Club History
Deddington Town FC was formed in 1888. It is one of the oldest Clubs in the County.
Deddington Town Football Club was founded in 1888 - although there is archive evidence to suggest the Club was playing football before this. A match report appears in the Banbury Guardian on the 13th January 1887 ….
Football Match – A scratch match between Stoke Lyne and Deddington was played in the Castle Grounds on Saturday, when Captain Godwins team were victors by two goals to one. The ground was covered by about a foot of snow, which much increased the fun. The competitors were afterwards entertained at tea by Mr W.L.Franklin, Hon Sec of the D.F.B.C., at the Kings Arms, and a very jovial evening ensued, enlivened by some capital songs and recitations.
Whatever the true founding date, 1888 does appear to mark the rise of the Club and its affiliation to the F.A.
From old match reports and archive documents it is clear that in its early years, at the beginning of the 1900’s, the game was carried on in a very gentlemanly manner. Included in this celebratory programme is a match report from the 1888 Final of the Lord Jersey Cup in which Deddington played Middleton Park. One quote in the report says - ‘for they all liked as Englishman to see a good game and they always praised winners whoever they might be, and even those who were defeated liked to praise victors.
The Club has had many ups and downs throughout its history and the performance of its many teams can perhaps best be measured by its roll of honour in cup competitions-
- 2011-12 Banbury Charity Cup
- 2003-04 Mid-Oxon Junior Cup
- 1981-82 Banbury Charity Cup
- 1980-81 Coronation Cup
- 1977-78 Coronation Cup
- 1965-66 Coronation Cup
- 1963-64 Coronation Cup
- 1924-25 Banbury Charity Cup
- 1913-14 Banbury Charity Cup
- 1912-13 Banbury Charity Cup
- 1906-07 Lord Jersey Cup
- 1905-06 Lord Jersey Cup
- 1895-96 Lord Jersey Cup
- 1894-95 Lord Jersey Cup
The different eras in the dates above no doubt reflect the ebb and flow off success over the decades.
For many years the Club played on ‘’one of the finest pitches in the County’ at the Castle Grounds. In recent years though the adult team has been based at The Windmill Playing fields as all sport sadly ceased at the Castle Grounds some twenty years ago.
125 years is a truly momentous achievement . What is perhaps even more surprising in recognising this achievement is that the Club has very limited facilities. It has no club house, although for many years the British Legion kindly acted as its base . It has only one adult pitch in the village, yet the Club is thriving.
This season Deddington has two adult teams playing in the Banbury District and Lord Jersey Lord Jersey League, The first team, at time of printing, is top of the Premier League table, while the Reserves are fighting hard to stay in Division One having gained promotion last season.
In its 125th year, the Club marked the year by formally merging with Deddington Town Colts, one football club providing football for all ages in the area.
DEDDINGTON TOWN COLTS
Deddington Town Colts was formed as a separate football club in 1995. A surge of interest locally by youngsters who wanted to play the beautiful game saw a group of parents formally set up the Colts and join the Witney and District League with one youth team. “From little acorns …. “ within a few years the Club was fielding teams in all the youth football age groups from minis aged 4 years through to Under 18’s in the Witney and District and Oxford Invitation leagues.
With more than 150 young people as playing members the Club has always struggled with facilities. Like the adults there is the only one junior pitch available at Windmill – although for a number of years the Adult Club has kindly allowed the oldest age group to share the Adult pitch. It has not been unknown for the Club to be playing on pitches in seven different parishes through a season.
In its short life the Club has achieved much. Based on the premise that it is not always about winning, but partaking, many teams have passed through the Colts with varying degrees of highs and lows.
The Club attained Charter Standard Development status with the FA in 2006 raising the bar for its managers and coaches . It continues to challenge itself and, but for the lack of facilities, would before now have introduced football for girls as well as boys.
Increasingly it became clear that the Colts and DTFC should work more closely together. The obvious drive for this is to provide a seamless route to adult football for the young Colts players and a steady supply of well trained young players challenging for a place in the adult teams.
For several years talks were held between the two clubs about how best to “come together”. In recent years the oldest youth team has enjoyed training sessions with the adult teams and two years ago Colts abandoned its yellow and blue colours and adopted the Town black and white strip. This gradual journey culminated, in 2013, in an agreement that the two Clubs would formally merge
THE FUTURE
The future is exciting. 2013 saw the formal coming together of the two Clubs. The Colts brought a vibrant and energetic youth section to Town and will help strengthen and secure the long term future of Deddington Town Football
The Club has a ‘loose’ affiliation to the Deddington Under Sixties Team. DUST is a veteran’s team and is made up of parents past and present, managers and ex managers, supporters and friends of both Clubs. This link allows the Club to move forward offering football to all generations. Ladies football too is coming. The Club is hopeful to have its first Ladies team for the 2014/15 season.
