Past Players
I thought it would be a good idea at this point in our history, to try and find out about some of the players that have represented the club since we started in 2001.
My memory isn't great these days so I wont remember everyone but whoever I miss, let me know and I'll add their name and some details as and when I get them. [ Dates also please! ]
It will continue as a 'work in progress' as I find more details...I'm also hoping some of the following will add their own words soon...
************************************************************
James Banks: [ 2001 - ? ] Possibly not actually played his last game yet! A knee injury meant he had to stop playing out on the pitch, he was actually one of our best forwards in 2001.
Lloyd Waters [ 2001 - 2006? ] - Lloydie was Assistant Manager and Treasurer right from the old Tesco days, although the closest he got to getting on the pitch was a couple of games where he was kitted up but didn't get on! Always a major part of the clubs progress in the early days, he dropped out after the start of the 2006/7 season sadly. Now just married to Debbie and living back in Blandford.
Sean House [ 2006-2008 ]: Sean may also be back one day, he is now sorting his driving and Uni out. Used to cycle to matches and training!
Simon Park [ 2006/7 ] - Parky played the first season in the BVFL and the first game of the second season, before leaving to sign for Damory Oak, where is still playing.
Ben Ellis [ 2006-2008 ] - Ben was a hard working defender and a top bloke, never quite managed a full run in the side but gave everything. Now concentrating on his Tesco career...From Ben: "Working at Dorchester Tesco at the mo, stock control manager, not playing any weekend football due to work commitments :( but do play 5 a side on Wednesday night down at Kinson for a team called Riot FC.
Ummm highlight of playing for the town would me playing in the cup final a few years ago even if we lost"
Matt Burt [ 2001-2008 ] - I think Matty was around from about the first season? Either a full back or right midfielder, always put in a steady shift and it was only when family matters took over last year that he had to drop out of the squad.
Mike Gerrard [ 2006/6? ] - A tall gangly striker that had many a good game for us and scored some cracking goals, also the winner of a Plays Like A Girl award for an open goal miss! A bad knee injury meant he had to stop playing sadly and as far as I'm aware, has move away from the area now?
Lee Baker [ 2006 ] - A very talented striker / midfielder that joined us for one season, he possibly never quite showed his true potential while he was with us due to injuries. Not really playing footy any longer, more interested in golf! But may play occasionally for Bournemouth Electric FC.
Adrian Cooke [ 2006/7 ] - A true elder statesman of the team, Adie was 41 when he joined and always gave everything at full back when he played. He is still playing in the Dorset Vets League for Verwood.
Kris Legg [ 2006/7 ] - Had one season in goal for us but suffered with a lack of confidence, which was a shame as he was a good keeper really! Now playing for Ferndown Loco in the Bournemouth League.
Luke Boulton [ 2006/7 ] - The tallest player we have had?? Centre back or left back, a good player for us during his time. Don't think he is playing at all now, often seen at the Milldown walking his dog instead!
Rob Smith [ early days? - 2007 ] - Rob joined us as a youngster and was immediately subject to banter from other players about his mum! Played pretty much everywhere for us and always did a good job when he concentrated! Scored from inside his own half down at Hurn but didn't mean to... Dropped out at the end of 2006/7 season and now plays for Stourpaine on Saturday's. From Rob: "Ill let u decide what u want to write, but u can include im currently playing for stourpaine 2nds and am captain for them, highlight was scoring from half way line against poole wanderers down chapel gate 4 seasons ago"
Paul Stevens [ 200? - 2008 ] - A true stalwart from the pre-HMR days, Paul is one of the most whole hearted players we have ever had. Played well in defence, midfield and attack, won Players Player in 2008 and was Manager for one season in 2007. Dropped out now but may return one day??
Justin Grearson [ ? - 2008 ] - One of the best keepers seen at this level, always gave the defence confidence with his prescence. Has been a bit on and off in recent seasons due to an elbow injury, another player we may well see again one day....
