Thatcham Town FC: Building a New Era of Community Football
Thatcham Town Football Club is embracing a new chapter under manager Cameron Philbey and vice-chairman Paul Ayres, who joined Kennet Radio’s Saturday Chatterday to talk about the club’s rebuild and its renewed focus on community spirit.
Appointed in June, Philbey arrived following a turbulent summer that saw the previous manager and much of the playing squad depart. “It’s been a lot of hard work — frustrating but enjoyable at the same time,” he told Kennet Radio. “The support from the club and the people around it has been fantastic. We’re getting better every week in terms of recruitment and performance.”
Philbey, who began coaching with local side Frilsham, spoke passionately about creating a culture where “the club feels like it’s everyone’s club”. He explained how players now stay behind after matches to meet fans and young supporters. “We make sure the players have time for people who’ve come through the gate. Our captain’s got queues of kids wanting shirts signed — it’s magical.”
The manager has made developing young, local players a cornerstone of his approach. “We’ve probably got north of ten lads from Thatcham in the team,” he said. “You can see that reflected in the attendances — families and friends coming along to watch.” Among the standout stories this season is 16-year-old goalkeeper Maciej Wieczorek, whose performances have captured supporters’ imaginations.
Vice-chairman Paul Ayres said the transformation off the pitch has been just as impressive. “Everybody wants to get involved now — people are out mowing lawns, helping around the ground,” he said. “It really feels like a community club again.”
Looking ahead, the club’s ambition is clear: to climb back to step four of the football pyramid after last season’s relegation. “Promotion is the obvious goal,” Ayres said, “but beyond that, it’s about keeping this community energy going.”
Philbey’s final message to supporters was simple:
“Come down, bring your family, bring your children. We want players to feel like superstars with kids wanting to talk to them. It’s your club — come and be part of it.”
