HASTINGS HALF MARATHON Although not taking place until 20 March, application forms for the 2011 half marathon are now available (from Wisdens sports and other outlets). Traditionally, a lot of club members have taken part in this event.  If you are entering  next year's run, please  make sure that you put "Icklesham Casuals F.C." on the application form under the team name.  We won the Sports Team award this year for the first time and would like to defend the title; there is no additional charge for team entry and no limit to the number of runners who can enter under the team banner - it is the aggregate time of the first four runners home that counts.  Many thanks, Keith

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Manchester City announced today that they had bid £5 million for Icklesham Casuals utility player David Mayne. Mayne who has played anywhere in the defence even when he had a set position can also play in midfield although obviously you have to be desperate. Mayne is 46 and is viewed by City as not having yet reached his peak. City saw Mayne play 12 minutes for Icklesham Veterans last year before going off because of “fatigue” and that was apparently enough to convince City to stump up the cash. The Casuals are expected to reject the bid with a spokesman saying “David remains a vital member of our squad in our bid for future glory particularly in the Hastings F.A. Veterans and Lower Divisions Cups. And anyway who would produce our handbooks……?”

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In response, David Mayne told the Sun newspaper "I can confirm the interest from Manchester City, although the figure of £5 million mentioned is much lower than the actual amount offered. Whilst very flattering, the only side I could ever contemplate leaving Icklesham Casuals for would be Tottenham Hotspur. In these times when football is sadly dominated by money, it is good to know that there is still some loyalty around and I do not want to be seen as a football mercenary. Besides I still harbour ambitions of winning the Premier League title with Icklesham."

SEASON 2010-11 HANDBOOK  The new season handbook (even bigger than last year) will be ready shortly (in change kit colours this time!) containing results, statistics and photos from last season, appearance records and many other details. This will hopefully be available at the Icklesham Fete and at at pre-season training and other club events but if anyone would like a free copy they can send their name and address to the club e-mail address ickleshamcasualsfc@hotmail.com and we will be pleased to forward one to you.