Glen Barnett [ 2001 - ? ] - One of the original Tesco crew that made up most of the early squad, Glen was a flying winger who gave defences a hard time with his all action displays. Won a Players Player award in the first season? Dropped out after a couple of seasons, I don't think he plays anywhere now aside from the odd 5-a-side for Zorin.
Jeremy Pond [ 2001 - 2006? ] - Jez was a left back who came over from Wareham Wanderers and always gave everything to the cause. Was part of the League Trophy winning squad. Now settled in Torquay, with wife Stacey, son Oliver, dog Barley and his own business. Remains our President.
Ryan Ashley [ ? - 2006? ] - Ryan was always a top class player for us, either at the back or in midfield. It was a big loss when he moved to Brighton to train as a teacher. Still playing down there for West Chiltington FC [ see links page ], we are due to host them in 2009 for a friendly.
Jamie Knight [ 2001 - ? ] - Knighter was again one of our main players for many seasons. A skillful striker, he scored a bucketful each season but was also equally adept in defence and midfield. Now playing Saturdays for Okeford and Tuesdays for Zorin.
Andy Young [ 2001 - ? ] - A great hard tackling defender and another Players Player winner from early doors. A major part of our Cup win as well. Unsure whether he is currently playing?
Andy Long [ ? - 2006? ] - Andy was one of the toughest tackling, hardest working players we've ever had. Came over from Wareham Wanderers where he had been just as successful. A big loss when we dropped out, last heard of living in the Salisbury area.
Dan Harris [ 2005-2007? ] - Dan came along and didn't look anything like a striker, until his first friendly when he smashed one home from 25 yards! Went on to become one of our main strikers for a season or so, before has relocated to New Zealand, where as far as I'm aware, is still scoring lots of goals. From Dan: " playing for Fencibles AFC in Auckland recently just braking into the first team, finished top scorer for the reserves premier league, im a site manager for a construction company Arrow International. Highlight for HMR would have to be the whole 2003 season first step up to senior football and scoring a few goals." Website: http://www.fencibles.org.nz/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=0&Itemid=79
Steve Pike [ 2001 - 2005? ] - 'Tank' was another Tesco player, a hard tackling central midfielder and sometime centre back. Always put a good shift in. Went to Bryanston to play but now resides in Salisbury with missus and clan and plays Saturdays.
Steve Humphries [ early ? - 2004?? ]- Humpy always gave everything to the team, on and off the pitch. Didn't always get a game but did win a Clubman award for his committment. Top bloke as well. Now plys his trade for Kingston on Saturdays.
Steve Cuff [ ? - 2007 ] - Cuffy was one of those players that annoyed the opposition by tackling like a rabid dog, always snapping at their heels and putting in the odd crunching tackle that made you wince! Sadly was never able to quite get his full fitness back so didnt get as many games as he hoped but always fun to watch!
Luke Beckerley [ 2006/7 ] - Luke had dropped out of footy for a while but happily gave us a great season in the BVFL, a very skillful player in midfield, scored some great goals too. Sadly left to concentrate on Saturday football for Stourpaine.
Sam Fife [ 2006/7 ] - Another one season servant, Sam was a great addition to the midfield, a strong tackler and runner and scored some top goals too. Should be playing a higher level to be honest. Now plays for Bryanston on Sundays and Okeford on Saturdays?
Chris House [ 200? - 2006 ] - Chris always played best when he had long hair! A flying winger, fast paced and with an eye for goal, sadly contracted glandular fever which basically has stopped him from playing for the last two years and more.
Phil Giles [ 2007/8 ] - Phil joined us in pre-season that year and showed he did have talent, one Cup game in particular when he scored one and set one up. However, previous injuries caught up with him at times and was never able to show everyone what he could do. From Phil: " im with handley sports in dorset div 2 saturdays this season with a view of moving higher next season.
