Uxbridge Make Late Additions to Roster

Uxbridge Town surprised many this week making a few new additions to their roster. The new signings are:

• Oxnaleah Osinowo - D - USA - 27 y/o
• Herleigh Bulkeley - M - ENG - 27 y/o
• Somerton Culpepper - F - ENG - 28 y/o

Osinowo spent 8 years in the French League scoring 20 goals in 244 matches for FC Nancy and Paris FC. The 27 year old American proved himself to be a disciplined and versatile defender with excellent heading skills. Uxbridge signed Osinowo to a 2 year deal.

Herleigh Bulkeley returns to the AFPL, having spent one season with Queen's Crossing FC between stints in the French League. Already a solid veteran, the 27 year old Bulkeley brings his excellent knowledge of the game and solid passing ability to his new club, having signed a 2 year contract with Uxbridge.

A number of people were surprised that Somerton Culpepper remained a free agent, having scored 17 goals in 32 matches last season with Dover. The 28 year striker inked a 3 year deal with Uxbridge, and will expect to contribute as a reliable substitute with his new club.

In addition to the new players, Uxbridge Town also announced the re-signing of a few players to contract extensions. Goalkeeper MacMillan Andrews is now on a 5 year contract, while defender Edmon Breton will be with Uxbridge for the next 4 seasons.

The Lions will try to continue their early success, as they host a derby against Northern London City FC.

Uxbridge Town Wins Opener

The first match in Uxbridge Town's second AFPL season did not go exactly to plan, but the team ended up getting the result, defeating the visiting Tekkers FC 1-0. The game was derailed a bit for the Lions in the 36th minute when defender Gaetano Gatti received an immediate red card for a violent tackle on Tekkers defender Hy Caffrey. The new need for defence ended Kobe Otsuka's day early, as Edmon Breton was subbed on in his place. While Uxbridge continued to control the game with 10 men, they were not able to get the winner until Huenu Barragan's amazing free kick in the 90th minute sealed the match for Uxbridge.

The crowd of 31,141 fans were emotional throughout the match and absolutely jubilant when their side got the winner. Captain Stephen Mill praised the fan support during the post-match press conference. "The supporters were out in force today" said Mill. "Their support really buoyed us today. They didn't let up for the entire match, pushing us forward. And when the goal finally went in, it was absolutely electric. It's an incredible feeling."

Statistically, Uxbridge totally controlled the match. Despite playing most of the match a man down, the Lions dominated possession, managed to get 6 shots on target, and prevented Tekkers from putting a single shot on goal. Wynward Garnis is credited with the clean sheet despite not needing to make a single save.

Manager MacCallum Barry was ultimately happy to get the win, but felt that his team could have delivered more. "We got the three points, and that is the most important thing" said Barry. "It's tougher when you're down a man, but I do think that we could have turned more of our opportunities into genuine chances, especially on corners today. We're always happy with a win but, Huenu's goal aside, this one probably won't be one for the highlight reel at season's end." Asked about concerns related to Gatti's ejection, Barry backed his player. "I have known Gaetano a long time, and I coached him back in my Stratford days. And this isn't the type of player that he is. He's a hard tackler, but knows where the line is and how not to cross it. Obviously, he will have a week to cool his jets, but I think that he will learn from this, as he learns from everything else."

Uxbridge Town will now immediately fly to Belgium to play the Lazer Sharx in WG Financial Cup play in two days' time. They return to league play the next week, going on the road to play Narangba Henty Eagles, who were 2-0 losers this week at DMFC.

Uxbridge Town AFC - Season 101 Preview

What a difference a year can make. One year ago, Uxbridge Town AFC was leading a new team with a mix of veterans, youth, and several lower-tier players into an unknown fate in their first AFPL season. After a slow start and some obvious growing pains, the Lions found some form and ended up with a 22 win 9th place season. Now this season, Uxbridge enters the year with a corps of talented young players and impressive veterans that make up a pretty formidable side. So much so, that multiple pundits have Uxbridge Town as the favourites to win the AFPL title, and only a small handful have them outside of the top 5.

At a recent press availability, President Bertrand Jeunechamp spoke positively about where the club was at the dawn of their second AFPL season. "Now that we are in this place, it really is our first year as an established professional football club" said Jeunechamp. "People know what to expect of us. We are a known brand, and one very much on the rise. Our stadium is going to be loud and packed full of our home fans on Saturdays, and I feel very good about that. It's exciting to see where this season may take us."

