Fletching FC Legends

Name- Dan Benton
Position- Striker
Nicknames- Dogger
Golden Era- 2001 - 2007
Appearences- 63 (46 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Maresfield FC
Despite being one the youngest and smallest member of the squad Dan developed a fearsome reputation – unfortunately it was not just for his footballing ability. It is well known that ‘The Dogger’ likes to spend cold winter nights frequenting numerous dogging sites throughout Sussex. However don’t let his seedy and sordid pastimes detract from his talent for the beautiful game. His lightning pace and youthful agility, combined with an eye for goal meant that Dan had been terrorising defences since making the step up from academy level. Having been poached by near rivals Buxted several seasons ago Benton endured a frustrating brief spell before rejoining The Archers early in the 2002/03 campaign. He went on to establish himself at The Recreation Ground club, winning back-to-back promotions with The Reserves, but work commitments hampered his progress which would have undoubtedly seen regular First Team football, eventually leaving the club and signing for neighbours Maresfield during the summer of 2007.
Name- Dan Bettridge
Position- Defence
Nicknames- Shaggy, Bett
Golden Era- 1999 - 2002
Appearences- 46 (3 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Not letting the janitor get away with it thanks to him and his pesky friends
A late developer to the game, Bettridge’s roots lie in Year Eleven playground football, a natural continuation of which was indoor five-a-side with the very same teachers that tried to confiscate his makeshift 'yellow Slazenger' football. Indeed this free flowing, fast moving and skillful version of the beautiful game made him the Fletching legend he was. Dazzled by the prospect of trying his hand at 'proper football' and influenced by his good friend, and fellow hall of famer Andrew Fruer, Daniel came to The Recreation Ground in 1999, where he instantly commanded a place in The Archers newly formed Reserve Team. He enjoyed a couple of successful seasons under the guidance of Chris Giles and in a similar fashion to his hairstyle Dan's adaptation and ability grew and grew. Despite his slight frame, Bettridge was a tidy centre back, tough tackling in nature, a crowd favourite who possessed bags of composure and skill on the ball. His promising career with Fletching, which would have undoubtedly seen a First Team debut, was unfortunately cut short by University commitments. He has since moved back down to the area and is living in Hove where he still plays five a side and regular football.
Name- Wayne Brockhurst
Position- Defence
Nicknames- Buddha, Brocky, Lombardo
Golden Era- 1998-2004
Appearences- 106 (11 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Breaking concrete slabs simply with the power of his inner mind at Isfield's Buddhist Temple
Fletching's first ever manager, having been elected in 1998 following The Archers reformation, Brockhurst is to Fletching fans what Steve Coppell is to Palace fans. He will go down in Archers history as an all time great, having achieved four promotions in six years, the highlight of which was a runners-up spot in Division Eight during the 1999/00 season. Brockhurst was instrumental, along with other Wealden old boys, in building and nurturing the side and a club for the future, leaving a legacy for Hyland to continue, bringing in quality players thanks to his extensive contact book. A prominent clubman, Wayne was a very handy defender, with a terrier like attitude, who in truth should probably have played himself more than he did. Often compared to Chelsea legend Dennis Wise, the pint size full back, who was never one to be outspoken, liked a firm challenge, was good in the air and possessed a decent touch. Buddha finally hung up his boots and resigned as manager in 2004 with well over one hundred appearances and eleven goals (most of them headed as he could not shoot for toffee!) to his name. He can still be seen around the ground occasionally, but prefers to cheer on his beloved Rooks, down at The Dripping Pan.
Name- John Carter
Position- Right Hand Man
Nicknames- Big John, JC
Golden Era- 2004-2007
Where Are They Now?- Often seen with his protégée linesman Chris 'Sooty' Brady passing on crucial tips and tricks of the trade
A true clubman in every sense of the word, JC was one third of The Reserves management team who was appointed by his son when he took over the reins from Chris Giles. Big John was one of the un-sung heroes of the club, carrying out a whole range of back room duties on match day - preparing the changing rooms, cleaning, as well as taking on kit man responsibilities. He was also the un-official linesman when needed, and was not afraid of making the big decisions in important games. Ask anyone at the club about JC and they will tell you that above all it is his passion for The Archers and the game of football itself- he could so often be heard bellowing both instruction and support, even whilst conducting his 'assistant referee' duties. Despite departing at the end of the 2007 when Carter Jr. stepped down, JC can still be found milling around on match days, supporting The Villagers.
