This Page is Designed to be of Help to Programme Editors Preparing for an Arnold Town Visit:-
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Brief History of Arnold Town FC
The roots of Arnold Town can be traced back to the 1920s but as far as the current "Eagles" are concerned our history begins with the 1989/90 season when Arnold FC (The Saints) merged with near neighbours Arnold Kingswell.
The newly formed club began life with four seasons in the Central Midlands Supreme Division before leaving as champions (1992/93) followed immediately by another Championship season in the NCEL Division One (1993/94).
Promotion to the NCEL Premier began a long 19 season spell in the same division for Arnold Town before they opted for the more localised East Midlands Counties League (commencing 2013/14) rather than accept relegation back to the NCEL Division One.
Aside from two Championship seasons and a runners-up finish in the NCEL Premier (1994/95) the Eagles have also enjoyed a good deal of Cup success along the way.
Arnold's best FA Cup run came in 2002/03 when the Eagles reached the 4th Qual Round losing 0-2 to Scarborough at our former Gedling Road ground in front of 900 spectators. In the FA Vase we have twice made it to the 5th Round Proper in 2001/02 & 2005/06 bowing out to Wroxham and Crook Town respectively.
Away from the National Competitions the Eagles have also lifted the Notts Senior Cup on five occasions (most recently in 2004/05 beating Eastwood Town 1-0 at Meadow Lane in front of a crowd of over 650) The NCEL Presidents Cup in 1994/95 and the CML Wakefield Cup in 1989/90.
Arnold Town have been fortunate to maintain close links with the professional game throughout the club's twenty six year history. Former players have progressed directly from wearing an Arna shirt to making a name for themselves at the higher level with Chris Freestone (1994) and Ben Hutchinson (2006) signing for Middlesbrough and Tristram Whitman (2000) moving to Doncaster Rovers to commence a professional career.
At the same time the list of 500+ Arnold Town players over the years has been littered with the names of former professionals stepping down to help out at the non-league level. The list includes Bryn Gunn and Brett Williams (Forest) plus Mark Goodwin, Adrian Thorpe and Seamus McDonagh of Notts County not forgetting Martin Carruthers who, in addition to playing over 100 games for the club, also co-managed the Eagles alongside the returning Chris Freestone who currently holds the record for most goals for Arnold Town with 119 to his name in 225 appearances.
Other well known names to have managed the club over the years include Ray O'Brien, Iain McCullough, Bill Brindley and Phil Starbuck.
Arnold Town and its predecessor had played at Gedling Road situated in the centre of the town since the 1950s but following a prolonged and rather messy tussle with the local council and residents association the club were inevitably forced to move out of the town. Arnold moved to their new Eagle Valley home playing their first game there on 21st January 2009; a 3-2 victory over Thackley with Craig Mitchell scoring the first ever goal at the new complex in front of a crowd of 238.
Now enjoying a third season of EMCL football the Eagles continue to be closely assisted by the long running Arnold Town Supporters Club who have been actively raising funds for the team since 1990.
The newly formed club began life with four seasons in the Central Midlands Supreme Division before leaving as champions (1992/93) followed immediately by another Championship season in the NCEL Division One (1993/94).
Promotion to the NCEL Premier began a long 19 season spell in the same division for Arnold Town before they opted for the more localised East Midlands Counties League (commencing 2013/14) rather than accept relegation back to the NCEL Division One.
Aside from two Championship seasons and a runners-up finish in the NCEL Premier (1994/95) the Eagles have also enjoyed a good deal of Cup success along the way.
Arnold's best FA Cup run came in 2002/03 when the Eagles reached the 4th Qual Round losing 0-2 to Scarborough at our former Gedling Road ground in front of 900 spectators. In the FA Vase we have twice made it to the 5th Round Proper in 2001/02 & 2005/06 bowing out to Wroxham and Crook Town respectively.
Away from the National Competitions the Eagles have also lifted the Notts Senior Cup on five occasions (most recently in 2004/05 beating Eastwood Town 1-0 at Meadow Lane in front of a crowd of over 650) The NCEL Presidents Cup in 1994/95 and the CML Wakefield Cup in 1989/90.
