the team and the tour
The Team
COACHING STAFF
Mr Boult - Head Coach
Mr Boult is the most successful manager in JHGS history, with many accolades to his name, most notably the English National School Cup victory in the 2007-08 seasons. After being at JHGS for four years he remains focused on increasing that tally bringing yet more silverware to the John Hampden trophy cabinet. The Hampden boss enjoyed a successful playing career regularly featuring in the Southern and Hellenic leagues, "He's had more clubs that hot dinners" Mr Green - (Head of PE). Following the departure of Steve Vanstone it was his success in the lower school teams that allowed him to take on the role as First Team Manager. 'Bolti' inherited a wealth of talented young players, who he has now moulded, trained and prepared, for bringing home the USA Cup.
Mr Felgate - Assistant/Player Coach
Mr Felgate was promoted to the role as assistant manager on the 28th June 2009, having served as a Brunel 1st team regular since 2005. Felgate is probably best known for his playing career at "Hersham Elm Grove" in his hometown of Surrey, but has featured in the Bucks/Berks leagues for Taplow and Chalfont Wasps. The Canaries signed Felgate for a club record fee of a bacon roll and half a pint of Fostors in the summer of 2010, an offer which Felgate could not refuse, playing for his hometown club. Mr Felgate's coaching career has spanned several continents, taking up positions in the USA and across Europe bringing a wealth of experience to his role as Assistant Manager at Hampden. The pinnacle of Felgate's career so far was lifting the Year 10 county cup which they won in emphatic style through a mixture of possession and direct football "He's just like Sam Allardyce" - Greg Boult (Head Coach).
Mr Edwards - Goalkeeper Coach/Tour Rep
Mr Edwards was promoted to the role of goalkeeper coach on the 9th September 2010 succeeding his colleague Tom Kent. Although very well matched, their philosophies differ, with Mr Edwards bringing a wealth of egg chasing knowledge. In his previous role as Technical Skills Development Officer, Edwards was the man charged by Hampden in progressing and acquiring talent from in and around the Bucks area. The affable Cornishman, who retired from playing at the age of 12 to pursue an egg chasing career, has been at Hampden for the past 25 years. Edwards has been pivotal in developing the coaching at Hampden, having been a season ticket holder at Manchester United, "For a big lad, he's got an alright touch" Matty Thomas (Usa Tour 2009).
PLAYING STAFF
Carl Hayward – Goalkeeper
Carl Hayward became the First XI goalkeeper in September 2010 after agreeing a deal 6 weeks earlier and training with Hampden during much of the 2009/10 season. A good shot stopper who has all the attributes of a top class goalkeeper, Hayward rose to prominence after a string of top displays in the National and County cup competitions. Comparisons to former JHGS and Wycombe Wanderers wonderkid Matthew Ingram have inevitably been made (and, like Big Mattie, Carl is a good organiser of his defenders) but it's important to remember that Hayward is in the early stages of his career as JHGS No.1. John Hampden Boss Mr Boult said “Carl is one of the brightest young goalkeepers in the game. The challenge at John Hampden is always to look to the future and, in Carl, we have signed a goalkeeper of great presence and even more promise."
Luke Toudup - Defender
High Wycombe-born Luke Toudup is a tall and powerful centre-back. An intelligent defender, he combines an uncompromising physical approach with the ability to pass the ball out from the back. Lukey has risen through the Hampden ranks to become an integral part of the first team squad, with Mr Felgate admitting: "His Hampden future is assured." The former National cup winner - who received his first call-up in the 2009/10 season - has blossomed into one of the most promising young defenders around. Ever since he was handed a National cup squad number at the start of the 2007/08 season, aged just 14, Toudup has been a burgeoning talent waiting to burst to prominence. Handed his opportunity by the sale of Ryan Goodchild in the summer of 2009, Lukey did just that during the course of the 2010/11 campaign. Whenever called upon, Lukey's ice-cool calm is immediately apparent, even on huge stages like the Yeovil Town or Bisham Abbey. His capacity for handling pressure is incredible, and stems partially from the extensive experience he gained in the lower years.
Dan Brennan - Defender (Tour Captain)
Armed with elegance, pace and an astute ability to read the game, Dan Brennan is one of the finest defenders in school football
The Irish-born star burst onto the John Hampden scene under the guidance of Mr Vanstone before being snapped up by Mr Boult for in September 2007. The 2007/08 National Cup provided Dan the stage to make the transformation from budding talent to accomplished defender, and his performances in Scotland representing England convinced Mr Boult to give Dan the Captains armband at First Team level. Dan has consistently justified his tag as a National-class defender. He's also chipped in with valuable goals. In May 2008, Brennan signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at John Hampden until 2012. Six days later he went on to be picked up by Wycombe Wanderers.
