Witney United Player profiles 2009-10
richard barrett (Goalkeeper)
Former North Leigh keeper who joined us towards the end of the 2008-09 season.
Won a Hellenic Championship medal whilst with North Leigh. Good shot stopper, communicator and distributor.
Sponsored by Adrian Bircher
John Okole (Goalkeeper)
Signed in the summer from Hook Norton, having previously played for 3 seasons at Easington Sports. Started career with Didcot Town, where he earned South West Counties Rep XI honours.
Available to sponsor, please contact Mark Reid.
Lee Henderson (Defender)
Highly regarded central defender who joined us from Bicester Town, having started out as a junior at Oxford United. Played to a very high level of consistency last season and as a result was voted the managers player of the season.
Sponsored by In Memory of Bobby Eldridge
Stuart Cattell (Defender)
Signed this summer from Kidlington. Consistent and reliable central defender who started his career at Wycombe Wanderers and subsequently played Southern League football for both Aylesbury United and Oxford City.
Sponsored by Mick Clarke
Tom butler (Defender)
Left sided defender signed this summer from Abingdon Town. Spent last season with Milton United, having previously had spells with Southern League Oxford City and Witney United. Skilful player with good delivery at set pieces.
Sponsored by Dave Donovan .
Dan Szczukiewicz (Defender)
Signed this summer from Hook Norton. Previously played in the Polish fourth division for Prochowiczanka Prochowice and for Banbury United in the Southern League.
Available to sponsor, please contact Mark Reid.
Dean Smith (Defender)
Mr “Consistency” a fast and decisive attacking full back who was previously with Bicester Town and Brackley Town.
Available to sponsor, please contact Mark Reid.
vinny byfield (Defender)
Hailed as something of a cult hero by the Witney faithful. A terrific competitor who leads by example and plays to a high level of consistency. Former clubs include Bicester Town, Corby Town and Brackley Town.
Sponsored by Stewart Parker
Alex Welch (Midfielder)
Young left left sided player who has had a good football education at Cirencester College and Cheltenham Town Centre of Excellence and junior experience at Gloucester City, Forest Green Rovers and Chippenham Town. Good attitude, accurate passer with a good first touch.
Sponsored by Norma & Peter Dyson
Jack Smith (Defender)
Local lad who is highly dependable. Currently on loan until December from Blue Square Conference Premier League side Oxford United where he is very highly regarded.
Available to sponsor, please contact Mark Reid.
John mcMahon (Midfielder)
Team captain and the club’s longest serving player. Extremely adaptable, can slot in at centre half or up top if needed. Macca is much quicker than people think, is strong, has a good touch and an eye for a pass and goal.
Sponsored by Terry and Chris Wickson
Jon-Paul Mills (Midfielder)
Highly regarded midfielder who forms a tenacious pairing with brother Jamie.
Started his career at Oxford United before joining Southampton.
Has played professionally in Australia in between spells at Chippenham, Swindon Supermaine and Didcot Town.
Sponsored by Sharon Lake
Jamie Mills (Midfielder)
Former Swindon Town professional. Consistent midfield anchorman who has added great stability to our midfield. Gives the team a good shape, breaks the play up and distributes well.
Sponsored by Dave Donovan
Andrew Styles (Midfielder)
All action midfielder who rejoined us from Kidlington. One of the few midfield players in the league who regularly gets beyond the front two and into goal scoring positions. Started his career with Oxford United and Swindon Town on their school of excellence programmes
Sponsored by The Harley Family
sam mcNally (Midfielder)
Another of Darren Teggart’s emerging young talents. Has a good size to him and is a good athlete, who has the ability to get about the park.
Sponsored by Beckley Marquees
Frank Harrison (Midfielder)
Intelligent two footed midfielder who has returned from niggling back injury and a short spell with North Leigh, appeared in first team friendly fixtures in pre-season and was included for the club's Floodlit Cup tie at Milton United.
Available to sponsor, please contact Mark Reid.
conor allmond (Midfielder)
Skilful and clever young schemer who has progressed through the ranks at the club. Looks to have a bright future in the game at this level.
Sponsored by Beckley Marquees
ricky bridges (Striker)
Joined us last season from Ardley United having been at Oxford United as a junior. Lively and bright prospect who scored some exceptional goals for the reserves last season.
Sponsored by Gary Walter
Anaclet Odihambo (Striker)
Quick and busy striker signed in October from Southern league Abingdon United. Previously at Didcot Town and marked his debut with a double against Malmesbury Victoria..
Sponsored by Mark Reid and Harry Barrett-Reid
Andrew Younie (Striker)
Highly popular, skilled and industrious front man, who has good movement and touch. Formerly at Abingdon United and Oxford United. Currently at University in Portsmouth.
Sponsored by Derek Jackson and Ivor Souch
Ben Thompson (Striker)
Last seasons league Hellenic League Golden Boot winner with 36 goals.
Signed from Ridgeons League Wroxham, where he scored 42 times in 66 games and helped them to a league and cup double. Started his career with Norwich City where he spent 7 seasons.
Sponsored by Steve Lake
Ricky Johnson (Striker)
One of the league’s most prolific marksmen, who joined us in the summer from Hook Norton, where he scored 32 league goals and finished in third place in the chase for the Golden Boot. Prior to that he was at Easington Sports, where he netted 44 goals.
It is hoped that his height, pace and power will prove a real threat to opposition defences this season.
Available to sponsor, please contact Mark Reid.
gary wickens (Striker)
Formed a terrific partnership with Ben Thompson last season, with whom he shared 77 goals. A skilful, clever and combative striker, who is also good in the air.
Previous clubs include Didcot Town, Banbury United, Brackley Town and Oxford City.
Sponsored by Gary Allmond
Chris Zoldan (Striker)
Signed from Carterton and has been in red hot form for both the Under 18's and the Reserves and recently made his full debut in the Floodlit Cup at Milton United where he scored his first goal for the first team.
Available to sponsor, please contact Mark Reid.
andy lyne (Manager)
One of the longest serving managers in non-league football. Steered us to 3rd place last season, our highest ever league finish and provided the club with its best ever run in the F A Vase.
Has a proven track record, gained in Southern, Ryman, Wessex, Spartan South Midland and Hellenic Leagues.
Sponsored by John and Beryl Bircher
Howard Cowley (Assistant Manager)
Vastly experienced manager and coach who joined us last season and immediately forged an effective partnership with Andy Lyne. Previously with Welwyn Garden City, Hemel Hempstead, Harrow Borough and Tring Town.
Sponsored by Andy Trowbridge
andy leach (Coach)
Rejoined the club in the summer and a true legend amongst Witney supporters, as he was one of the Town’s longest serving, bravest and most successful captains. Also played at Marlow Town and Oxford City amongst others.
Terry, Chris, Rich & Mr T
Mell dean (Physio)
Mell joined us over a season and a half ago. Prior to that she spent seven seasons as physio at Clanfield.
She has Diplomas in Sports massage, F.A. Management and treatment of injuries and Food and Nutrition.
Sponsored by John Emery
