The four groups have been drawn for the Thursday night cup competition which will take place during July ahead of the new league season due to start in August.

Each team will play each once with the top two going through to the Quarter Finals. MSR are not taking part in this competition but Carlton’s Academy and new team Inter Yournan have come in to make up the 16.   

GROUP 1                                           GROUP 2 

1         NEW ERA                                 1          HAROLD POTTER

2         CTFC ACADEMY                       2          KILLER BEES

3         FINDELS                                   3          INTER YOURNAN

4         MOD SQUAD                             4          KAPITAL ONE  

GROUP 3                                           GROUP 4 

1         GEDLING FC                             1          UPSETTERS

2         TRENT CONCRETE                    2          KILLER BEES

3         BROOKLAND BOYS                  3          BENCHWARMERS

4         SOUTHALL RACING                   4          PORTUGUESE CROWS   

THURSDAY 3^rd JULY 2008 FIXTURES  

PITCH 1            6:30      NEW ERA                     V          CTFC ACADEMY

PITCH 2            6:30      TRENT CONCRET          V          GEDLING FC 

PITCH 1            7:15      FINDELS                       V          MOD SQUAD 

PITCH 2            7:15      SOUTHALL RACING      V          BRICKYARD BOYS 

PITCH 1            8:00      HAROLD POTTER         V          KILLER BEES 

PITCH 2            8:00      INTER YOURNAN          V          KAPITAL ONE 

PITCH 1            8:45      UPSETTERS                 V          BEERSOLONER 

PITCH 2            8:45      BENCHWARMERS        V          PORTUGUESE CROWS

It was the same setting as our last meeting. The silver fox was insistent on the Olive Trees. ‘Pinot Gricio’, I joined him for no other reason that Darryl knows his wine of that you can be sure!   

So how’s it going? Have you been welcomed back? Where are we at? I had lots of questions for the silver haired one, he took a sip, all be it a large one, then sat back and delivered.   

“I’ve put my team together, Kev Randall and Aidy Brown who led the clubs youngsters to success at the City Ground 2 years ago are back in as my management team. Stuart Scott has rejoined the club as Academy physio, he will also help the reserves and will be available to the first team if needed. It’s good to have him back, we go back a long way and are very close and it will be an absolute pleasure to work with Stuart, Kev and Aidy Again.”

“I’ll tell you what I’m excited about, the Carlton Cup, the FA Youth Cup and the tour is next year. Yes we are going on that, the under 17’s, 18’s, Academy, Darren Chapman, and Malcolm Ward” he then stopped briefly for a sip of his wine, at least I had chance for a word. Tell me about the tour Darryl.    

“We have the full support of the Chairman, he is hoping to join us along with the Reserve Manager Ian White along with Dean Gent and Martin Ball from the 1^st Team who are also keen. They came through the clubs academy system you know, the enthusiasm for the tour knows no bounds. We will be going to Noorwllyk in Holland next July to compete in the Haarlem Cup, but first I have a league season to contemplate. Planning for the tour will start as soon as the season begins. We need to hold a race night, we need to continue to support the 5 a side leagues here.”

What do you make of the new facilities? I was finally able to get a question in. “Magnificent” he replied. “They helped me keep the lads together, get new lads in to look at, helped me sell the club to new potential signings, it really is wonderful and the Carlton Cup is a cracking competition, make no mistake about that!”

“Darren Chapman our under 17’s Manager has got some fine talent, his lads are really making their mark on Mondays and Darren gives us that connection with his experience in the youth set to the age groups who will form part of the club’s long term future.”     

What about Malcolm! I interrupted    

“He is sorting out the tour, it’s what he does, Malcolm’s ISL tour company are the best in the business and that’s why we will be booking with Malc.”   

Darryl has also brought the highly respected John Hemstock back to the club as Academy Secretary, a move welcomed by the clubs General Secretary the long serving Paul Shelton. For now Darryl tells me he’s putting his efforts in to making sure this years golf day will be the best yet.

“I plan to be a roving reporter, the Chairman’s no good so he’s going to join me in making a DVD of the day, it will be brilliant.”   

Enthusiasm bounces out of this man like no other man I’ve ever known and I’ve been writing this stuff for more years than you readers have been drinking and I’m ready for another one of those now too and Darryl’s already back at the bar, god he’s brought back a bottle, I guess it’s time to put down the pen and do what us reporters do best.    

