Williams signs as McClennan released from contract (31/7/15)
After discussions with the player over the last couple of weeks, Joe McClennan has decided he wants to pursue his career elsewhere and his contract has been cancelled by mutual consent. We wish him well for the future.
Last night, Bradley Williams signed for the Club but this is subject to international clearance as Bradley was previously been with Cardiff City.
The squad are back in action tomorrow in the last pre-season fixture at Shortwood United (ko 3pm).
A young City side played Radstock Town in a friendly last night, running out 4-3 winners in an entertaining game. The hosts raced into a 2-0 lead before Jake Sloggett pulled a goal back for City. Dan Bowman levelled the score at 2-2 but Radstock restored their lead on the hour mark. However, two further goals from Bowman to complete his hat-trick saw City to victory.
City fight back to avoid Yate pre-season trip up (28/7/15)
City could afford to miss a penalty as they came back from 2-1 down to beat Yate Town by three goals to two in their latest pre-season outing this evening. Nick McCootie became the second City player to miss from the spot during the pre-season campaign but his first half strike along with goals from Frankie Artus and Jon Davies were enough to overcome the Southern League Division 1 South & West side. McCootie opened the scoring on 21 minutes, latching on to a misplaced pass to sidefoot home from 12 yards. Yate deservedly levelled eight minutes before the break through a great 20 yard shot into the top corner. City had struggled to impose themselves on the game during the first half but looked stronger after the break and when Andy Watkins was tripped in the box they should have regained the lead. McCootie’s effort was too close to the keeper though and moments later former City striker Darren Edwards headed past Steve Phillips to put the hosts in front. City continued to press and on 69 minutes Artus’ perfectly executed lob, after Davies’ initial shot was blocked, made it 2-2. And ten minutes later Davies secured the win for City, taking Kevin Nicholson’s pass in his strike before firing the ball into the corner of the net.
City complete their preparations for the 2015-16 season on Saturday with a trip to Shortwood United (ko 3pm).
Former City manager Bobby Jones passes away (24/7/15)
City are sad to hear that former manager Bobby Jones passed away earlier this week aged 76. He enjoyed a very successful playing career with Bristol Rovers, playng over 400 games and scoring 101 goals, before moving into management with City towards the end of the 1981-82 season. He established the club in the recently formed Vauxhall Conference, leading them to four top ten finishes, including 4th place in 1984-85 which remains their highest ever finish in a national league (in fact, City would have won the league that year but for a one season experiment with two points for a home win and three for an away win). He signed a new three-year contract at the start of the 1987-88 season but when the side picked up just one point from their opening six games they found themselves struggling at the wrong end of the table. And a couple of weeks before the end of that campaign, with relegation all but certain, he was sacked to bring an end to his six seasons at the club. He went on to manager Forest Green Rovers, Mangotsfield United, Yate Town and Oldland before retiring in 1997. Our our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this time.
Pilgrims grounded by City fightback (21/7/15)
City produced a stirring fightback this evening in their latest pre-season outing, coming back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with League 2 side Plymouth Argyle at Twerton Park. After the start of the game was slightly delayed while City keeper Steve Phillips changed from his yellow kit that clashed with the visitors strip, it was Argyle who took control. On seven minutes Wydle’s cross picked out an unmarked Jervis at the far post to head past Phillips and then midway through the half Carey’s corner was headed home by Brunt despite the efforts of Phillips and Kevin Nicholson on the line. Carey had also struck the post with a free-kick and it looked set to be a long night for City when Jervis netted his second and Argyle’s third on 30 minutes, latching on to Frankie Artus’ mistake. However, City got a foothold in the game eight minutes later through Jon Davies, his delightful 20 yard effort curling into the top corner. Andy Watkins almost reduced the arrears further before the break, only McCormick’s stunning point blank save denying him, but on 67 minutes he could do nothing to stop Dave Pratt hooking home on the volley. Six minutes later the scores were level when triallist Luke Matthews did well to keep a deep free-kick in play and set up Watkins for a simple tap-in. Both sides went in search of a winner after this but couldn’t add to the scoring.
