Marlow skipper, Chris Ovenden, will be hoping that it will be lucky 13 as he signs up for his 13th season with the club.
It will be spent in the Pitching In Southern League Premier South after the club gained promotion from the Isthmian League Division One South Central via the play-offs at the end of last season.
“I am delighted to commit for another season,” he told us. “It will be my 13th with the club and Gaffer; if we’re honest, it was never in doubt that I would sign, the conversation with Barts [manager, Mark Bartley] didn’t last long, we’ve worked together a long time and achieved two promotions in that time and now we’re ready to go again!
“Last season was fantastic for us; we built a really nice winning culture at the club with everyone pulling in the same direction.
“Our aim going into the season was promotion, and going up through the play-offs always add that extra special edge that will never be forgotten by everyone involved.
“We’re excited by the challenge that lies ahead in the Southern League, but we also understand how hard it will be to compete with some of the big teams in this League.
“We have to recognise that we will be coming into it with quite possibly the smallest budget, but with the group of players we have, we’ll face this challenge head-on as we look to finish as high as we can.
“Anyone who knows non-League football, knows what a Mark Bartley pre-season is all about! We’re on the running track getting into the best shape possible, which, although a few will moan, everyone is putting the hard yards in.
“We’ve had a couple of games so far and won both while integrating the new signings into the group; it’s good to keep that winning feeling, so long may it continue.”
A well-respected leader, when Ovenden first joined the club back in 2012 they were in the Hellenic League.
“Having been part of two promotions here, I am fortunate to have continued to progress up the football ladder along with the club,” he added. “Moving in an upward trajectory is something that I am very proud of and I can’t wait to test myself at this level.
“I’d like to think that I’ve got a few years left in me yet!”
IMAGE: Marlow FC
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