In Darryl’s company choice is not an option, Darryl Claypole was talking to Murray Hayes.    

The annual Masser’s Solicitors tournament was held for the second year in a row at Carton’s Bill Stokeld stadium and once again MSR came out triumphant.   

The side looked very different to the one which ply’s its trade here on a Thursday night with shop managers Dave Fryer, Steve Scott, Danny Tee and Adam Buckley all making appearances.   

In group 1 Edward Jones and the Yorkshire Bank made the running both finishing on 7 points, Edward Jones claimed top spot courtesy of a better goal difference. Massers themselves came bottom with no points while David James finished with 3.

In group 2 MSR won their group with Oliver Jones Associates finishing 2^nd and the Royal Bank of Scotland 3^rd.   There was cracking semi final between Edward Jones and Oliver Jones Associates which went the way of Edward Jones, Scott Rogers with a brace was their hero. MSR meanwhile upped the tempo beating the Yorkshire Bank 4-1 with goals from John Hickling, Steve Scott, Danny Tee and Scott Buckley. Hickling also had a penalty saved by the giant and excellent Yorkshire Bank keeper and so to the final.   

It seemed a game too far for the Edward Jones boys as they visibly tired and with only 5 fit players, MSR were soon in control in the final. Hickling hit a brace early on and went on to score 4. It was a fine tournament for the young Hickling who had been substituted in MSR’s 1^st game after a woeful start to the competition. Ashley Winfield and Scott Buckley secured a 6-1 win but the goal of the match and possibly the night came from Pip Samra who unleashed an unstoppable drive past Adam Buckley for the Edward Jones goal, that was a classy finish indeed.

Massers Jeff Alvey spoke in the clubhouse sports bar as the players tucked into supper and took in the West Germany v Turkey thriller showing on the club’s 5 screens. Alvey thanked and praised Carlton for another excellent event and tournament Chief Mark Steggles commented on the fine spirit the competition was played in. Steggles also gave the final to referee Tim Bee a surprise move given Steggles liking of the big stage.

Carlton Town Tournament Chief Mark Steggles has revealed the fixtures and times for the Sunday fixtures to be played on Sunday 22^nd June.  They are as follows:-  

11:15am            NBN 2                           V          KINGS UNITED

12:00pm            OAKDALE                     V          MOD SQUAD

12:45pm            BROOKLAND BOYS      V          BARCELONA RES

He has also revealed that final group games will be played on Tuesday 1^st and Wednesday 2^nd July. All Quarter Finals will be held on Wednesday 9^th July and finals night will be on Wednesday 16^th July, where the Semi Finals and Final will be played on one night.

There will also be a penalty shootout between the losing Semi Finalists for a gallon of ale.

In a statement to the Carlton Town Website Steggles said

“I have obviously had to work the event around the existing bookings at the club within the time frame of the competition which will finish before the main holiday season starts which would then have made it harder for teams to put out a full squad.”

“The finals night on 16^th July will involve both Semi Finals, a penalty shoot out for 3^rd place before the Final and a full presentation in the clubhouse – sportsbar.” 

Carlton Town Coach Gary Stone has put the finishing touches to the pre-season programme and it starts with an exciting looking local derby against close neighbours Gedling Town at Carlton’s Bill Stokeld Stadium on Thursday 17^th July with a 7:30pm Kick Off.

Matlock Town are the Unibond premiership visitors on Saturday 26^th July and there is another exciting local derby at Stoke Lane on Saturday 2^nd August when Arnold Town Visit. The fourth and final home friendly is a mouth watering clash against long time rivals Garforth Town which takes place on Saturday 9^th August. Admission prices for these four friendlies will be just £4 for adults, £2 OAPS and £1 kids, the same as was charged for friendlies last year.  

Carlton will also visit Long Eaton United on Tuesday 29^th July and there will be further games with a Carlton eleven taking on Radford at home on Tuesday 22^nd July while another 11 will be away at Gedling Minors Welfare on the same night.

ACADEMY STARTS TO TAKE SHAPE

Carlton Town’s new Academy Director Darryl Claypole has wasted no time in getting preparations in place for the forthcoming season as he sets his sights on an academy of excellence at Carlton Town.

Claypole via the under 16’s has entered a team into the Monday night championship 5 a side and the Premiership 5 a side league as he looks over players during the summer months. He has also held an academy presentation session featuring DVD footage of  a previous academy tour and project stadium 2005.