Name- Ross Davidson
Position- Striker
Nicknames- Rooster, Long Legs
Golden Era- 1998-2002 & 2003-2006
Appearences- 78 (111 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Terrorising defences in the East Sussex League with new club Mayfield FC
Just like the infamous SAS partnership of Shearer and Sutton that spearheaded Blackburn's golden era in the Premiership, Ross was a pivotal part of Fletching's very own BAD strike force together with Pete Burchett. Bringing his talismanic qualities to The Recreation Ground as a fresh-faced youngster back in 1998, Davidson made an instant impression, claiming the top goal scorer award. The prolific striker continued this rich vein of form throughout his two spells with the club, netting 78 times in just 111 appearances. His talents did not go unnoticed and he was poached by Heathfield Utd, where he enjoyed a couple of seasons before returning to The Villagers in 2003, where he went on to become one of the all time leading goal scorers. The complete striker, ‘long legs’ possessed blistering pace, which so often caught out opposing defenders. A powerful striker of the ball with either foot he was very good in the air and tackled back brilliantly when needed. His main downfall however was his stupid rooster-like hairstyle, which made him rich pickings for the Fletching bully boys! After an impressive career Davidson left The Recreation Ground in the summer of 2006, signing for East Sussex League side Mayfield.
Name- Adam Duly
Position- Defender
Nicknames- Jimmy Somerville
Golden Era- 1998-2006
Appearences- 121 (15 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Touring the northern club circuit with his tribute band - Fine Young Cannonballs
A well-known face at The Recreation Ground who fought his way back from serious injury, was once the only person to turn up at an official Fletching FC fancy dress event in non-fancy dress, passing himself off as top 80s high pitched singer Jimmy Sommerville. This was due to a certain amount of scepticism brought about by bad memories of a cruel prank inflicted on Duly in his younger days in which he turned up to a non fancy dress party in costume! Adam was one of The Archers more established stalwarts, having been with the club through thick and thin during their rise from Division Eight, even turning his hand to coaching as Chris Giles' number two for The Reserves. The big defender mastered his skills on the five-a-side indoor surface of Utopia Leisure Centre when he could be found putting in the sort of quality-timed tackles he did on a Saturday afternoon. Very handy with free kicks, Duly was always calm under pressure, won everything in the air and, as became customary, was the first one to grab the karaoke microphone at The Archers end-of-season dinner!
Name- Andrew Fruer
Position- Defence/Midfield
Nicknames- Fru, Billy Bunter
Golden Era- 1998 - 2004
Appearences- 67 (5 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Sky Sports on a Sunday evening - at the heart of the grid iron action (see photo).
A real crowd favourite and loved by everyone at the club, "The Big Gay Bear" signed for The Archers in 1998 straight from youth football where he featured prominently in hundreds of games (mainly because his dad was the manager!). He went on to represent Fletching on well over fifty occasions, making infrequent appearances for the First team, but mainly as a regular for Chris Giles’ Reserve Team. The big, burley midfield man possessed no pace whatsoever, and was recently officially recognised as the slowest ever player to grace The Recreation Ground, pipping it from the likes of Mike Cronin, Richard Clark and Toby Kirby. Despite playing without his glasses, Fruer so often would run the show, utilising his tactical astuteness and footballing awareness. With more tricks up his sleeve than The Great Raymondo and a surprising amount of skill for a fat bloke, Fruer showed much promise in the early days, but failed to find any goal scoring form at senior level, owing mainly to fact that he never moved from the centre circle! Having moved away from the area he still plays five a side on a regular basis, but has recently set his sights on the 2009 World Strongest Man title. As you can see from the photo Fruer Frueresson is currently on a course of illegal, muscle building steroids and five portions of chicken and rice a day.
Name- Chris Giles
Position- Midfield
Nicknames- Mullet Man, Gilo
Golden Era- 1998 - 2004
Appearences- 79 (4 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- You can see his face on the walls of barbershops up and down the country
Joining the Archers in their inaugural 1998 season Giles found it difficult to establish himself in what was a quality-oozing midfield quartet, however he stuck it out and made a name for himself when given a snippet of opportunity. Fast forward a year and Giles took the reigns of the newly formed second team, making history as he became Fletching FC’s first ever Reserve Team manager (no one can take that away from him), where he went on to enjoy five seasons as a player also. The original Mullet Man, long before any of Michael Duff’s dodgy hair cuts, Chris showed the type of spirit expected of those that pull on the famous Tangerine (or in the case of those days Claret and Blue) shirt – committed to the club, strong in the challenge and with a neat range of passing, the midfield man also popped up with some important goals in his time. A close rival to Mark Dann for the title of Fletching’s number one mobile disco king (well he did play a load of my requests at the Dinner & Dance one year!), Giles loved nothing more than strutting around the changing room in his birthday suit, waving his man piece in the face of anyone who happened to be in his way and is generally credited as Darren Bradley’s budgetary prodigy, after the sum of £1.36 appeared in Fletching FC’s official end of year accounts – “…half time oranges!”
