LATEST NEWS from the polythene uk stadium!
03.03.10 TEN TO THREE AT UNITED!!
No Witney haven’t switched their Kick-Off times but are offering Home supporters a ‘Weekly’ Season 
ticket for their series of games next week.
With the bad weather causing havoc with fixtures The Blanketmen face a run of three home games in just five days.
To reward their fans the Club are offering a, discounted, week-long season ticket that will cover next Tuesday’s game against Flackwell Heather, the Challenge Cup match versus Woodley Town, (Thursday) and Saturday’s clash with Binfield.
The tickets are priced at £10 (£7 for concessions).
The initiative was suggested by Match Secretary Adrian Bircher. His rationale was to try to counter the ‘match fatigue’ that can occur during such a concentrated run of home games. Adrian says ‘We have a very loyal set of fans that follow us through thick and thin but 3 games in 5 days is challenge that needs rewarding, we hope that we get a good few taking up this option on Tuesday night’.
02.03.10 UNITED SEAL WYCHWOOD DEAL!!
Witney United Football Club is pleased to announce a further local partnership with Wychwood Brewery now becoming their supplier of choice.
The Company, which is based in Witney, will now supply the club with a full range of lagers, beers and bottled real ales.
Steve Lake the Chairman of the club stated ‘The link with Wychwood Brewery is something we have looked to do for a while now. Our previous supplier had little or no interest in a, relatively, small volume sporting outlet whereas Marston (Wychwood’s parent company) seem to be well tuned into how to support football and other sports clubs – which is a totally refreshing approach.’
As part of the switch Witney will be have a few special offers available over the bar on forthcoming match days.
Other Witney based companies that support, sponsor and supply the Club include Polythene UK, the Fabulous ‘Bakin Boys, and Philip Dennis….to name but a few.
24.02.10 UNITED LEND A GUIDING HAND!!
On Sunday Witney United’s car park was full to overflowing as 300+ Rainbow/Brownies/Guides 
descended on The Polythene UK stadium to celebrate 100 years of Guiding.
The young ladies sang songs, danced and presented sketches on what was a great Community day.
Unfortunately the wet weather restricted the event to the hard standing areas but everybody seemed to enjoy the day.
Steve Lake (WUFC Chairman) stated ‘OK we didn’t sell too many pints of lager but it was great to see the facility packed out for such an event – and although lager sales may have been down we served up quite a few cups of tea, coffee, soup and chocolate!! – sometimes it’s a bonus that it is so cold and windy at the Stadium’
‘What was even more pleasing was the girls cleared and cleaned out the stands afterwards so well that you wouldn’t have known that there had been anyone there – so a big well done to them, they will be more than welcome when they return for another function in the autumn’.
23.02.10 uNITED PUNCH DRUNK IN PUB CHALLENGE!!
In the first of Witney United’s ‘Pub Game Challenge’ they managed to lose out to Clanfield by the margin of 12 points to 8.
The home side lost 6-4 in the Darts competition and also went down by a similar score in the Pool matches.
Witney Chairman Steve Lake (who failed to score a point in the darts or pool round!) stated ‘We were gutted! but the best team won on the night. It was a really entertaining evening and everybody is up to get revenge at Clanfield in a week or two’s time’.
‘We have had a few other Hellenic sides who seem interested in taking us on and if it takes off we will turn it into a league competition next year’.
Anyone that wants to take the ‘Hellenic pub game challenge’ should contact WUFC Secretary Ady Bircher on 07824 999119.
Witney are hoping that the Hellenic League management team may consider trying their luck by fielding a side!!!!
Witney United also host their Big Quiz Night 2 on the 9th April where teams of 4-6 can scoop a top prize of £75. The last night was very well attended as 12 or so teams fought their way through 10 or so rounds of general knowledge.
£10 a team gets you a table on the night when hot food will also be available.
14.02.10 BE PART OF A UNITED TEAM!!
Ever wanted to represent Witney United? Well here is your chance as the club have tied up a two legged Pub Games Challenge against local rivals Clanfield.
The home leg will take place thisFriday 19th February in the Upstairs Bar at The Polythene UK Stadium and will consist of Pool and Darts.
