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11/06/07 - NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR THE FIRST TEAM

We are delighted to announce the new Management Team for the Ivybridge Town First Team, who will play in the South West Peninsula League Premier Division next season. Martyn King has been appointed as the team's new Player Manager. He succeeds joint managers Brian Howard, who has taken up a new role as 'General Manager' after 30 years in charge of the first team, and Micky Fallon who has decided to take a break from management due to work and family commitments.

Martyn joined Ivybridge in 1998 and captained the club during a lengthy period of success that included winning the Devon League Championship, two Devon Premier Cups, two Throgmorton Cups and two Charity Shields. He has moved swiftly to capture the signature of former Plymouth Parkway Captain Karl Curtis, who joins as Player Assistant Manager; whilst Ben Smith has been promoted to First Team Coach and Martin Mitchell to Club Captain.

Commenting on his appointment Martyn said: "I am delighted to take up this position at such an important time in the Club's development and look forward to working with Karl, Ben and Martin to ensure we are a match for the best teams in the region. In addition to their support, I am very fortunate that Brian Howard will remain at the club in a senior capacity meaning I can draw on his considerable experience."

New General Manager Brian Howard said:" I am very delighted with the new management structure that has been put in place for the First Team. We are a very progressive club and I am sure that the changes that we have made will ensure that we will be very compertitive in the Premier Division of the South West Peninsula League.

I would like to wish Martyn, Karl and Ben every success in their new roles and they know that they will always have my 100% backing. These are exciting times for everyone at Erme Valley."

04/06/07 - THROGMORTON CUP DRAW 2007/08 (FIRST 2 ROUNDS)

The first 2 rounds of the 2007/8 Throgmorton Cup were made at the end of the South West Peninsula League's Inaugural AGM.

ROUND ONE (To be played on September 29th)
EAST ZONE    
Home Team
Away Team
Exmouth
v
 Teignmouth
Ottery St Mary
v
 Budleigh Salterton
Crediton United
v
 Buckland Athletic
Axminster
v
 Newton Abbot
Alphington
v
 Appledore
University of Exeter
v
 Witheridge
WEST ZONE
 
Home Team
Away Team
Porthleven
v
 Penryn Athletic
St Austell
v
 Camelford
Newquay
v
 Hayle
Foxhole Stars
v
 Wendron
Penzance
v
 Goonhavern
Mousehole
v
 Falmouth
CENTRAL ZONE
Away Team
Home Team
 
Dobwalls
v
 Vospers Oak Villa
Wadebridge
v
 Stoke Gabriel
Buckfastleigh Rangers
v
 Callington Town
Millbrook
v
 Plymstock United
Liverton United
v
 Galmpton United
Totnes & Dartington
v
 Torpoint Athletic
Okehampton Argyle
v
 Launceston

SECOND ONE (To be played on October 27th)

EAST ZONE    
Home Team
Away Team
Exmouth or Teignmouth
v
 Newton Abbot Spurs
Ottery or Budleigh
v
 Clyst Rovers
Crediton or Buckland
v
 Dartmouth
Axminster or Newton Abbot
v
 Cullompton Rangers
Alphington or Appledore
v
 Uni of Exeter or Witheridge
WEST ZONE
 
Home Team
Away Team
Porthleven or Penryn
v
 Mousehole or Falmouth
St Austell or Camelford
v
 Saltash United
Newquay or Hayle
v
 Bodmin Town
Foxhole or Wendron
v
 Liskeard Athletic
Penzance or Goohavern
v
 St Blazey
CENTRAL ZONE
Away Team
Home Team
 
Dobwalls or Vospers
v
 Plymouth Parkway
Wadebridge or Stoke
v
 Holsworthy
Buckfastleigh or Callington
v
 Okehampton or Launceston
Millbrook or Plymstock
v
 Ivybridge Town
Liverton or Galmpton
v
 Tavistock
Totnes/Dart or Torpoint
v
 Elburton Villa

18/05/07 - THE MAKE-UP OF THE PREMIER DIVISION HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED

The make-up of the South West Peninsula League has now been announced, and the following teams are in the Premier Division;

Bodmin
Buckland Athletic
Clyst Rovers
Cullompton Rangers
Dartmouth
Elburton Villa
Falmouth
Holsworthy
Ivybridge Town
Launceston
Liskeard
Newton Abbot Spurs
Plymouth Parkway
Saltash United
St Blazey
Tavistock
Torpoint
Witheridge.

18/05/07 - IVYBRIDGE SECURE PLACE IN PENINSULA LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

The Officers of Ivybridge Town Football Club are delighted to confirm that we have secured our place in the Premier Division of the newly formed South West Peninsula League, which will kick-off in August 2007.

