Alan Hansen famously stated that “you can’t win anything with kids” but the Old Stoics Football team is trying to disprove that. A raft of youngsters has injected real energy into the team with George Markham (Chatham 16), Inigo Lendrum (Temple 16), Freddie Pope (Chatham 16), James Hill (Chatham 14), Tom Buxton (Chatham 16) and Oliver Constantine (Grafton 14) all impressing on and off the pitch.
At the time of writing, the Old Stoics are fourth in the table with promotion looking unlikely this season, despite some really impressive results. Our form throughout January has been really encouraging with back to back home wins against Lancing Old Boys (2-1) and Old King’s Scholars (5-3). George Jackman (Cobham 14) continues to lead the line enthusiastically and is scoring goals for fun. Tom Carr (Grenville 16) and James Scott (Chandos 15) have established themselves as a first-choice central defensive partnership with Hugo Kinahan (Grafton 14) and Harry Dixon-Smith (Chatham 14) regularly controlling the midfield. Tom Young (Grafton 15) has also improved immeasurably since his debut in 2019 and his left foot set-piece deliveries have created chances all season.
Old Stoic ‘veterans’ Mark Thompson-Royds (Chatham 07), Hamish Eggins (Temple 09), Rupert Rowling (Cobham 05), Harry Wolrige Gordon (Chatham 08), Tom Benyon (Walpole 10), Harry Benyon (Grafton 08), skipper Alex Jollivet (Grenville 08), Tolly Leech (Temple 10) and Jamie Hirst (Chatham 08) continue to be heavily involved on and off the pitch, meaning we now have a squad that spreads across 14 different year groups.
New players of any ability are always very welcome to get in touch with myself on 07824 363 417 and we look forward to the game at Stowe vs the 1st XI on Sunday 20 March.
Tolly Leech (Temple 10)