Chairman Mick Garton also addressed the audience of potential new signings and parents at the clubs Stoke Lane ground. Claypole’s next move has been to enter a team into the all new 7 a side Carlton Cup and has been boosted by signing 6 excellent young prospects from the Mansfield area. Four of the young lads have come in from Jacksdale who recently starred at Stoke Lane beating Bilborough Pelican in the under 16’s Nott’s shield. In total 6 have signed and also played for the Mansfield Collery side which won the Derbyshire County Cup in the Rowsley league, they in fact did the league and cup double.

Phil Henry who as a parent and supporter is proud of what the young lads have achieved and feels the time is now right for them to make the step up to under 18’s and academy football.

“The coaching opportunities and facilities which Carlton will provide will be crucial for these boys development and it’s a great opportunity for them.”

Dear Mick,

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for a really emotional and uplifting day on Sunday. It was an event I will never forget and will always recall with pride. I never realised I had so many people supporting me during this traumatic time of my life.

I would like to thank you and Dave Fryer for all your hard work in organising the event. My thanks to Gary Boon and everyone from Nat West for their support on the day. Thanks to Tommy Brookbanks and everyone connected with Carlton Town FC for their hard work and support.

Thanks to all my friends from MSR it was wonderful to see them all again. Special thanks to Christine from Angel Row for giving up her time to organise the raffle. She did a fantastic job. I was really touched by Shannon and Lewis’s efforts on my behalf. They were both superstars for their caring and compassionate attitude.

My thanks for the phenomenal amount of money you raised for me. This will now make it possible for me and my wife to have a much needed holiday.

Would you please tell everyone that thanks to them all I have a renewed determination to fight this illness and to beat it! With all the positives I got from Sunday, how can I fail !!!!!!!!! in the words of ‘Arnie’…………”I’LL BE BACK”………………..

Carlton Town's main sponsors MSR Newsgroup brought proceedings to a close for the 2007/2008 season at Stoke Lane as they won a charity match in support of their loyal employee Steve Frettingham who has had to stand down from his job as shop manager due to cancer

Fret as he is affectionally known has suffered two heart attacks and a stroke in a torrid few months and the companies employees, current and former MSR footballers came together to raise money which will hopefully give ‘Fret’ at least a nice holiday before he undertakes more chemotherapy.

Massive credit to former MSR employee Gary Boon who put the Nat West side together in what proved to be a cracking afternoon. For the record MSR with a squad of 18 had the better of the football and Carlton Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks himself a former MSR player was the star of the show with a fine hatrick.

For the first time ever MSR Manager Mick Garton played a 4-3-3 formation with John Hickling and Simon Wilkinson starting either side of Brookbanks. Dave Fryer, Lee Hanstock, Pete Knowles and Dayne Lowe proved to be rather rotund fullbacks and in Dave’s case as enthusiastic as ever as he powered in for big challenge after big challenge.

Nat West Boys James Hallam and Gary Boon also looked slightly bigger these days but their hearts were in the right place as they turned up to raise money for Fret. Muppet Dave as he was known in his MSR Days and his brother Steve were also on the Nat West team sheet and Steve was to score their only goal in the 2^nd half and a corker it was.

Aside from Brookbanks’ hatrick, Dean Gent a former MSR worker who is still allowed the odd run out in an MSR 5 aside shirt scored 2, Sam Hilton got one as did Scott Greswell and Simon Wilkinson in MSR’s 8-1 win. Greg last, MSR’s 1^st ever captain now 44 turned up and put in a polished display in goal and MSR’s Andy Bordognia captained the side, he and Fret had worked closely together when Andy first joined MSR. The Wilkinson family turned out in force which was much appreciated as did the May family and many of MSR’S staff along with Fret’s family. Christine Williams ran the raffle and Shannon Garton and Lewis Brookbanks ran a cake and card stall to raise money for Fret.

Carlton Chairman and MSR Managing Director Mick Garton had said on Friday he was hoping to raise £500 for Fret, the fact the fund made £731 gave him and the team at MSR, Carlton Town and Nat West massive satisfaction and Frets daughter Lucy on behalf of the family sent in a moving thank you card to Mick, Shannon and all at Carlton Town and Nat West Group for what they had done.

BLAIR RETURNS TO CARLTON TOWN

Carlton Town Manager Tommy Brookbanks has moved quickly to strengthen his squad ahead of next seasons planned promotion push.  