The Club wishes to thank everyone from both Clubs who over the years have dedicated time and effort to bring football to so many. The Club is a huge part of the communities of Deddington, Adderbury, Clifton and Hempton and the surrounding area and will hopefully continue to be so for many generations to come.
Supporters to die for!!!!!
Cliff Smith (Club President), Den Freeman and Paul Cox
THREE MEN AND A BENCH
Three of the most ardent supporters of the Club can be found most Saturdays sitting on the bench alongside the pitch at Windmill.
Cliff Smith arrived in the village in late 1972. He commenced his playing career with the Club in 1994/95. He played regularly for the Reserve Team for many years until retirement.
He then assumed the role of half-time tea maker until hot tea gave way to todays cold ‘energy’ drinks. He then became a full-time spectator (and self appointed ball-boy…with pole!)
Cliff has served on the Club Committee for more than thirty years, a good many as Club Secretary.
Cliff is proud of the fact that throughout his footballing career he was not once cautioned by a referee.
Paul Cox played for DTFC from early 1960 in both Banbury and District and Lord Jersey Leagues. He retired from playing in 1982.
Paul was a committee member for over 30 years which included a short spell as Club Secretary. He has been grounds man together with Pete Simons since early 1970’s.
Paul provides a great insight into facilities (or lack of them ) locally during his playing career. Describing many as primitive, showers non existent and changing rooms little more than a large garden shed. Some clubs had no facilities at all. Condition of pitches was not too bad, although one was used as grazing for sheep between games and another was situated on an airfield directly in the flight path of gliders!
Players who received cautions were required to attend disciplinary hearings in person. In the 1960’s these were held at the Dog and Gun in Banbury. Offender’s would be grilled by a panel of the OFA before being stung with the inevitable fine. Good for pub trade though!
Dennis Freeman…. Den has never played for the Club but has always been a keen spectator. He is effectively part of the furniture on match days.
If ever you are down at a match, wander over to the bench. You are guaranteed an up to the minute match report as slick as any punditry from TV or Radio.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS...
25 Years ago the Club was celebrating its centenary. There were several events throughout the Centenary year, one of which was a 16 team six-a-side competition involving local teams. This used to be an annual event that was held in and around the Windmill Centre.
NB . Note the reference to the Club taking on the might of Oxford United at the end of the report. That game went ahead at the Castle Grounds. Although we are hoping for something similar to celebrate our 125th year, it will sadly not be at the Castle Grounds this time!!!!!
CUP FINAL FEVER.....1888 style....
Now this is what you call a match report.....one of the first for Deddington Town, 124 years ago in fact!!! Deddington Towns very first Cup Final.......
THE 1888 JERSEY CUP FINAL
14 April, 1888 at Middleton Park
Middleton Stoney (1) 4 - Deddington (2) 2
Referee: C Shillingford Linesmen: W Smith W Godwin
Middleton Stoney: Rev W H Draper (c) Lord Jersey A Varney R Renn T Emberlin H Pitts C Green F Tugwood J Green H Little C Clayton
Middleton Stoney Scorers: C Clayton 3 C Green 1
Deddington: Rev S. R. Standage (c) W.L.Franklin W Hancock J Wilkins F Sturch J Ell W Bennett J. A. Holiday W Turner J Bennett J Walters
Deddington Scorers: W Turner 1 J Walters 1
These teams met in the final in this competition on neutral ground in Middleton Park on Saturday last, April 14th, and such was the interest taken in the event, that the proceedings were watched by a large concourse of spectators whose occupation was rendered by no means unpleasant by the fine and more genial weather which prevailed. Winning the toss, Middleton chose the higher ground, and at thirteen minutes to four, Walters set the ball in motion. At the onset Deddington were compelled to act on the defensive, and at the end of five minute’s play, after a corner had fallen to Middleton, the Deddington colours were lowered by Claydon, who received the ball from Pitts. Upon restarting, the scene of operations was transferred to the home quarters, and Draper warded of a good shot by the use of hands. Determined of possible on equalising matters, Deddington made another invasion of the Middleton territory. Bennett, getting the ball up the right wing, centred to Walters, who shot it through amid cheers. After a little unimportant work on neutral ground, C. Green, getting well on the ball, made a good run, and eventually centred to Little, who made an excellent shot, which, however, was successfully met by Standage.
