Sponsors draw a hit with Bath Businesses (25/6/15)
With less than a week to go before the draw is made for the Bath City Shirt Sponsor for season 2015-2016, we are pleased to announce that there are over 50 entries already in the draw which takes place in the TR Hayes Premier Lounge on Wednesday 1st July from 7.30pm. Bath City legend, Paul Gover, part of the club’s Southern League championship side of season 1977-78, will be making the draw just after 8pm and the winner will have their company name on the first team shirts for the coming season. Full details of the draw are available on this website (see box on front page). If you are interested in taking part in the draw please phone Bob Chester on 07786 092836 for further details. The cost is £250 plus VAT and the closing date is Monday 29th June. The club would like to thank all the businesses who have already supported the draw. Last season, when a similar scheme was run, there were 53 entries with Tilleys Bistro being the winner.
Gallinagh and Hemmings on board for 15/16 (20/6/15)
Further progress has been made in preparation for the coming season with Andy Gallinagh and Chas Hemmings the lastest players to sign up for 2015-16. Both players confirmed their pleasure at returning to the Club and are looking forward to getting back into action. Further signings will follow shortly.
City finalise pre-season line-up (19/6/15)
With City’s players reporting back for pre-season training at the end of the month the club has confirmed it’s friendly line-up:
Tuesday 14 July – Newport County (H) (ko 7.45pm)
Saturday 18 July – Hallen (A) (ko 3.00pm)
Tuesday 21 July – Plymouth Argyle (H) (ko 7.45pm)
Tuesday 28 July – Yate Town (A) (ko 7.45pm)
Saturday 1 August – Shortwood United (A) (ko 3.00pm)
City catch keeper and add futher friendlies (15/6/15)
The search for a keeper has ended with the signing of ex Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper Steve Phillips. Having played over 500 football league games, Steve brings a wealth of experience to the side. Since leaving Crewe, Steve has been running a goalkeeping coaching business and last season played for his local side Shepton Mallet.
After completing the paperwork, Steve said “I am looking forward to a new challenge in joining a good local club, meeting my new team mates and helping to improve the team. Having been fortunate to play for clubs where integrity was important, my discussions with Adie Britton have convinced me this club is similar and that I will be happy at Bath City.”
Director of football, Adie Britton said “We are delighted to have brought Steve on board for the coming season as his experience and organisational skills should improve our defensive unit. He is exceptionally fit and, with a personality that demands high standards, he will be an important role model for the younger players.”
We are able to announce news of two away pre-season friendlies. On Monday 27 July we will visit Yate Town 7.45 ko and on Saturday 1 August we will complete our pre-season at Shortwood United 3pm ko. Confirmation of at least two further fixtures will made soon.
Admission prices for our home friedlies against Bristol City (10/7) and Newport County (14/7) will be: Adults £10, Concessions £7, Students/U18’s £5 and U16’s £1.
City named Best Schools Project winners (8/6/15)
At the Vanarama National League AGM last Saturday, Bath City FC Community Sports Foundation won the award for Best Schools Project 2015 and £5000 from the Football Conference Trust for its attacking skills project in local schools. Peter Sellwood and his team are to be congratulated for another successful year.
New President for the National League (8/6/15)
The National League is pleased to announce, following the retirement of Bill King as President of the Football Conference, the Board of the National League as invited Brian Lee to assume the position of President, which he has accepted. Brian commented on the appointment “It is a privilege and honour to receive the invitation and I relish my continuing association with such an outstanding Competition. Together with my wife Shirley-Ann we will look forward to seeing old friends and making new one’s over the coming seasons. I wish Brian Barwick, the Board and the Member Clubs a successful transition into a new era, under the brand of “The National League”.
Champions Robins to open City pre-season (5/6/15)
City are very pleased to announce that they will face Championship side Bristol City at Twerton Park for a pre-season friendly. After their very successful double winning season, the League One Champions and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy holders will visit Twerton Park on Friday 10 July with a 7pm kick off. This will be the club’s first pre-season match, closely followed by the visit of Newport County on Tuesday 14 July. Further details on this and other games to be follow.
National League rebrand goes live (4/6/15)
The official rebranding of the top tier of English non-league football as The National League is now effective. The Parent Company, formerly known as The Football Conference Ltd, will officially enact the name change at its Congress weekend on Saturday June 6th 2015 at Celtic Manor, Newport. Its three Divisions are henceforth officially entitled the:
Vanarama National League North
Vanarama National League South
Brian Barwick, Chairman of The National League said: “As the incoming Chairman of the Vanarama National League, I am pleased to welcome the new name in the full knowledge that it will be coupled with existing values and strengths of the competition that have been in existence for over 35 years. It is an exciting time to take over as Chairman and I look forward to the new season. I would also like to pay tribute to the person who I am succeeding; as a fellow Brian, I know it will be a tough act to follow Brian Lee who has enjoyed the respect of the game for many years.”
Competition Title Sponsor Vanarama, who last month announced a sponsorship extension and further financial support, employed sports marketing agency SportQuake to facilitate the name change and logo design. SportQuake specialise in creating world class two-way partnerships between rights owners and brands. Managing Director of Vanarama Andy Alderson said: “Vanarama is proud to support the highest level of English non-league football. Re-branding as the Vanarama National League will increase the spotlight as the action kicks off again on 8th August. Next season, we’re thrilled to also support the pioneering NLTV Broadcasting Academy which will provide opportunities and equipment to media students.”
Davies wings in and Bowman re-signs (3/6/15)
City are pleased to announce the signing of Jon Davies from Paulton Rovers. Jon, who can play in a variety of positions in the attacking half of the field, has been sought after throughout non league over the last six months and has turned down approaches from Conference and Football League clubs to stay close to his Wiltshire home. His pace and ability on the ball will add to the attacking options available and secures another fit and focused personality in the squad. On signing Jon said, “I am excited to be part of Bath City and looking to get the season underway.”
Dan Bowman is due to complete the 3rd year of his Sports Science degree at Bath University and City can also announce that he has signed for the Club for a third season. Following a very successful first season, last year was interrupted by several injuries which restricted his playing time. Dan has worked particulary hard on his fitness and we look forward to seeing him at his best again.