals came courtesy of Kai Jordan, Kyle Rogers and a sumptuous Charlie Holliday free-kick. A great start to the league season for our remodelled U18s squad.

The weekend’s action started with four games on Saturday and it was a generally disappointing day for the club. The Reserves’ good run came to an end, as Cam Bulldogs left Glevum Park with all three points, courtesy of a 3-2 win, after Mike Palmer’s squad had led 2-1 at the interval, thanks to goals from Priday (again!!) and a first Rovers goal for Xander Jones. That wasn’t the only disappointing result, as the Fourths lost 4-0, at home to North Nibley, and the Fifths succumbed to a 6-0 reverse at Chalford 3rds. The bright spot for Saturday came from the Thirds, who won 3-2 at home to Tibberton United – continuing their unbeaten start to the season – thanks to goals from Miracle Osabuohien, Alfie Fortey and Cory Anderson.

If Saturday was a little disappointing, Sunday was altogether different and full of goals!

The opening game on Sunday saw a first win for our new Veterans Reserves side, with Dave Cornock scoring four times in a 5-3 win over Grays Athletic. Debutant Chris Gooch got the other goal, as Rob Wordley’s side recovered from 3-1 down, with less than fifteen minutes remaining!

Chloe Taylor   Holly Kay

Our final game of the week/weekend saw a moment of history, with a first ever open-aged Women’s team playing under the Rovers banner…and what a way to start! The newest of all the Rovers teams travelled to Winchcombe Town and won 14-0 in a superb performance. Chloe Taylor and Holly Kay scored five apiece, whilst Jayne Papps got a brace, to go with goals from Jade Papps and Lizzie Barstow in a fantastic opening day victory. If that wasn’t a good way to end a goal-filled week, albeit one with mixed results, what more could you want? #uptherovers

 

Sunday Summary – 7th & 8th September 2019…or that was the week that was!

Various commitments have meant that we haven’t posted our usual summary over the past two weekends, so it seems right to spend a little time looking back at the last week, rather than simply confining this update to the weekend alone. Not a hugely successful week, but quite a few positives amidst all the positives!

A win, at last, for the first team on Tuesday evening, as a Ross Langworthy brace and a goal from Brett James proved enough to secure a 3-2 win over Shrivenham at Barrington Park. The game seemed to be going comfortably in Rovers’ favour, but a late Antonio Gerrish goal made it 3-2 and by the time the official’s whistle sounded, we were probably glad the game was over!

The Reserves then provided another positive on Wednesday evening, as the young squad held one of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League title favourites, Chalford, to a 0-0 draw. Brad Newman made a couple of great saves, whilst debutant Xander Jones went close to scoring a winner.

Unfortunately, the U18s couldn’t keep the positive streak going and lost their FA Youth Cup tie 3-1. The hosts had led 2-0 but a late, late Niall Priday goal gave Rovers hope, before Cinderford Town scored in the dying seconds of the game.

When Saturday came, we had a real mixed bag of performances. The worst result of the day saw the Fifths thumped 5-0 by Minchinhampton Reserves, in Stroud League Division Five, although Will Cronshaw’s young team competed well after trailing 4-0 at half-time.

There were wins for the Fourths (Matt Stevens and Jake Anderson with the goals in a 2-1 victory at Alkerton Rangers) and the Reserves, with Ash Bird getting a GNSL hat-trick as Mike Palmer’s side triumphed 6-0 away at Taverners.

The other two Saturday games ended in a draw. Dan Boon’s third team led through Alfie Fortey’s first-half goal, before a late equaliser for hosts Wickwar Wanderers, but the real drama was at Glevum Park. The first team went 3-1 down after 81 minutes and their hopes of a result against Windsor looked dashed, until Tyreece Briscoe and Langworthy managed to conjure up goals in the 84th and 97th minute to make it 3-3.

With the Ladies’ game lost from Sunday’s schedule, after opponents Cribbs withdraw from the league, there was only one game on Sunday and it ended in a convincing win for Mark Patterson’s Veterans’ side, who beat Cheltenham Civil Service 4-1 at All Saints Academy.

Sunday Summary – 17th & 18th August 2019

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With just two competitive fixtures over the weekend, both played on Saturday, it was a relatively quiet weekend for The Rovers, but with both games resulting in 3-1 victories, there was some satisfaction to be taken from the day’s work.

The First XI made a not unfamiliar journey to play Hellenic League, Division Two (West) side Letcombe in the Challenge Cup and despite falling behind to Fabio Pinto’s 12th minute goal, they recovered to run out comfortable winners, despite some uncomfortable moments, thanks to goals from Lewis Bainbridge, Ellis Waugh and Jake Rhodes.

Our Reserves were the other team in action, hosting Berkeley Town at Glevum Park, and their win came despite playing 25 minutes with ten men and without a recognised keeper, after Brad Newman went off injured with all three substitutes already used. Kyle Rogers ably filled the gap between the posts, to ensure that the lead created prior to that – courtesy of goals from Ross Graham, Adam Harding and Charlie Holliday – was enough to secure a much needed win for the newly formed squad.

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All in all, not a bad weekend. #uptherovers

Thanks to Brian Rossiter, once again, for his photographs from the reserve team fixture. The full album can be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/photos/ross0005/albums/72157710376361942