MINUTES OF ICKLESHAM CASUALS AGM HELD AT FAIRLIGHT LODGE HOTEL  18.06.10 Present:  Bob Baker; Keith Swallow; Chris Baker; Michael Beaumont; John Ensell; Martin Tytherleigh; George Potter; David Mayne; Eric Hollingsworth; Phil Badrock; Michael Hambridge; Stuart Pearson Apologies:  Nigel Sellman; George McEwan; Stuart Baker 1          Minutes of previous AGM Minutes of previous AGM were read and agreed.  There were no matters arising.  Noted that first item (i) under Any Other Business should read: George Potter extended his congratulations to the 1st XI for their achievement in winning the ESFL sportsmanship award. 2          Secretary’s report Attached report refers.  No arising issues. 3          Treasurer’s Report The Chairman reported that he had managed to speak to Treasurer Joe Beardsley, who has been unable to receive e-mails for the last few months.  He has not been able to finalise the accounts for 2009/10, but is keen to continue as Treasurer. In Joe’s absence, Keith Swallow reported he had examined available financial records and produced a set of outline draft accounts.  These suggest a very small deficit over the season, although this had not taken account of income received from the League in respect of Sportmanship performance (the 1st XI received £150 for winning the overall award and the 2nd XI £75 for finishing in third place).  There were some “unusual” items from 2009/10: the first was the expense of supplying and fixing new goalposts (at a cost of over £400) after the old set had been vandalised. This is – hopefully – a one-off expense. The quiz night organised by Stuart Baker had resulted in nearly £300 for Club funds and whilst it is hoped that this will become a regular event, we cannot count on this income source.  Finally, the rental for use of the pavilion is rising significantly (although this is now on a calendar year basis, the effects will be felt from 2010/11). After debate it was concluded that match fees should remain unchanged for 2010/11, although this may be reviewed by the incoming committee after the season has started. 4          Election of officers The following were nominated to serve for season 2010/11: Chairman:                     Bob Baker Secretary:                     Keith Swallow Fixture Secretary:          Keith Swallow Treasurer:                      Joe Beardsley 1st team manager:          Martin Tytherleigh (assisted by Michael Beaumont) 2nd team manager:         Michael Hambridge (assisted by Keith Swallow) Veterans’ manager:        Stuart Adams ICT rep:             Bob Baker All were unanimously accepted.  Both Keith Swallow and Michael Hambridge indicated their intention not to seek re-election at the end of the season 5          Playing arrangements 2010/11 Further to more weather-related postponements last season, the League has placed further restrictions upon the number of cup competitions which Clubs may enter. Accordingly, the 1st XI will only partake in the  Sussex FA Junior; Hastings FA Junior; and ESFL League Cups.  The 2nd XI will enter  the H&D Lower Divisions Cup; the Robertsbridge Junior Charity and League Cup (Div 3-4) competitions.  The above means that the 1st XI will – regrettably - not be entering the AFA Cup (although this will result in a financial saving of over £100).  Keith Swallow advised that he had contacted the AFA explaining the situation; also that the AFA were understanding of our position and have offered to accept our registration and affiliation for at least a further season at no cost.  This initiative was welcomed by the meeting.    The Veterans Team will again enter the H&DFA Veterans competition.  6                      Any other business (i)             George Potter raised the issue of selection and whether there is a need to reinstate a selection Committee. Agreed that some of the selection problems from 2009/10 had been exaggerated; and that the issue would be left to the incoming committee (ii)            John Ensell suggested that the 1st XI needed a new kit.  Martin Tytherleigh voiced the opinion that this was unnecessary although all agreed that new socks are required for both 1st and 2nd teams. Action: KS to obtain quote for new kit;  Shane Cuddington to be approached to ascertain if his company would be prepared to sponsor a kit (iii)           Bob Baker raised the concern that not enough younger members are representing the Club either in the 1st XI or on the Committee.  Agreed that each manager should be tasked with inviting two representatives to each Committee meeting (iv)          The Club currently has 7 trained first aiders (Martin Tytherleigh, Michael Beaumont; David Mayne; Keith Swallow; Michael Hambridge; Joe Beardsley; Bob Baker).  Phil Badrock expressed a wish to undertake training; Stuart Pearson advised that he is also qualified (v)           Training: Michael Beaumont agreed to supervise training.  July 13/14 (Tues /Wed) agreed as date for first session (vi)          Lydd Town have requested a friendly fixture.  Agreed that we should pursue this (at Lydd, in August) (vii)         Bob Baker reminded the meeting that the Icklesham Fete is being held on 10 July.  Help needed on the day The meeting closed at 7:20 pm

EAST SUSSEX FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESENTATION EVENING Little Common F.C. - Monday 24th May Icklesham Casuals were well represented at the East Sussex Football League Presentation Evening.  Firstly, two Football Association 50 Year Service Awards were presented - one to Club President George Potter and the other to former player Jack Brown. George played 838 games for the club, more than any other player to date, between 1956 and 1997 without receiving a caution and Jack made 627 appearances between 1943 and 1979 scoring 127 goals before becoming a referee. Both were members of the Sussex Junior Cup winning team in the 1963-64 season, with George captaining the side. George and Jack received a 50 Year Service medal and badge from the Football Association, a badge from the Sussex County Football Association as well as a congratulatory letter from the F.A. Not only are these awards a great honour for George and Jack, they are also a great honour for the club. George also accepted a cheque for £75 on behalf of the 2nd team - £25 for finishing in third place for the overall sportsmanship prize and a further £50 for winning the divisional award. Martin Tytherleigh (very smartly dressed - please note Bill and Bob!) then accepted the Sportmanship Trophy on behalf of the 1st team together with a cheque for £150 being the £100 main prize and £50 divisional award.