Name- Chris Hartup
Position- Midfield
Nicknames- Berries, Bouffant, The Fat Chris Waddle,
Golden Era- 1999 - 2007
Appearences- 141 (20 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Vice Chairman of the Pukka Pie Fan Club
A one-man wall with a sweet left foot and an eye for the pies, ‘The Bouffant’ was not afraid to throw his weight around in the middle of the park (and there is a lot of it to throw about!). A dressing room joker and one of the funniest blokes you will ever meet, Hartup arrived at The Recreation Ground from Fairwarp in 1999 with his flowing locks and Martin Leeves in tow, where he made the holding role his own. Nicknamed 'Berries' due to his enormous parrot perches, the big midfield man maintained his conditioning, thanks to his daytime job (which requires him to eat, drink beer and entertain clients) and holds the Fletching FC record of attending the least training sessions (two in eight seasons!). The crowd pleaser was a somewhat dirty player, owing to his distinct lack of pace, but the class still shone through - he had an unbelievable array of flicks and tricks for a big guy, could still deliver a quality free kick, tackle well, and was good in the air. Having played countless games in his prime for the First Team, Hartup stepped down to offer his footballing wealth to The Reserves, taking over the captaincy from a retiring ‘Rio’ Miller, before calling time on his own career several seasons later after helping his side gain promotion from Division Eight in 2007.
Name- Chris Hyland
Position- Midfield
Nicknames- Billy, Rent Boy, Whizz, Nigel
Golden Era- 1998 - 2007
Appearences- 121 (13 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Still waiting patiently by the phone for a call from Andrew 'Any Dream Will Do' Lloyd-Webber.
Billy’s dancing feet kept both the crowd and opposition entertained and mesmerised during his committed spell with The Villagers, thanks to some sublime first touches and audacious flicks (and of course his one trick, which he seemed to successfully pull off at least three times a game!!). Hyland joined Fletching as a fresh-faced youngster straight out of the Sylvia Young School, shunning local rivals Uckfield Town, signing for The Archers in their first pre-season of 1998. The faithful servant remained at the Villagers for nine seasons, missing out on a couple of full campaigns due to university commitments, but returning for subsequent years where he went on to make well over 120 appearances, during The Archers golden-era, which included five promotions, as well as a young player of the year award. The massive Liverpool fan moved away to London, continuing to travel back from the Big Smoke every weekend so he could continue to play for his beloved Archers, but decided to call time on his Fletching career at the end of the 2006/07 season. Often referred to as Nigel (as in Clough – come on we all know he only got in the side as his Dad was the manager!!!), Hyland was a versatile player who could often be seen literally gliding across the middle of the park. He should have scored far more than his haul of thirteen, but was known to hit the occasional cracker of a goal with all the grace and finesse that Wayne Sleep would be proud of.
Name- Clive Hyland
Position- Manager
Nicknames- Gaffer
Golden Era- 2004 - 2007
Appearences- 1 (in a pre-season veteran friendly!)
Where Are They Now?- Fletching FC's official sports psychologist
The no-nonsense Welshman was appointed as First Team manager at the start of the 2004/05 season, after the retirement of Wayne 'Buddha' Brockhurst. The man from the valleys guided The Archers to a creditable fourth place in his first season, narrowly missing out on promotion to division three on the very last day of the season, before masterminding Fletching's best ever run, achieving a fine third place and with it promotion during his second year. In what was to be his last campaign with The Villagers, Hyland saw his side in a dogged relegation battle, but they enjoyed a fine cup run to reach a semi-final and quarter- final, beating some illustrious teams along the way, before inspiring them on a final day of drama as Fletching won their final game, lifting them off the bottom and thus ensuring their division three status. His hands-on approach to management and coaching were well received by both playing and backroom staff. A master tactician, whom had the respect of the players thanks to his top class man-management skills and background in psychology, which he put to use in his pre-match pep talks (he practically had us in a meditative state before the cup semi-final. I think we were just lacking the joss sticks!!!). Hyland always had his bust ups with the media, but loved nothing more than to use them as a catalyst in his notorious, Mouriniho-esq mind games and pre-match comments. He even represented The Village on one occasion, turning back the years to put in an impressive display in the middle of the park - although he could then hardly move for the following week!!