Our place in the top division will come as a surprise to many, but we feel that it is nothing less than the Club deserves. In recent years, we have proved to be a strong force within the Devon League and across the County for that matter having won and subsequently retained the Devon Premier Cup. Off the pitch, we have also done what was asked of us by the South West Peninsula League Management Committee to improve our facilities.

We have extended the size of both our home and away dressing rooms, and in the last few weeks have removed the 'communal' shower area, providing each team with their own shower facilities. In addition to this, we have purchased all new showers throughout.

Other improvements include the installation of an additional ladies spectator toilet and a 'soon to be built' male spectator/disabled toilet area.

All of this work has been done in parallel with a £6,000 upgrade of the electricity supply which now has enough capacity to provide floodlights at Erme Valley.

These works could not have been completed without a great deal of help from many people. The Officers and Committee would like to thank the following people in particular; Wakeham Builders, PJ Kingwell & Sons Ltd, SCE Electrical Services, G Harris Plumbing & Heating, Gary Smith and Ben Smith.

This is only the beginning. We are very much aware that these improvements are long overdue and that we still lack facilities at Erme Valley. However, you have to start somewhere and our efforts in the past 12 months have demonstrated our committment and determination to improving Erme Valley for all of those people that now use it, and we've clearly shown the South West Peninsula League that we are serious about our committment to the Premier Division.

Onwards and upwards!

02/01/07 - SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE PRESS RELEASE

League announces 21 Clubs wanting Promotion & Confirms Clyst Rovers have applied for a sideways move.

The Officers of the South West Peninsula League are delighted to announce that 21 clubs have applied for Promotion to the new league, due to commence in August this year.

Clubs in the feeder leagues in both Devon & Cornwall were invited to meetings last November and given a run down on how to apply to join this exciting new league, we have been overwhelmed with the level of interest, but even that did not prepare us for the fact that 21 Clubs would formally apply to join, giving provisional withdrawal notice to their current leagues and paying the application fee of £100.

With the 29 clubs who applied for Step 6 (Premier) last Spring this now means 50 clubs in the two counties have applied for promotion in one form or other. We are very pleased that the level of interest in both counties is again similar, the idea of the new league proving equally popular either side of the Tamar.

The 21 clubs will in effect be fighting for 10 vacancies with the new league having 50 clubs, 18 in the Premier and two Division Ones of 16 in East & West. The 20 Devon League clubs, 19 South Western League Clubs, Clyst Rovers and 10 successful applicants making up a full compliment of 50.

The next stage will be for these 21 clubs to be given an initial ground inspection in the second half of January, the final decisions though will not be taken to May when any ground work must be completed and final league positions will be known.

The Football Association have allowed us to take no more than 3 clubs from any 1 feeder league so ground standards and final league placing will go hand in hand as who gets promotion is determined.

The league can also confirm that Clyst Rovers AFC have applied for a sideways move in the Pyramid from Western League One to the South West Peninsula Premier. In addition Plymouth Argyle AFC have an application with the Football Association for a Premier Division place meaning that 16 places are available in the Premier Division at present with the two current leagues able to offer their 8 highest placed clubs that meet the ground standards by May a place in the top division.

The 21 Applicant Clubs are :

Cornish Combination League
Hayle
Helston Athletic
Illogan RBL
Mousehole
Perranporth
St Day
St Just
Wendron

Devon & Exeter League
Axminster Town
Exeter Civil Service
Exmouth Town
Feniton United
Okehampton Argyle
St Martins

East Cornwall Premier League
Camelford
Dobwalls
Foxhole Stars

South Devon League
Bovey Tracey
Buckfastleigh Rangers
Galmpton United
Liverton United



14/12 - MARK BERRY HAS ACCEPTED A MOVE TO BODMIN TOWN

Ivybridge Town's prolific striker, Mark 'Razzer' Berry has confirmed today to First Team Manager, Brian Howard, that he has decided to accept a move to Bodmin Town  of the South Western League.

Ivybridge Town received a notice of approach from Bodmin last week, who were free to start negotiations with him from this morning. They wasted no time to secure the Devon League's Golden Boot Winner and offered him a financial package which Ivybridge have no way of matching. With a young family and a new house, this proved too tempting to turn down.


Despite losing one of his most valuable assets, Brian Howard remains upbeat and he himself has wasted very little time in signing a player who has the potential to replace Mark, more new on this new signing tomorrow. Howard was delighted that Mark wishes to remain as a Devon League registered for Ivybridge and was also delighted to get confirmation that Mark's brother, Stuart, will be staying with the Club.

