The DC Steamers 20th Anniversary

Date: July 2nd 2005
Venue: Ibis Social Club, Scours Lane

 

Over 40 past and present players turned out for the DC Steamers 20th anniversary in what was certainly a memorable day in their history. During the day, six teams, all named after Steamers tour destinations took part in a 5-a-side round robin competition with Blackpool playing Swansea in the final. The day was also an opportunity to raise a bit of money for the Limbless Association. This organisation helped Ray Townsend after his accident. With the participation and commemorative programme fees all going to the charity, it is hoped we have raised about £500. During the day, each participant was asked to vote for the best player in each position on the pitch in order to put together an all time Greatest Steamers XI. The results of which are shown below The evening started with the end of season trophies being awarded Richard Scaldwell well deserved winning the Player of  the Season award and the new Ray Townsend Shield. The shield was purchased in Rays memory and is to be awarded to the Player of the season each year whilst having their name engraved on it. Owen Temple won the Goal of the season award after his delightful header against Chalfont Park was voted by his team-mates as their most memorable goal of the season.  Chris Taylor won the Clubman of the year award for the 4th time in 5 years for his administration and assistance in running the club Certificates were then awarded to individuals for daft reasons. Wayne Makepeace won the naughtiest player Duncan Glen won an award for the worst goal scored Mervyn Jones won the worst dressed player award Rob Browning won the top Tourist award Jason Knight won an award for being the Leading Benchwarmer Jane Holt picked up a certificate for being DC's most loyal supporter Andy Holt won the Most Own Goals scored award Rory O'Neill won the Best International Player award Finally, some serious and well deserved awards were handed out to those whose loyalty, commitment and effort warranted praise Steve Bell won the 'Golden Boot' Award for scoring the most goals. In his 11 years with DC he has scored 104 goals Jensen Langford won the managers manager award. This was voted by the past managers of the Steamers Stuart Brown won the Youngest Player ever award. This will not be beaten as he started his career at the age of 12 !! Graham Brown won the Oldest Player award which also may not be broken. He was 48 (although Kevin (45) is catching up) Mark Jarman won the 'Most Consecutive Games' award. It was not known how many although it was a lot Chris Taylor was awarded with the Greatest Clubman award. Much to his surprise, he was given the framed Southend United shirt which had been signed and donated by Dave Crown himself. (God only knows where I'll stick that). The final award was given to Steve Danby. A founder of the DC Steamers and one of only two players still turning on a Sunday morning. He was awarded a Lifetime achievement award for the most appearances (310) narrowly beating Mark Jarman (308) to the title. Steve has been a heartbeat of the team for 20 years and it was fitting for Mervyn, Andy Holt and Jensen to say a few new things about him. The greatest team was also announced. (x) = voted position Darren Holder (1) Andy Holt (1) Graham Brown (1) Ray Townsend (2) Steve Danby (2) Mark Jarman (1) Steve Bell (1) Jensen Langford (2) Unfortunately Dave Crown could not be present for the day but he took time out to visit Reading on Sunday June 19th 2005 to meet up with a few of the Steamers from past and present over a couple of beers. He also very kindly handed over a framed signed football shirt. It was the 3rd time in 20 years that Dave had met the Steamers, the last time being on the 10th anniversary. A call out of the blue informing him of the fact the team were still going after 20 years was a pleasant surprise and he was excited in meeting up again. Unfortunately he is unable to attend the 20th anniversary do so suggested a couple of beers one afternoon which was eagerly accepted. It was a lovely afternoon in the company of the 'Centre Piece' of the Steamers and on behalf of the team, I'd like to thank Dave and his family for taking the time to travel up from South East coast. The suggestion of a 25th anniversary get together has already been mentioned although how many of the current squad will still be playing is debateable ........!!!!!!!! Dave Crown Presents the club with a signed shirt (Kayleigh, DM, Chewy, Melvyn, Andy, Danbers, Jason, Chris and Nigel all present)