The return leg will be at Clanfield FC on Friday 12th March and will be Darts and Bar Skittles.
We are still looking for a small number of players to particpate in this fun challenge match and anybody interested should contact Adrian Bircher on 07824 999119.
Even if you arent interested in playing then please make the effort to go and watch and help raise some much needed funds for the club.
A poster is available to download here so please print off and put up in your window or at your workplace
29.01.10 OFFICIAL UNITED ANNOUNCEMENT!!
Due to rumours circulating on the internet Witney United Football Club have issued the following 
statement through chairman Steve Lake with regards the playing budget.
"With rumours currently circulating I felt it only right to put our loyal supporters and everybody connected with Witney United Football Club in the picture over the tough decision we have had to make regarding the playing budget for the current season.
Due to rising overheads, a downturn in function room bookings and home attendances we as a club for the second time this season have had to take this decision.
Our manager Andy Lyne and his team have worked tirelessly over the last two years to provide top class football and entertainment for the Witney football public and we are fully aware that this decision will have made his job even harder.
At this time more than ever I would urge all United supporters to back the club more than ever by attending home matches and supporting all club events. Our priorities remain the same which is to bring Southern League Football back to the town of Witney and whilst this maybe a backward step the forward aim remains the same"
16.01.10 CHAMPIONSHIP MOVE AND WITNEY LINK!!
Whilst one transfer probably missed most people's radar this week the switch of Scotland Under 21 
International Stephen McGinn from St Mirren to Watford has a link to Witney albeit rather tenous!
As you may or may not be aware Vice Chairman Mark Reid is from Paisley and although his English allegiance is to Leeds United he retains his support for his hometown club St Mirren. Back at the end of October his two sons Harry and Kian were mascots as the Saints took on Motherwell.
Anyway now for the tenous link! Stephen McGinn was out of contract at St Mirren in the Summer and Championship side Watford have swooped for the youngster for an undisclosed fee. Watford of course have a keen supporter at Witney in the shape of Chairman Steve Lake!
Both parties have been quick to deny any involvement in the transfer although in the picture it does appear that the two boys are explaining to McGinn that its much warmer down South!!
14.01.10 UNITED LAUNCH SCHOOLS OFFER!!
United have decided to launch an offer to 30 local schools for three league matches between now and the end of the season which will see local schoolchildren gain free entry to one match along with two other offers.
The idea is the brainchild of Community Liaison Officer Andrew Magnay who gave his thoughts on the offer.
"It is something we have run in previous seasons and it has been a major success. We first tried it four seasons ago and we were rewarded with a bumper crowd of 236 when we met Bishops Cleeve and hopefully these offers will generate the same interest and get youngsters interested in their local club"
The offer starts with the Ascot United match on Saturday 20th February when Under 16's will be admitted free of charge with the voucher. Then on the 13th March when we entertain Binfield they can get in half price for just 50p and lastly the clash with Reading Town on Saturday 3rd April they can go into a draw to have £15 to spend in the United club shop.
If you would like your school to be in involved then please download the form here and then email Andrew Magnay to get registered.
12.01.10 BE PART OF A UNITED TEAM!!
Ever wanted to represent Witney United? Well here is your chance as the club have tied up a two legged Pub Games Challenge against local rivals Clanfield.
The home leg will take place on Friday 19th February in the Upstairs Bar at The Polythene UK Stadium and will consist of Pool and Darts.
The return leg will be at Clanfield FC on Friday 12th March and will be Darts and Bar Skittles.
Anybody interested in participating in this fun challenge match should contact Adrian Bircher on 07824 999119.
Even if you arent interested in playing then please make the effort to go and watch and help raise some much needed funds for the club.
A poster is available to download here so please print off and put up in your window or at your workplace.
08.01.10 RAFFLE NEW VICTIM OF THE WEATHER!!
The latest victim of the cold weather has been the annual Witney United Christmas Raffle Draw which should have been held over the festive period.
With many sold books unable to be returned due to the weather a decision has been made to delay the draw until Saturday 30th January after the Ardley United match.