2007/2008
um....highlight of blandford??? I didnt play many unfortunatly cos of injury! I enjoyed the time i spent with blandford & prob highlight would be playing at dean court at end of season, i didnt really get going & never got to show my true potential during the season but hopefully an injury free season & somemore football & i may return to add something to blandford one day?"
Mark Cope [ ? 2001? - ? ] - Copey was a Tesco manager who played for us for a while as well, a decent full back and defender and a top bloke to boot. From Mark: " im now working for a company called bathstore and have 2 boys thomas and jacob aged 2 and 5 i now have signed for piddletrenthide united in div 1 and play 5 aside on a sunday night still live in dorchester and married to mel. oh and one of my favourite memories is playnig at turlin moor and one of the full backs said something to one of the local nutters and they were comeing on to the pitch to try and smack him and also seeing the state of banksie and jamie knight after a night on the beer"
Jon Sellars [ 2005?? ] - Jon came to us after moving down here with the army. Always a top bloke but was never able to really force his way into the team and left to try his luck elsewhere. Now playing for Donhead United in the BVFL Div 2.
Anthony Baines [ 2001 - ? ] - Bainesy was one of the best players we had on his day, either as a flying winger/wing back, up front or just about anywhere. Went on to play a decent level around the Dorset Premier League and still continues to show his skills in Saturday football. From Anthony: "Am playing for Stourpaine on a Saturday and no body on a Sunday!! Too tiring now!! Highlight is probably making it on time for kick off!!"
Martin Andrew [ 2005?? ] - Martin had played for many seasons at Wareham Wanderers with a few of our squad and it was great to be able to sign him for one season. He was able to play just about anywhere, which was a great help and his sense of humour was always entertaining for us! From Martin: "As for your 'Where are they now?'.....well, I still play football when I'm down in Poole. I play for Upton Working Mens Club in Dorset Div 2 and this year I've been nominated captain, more for my age than my ability, obviously !!
Main memory from playing with you guys is always the same thing, Paul and his ridiculous challenges that more often than not, gave away penalties and got him booked!! Got to say though, always enjoyed playing with him and all the boys....
Good luck with your season....
Martin"
My memory isn't great these days so I wont remember everyone but whoever I miss, let me know and I'll add their name and some details as and when I get them. [ Dates also please! ]
It will continue as a 'work in progress' as I find more details...I'm also hoping some of the following will add their own words soon...
************************************************************
James Banks: [ 2001 - ? ] Possibly not actually played his last game yet! A knee injury meant he had to stop playing out on the pitch, he was actually one of our best forwards in 2001.
Lloyd Waters [ 2001 - 2006? ] - Lloydie was Assistant Manager and Treasurer right from the old Tesco days, although the closest he got to getting on the pitch was a couple of games where he was kitted up but didn't get on! Always a major part of the clubs progress in the early days, he dropped out after the start of the 2006/7 season sadly. Now just married to Debbie and living back in Blandford.
Sean House [ 2006-2008 ]: Sean may also be back one day, he is now sorting his driving and Uni out. Used to cycle to matches and training!
Simon Park [ 2006/7 ] - Parky played the first season in the BVFL and the first game of the second season, before leaving to sign for Damory Oak, where is still playing.
Ben Ellis [ 2006-2008 ] - Ben was a hard working defender and a top bloke, never quite managed a full run in the side but gave everything. Now concentrating on his Tesco career...From Ben: "Working at Dorchester Tesco at the mo, stock control manager, not playing any weekend football due to work commitments :( but do play 5 a side on Wednesday night down at Kinson for a team called Riot FC.
Ummm highlight of playing for the town would me playing in the cup final a few years ago even if we lost"
Matt Burt [ 2001-2008 ] - I think Matty was around from about the first season? Either a full back or right midfielder, always put in a steady shift and it was only when family matters took over last year that he had to drop out of the squad.
Mike Gerrard [ 2006/6? ] - A tall gangly striker that had many a good game for us and scored some cracking goals, also the winner of a Plays Like A Girl award for an open goal miss! A bad knee injury meant he had to stop playing sadly and as far as I'm aware, has move away from the area now?