Nicholson puts pen to paper on City deal (20/7/15)
Prior to Saturday’s Hallen pre-season friendly fixture, Kevin Nicholson completed the paperwork to become the latest player to join the Club’s ranks for the new season. We welcome him to the Club and hope he will enjoy his football with us. Having appreared in the two previous matches against Bristol City and Newport County, Kevin said “At this stage of my career all that matters is going for promotions, cup runs and success on the pitch. I want to work my way up the leagues again while I feel I have the quality and the fitness levels to play higher and, I’ve seen enough from the players and staff at Bath to believe we have a chance of doing that, so I am very happy to sign and hope, along with the rest of the players, that I can give the fans plenty to shout about this season.”
The 34-year old full-back is vastly experienced, having played for Notts County, Scarborough, Forest Green Rovers, Torquay United and, last season, Kidderminster Harrier. He has also been capped four times withthe England C team.
The squad are back in action at Twerton Park on Tuesday against Plymouth Argyle (ko 7.45pm), and complete the pre-season campaign with the following matches: Tuesday 28 July – Yate Town (A) 7.45pm and Saturday 1 August – Shortwood United (A) 3.00pm.
Big Bath City Bid quiz given BIBS lift off (19/7/15)
On Thursday 23rd July Bath City FC are hosting a Quiz Night at Twerton Park, in Charlie’s, to support the Big Bath City Bid. Teams of 5 (or less) can compete on the night and there are also a number of raffle prizes on offer. The major prize has been donated by Bath Building Society, who will also have a team at the Quiz Night. Tiffany Hardie-Albutt, PR and Communications Manager at Bath Building Society added, “We are delighted to be able to support the Quiz Night for the Big Bid with a prize for the raffle – a hot air balloon ride for 2 people. The Society is always keen to support the local community wherever possible and we hope the Bid is successful in getting the Club it deserves for the Bath community.”
We hope that a large number of teams will attend the evening. It’s £2 per person and just turn up from 7.30pm and the Quiz starts at 8pm. For more information please contact Martin Powell at mcpowell@sky.com.
City shine in third act of Hallen friendly (18/7/15)
City continued their build-up to the 2015-16 season with a 3-0 win over Western League Hallen FC this afternoon. With the host’s Hallen Centre ground bathed in warm summer sunshine the game was played over three 30 minutes periods, City steadily strengthening their line-up as it progressed and all three goals came in the final fifteen minutes. City also had to field Hallen’s keeper Adam Grewcott between their posts after a potential triallist failed to arrive at the ground. He was rarely called into action as both sides failed to create clear-cut openings despite playing some neat football on the excellent playing surface. As the match progressed though the introduction of City’s first team players began to give them the upper hand and with 14 minutes left Dave Pratt latched on to a through ball to slide home his first goal of the pre-season campaign. Eleven minutes later Nick McCootie made it 2-0 before Frankie Artus’ 20-yard strike completed the scoring with the final kick of the match. City play their final home game of pre-season on Tuesday evening when Plymouth Argle head up to Twerton Park from Devon (ko 7.45pm).
The draw for the 2015-16 Somerset Premier Cup have seen City given a 1st Round bye.
Watkins and McCootie fire City to Exiles win (14/7/15)
City recorded a first victory of their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Newport County at Twerton Park this evening. An impressive first half performance from City saw Dave Pratt head an early chance just wide before firing against the post on 31 minutes. Kevin Nicholson’s 41st minute free-kick forced a fine save from Taylor in the visitors goal but three minutes later he could do nothing to stop Andy Watkins’ low shot finding the corner of the net. Newport began the second half strongly but it was City who increased their lead just before the hour mark through Nick McCootie’s deflected effort. Both sides created several further good openings after this but there were no further goals. City make their first away trip of the close season on Saturday when they face Hallen FC (ko 3pm).
City narrowly beaten in opening friendly (10/7/15)
It was a tale of two penalties at Twerton Park this evening as City were narrowly beaten by a strong Bristol City side in their opening pre-season game. The only goal of the match came from the penalty spot on 12 minutes, Wilbraham firing into the roof of the net following Andy Gallinagh’s hand ball. Midway through the half City were awarded a spot kick of their own, again for hand ball though it was less clear cut than the earlier decision, but Dave Pratt saw his effort saved by Fielding. Pratt had spurned City best open play chance in the first half, blazing over from eight yards with just a couple of minutes on the clock. Ex-Roman Joe Bryan also missed from a similar position shortly afterwards for the visitors in a lively opening to the game. The Robins were enjoying the majority of possession but rarely threatened City’s new goalkeeper Steve Phillips and this pattern continued into the second half. Just before the hour mark City looked to have concended a second only for the linesman flag to rule out Flint’s effort and this was as close as either side would come to adding to the scoring. City are next in pre-season action when Newport County visit Twerton Park on Tuesday 14 July (ko 7.45pm).
