15th August 2009 – Sheffield FC v Stamford AFC
Prior to the trip to Sheffield for our opening match of the 2009/10 season, new Daniels boss Tuncay Korkmaz has revealed the backbone of his squad to feature at Stamford AFC next season.
Nine of the players were playing at the Vic Couzens Stadium last season, six have followed Korkmaz from his former club Deeping Rangers and five are completely new recruits.
Former Posh and Lincoln City midfield man Ben Sedgemore is the biggest name on an impressive list of talent which includes striker Danny Matson (who played for Rangers in their United Counties League Premier Division title-winning team of 2006-07) and goalkeeper Chris Wright who has also joined from Boston.
Korkmaz hopes this core will turn the Daniels team into a UniBond League force.
The 33 year-old Sedgemore has had long spells at Mansfield and Macclesfield during his days in the professional game, and will work as player-coach after moving from Boston United.
Korkmaz said: “We were looking for both a quality midfield player and a good coach, and we have managed to find both in the same package.
“We got in touch through my assistant Kieron Scarff and we are delighted to have Ben on board – just as we are every player who has signed. Every one of the new players has the potential to bring a huge amount to the club and I feel sure they will deliver.”
“We are in the business of winning football matches, but we want to do it in a style that is pleasing to watch for the Stamford public. I want to create a team that the people of Stamford can be proud about and we are 75 percent of the way there. I’m pleased with what we have achieved so far, but there is still work to be done.”
Former Daniels captain Chris Gray has joined Grantham while last season’s leading goalscorer Jamie Clarke, central defender Shaun Pearson and influential midfielder Dan Cotton have signed for UniBond Premier Division side Boston United.
1st August 2009: Blackstones (A)
Venue: Lincoln Road
Date: 1st August 2009
Kick Off: 15.00
Competition: Friendly
Postcode: PE9 1UU
For the first time since 2006 sees Saturday Tuncay Korkmaz’s Stamford to play against town rivals Blackstones. The Stones which they are also known last time played Stamford in a competitive game since 1998 the season which the Daniels won the United Counties League for the 2nd time in succession.
