Pre-Season Friendlies

Please all take note of the below pre-season friendlies, I have text you all. Can you let Matt know your availability for each one of the below games, before Training which we have scheduled for Tuesday Night at 7.30 pm at the Cowpaddle

28/07/11---- METHERINGHAM RESERVES (A)----
31/07/11---- WELTON AFC (A)----
02/08/11---- AFC WEST END (N)----
07/08/11---- BRIDON AFC (H) ----
14/08/11---- RUSTONS S&SC (A)-----
21/08/11---- AFC RED LION (A)-----

Pre-Season Heptathlon Next Sunday

Matt Wilson today announced the annual Heptathlon event will take place after the game against AFC Welton on the 31st of July.

No, not Denise Lewis Hepathlon but the Inagrual Hykeham Tigers Heptathlon will be taking place next Sunday. For those of you who don't know what it is, we did something very similar last year for Varsity City FC.

After, the game against AFC Welton next week. We shall stay out after the game and conduct 7 different challenges in pairs. The winning pair will receive a special prize at the end of the day. This will involve coming back to the pub after, so all those who are usually allergic please make an appearance.

Once the game is over you will be split into pairs, this will be decided at the draw of a hat. You will work in these pairs for the rest of the day. The following will be the Seven Challenges throughout the day:

Challenge 1: Penalty Shoot Out
Challenge 2: Crossbar Challenge

Challenge 3: Kick up Challenge
Challenge 4: Mystery Challenge
Challenge 5:Pool Tournament
Challenge 6:Darts Tournament

Challenge 7:Football General Knowledge Quiz

The points scoring systems for the day will be the same as last year and will be explained on the day. The day will finish around 6-7pm, so no excuse to not stay out. If you have work at 6 or later, just bring ur work clothes with you. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT COMING, IF YOU ARE SIGNING ON FOR US!!

This day was a huge success last season, and everyone who didn't know each other that well got to know each other and we generated our team spirit and togetherness from this day. So lets all have a good a laugh, and a few beers together.

See you there

Tigers Chasing Adelaide Star?

Newspaper reports today have linked Adelaide Player Josh Raby with a summer switch to Hykeham Tigers. Raby, who is currently a free agent, is considering offers for several clubs, one believed to be the Tigers.

Raby, 19, played for Premier League outfit Adelaide FC last season but in the summer but has severed his links with Adelaide after a sensational twist of events last week.

Chris Elliott was appointed manager of Adelaide FC after the end of last season, but however last week he sensationally quit the team after time constraints and work commitments proved to much for the manager. Raby, was set to sign a new deal at the club on the premise that Elliott would be managing the club in the following season.

Now that Elliott has left Adelaide this leaves Raby as a free agent and is not keen to continue playing with the club, and Tigers midfielder Matt Wilson is keen on getting his good friend Raby in to play for the Tigers.

"Josh is a fantastic player and would be a massive coup for the club. He's the sort of player we need in our team"

Raby, is seen to be keen on joining the Fen Lane Outfit and has been seen writing on twitter about his keenness to join the club. Raby describes himself as having the best "Sat Nav" in Lincoln, and has been likened to Paul Scholes in the past for his ability to pick a pass

No-one from the club was available for comment

Newton Committed To The Club

Hykeham Tigers potential Captain Sam Newton has reacted badly to newspaper reports linking him with a big money move away from Fen Lane, and will show his commitment to the club by signing a one year deal tomorrow night.

Newton, 22, won Varsity City's Player of the season last year, as voted for by both Manager and team-mates alike. However, in today's Sky Sports News Paper Talk for Iphone, reports from The Premier League were saying Sam Newton was involved in a high profile switch to Victory Fsc.

Newton, however moved quickly to quash the rumours, and denied any interest from Premier League clubs and declared his passion for the Tigers.

The 22 year old said he is raring to go for the season ahead, and cannot wait to get more games and training underneath his belt

"I have no idea where this rumour came from, I've got a few friends who play for teams in higher leagues, but my hearts in it here at Tigers"

"We've got a cracking bunch of lads together, and we've got a real shot of winning things this season. If Jonno and Daz, bring in the right players and get rid of the players who don't wanna fight for the cause then we can do big things this season."

