A new dawn

July 2006

A new era in football in Bedfordshire kicks off in earnest on 26 th August 2006 at the newly formed Kings AFC home ground at King George VI Playing Field in Clapham. Kings AFC is the brainchild of former Blue Chip stalwart Stephen Wilson whose dream since he was a young boy was to run his own football team. He was born in Nigeria on 27 th August 1980 and always showed a keen interest in the game as well as indulging in numerous money making schemes, most of which failed miserably. His move to Bedford two years ago set the scene for what was to follow and he swiftly signed for his first club since leaving behind a number of successful teams including the now legendary Corks FC in his University days. Blue Chip FC was his first port of call, following in the footsteps of long time friend Allen Sacbuker who was by now a Blue Chip veteran.

Wilson’s frustrations were evident from very early on in his Blue Chip days. He was disgruntled as a player and desired a bigger influence in the dressing room and in team affairs. His promotion to team captain fuelled his enthusiasm and appetite for greater control and it was with great regret that he handed in an official transfer request towards the end of the campaign. It was a big decision, and not one which was taken lightly after the superb support that he received from the fans and management during his time at the club.

Following his decision a number of Blue Chip players quickly made the choice to follow their captain to pastures new, leaving the club in disarray. Others were undecided on their future with Adam Haywood, Michael Whelan and eventually Allen Sacbuker all jumping ship towards the end of the summer after deliberating their futures for a number of months and struggling with the mental anguish that came with leaving the club they loved.

With a back bone of players in place, Wilson set about orchestrating his back room staff. Wilson himself became Manager; long term friend Lee Morgan was installed as his Assistant on the back of his commendable commitment to Blue Chip. Matt Fordham was lined up as Club Secretary due to his organised nature and supported by Euan Crane in the role of Chairman. The final piece of the jigsaw saw Allen Sacbuker named as Chief Sports Correspondent due to his journalistic abilities.

Kings AFC has yet to play a match, competitive or friendly and only time will tell whether they can do the pre-match hype justice. It would appear that we are on the verge of something special, and the atmosphere around Bedford in anticipation of the big kick-off is enough to send a shiver down your spine. A new dawn indeed, and a new dawn that is expected to reach fever pitch in the coming weeks in the lead up to the start of the campaign which is genuinely expected to see Kings AFC to storm to the league title in their very first season in top flight football.

Written by the kingsafc.co.uk news team

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