We are very pleased to welcome central defender Kyle Bailey to the club!

Starting his career in non-league with Sheerwater and Westfield, Kyle has gone on to play professionally in Malta, Norway and Scotland. He spent last season playing at Step 2 with Hungerford Town.

“Kyle has been learning his trade outside of England for the most part but came back during last season to play at Step 2”, said manager Gavin Macpherson. “He is another versatile defender to add to the mix; he gives everything in his performances and will be a very welcome addition to an already established back line.”

Enfield Town FC invite applications for proposals to provide outside catering services on matchdays for the 2023-24 season.

The arrangement would give exclusivity to provide hot food and beverage sales for all home games on either a fixed or turnover rental basis.

Depending on cup draws, there would be anywhere between 25-30 games per season, with an average attendance of around 500.

If you are interested in tendering for this contract, please contact chairman@etfc.london

By Andrew Warshaw

Gavin Macpherson has outlined his strategy for our pre-season programme by saying he will use the matches to get a feel for the personnel at his disposal and make any necessary alterations as we build towards the new season.

Winning all the time in pre-season, says Gavin, is certainly not the most ideal way of preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.

In a recent interview with David Square’s “Our Local Non League” show, Gavin struck a realistic tone when discussing how he approaches pre-season.

“There are not many managers at our level who are totally satisfied during the pre-season programme that they have things totally spot on,” he said.

“But pre-season is there to tell you exactly where you’re at. I’ve said it many times, the worst thing you can do in pre-season is win every game.”

“Obviously supporters want you to win whether it’s a league game or a friendly.  But we have a specific pattern in pre-season where we look at certain things, both out of and in possession, so that the boys are ready to go from day one.”

In terms of predicting the outcome of the new campaign, Gavin is understandably circumspect.

 “I’m not a manager who is going to go out there and makes wild predictions. We go about our business quietly to achieve the best possible outcome. I’m not fazed by other teams’ budgets.”

Regarding a playing system once the season comes around in August, Gavin re-iterated his preference for employing an attack-minded two up front with a back four but stressed this was flexible.

“Normally you’re talking 4-1-3-2 or similar but we work religiously to have a number of systems nailed down with a slight tweak so the players understand what they are doing, whether it be 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1, if and when we might need to.”

“Yes we have a nailed down DNA in terms of how we want to play but I’ve got a fantastic team around me and we will look at being comfortable with three systems. We will not make changes for changes’ sake but you’ve got to be adaptable.”

We are delighted to welcome Reece Beckles-Richards to Enfield Town!

Our sixth new signing of the 23-24 campaign, forward Reece has been capped at international level by Antigua & Barbuda, and joins having spent the last three years up the A10 with neighbours Cheshunt. Starting out at Aldershot Town, his CV boasts plenty of non-league experience, with the likes of Woking, Farnborough, and Wealdstone among his former sides.

Boss Gavin Macpherson was delighted to land his man: “Reece is a player I’ve liked for many years. When I saw him make the jump to Wealdstone a couple of years ago I wasn’t surprised. He’ll add massively to an already very good forward area of the pitch; I’m delighted he is coming to Enfield Town.”

We are thrilled to confirm that neighbours Tottenham Hotspur have again agreed to generously send a squad to face Enfield Town as part of our pre-season preparation.

Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s will visit the QEII Stadium on Tuesday 18th July, with kickoff at 7:30pm.

This fixture often generates a huge amount of interest and we are very grateful to Spurs for sending a team again this year.

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the following link:

https://enfieldtownfc.ktckts.com/event/ent2324ps2/enfield-town-v-tottenham-hotspur-u21s

We are very pleased to welcome Sami Bessadi to Enfield Town!

A technically-minded central midfielder, Sami joins us having spent time last season with National League South sides Weymouth and Braintree Town. He has also worn the shirts of Kings Langley, Haringey Borough, and Maldon & Tiptree.

