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top award for graham o'brien

12th October 2008

Pat Burns the Molten Spartan South Midlands League Chairman today contacted the club, with the fantastic news that GRAHAM O'BRIEN has been picked by the Football Association panel as the Leagues Groundsman of the Year. Graham has been caring for the Jets pitches almost all of Jets life, first at Oxhey playing fields ( with Three Rivers), then Chillwell Gardens and then on to the nightmare period at the Boundary Stadiun where the drainage on the new pitch failed badly.

The next two years of the big dig and relaying of the surface was to put hundreds of manual hours on Graham and the small band of other helpers. Graham works almost every day at the ground, sometimes on his way home from work as early as six in the morning, Oxhey Jets would like to say a massive CONGRATULATIONS to Graham, this award is well deserved by you, and goes along side the "Best Premier Division Playing Surface" award given to the Jets at the AGM in June.

Graham will collect his award from the League Officers at a presentation on a Jets home game at a date to be confirmed.

Photos:(Below) The pitch as it is today, which Graham and all the staff that support him can be rightly proud of; A Before picture showing the size of the problem Graham and his team had to take on.

 

jackie gladdy breast cancer care unit and peace hospice charity event

Jets may have gone out of the F.A. Cup on Saturday but it didn't affect the level of fund raising Saturday night for both the St Alban's breast cancer care unit and the Peace Hospice, organised by Jackie Gladdy.

So far, Jackie's one year on event, and related auctions and sponsorships have raised £1,000 for the St Albans Breast cancer care unit and £631 for the Peace Hospice. There should be still more to come as there is more sponsorship money to arrive, and there are items still left to auction.

Jackie would like to thank everyone that supported her by attending on the night or by donating and supplying prizes and auction items.

Also, thanks to Gary Crossley for his sponsored slim which helped boost the total raised.

Jackie would also like to make a special thank you to Sandra Hodges who has been supporting Jackie through the whole year - the illness, treatment and recuperation and has been a special friend at her side.

(below) Jackie at the Dulwich game before her 'One Year on" event at the Club on Saturday night.

 

owen ayres - mascot for the day

Jets like to grab them young and captain's son Owen Ayres is no exception. In the new Peace Hospice kit, Owen was Jets' mascot for the F.A. Cup tie against Dulwich Hamlet. Knowing John Elliott, he probably has Owen pencilled into sign for Jets around 2020.

all shook up

When the film crew that came to Jets on Saturday to get some background shots for their forthcoming "The Choir" documentary around South Oxhey, it needed some Jets players to rise to the occasion and put on a singing show in the Jets clubhouse.

Who else could it be other than "Mr Elvis" Gary Quinnell and Adam "Don't love me for fun" Snell who stepped up to the mike.

Adam gave his best Boyzone impression singing "Words" whilst Gary went for a full medley of Elvis Presley hits. Both thought they done good and were last heard of singing karaoke through the night, and down everyone's mobiles as they paraded round Watford.

Gary though hinted that there was more to come. " I didn't do it at my best because I'm the King and I save the best till last..this was just an audition wasn't it"

plonker of the week

Footnote: The Plonker of the week award hasn't been awarded for a while, but it was deserved today by someone who could see the buffet and hospitality all laid out in the clubhouse (and on top of the pool table) for the players and officials who were about to walk in after the game, but who still walked up to John Elliott and said "Is it OK if we play pool now?" .

Step forward for your award..... Lewis Puttnam

 

kevin paul update

After being taken to hospital yesterday because he was having trouble standing up, the problem has been diagnosed as an inner ear infection which caused both balance and illness problems. The good news is that Kevin should be fit and well in a few days and hopefully available for Saturday's F.A. Vase tie against Sileby Rangers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jETS GET READY FOR DULWICH HAMLETs IN THE FA CUP

12.09.08

Jets are preparing to host higher league opposition again in the F.A. Cup on Saturday when they take on Dulwich Hamlets from the Ryman Div 1 South, having beaten Ryman Div 1 North team, Ilford, by 5-2 in the last round.