On behalf of everyone at the Club, Howard wished to thank Mark for his service to the Club during his
time with us, wished him all the very best of luck at Bodmin Town and made it very clear that he will always be welcome at Ivybridge.

Mark Berry is the second player to leave Erme Valley in less than a week and becomes the fifth player from last year's Double winning season to move on to pastures new. As would be the case at any club, at any stage in the football pyramid, this has made life difficult for the First Team Management duo, Howard & Fallon. It has also sparked speculation amongst rival clubs that there is a 'crisis' at Erme Valley. "This is certainly not the case" said Howard, "even with the quality players that we have lost, we are very fortunate to have an excellent squad of top quality players, and one which will push for honours again this season". Howard is determined to get their season back on course and will be announcing at least one new signing in the next 48 hours that will strengthen the squad even further.

26/11 - SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE LOGO UNVEILED

The logo for the South West Peninsula League has now been unveiled, following the League Working Party's decision to pick a winning design.

For the past few months, a competition has been running, inviting people to send in their logo design for the new League. The interest in the competition was very strong and a number of entries were submitted, ranging from attempts from young Children through to submissions from Professional graphic design companies.

This logo symbolizes the hopes that the creation of the new League will build bridges between the Counties of Devon and Cornwall and join them to become one force providing a high standard of football.

26/11 - DEVON PREMIER CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

The draw for the Quarter-Final draw of the Devon Premier Cup was made this morning Live on the BBC Radio Devon's Breakfast Show. All of these games will be played on Saturday 13th January 2007;

Bovey Tracey or Plymouth Parkway v Heavitree United or Teignmouth
Ivybridge Town or Tavistock AFC v Newton Abbot or Buckland Athletic
Dartmouth v Totnes & Dartington or Alphington
Upton Athletic or Ottery St Mary v Holsworthy.

05/10 - WIDDICOMBE JOINS DARTMOUTH AFC

Ivybridge Town First Team player, Andy Widdicombe, has decided to part company with the Club to link up with former Totnes & Dartington team-mates, John Rimmer and Chris Hooper who both now play for Dartmouth AFC.

After a very bright pre-season, Widdicombe has not been in the starting line-up on a regular basis due to a niggling hamstring injury and has only returned to full fitness in recent days.

The Ivybridge Town  Committee are currently in discussion over this transfer and will shortly be making a decision of whether to report Dartmouth AFC to Devon County Football Association for an illegal approach. It became very obvious from a number of phone calls this week from Dartmouth Officers that the 'deal had been done', yet there had been no sign of a 7-days notice of approach from the Club as per FA rules.


26/09 - SMALLY GETS A TRIAL WITH MK DONS

Ivybridge Town First Team player, Ben Smallridge, has caught the eye of a South West scout for the Coca-Cola League Division Two side, MK Dons. The scout has been watching Ben Smallridge for a couple of weeks and has now approached him to offer him the opportunity to travel to Milton Keynes for a 4-day trial.

Ben Smallridge is one of three Ivybridge players that have been given the opportunity to trial for Football League Clubs. Mark Berry had a trial with Torquay United at the end of last season and Ross Coombes has recently returned from a trial with Ipswich Town.

We wish Ben the very best of luck.


17/09 - SECRETARY'S GOOD NAME CLEARED.

On March 4th 2006, a Club Official of Teignmouth FC accussed Paul Cocks, Club Secretary of Ivybridge Town, of making racist comments towards Ivan Daniels (Player of Teignmouth) during the Devon league game between the two sides at Coombe Valley. This is something which Paul has vehemently denied from the outset and after 6 months he has finally, and officially, had his good name cleared by the Devon County Football Association and the Devon County League Management Committee. No evidence was produced by Teignmouth AFC or by the Club Official involved to support their allegation, yet 12 witness statements were provided by Paul and Ivybridge Town Football Club which confirmed that no such comments were made.

The outcome of this investigation is that Teignmouth AFC have been found guilty of contraveening FA rule E17, which refers to the 'vexatious and frivolous reporting of misconduct'. The Club was fined £400 by Devon County Football Association and the Club Officer involved has been banned from holding any official role at a football club for an extended period of time. Teignmouth AFC offered no defence to this and accepted all charges. In addition to this, the new Club Secretary of Teignmouth AFC has issued a formal apology to Paul on behalf of the Club.

