THIRD PLACE SECURED

The first team look to have finished in third place in Stroud League Division One and have come along way this season after what can only be described as a shaky start. Manager Dean Ackland brought in new players and developed the existing squad in the process, but still had one of the smallest squads in the league. A county cup final and a third place finish is a magnificent achievement for the team.
The club now have the summer to re-build as Ackland looks set to step down as manager. The Club will be looking for a replacement and whoever they get he will have big boots to fill to match this season but hopefully will go go one better and achieve a promotion to the Northern Senior league which is not beyond this club having narrowly missed out this time as a maximum of two teams look set to be promoted. Ackland may feel he has a little unfinished business but other commitments mean he is regrettably stepping down.
The highlights of the season must be the win away to champions Barnwood as Stanley had the bare eleven on that day and came away superb 2 - 1 victory.
Then there was the semi final win at rivals Ebley who we look to welcome into Division One next season. What a pitch!!! but Matt Fanstones brilliance saw us through and we came away with a 2-1 win.
Many other victories this season cannot all be recorded but after the horrid start the defence - with the impressive Jon Summers behind them should have a special mention as the team finished with the best defensive record in the league. 'Old timer' Roger Merrett who seems to have shrugged of age and rolled back the years and the prolific Matt Fanstone - top scorer by a mile after being injured for long periods - both deserve a mention.
This team has battled for their achievements its a shame that only one place is between them and Northern Senior status which is where the aspirations lie, but who knows what the future holds and a big well done to Ackland and his boys through a rollercoaster of a season. Unfortunately they have to put the disappointment of another county cup final defeat behind them but the team now set about their annual tour - ENJOY YOURSELVES AND LET THE FUN TIMES ROLE!

NB: Only once in history as the team finished in a better position than third place and that was way way back in 1947 when they achieved the runners-up spot in Division one. See history button for club history.

RESERVES MAKE IT TO FINAL
Leonard Stanley Reserves secured a place in the Stroud Charity Cup Final with a convincing 3-1 victory over .... The final is to be held at Slimbridge on the 7th May.

EX CLUB MAN GRAHAM DIES

This week the club was saddened to hear of the passing - after a short illness -of Mr Graham King of the Street, Leonard Stanley. For a large part of his life Graham was very involved Leonard Stanley Football Club. He was the 'sponge and cold water man' for many years and helped to start the annual six a side competition in 1966. He served on the committee until the mid 1970s and remained a Vice President until his death - always following the progress of the club. His funeral will be held at Gloucester Crematorium on Tuesday 25th March at 12.30