Name- Toby Kirby
Position- Midfield
Nicknames- Tobes, Old Man Kirby
Golden Era- 1998 - 2002
Appearences- 44 (0 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Ferrying old ladies between Tesco, the hospital and Gala Bingo
A taxi driver with the touch of a rapist, a goal-scoring machine he certainly was not. But what he may have lacked in ability Toby certainly made up for in dedication to the club and commitment to the cause. One of the original old boys who came to The Recreation Ground in 1998 through his Framfield and Wealden connections, Kirby went on to make a handful of appearances for The First Team during their inaugural season back in The Mid Sussex League, before bringing all his terrier like experience to the Reserves the following season. His off the field partying antics soon caught up with him and it came as a real shock to all involved at the club, when half way through his distinguished career the midfield man suffered a heart attack which put him out of commission. Not to worry though as Toby battled through it and only two months later was back on the Stella and Silk Cuts and back on the football field where he belonged. Toby retired in 2002, turning down a corporate hospitality role on match days at the club, to pursue his love interests. He has since settled down, is happily married and can be seen driving his Taxi around Uckfield high street.
Name- Colin Lingham
Position- Defence/Midfield
Nicknames- Col
Golden Era- 1998 - 2002
Appearences- 5 (0 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Looking after his dairy heard down in the West Country
Despite only playing five games for The Archers, Colin was a footballing legend in his own right and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his off the field role at the club. A figurehead for the newly formed club in 1998, Lingham, along with a few others was instrumental in building Fletching FC into what it is toady. A regular in The Archers old team of the early nineties, Lingham epitomised the club’s ethos and what they were all about. Fletching through and through, Colin was one of the few players whose roots actually lie in the Village, and he turned out on several occasions for the side of 98, bringing an abundance of experience to what was a very young side at the time. Good on the ball and like a whippet across the park he held the position of Chairman for a number of years before moving away from the area in 2002. A real blow for the club, but we all know he still takes an interest in the team he loves so dearly.
Name- Matt Lingham
Position- Winger/Striker
Nicknames- Matty, Ronan (see below), Biggles
Golden Era- 1999 - 2002
Appearences- 39 (34 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Probably left drunken and in charge of your usual mix of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.
One of Fletching FC's best ever players Matt Lingham was the original 'Titch' Barter, on the scene long before the current superstar, but clearly in the same mould. Coming from a long line of Fletching footballing pedigree, with both his father, Fletching legend and figurehead Colin, and cousin Jason representing The Village, it was inevitable that Lingham junior would follow in their footsteps and on more that one occasion played in the same team as dad. Matt was involved in the club as a young teenager, standing head and shoulders (not literally) above some of the full time pros in training, eventually being offered a contract in 1999 where he learnt his trade in The Reserve team before making his first team debut. Goals came with ease for the pocket midfield dynamo whose record was impeccable. A crowd pleaser with a low centre of gravity and immense pace, Lingham could terrorise defences when he had the ball at his feet and would wade in with the tackles. Matt could have gone on to achieve great things in the game, and it is a testament to the club that despite representing Lewes youth team and travelling with their first team squad as a sub on several occasions for Ryman League action, he remained loyal to The Village. A key player is The Archers early rise up the league, it was a hammer blow when he left to join the RAF in 2002 (nobody missed his terrible singing though, especially after a truly comical rendition of Irish Crooner Ronan Keating's ‘Life is a Rollercoaster’!).
Name- Neil Lucey
Position- Striker
Nicknames- Lucey, Northern Monkey, Thieving Northern Tosspot, Brian May
Golden Era- 2006 - 2007
Appearences- 40 (33 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Ardingly FC
Lucey signed from Burgess Hill Albion in the post Christmas transfer window of 2006 after a recommendation from Ian Dowding. An out and out goal scorer with an impressive array of clubs behind him for such a young player, it is hoped he would see out his four year contract after immediately winning over The Archers fans. Although the transfer fee was undisclosed a source close to Lucey had let slip that it involved a pint of best bitter and a bowl chips with gravy - “oooohhhh northern boys love gravy”. Since joining The Villagers the Northern Pele found the net on his debut and became an integral part in the first team promotion push. Manager Rhys Williams had to take advice from his close friend Harry Redknapp over how to deal with the mentality and language barrier that come with signing foreigners, his teammates also found it difficult to understand the northern monkey and preferred it when he let his feet do the talking. The Brian May wannabe with a fiery attitude boasted an impeccable goal scoring record for The Villagers and possesses great pace, skill and a wicked shot, however his poker skills leave a lot to be desired, not to mention his smoking jacket and cigars! He left the club midway through the 2007/08 season after a lack of starting opportunities under new gaffer Williams, signing for Mid-Sussex league side Ardingly.