Anybody with sold or unsold tickets to return are reminded that stubs, money or unsold books must be returned by that date.
06.01.10 UNITED TO HOST QUIZ NIGHT!!
With the Christmas and New Year festivities now over it is time to get the brain back in action and what better way than with the Witney United Quiz Night on Friday 5th February.
The evening will begin at 7-30pm and entry fee per team is just £10 with teams able to have a maximum of 5 players.
There are some excellent prizes up for grabs with the winning team able to claim £75 and the runners-up £25 as well as a whole host of spot prizes to be handed out during the night.
It will be a General Knowledge quiz and anybody interested in entering a team should contact Adrian Bircher on 07824 999119 or by email via the link on his name.
To download a poster for the evening please click here
05.11.09 UNITED FORGE COMMERCIAL LINK UP!!
Witney United are delighted to announce an exciting commercial partnership with Witney based 
company Pure Media as we continue to strengthen our off the field team.
One of the club’s main aspirations when it was formed as well as being a part of the community was to forge a number of close links with local businesses that would bring a benefit to both parties.
Vice Chairman Mark Reid explained how the link up came about and also how he envisaged the link up working “For a number of years now we have been rather weak on the commercial aspect of the football club purely selling the occasional sponsorship package but we wanted to branch out more with local companies. We wanted them to become working partners with us where both parties get a real benefit from the town’s football club. Garry Kelly is well know to a vast majority of the United personnel and we are delighted to have him and his young company on board and I am sure this will be the beginning of a successful venture”
Pure media was founded in 2005 by Garry Kelly, a keen follower of Witney Town FC since 1978 when arriving in the town and since the demise, a loyal supporter of Witney United.
Pure media has since grown to one of the regions fastest growing full service media agencies representing a number of local, regional and national clients. Pure media is a full service marketing agency offering a truly multi-media background including TV, Radio, Outdoor, press and direct mail and graphic design media services, and is keen to further support the aspirations of Witney United by supporting it through it's local media contacts and clients alike via sponsorship and PR opportunities.
Managing Director Garry Kelly said "I have been a follower of the town's football club since I was a young boy and continue to support local boys football initiatives as a business through a number of ventures. I am delighted to be working with Witney United as official commercial partner. I have seen the club grow in confidence and hope to be part of helping them achieve their dream of promotion to the Southern League. Our objectives as a business are to see that the club has the commercial and professional attributes that it deserves, bringing our expertise to the table. As an accredited media agency with a reputation that bites, we are committed to raising the awareness of the clubs profile and revenue opportunities.
21.10.09 BAKIN BOYS HELP SERVE UP FRIDAY TREAT!!
Witney United are delighted to announce that they have secured a tie up with local company The
Fabulous Bakin Boys for our first ever Friday fixture.
The game against Bicester Town on Friday 30th October will now be known officially as "Fabulous Friday" and as an added boost to proceedings the first 100 spectators through the turnstiles will receieve a free Fabulous Bakin Boys product.
09.10.09 FAMOUS PIES SET FOR UNITED!!
United's fan in disguise Blanketboy has managed to pull off a bit of a coup by bringing the Premiership to the Polythene UK Stadium!
The world famous football food that is Shire's Chicken Balti Pie will be on sale at tomorrow's match against Wantage Town and in the future.
The pie has been voted the Number 1 half-time snack in football and the pie will set you back just £2. Blanketboy revealed how this all came about " I decided we needed to add this item to our match menu to test the claim of being the Number 1 half-time snack but my biggest challenge was where to lay my hands on them.
The company that retails the famous item usually supply Premier League and Championship sides (by the hundred) so would probably be unwilling to deliver a dozen or so to us.
Still, not wanting to give up trying, I give a very nice lady a call at Shires to find out where these little beauties can be purchased in sensible numbers. Sadly their computers are down and they say that they will ring me back….heard that one before?....but…they do! And so…..I find a local stockist……AND THEY ARE ON SALE at WITNEY!!!!
Blanketboy would like to thank chairman Steve Lake for allowing him to add this culinary delight to the menu at the stadium!
24.09.09 BLANKY SAYS ROAR US ON!!
United's new mascot Blanky the Lamb is urging the people of Witney to get up to the Polythene UK 
Stadium on Saturday and roar the boys on.