"It is an honour to play for this club, and I can't wait to get going for the new season"

Dickinson The Real Deal?

Hykeham Tigers look to be close to the coup signing of towering left footer, Tom Dickinson. The 30 Year old would be Hykeham's third official summer signing if he suceeds in his current trial.

Dickinson pictured above in the middle, is very keen on signing from Hykeham Tigers after impressing in the Exhibition match against Dunraven FC a few weeks ago. Tom was said to be very happy at the way the game went and enjoyed playing with all the lads in the side.

"The guys welcomed me and Sambo fantastically well. We played some brilliant football, and I really enjoyed playing and I think i'll more than likely sign on for the season."

Dickinson also talked briefly about footballing matters saying that he is really looking forward to next season in Division 3 and getting to have a crack at the big Cup competitions.

“It’s going to be a great season for us, Im really looking forward to playing in the big tournaments this Year and hopefully we can do ourselves proud.”

Tigers To Challenge In Division Three

It is been announced that the Hykeham Tigers will play their inaugral season in the Sunday Football League in Division Three. It was widely speculated that they would remain in Division Five but officials in the Sunday League have noticed increased in playing ability and decided to move them up to Division Three where they will face the following teams

AFC Rustons

Burtons FCW

City Vaults FC

De Wint FC

FVA Jerusalem Reserves

Heighington FC

Newton United

Plough Sturton FC

Rustons Sports FC

The George Market Rasen

Dunraven Undone By Tigers

Hykeham Tigers 12 Dunraven FC 4

Hykeham Tigers played their first pre-season friendly yesterday against a team from Essex, Dunraven FC. The Tigers had a mixture of some of the squad from last year, and some trialists for this season in the lineup. Manager Darren Giovannetti Named His Side for the first game as the following

Chris Bennett

Kallum Smith

Tom Dickinson

Matt Wilson

Callum Fatchett

Tom Cowan

Daniel Daubney

Ash Murphy

Craig Froggatt

Paul Sturton

Chris Funnell

Subs

Tom Skelton

Mike Bohan

Sam Bo

Overall this was a fairly comfortable but none the less impressive performance from the Tigers who's constant retention of the football wore down the Dunraven Side who could not handle the quick movement, and thinking of a youthful Tigers side. 3 Goals from Chris Funnell helped the Tigers onto the victory, with a brace from Callum Fatchett and Daniel Daubney, and single goals from Craig Froggatt, Ash Murphy, Sambo, Kallum Smith and Mike Bohan wrapped up the game for the Tigers.

Giovannetti had this to say following the victory

"Fantastic from the first whistle to the last. Full backs were immense today, especially Kallum who gave their left midfielder and full back an absolute nightmare and was by a mile the best player on the park. Chris showed what a talisman he will be for us this season and also Tom Dickinson and Sambo impressed in their trial game and we'll be looking to get both signed on the dotted line asap"

Funnell Becomes Hykeham's Second Signing

Yesterday, saw the signing of Chris Funnell on a year long deal from recently folded Hunters Leap FC. Chris Funnell was very keen to sign for the club, and has immediately taken up the Head of the Fines Committee role within the football club.

Funnell, who is also signed for Lincoln United Reserves on Saturdays, was last years leading reserve team goalscorer in the Lincolnshire league, and enjoyed his rise and step up into the first team. His only appearances in the first team last season came from the bench, but the Ashby Avenue outfit have high hopes on the striker for the future.

Funnell looked sharp in his first training session, and had appeared to settle in fantastically, with his new team-mates. Jon Page had this to say about his new signing

"Chris is a fantastic young striker. Strong, quick, good on the ball and is a massive asset to our football club. He will work fantastically well with Wilson, Daubney, Sturton, Fatchett and Froggatt. I can see Chris flourishing in this team."

Varsity Boys Re-Sign For New Season

(James Pickering signing one-year extension with Club Secretary Andrew Farrer)

As widely expected, at the first training session of the season, several of last years Varsity City players signed again for the Hykeham Tigers FC 2011/2012 Season. The training sessions saw a few new faces, and with a few faces missing because of holiday and work saw new manager's Giovannetti and Page put the players through their paces with only 8 weeks to go till the start of the new season.