The Devon League Management Committee have now also dealt with the incident and have issued the following statement;

"Teignmouth AFC and their then Secretary Mr Vincent Breslan have been found proven of this charge after providing no evidence to back up their allegations against Ivybridge Town AFC and their Secretary Mr Paul Cocks. The League Committee wish to make it crystal clear that despite a lengthy investigation by them and the Devon County FA NO evidence was found to support the allegations made, the Teignmouth club were then charged with the above offence and offered no defence.

The League wish to place on record that Mr Cocks and his Club have been falsely accused and apologise to them for the obvious distress and hurt that the false allegations must have caused. Teignmouth AFC have written to apologise unreservedly for the false accusation."

Both Paul and Ivybridge Town Football Club are glad that justice prevailed and they are pleased to be able to draw closure on this incident.

07/09 - DEVON PREMIER CUP DRAW LIVE ON RADIO DEVON
The details of the draw for the 3rd round, and beyond, of the Graddon Vending Devon Premier Cup have now been announced by Devon FA. Devon FA have joined forces with BBC Radio Devon to give this years draw a different vibe. It will be made live on the Radio Devon Breakfast show at approx 8:15am on the morning of Monday 2nd October. The clubs will be picked out of the hat by the Cup's Sponsor, Dave Graddon, along with officials from Devon FA.

The full details of the first two rounds of the draw can be downloaded here.

23/08 - FIRST TEAM LOOK AHEAD TO NEWTON ABBOT GAME
After Saturday's dissapointing 2-2 draw against Budleigh Salterton, in which Ivybridge let a 2 goal advantage slip away, the focus turns to Wednesday's game against Newton Abbot. This game will be held at Erme Valley on 23rd August with a 6:30pm KO. Last season the two sides met three times, twice in the Devon League and once in the Devon Premier Cup. Ivybridge came away with the upper hand as Howard's team were unbeaten on all three occasions. The first game was on the opening day of the season, 13th August 2005, and ended in a 3-1 win for the Bridgers courtesy of a brace from Mark Berry and one from James Lynch. The sides then met in the quarter-final of the Devon Premier Cup where Ivybridge came away 2-1 winners thanks to another two goals from Mark Berry. The final encounter of the season was at Erme Valley on 28th Jan and ended in a 1-1 draw with Mark Pepperell getting the goal for Ivybridge.

These games were highly contested affairs both on and off the pitch. On the pitch you got what was to be expected with some of the Devon League's finest on display. The games were played at a high tempo and saw two good sides play at a high standard....and plenty of strong challenges too!. Off the pitch, the last encounter between the two sides was rather more ugly as the red mist came down on Tony Bowker, the Newton Abbot Manager, again. Let's hope the Newton Abbot dugout can keep their composure this time around.

Howard and Fallon should be in a position to field a strong squad for the game despite the recent loss of Lance Bailey and will hopefully be boosted by the return of Mark 'Razzer' Berry to the starting line-up after his was given the all clear.

20/08 - INJURY STRIKES AGAIN FOR BRIDGERS AS BAILEY BREAKS HIS ANKLE
After Saturday's dissapointing result against Budleigh Salterton, the Ivybridge Management were dealt a further blow as they received confirmation that Lance Bailey had indeed broken his ankle following a challenge during the game. Bailey's trip to Derriford confirmed his worst fears and means that he will out of action for a number of weeks. This is a massive blow to Howard & Fallon who both rate the influential midfielder. Howard gave his intial thoughts...". this is a huge blow for both Lance and for the team and could not have come at a worse time. He (Lance) has looked tremendous during pre-season and we were confident that this was going to be his best season yet at the Club. All that we can hope for is that the bone heals quickly and that Lance has a speedy recovery which will allow him to play some part in this season's campaign. Lance is an big character and will still play a massive part for us this season, even if it is just in the dressing room for the time being...although the lads will have to watch their stuff!".

Everyone at the Club wishes Lance the very best. Get well soon.

19/08 - RAZZER GIVEN THE ALL CLEAR BY SAUNDERS
Mark Berry showed us exactly what we have been missing on Wednesday night when he came on as a substitiute to score the winning goal before limping off with what people feared to be a recurrence of his metatarsal injury. Thankfully, Mark sought medical advise from highly rate physio, Tim Saunders, and has been given the all clear. Mark was delighted at the news, "Just had my appointment with Tim and its good news! The bone has knitted back together and is making good progress. I have to wear a mould in my boot for the rest of the season, and strap up my foot before every game. I have a scan next friday to confirm".

Fingers crossed we should see Razzer back in the starting line-up very soon.