Eastleigh will be the visitors to the stadium in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup as United look to pull off a major shock.
With Eastleigh competing in the Blue Square Conference South they currently sit two clear levels above us and will have all the pressure on them.
Blanky insists that not only can United win but the supporters can play a major part in any success.
"Our supporters are without doubt the noisiest in the Hellenic League and now we require them to up their game and help the players with this tough challenge. If we all pull together we could be celebrating a major shock on Saturday night and looking forward to another round of the greatest cup competition in the world. To all those supporters coming to the ground on Saturday please get behind the lads from 2.55 right through until the boys have left the field knowing you have given your all for United. Remember COME ON YOU YELLOWS!!!"
20.09.09 CAN YOU HELP UNITED IN THE CUP!!
This Saturday sses United's arguably biggest game since the club's formation when we entertain Blue Square Conference South side Eastleigh at The Polythene UK Stadium.
Whilst we are always blessed with a good number of volunteers for the various tasks on matchday with a larger than expected crowd we are looking for some more pairs of hands for this weekend.
If you feel you can help no matter how big or small a job you can do then please get in touch with Club Secretary Adrian Bircher on 07824 999119 and help the big day run smoothly.
Anybody volunteering will receive a complimentary ticket to one home United league fixture of their choice this season.
09.09.09 MYSTERY ANIMAL UNVEILED!!
The mystery of the rogue animal at the stadium has today been solved as Blanky the Lamb has revealed 
himself to club officials.
Having proved elusive over the last couple of weeks Blanky decided to come clean to officials over what he has been doing and a asked to reveal all to the website.
"Basically I didnt mean to scare anybody! I am helping the club launch a new Supporters Club with me as the central point. There will be "The Lambs" for Adults and the "Junior Lambs" for children. As the official animal for the town I felt it was another good way to show the club's commitment to the town. Membership is going to be very keenly priced and all members will get a free gift with children getting an excellent pack of goodies all bearing the United name or logo of course!!"
We asked Blanky whether or not we were likely to see him at any United matches in the future?
"I hope so! I need to get myself a sponsor so that I can get the new kit and can then come to matches in my splendour and roar the lads on along with the great United supporters. I hope they all decide to join up to the Supporters Club and help the club"
To get a human perspective on things we caught up with Vice-Chairman Mark Reid who said this of Blanky and the new Supporters Club.
"When we first started 1885 (the original Supporters Club) was at the heart of all the fund-raising that we did. We wanted to get that fundraising angle going again and give the supporters their voice. We are keeping membership prices to a minimum in the hope that people sign up. One of the first things we will be looking to start is the "100 Club" which was so succesful when the club was first formed"
Full membership details including application forms will be online in the next few days and available at Saturday's match at Shortwood United.
Any companies interested in sponsoring Blanky the Lamb should get in touch with Mark Reid to discuss costs and opportunities available.
02.09.09 SECOND ANIMAL SPOTTING!!
Following the spotting of the mystery animal two weeks ago by chairman Steve Lake there has been another sighting at the Stadium.
This time it was the turn of vice-chairman Mark Reid who spotted the "animal" before Saturday's FA Cup tie with New Milton Town.
"I was up in the office sorting out the tannoy and getting the music sorted when I saw a flash of yellow out of the corner of my eye. Thinking it was the flag I paid little attention but when I gave a second glance there was an animal with a hint of yellow about it bolting down the steps of the stand. I ran out but by the time I got near it had gone through the fence at the open end of the ground and out of sight."
14.08.09 hENDERSON DOUBT FOR CUP CLASH!!
Andy Lyne will have to make some changes for tomorrow's FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round clash at 
fellow FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier side Ardley United (3-00pm).
He will definitely be missing both Jamie Mills and Jon-Paul Mills who are unavailable there is also a doubt over Lee Henderson who suffered a suspected broken nose at Shortwood United in midweek.
Two players definitely coming into the squad are another pair of brothers in Dean and Craig Mays both of whom had impressive pre-season's.
