Glenn Pennyfather has paid tribute to stalwart central defender Steve Ward after the popular veteran opted to move on to Canvey Island this week but also rejoiced in the news that six more of last year’s gifted younger players have signed registration forms for the club.

Ward spent four seasons with the Clarets, helping to lift the Ryman League Premier Division title silverware during that time. He also gave over a decade of efforts for Canvey previously and Glenn admits, although he’s sad to see him leave, he does so with the very best wishes of himself and all the fans who latched onto his character.

“Steve has been fantastic for us and I really can’t give him enough praise having worked so closely with him for so long,” explained Pennyfather, with his first pre-season friendly around the corner against Stevenage this Friday night at Melbourne, kick-off 7:45pm. “I know it was a really hard decision for him to move on and it’s a sad day as I would love to have kept him. I’ve enjoyed every minute of working with him from day one.”

‘Wardy’ was included in a recent compilation of non-league ‘Golden Oldies’ and believes he can reach the 1,000-game mark if he maintains the shape which saw him regarded as one of the squad’s fittest players. He proved an inspiration to City’s younger players and Glenn added: “He is the ultimate pro and he will now give Canvey the benefits of his service – maybe not for the next 15 years, though! He’s looked after himself and he’s a fantastic footballer and a genuinely fantastic man which is why he was so popular.”

Meanwhile, some of the young talents he helped to inspire have signed Conference registration paperwork for next season, including First Team regulars Ben Nunn in defence, wide midfielder Anthony Cook and striker Rob Edmans. A trio from Bob Batchford’s highly-successful Youth and Reserve Team setup have also re-signed, namely goalkeeper Lewis Batchford, defender namesake Ryan and attacker Tyrone Scarlett. Further registrations are expected to take place during the course of this week.

There has also been good news on the recovery of newcomer Sam Higgins from his foot operation over the summer. Glenn added: “Sam is mostly through his rehabilitation now and is running so it wouldn’t be too early to expect him to be involved in the Bradford City game. I really feel we’ve got the nucleus of a side and we can call upon many of the players who showed their potential last year. I can see a real intensity in training.”

FA Youth Cup Sees Clarets Drawn at Home: City will begin their involvement in this season’s FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON with a Preliminary Round home tie against AFC Hornchurch during the week beginning Monday 6th September, with Braintree Town waiting in the wings to host the winners a fortnight later.

The Chelmsford Youth Team, this season under the management of Paul Nicholson while Bob Batchford mainly concentrates on the Reserves, will hope to match the impressive run they generated last season and victory over the Urchins would see them take-on more fellow Essex opposition in Braintree during the week beginning Monday 20th September.

Should Nicholson’s team prevail again they would host Codicot, Grays Athletic or St Margaretsbury in the Second Qualifying Round in October. Meanwhile, City are exempt to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup on Saturday 25th September and the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy on Saturday 20th November.

Youth Squads Searching for New Talent: Chelmsford City Under 13s Clarets are looking for players to join the FA Charter Standard Community Club setup which trains at Melbourne Park. Training is on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm and Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:30am. Contact David Sinfield on (07986) 380527 or E-Mail davidsinfield@btopenworld.com.

Meanwhile, the Under 11s also require up to two defenders and one goalkeeper to play next season in the Chelmer & Crouch 9v9 League. The friendly squad concentrates on achieving results through player and team progression, with three FA-qualified coaches responsible for all areas of coaching and development. Training is on Fridays between 6:45 and 8:00pm and matches are on Sunday mornings. Contact Mark Davidson on (07970) 732942 or via E-Mail at mark@ccfcyouth.com.

The Chelmsford City Historian – Blog 7 Out Now! The brand new issue of Club Historian Dave Selby’s Blog, a recently-launched digest of historical trivia via our former Secretary David Selby, is now available for consumption as part of his continued effort to work towards a regular archive newsletter.

‘The Chelmsford City Historian’ is an online diary of Clarets miscellany described as “a blog dedicated to the history and statistics of Chelmsford City Football Club 1938 to date.” David has been ‘blogging’ regularly at www.thechelmsfordcityhistorian.blogspot.com with information, updates on progress made and other interesting bits relating to City’s days gone by, augmented by statistical and trivia postings. This month’s offering contains end-of-season trivia and information on the City Legends vs Arsenal Celebrities game.