Former Nottingham Forest Youngster Danny Blair who left the club during their promotion season for conference club Hednesford Town has rejoined the club. Blair scored a hatful of goals and his contribution was vital to Carlton’’s season and Manager Brookbanks made him his first target after confirming his own future lies at Stoke Lane.  

In an exclusive interview with the Carlton Town website Blair said “I’m happy to be back at the club, I enjoyed my time here last time around which was one of the main factors for me rejoining. Carlton Town is a club with a good set of lads and coaching staff with ambitions to progress even further, the promotions speak for themselves!. The club is always looking to improve and hopefully I can help them do that even further and win another promotion…..maybe!. It’s been difficult of late with choices I have had to make but now I have made my choice, I just want to get down to business and win games.” 

The Carlton camp were delighted with the signing and midfielder Martin Ball who has just pledged his own future to the club after rejecting possibilities of a move said “Danny is a brilliant signing for us, I’m glad he’s back and I’m sure he can help us achieve the promotion we all want.”

THE BIG INTERVIEW

The setting was Carlton’s clubhouse sports bar, not the posh upmarket wine bar the Silver Fox had met me at, the Fox was always good on style, not that Ian White lacks any, his pedigree for the Carlton Town Reserves job is unquestionable and after spending a couple of hours chatting with him over a beer or two while the FA Trophy final was played out on the clubs five screens and an old boys game was taking place on Carlton’s main pitch, I left impressed and convinced that manager Tommy Brookbanks had left his next batch of talent in safe hands.

The one thing that cuts it with Whitey is loyalty, 20 years with one Sunday morning club including two as manager and despite being 36, only four Saturday clubs.

His early years were spent with Ajax 74 before he spent a year with the Grey Goose and a year with Harworth before joining Carlton in 1999.

He has been first team skipper, club captain and now Reserve Manager and has seen the club climb from the Central Midlands league through the Northern Counties divisions and now into the Unibond league. He knows he has a tough act to follow, George Hulley has set the standards with three trophies last season and it will be a lot tougher for Whitey as the Reserves will make a big step up into the new step 6 structure.

“It will be a tougher challenge” he acknowledged “but it is the kind of challenge we need and want.

“I would like to congratulate and thank George for the job he has done and for the group of players he has left me, most have already committed to next season” revealed White.

“I am over the moon that Frank Corrigan has agreed to stay and I will also be looking to tap into Darryl’s immense knowledge, rumour has it the standard will be high next season and that suits us.”

I pressed him about this own playing career, was this an admission it was over I asked him. “In terms of the first team yes but at the age of 36, I have to be realistic.

“I’ve enjoyed it all but am looking forward to the new challenge and in answer to your question Murray, yes I will be playing when and if selected by myself to play for the Reserves, I still have something to offer and will do soon when required.”

I pressed him on what sort of dressing room he would run, “A united one” was his instant answer “I want players with the right attitude and will not tolerate dissent in my dressing room, it will be ran along the same lines as the first team dressing room which I have been a part of for the last nine years.

“The emphasis will be very much on youth, I am fully committed to the clubs long standing youth policy which is the bedrock of this club, we are not the richest so it’s vital we bring the youngsters through.

“I’ve been set no targets in terms of league position, I’ve been told to develop talent, my job is to ensure the continued development of the clubs next young players and hopefully sign some more; trophies are secondary.”

White himself is no stranger to trophies and along with his Carlton medals he was part of the amazing MSR Newsgroup five a side team whom were Northern National Champions for three years on the bounce in the late 90’s and whom won numerous other honours with that outstanding side.

Once again, loyalty being the key and he is still turning out for them in the Marston’s five a side league at Stoke Lane and is set to play for MSR in the seven a side Carlton Cup, yes and that’s twelve years with them too.

Whitey is hoping for his long standing MSR team mate Derek Wilkinson will give him a hand or two, “Derek would be the final cog in my wheel, I have total respect for him as a footballer and as a person and I hope he will come and get involved.”

Whitey is a loyal man indeed, a winner and about to begin a new journey and this reporter for one thinks he will take it in his stride; it’s a stride he’s about to take, we wish him luck. Ian White was talking to Murray Hayes.

WHITE TO TAKE THE HOT SEAT

Following the Reserves triple success, George Hulley has stepped down as Reserve Manager to take up a first team post at Kimberley Welfare.

The club have appointed long serving Ian White as his successor.

