The 1st XI are at Home to Ashtead FC in a Double Header at Poplar Road. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

The 2nd XI are Away to Tooting Bec ‘B’ FC in a Double Header Venue – Tooting & Mitcham Utd, Bishopsford Rd, Morden SM4 6BFKick Off is at 12.15pm.

The 3rd XI are at Home to North Leatherhead FC. Venue – Prince Georges Playing Fields, Grand Drive SW20 9DY. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

The 4th XI are at Home to London Olympia FC. Venue: Prince Georges Playing Fields, Grand Drive SW20 9DY. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

Best Wishes to all of the Ruts teams this coming Weekend

The 1st XI played out two hard fought and well contested games against a talented Lambeth Spartans FC at Poplar Road earlier today.

In the first match the Visitors scored an early goal, as their forward tucked home from a corner as the Ruts were caught napping. Paul Gough levelled from the Spot and the game finished 1 – 1. Jude Kinsella was the OR’s MOTM.

The second match was end to end throughout, and once again Lambeth struck early to take the lead. The OR’s levelled courtesy of Toby Lempriere following a neat team move involving several players. The Ruts then saw a penalty well saved, before Lambeth went ahead again. Elliott Gibbs headed home a Paul Gough Corner to equalise.

Lively Lambeth restored their lead and once again the Ruts levelled through (not certain? O.G after a concerted spell of pressure)Both teams hit the woodwork and Whitto nearly scored a winner in the final minute!

However, on the overall balance of play a total share of both spoils was probably fair, as both teams created plenty of chances and only sterling defending at both ends prevented the score-line from being a fair bit higher. Kevin Foster was the OR’s MOTM in game 2.

The 2nd XI were narrowly defeated in both games at Worcester Park ‘A’ FC. 2 -1 and 1 nil, although Kyle Moore was outstanding for the OR’s securing their MOTM Award in both defeats.

The 3rd XI won one and lost one against Wandgas WP Vets FC. The lads went down 2 – 0 in the first match before bouncing back to secure the 2nd win of the Season 1 – 0 courtesy of a Liam Washford-Bent strike.

The 4th XI suffered a double reverse against to Trinity FC as they went down 2 – 1 and 2 – 0. The Ruts consolation was scored by Wagna Tchuda.

Best Wishes to the Ruts Junior teams tomorrow.

PLEASE NOTE – All 4 Teams have Double Headers this Week!!

SPECTATORS ARE NOT PERMITTED as per FA & Government Guidelines, therefore we politely request that you stay away and visit the following week instead, when viewing is allowed and the outside Bar will be Re-Open again for Post-Match refreshments.

The 1st XI are at Home to Lambeth Spartans FC at Poplar Road. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

The 2nd XI are Away to Worcester Park ‘A’ FC. Venue – Manor Park, Malden Rd, New Malden KT3 6AJ. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

The 3rd XI are playing Wandgas WP Vets FC. Venue – Prince Georges Playing Fields, SW20 9DY. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

The 4th XI are at Home to Trinity FC. Venue – Prince Georges Playing Fields, SW20 9DYKick Off is at 2.00pm.

Best wishes to all of the Ruts teams this coming Weekend.

Our return to football saw 2 wins, 2 defeats and a draw!

The 1st XI secured the victories as they overcame Real Holmesdale FC in both matches of the Double Header. The first game saw the OR’s win 1 – 0 courtesy of a neat turn and finish from Kevin Foster which also secured him the MOTM Award.

The second match saw the Ruts run out 3 – 0 Winners thanks to 3 decent strikes. Elliott Gibbs headed home a Lee Holland Corner in the first period, and in the second half Jake Searles deftly scored after winning a great tackle before neatly notching, then Toby Lempriere scored a well placed goal to wrap up a deserved win. Charlie Woods was the OR’s MOTM. So a very valuable 6 points in the bag to help with the 1s promotion challenge.

The 2nd XI suffered a 4 – 2 defeat at Sutton High, with Sam Leatherby and Ryan Kennett scoring for the OR’s. Adam Randall was the OR’s MOTM.