Manager MacCallum Barry returns for his second season with Uxbridge Town. In an interview, the 5-time AFPL Champion manager talked about the difficulty of being a perceived front runner. "Becoming successful, acquiring talented players, gaining the expectations that come with that, it definitely puts a target on your back" said Barry, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday. "Every team is motivated to get to play you, and so you get opponents with a little more energy, a bit more strut. But, you learn to deal with it. The difference between a talented team and a successful team is focus: you need to remember your game plan and execution don't let the surrounding talk affect what you do once you get onto the pitch. And now with a more experienced team, we can be a lot more free flowing this year. I feel like we have the talent and awareness to play a more interesting style of football."

The starting XI for the opening match is expected to look like this:

Wynward Garnis returns start in goal in his age 19 season after a solid rookie year, while Stratford United veteran MacMillan Andrews will serve as the backup. The young defensive quartet of Gaetano Gatti, Bafetbis Chalme, Stephen Mill, and Stefan Coda remain the starters in the back, with comparative veterans Edmon Breton and Amory Buchan joining the club in a supporting role. Uxbridge may have the strongest midfield in England. Tab Leigh and Lyle Maigny are back, though Maigny moves to the middle of the field with Leigh going from RCM to RM. Superstar midfielder Huenu Barragan and reliable Kenyon Paulo Canineu round out the starters in the middle. When they need to be spelled, the versatile Kipp Levenworth will fill in that role. At the front, 19 year old Kobe Otsuka, coming off a 27 goal performance a year ago, will be joined by French League veteran Gilbert Cadogan, who comes to his native England for his first AFPL experience. 23 year old Mehdi Florentin may be the strongest substitute on Uxbridge's roster, and will expect to score several goals in his opportunities.

Kobe Otsuka, while doing a recent profile for a 'Young Stars of the League' TV feature, was confident going into the new year. "I really felt like I found my footing about halfway through last season" said Otsuka. "It's tough trying to get accustomed to professional football, especially here in England. And I don't think that I would be here without the support of my teammates, both on and off the pitch. I truly believe that I can be a better player and a better teammate this season. My goal is to help the team win, and I know that finishing will be a big part of that. 30 goals is a very high number, but that is my target."

While much of the attention this offseason was on the signing of Huenu Barragan to the midfield, 33 year old Lyle Maigny returns after a very successful season. He was named the club's player of the year last season, and also was named the Player of the Year for JR Wellington Sports Management, and was a finalist for the AFPL Golden Ball, Losing to Carson FC's 42 goal scorer Kenway Lupton. "What happened last year was excellent, but unfortunately, that is all in the past now"said Maigny in a post-match press conference at a recent exhibition matchup, a 5-0 road win in Belgium against Halle Côte d'Or. "Our new season becomes our sole focus, and I know that all of the players on this team are ready to work hard and prepare thoroughly. It's the only way many of us know how." When asked about co-existing with his new star midfielder, Maigny called the transition "seemless", adding: "Watching Huenu [Barragan] on the pitch is a dream, and we have found a pretty good chemistry already. Jealousy can never enter into the equation in football. The only goal is to work with your team and present the best version of yourself."

Finally, captain Stephen Mill showed a great deal of maturity last year, and now the 19 year old has a year of professional experience under his belt, and is ready to meet the high expectations. "The pressure is on us obviously" said Mill after a recent training session. "But it has been good. We're keeping in good spirits in training, in our early exhibitions. I am looking forward to getting the season started proper, and I know the rest of the team is too."

Uxbridge open their AFPL season at home against Tekkers FC who finished in 3rd in the league last year.

Uxbridge Makes Final Additions Before Season

With training camp starting in 2 days, Uxbridge Town AFC has finalized their roster with one last free agent signing:

• Kenyon Paulo Canineu, M, USA, 23 y/o

Canineu spent the last 5 seasons with Allogia Scorpions Football Club in the French League where he played 121 matches and scored 27 goals. He had fallen out of favour last year however, only getting into 9 matches. Canineu signed a 5 year deal with the Lions, and should be in the starting XI when they kick off their season.

Uxbridge also added forward Ardolf O'Donnovan and midfielder Weard Corby via transfer from FC Stratford-Upon-Avon King's Men, and both will be expected to serve depth roles with their new club.

Huenu Barragan Signs with Uxbridge

The press room in Uxbridge was a bit more full than usual today as the Lions announced the signing of Mexican midfielder Huenu Barragan. The 30 year old signed a 5 year contract that is said to be worth around £450,000 per season.

Manager MacCallum Barry spoke at the presser, speaking very highly of the new signing. "It is incredibly exciting to have a player of Huenu's calibre joining our team" said Barry. "He is a fantastic player of both sides of the ball, and will make an amazing addition to an already impressive midfield. I look forward to seeing him in training and getting to work with him as we approach the season."