Arnold Town have been fortunate to maintain close links with the professional game throughout the club's twenty six year history. Former players have progressed directly from wearing an Arna shirt to making a name for themselves at the higher level with Chris Freestone (1994) and Ben Hutchinson (2006) signing for Middlesbrough and Tristram Whitman (2000) moving to Doncaster Rovers to commence a professional career.
At the same time the list of 500+ Arnold Town players over the years has been littered with the names of former professionals stepping down to help out at the non-league level. The list includes Bryn Gunn and Brett Williams (Forest) plus Mark Goodwin, Adrian Thorpe and Seamus McDonagh of Notts County not forgetting Martin Carruthers who, in addition to playing over 100 games for the club, also co-managed the Eagles alongside the returning Chris Freestone who currently holds the record for most goals for Arnold Town with 119 to his name in 225 appearances.
Other well known names to have managed the club over the years include Ray O'Brien, Iain McCullough, Bill Brindley and Phil Starbuck.
Arnold Town and its predecessor had played at Gedling Road situated in the centre of the town since the 1950s but following a prolonged and rather messy tussle with the local council and residents association the club were inevitably forced to move out of the town. Arnold moved to their new Eagle Valley home playing their first game there on 21st January 2009; a 3-2 victory over Thackley with Craig Mitchell scoring the first ever goal at the new complex in front of a crowd of 238.
Now enjoying a third season of EMCL football the Eagles continue to be closely assisted by the long running Arnold Town Supporters Club who have been actively raising funds for the team since 1990.
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ARNOLD TOWN FC - CURRENT SQUAD PEN PICTURES
if photos are required - please see our "Squad" Page
Ross Cherry - Goalkeeper - joined the Eagles from Heanor Town on the eve of the 2014/15 season having also previously appeared for local rivals Gedling MW. Ross' 41 apps in goal for Arnold last season brought some much needed stability between the sticks for the maroons.
James Price - defender - Left back JP made his Arna debut on 5th Jan 2013 in a 2-3 defeat at Nostell MW.
Former clubs include Carlton Town, Hucknall Town and Gedling MW. Hugely popular at Eagle Valley James is a consistent performer whose dead ball skills go from strength to strength.
Corey Nightingale - central defender - Experienced defender whose Arna career was initially put on hold for quite some time owing to injuries. Previous clubs include Retford United, Calverton MW, Carlton Town and Hucknall Town.
Luke Smith - Defender - "Smudger" joined the Eagles from Shepshed prior to the 2013/14 season converting 2 penalties on debut against Aylestone on 10th Aug 2013. Other previous clubs include Gedling Town and Hucknall Town. Luke is also now part of the Arnold coaching team.
Craig Meakin - Midfield - Battling midfielder "Meaks" has now been promoted to the coaching staff at Eagle Valley.
Made his Arna debut 5th Feb 2013 in a 0-2 NSC defeat at the hands of his former club Greenwood Meadows.
Barry Payne - Midfield - Barry is in his second spell at the club having briefly featured for Arnold in 2013 scoring in the 2-1 win over Lincoln Moorlands on 30th March 2013 before returning in 14/15. Other clubs include Retford United and Shepshed.
Stephen Cox - Midfield - Coxy took a while to win over the Arna faithful but following his efforts in 2014/15 he began to enjoy a form of cult status at Eagle Valley. Previous clubs include Carlton Town and Calverton MW.
Reggie Royes - wide midfield - Attacking wide man who joined the Eagles from fellow EMCL side Radcliffe Olympic.
Scored on his debut in the 5-1 opening day home victory over Aylestone Park on 10th August 2013.
Jack Reid - Midfield - Ball playing midfielder who has joined the Eagles this close season from Clifton AW having also seen playing time with Dunkirk.
Stefan Whitely - Wideman- Pacey and skillful left winger who impressed on debut on the opening day of the 2015/16 season. Joins the Eagles from Southwell City.
Anthony Bedward - Striker - Much travelled front man returns for a second spell with the Eagles. Has also seen time with Notts Co, Chesterfield, Shepshed, Grantham, South Normanton, Gedling MW, Greenwood Meadows and Heanor.
