Senior XI Players

Meet the players:

Dave Walsh(Goalkeeper) - The ‘BFG - Big Friendly Goalie’, Walshy came to Hiltingbury having previously been at Salisbury City, he currently is coaching for Southampton FC and is willing to help out other goalkeepers throughout the Hiltingbury age groups. Dave will become a vital player in the senior team.

Mike Dudley(Defender) - Known as ‘Cilla’ throughout the team. Mike has made a successful step up from playing Sunday football with Sherfield English, and has adapted very quickly to the rigours of Saturday football and will undoubtedly play an important role in the defence.

Will Atterbury(Defender) - Big Atters is keeping it in the family with his younger brother, James captain of the Under  18’s. Atters again has adapted to a higher level of football having been out of the game for a couple of years travelling. Big Atters will be a rock at the centre of defence throughout the season.

Dave Franklin(Defender) - Dave like Will has a brother in the Under 18’s, so will be very keen to out do James and be a huge success. Nicknamed ‘The Terminator’ Dave is a powerhouse defender who loves a tackle. Again, he will be a huge foundation of the senior defence.

Andy Lewis(Defender) - Andy came to Hiltingbury from Colden Common, so has a wealth of experience at a high level. He has a sweet left foot, which has been seen a number of times already this season, including an audacious 40 yard lob in a pre-season friendly.

Matt Branfoot(Defender) - Matt is a graduate from the Hiltingbury ranks and was a member of the successful Under 18’s team last season. Matt despite his young age has done extremely well bombing up and down from the right back slot.
Ross Walliss(Midfield) - Ross ‘ Do u know who I am - Google me’ Walliss as he’s known!! Ross joined Hiltingbury at the start of this season from AFC Bournemouth having been released due to injury. He is a key member of the team and despite his young age brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the side.

Jay Buck(Midfield) – The team’s captain, Jay is a pivotal part of the team and gets the midfield ticking over and organised with his tireless workrate, enthusiasm and encouragement. Jay is without doubt our Makelele.

Scott Richter(Midfield) – He brings the experience to the team with Winchester City and Farnborough Town to name just a couple of Scott’s previous clubs. When Scott gets his fitness and confidence back from a terrible knee injury that has kept him out for the last 2 years, we will definatly benefit from his experience and desire to win. Scott is also our qualified physio.

Richard Maiden(Midfield) – Again Richard is getting back from a horrific injury, but possesses an abundance of skill and vision to unlock any defence which will be crucial in the team’s challenge to be successful on all fronts.

Andy Gradidge(Midfield) – Andy brings a lot of experience to the side again despite his young age, previously been at Wellow for a number of seasons. Andy has an array of talent and skills and will be a massive threat going forward terrorising opposition defences.

Alex Arnold(Midfield) – Another major coup by Hiltingbury bringing Alex in from AFC Bournemouth. ‘Biffa’ as he likes to be known brings a lot of knowledge to the team with his time spent down at Bournemouth, and has loads of talent and wonderful left foot that will create chance after chance for the forwards.

Youseff Elmasri(Forward) – Yous is another product of the Hiltingbury youth system. He is a very versatile player for the team, and will always give a 100% in any position he is asked to play, and is extremely reliable. Youseff has the knack of finding the net in many a crucial game.

Ben Fry(Forward) – Ben has a mass of skill and talent, when channelled in the right way Ben is a handful for any defence in any league. He works very hard in games off the ball and like any striker just wants to score goals, goals and more goals, which he has been doing and will for many a season to come.

Steve Kelly(Forward) – Another excellent capture for Hiltingbury, Steve has been playing regularly for Christchurch as a right winger and in his preferred position as centre forward. Steve’s work rate is second to none and with Ben upfront alongside him, he will score a handful of goals this season and form a great partnership.

Dan Harris(Forward) – Dan provides us with a physical presence upfront which will be needed in the majority of games this season. He is an extremely hard working player both at training and in games. Dan will always give his best and shows the desire to succeed at this level and beyond.

Andy Samuels(Manager) – Gaffer or Streaky as he’s known. Andy is delighted to be given the chance to work with the above players and hopefully pass on some of his knowledge he has learnt from previous clubs as Bashley, AFC Totton and Winchester City. Andy wants to take AFC Hiltingbury as far as he can, and is sure that if the team stick together and with a few more additions to keep the competition for places high, he has no doubts they can achieve alot.