Legends Day at Basingstoke Town FC: A Trip Down Memory Lane (With a healthy Side of Football)
Basingstoke Town FC is rolling out the red carpet – well, more like the green astroturf – for Legends Day this afternoon. As we welcome Chertsey Town to Winklebury Football Complex for a 3pm kick-off, we’re also opening our doors to anyone who’s ever donned the famous Basingstoke shirt at senior level. Whether you were a midfield maestro, a goalkeeping goliath, or the unsung hero of the bench – we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back.
A Celebration of Basingstoke’s Footballing Past
Chairman Jack Miller summed up the occasion perfectly:
“Basingstoke Town has a proud history, and this is a great opportunity for former players to come together, share memories, and reconnect with each other and our fans. As we continue to build for the future, it’s important that we also honour our past. Now that we have The Clubhouse, we have the perfect setting to host these kinds of events and strengthen our club’s community.”
It’s time to dig out those old match-day stories, exaggerate them slightly, and enjoy some well-earned nostalgia over a pint or three.
On the Pitch: A Clash with Chertsey
While the legends soak up the atmosphere off the pitch, Dan Brownlie’s squad will be looking to keep the good times rolling on it. Fresh off a dominant 5-0 away win at Tiverton Town, we now host ‘The Curfews’.
Ben Cook and Liam Ferdinand both bagged a brace last week, while Scott Armsworth even got in on the act. Meanwhile, at the back, new AFC Bournemouth loanee Mack Allan enjoyed an impressive debut with a clean sheet.
Jack Mazzone appears to be the star man amongst the ranks of Chertsey with 22 goals to his name and currently sat in second only behind Ricardo Rees (Merthyr) in the race for the golden boot. Cole Brown, a defender who signed in December from Hayes & Yeading United can also be expected to start. He’s previously featured for Hampton & Richmond Borough and shorter spells with Hendon, Uxbridge and Walton Casuals. In between the sticks will be Josh Strizovic, a goalkeeper who joined in December, on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge having signed there in 2019. Began his career at Braintree. Has also been on loan to Maidstone United and Whitehawk.
Ex-Stoke loanee (Wimbledon FC) and Love Island star Reuben Collins will miss out through suspension after picking up a red card when featuring for Ashford Town last week.
Team News:
Connor Barrett is available to make his debut after finally shaking off the illness that ruled him out last week. James Dickson continues to impress onlookers in the heart of midfield with a string of impressive performances. Jaden Brissett is back in full training after taking a knock in the North Hants Cup Semi-Final. He was subbed on late last week only when Scott Armsworth suffered a nosebleed in the dying moments of the game.
Luca Avena has been working closely with D’Andre Brown, who is making good progress but remains a few weeks away from action. His return will add another dynamic option to the squad, but for now, patience as he continues to build. Suspensions keep club captain Billy Upton and Simon Grant out of the squad.
Dan Brownlie noted “Last week felt good, two important wins including progress into another final. We’ve got some good options now in the squad and the standard at training has been improved because of it. We’ve no doubt it’s going to be a good atmosphere – Chertsey always travel well, and with the added Legends Day, I’m sure it’s going to be a good day off the pitch. It’s on us to make sure it’s replicated on the pitch too.”
We look forward to welcoming everyone to Basingstoke Town this afternoon.