26/07 - CONFIRMATION THAT LISKEARD FRIENDLY HAS BEEN CANCELLED
We have received confirmation today from Dave Leonard, Manager of Liskeard AFC, that the friendly between Ivybridge Town and the South Western League outfit has been cancelled. Liskeard announced that their pitch was no longer available. Despite the intial disappointment, Brian Howard welcomed the news that would allow his squad a few days rest between the last friendly against Bodmin Town on 1st August and the Devon League Charity Shield against Plymstock United on Sunday 6th August.

11/07 - RAZZER BREAKS HIS FIFTH METATARSAL IN TRAINING
Ivybridge frontman, Mark 'Razzer' Berry has broken the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot. The injury was sustained during last night's pre-season training session and at first was hoped to be just a knock. A hospital visit in the early hours of the morning confirmed Mark's fears and will rule his out for at least the next 5-6 weeks. Mark will therefore miss Ivybridges' pre-season schedule and maybe even the first few games of the season.

On hearing the news, Brian Howard said "who do you think you are, Wayne Rooney?" Howard then offered his sympathy.

We wish Razzer a speedy recovery and hope to see him banging in the goals again in the near future.

09/07 - OWEN WILLS (12:30PM - 09.07.06 - 6lb14oz)
Congratulations to 1st team player Darren and Jane on the birth of their son Owen. Owen arrived 3 weeks early and weighed in at 6lb14oz. Everyone at the Club sends the Wills family their best wishes.

06/07 - FIRST TEAM CRICKET MATCH HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Ivybridge Cricket Club have taken the decision to cancel the friendly game against the Ivybridge Town First team on Friday 7th July due to the poor condition of the square. Theie groundstaff are currently working on the square and it is hoped that this game will be rescheduled in due course.

04/07 - AXWORTHYS' DEVON LEAGUE STATEMENT - COUNTY REFEREES OFFICER

"The Officers of the Devon League have agreed to a request from Devon County Football Association regarding the position of County Referees Officer.

Over the past few years the post has been held by a volunteer who has received expenses and an honorarium for his work and this has been paid jointly by the Devon FA and the Devon League.

However the role has become increasingly complex and time consuming and the number of responsibilities that the appointment officer now has to both County FA and FA bodies as well as Clubs and Referees themselves makes the task ever more difficult.

Therefore the County FA have proposed that their full time employee, Graham Gordon, will take over a new position at Devon FA, that being "Office Manager" with specific responsibilities to Referee Appointments and County FA Cups.

The Devon League have known Graham for sometime and are aware of his work previously as the disciplnary secretary. We are quite sure that he will adapt to the new role with efficiency and helpfullness.

Mr Gordon will continue to be employed by Devon County FA Ltd, but the Devon League will be making a significant finanacial contribution to the role.

Clubs and Match Officials will receive notification of this change and the new contact methods etc in due course, in the meantime we trust all will help Graham settle into the role."

Philip Hiscox
Devon League Secretary

26/05 - SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE PRESS RELEASE
The South West Peninsula League Working Party are pleased to make the following TWO announcements

New Appointment Fills the 6th and Final Vacancy on the Working Group
Following the publication of the Proposal Document for the League Merger in March the new “League Working Group” have been formed and their remit is to take the proposal and DELIVER it ready for its start in August 2007.

The Group will be chaired by Bob Bell, Chairman of the South Western League and will also contain Mark Hayman (Vice Chair of the Devon Lge), Mike Wilson (Treasurer of the South Western Lge) Phil Hiscox (Secretary of the Devon Lge) and Phil Lowe (Devon FA member from Tavistock).

The 6th and final appointment has been made this week with Keith Mann joining the ranks, Keith from Exeter has just retired from a long career as a Referee, his farewell gift for his years of service being the line on the Les Phillips Cup Final at Frome earlier this month. Keith has been the Secretary of the Juventus Youth League in Exeter and is employed as personal manager for the Royal Mail in Exeter, his brief to the Working Group will give him special responsibility for liaison with all bodies concerned with Refereeing matters as we ensure that the “3rd team” on a Saturday afternoon are considered in addition to the clubs.

Soho Square Confirms New League
The Football Association in London have this week confirmed that the Proposal to form the South West Peninsula League has been accepted. The National Leagues Department also confirmed that the new Premier Division will be placed at Step 6 of the Pyramid, in effect the same as the current Western League First Division, with the Winners or Runners Up being able to be promoted directly to the Western League Premier. The Division One’s, East & West, will be at Step 7, which is where the Devon & South Western Leagues currently operate at.

Mike Appleby the Football Associations Leagues manager went on to heap praise on the proposal by saying “The Committee wished to record their appreciation of the work undertaken in the South West to enable this new competition and we wish to commend the content and professionalism of the proposal document.”