21CD 
For more than six decades, Roger Simmons has followed Aylesbury United through promotions, cup runs, famous victories and the loss of Buckingham Road.
His journey began in 1962 when he cycled from Wendover to watch the Ducks for the first time. It became a lifelong connection that has included serving on the committee, occasionally appearing for the reserves and forming friendships that remain strong today.
Roger shares his memories from 64 years of supporting the Ducks and explains why he still believes the club can finally return home.
By Roger Simmons
Early memories
I started taking an interest in football in the autumn of 1961 and would go to my local recreation ground in Wendover to watch whatever match was being played. My father realised this was not a passing interest so explained to me what senior amateur football was and as the season 1962/63 started suggested I should watch Aylesbury United which was the nearest amateur team.
I was more than interested to take a look and in the late summer of 1962 cycled to the Wendover Road ground (later Turnfurlong Road) to watch the Ducks beat Huntley and Palmers 4-1 in the FA Amateur Cup. I was hooked, unlike village football, there were 2 stands, terracing/banks and fans creating an atmosphere I loved – my life sentence had begun!
I made some lifelong friends in Paul Seeley, Dick Brandon, Roy Beckley and Bob Moody (Bob will be familiar to you all) all of whom I am still in contact with. From 1969 to 1974, I served on the committee as assistant treasurer and as was the custom at the time, the younger members of the committee had to sign on as a player in case of the need to fill any gaps for the reserve team. I turned out as a sub a couple of times (coming on once without disgracing myself) but once had to endure a full home game on a freezing February afternoon and had the pleasure of being heckled by my own supporters in a one sided 5-0 hammering against a strong Edgware team! I was neither good enough nor fit enough for that level, but it saved the club a fine and it did at least get rid of the mother of all hangovers I started the game with! Such was the club at that time; we all pulled together and did what was necessary to keep the club going and the spirit was tremendous – that same spirit lives on today.
The 60s and early 70s were somewhat uninspiring in terms of achievements with the club just trying to exist and get by as best it could (sounds familiar?), however, there were some highs with an unexpected promotion in 1968 from Athenian League Div 2 to Div 1 where we stayed for 4 years. Another high was in 1970 when our strong reserve team won the B&B intermediate cup final 4-0; celebrations in our old clubhouse went on late into the following morning.
A new chapter and a modern AUFC
For me, it was an immensely proud moment when we were accepted into the Southern League in 1976 and it was a bold move by the club to move into a new dimension. This was a couple of steps higher for us and we were meeting teams we had never played before and with higher profiles. This was the start of the modern era for AUFC and the proudest part of our long history.
Highest points for me:
- Promotion to Southern Premier
- Finally winning the B&B cup for only the second time with a Dave Botterill winner against Wycombe
- The move to Buckingham Road
- Winning the Southern league Premier division with that nail-biting 2-2- draw at Rugby and gaining promotion to the Conference League.
- Beating a strong Reading side to win the B&B cup in the 1990s
- Winning the Isthmian League cup final on penalties against Slough in 1995.
- The many times we played league opposition in the FA Cup and of course the win over Southend.
- Getting to the 3rd round of the FA Cup & The Duck Walk
- Seeing the club on Match of the Day highlights many times.
- Playing the full England team
- Winning the Spartan South Midlands Premier cup, which also doubled as a celebration of our promotion back to the Southern League after 3 seasons away.
- Recently gaining the support of the local Town Council in our quest for a new home and local MP, Laura Kyrke-Smith, who petitioned parliament on the club’s behalf.
Lowest point for me:
Losing Buckingham Road and becoming homeless
My greatest wish:
Getting the club back into the town where we belong and I dearly hope to see this before I fall off my perch!
My proudest moment:
A few years ago, being invited to serve the club again in an official capacity.
The overriding take home for me through 64 years of being a Duck:
The incredible spirit which has always existed through thick and thin from all involved within the club from the supporters, helpers and volunteers who run the club – without it, our club would have died years ago.
Conclusion:
I believe we can “Bring the Ducks Home” to the town as a community owned club and I believe this because our supporters, volunteers, sponsors and club officers are the best and capable of achieving this and we can move forward confidently towards the future.
COYD
Every supporter’s journey with Aylesbury United is different and we would love to share yours. Whether you have followed the Ducks for decades or have just attended your first game, please get in touch with 21st Century Ducks and tell us your story. membership@21ducks.co.uk
21CD Run by Fans, For the Fans!