The Irish-born star burst onto the John Hampden scene under the guidance of Mr Vanstone before being snapped up by Mr Boult for in September 2007. The 2007/08 National Cup provided Dan the stage to make the transformation from budding talent to accomplished defender, and his performances in Scotland representing England convinced Mr Boult to give Dan the Captains armband at First Team level. Dan has consistently justified his tag as a National-class defender. He's also chipped in with valuable goals. In May 2008, Brennan signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at John Hampden until 2012. Six days later he went on to be picked up by Wycombe Wanderers.
Tom Coleman - Defender (Tour Vice Captain)
Tall, athletic and solid as a rock, Tom Coleman is uncompromising in the tackle and formidable in the air. The Ascot-born player began his career with boyhood club Flackwell Heath, joining their youth programme at 7. He eventually ended his stay with Flackwell by leading them to a Bucks's domestic league and cup double before switching to Flackwell Under 10's in September 2004. Just 39 games and four goals later, John Hampden came calling. Tom was an integral part of the National Cup winning side and scored the winning goal (a 20 Yard half-volley) in front of a packed house at Huish Park (Yeovil Towns ground). JHGS 1st Team announced his signing in October 2010. Unfortunately a bad injury kept Coleman out of most of the 2010/11 campaign, but his performances until that point had been strong enough to help Hampden to 3rd place in the County Cup Competition. The Tough defender's impressive performances have earned him the Vice-Captaincy for the USA Tour.
Tom Combes - Defender
Tough-tackling, strong in the air and fast on the deck, Tom Coombes is one of school football's finest defenders. He's not the most fortunate though. Surely his school appearance totals, while impressive, would be far higher had it not been for his awful luck. After all, he's been on the first-team scene since the end of 2010/11 when he completed a meteoric rise through the ranks at Hampden Park. After signing as a trainee in September 2005, Tom put pen to paper on professional forms four months later. In this first full season, 2005/06, he picked up the Steve Vanstone Young Player of the Year award. Combes's performances in 2006/07 caught the eye, but knee-ligament injuries ahead of the 2007/08 season and at the end of the 2008/09 campaign were bookends to a broken ankle in August 2008. Many players might have been demoralised by such wretched luck, but Combes’s grit saw him return in September 2010 and complete the rest of the 2010/2011 season. During the current year he became a lynchpin on the right hand side of defence; his no-nonsense style perfectly complemented Brennan, Coleman and Toudops more languid approach.
Kristian Fuzi - Versatile
Arguably Hampden’s most versatile player, Kristian Fuzi, who has made almost 50 caps for his school - has played everywhere during his time at Hampden Park. But wherever he plays, Hampden’s “Mr Smile” is happy to contribute to the team. A shining example of selflessness and professionalism, Kristian has been ever-willing in his service for Hampden, since his first full season in 2005/06 when he was a revelation on the wing. He raced up and down the line, effortlessly picking the pockets of opponents who ran at him and cheekily nutmegging those who tried to stop him. Fuzi has always been a technical footballer, blessed with beautiful balance, crisp passing and formidable upper-body strength, which enables him to slip effortlessly into midfield and anywhere across the back four. In 2004/05, he played in all those positions, and in the following season he began to establish himself in the wide man role – forming an unlikely but extremely effective partnership with Jake Collier, that was the basis of Hampden’s late-season surge.
Darius Beeks - Midfield
The only surprise about Darius Beeks being named USA Tour 2009/10 Player's Player was that it had taken so long for him to win such a prestigious award. After all, he'd previously received countless of other individual gongs - including the County Cup Young Player award twice in his early career - not to mention more team honours than any other Hampden player in the club's illustrious history. Darius is United's record appearance-maker; he surpassed Sir Taylor Livesey's 758 on the night he helped the Hampden secure a third placed spot in the U18 County Cup on 21 May 2011. He's also the only player to have scored in every School League season since joining John Hampden as an 11yr old. 'Beeksy' maintained that remarkable record with a 35 yrd volley in Hampdens opening-day draw with Dr. Challonors in September 2010. Hampden's most decorated player might never have graced Hampden Park, however, had it not been for Manager Mr Boult's intervention. High Wycombe-born Beeks was attending Dr. Challonors School of Excellence in his early years, but Mr Boult made a personal visit to his house on his 11th birthday and Darius jumped at the chance to sign for his boyhood favourites. The Senior tourist will be an essential part of the USA Tour, having already played in the US and holding National Championship and Miami Championship medals to his name.
