To celebrate 10 years of Football in Berkshire, we asked you, our readers to nominate 100 Berkshire Football Icons of the last 10 years.
As part of this article, we’ll release everyone we’ve had shared with us in the days and weeks ahead. And if you’d like to nominate somebody else, the form is available at the bottom of the article.
The list, as with all our ‘Top 10’s’ to celebrate 10 years, is in no specific order. It is neither a ranking nor a judgement. Those opinions can be shared in the comments below. Please note – this list is completely separate to the Berkshire Football Awards which will open shortly for nominations.
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Keith Pennicott-Bowen
‘Bowes’ has seen and done it all in the grassroots game. A brilliant midfielder during his playing days, he’s become a highly regarded coach in dugouts from the Combined Counties League up to the National League South. What a lovely, lovely fella as well!
Amy Saunders
I joined Maidenhead nine seasons ago, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be as passionate about this club or as proud to be leading it as captain this season if I hadn’t learned from the very best: Amy Saunders.
When I first arrived, Amy was the heartbeat of the team. She was organising and liaising with players, running sessions alongside the coach, and still giving everything on the pitch herself. She somehow managed to do it all.
After not having played for nearly ten years, I was nervous stepping back into the game. But the welcome Amy gave me and every new player was unforgettable. She created an environment that was kind, supportive, and inclusive, while always inspiring us to be better. She didn’t just want Maidenhead women to succeed; she was determined to take us to new heights.
And she has.
Amy has been everything this club has needed a leader, a motivator, a coach, a kit manager, a fixture organiser, and a constant driving force at training. She pushed standards higher, encouraged us to believe in ourselves, and strengthened our presence within the community. Her influence extends far beyond the pitch.
What I hope Amy truly realises is the impact she’s had. On the young children in our community who now see opportunities because of this team. On the staff and volunteers who give their time because they believe in what this club stands for. On every player who has committed themselves to the journey she helped build.
She has laid the most incredible foundation for the future of Maidenhead Women, and that legacy will continue long after her retirement.
Danny Robinson
Took Hungerford Town to heights I didn’t think were possible and has stayed with us through thick and thin.
As well as Hungerford, Danny was the man who took the first Berkshire side to an FA Vase Final, winning it with Thatcham Town.
Kayne Steinborn-Busse
You cannot deny Kayne’s impact in taking Bracknell Town from Step 5 to the verge of the National League over 10 years. He’s revolutionised the club, built a couple of grounds and had some brilliant Robins teams and players in that time.
Kay Lathey
Kay Lathey performs a number of roles on behalf of Slough Town Football Club. She is a club director providing valuable guidance and stability. She manages the catering and match day bar area voluntarily. She manages the commercial relationship with the kit and merchandise manufacturer ensuring a valuable source of revenue for the club. On top of that she is the football secretary for the club ensuring the vast amounts of administration are done in a timely and professional manner. She works from early morning to late at night on behalf of the club and deserves the recognition.
Callum Willmoth
I would like to nominate Callum Willmoth as a Football Icon of the past decade. Callum is a highly respected figure in local football, having represented Newbury, Kintbury and Hungerford, and making over 300 appearances for Thatcham Town FC alone. He is a natural leader on and off the pitch, someone teammates follow and younger players look up to. Callum consistently leads by example, demonstrating outstanding commitment to his club and his shirt in both matches and training sessions. A tough yet intelligent competitor, he gives 100% at all times and is an asset to every club he represents.
Angy King
Angy King has been the sports chaplain for Reading FC Women and the girls’ pathway for nine seasons now, she also coordinates all the other chaplains nationally across women’s football. On a weekly basis, Angy gives up her time on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening to attend training for all age groups (U10 to Women’s First Team) and Sundays to attend the women’s matches. She offers pastoral support for all players, staff and parents, helping individuals deal with injury, bereavement, family breakdown etc. She is an absolute diamond!