“Sami will add legs and energy in the middle of the park. He’s creative and versatile which gives us good options”, stated manager Gavin Macpherson. “Sami will work hard and is keen to develop as a player. He’s already been hard at work preparing for a return to training, I’m looking forward to working with him.”

We are pleased to announce the retention of Adi Connolly and Lewis Taaffe for the new season.

Goalie Adi successfully made the step from ETFC’s academy to the first-team squad in the summer of 2021, gaining minutes in a number of pre-season friendlies and cups, as well as stepping into the senior side in the league when necessary; keeping a clean sheet on his Isthmian League debut against Potters Bar Town in January 2022.

“Having spoken to the new manager Gavin I’m really looking forward to the new season”, stated Adi. Coming through the academy I know what it means to play for this great club.”

“Adi is a ‘keeper I’ve heard such good things about. Both myself and Dean [Hurlow] are looking forward to working with him”, added Gavin. “I’ve told him that he is returning to push Rhys Forster for the number one shirt and that should be his focus. Competition is healthy in a football environment and that goes throughout the side.”

Lewis the Latest to Commit to Town

Originally signed as a forward, Lewis has become a useful and versatile option in several different positions in recent seasons. He has notched 11 goals in 127 matches since joining the club in 2018 – including scoring home and away last season against former club Billericay Town.

“When speaking to Gavin to get his thoughts and plans for this season, it was immediately evident that he wants to do well and he came across really well”, said Lewis. “As you know, I’ve been at the club for a number of years and really want to help take the club to the next level. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and hopefully we can achieve our targets for this season. Up The Town!”

“I’m pleased Lewis is back with us. He is one of a few players I’m expecting to be an influence on the group using his experience to push on after last season”, commented Gavin. “His versatility is also a massive plus, so I’m happy he’s returned.”

As manager Gavin Macpherson’s squad begins to take shape, we are very happy to announce that we have retained defenders Joe Payne and James Richmond.

With nine man-of-the-match awards between them last season, both were key cogs in a defensive line which, until the final few fixtures of the season, remained one of the meanest in the division. Left-back Joe led the way with five last year, returning to EN1 last September for another stint at the club after originally joining in March 2019 from Barnet. Nailing down the left-back berth for the remainder of the season, he played a part in ten clean sheets in the league and ended the season with a total of 85 appearances and 5 goals from full-back in a Town shirt.

“Buzzing to have signed for this great club again, it was a no brainer”, said Joe. “Really looking forward to working with Gavin and his team and can’t wait to play in front of the Town fans again. Up the Town!”

“Joe is exactly the kind of player and person I want at this football club”, stated boss Gavin Macpherson. “Joe’s positivity shines through and it’s clear that he’s an excellent defender to match his personality. I’m delighted Joe has once again committed to the club and I look forward to working with him.”

Richmond Returns

Central defender ‘Jimbo’ was another mainstay at the back for the Town last term, joining during the 2022-23 off-season having been skipper at Merstham for the last three seasons. He notched 2 goals and 8 league clean sheets in 34 appearances last season and was pleased to commit to the club for the coming season: “I’m delighted on re-signing for Enfield. I really enjoyed my first season with the club and it was a no-brainer after speaking to the new gaffer and his plans for next season”, said James. “I can’t wait to get going and I’m looking forward to meeting the new signings and management staff.”

“I’m really happy to be finally working with James. He is a player I’ve admired and tried to sign before; I was unsuccessful which was Enfield’s gain”, added Gavin. “James is pivotal to what we want to achieve this season and it goes without saying I’m so pleased he’s back with us.”

We are delighted to announce that we have retained club captain Scott Thomas, and ETFC’s Young Player of the Season Marcus Wyllie for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign.

Captain Scott

Skipper Scott joined the club from Royston in 2019, since which time he has proven a central figure at the base of the Town midfield, with 125 appearances and counting in a blue and white shirt.