Giovannetti and Page Now have the following players re-signed on so far for the New season;

Matt Wilson

Daniel Daubney

James Pickering

Gavin Brown

Aaron Starbuck

Ashley Murphy

Nathan Daubney

Paul Sturton

It is widely expected over the next few days that Hykeham will resign on Sam Newton, last years player's player of the season, and Craig Froggatt, the 2nd Top Goal scorer from last season.

Hykeham Tigers Make First Summer Signing

Hykeham Tigers have made the first step towards the challenge for 5 trophies in the forthcoming season, by Capturing there first signing of the season. Callum Fatchett, has signed on a one year rolling contract from Division Six Side Shakespeare BBH.

Callum is a 22 year old, Striker/Midfielder, who comes into the club fresh off the back of finishing runner up top goalscorer in the basement league of Lincoln Sunday Football League. Manager Darren Giovannetti commented on the signing of Callum

"Callum is a fantastic young player with a massive amount of will, passion and desire to succeed. I know how much it has taken for Callum to leave BBH and I'm very glad he's taken the decision to come and better himself, and challenge himself at a higher level. This season is very make or break for him, and I really hope the step up pays off for him"

Fatchett has an impeccable record for BBH, scoring 127 goals, in 92 games for the Division Six Outfit. Callum has been with BBH since he was 17, and has been top scorer for the club every year since 2007. Also, Fatchett won Manager's player of the season in 2009. Fatchett has been in high demand this summer, with Conningsby and other higher division clubs chasing the services of the Charlton Athletic Fan.We caught up with Fatchett for a brief interview, after he signed his contract with the club

You have been at BBH Since you were 17 Callum, How hard was it for you to leave the club?

"To be fair it was a big decision but I've been at bbh for almost 6 years and i just dont feel I could go any further in that team, I'll always be grateful i got my chance there and grew as a player but its just feels the right time to move on and push with the team for big and great things"

What are your goals for the Future?

"Well for starters I'm hoping to be able to nail down a starting position in the team but the main goal joining this team is to help push up the footballing ladder into the top division and hopefully win a few cups on the way!"

How excited are you for the new season?

"Absolutely buzzing can not wait for season to begin with the players we have and some we are bringing in its going to be a very strong and talented squad, so everyone will have to work hard for their position and with that only good things can come of it!"

Stay Tuned To The tigers Website, As Hykeham Tigers make more signings!

Wilson "Transfers Are Going To Come"

Last Night, Club Captain Matt Wilson was out to calm the nerves of the Tigers faithful about the lack of movement so far since the end of the 2010/2011 season and promised the Tigers fans that there would be new signings for the club

"It's not about signing players for the sake of signing them. We've made that mistake before and it didn't get us anywhere." Said Wilson

"We don't need to rush into rash decisions, and get the wrong deal for the club out of it. The window opens tomorrow so you might start to see more activity from us as more and more players sign on for the season."

" One person who I can tell you for certain now who won't be signing on is Adelaide's Josh Raby (Pictured Above on Right) who a few weeks ago signed a pre-contract agreement with Adelaide FC. This involved acts of a inappropriate nature and several Jaegerbombs dealt out by Adelaide Manager Christopher Elliott (Picture Above on Left)"

The transfer window opens tomorrow, and all clubs for the Lincoln Sunday League will be eligible to sign players on for the forthcoming season. Stay Tuned to the website for the update news, views and reaction to the Movers and Shakers in the Sunday league

Hykeham Tigers To Sign Young Midfielder?

Cowan Set To Sign??

The rumour has been buzzing in the last few days with vicous speculation that Hykeham Tigers are set to land experienced young midfielder Tom Cowan, to their ever growing talent.

Tom Cowan is close friends with Tiger's Matt Wilson and Craig Froggatt, and is said to be extremely keen to join the expanding club. Cowan is a Defensive Midfielder with a box to box mentality. Strong in the tackle, and great with the ball at his feet, one thing you can guarantee from Cowan is a shift, and this is something managers Page and Giovannetti are keen to get this season, and this was seen lacking from last year.