Natasha Elcox
Tash is an unbelievable volunteer for Eversley & California. Having no budget or funds spare as a club, she does so much for us. Social media, setting up the VEO, washing kits for all three men’s teams and they’re all there ready and set up for every game. She’s at every match day to help things run smoothly. She does all of the admin for our first team and under 23s on matchdays to help out. She helps with the post-match food in the clubhouse all while being a young mother! She’s definitely someone whose devotion and commitment needs to be recognised.
Sheldon Baptiste
FC BAPCO manager Sheldon Baptiste is the most successful Reading & District Sunday League manager in the last 10 years. Need I say more?
Well yes.. he is heavily involved in Reading City where he is the Director of Football Operations.
Shane Cooper-Clark
“He always scores”
A player to unite both west and east Berkshire. Started at Wokingham and then scored bags of goals for Bracknell Town at Step 5 before doing the same at Thatcham Town. His most memorable moment being a winning penalty in a FA Vase final at Wembley. A superb finisher and great all round number 9.
Neal Jeffs
Matchday programme editor at Ascot United since 2014, originally just for one season. Neal has now produced over 300 programmes and also provides match reports for both our men’s and women’s teams. He is regularly nominated as a Football Writer of the Season.
Cris & Gemma Bowden
Chairman, Cris, his wife, Gemma and their family do so much for the club. They both stepped up in testingHungerford Town, being around the club every day. Non-League needs people like the Bowdens who just get the community side of it. Shoutout to their daughter Jessica who smashes selling the 50/50 tickets every home game.
Natasha Elcox
Tash is an unbelievable volunteer for the club. Having no budget or funds spare as a club, she does so much for us. Social media, setting up the VEO, washing kits for all three men’s teams and they’re all there ready and set up for every game. She’s at every match day to help things run smoothly. She does all of the admin for our first team and under 23s on matchdays to help out. She helps with the post-match food in the clubhouse all while being a young mother! She’s definitely someone whose devotion and commitment needs to be recognised.
Mark Lemm
Has over a long period of time been responsible for keeping Reading YMCA going on and off the field with responsibility of all manor of tasks and roles. Does so much behind the scenes to keep the club moving in the good times and steering us through any challenges that appear.
James McClurg
A Bracknell Town legend over two spells at the beginning and end of his career. A midfield leader, he helped Slough Town to promotion the winner in the Step 4 play-off final against Kettering Town. As joint-manager with Carl Withers he took Binfield to Wembley and back-to-back FA Cup First Round appearances with Bracknell Town.
Carl Withers
Binfield and Bracknell Town Club legend. Played over 200 times for Bracknell and 650 times for Binfield. Won multiple trophies and then became joint manager with James McClurg at both clubs. Took Bracknell to its highest ever finish and back to back FA Cup First Round appearances, as well as taking Binfield to Wembley.
Mark Rozzier
Mark has been a key contributor and facilitator for grassroots football in Berkshire for around 40 years – including: Woodley United FC General Manager, Thames Valley League Committee, Southern Region Womens League Committee.
If you’re involved in grassroots football in Berkshire and you don’t know Mark…you must be new!..and you will definitely meet him soon…
Neville Swift
Tash is an unbelievable volunteer for the club. Having no budget or funds spare as a club, she does so much for us. Social media, setting up the VEO, washing kits for all three men’s teams and they’re all there ready and set up for every game. She’s at every match day to help things run smoothly. She does all of the admin for our first team and under 23s on matchdays to help out. She helps with the post-match food in the clubhouse all while being a young mother! She’s definitely someone whose devotion and commitment needs to be recognised.
Margaret & Allan Wrigley
Contribution to local football be it as club officers at Twyford & Ruscombe prior to the club’s demise, subsequently being volunteers at Woodley United particular on home match days for the men’s 1st team and ladies team, together with long standing officers of Thames Valley Premier League.
Remy Clerima
250+ appearances for Maidenhead United. Conference South title winner in 2016/17. International male model – as seen in adverts for M&S, TK Max, etc.
We’ve got plenty more to add to the list but we thought we’d do it bit by bit. You can add more names by filling out the form below.