Of course we know all about Ardley United and what a visit there means, it is always a difficult fixture and with so much at stake tomorrow it will be a day for strong hearts and minds.
The winners know they have the incentive of a home tie against either New Milton Town or Cowes Sports awaiting them in the Preliminary Round along with the financial incentive for both clubs of a £750 prize.
The two sides have never met in the FA Cup and last season's meetings were both very close encounters. In the fixture at Ardley it was United who were indebted to a last minute equaliser from Henderson as we drew 2-2 and in the return at The Polythene UK Stadium it was United who again benefitted from a late goal when we won 2-1 with goals from Gary Wickens and Ryan Curtin.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes the match will be replayed on Tuesday 18th August at The Polythene UK Stadium with a 7-45pm kick off and the match against Marlow United would be postponed.
The Reserves are also in action tomorrow when they face Witney & District League side Witney Royals on the back pitch at The Polythene UK Stadium with a 2-00pm kick off.
13.08.09 MYSTERY ANIMAL SPOTTED AT STADIUM!!
An air of mystery surrounds the Polythene UK Stadium this morning after an unidentified animal was spotted in the stands on Wednesday.
Chairman Steve Lake was doing some odd jobs when he noticed the "dog sized animal" bolt from the stands and make its way around the perimeter wall before disappearing into the bushes.
Lake commented "It was a quick animal and to be honest I didnt get a close enough look at it to see exactly what it was but it was definitely not a dog or any normal animal you see around these parts. Needless to say I will be keeping an eye out next time I am up there doing some work"
12.08.09 SINGH LEAVES UNITED FEELING FLAT!!
A goal deep in stoppage time from James Singh meant United left Gloucestershire empty handed as 
they went down to a 1-0 defeat at Shortwood United last night.
United had the better of large parts of the game but just couldnt make the breakthrough with John McMahon, Andrew Younie and Andrew Styles all going close to breaking the deadlock.
As the clock ticked onto 92 minutes a long ball saw Singh break through and get in between Richard Barrett and Tom Butler before slotting home from the acutest of angles to give the home side a victory.
The Under 18's friendly at Thatcham Town last night was postponed as United couldnt field a side due to injury and unavailability.
11.08.09 uNITED READY FOR STERN OPENING TEST!!
As opening matches go they certainly wont come much tougher than the test United are presented with 
this evening when they travel to Shortwood United (7-45pm).
Last year saw Shortwood emerge as a team who will be challenging at the top and were only 11 goals away from winning the title as they were pipped by Hungerford Town on goal difference and finished five points ahead of ourselves.
It was honours even between the two sides in the meetings in the league as Shortwood ran out 1-0 winners at The Polythene UK Stadium before United produced an excellent performance to win 2-1 in Gloucestershire with goals from Kevin Lewis and Ben Thompson.
The Wood have had a mixed pre-season with victories over Brimscombe (5-0) and Yate Town (3-0) tempered by defeats against Bishops Cleeve (2-3) and North Leigh (3-4).
They have also added a couple of new faces to their squad with the signings of Jamie Hammond from Bishops Cleeve and also Pete Macklin from Hungerford Town.
For United there is a certain amount of optimism around as the majority of last season's squad have remained, pre-season has seen some impressive performances and results and having finished in 3rd we can lay claim to being in with a chance of being genuine title challengers.
On the team news front United head to The Wood with a full squad to choose from and a number of players will be in line to make their full United debuts if selected.
New signing Ricky Johnson has signed for the club in time and is included in the squad for the trip.
The Under 18's are also in action this evening looking to build on their 4-0 victory at Banbury United last week when they travel to Thatcham Town for a pre-season friendly.
11.08.09 hOT SHOT RICKY JOINS THE BLANKETMEN!!
United have given their squad a huge boost on the eve of the new season with the news that striker
Ricky Johnson has joined the club from Hook Norton.
Johnson who completed every league match last season for Hooky netted 32 league goals and was 3rd in the Golden Boots stakes behind our very own Ben Thompson and Ian Concannon.
The previous season he was with Easington Sports where he netted 44 goals and in Hellenic League terms is one of the most prolific strikers in recent seasons.