Cowan, has played in this years F.A Cup from Cobham FC, and reached one of the final preliminary stages scoring on route to that stage. Cowan was voted players player of the season at Cobham, due to his hard work rate and his overall ability. Tom is currently a student at Loughborugh Uni and working on placement at Chelsea FC.

Tom would be seen as a massive coop for the club after coming from Premier League side Anglers FC. Matt Wilson commented on this rumour

"Tom is a great friend and a superb player, Division three would be a breeze from Tommy C and hopefully we can come to an agreement to get him in a Tiger's shirt next season"

Player In The Spotlight: Matt Wilson

Player In The Spotlight

Each week leading up to the Kick-off of the 2011 season, we will have a player in the spotlight and learn a little bit more about each of the team. First up, is Matt Wilson, Varsity City founder, manager and Runners Up Players Player Of The Season for 2010/2011 Season is first to be quizzed

Name: Matt Wilson
Age: 22
Position: Anywhere!
Team Supported: Man Utd, Lincoln City
Teams Currently Playing For: Hykeham Tigers FC, Louth Town FC

Who in your opinion is the greatest player in your lifetime?
Zinedine Zidane. The man is football, I don't think our generation really appreciates how good Zidane was, and only really remembers him for his infamous headbutt. Zidane's touch, technique, and influence upon games was outstanding and I don't think they'll be many players in the future who'll match that. Beckham, Messi, and Ronaldinho are also some of the most inspirational players throughout the Last 15 Years.

What is your greatest achievement in Football so far?
Well I think winning trophies is all well and good, but I've never had such a sense of achievement until last season when I founded Varsity City. The amount of time and effort that was spent, I don't think anyone could actually quantify! But to get 15-20 lads who hadn't even met each other before, and turn them into a group of good mates who played some cracking football together and at one point looked unbeatable was a real success.

Who was your player of the season for Varsity last year?
Well obviously Sammy Newton would player's and manager's player at the Awards evening last week, and I think it was really deserved and Sam got my vote. However, there was one or two other lads who deserved a real mention. Bowler came from nowhere and being sick on Skelly Road field in Pre-Season, and if you'd have said to me at the start of the season Bowler will end being one of your best players then I wouldn't have believed it, he's come on leaps and bounds.

How excited are you for the upcoming Season?
Massively, It's a fresh start and less pressure on me to do all the admin, and managing side of things. This season I can concentrate on being player, and club captain. The off the field captaincy is left down to whoever the gaffer's feel right, but it'll be nice to have a season where I can concetrate on my game, and hopefully guide us to a few cup finals and a league title.

Quickfire Round
Titch Or Beaumont? Titch! ;)
Daddy Or Chips? Chips!
Tevez Or Taibi? Taibi!! Tevez, is Judas!
Winning A Cup or Winning The League? Winning The League
Scoring the Winning Goal or The Three Points? Team Player, All about the Three Points!

Wilson Announces Plans For Pre-Season Training

Matt Wilson today announced on behalf of Darren Giovannetti and Johnathon Page, that the pre-season open training sessions would take place on Sunday 3rd July, Thursday 7th July and Sunday 10th July.

"This open training sessions, is a chance for anyone interested in playing for the club to come down, have a go and let the gaffers take a look at what your all about. The training on Sundays will be 11-1pm, and Thursday night will be 7 till 8.30."

"The Plan at the moment is to either have the second sunday as a game between the players that turn up, or to find a team to play on that day. But this all depends on location, times, and the amount of people who turn up"

Tigers To Sign Teeside Messi?

The Rumour Mill is slowly starting to turn with the season finished and the Off-Season beginning, and Hykeham Tigers are one of the clubs are at the centre of a transfer storm!

After the success of the first season in the Sunday Football League, as Varsity City, Hykeham Tigers have already established themselves as a brilliant club to play for, not only on the pitch but off the pitch too.