Alex Jansons - Midfield
Janey is a player for the big occasion. While other men might shirk from the responsibility presented to them in the heat of battle, the Englishman thrives in such encounters. With his indefatigable running, hassling, closing down and tackling, it's little wonder he is so important to Mr Boult’s plans when available for selection. However, in terms of recognition for his exertions and qualities, Jansen’s Hampden career has been a slow burner. It is only with age, and with an ever-growing list of outstanding performances, that he has received due credit. He joined Hampden officially as a trainee in September2004, but injuries stymied his progress. He eventually made his debut against Challenors in March 2004, but it was in the following season that the side parting made his mark, notching 35 appearances. By this stage, he was established as one of Hampden’s leading lights. Subsequent seasons saw him used intermittently, but the trend of selecting him for the biggest, most important games indicated the high regard in which Boult holds for his fellow countryman.That faith was displayed when, in September 2010. Alex signed a two-year contract extension. He admitted that just a few months earlier he had contemplated life away from Hampden to become a plumber, only for Mr Boult to field him regularly in the early stages of the 2010/11 season to make his stay a permanent one. Jansons struck up an energetic, dominant midfield partnership with Darius Beeks and began finding the net on a more regular basis, validating the judgement of his manager and finally yielding recognition from peers and supporters alike. As well as popping up on the scoresheet, Janson’s, who found himself playing in defence during a torrid spell of injuries, turned creator on numerous occasions with some pinpoint deliveries into the area which were gladly snapped up by Tomkins and co. One of Hampden’s most consistent performers throughout, he oozed class and energy when the Yellows needed it most and carried this form into 2010/11 season.
Tom Brown - Midfield
Tom Brown defied any critics of his transfer from Wycombe Athletic by helping Hampden to 3rd place in the County Championships during the 2010/11 season. In his debut campaign, he carved out a formidable trio with Darius Beeks and Alex Jansons and began to mature into one of school football's most sophisticated and classy passing midfielders. Thereafter he confounded those who'd said he'd slip down the pecking order following Madeep Sangha’s redeployment in the centre of midfield. Brown was a highly decorated player in his younger days at Athletic. The first of his title triumphs with Athletic was also the first major honour of his professional career, although he did win the Berks and Bucks Youth Cup with them in 2002, scoring twice in the 9-0 finaldemolition of Loudwater FC. Wycombe Athletic loaned Brown out to Flackwell in 2003/04 and then Marlow Town in 2004/05 when he earned a nomination for the Bucks Young Player of the Year, eventually won by Flackwelll's Sam Tomkins. Brown spent much of the 2004/05 season sidelined with injury (to his GIGANTIC calves). Wycombe Athletic were relegated at the end of it but rather than join others in an exodus, Brown stayed for a season in the lower leagues. Brought to Hampden by an astute Edwards (former JHGS technical director) Brown was first deployed in a wide midfield role, only for Boult to transform Brown into the magnificent deep lying midfielder he is today. If there were one criticism of Brown in his early Hampden career it would have been that he had only scored two goals in 64 games, however, encouraged by Mr Boult to push forward, Brown eventually weighed in with six strikes from midfield in 2010/11 season. His first was a well-taken half-volley against Great Marlow at Hampden Park on 13 January 2010; his second, at home to Aylesbury Grammar in the National Schools Cup, was shortlisted for the club's Goal of the Season award (won by Thomas away to Wye Valley). His other goals included two in the 7-1 rout of St. Bernards.
Alex Jones - Midfield/Striker
A “fairytale story” was how Mr Felgate described the arrival of Alexander William Jones- better known as Jonesey. After a few years playing his trade in the lower school, Jonesey went on trial for the first team in 2010. A mere three weeks later, he was putting pen-to-paper on a Hampden contract. The JHGS agreement to sign the versatile wide man was announced on the 4 August 2010 and he was unveiled the following week alongside fellow new signings Tom Combes and Will O’Shea. A player with seemingly great potential was acquired by Hampden without being viewed by 1st team manager Mr Boult. The boss admitted it was an impulse decision to sign him, following advice from the club's assistant. The cultured midfielder made his senior debut in January, which followed a number of caps later on in the year. After the flirtation with the first XI, this was always going to be a bedding-in season for the inexperienced recruit and he continued to play regularly with Mr Felgates 2nd X1, bagging some spectacular strikes along the way, before making a further appearance in the county cup. Already possessing the physique and pace required to become a top footballer, his skills will be honed as he continues to develop under the watchful eye of the Hampden coaches.