Play continued to be carried on in the Deddington half, and C Green led a vigorous onslaught on their fortress, indeed hereabouts the visitors’ citadel was again and again placed in imminent danger; but Standage, showing rare form in goal, repelled all the attacks. Eventually the pressure was relieved and Bennett succeeded in getting the ball into the home half, and transferring it to Walters who in turn passed to Turner, the last named player placed the Second goal to the credit of Deddington. Soon after restarting “hands” were given in front of the Deddington goal; but the ball was cleverly headed out of danger and worked into the home half. A couple of corner kicks fell to Deddington; but they proved of no advantage, and half-time was called with the score Deddington two goals Middleton one.
After change, Middleton re-doubled their exertions to make up the leeway, and the leather was alternately taken from one half to the other until a corner fell to Middleton, and Clayton took a shot, which however went over the crossbar. Getting the ball from a throw in, C Green forced Standage to use hands. The Deddington backs continued to be pressed, and in the end Clayton succeeded in lowering the visitors colours, a performance which elicited much cheering. Having thus equalised matters Middleton were nerved to greater efforts, and Renn was warmly applauded for a bit of good play, which for a time was confined to the visitors quarters. However by concerted action the Deddington forwards got away with the ball, and a series of attacks on the Middleton fortress compelled Draper to use hands. Little however relieved the pressure, and taking the ball down the left wing, centred to Clayton, who again got it through. three to two. The superior condition of the Middleton team began to make itself manifest, and Deddington continued to be much pressed. Little was again actively engaged on the left, and through his exertions, C Green was put in possession of the leather, which he succeeded in placing between the post. four to two.
Middleton continued to have the best of the play, to the end, and would have scored more heavily but for the magnificent goal keeping of Standage, whose play was undoubtedly the feature of the game. No further advantage resulting, Middleton were left the victors and consequently the holders of the cup for the first year, by four goals to two. For Middleton Varney, Renn, Clayton, Little, and C Green, played best. For the visitors, Standage, as we have already pointed out, did a yeomans service, whilst Franklin put in some good defensive work, and W Bennett, Walters, and Turner did some useful service.
The company immediately gathered round a marquee on the ground, to witness the presentation of the cup and medals. The former is of silver and of handsome design. It has two handles, and is surmounted by the figure of a football player, upon it appears the following inscription. “CHALLENGE CUP presented by the Earl of JERSEY 1888”. With it are a ebony stand and glass shade.
Lord Jersey (who had been joined by her ladyship, and several members of the family) said in asking Lady Jersey to present this cup, under the victory of to-day, he could not say what he should have wished if some other club had won; but felt he must congratulate their side with pride upon the victory they had obtained, and they would no doubt be prouder of it when they thought of the good play which their opponents had shown in order to try and wrest it from them. (Hear, hear.) This pride would he thought be increased by the knowledge that their defeated friends had made so good a game from it and played in such splendid spirits. (Hear, hear,) He ought first of all to take that opportunity of thanking their excellent secretary, Mr Godwin, for the energy and time and trouble he had taken in making that cup competition so successful. They must be aware that the merit of the idea of these cup ties did not lie with him, but with Mr Godwin and other gentleman. He regretted that Mr Godwin’s unfortunate accident at the beginning of the season militated against the success of the club with which he stood connected, otherwise it might have been just possible that he should have had to have asked him to receive the cup instead of holding it for a few minutes. (Laughter) Eight clubs had competed for it and the idea was soon taken up in earnest. There were; Bicester, Stoke, Somerton, Stratton Audly, King’s Sutton, Brackley School, Middleton, and last though not least, their opponents to-day, who had played a very plucky game indeed. (Hear, hear,) This showed that there was a great love of football in the district, and the object they had in view in offering that cup was not solely that one side or the other might win it, they had a twofold object at the bottom of it. Whilst the shouts of victory were welcomed to the friends of the victor’s, they were only expressions of importance at the moment.