Lee Baker [ 2006 ] - A very talented striker / midfielder that joined us for one season, he possibly never quite showed his true potential while he was with us due to injuries. Not really playing footy any longer, more interested in golf! But may play occasionally for Bournemouth Electric FC.
Adrian Cooke [ 2006/7 ] - A true elder statesman of the team, Adie was 41 when he joined and always gave everything at full back when he played. He is still playing in the Dorset Vets League for Verwood.
Kris Legg [ 2006/7 ] - Had one season in goal for us but suffered with a lack of confidence, which was a shame as he was a good keeper really! Now playing for Ferndown Loco in the Bournemouth League.
Luke Boulton [ 2006/7 ] - The tallest player we have had?? Centre back or left back, a good player for us during his time. Don't think he is playing at all now, often seen at the Milldown walking his dog instead!
Rob Smith [ early days? - 2007 ] - Rob joined us as a youngster and was immediately subject to banter from other players about his mum! Played pretty much everywhere for us and always did a good job when he concentrated! Scored from inside his own half down at Hurn but didn't mean to... Dropped out at the end of 2006/7 season and now plays for Stourpaine on Saturday's. From Rob: "Ill let u decide what u want to write, but u can include im currently playing for stourpaine 2nds and am captain for them, highlight was scoring from half way line against poole wanderers down chapel gate 4 seasons ago"
Paul Stevens [ 200? - 2008 ] - A true stalwart from the pre-HMR days, Paul is one of the most whole hearted players we have ever had. Played well in defence, midfield and attack, won Players Player in 2008 and was Manager for one season in 2007. Dropped out now but may return one day??
Justin Grearson [ ? - 2008 ] - One of the best keepers seen at this level, always gave the defence confidence with his prescence. Has been a bit on and off in recent seasons due to an elbow injury, another player we may well see again one day....
Glen Barnett [ 2001 - ? ] - One of the original Tesco crew that made up most of the early squad, Glen was a flying winger who gave defences a hard time with his all action displays. Won a Players Player award in the first season? Dropped out after a couple of seasons, I don't think he plays anywhere now aside from the odd 5-a-side for Zorin.
Jeremy Pond [ 2001 - 2006? ] - Jez was a left back who came over from Wareham Wanderers and always gave everything to the cause. Was part of the League Trophy winning squad. Now settled in Torquay, with wife Stacey, son Oliver, dog Barley and his own business. Remains our President.
Ryan Ashley [ ? - 2006? ] - Ryan was always a top class player for us, either at the back or in midfield. It was a big loss when he moved to Brighton to train as a teacher. Still playing down there for West Chiltington FC [ see links page ], we are due to host them in 2009 for a friendly.
Jamie Knight [ 2001 - ? ] - Knighter was again one of our main players for many seasons. A skillful striker, he scored a bucketful each season but was also equally adept in defence and midfield. Now playing Saturdays for Okeford and Tuesdays for Zorin.
Andy Young [ 2001 - ? ] - A great hard tackling defender and another Players Player winner from early doors. A major part of our Cup win as well. Unsure whether he is currently playing?
Andy Long [ ? - 2006? ] - Andy was one of the toughest tackling, hardest working players we've ever had. Came over from Wareham Wanderers where he had been just as successful. A big loss when we dropped out, last heard of living in the Salisbury area.
Dan Harris [ 2005-2007? ] - Dan came along and didn't look anything like a striker, until his first friendly when he smashed one home from 25 yards! Went on to become one of our main strikers for a season or so, before has relocated to New Zealand, where as far as I'm aware, is still scoring lots of goals. From Dan: " playing for Fencibles AFC in Auckland recently just braking into the first team, finished top scorer for the reserves premier league, im a site manager for a construction company Arrow International. Highlight for HMR would have to be the whole 2003 season first step up to senior football and scoring a few goals." Website: http://www.fencibles.org.nz/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=0&Itemid=79
Steve Pike [ 2001 - 2005? ] - 'Tank' was another Tesco player, a hard tackling central midfielder and sometime centre back. Always put a good shift in. Went to Bryanston to play but now resides in Salisbury with missus and clan and plays Saturdays.