Sam Tomkins – Striker
Sam Tomkins burst onto the Hampden stage in September 2004, netting an unforgettable goal against Challonors on his debut. He'd arrived from Wycombe, his boyhood club, a few weeks earlier becoming one of the most popular players amongst the coaching staff. But it wasn't his performances in his primary school that had sparked Hampden’s interest. Staff at Hampden knew about Sam from a much, much earlier age. Perhaps his performance on his Hampden debut wasn't that surprising, after all. Indeed, it merely hinted at what was to follow. By the end of the 2007/08 had amassed 17 goals in 43 appearances and was rightly named Hampden player of the year. But it's not just Sam's goals that endeared him to the Hampden faithful. A tireless worker, Sam always gives 100per cent and can't stand losing. They're traits that have, from time to time, landed him in hot water but Hampden fans recognise the odd over-zealous challenge or act of petulance is merely a by-product of Tomkins's immense passion and will to win. The striker's ability to adapt is an attribute often overlooked. Although most at home leading the line or playing just behind a main striker, Tomkins has delivered sparkling displays from midfield on numerous occasions. With pace to burn and an eye for a long, raking pass, Tomkin's just as effective creating chances as he is taking them.
Adam Thomas – Striker
Powerful, pacy winger Adam Thomas has that rare ability to beat his man from a standing start, to make a yard of space on the byline in order to deliver a cross. The Wycombe born Thomas became Hampden’s first summer signing in 2009 when he joined the 1st team early on in his Hampden career, and he definitely enjoyed the rewards with a superb first season at Hampden Park, finishing as one of Hampden’s top appearance-makers. Sam Tompkins was the main beneficiary of Thomas’s pinpoint, whipped-in crosses, while the winger himself chipped in with a number of goals. He's a skilful, old-fashioned wideman in the Matthew Thomas mould and his performances at the Wye Valley Tournament raised a few eyebrows amongst the hopeful Hampden coaches. It was Hampden boss Mr Boult, however, who won the race for his signature and he arrived at Hampden Park on a permanent basis having previously enjoyed stints at a number of clubs in the Wycombe area. Adam's pace and ability to go past a man and reach the byline were key to Hampden’s rise under Greg Boult, and his supply to Sam Tompkins helped ensure the team’s survival in the top flight in 2007/08 winning the Nationals Cup. And it didn't take him long to make an impression on the Hampden fans, with his mum and dad becoming a regular supporter. After a back problem, Thomas battled to regain fitness and his form after returning to first team action in March 2011 was stunning and he played a key role as the Hampden marched for county cup victory. Thomas’s worth to the Hampden cause had been underlined, and he is set to be a key member in the Hampden' ranks for the future.
Will O'Shea - Striker
William O’Shea – or Will as he is more popularly known is a powerful and pacy winger. Since arriving at Hampden Park he's gone from being touted as 'the new Matty Thomas' to a dynamic player in his own right. Wills's goals and assists (a league-high of 4 for the season) played a huge role in propelling Hampden towards a record 19th title in the year 10 County Cup tournament and for much of the campaign it was he the Hampden players turned to in times of trouble. It is true, though, that it wasn't until Will O’Shea’s fellow countryman left for pastures new that the Hampden no.9 really began to fulfil his potential and step out of the Thomas shadow. The 2010/11 campaign, the season after Matty Thomas joined coaching staff, was meant to be the moment Will stepped to the fore. But his sporadic involvement, partly due to injury, in the first half of the season led many outside the club to speculate about his future at Hampden park. Nevertheless, Will returned to action in June 2011 and put together a string of hugely impressive displays - and chipped in with some vital goals…..(at training) - to win over fans and pundit alike and partly reward the faith Mr Boult had shown in him. The Hampden boss highlighted an increased maturity in the Yellow's no.9 shirt and his blossoming personality. It's important to note that Will is an all-together different player to Thomas. He is an Winger, his major strength being his ability to cross the ball into dangerous areas - at which it can be said he outshines his former team-mate - whereas Thomas was more a marauding forward, intent on scoring goals rather than making them. Another valuable asset is his versatility. He can play on either flank, although his crossing remains most effective when he operates on the left wing, and he has the skill, pace and shooting power to be a threat when cutting back infield. It seems now that he is living up to the early promise of his debut campaign. The challenge remains to do it on a consistent basis. But after signing a new contract in September 2010 that keeps him at the club until July 2012, he has the platform to do it. Potential is still the keyword: as Felgate points out, Will is not yet a finished product - but he's getting there. " Will is an emerging talent within the team and has developed tremendously since joining the club," says the assistant coach behind his rise in the game.
The Tour