Name- Craig Miller
Position- Defence
Nicknames- Rio, Old Man, Sheepy Miller
Golden Era- 1998 - 2005
Appearences- 96 (3 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Can be found down at Tan-Tastic every fortnight having an all over spray applied.
One of the original Wealden harem members who saw the window of opportunity that Fletching had to offer, Craig had been with The Archers since they reformed in 1998. An uncompromising and imposing centre back who enjoyed a couple of seasons for the first team before representing The Reserves as captain until hanging up his boots in the summer of 2005. Often likened to a mature Rio Ferdinand, Miller is a genuinely nice bloke and a great clubman - his popularity highlighted by the tens of people who turned up for his testimonial against the Ex-Mauritius legends side! A regular on the terraces in The Barn End where he can be seen cheering on (abusing?) his former teammates and signing autographs for the fans, when The Archers are scraping the bottom of the barrel for a team Miller can always be counted upon to fish out his boots for a swift forty-five minutes!
Name- Stephen Pearce
Position- Midfield
Nicknames- Pearcey, Wingnut, Liberace
Golden Era- 1998 - 2005
Appearences- 72 (16 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Perfecting his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech
Enjoyed three separate spells over a seven-year career with The Archers, due to his continued quest for knowledge, which saw the scientist attend two universities and a research lab in Herefordshire where he is currently working towards his PHD. When he is back in town during the winter months, he can always be found on the terraces of the Recreation Ground cheering on his beloved team. Pearce was a true 'super-sub' in the same mould of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - used to coming off the bench and wreaking havoc on the wings or up front, and was once dubbed Fletching’s most intellectual player ever! Another late developer to the game, Pearce was a true professional, a model athlete, who on occasions was known to cycle to training, all the way from Brighton, putting the likes of Fat Boy Darren Wolvey to shame. The little Liberace (anyone that was at Sols place on Danno's stag night will never forget his David Gray rendition!) possessed lightning pace and power, together with an assured passing ability. Every time he returned he seemed to up his game (finally on his third spell actually rising for headers!), deservedly winning the 'Most Improved Player Award' in 2004/05. However there are a few concerns with regards to his personal life - he turned up to Danno's stag night wearing make-up and his mums clothes!!!
Name- Paul Rider
Position- Midfield
Nicknames- Ridey
Golden Era- 2006-2007
Appearences- 21 (6 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Materials Mogul
Arguably one of the greatest players to don the famous orange shirt Rider came from a pedigree footballing family and had been there and done it all at a high standard when put pen to paper in the summer of 2006, signing from next door neighbours Newick. In doing so he brought with him a huge wealth of county league and league representative experience to the younger members of the team, having played most of his career at county side Wealden, and despite only spending one season at The Recreation Ground, the impact he made was plain for everyone to see. One of the more reserved players in the squad Rider let his football do the talking, a versatile player who could play anyway across the middle of the park, or upfront when required. A genuinely nice bloke, Paul ran the midfield with his boundless energy, precision passing, control and vision. Although in his twilight years he was never afraid to put himself about in the tackles or shirk his responsibility. Demonstrating a brilliant first touch and a few dodgy tricks, Ridey could always guarantee goals from his busying midfield runs; however his best asset was his Tony Adams-esq heading ability, out jumping most to hang in the air for what seemed like an eternity, before winning the ball. It was a massive blow for The Village club, when after only one season he decided to retire from the game, especially for a player who could easily go on for another ten years, but the demands of setting up his own business, prevented him from signing a contract extension.