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Manager - Ray Chilton - New Eagles boss Ray is no stranger to Arnold Town having been associated with the club for many successful years at Junior and Academy levels. Already he has demonstrated a clear intention to improve the lot of Arnold Town both on and off the field.
James Price - defender - Left back JP made his Arna debut on 5th Jan 2013 in a 2-3 defeat at Nostell MW.
Former clubs include Carlton Town, Hucknall Town and Gedling MW. Hugely popular at Eagle Valley James is a consistent performer whose dead ball skills go from strength to strength.
Corey Nightingale - central defender - Experienced defender whose Arna career was initially put on hold for quite some time owing to injuries. Previous clubs include Retford United, Calverton MW, Carlton Town and Hucknall Town.
Luke Smith - Defender - "Smudger" joined the Eagles from Shepshed prior to the 2013/14 season converting 2 penalties on debut against Aylestone on 10th Aug 2013. Other previous clubs include Gedling Town and Hucknall Town. Luke is also now part of the Arnold coaching team.
Craig Meakin - Midfield - Battling midfielder "Meaks" has now been promoted to the coaching staff at Eagle Valley.
Made his Arna debut 5th Feb 2013 in a 0-2 NSC defeat at the hands of his former club Greenwood Meadows.
Barry Payne - Midfield - Barry is in his second spell at the club having briefly featured for Arnold in 2013 scoring in the 2-1 win over Lincoln Moorlands on 30th March 2013 before returning in 14/15. Other clubs include Retford United and Shepshed.
Stephen Cox - Midfield - Coxy took a while to win over the Arna faithful but following his efforts in 2014/15 he began to enjoy a form of cult status at Eagle Valley. Previous clubs include Carlton Town and Calverton MW.
Reggie Royes - wide midfield - Attacking wide man who joined the Eagles from fellow EMCL side Radcliffe Olympic.
Scored on his debut in the 5-1 opening day home victory over Aylestone Park on 10th August 2013.
Jack Reid - Midfield - Ball playing midfielder who has joined the Eagles this close season from Clifton AW having also seen playing time with Dunkirk.
Stefan Whitely - Wideman- Pacey and skillful left winger who impressed on debut on the opening day of the 2015/16 season. Joins the Eagles from Southwell City.
Anthony Bedward - Striker - Much travelled front man returns for a second spell with the Eagles. Has also seen time with Notts Co, Chesterfield, Shepshed, Grantham, South Normanton, Gedling MW, Greenwood Meadows and Heanor.
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Manager - Ray Chilton - New Eagles boss Ray is no stranger to Arnold Town having been associated with the club for many successful years at Junior and Academy levels. Already he has demonstrated a clear intention to improve the lot of Arnold Town both on and off the field.
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As at 20th Oct 2015 - Our Current "Best Guess" Team Line-Up:-
ARNOLD TOWN
1st Choice Colours - Maroon & Gold
2nd Choice Colours - Yellow & Blue
Ross Cherry
Kofi Hellewell
Tariq Nadif
Richard Edgson-Jones
Luke Smith
James Price (Captain)
Craig Meakin
Jack Reid
Ricky Gardiner
Stefan Whitley
Barry Payne
Subs:-
Stephen Cox
Alex Clarson
Ross Chilton
Anthony Bedward
Simba Ganyiwa
Currently unavailable:- Corey Nightingale
Goalkeeper Cover:- Declan Howard
Manager
Ray Chilton
1st Choice Colours - Maroon & Gold
2nd Choice Colours - Yellow & Blue
Ross Cherry
Kofi Hellewell
Tariq Nadif
Richard Edgson-Jones
Luke Smith
James Price (Captain)
Craig Meakin
Jack Reid
Ricky Gardiner
Stefan Whitley
Barry Payne
Subs:-
Stephen Cox
Alex Clarson
Ross Chilton
Anthony Bedward
Simba Ganyiwa
Currently unavailable:- Corey Nightingale
Goalkeeper Cover:- Declan Howard
Manager
Ray Chilton