On the 31st December 2013, the first team sat in 3rd place in Division 2, a big 7 points behind the leaders and with some tough games on the horizon. However a blistering run into the end of season concluded with us win 11, drawing 2 and losing only 1 of our last 14 games to end up winning the league and entering senior football. Will Goulding also ended the season as top scorer in the whole Anglian Combination, a huge achievement.
Last season also saw us reach the final of the Norfolk Junior Cup final at Carrow Road. Unfortunately in the final we lost 4-2 to Catfield. We froze in the first 35 minutes and were deservedly 3-1 behind. Unfortunately the officials then sent 2 of our players of for nothing and we lost the game. However it was a big achievement to get there and somethig we should look back at with pride.
This season has started well again for the first team. We lost Sonny Sloggett to Manchester life but we added Ed Cussons from Debenham, James Harrison from Hoxne and welcomed back Billy Davies. We sit in 5th place in Anglian Combination division 1 and are in the Mummery Cup semi finals and the last 8 of the Norfolk Senior Cup. The senior cup is probably beyond us but there is no reason why we cannot win the Mummery Cup. Unfortunately both of these cup runs have put us miles behind in our league games so promotion may just depend on how many games we have left at the end of the season and how we fit all the midweek games in. That said, if we remain reasonably injury free we have a chance of getting to the Anglian combination premier divsion! I would like to add a personal thank you to Simon Nichols as well who has also overseen an excellent upturn in form since he joined as assistant manager.

Reserves

For some reason, last season just didnt quite happen for the reserves. With all due respect, with the ability in the side, 10th place wasnt good enough in division 6, especially considering in the end , 7 teams were promoted from the division! HOWEVER, this season the reserves squad has gained in experience and the depth we have to pick from has never been greater. The reserves currently sit 2nd in the division this year, having played the vast majority of their games away from home. Unfortunately with it looking like next season, the bottom two division of the Combination will become regionalised then promotion maybe difficut but I am very proud of how far the ressies have come this season. They are now a difficult side to break down with some real talent. Probably for the first time since I joined the club, there is also a real desire from the reserves to win every game and to desperately try and achieve promotion which we really need as a club! So well done to Paul, and all the boys for having a superb start to this season and please carry it on!

A team

For years and years, its been a problem for Scole United to retain some of their youth players when they enter adult football. Other clubs can offer them reserve team football wheras the anglian combination is a bit too hard for some of these players. So this year, we decided to establish an A team and use this primarily for our youth players coming through the ranks. Ably run by Anthony Payne and assisted by James Bloomfield, the A team have had a good start to life in the Crown and Fire league. As planned, we also have some very good youngsters now coming through the club and I have no hesitation in saying that IF they knuckle down and work hard players like Jack Payne, Tom Davey, Kieran Shore , Nathan Doe, Jordan McCue and George Rout all have the potential to become first team players in the future.

Veterans

The vets have also had a great season , being superbly run by club chairman Doc Partridge. The veterans also made the tremendous achievement of reaching the Norfolk County Cup final last season. Unfortunately they lost to an excellent Lynn North End Vets teams who had ex professionals in their ranks. However the vets did get to the top Vets league this season and that is a huge achievement. With the addition of some new vets players from other clubs, the vets now have an excellent squad and are an integral part of the Scole United set up.

Special Thanks

There are so many people to thank who help with the running of a football club so here is a special thanks to a few people. If there is anyone ive forgotten then I apologise.

Doc Partridge- Vets manager and club chairman. He does a superb job.

Vic Buckle- Club groundsman and still part of the committee. A club legend who still does so much behind the scenes.

Mick Fairweather- Marks out the pitch, makes cups of tea for the away fans before the kick off and always does a card after games. It is amazing how much money this brings into the club.

Steve Bartram- Does the bar after games, has been a brilliant player over the years, still plays for the vets and even played for the first team this year at 52 years old!

Shane Hughes- After playing for the club for years and managing the reserves in the past, Hughesy is now secretary of the club and he does an amazing job!

Danny Ward- Danny has sponsored the club for 2 decades and his constant support has been tremendous.

Foggo, Grandad and Milf Goulding. The three people you nearly always see at EVERY Scole first team game. Foggo is there week in, week out and that is superb committment. Same with Will Gouldings grandad and mum who are always in attendance.

Peter Hugman- Linesman for the first team, and so much more. Always helping before games with bottles, kit, etc. Peter is a top man and we are very lucky to have him involved in the club.

Paul Head- Reserves manager can sometimes be a thankless task. With the best players invariably ending up in the first team, it is hard to keep a good team going but this season Paul has manageed to do this very well. Also still plays for the veterans.

Ant Payne- Another vets player. Ant has manager various Scole youth teams and is now doing a superb job for the A team as manager.

James Bloomfield- "Captain Mince" has joined the set up this year as assistant manager to the A team and the under 19's. He has been instrumental in getting some excellent young talent within the club.

Ian constance- Does so much behind the scenes it is unreal. We dont see him as much as we did, but he has been a huge presence for the club.

That said, without the main people, the players of the club, we wouldnt have a club, let alone a superb club. I have been brought up in Scole and work in the village and I am very proud of being the first team manager. May i wish all players, spectators and all connected to our club a very happy new year.