Name- Ian Rumens
Position- Defence
Nicknames- The Boxing Rabbi
Golden Era- 1998 - 2003
Appearences- 50 (0 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Last seen at the weigh in before his big forthcoming fight against Rev. Michael 'Mad Dog' Davies
One of the real characters of all time to reside at The Recreation Ground, Ian signed for The Archers in 1998 after doing the rounds in local football. He found first team opportunities limited during his first season, but was always there when required before settling into the defence of the newly formed Reserves the following season. A player renowned for taking young players under his wing and offering them his vast footballing experience, club officials commonly credit him for bringing his prodigy Michael Duff to first team prominence, making him the player he is today. The lanky centre back was easier to read than a Teletubbies Annual, shaping up a pass for ten minutes before releasing, but was never one to be outspoken on the pitch, he would always challenge hard for the ball and utilised his height well. The Premiership-hating, Newport County AFC loving big man never really endeared himself to the Barn End faithful, but always gave 100% as he tried to win them over. Ian 'The Boxing Rabbi' Rumens retired in 2003 after representing The Village on over fifty occasions, his only regret being that he never scored for the club.
Name- Gary Smith
Position- Defence/Midfield/Striker
Nicknames- Smutts
Golden Era- 2003 - 2006
Appearences- 30 (5 Goals)
Where Are They Now?- Just entered the 90s. He is currently looking after his tamagotchi, sampling the sweet lemony taste of Hooch and in his own words “…taken a shine to that Sporty Spice!!”
A throwback to the 1980s and another one of the 'dodgy barnet brigade' who seem to frequent Fletching FC, Smith lost the dreadlocks but thankfully not the quality and was a long-term target for The Villagers, eventually signing in 2003. Rolling back the years to put in some impressive displays, mainly at centre back, although he was the Chris Sutton of Fletching and could play up front in the later stages of a game if needed, Smuttsy was a player who had been there and done it all. Gary was an invaluable, highly versatile squad player who could teach the youngsters a thing or two. The spitting image of Kajagoogoo front man Limahl, Smith read the game like a children’s bedtime story and despite his age moved across the park with ease. A seasoned pro who knew all the old tricks in the book, the tough-tackler developed a smart touch and would win everything in the air, whilst commanding and orgaisisaiin those around him. He left the village after only a few seasons to concentrate on his triathlon training.
Name- Jamie Unwin
Position- Midfield/Striker
Nicknames- Jay
Golden Era- 2003-2006
Appearences- 50 (12 Goals)
Where Are They Now?-Can normally be found down Kings nightclub on a Sunday night.
The racing driver wanna-be was a great acquisition to the squad after being spotted by his ex-housemate and Fletching legend Craig Miller, playing with a kick master football trainer in the back garden. It is well documented that he finally came to The Recreation Ground after being convinced by his bum chum, Mike 'Sick Note' Cronin and he proved to be a real hit, particularly with The Archers gay following (the club shop sold out of his posters in record time)! A self confessed 'playa' and 'ladies man', Unwin would always run and run his heart out in a game, chasing down lost causes, throwing himself into challenges and holding the ball up well, making him the (near) perfect target man. Jamie, despite all his ability, refuses to head the ball for fear of messing up his hair, and is the only player we can recall who actually brings hair gel pitch side, to give his barnet some re-styling at half time! He enjoyed just over three seasons with The Archers, bagging 12 goals in his time, before hanging up his boots a few games into the 2006/07 season after failing to regain his fitness after a nasty hip injury. He will be truly missed in the changing rooms where he was at the heart of all the banter, passing the mantle to his good friend Steve Barbe and swapping the football pitch for a boxing ring.
Name- Clive White
Position- Goalkeeper
Nicknames- Clivey, AWT (Anthony Worrel Thompson)
Golden Era- 2000 - 2004
Appearences- 53 (14 Clean Sheets & 1 Goal)
Where Are They Now?- Proprietor of a lovely restaurant on the Isle of Wight (Bradders has actually eaten there!)
A colourful, fun-loving goalkeeper with an eye for the pies and passion for a pint, White signed for The Archers in 2000 finally solving The Reserve Team’s infamous goal keeping crisis of the late nineties. A faithful servant to the club over several years, Clive was a real presence on and off the pitch, a fine shot stopper with a huge punt, who once actually scored direct from a booming goal kick. A fabulous goal going up the devilish slope at The Recreation Ground which took one bounce before looping over a stranded keeper, making current First Team keeper at the time Darren Bradley actually look good! This was much to the resentment of 'The Monk' who had also scored a only a few weeks previously, clearly bringing him down a peg or two! A great club character with a big mouth who would take no nonsense from his back four, Clive retired from football in 2004 when he moved to the Isle of Wight with his young family.