Dulwich Hamlets, who just missed out on a Ryman’s playoff spot last season are one of the most famous old clubs in the league. Formed in 1893, the Hamlet’s glory years were in the 1920’s and 1930’s when their distinctive navy blue and pink kit were seen winning 4 Amateur Cup finals. They also had two players play for England whilst still on their books.

More recently, Dulwich have maintained a tradition of attracting and developing football talent, including players such as former Watford player Marlon King, Leon Cort, Carl Asaba, George Ndah and current Charlton boss Alan Pardew. Peter Crouch also spent time on loan to Dulwich while he was on Tottenham’s books.

“Games like these are a dream come true for a club like Oxhey Jets” said Jets General Manager John Elliott. “It’s great for the players and supporters to have the chance to play clubs of this calibre. Dulwich are clearly an ambitious club hoping to be in contention for promotion to the Ryman’s Premier this year, and we are looking forward to them coming to the Boundary Stadium on Saturday”

jets featured on f.a. website

Oxhey Jets were featured on the F.A. Website prior to the First Qualifying Round of the F.A. Vase

Fairytale Occasion for Jets

 

 

John Elliott is ready to take another step on his magical football journey with Oxhey Jets this weekend when the Hertfordshire-based club visit London APSA in the First Round Qualifying of The FA Vase.

General manager Elliott founded the Jets way back in 1972 and has seen his side transform over recent years and admits their development has been nothing short of amazing.

And he takes great pleasure in watching his team in a prestigious cup competition such as the Vase.

"When we set up the club all we had was one team for 10-year-olds. That original team grew up together until we had a senior team.

"And now their children are growing up and playing for our junior teams, so it's a real family atmosphere. And to now be playing in the FA Cup and FA Vase is a fairytale," he explains.

As for their chances on Saturday, Elliott believes the priority for the Oxhey Jets is to enjoy the occasion.

"We look at every single game as a bonus," he explains. "We will not try to look at the opposition too much but concentrate mainly on enjoying the day and all we can do is hope for the best.

"On Saturday you should see two genuine amateur clubs on a nice level playing field. Every FA tournament is a special day for us, especially as it means so much to all the players."

 

 

jackie gladdy

06.09.08

Jackie GladdyOut of hospital and feeling a little better, back around the club arranging her " Year after disco" next Sat to raise cash for her Breast Cancer ward and the peace hospice

 

30.08.08
Jackie gladdy was admitted into Watford General last Thursday (28th August) after complaining of feeling unwell, but she is now said to be improving and feeling better.

Everyone in the club wishes Jackie well and a speedy recovery to her position serving behind the bar.

 

(Below) Jackie with her family, Danny, Jade, Wayne and Warren.

 

 

 

300-up for bobby

Chris Harding played his 300th game for Jets Wednesday night (27th August) in the 2-1 win at home to St Margaretsbury.

Well done Bobby!

 

Bobby lifts the Spartan Midlands Division 1 Champions trophy in our championship season, 2004-05

jets goal records

Ian Holdom(centre) regained the spot as overall club leading goalscorer from Gary Page when he scored last saturday. He has scored 266 goals in 516 appearances.
 
Jamie Arthur (left) scored his 100th goal for the club in the F.A.Cup win, the total coming in just 162 appearances.
 
Tim O'Mara (right) celebrated his 150th club appearance by scoring an F.A. Cup hat-trick to bring his goal tally to 84. He also celebrated with a few beers in the bar that night.

 

jets sponsor peace hospice and launch crossbar challenge

Oxhey Jets have forgone the advertising on their first team shirts to promote the fantastic work done by the Peace Hospice. Jets launched the new look on Saturday in the FA Cup tie with Hertford Town at The Boundary Stadium(which Jets won 5-0).