Hulley said that as much as he had enjoyed his time at Carlton, he wanted a first team position.

Manager Tommy Brookbanks paid a warm tribute to Hulley at the clubs presentation night and wished him “all the very best”.

His Assistant Frank Corrigan echoed Tommy’s words but confirmed he would be staying with the club “I can’t leave, things are happening here and I want to be a part of it” said Corrigan.

Corrigan is looking forward to sitting down with newly appointed manager Ian white and plotting the course ahead.

Manager Tommy Brookbanks had moved quickly once Hulley had announced his intentions “Ian White was our first choice and both myself and the Chairman are delighted he has accepted” said Brookbanks.

“I had a chat with Ian before he accepted” said Chairman Mick Garton.

“It’s absolutely essential we get these appointments right and I just felt the time was right for Whitey to take this step.

“He is a massive part of the club, has great knowledge of the game and is the right person to take the clubs youngsters forward as the challenge for the Reserves becomes greater, I am delighted he has accepted.”

Watch this space for an exclusive interview with Ian White coming soon to the Carlton Town website.

PRESENTATION NIGHT FULL REPORT

FRIDAY 9^th MAY

A packed clubhouse listened intently as Manager Tommy Brookbanks and Chairman Mick Garton presented the Carlton Town annual awards ceremony and it was youngster Marquin Smith who picked up the big prize of the first team players player.

The important thing on a Carlton Town awards night has always been to recognise the unsung heroes who put in the hard work in the background and manager Brookbanks paid a massive tribute to his Chairman Mick Garton before giving individual mentions to the backroom staff and welcoming back club photographer Tim Scott after his brush with death earlier this year.

The Chairman then made some very special presentations to new Press Officer Brian Dennett who had just completed his first season at Stoke Lane, Senior Steward Peter Bignall, Tournament Chief Mark Steggles and Groundsman Bob Sharpe who have all done a fantastic job this season for the club.

Academy Manager Stefan Benbow and his Father John were first up for the Academy and awards went to Steven Cox (players player), Zach Bartlett (managers players) and Greg Ellis (clubman).

Reserve Managers George Hulley and Frank Corrigan were next up; they were celebrating the treble no less.

Ashley Winfield received the players player, Danny Hayes the managers player and Ian White was clubman, Ashley Winfield was also awarded the Ron Walker plaque; a new trophy to celebrate the late Ron Walker’s contribution to the club, this will sit in pride of place on the bar and be awarded annually to the Reserves players player of the year.

Tommy Brookbanks called up his coaching staff for the first team awards and it was a joint effort for managers award with Michael Martin and David Jephson both receiving trophies.

Young player of the year went to talented Terry Hawkridge who has recently broken into the first team set up while leading scorer Darryl Thomas received the Chairman’s award in recognition of his 26 goals, clubman was once again Chris Chaplin but the big one, players player, went to Marquin Smith.

Smith has got better as the season has progressed and will be delighted at receiving the prime award from his fellow players.

There were flowers for the Doors sisters and while the club decided against a disco this year, there was Pete Tong in the background banging out the official start to the weekend on Carlton’s five screens, it was a good start to the weekend for Carlton’s winners and particularly Marquin Smith, now all that was left to do was dance and everybody did, it had been a decent season.

STEGGLES FIVE A SIDE LATEST

The Carlton Cup seven a side competition set to be played over the summer at Stoke Lane received a massive boost when Chairman Mick Garton revealed he had secured sponsorship for the event from a global giant.

Mars Confectionary are the big name who have agreed to back this new look tournament.

Mars, who carry massive brands such as Snickers, Twix, Topic and Starburst in their portfolio are on a big footballing crusade over the summer getting heavily involved with football with a massive TV marketing campaign, they are giving away thousands of footballs and are now lending their support to Carlton Town.

“It’s great news” said Carlton Cup tournament chief Mark Steggles.

“It’s a massive boost for the competition and we are absolutely delighted.”

Steggles also confirmed he is putting final touches to the tournament which is expected to start on Tuesday 20^th May and run throughout June on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

There is expected to be two leagues of seven teams playing each other once with the top four teams going through to the knock out stages of the competition.

The quarter finals will be held in early July with a finals night in mid July incorporating the two semi finals and the final. Steggles has said he may use the weekend days to pull in fixtures if the need arises.

A full breakdown of teams in the two groups with opening fixtures will be announced shortly so watch this space.