Despite being busy with preparations for the trip to Shortwood United this evening we caught up with Howard Cowley who gave us his thoughts on the new capture.
"Lyner and I are delighted that Ricky has decided to join us at Witney and there is no doubting he will be a quality addition to the squad. He brings height, pace and power as well as a proven goalscoring record at this level which will complement the strengths we already possess. He was a handful on the occasions we came up against Hook Norton last season."
Johnson is expected to go straight into the squad for tonight's game of which we will bring you team news and a review later this morning.
10.08.09 uNITED LOOK TO EASE THE FLOODING!!
During the summer at all clubs up and down the country small improvements and sometimes large ones are being made to stadiums.
At United we are no different and following on from the hard standing laid at the ground at the back end of last season another problem area has hopefully been rectified.
Both duguts were notorious for having a dip in front of them which led to some flooding issues but some repair work and some grafting by members of the United committee have led to hopefully the answer.Please see pictures below of the away dug out which is replicated in front of the home dugout also.
09.08.09 wE LOVE A SEASON OPENER!!
The opening day of the season always brings excitement, anticipation, trepidation followed by ultimately
unbridled joy or downright despair!
Since our formation we have endured mixed success on opening days and we decided to take a trip back through time and remind ourselves of those days ahead of Tuesday's trip to Shortwood United.
Our first season of course the result felt like it mattered little, we had achieved the goal of getting Senior football back to the town of Witney and although we went down 2-1 at Middle Barton with Steve Lawrence netting there was a feeling of satisfaction amongst the United support.
The following year saw Andy Townsend's new charges head to Radcot Road for a local derby at Clanfield where we thumped the home side 5-1 for the perfect start with goals from Ben Border, Jamie Clarke, Darren Smith, Anthony Frendo and Danny Sollis giving the perfect start.
Next up was Alan Clark's debut when despite battering now Southern League side Didcot Town we went down to a 1-0 defeat in our first home game as a season opener.
The following year and another home opener this time against newly promoted Kidlington in a lively local derby which we ran out 2-1 winners with Steve Knight and Tom Butler (left) getting the goals.
With Spencer Keyes now in charge the following season we were back on the road when we made the short trip to Abingdon Town and started in fine style winning 3-0 with Jamie Cook and Lee Keyes (2) getting the all important goals.
Along came Andy Lyne back in the hotseat it was a newly promoted club again when Lydney Town came to United but goals from Gary Wickens (pen) and Lee Keyes saw us home in a 2-0 win.
Which took us to Highworth last season and who can forget the massed United ranks making up more than half the crowd and roaring United on to a 3-1 win with Wickens netting a hat-trick.
There was good news for The Reserves yesterday when they triumphed 4-3 at Faringdon Town with goals from Sam Wright, Craig Mays, Conor Allmond and Callum McKinnon.
07.08.09 uNITED SNAP UP AMERICAN DYER!!
Witney United have boosted their squad for the forthcoming FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier League season 
by completing the signing of American Paul Dyer.
Dyer who has been on trial at Oxford United has come to England in the hope of embarking on a professional career. The 21 year old Berwick, Maine born midfielder arrives from Seacoast United, where he played for 4 years for the New Hampshire based club. He was captain of state, regional and national champions in the USL Super Y and Super-20 League. He also played a year of college in Rhode Island where he was rookie of the year.
Manager Andy Lyne said “ Paul did well against us for Oxford in pre-season, scoring twice and we are more than happy to give him the opportunity to get games under his belt. He can play in midfield or as a striker so he will give us good options. He has sold many of his possessions and saved money in the past year to come and play football in England, so he is here chasing his dream”
The American youngster of course first came to the attention of United supporters when he scored twice against us during our 4-2 victory over Oxford United. Since then we have seen him in action both in our Jim Newman Cup semi-final win over Clanfield and also the win at Launton Sports.
06.08.09 JIM NEWMAN CUP FINAL OFF!!
Sunday was expected to see United run out at Clanfield in the Jim Newman Cup Final but the torrential 
rain this week means the match has been postponed.
The second semi-final between Letcombe and Carterton was scheduled for this evening and was postponed earlier today.