Jets as a club will be holding special events at the club, and will be inviting all visiting teams to enter a special " Crossbar Challenge" for which every person that has a go, pays into the Peace Hospice collection pot. "Jets have fundraised for many different good causes over the years and are pleased and proud to be supporting our local Peace Hospice" said a club Spokesman.

 

no excuse says elliott

19th August 2008

News flash: Young midfielder Chris Able tries a new line to get out of training, wrapping his car round a tree in Old Redding early Tuesday night.

However, owing to the fact he was still standing, club owner John Elliott confirmed to Chris Able at the accident site that he would still be applying the fine.

 

 

 

a tree for baby paige

A new Pineapple tree has been planted in the Boundary Stadium grounds in memory of Baby Paige, who sadly lost her battle of life in Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital. A memorial Bench for Long standing Club Official Keith Bignell will be Placed along side the Tree.

 

 

 

get back soon mate

Ben Chandler changed his mind about not playing this season, and played in the reserve pre season friendly at Sandridge on Thursday 7 August, And ended up in Hospital. Ben has torn Knee ligaments and is in a leg brace and on crutches, and will be for some time. Everyone wishes him a full and speedy recovery.

reserves host afc hatfield

The Reserves played their final prep game Thursday night , hosting AFC Hatfield who are managed by former Jets goal scoring star Darryn Stewart. Jets ran out 5-1 winners in an enjoyable game.

Jets spokesman John Elliott said “ It was great to have the opportunity to see Darryn and his team at the Jets. Darryn was involved with the Jets for many years and it was good to see him and his family again”.

Elliott also noted, “Jets have always had a tradition of having players from 2 or 3 generations of the same family”. Reading between the lines we can only assume that Elliott is interested in getting the signature of young Darryl Stewart, Darryn’s son!

reserves ready for the new season

The Reserves start their league campaign this weekend with an away fixture at Harpenden Town. The new season also brings a new manager to the Reserves - Bob Wyatt. Bob has given his commitment to the Jets for many years, as a player, sponsor, active supporter, and now as a manager.

Bob is really looking forward to the challenge. " We have got a great combination of youth and experience in the Reserves, and it gives me the chance to develop the younger players and give them experience playing at this level. We also want to support the first team and make players available to them to give us the squad strength we need. A strong Reserve team can only be good for the Club.

We wish Bob all the best in his new role.

Pictured below is the Reserve team squad that supported the recent Herts FA Charter adult fun day.

CARL HITS THE CROSSBAR CHALLENGE AT HERTS fA CHARTER COMPetition

Carl Wigg was the player taking the applause on Sunday at the Hertfordshire FA Charter Standard clubs football comp at Sun postal. Carl was all lined up on the centre spot to take on the famous Sky TV challenge in private when team Mate Ben Chandler Called out " Wiggi is going for the crossbar challenge", EVERYONE stopped and looked around, Players, Officials and supporters. Carl struck the ball and looked to be going wide when Jets reserve Manager Bob Wyatt broke the silence with " That's going to be close".   The crowd watched and waited and the ball smacked plumb central on the bar and everyone erupted into cheers and clapping. Players from the four sides gathered around the pitch and gave Carl a standing ovation as hands above his head a delighted Carl soaked up the accolade.  Well done Carl, great effort.  Follow that lads, Just one attempt remember !!

 

jets appeal

We are having the back of the club fenced in so we can prep some of that area behind the fire doors as child friendly area, with the electric gate, code to get in and a press button out so kids (and me!) cant reach. I have said is someone can put some "Patio" slabs down, we will get a bouncy castle (NO for the kids !!)

We need garden seats and tables so if you have any that you don't want and we can have it will help us have some seating and tables until we can afford any or can twist the brewers for next summer when the work is complete. Any type or colour as long as there safe. Just bring them up.

Many thanks

John

 

clubhouse improvements

The Jets' clubhouse has had a lot of work done to it during the summer break, and it's looking great ready for the new season.