The 3rd XI went down 5 – 2 to Cheam VW FC. Fraser Trimmings converted a penalty and debutant Liam Washford-Bent also scored. Ciaran Moorhouse was the Ruts MOTM.

The 4th XI fought back well from a 3 – 1 half time deficit at Waddon Wanderers FC. The OR’s Scorers were Abdel Hafidi (2) and Simon Minihane. Club Legend Andy Flanagan was the OR’s MOTM.

Best wishes to the Ruts Junior Teams tomorrow.

The 1st XI are at Home to Real Holmesdale FC in a Double Header Fixture at Poplar Rd. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

The 2nd XI are Away to Sutton High FC. Venue – Wallington Sports Club, 34 Mollinson Drive, SM6 9BY. Please note the Car Park is is out of action and you’ll need to park on the street. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

The 3rd XI are at Home to Cheam VWFC. Venue – Prince Georges, Grand Drive. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

The 4th XI are Away to Waddon Wanderers FC. Venue – John Fisher Sports Ground, Limpsfield Rd, Warlingham, CR6 9RD. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

Please note that Spectators are not permitted to attend matches until after the 12th April.

Best wishes to all of the Ruts teams on their return to action this coming Weekend.

Nickname – Oggy

Ruts Appearances – 507

Ruts Goals – 21

Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?

I joined halfway through the 91/92 or 92/93 season becoming the Clubs Record Signing at the time which was the £2 admin fee for a Transfer at the time.

I had been playing for British Aerospace (Hawker Athletic) in Kingston, but I wasn’t particularly enjoying it and having played with Gavin on Sundays he asked me to join the Ruts. Whilst I was actually playing for B.A I’d played against Howard Meredith as he was playing for Wimbledon 200. We got chatting and he mentioned he was an Old Rut too so I told him to come and join too, which he did by turning up at pre-season training the following Season.

Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?

My most memorable match was for the 2nd XI at Nursery Road on the main pitch in a Cup Semi-Final, we were playing against a Force 10 wind in the first half and we couldn’t get anywhere near the half way line, consequently we went  2-0 down. A few of our team decided to push forward, but my old head, told me to keep calm and defend until the break, as we would have the wind in our favour in the 2nd half.

Growing up as a kid I spent most of spare time playing football at Nursery Rd and Abbey Rec, so I knew it like back of my hand. We then got awarded a free kick just inside our half, I checked with ref if it was direct, so I just hit it as high and straight as I could hoping to get a corner, but the wind behind it flew through the air and then Nigel Watford told me, that as the keeper came out to collect he shouted Oh Shit’ as the Ball flew over his head and into the net. We went and reached the Cup Final after this.

Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?

Choosing the Best Manager or Captain is very hard, as I never played under a regular one. However, I will pick Gary Newcome as when I played for first team he was a great leader and an inspiration to the team.

Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.

The incident in a match on the Belgium tour 1995 where during the game Ben Barber acquired the nickname Cymbals when a mad angry Belgian smacked him either side of his head!) I was Captain on the day and with the match as good as won I was looking around to substitute someone so everyone got a run out, as I caught the eye of the late great Billy Faust and before I could open my mouth he said to me ‘don’t take me off Oggy  I’m buzzing’ I had to laugh so I did the only decent thing and subbed myself.

Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?

My least favourite memory would be very last Vets match we played before we folded as I had enjoyed playing and managing the lads so much. It was so good also to see so many players return for the final game ,Knotty, Woodsy  Harry ,Murph ,Butch , Caps,even Higgsy and I managed a cameo role, as well as the current players but good times have to come to a end sometime .

Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?