A date for the final is expected to be announced after Sunday and we will inform you via the website as soon as we know.
Meanwhile the Hellenic League have announced that the losers of the FA Cup tie between ourselves and Ardley United will still have a fixture on Saturday 29th August. Whoever is defeated will now face Reading Town at home in the Hellenic Premier whilst the winners will be at home in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup on that day.
06.08.09 mIDFIELD DYNAMO REVEALS ALL!!
One player who returned to the Polythene UK Stadium this summer was midfielder Andrew Styles and 
having looked impressive in pre-season the website decided to catch up with him.
Last season things didn't really work out at United as you first off went out on loan to Milton before then transferring to Kidlington, how much of a decision was it to return to United?
"It wasn't a hard decision really. The fact I know a lot of the players here, and the chance of winning something made the decision quite an easy."
In pre-season so far you have looked very sharp and certainly look to be enjoying life in the United midfield, what do you feel is the biggest strength you bring to the team?
"Hopefully I can score a few goals. I saw last year Gary, and Tommo especially scored a few between them and it would be good to pitch in. Also I don't mind getting up and down so I think I can add even more pace and energy to the team."
As a player who saw a lot of Hellenic League football last season (and scored the winner against us in one game!) how well equipped are United to mount a challenge this season?
"I think we have a very good chance. It will be very tight this year, with a few clubs looking to win it, but we have people who can score goals all over the pitch, and defenders that are very good for this level. Also if we can stay injury free, and have a bit of luck on the way, and as long as we are consistent, we must have a big chance."
Having been at Oxford United and Swindon Town as a youngster do you still harbour ambitions to play higher up the footballing ladder?
"I think everyone at this level of football, and even below would jump at the chance to play higher standard of football should the chance arise, and I am no different it that respect."
Lastly what would it mean to be part of the squad that brought some silverware to Witney were we to be lucky enough to win something?
"I would love to win something here. The club has everything in place to go forward and hopefully this season in the league it will be our year. Also a run in the senior cup, and again in the Vase would be brilliant as we must have a good chance of winning both those cup competitions as well."
As always the website would like to thank Andrew Styles for his time in participating in this interview.
05.08.09 THOMMO TREBLE AS SPORTS BEATEN!!
Ben Thompson was back on the goal trail with a hat-trick as United won 5-1 in the sunshine at Hellenic Division One West side Launton Sports.
United started the game off on the front foot and seventeen minutes into the game they took the lead when a Thompson shot was palmed away and from the resulting Dean Smith cross Paul Dyer was bundled over as attempted to head home. Thompson fired home the resultant spot kick.
Two further Thompson goals in quick succession saw United 3-0 up with only 24 minutes on the clock before Luke Phillips pulled a goal back from the home side.
After the break United continued to dominate and added further goals when Lee Henderson powered home a Tommy Lewis corner and then Craig Mays fired home with his first touch following a clever pass by Dyer.
There was still time for former United keeper Danny Clifford to save a penalty as John McMahon hit his effort straight at him.
The Under 18's kicked off their season in style as well when they won their opening pre-season friendly 4-0 at Banbury United with goals from Sam Wright, Cameron Lagan, OG and Chris Zoldan.
05.08.09 STRONG SQUAD TO FACE SPORTS!!
United will be sending a strong squad to face Hellenic Division One West side Launton Sports tonight as 
the pre-season campaign draws nearer a close (6-45pm kick off).
The majority of the squad were given the night off at Clanfield last night as the youngsters battled their way through to the final.
Sports last season produced an escape act from relegation in Division One East as they hauled themselves from a desperare position to finish fourth from bottom.
Following some re-organisations of the Division One's there is a move for Sports who now find themselves in Division One West for the coming season.
One face who will be very familiar to United fans will be goalkeeper Danny Clifford who has been a mainstay at Launton since their elevation to the Hellenic League and of course was our goalkeeper in our first season.
United have no injury worries as they head into tomorrow's game with Richard Barrett expected to return in goal following Jon Okole's heroics on Tuesday.
Any supporters travelling to the match are reminded that due to no floodlights at Launton this match will kick off at 6-45pm.