After spending a season with Tigres in the Mexcian League, Barragan spent the last 11 seasons in France, first with Montreuil Saint-Denis for 6 years and then with Bordeaux Fighting Bovines for 5 where he won a league championship. Barragan scored an impressive 111 goals in 379 league matches in France, including 18 in 28 matches last year with Bordeaux. El Pequeño Mago ("The Little Magician" in English) showed incredible dribbling ability throughout his career as well as seemingly boundless stamina. Barragan is also a sound tackler and is often able to lead the counter attack after winning the ball high up the pitch.

Speaking through a translator, Barragan addressed the media for the first time in Uxbridge, while wearing his brand new #10 jersey. "It is a real pleasure to be here" said Barragan. "Speaking with Mr. Barry and Mr. Jeunechamp and others at this club, it is clear to me that there is a strong desire to be an elite club in England and beyond. I cannot wait to get into training and show the coaches, my teammates, and all of the supporters here what I can do."

Barragan will join his teammates in his first game with the club next week at home against the Lazer Sharx in Uxbridge's opening WG Financial Cup match. His first AFPL match will be at home as well against Tekkers FC.

Uxbridge Town Taking Shape as More Free Agents Sign

With training camp rapidly approaching for Uxbridge Town AFC, the club has rounded out their roster by adding a number of new free agents. The newly signed players are:

• Edmon Breton, D, ENG, 25 y/o
• Kipp Levenworth, M, ENG, 27 y/o
• Amory Buchan, D, ENG, 26 y/o

Edmon Breton is joining his 7th AFPL team in 7 years signing with Uxbridge on a 1 year deal. The 25 year old Englishman had 4 goals in 34 matches for Carson FC last season, and will likely be the top substitute defender for the Lions this year.

Also in entering his 7th AFPL season, midfielder Kipp Levenworth tallied 10 goals in 37 matches for Dulwich AFC last season. Though he has been a key starter for a number of top English clubs in the past, Levenworth will likely serve as a sub for this year.

Amory Buchan has a year of Stratford United experience, playing 8 matches with them 2 years ago, but was not there during MacCallum Barry's tenure as manager. The 26 year old defender scored 7 goals in 37 matches for Walking L's FC last year, but will likely slot into a second team role at Uxbridge.

The Lions are expected to make a few more signings as training camp is set to start next week.

First Signings of Second Season Announced

With only 8 players on the active roster going into this offseason ahead of their second AFPL season, Uxbridge Town AFC was expected to be very busy during this free agency period, and that has proven to be the case. Thus far, Uxbridge has signed the following players as free agents:

• Gilbert Cadogan, F, ENG, 26 y/o
• MacMillan Andrews, GK, ENG, 24 y/o
• Mehdi Florentin, F, FRA, 23 y/o
  
• Taron Alden, F, ENG, 28 y/o
  

English forward Gilbert Cadogan will play his first matches in the AFPL with Uxbridge, signing a 3 year contract after an 8 year stay in the French League. Cadogan was a solid contributor for FC Toulon in his first 5 seasons, scoring 60 goals in 162 matches with the club. He quickly fell out of favour with Bad News FC however, only getting into 13 matches in three seasons, and failing to get any game action last season. The 26 year old has been touted as a big deal signing by the club, and will likely see significant minutes with Uxbridge.

Goalkeeper MacMillan Andrews was the backup goalkeeper for Stratford United for 4 seasons, and will now serve the same role on MacCallum Barry's new team. Andrews was a reliable presence in the back in his 28 matches at Stratford, and will hope to resume that form in his return to the AFPL, after a year playing for Cambridge United in the National League.

23 year old striker Mehdi Florentin has been a steady contributor to powerhouse club Butterflies United in his native France, with 58 goals in 127 French League matches. Signing a 5 year contract with Uxbridge, while it is unlikely that Florentin will regularly start for the club, he will be expected to be a key substitute and late match scorer.

Standing at an imposing 6'8, Taron Alden joins the Lions with 6 years of AFPL experience. Alden served as a regular substitute last year for champions Blackley Town scoring a goal in 5 matches, and he is expected to remain as a 2nd team player this season. He joins Uxbridge on a 1 year contract.

Uxbridge also announced the acquisition of goalkeeper Wickley Carew and defender Duff Butler via transfer from new AFPL club FC Stratford-Upon-Avon. Terms of those deals were not disclosed, and both players are expected to serve in reserve roles for their new club.