Steve Humphries [ early ? - 2004?? ]- Humpy always gave everything to the team, on and off the pitch. Didn't always get a game but did win a Clubman award for his committment. Top bloke as well. Now plys his trade for Kingston on Saturdays.
Steve Cuff [ ? - 2007 ] - Cuffy was one of those players that annoyed the opposition by tackling like a rabid dog, always snapping at their heels and putting in the odd crunching tackle that made you wince! Sadly was never able to quite get his full fitness back so didnt get as many games as he hoped but always fun to watch!
Luke Beckerley [ 2006/7 ] - Luke had dropped out of footy for a while but happily gave us a great season in the BVFL, a very skillful player in midfield, scored some great goals too. Sadly left to concentrate on Saturday football for Stourpaine.
Sam Fife [ 2006/7 ] - Another one season servant, Sam was a great addition to the midfield, a strong tackler and runner and scored some top goals too. Should be playing a higher level to be honest. Now plays for Bryanston on Sundays and Okeford on Saturdays?
Chris House [ 200? - 2006 ] - Chris always played best when he had long hair! A flying winger, fast paced and with an eye for goal, sadly contracted glandular fever which basically has stopped him from playing for the last two years and more.
Phil Giles [ 2007/8 ] - Phil joined us in pre-season that year and showed he did have talent, one Cup game in particular when he scored one and set one up. However, previous injuries caught up with him at times and was never able to show everyone what he could do. From Phil: " im with handley sports in dorset div 2 saturdays this season with a view of moving higher next season.
2007/2008
um....highlight of blandford??? I didnt play many unfortunatly cos of injury! I enjoyed the time i spent with blandford & prob highlight would be playing at dean court at end of season, i didnt really get going & never got to show my true potential during the season but hopefully an injury free season & somemore football & i may return to add something to blandford one day?"
Mark Cope [ ? 2001? - ? ] - Copey was a Tesco manager who played for us for a while as well, a decent full back and defender and a top bloke to boot. From Mark: " im now working for a company called bathstore and have 2 boys thomas and jacob aged 2 and 5 i now have signed for piddletrenthide united in div 1 and play 5 aside on a sunday night still live in dorchester and married to mel. oh and one of my favourite memories is playnig at turlin moor and one of the full backs said something to one of the local nutters and they were comeing on to the pitch to try and smack him and also seeing the state of banksie and jamie knight after a night on the beer"
Jon Sellars [ 2005?? ] - Jon came to us after moving down here with the army. Always a top bloke but was never able to really force his way into the team and left to try his luck elsewhere. Now playing for Donhead United in the BVFL Div 2.
Anthony Baines [ 2001 - ? ] - Bainesy was one of the best players we had on his day, either as a flying winger/wing back, up front or just about anywhere. Went on to play a decent level around the Dorset Premier League and still continues to show his skills in Saturday football. From Anthony: "Am playing for Stourpaine on a Saturday and no body on a Sunday!! Too tiring now!! Highlight is probably making it on time for kick off!!"
Martin Andrew [ 2005?? ] - Martin had played for many seasons at Wareham Wanderers with a few of our squad and it was great to be able to sign him for one season. He was able to play just about anywhere, which was a great help and his sense of humour was always entertaining for us! From Martin: "As for your 'Where are they now?'.....well, I still play football when I'm down in Poole. I play for Upton Working Mens Club in Dorset Div 2 and this year I've been nominated captain, more for my age than my ability, obviously !!
Main memory from playing with you guys is always the same thing, Paul and his ridiculous challenges that more often than not, gave away penalties and got him booked!! Got to say though, always enjoyed playing with him and all the boys....
Good luck with your season....
Martin"
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