Player Profiles
Lee Ruddle
Nickname: Ruds
In his day, was a fearless centre half who represented the North Berks League on many occasions. Now, he’s our number 1 keeper and provides the backline with a clear voice and opportunity to pass with an extra person. Loves to eat!!!
Chris Webb
Nickname: Webby
FA Vase Winner Webby, is our back up keeper for the season. Starred for Didcot Town and Swindon Supermarine during his time, whilst also starting and ending his playing days with “The Don”. Work commitments dictate his availability, but will provide great cover.
Gary Sutton
Nickname: Sutts or Gary Faringdon
Team captain, a real leader and inspiration. Numerous seasons at Faringdon Town, plus tried his luck at Hellenic level with Milton Utd. Will put his body on the line and a real threat in the oppositions penalty area.
Dave Legg
Nickname: Leggy
Had a couple of seasons with “The Don” in his playing days and is now manager of Hatherop FC in the Cirencester & District League. Provides a great balance to the back line and his delivery from set pieces is very dangerous for opponents. Currently in training for the London Marathon.
Glen Townsend
Nickname: Glendaros
Glen has been stalwart of the club and still turns out when requested on a Saturday for the club. Travels from Banbury and is Mr Reliable and will hardly ever miss a fixture. Currently going through a mid-life crisis, motorbike and leathers ahoy!!
Steve Pugh
Nickname: Pughead
Another who has represented the club for many seasons, along with a couple of years at Grove Rangers in North Berks football. Covers a number of positions, struggles to keep the ball on the island but has energy to burn.
Nick Wojcik
Nickname: Woj
Very composed player and can player centrally in defence, midfield or up top comfortably. Still playing Saturdays for the A Team and is passing on his experience to the younger generation. Mesmerises opponents with his Magic Roundabout!
Paul Smith
Nickname: Smithy
Paul provides the side with great balance, delivery and pace down our left side. Adept at left back, wide and up top, plus also can don the gloves. Has played for Reading Town during his younger days. He is one of the main contributors to the fines tin!
Mark Podbery
Nickname: Podders
Provides the team jet for away games and is very friendly with Kate Moss…..
Podders is part of a Faringdon Town dynasty, along with dad Rodger and brother Neil making club history by becoming the first father and two sons to compete and win a final for the club. Comfortable left footed player.
Aidan Streete
Nickname: Kammy
Not always available due to his RAF responsibilities, but will always make himself up for selection when home. Energetic and happy to play in any full-back or midfield position, what he might lack in skill, his engine and will to win will not be beaten. Has a way with bull’s to retrieve match balls!
Damian Francis
Nickname: Damo/Gumbo
Very skilful player who has played in the Hellenic League for Shrivenham FC & Wantage Town. Main stay of many a Faringdon side through the years and makes things ticks in the sides engine room. Scissors are his favourite……
Phil Thompson
Nickname: Thommo
Our token Manc and boy does he moan!! However, as the sides legal expert we know where to go if we get into trouble. Can cover across the whole midfield and you can guarantee that he will give everything on the field of play. A real box to box midfielder.
Paul Hulme
Nickname: Paulo
Part of the Faringdon family after marrying into the clan. As a youth, came through the ranks at Crewe Alexandra and so knows how the game should be played. Has the ability to arrive late into the box and grab goals for the side and played Hellenic Vets Premier League last season with Wallingford Town.
Mark Simpkins
Nickname: Simmo
Swindon based and played a lot of his football for Coleshill Utd, plus other local sides. Had a couple of seasons with “The Don” and has kept in touch with the 1st Team management. Loves to play the ball short and keep it moving and will provide the side with a great midfield anchor.
Gavin Stevens
Nickname: Gav
New to the club and big mates with Smithy. Composed on the ball and happy to link play from back to front. Still early days with the lads, but gradually coming to terms with the Faringdon way!
Iain Lawson
Nickname: Lawse
The pensioner of the side and claim to fame is meeting Ray Wilkins…..Still managed to put his boots on for the Reserves and A Team last season in his 50’s! Until last season, managed Town under 17’s which has seen a number of lads enter senior football.
Matt Grantham
Nickname: Unknown
Matt is new to the club and another who is cutting his FTFC teeth the hard way, straight into the thick of banter. Can play on either wing and always looks to join in with the front men.
Patrick Graham
Nickname: Pat
Business partner with Smithy and another new player who is experiencing the ‘Faringdon Crack’ for the first time. One of the older lads, but doesn’t show and is capable to fill any of the centre midfield positions. As the games go by, he is gradually showing the lads what he can offer.
Colin Yates
Nickname: Yatesy
Leader of the line, top tipster and p!sstaker. Joined the club a couple of seasons ago when the management team were running the Reserves and provides the changing room with character. Scores goals and causes opposition defenders all sorts of problems.
Mike Marsh
Nickname: Sippy
One of the older lads, but has the energy, enthusiasm and feet of a 16-year-old. Another who has married a Town girl, this Canvey Island boy loves a goal and celebratory somersault. Can be known to suffer with little man syndrome, however he will be challenging for the top goal scorer position.
Troy Redman
Nickname: Norris
Happiest man in the squad, always first to the bar!!
Norris is a hardworking and tenacious player who likes to hassle opposing defenders. Comfortable on the ball and has an eye for goal. Another ex-Town player who has served on the club committee and ran sides.
Craig Gaynor
Nickname: Gloria
Our set piece specialist, excellent striker of the ball and surprisingly good in the air for a short, rotund little fella! Played for the club from schoolboy and now has a lad playing for our under 14’s. Links up the midfield and forward line.
Darryl Pugh
Nickname: Pughy
If we can get him out of the Volunteer on a Wednesday, Pughy could be a great signing for the side. During his youth played for England Schools, but as with a lot of us, beer and women took their toll. Still got a great touch and if fitness can improve, not many defenders will get near him over 10 yards.
Management
Martin Harries – Manager
Nickname: Harry
Been involved with the club since 1982 playing, management and club committee positions. Playing days long gone, but happy to be involved. Loved to pass the ball in his playing days and avoid running!
John Lovegrove – Assistant Manager
Nickname: Lugsy
Another club stalwart who has represented the club since the early 80’s but has succumbed to knee issues, stopping his playing involvement. Played in every position for the club. Loves the crack and will ensure the lads keep the fines tin flowing….
Joel Francis – Linesman
Nickname: Billy or Capt. Haddock
Heavily involved in the club including website admin, youth team coach, Live at the Park etc. Has become the team lino for the season by default, but happy to be involved with the lads and will be a big asset in the changing rooms.