Errea kit launch and player news (9/7/15)
City have chosen Errea kit for the new season supplied by a local company who trade as “Footy Factory”. They are the largest Errea only supplier in the country and on finalising the new arrangement, owner Martin Cassidy said “it is good to work with a club that has great traditions and history and we are looking forward to working with Bath City.”
The new kit will be worn at the Bristol City match and shirts will be available to buy from the club shop on the night.
During pre season both Andy Watkins and Ben Adelsbury have been under the surgeon’s knife, with Andy undergoing a hernia operation and Ben surgery on his knee. Andy is back in training and may play a part in the Bristol City game whilst Ben is still a few weeks away from being involved.
City team up with Dorothy House Hospice Care (7/7/15)
Bath City Football Club are pleased to announce that they will be supporting Dorothy House Hospice Care during the coming season and help raise funds for this worthy cause. Having supported the Forever Friends Appeal at the RUH during season 2014-15, plus part of season 2013-14, and raised over £1500, Lydia Mcgivern , the RUH Community Fundraiser, responded to the news by saying, ” Bath City Football Club have provided invaluable support to The Forever Friends Appeal , and we cannot thank them enough for all of their help and hard work. Their generous contribution will help to transform Cancer Care at the RUH for thousands of patients and their families. The Club’s community atmosphere makes it a lovely place to be, and The Forever Friends Appeal Team wish them the best of luck with the forthcoming season”.
Bath City entertain Bristol City in the first of their home pre-season friendlies on Friday 10th July (kick-off 7pm) and there will be a bucket collection at half-time to help raise funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care.
Phillippa Watson, Senior Fundraiser at Dorothy House said, “We are delighted that Bath City FC has chosen to support Dorothy House Hospice Care for the 2015/16 season. We very much look forward to working with everyone at Bath City and know we will have a very enjoyable and successful partnership”.
More information about Dorothy House Hospice care can be found at www.dorothyhouse.co.uk
Experienced defensive duo sign on (6/7/15)
Sekani Simpson and Dan Ball are the latest players to put pen to paper of deals for the 2015-16 season. The experienced defensive duo can boast over 500 appearances for the Romans between them, with Simpson entering this tenth season at Twerton Park.
Supporters who have bought 15-16 season tickets are advised they are now available to collect from the club office.
2015-16 League fixtures released (2/7/15)
For the first time since the 2008-09 campaign City will begin the new season with a home game following the release of the 2015-16 Vanarama National League South fixtures today. The Romans will face Wealdstone at Twerton Park on Saturday 8 August before making their first trip of the season to Basingstoke Town three days later. The Christmas/New Year fixtures will see City face Truro City, with the League newcomers heading to Bath on Boxing Day before City make the return 188 mile journey to Cornwall on January 2. City finish their League campaign at Twerton Park against Margate on Saturday 30 April. The full list can be found by clicking the Fixtures/Results link above.
Midland Car Company win shirt sponsor draw (2/7/15)
Following the shirt sponsorship draw in the TR Hayes Premier Lounge last night, Bath City Football Club is delighted to announce the winner of the draw was Midland Car Company based in Green Park Mews, Bath. Directors, Ken Wheeler and Gary Smart have had links with the club for almost 20 years and Midland Car Company has been on the current site for the past 8 years whilst trading in Bath since 1996. Midland Car Company is an MOT Testing Station and they undertake all kinds of servicing and repairs. They are also a Saab specialist. Their name will appear on the front of Bath City’s home and away shirts for the coming season and it is hoped the Club’s new Errea shirts will be worn for the first time against Bristol City at Twerton Park on Friday 10th July 7pm kick off. Other prize winners were Newbridge Auto Centre, Mo-B-Que, Ignition and Flan O’Briens.
The club would like to thank all the businesses who entered the draw and look forward to their further involvement in the coming season.