“Scott has been great since I have come in and has been a positive influence on the group as well as being an excellent player”, stated boss Gavin Macpherson. “I met with him first and he understood he can be an excellent extension of me and the management team both on and off the pitch.”

Scott himself was equally pleased to commit to the club: “As we can see, Gavin’s team is now building nicely and I’m pleased to be a part of his plans to help take our club forward. We have some wrongs to right from last season and I’m excited by the challenge of another season as a Towner!”

Wyllie On The Ascent

Nippy forward Marcus is the next to commit to the Towners ahead of next term. Our Young Player of the 22-23 Season, he chipped in with 4 goals and 4 assists – as well as earning three man-of-the-match awards – in his first year with us.

“Marcus is a player I’ve been so impressed with, both with his on-pitch ability and when speaking to him privately”, said Gavin. “For me, he is essential to my squad as he demonstrates a hunger to succeed at Enfield Town; something I want within the foundations of this squad.”

“There is no better person to develop his game than Jon Nurse, so taking everything into account I’m delighted Marcus is an Enfield Town player.”

Marcus, likewise, was excited to return: “I’m delighted to be re-signing for Enfield. It’s a club I’ve really enjoyed being at, which made my decision easy. After speaking with Gavin and hearing his plans, I knew I wanted to be part of it. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and hopeful for success.”

By Andrew Warshaw

There was hardly a spare seat in Butler’s Bar on Tuesday night when our new manager Gavin Macpherson was introduced to fans and outlined his plans for taking the club forward.

Gavin spoke eloquently for over an hour, including taking several questions from the floor, and made a huge impression on everyone in the room with his positivity, insightfulness, technical knowledge, attention to detail, humour, realistic approach and engaging manner.

After the chairman explained the selection process and said Gavin was the unanimous first choice having “ticked all the boxes”, it was over to the new gaffer himself and his goalkeeping coach, Dean Hurlow, who he brought along with him.

Not able to be present but also part of Gavin’s management team will be his trusted No. 2 John Nurse, former St Albans first-team coach Steve Conroy and Carl Garstang, ex-assistant manager at Farnborough. Meanwhile our physio John Abbott is to remain at the club while Ian Hart will also continue to be involved.

“I’m bringing a really experienced management team with me,” said Gavin. “Deano is worth his weight in gold while John has been my right-hand man and is a fantastic coach and role model who works diligently to improve players whether they are 35 or 15.”

Gavin, whose track record speaks for itself at Met Police where he had tremendous success despite the lowest budget in the league, agreed with the chairman that that the Isthmian League Premier will probably be the strongest it has ever been next season but said he was determined to give us a team to be proud of.

Renowned for his attacking style of play, he has studied countless videos of our playing style and made it clear that everyone would be given a chance on merit, regardless of age. How we work as a team off as well as on the ball will be a crucial part of training sessions.

He admitted he was offered terms by another club but immediately got a feel for the Towners, not least our unique fan-owned ethos, and didn’t need any convincing.

“The fan base has massively invested in the club and I’m very humbled to be here,” he said. “I’m going to give it absolutely everything.”

Whilst being realistic about the strength of the division next season, Gavin said he would relish pitting his wits against the sides who are expected to have the most financial weight behind them.

“Potentially we need a bit of a reset but that is not a bad thing. I think we under-achieved last season but the players are a bunch I was keen to keep hold of, obviously with one or two tweaks.”

The eagerly awaited return of fans’ favourite Mickey Parcell from Hornchurch is one of those tweaks while incoming winger Ollie Knight was described by Gavin  as “the best deliverer of the ball I have ever seen at this level, with an engine to die for.”

Discussing the attributes of our new goalkeeper Rhys Forster, who replaces the departing Nathan McDonald having played at Step 2 Slough for the first part of last season before going on to the win the FA Vase with Ascot Town, Dean Hurlow told members: “Rhys is a very positive guy who plays very much on the front foot. He’s someone I hold in high regard and he’s a character. You will all like him, I’m sure.”