04.08.09 OLE OLE OKOLE...UNITED IN FINAL!!
A very young United side produced battled their way through to the Jim Newman Cup Final tonight when 
they beat Clanfield 4-3 on penalties after the sides had drawn 1-1.
With only Vinny Byfield, Jamie Mills and Jon-Paul Mills with any first team experience in the side the young side done very well against their Hellenic Division One West opponents.
The home side took the lead through former United striker Mark Odom in the first half but a deserved equaliser arrived twenty minutes from time when Craig Mays drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the net giving Chris Brain no chance.
United went first in the penalties with Jon-Paul Mills and Ricky Bridges scoring before Vinny Byfield sent his spot kick over the bar. With United now 3-2 down after three penalties Craig Mays made no mistake before Jon Okole saved to level it up at 3-3. Youngster Conor Allmond then made no mistake before Okole became the hero saving from former United Reserve team manager Kevin Brooks.
United will now meet the winners of Letcombe or Carterton on Sunday 9th August at Clanfield FC kicking off at 4-00pm.
03.08.09 mIXTURE FOR CLANFIELD SEMI!!
It will be a blend of youth and experience that make the short trip to Clanfield to face the hosts in the 
semi-finals of the Jim Newman Memorial Trophy on Tuesday. (7-30pm)
The hosts have already produced one shock in the tournament when they beat Hellenic Premier League side Shrivenham 3-0 on Saturday including a double from former United striker Mark Odom.
They are also looking to reach the final for the second year running having lost out to Carterton in the final lasr season.
United of course have two matches in two days and will be sending a good mixture of young and experienced players to both matches.
One player definitely travelling to Clanfield and likely to make his full United debut is Polish defender Dan Szczukiewicz who is included in the squad.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes on Tuesday night the game will go straight to penalties.
02.08.09 ONE HALF OF THE MILLS REVEALS ALL!!
Following the decision of the Mills brothers to re-sign for the 2009-10 season the website spun a coin 
and caught up with Jamie Mills to get some of his thoughts.
There was major speculation throughout the summer that both yourself and brother Jon-Paul would be leaving the club with many other Hellenic clubs being linked with your signature, how close did you come to leaving the Blanketmen?
"It's always flattering being approached and wanted by other clubs but as for signing for another side it didin't really come that close at all. I was abroad getting married for the best part of the summer and didn't have to much time to think about this coming season but as soon as JP and I came out to our 1st Witney training sesion and saw the lads again and met with Lyner and Howard we knew this was the place to be."
Your role can often go un-noticed by many despite the important cog in the wheel that you are, is there times when you look on enviously at the strikers who always get the admiration?
"Of course players like myself who have not got those kind of attributes in there locker will often look at the glory boys up front and would love to be able to do what they can do and take the praise. But I think you have to make the best of what you've personly got and I take great pleasure in trying to do what I do well and most impotantly win the game and enjoy it after."
Obviously yourself and Jon-Paul are currently with United striving for promotion to the Southern League, with brother Matthew (currently at Doncaster Rovers) being linked with moves to the Premiership does he take an interest in how your results are going?
"Most definitely. Matthew is currently at Doncaster and my youngest brother Joseph is at Southhampton. I speak to both of them every Saturday evening and the first thing they will both ask is 'how did you get on' and 'where does that put you in the league'. When I talk to them about football our games are as important as each other. "
Do you feel that this could be the year that United make the stride forward and win some silverware?
"Absolutely positive. Mind you I would answer that question in the same way at the begining of every season. Because I've never started a season without thinking I was going to win the league other wise I don't see the point in starting. Although particularly this season from the squad of players and management here I think we have a better chance than ever. I think we have the experiance from last years campaign to know what we've got to do this year to win it."
Lastly, you are very popular amongst the United support, how much can it help when you run out at places as far away as Harrow Hill and Pegasus Juniors to still see a good number of supporters there cheering on the team?
"I've not seen a club at this level that take as many supporters as Witney do to some of the places we went to last season. It without doubt makes a difference to the players seeing the supporters there and the vocal support encourages you to go that extra mile."
As always we would like to thank Jamie for his time in conducting this interview.