Carlton Town Chairman Mick Garton has confirmed that the club will be opening a club shop for the 2008/09 Unibond season and the first ever Carlton Town merchandise will be going on sale next season.

“Although plans are at an early stage, I can confirm that the shop will be part of the new B&K building which was opened by Kenny Burns last summer.

“We are looking at the possibility of selling track suits, replica kits, scarves, t-shirts etc as well as pennants, badges and official club mugs.

“Although we are in the early stages of putting this together, it was always going to be a priority once the season was over.

“We have already agreed the location with the groundsman and work should hopefully start soon with a view to an official launch in July, details of which I hope to announce in due course.

“I believe we were the only club in the Unibond league not to have a shop or our own official merchandise and given the pace of the clubs climb up the pyramid, it was something I could not get into place for last season but am determined to do so for next season.

“It should prove a great opportunity for our supporters and indeed many of the ground hoppers who have asked me for items this season to pick up some collectables and finally be able to wear the club colours.

“It is another historic step for the club and I am looking forward to announcing further details as soon as we have it all finalised.” Concluded the Chairman.

Carlton Town Chairman Mick Garton teamed up with Junior Chairman Raymond Gayne to unveil the junior sections excellent new kit which has been sponsored by Specsavers.

Both Chairmen were at Stoke Lane as the Coopers Arms and Ashworth played out the Amateur Alliance Junior Cup Final at the Bill Stokeld Stadium and Raymond Gayne admitted to being delighted with the sponsorship deal and the new kit.

“We are extremely happy with the new kit, the design and colours are terrific.

“All the teams next season will really look the part.

“Specsavers have been so generous in supporting the club and we are very grateful to them.

“The deal over three years will support and help all the boys in each team” said Ray.

Senior Chairman Mick Garton added his support “I’m delighted for Ray and the junior section.

“The new yellow and blue kit looks great and I’m sure the teams will be made up with it and the new away kit.

“Specsavers have done them proud, make no mistake about that” concluded Garton.

Carlton Town Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks has reappointed Darryl ‘Silver Fox’ Claypole to his coaching staff making him Academy Director in a surprise move.

Claypole, formerly head of Carlton’s Academy has also managed the reserve side and even the first team at Carlton when Brookbanks has been away and was a key component of Brookbanks’ staff but when he left some two years ago to take on the Calverton first team job, it seemed unlikely he would make a comeback at Stoke Lane but Brookbanks believes he is “the best available man to coach Carlton’s Academy youngsters.

“He’s had a go at going back into senior management and hopefully got that bug out of his system.

“We need to restructure in one or two areas following our promotion to the Unibond league last season and our youth policy is absolutely crucial to us and I believe Darryl is the best man to take this forward."

Claypole’s appointment follows the resignation of Stefan Benbow who has ran the Academy this season.

In an exclusive statement to the Carlton Town website Benbow said:

“After working within the Carlton Town academy set up as manager for a season in the East Midlands Academy League, I now feel it is time to move on to other coaching opportunities, as I am gearing up for the level 3 coaching licence in May which will undoubtedly take up a lot of my time throughout 2008.

“My season with the Under 19’s has been a rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs. We have had 5 boys move up the ranks from the academy to sign and play for the reserves team, which is extremely positive and I hope these boys go on to gain regular places in the reserves team next year.

“We’ve had 4 of the Under 16’s boys come up the ranks and sign for the Academy towards the end of our season, who all show great promise. The Academy side have showed great character this year going straight from an Under 16’s league to an Under 19’s, this is a great leap and it has moulded the boys into stronger players on the pitch. I am absolutely sure that under Darryl’s guidance they will be on top form for the 2008/09 season.

“Lastly, I would like to thank John Benbow for being an amazing sidekick throughout this year, sorting out everything from secretarial issues to taking the gate receipts on a match day. Thanks again.

“I’d like to thank Tommy Brookbanks for all his guidance, we both agreed on the biggest thing I could takeaway this year, was experience. And Mick Garton, for giving me the opportunity to step up to the role.

“I shall still be around the club in the future, to do some pre-season coaching with the Under 19’s Academy ready for the UEFA B Licence.

“All the best to everyone involved at Carlton Town Football Club.”

Stefan Benbow2006 FA Grassroots Coach of the Year.

