Club

Following a league committee meeting on Monday evening, Bristol Manor Farm can confirm that the 2020/21 Western Counties Floodlight Youth League season has been declared null and void.
A statement was released by The FA on the official website this afternoon announcing the following:

“We have therefore decided to make a decision now as to wait only gives more uncertainty to clubs. That decision is to null and void the season now.

“The Roger Stone Cup has 17 fixtures to play although two ties remain from the 1st Round. At this point in time we would like the competition to continue but recognise the current lockdown and Tier system might prevent this. We will review that decision later.

“We would like to take this opportunity of thanking you all for your patience during these difficult times. In taking the decision now means we can have a full season in 2021/22 starting in late August.”

You can read the full statement on The FA website here.

Despite the disappointing news regarding the decision to null and void the season, U18’s Manager Junior Soper was full of praise for the dedication that his players have shown throughout this difficult period – in particular Captain, JoJo Pickering.

“Since last summer, the lads have shown me that they possess real quality on the pitch; and have been first-class off the field too.

“They continue to be led exceptionally by the Captain, JoJo, who has taken the role in his stride and is a huge credit to the club.”

Last month, Bristol Manor Farm welcomed exciting prospect Acey Mead to The Creek; and Manager Soper believes that he can make a ‘big impact’ for his U18 side.

“He’s a prolific goalscorer and a top, top quality player,” Soper expressed.

“He joins the club with a lot of pedigree, and when you watch him play you will see that he makes a big impact in games. He can put the ball in the back of the net, and I think he’s someone who will give us another look going forward.

“He’s already performed for Bridgwater Town U18’s by playing and scoring goals on Saturday afternoons. If you look at his development over the past 12 to 18 months, he’s grown massively as a youth player and certainly fits the mould that we look for in players.”

Despite the lack of football at The Creek, Manager Lee Lashenko believes that this is an extremely exciting time to be associated with Bristol Manor Farm FC. In our most recent interview, we caught up with Lee to hear about the latest news from inside the club.

“We’re appointing people left, right, and centre to help take this club to the next level,” Lee began.

“Myself and the rest of the staff are trying to keep on beating the drum of positivity in these extremely unfortunate times. Inside the doors, we’re working all the time to make Bristol Manor Farm Football Club a happier and more positive place when it’s safe for people to reconvene. 

“On the pitch, we’re trying to build on the momentum of the last few seasons. Our clear aim is to try and push on to the next division and we’re going to be working hammer and tongs to make that happen.” Lee added.

Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that forward Jamie Bird had left the club to join Barry Town United on a short-term deal until the end of the season. With the future of the Southern League in serious doubt, Lee hinted at the possibility of more players coming and going from now until the end of the season.

“I believe that we have a number of players that are attractive to clubs higher up the divisions; and if any of those clubs do give these players an opportunity – then I won’t stand in their way,” Lee said.

“The players need to stay competitive in terms of training and playing games, and that isn’t something that we can offer in this moment in time. If any of our players do get offers to play matches, then I think they should grasp it with open arms. 

“That being said, we don’t want to let all of our silver go – so we have to make sure we have a little bit of control over the situation. With every transfer, we always look to go about it correctly and professionally,” Lee explained.

“We’re looking at bringing in younger and hungrier players coming out of the western league who we feel can make the step up. 

“I expect there to be a hive of exciting transfer activity for the club, with players itching to get back out there and prove a point. Some of these players may be new to the level, and it’s long overdue that they are playing in the Southern League. 

“When football returns, I’m sure it will be like the night before Christmas for some of these players,” Lee laughed.

Over the past few weeks, concern has been growing around the National League regarding the future of the 2020/21 season. With opinions varying from many club’s across the Non-League pyramid, the difficult decision is yet to be made as to whether the season should continue or be concluded. Manager Lashenko believes that whatever the outcome, the decision has to be made for the right reasons. 

“All I want is the decisions to be made purely on football or safety,” Lee proclaimed.

“I don’t want clubs basing it on their selfish attitudes as to where they are in the table. Half of the teams near the bottom want the season to be cancelled, and the other half want it to continue. That to me isn’t sensible or football minded behaviour.

“Last year our season was interrupted, and again this season has also been interrupted – and rightly so for safety. But if there is a way of playing the season to completion, then I think all club should buy into that,” Lee added.

“If it can’t be, then it has to be because of safety reasons – and not for your own personal gain. 

“Whether that be trying to save yourself from relegation, or even being too stubborn in your approach just because you could gain promotion. All I want is sensible decisions to be made,” Lee expressed.

Much like the National League, the decision to complete or conclude the Southern League is also yet to be made. But despite the split opinions across the divisions, Lee believes that the biggest issue everyone faces is timescale. 

“There have been surveys that have gone out to every club, including ourselves, and I’m sure the results will show divided opinions. All I know is that this football club, regardless of what division we are playing in, we’ve always been itching to play football matches.

“The main problem that we all face is timescale. I’m far from a defeatist, and I would love the season to be played to completion – even if it meant three or four games a week. Saturday without football for me is like a waste of a day, but with the current situation we find ourselves in it probably isn’t going to happen.

Bristol Manor Farm forward Jamie Bird has joined Barry Town United on a short-term deal until the end of the season. 

Bird joined the Portwaymen originally in the 2018/19 season from Hereford FC, and has since featured for a number of Welsh sides alongside Bristol Manor Farm including Merthyr Town FC and Croesyrceiliog A.F.C.

Due to a knee injury he sustained against Cadbury Heath in the FA Cup, Jamie has only featured twice for the club this season – scoring a penalty in the shootout against Cray Wanderers. 

First-Team Manager Lee Lashenko updated the club on Bird’s transfer to Barry Town United.

“Jamie’s a player that we had high hopes for this season, given the excellent pre-season that he had. Unfortunately, early into the season he sustained a freak injury against Cadbury Heath in the FA Cup which meant that he wasn’t able to start the season.

‘It took him a little while longer to get going again, and it was a shame that his comeback match against Thatcham Town was our last before going into another national lockdown. At this moment in time it’s looking unlikely that the Southern League will continue, however with Barry Town competing in Europe and the Europa League the Welsh season has to come to a conclusion. 

“Barry Town have come in for Jamie, a fantastic club in his homeland, who are offering him the opportunity to play competitive football from now until the end of the season. It’s beneficial for all parities – as Jamie can get more minutes, Barry Town have themselves a great player, and hopefully we will have a player come back fitter and sharper for when English football returns.

“We’re still primarily involved with Jamie Bird, and we expect him to be a Bristol Manor Farm player next season; but in this moment in time, his concentration has to be a big player for Barry Town. 

“Their manager (Gavin Chesterfield)  has done everything right by contacting me directly and asking for Jamie’s availability. They hold him in high-regard, and when he’s on-form he can deliver the goods. I know he’s a class act and I believe in him so much. Hopefully we will be working with Jamie again in the not too distant future.”

Bristol Manor Farm FC would like to wish Jamie the best of luck at Barry Town United, and look forward to seeing him back at The Creek when he returns.

As January draws to a close, tomorrow afternoon Bristol Manor Farm Football Club will reveal its winners for the 200 Club Raffle.

With a whole host of prizes available, club captain Aron Robbins will be selecting four lucky winners for the January draw. The draw will be broadcast on Manor Farm’s Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram on Saturday 30th January at 1:00pm. However, if you can’t tune in – don’t worry! The winners for each prize will be posted across our social media platforms.

Prizes:
1st Prize – £40.00
2nd Prize – £30.00
3rd Prize – £20.00
4th Prize – £10.00