They had another and further object- and he thought he should be expressing the opinion of all those who had helped to bring the matches to a successful issue- Mr Godwin, Mr Draper, Mr Standage, Mr Shillingford, and others whose names he could not for the moment recollect- he thought he was expressing their minds when he said they had a further object in view and that after to-day’s play a very useful result would remain both to competitor’s and spectators – for they all liked as Englishman to see a good game and they always praised winners whoever they might be, and even those who were defeated liked to praise victors. They had carried that competition on in a very honourable spirit indeed-in the best possible spirit, with the result that they had won. They had shown the contest of that kind could be carried on in a friendly way and he fully believed they tended to increase that friendship which should exist between individuals and places. (Hear, hear,) Morever, there was the satisfaction of knowing that the courage and concerted play the desire to work together in unison and the honourable feeling which had been shown, must have a beneficial effect upon everyone, competitor’s as well as spectators. (Cheers,) They were sometimes told that these were degenerated day’s of England; but he would venture to say that during the contest in this small nook of England they had proved themselves conspicuous for that determined character which had not been surpassed in the oldern time. They liked to keep up those old English and manly sports amongst them. (Hear, hear,) He might also add his own personal satisfaction and pleasure at the way in which these football matches had been carried on, and he would only add this, that it would be a great satisfaction for him to feel that he had rendered assistance in any way to their sports; and he hoped that as this cup took its turn round the district-which he hoped it would do – it would become to be looked upon not only as a sign of football spirit, but as an inspiration for every man to do his best at all times(Cheers,).
He would ask Mr Renn to accept this cup on behalf of Middleton, and he would ask that eleven and everyone present to give three hearty cheers for Deddington, and wish them better luck whenever they played again. (Loud Cheers,) Lady Jersey then presented the cup to Mr Renn who said he begged to thank her ladyship, on behalf of the Middleton team, for the grand cup which he had just received. Bronze medals having been given to each member of the winning team.
The Rev Standage said he should like to say before they departed a few words as captain of the defeated, though not disgraced team. (Hear, hear,) He should like to propose a vote of thanks to his lordship for the kindness and trouble he had taken in getting up these matches. He ventured to say that he had done great good amongst the eight clubs. He hoped more clubs would enter next year and that the interest in local football would not grow less but rather increase and extend more and more. The competition had excited a great deal of interest amongst the clubs, and had offered a great amount of enjoyment to those who had taken part in it. On behalf of the Deddington club he could say they were very sorry they had not carried of the cup; but they would try the next year and keep on trying till they did. (Hear, hear.) They had played an exciting, pleasant game and had worked hard. They hardly expected to win; but they came with the intention of fighting hard for it, and he thought they had fought hard for it. (Hear, hear.) He would ask them to pass a vote of thanks to Lord Jersey and give him three hearty cheers and hope that he might live many years and see the cup given year after year after as spirited a contest as they had seen to-day. (Loud cheers.)
The Rev W.H.DRAPER said he should like to make a correction in Lord Jersey’s speech. Although he had very kindly said that the origin of the cup was not with him, he thought his lordship was the first one who dreamed of it. (Hear, hear and laughter.)
Mr W.GODWIN explained that the origin of the cup arose this way. They thought of getting a scratch team for the County cup, when Lord Jersey kindly offered this cup, and they readily made way for it. He thanked his lordship for his kind gift, and having alluded to the misfortune that had befallen him (the speaker), he announced that he had received a message from Mr Wing, who suggested that the winners of this cup should go in for the county cup next year. (Hear, hear.)
Lord Jersey thanked previous speakers for their kind remarks about him and observed that they had seen how difficult it was to write history, because they could not even get the origin of this cup. (Laughter.) However, there was, and it was certain that Mr Godwin, the secretary, had been instrumental in its having been contested for in an honourable manner. He hoped to see many of these games. His football days were over he had thought many years ago, but it was a great thing to know that there were plenty of others to take his place, and he should have to give in and be content to look on and give the cup to those who deserved it. It could be said for football that it was not an expensive game, and did not take up much time, and anything they could do to bring about a friendly feeling and knowledge of the people, who in their games and work, must be a good thing. (Hear, hear.) He hoped they should have many as nice days, and that the result would be equally as satisfactory as at any rate it would be to those who won. (Cheers.) Cheers having been given for Mr Godwin, and also on the proposition of that gentleman, for Lady Jersey, her lady ship said she thanked the company very much. The gathering then dispersed, and by the kindness of Lord Jersey, the competitors partook of a capital meat tea, provided by Mr Todd in the cricket pavilion in Middleton Park .
And more recently a result from 12th February 1998... Happy Days!!! Those in the know will note the goals by John Coleman, sadly no longer with us, and Gareth Smith our Club Secretary for the adult section. (Still going strong and playing for the reserves today..See Reserves team profiles)
And now we know why!!!
OK, Some young history....in the pic below our current Chairman Andy Shepherd takes a bow in one of his earliest appearances for ther Club. Can you spot him?
And another young man, who still plays for the Reserves today...Gareth Smith. The picture was taken in 1987 during the Clubs Centenary celebrations.
GUESS WHO!!!! From 30/9/99 which two players from todays first and reserves can you see? (Clue - They are Large and Flash!!!)
More history soon...