It is understood Claypole intends to involve next seasons Under 17’s manager Darren Chapman as he attempts to bring youngsters through to the reserves and first team set up and as well as involving Benbow on the coaching front, Kev Randall and Aidy Brown will also return to the club two years after taking the clubs youngsters through to cup glory at the City Ground.

We hope to bring you an exclusive interview with Darryl Claypole very soon as we follow this breaking story at the club.

Paul Lowe from Paul Lowe Associates ltd has announced that this will be the final year of the charity ‘Sport Acts’ which he has championed and ran over the last five years.

The charity has raised and given out sporting grants amounting to thousands of pounds over those years and Carlton Town have been one of the local sporting clubs to benefit.

The charity sponsored Carlton’s academy in its infancy to help it get off the ground and Carlton, along with Notts County will be teaming up with the charity for its farewell dinner at Meadow Lane on Thursday 9^th October.

The guest speaker will be Phil Stant, former professional footballer and bomb disposal expert who will no doubt have some interesting stories to tell.

Tables of 10 are £400 and the event will be compared by Sport Acts president Colin Slater and sponsored by Gardman.

A three course meal will be included and interested parties can book tables through this website by emailing us or by telephoning 0115 958 1735 during office hours. 

KP McVities spokesman David Grantham has confirmed that the snack giants will be once again sponsoring Carlton’s major summer Sunday five a side tournament at Stoke Lane on Sunday 6^th July.

“We were delighted to sponsor the first one in June 2007 which I personally attended and I indicated to Mick Garton at the time that I was hopeful of repeating it in 2008 and I am now in a position to confirm that.

“We just hope there are no brollies required this year and that it is a sunny day!” said Grantham.

Tournament chief Mark Steggles expressed his delight at the decision “On behalf of the club I would like to thank KP McVities for returning this event at our increasingly popular venue.

“I hope Chris ‘Nutty’ Chaplin will be returning to defend his title.

“The tournament will run on a similar format to last years which proved highly successful.

“The entry fee will remain at £50 and the tournament will be played during Sunday 6^th July with the presentation in the bar late in the afternoon.

“Five a side teams wishing to register can do so by emailing the club at info@carltontownfc.co.uk or telephone the office on 0115 9581735 or the clubhouse during midweek evenings on 0115 9402531. “I will announce a full format in due course after I have a picture of how many teams look likely to be taking part.” concluded Steggles.

Carlton Town reserve goalkeeper Daniel James and Head Coach Tommy Brookbanks organised a whip round during Carlton’s encounter with Goole for the Balls to Poverty charity which has been well publicised recently with Nottingham Forest getting heavily involved.

The money is going to buy footballs for South African kids stuck in poverty and to provide much needed opportunities for them.

The Carlton players, coaches and staff donated £90 and local MP Vernon Coaker and Son topped that up to £100 which was well appreciated by Brookbanks who spoke in the clubhouse after the game.

Carlton Town’s club President Roger Smith has announced the clubs annual golf day will again take place at Oakmere Park Golf Club on Friday 18^th July.

Smith said “After last years hugely successful day at Oakmere Park and generous support from the Director of Golf Darryl StJon Jones, I have decided that we will be holding this years tournament at this prestigious club once again.

“I would urge supporters, sponsors and players to support the club and get involved with what is one of the most important dates in the clubs calendar.”

The entry fee for a team of 4 is being held at last years price of £160.

Smith continued “It’s a team event, Stableford with the best 2 from 4 with prizes for first, second and third places as well as nearest the pin on all par three and nearest the line.

“Bacon cobs and coffee will also be served on arrival as well as a two course meal on completion, it promises to be another cracking event.” concluded Smith.

Teams can register by emailing Carlton Town at info@carltontownfc.co.uk or by telephoning 0115 9581735 during office hours or 0115 9402531 during weekday evenings.

Following the success of the Massers tournament, the KP McVities tournament and their extremely popular Monday and Thursday night leagues which have attracted the sponsorship of giant brands Lucozade and Marston’s, Carlton Town have announced a tournament package for companies and organisations.

For the cost of £500, Carlton will provide an 8 team competition to include referees, trophies and after match food for the players.

This will be ideal for companies with different branches or pubs wishing to compete against each other or large organisations wanting an afternoon out and all at a reasonable price.

Events could be held on Sundays throughout the year and in midweek evenings during the summer or even during the day in certain cases.

Anyone interested can email the club: info@carltontownfc.co.uk or telephone the clubhouse on 0115 9402531 or at the office on 0115 9581735.