There were so many great talented players and this was a tough choice. Young Whizzer, Trigger,,Newks,,Eggy, Gappy and Roland in Goal. As I spent most of my Ruts career in the Vets I’ve narrowed in down to them, plus Knotty who was cool and classy, Capper could play in any position and never let you down. Al Whiter arguably the best player to play for the Ruts. Howard Meredith was a terrific player too, so much so that I didn’t always enjoy playing alongside him, as when the Oppo Centre Forwards knew they weren’t getting any change out of H, so they would come and play next to me, hoping for more luck! All of this said – I’m going for a very talented player very quiet man, but a great lad, who never got less than 7 or 8 out of 10 each game and that is Kevin Butcher. He never let us down and sneaked the odd goal too.    

Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?

My best goal of the 20 that I scored – I can only remember 3! the last one I scored for the Ruts came in a Vets match v Sutton Athletic at Poplar Rd. It was only a scrambled goal from a corner but it was the week after my dad had passed away and I remember looking up to the sky thinking that’s for him as he followed me watching games when was I was younger, Next was goal from the half way line in the Semi Final I mentioned earlier, although this was a bit lucky to be fair, so I’ve picked a goal I scored at Abbey rec for the Reserves. I think Dan Poulter is the only other person to remember it. Again growing up at Abbey Rec I knew the pitch well , I think we were top or 2nd in league just before Xmas, at the time playing Merton Social, we were drawing 2 -2 with minutes remaining, their  Keeper took a goal kick which reached the half way line and Dan contested it in the air, I was right beside him and the ball fell invitingly just in front of me, so without thinking I thought ‘ave it’ and hit a perfect dipping half volley which sailed over the Keepers head and into the net to win the game for us. Unfortunately the wheels came off in second part of that season, but it was a goal to remember as even our opponents remarked it was a great goal.

Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)

This was probably playing for the Vets v Knollmead at Worcester Park. I was no spring chicken by now and I had recovered from a cruciate knee injury but their forward who Alan Whiter and Ed Reynolds knew well called Leon was like’s… off a shovel’ and he tore me to shreds it was then I really decided I can’t do this anymore so after being 3 -0 down (all my fault ) I decided to take myself off at half time though it was good managerial decision as I told Simon Minihane ‘right your as quick as him so stick to him’ and Minnie had a blinder, keeping Leon out of the match second half and he hit a 25 yd screamer to equalise for us! Another embarrassing moment was again late in my career, I went to take a free kick, I knew what I wanted to do, but my kick only reached about halfway – I had to laugh and think that’s it  I’m finally done now, although I enjoyed every minute playing for Old Ruts.

We are pleased to announce that the Club has been awarded the Club Charter Standard by the FA, an accreditation given to those clubs recognised by the FA as being an excellent example of well-run clubs with fantastic offerings. We continually work hard off the pitch to ensure that every aspect of the club both on and off the pitch meets the stringent criteria set out by the FA. We are proud to be able to say that we have passed the test.

If anyone is interested as to what this involves and the benefits of being a Charter Standard Club, please click the link below: 

http://www.thefa.com/get-involved/player/clubs-leagues/fa-charter-standard-programme

The FA website states “The FA Charter Standard accreditation is for clubs who can be proud to be places where people want to play. These are the clubs who demonstrate they offer well-run and sustainable football. Clubs who achieve Charter Standard status are proud to prioritise qualified coaching and safeguarding as well as the values of The FA’s Respect campaign as part of their game.”

Nickname – Symbols

Ruts Appearances – 200

Ruts Goals – 72

Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?

I believe it was about 1992 my brother took me down to training. I then realised i could buy a pint for £1.18 so I was hooked.

Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?

The Cup Final for the 2nd XI in 2002. We beat NPL 4-3 after extra time. That was a great game to be involved in we were 1-0 down at half time but came out a different team 2nd half. Despite conceding a penalty right at the death we still found enough in extra time to get the winner. Great game, great night.

Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?

Without doubt Billy Faust, I was struggling to settle in after my big summer transfer and Bill being Bill put his arm around my shoulder and looked after me for a couple of seasons.

Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.

Has to be the time we had a dodgy Ref who I had been arguing with all game. After the game I decided to carry on this argument in the shower with this chap who looked quite surprised. It was only when he walked into our changing room afterwards that I realised he played Rugby for the Ruts and in fact he was not the Referee! It is fair to say me and Graham have laughed about this for many years.

Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?

There haven’t been many to be honest. It would probably have to be the game vs Accra for the 1st XI. The game was abandoned after they went mental I think it took 1 meat wagon and 3 police cars to calm them down.

Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?

I’ve played with some great players down the years Dave Marlborough, Colin Ruddock and Dan Poulter, but for me Boony (Ian Lennard) was the best. He had it all, even when his knees packed up and he ended up as sweeper, he was still the best player on the park.

Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?

There’s been a few obviously the overhead kick a few years back stands out. I know Dan Poulter and Darren Noonan keep talking about it, so it must have been good.

Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or socially)

Again there’s been quite a few. Probably me getting slapped either side of my head buy an 8ft Belgian Sasquatch with a mullet was quite an embarrassing moment.

Great Tour though. (I have been named Cymbals ever since!!)

Nickname – Tiny

Ruts Appearances – 326

Ruts Goals – 35

Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?
After a school vs Ruts game a few mates joined and I had started playing cricket. Best place for U18 pint.

Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?
The League Cup Final vs the Addos in 1999. A Great win and happy to get out of the place. I think Boon scored a brace.

Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?
Fred Jupp and Graham Clayton. Fred gave me and some young lads a run in the 1st XI. Clayts was always so organised and committed, he ensured we were competitive every match.

Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.
The Pint that landed on Triggers head in the Addo’s final.

Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?
I cannot really think of any. Saturdays were the best fun.

Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?
Best player Boony (Ian Lennard) . Caught him in the twilight but he played Forward and Sweeper equally well.

Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?
I cannot recall any crackers, but I scored a hattrick from left back in a 3-3 game for the 3rds.

Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)
Nothing bad I can remember!

Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?

I joined the Old Ruts in 2003 after being asked by Scott Hawley who played for me on a Sunday. I was supposed to take the first team, but changed to the reserves by choice.

Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?

The Semi Final of the Surrey Intermediate Cup in 2007 – Within 7 minutes of the game starting I was joined by Scott Rider having been sent off! Not a good start! As the game progressed we had a second sending off with Steve Nash. Thinking that we had previously beaten the side twice, at 1-0 down Richard Lines came on. We had a corner, he scored, we were then level at 1-1, as we celebrated we then had a 3^rd player sent in  Ryan Brown, so we were down to eight players. We lost and I cried at the effort of all the players.

Question 3 – Who were the Players  who played for you?

Players in Reserves 2003/04:
Marc Hawley, Darren Rix, Mark Kerwick, Scott Hawley, Phil Lines, Darren Noonan,Steve Rowlands,  Billy Finnis, James Bone,Stuart Hawley, Michael Lines, Piers Capper, Steve Berry, Courtney Sennett, Rob Goldsmith, Andy Flanagan, Paul Tuckey and Charlie Sergeant.

Won 1st Division and runners up in the League Cup.

Players 1st Team 2005/06/07
Ed Reynolds, Nick Raggett, Lee Poulter, Craig Welstead, Neil Marshall, Alan Whiter, Tom Hughes, Steve Nash, Richard Lines, Phil Rea, Darren Everett, Marc Hawley, Alan Morley, Jimmy Wilkes, Duncan Fraser, Wayne Alderman, Reece Smith, Dave D’Rozario and Luke Creates.  Champions 2006/07

Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.

I remember going around a roundabout six times with the President at the time (Gavin Lennard) our Sat Nav kept telling us to take the fifth turnoff, when there were only four!

Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?

Losing the Surrey Cup Semi Final as mentioned earlier.

Question 6 – Best Captain you appointed?

I cannot choose between Alan Whiter, Phil Rea and Darren Rix.

Question 7 – Favourite Goal scored in match you managed

Sorry can’t choose one, as all goals are good!

Question 8 – Most embarrassing Ruts moment (Playing or Socially)

A player arrived drunk for the Senior Cup Semi Final, I told him to apologise to his team mates. I had to play him, he was sick on the pitch! No names mentioned.