The first name to enter the Rumour Mill was the self proclaimed "Teeside Messi" Christopher Quinn. Quinn, 26, is currently in the R.A.F, stationed at RAF Leauchers in Scotland, and his travelling issues will need to be taken into account if signing any deal with the Tigers. However, Quinn was very complimentary when talking about his talks with Tigers at present

"The lads who i've met and spoke to so far have been fantastic, I went on a night out with them and had a cracking time. There are some fantastic players in the team, and i'd love to be a part of the set up next season, lets just see what happens from here"

Also, flying around the rumour mill, was Spalding United's striker Simon Mowbray. Mowbray was seen talking to Tigers manager Giovannetti, at a training session for his son Oliver on Saturday Morning. This will spark rumours that Giovannetti is trying to tap up the former Hunters Leap man, which could see a potential reunion with Chris Funnell.

Finally, Tigers have announced a pay as you play deal with Boston United Coach Michael Bohan. Mike will come down on a pay as you play basis, and will assist in the coaching of the football club. Mike is a very highly qualified coach and currently manage's Boston United youngsters. Club Captain Matt Wilson spoke about this capture

"Mike is a top lad, and a fantastic player. Mike will play only when he can due to other committments, and he realises that we have to take into account the lads that are here all through the season but he's prepared for that."

Hykeham's Inaugural Kit Leaked?

Images have today been leaked online of a Potential Kit for Hykeham Tiger's inaugural season in the Sills and Betteridge Sunday Football League. The Adidas Kit alledgedly designed by Club Website Editor Matt Wilson shows the Clubs Sponsor Varsity Bar and the newly designed Adult team Logo.

Manager's Page or Giovannetti were unable for comment on the kit however Matt Wilson have the press five minutes of his time on the speculation of the kit

"It's a lovely looking kit, and would be fantastic to be playing in this next season. The club will be setting a benchmark hopefully not only in the way we play but in the way we look as well. I feel that its vitally important a team looks good, and feels good when playing, that way you will achieve the optimum result. I still don't know how these prototypes got out but they are out now so lets see what happens in the upcoming weeks"

Giovannetti And Page Keeping Cards Close To Chest

With the season finished and player's wondering whether or not they will be kept on for the 2011/2012 season, speculation has been rife of who will be donning the famous orange and black strips next season.

Darren Giovannetti was quoted as saying

"We have done a couple of deals already for better quality players with several more in the pipeline. In order to progress we then need to weed out those who are not up to it. First week in pre-season shall determine for me and Johnno who isn't up to scratch and after that first week we'll ask several players to sign on, and show other players the door. Its cruel but the fairest way of doing things we feel"

When asked if he knew he was already staying on from last season to this one, he was quoted as saying

"The main core of the team will still be here next season. The seasoned players are musts to keep on, Wilson, Daubney, Newton, Sturton, Froggatt etc. Then its important to build around those players, we'll see who comes to pre-season and see what happens from their. We had a very young squad last season, and at times we could have done with some older heads in their who could have steadied the ship, and provided that bit of aggression and calmness that we needed in important games."

New Club Structure Revealed

Today in a press conference held at a secure location, Matt Wilson announced the plans for 2011/2012 season. Varsity City Football Club is no longer in existence and from yesterday became Hykeham Tigers F.C.

"This is a massive step for us, we're building for a strong, consistent and secure future and we have done this by joining forces with the fastest growing Youth Football Club in Europe. The facilities here are brilliant, we have everything we need at our fingertips, and the move will open plenty of new pathways for manager's and players alike"

This change of Team Name, will also see a change of structure within the football club, to incorporate the club's new position. The club has a key role in providing role models to the hundreds of Children that encompass the already large Hykeham Tigers JFC. Wilson spoke about the changes to the structure of the team

" Well for a start I shall be stepping down as Assistant Manager of the football club, and leaving the door open for Jonathan Page and Darren Giovannetti to co-manage the side next year. I've been appointed as Club Captain for the 2011/2012 with the Team Captain to be decided throughout the season. Andy Farrer has been appointed Director of Football at the club, whilst Hykeham Tigers current secretary Mike Moore takes over as Club Secretary. With regards to on the pitch, we are to announce very shortly the retained list for the 2011-2012 season."

It is unclear what Divison Hykeham will be placed in next season, but have applied for Division Three. We are hoping that next season can be a huge one for us, and bring us lots of success and a massive amount of team spirit