AFC Totton
AMID ALL THE RECENT new arrivals at Snows Stadium, there have also been a few departures.
Alfie Stanley has left the club by mutual consent. The former Dorchester Town striker struggled to hold down a first team place under Jimmy Ball and, after discussions with the boss, the club agreed to release him so he would be free to approach and discuss offers from other clubs.
Stanley joined AFC Totton in the summer of 2023, and made his competitive Stags debut as a starter in the opening day last-gasp win at Harrow Borough. His first AFC Totton goal came in the 5-3 home win over Hanwell Town in August, which he followed up the next weekend with two goals in the 5-1 Emirates FA Cup mauling of Sholing.
Alfie’s AFC Totton record across all competitions stands at played 30 (14 starts, plus 16 substitute appearances), with 12 goals scored. He was last involved in the 1-0 home win over Harrow Borough at the Snows Stadium on 20 January.
Since the original version of this article was written, Alfie has reportedly signed for Gosport Borough.
Attacking midfielder Joe Turner has decided to leave the club. He asked that we pass on this message to fans (which has previously been posted on the cub's social media accounts):
“I've made the really tough decision to take a step back from football and from AFC Totton. The travel has become an issue and is taking its toll, and I want to spend more time with my family, which means I'll be leaving the club.
It's been a brilliant couple of months at an exceptionally run football club, from head-to-toe. I have nothing but positive words to say regarding the board, management and changing room. Thank you to Jimmy for bringing me in, and the boys for being so welcoming. It’s a great group.
I'll definitely be cheering for you all as you chase the Play-Offs, and hopefully the promotion you deserve. Thank you.”
Joe scored twice on his AFC Totton debut at Merthyr Town in November, on his way to scoring six goals in his first four games for the club, including another brace at Beaconsfield.
Turner started 14 games in all competitions, and also made two substitute appearances. He scored six goals.
Joe has reportedly signed for Isthmian League South East Division side Ramsgate.
Striker Reece Grant returned to Hemel Hempstead when his loan from the National League South side expired shortly into the New Year.
He scored one goal in four starts for The Stags, before an injury in the goalless draw at Hanwell Town put him out of action for the intended remainder of his loan spell.
Teenaged midfielder Ashton Pickles has joined Southern League Division One South relegation battlers, Bashley.
Pickles was released by Hamworthy United following The Hammers’ decision to withdraw their first team from the league for the 2023/24 season. He followed centre-forward Remus Nixon in making the move to Totton.
Ashton made two starts for The Stags. The first came in November against East Cowes Victoria Athletic in the Third Round of the Hampshire Senior Cup. The second was against Downton in the Third Round of the SDFA Southampton Senior Cup, in which he scored in a 3-1 home victory.
Popular young winger Matty Burrows has joined Wimborne Town on loan, to help him achieve full match fitness after a lengthy spell trying to manage his return from a persistent, niggling injury.
Burrows was a second-half substitute, replacing ex-Stag Sam Griffin, in Wimborne’s 1-1 home draw against Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday 10 February, before scoring on his full debut in The Magpies’ 2-0 away win at Yate Town on 17 February, in which he played the full 90 minutes.
Wimborne Town, who also include former AFC Totton players Jack Hoey and Josh Carmichael in their squad, are currently top of the Southern League Div.1 South table. With only one automatic promotion place up for grabs, The Magpies are one point clear of Frome Town but only two points clear of Cribbs, who have a game in-hand.
By Ben Rochey-Adams
Images courtesy of Craig Hobbs Photography and Michaela Cater Photography
