He’s presided over some of the biggest international tournaments in the World, but now legendary cricket umpire Ian Gould [pictured] is swapping his cream straw hat for a blue and white scarf after taking charge of Burnham Football Club.

The former England batsman and wicket-keeper, who first came onto our screens in 1975  - making his debut for Middlesex CCC, has arguably created one of biggest spins in football (or certainly since Sven Goran Eriksson’s move to Notts County last week) after transferring his sporting affections to take over as chairman of Zamaretto Football League division one midlands side Burnham.

Born in the small neighbouring Buckinghamshire village of Taplow, Gould, 52, is taking the short journey back down memory lane to help Burnham secure commercial success, both on- and off-the-field.

Gould said: “There’s a real opportunity to make a difference at Burnham and one that should not be taken lightly with the right infrastructure and investment.

“My decision to take on the chairman’s reigns is something that I have been contemplating for some time.  It is my intention, therefore, to bring an array of professionalism to the Club both on and off the field to make the Burnham facility a viable proposition for corporate investors,” he added.

Whilst Gould accepts that success doesn’t come overnight, he is keen for Burnham to attract some of the best young players in the area, who may before have chosen to go elsewhere. 

“Burnham is rich with talent and is on the doorstep of one of the largest business parks in Europe,” said Gould.  “We need to be centric to that by supporting the needs of local people and local business alike.

“Defining a business plan with a number of strategically positioned markers along the way will enable us to take a holistic overview of the investment required. It will also allow us to evaluate the business on its own merit and make any changes going forward, which is important.”

Gould replaces long serving club chairman Malcolm Higton, who has stepped down to take up an honory position of president.

Whilst for many onlookers, Gould’s appointment may come as a surprise, those close too him agree that his nickname of the “Gunner” somewhat gives the game away of his love for the beautiful game.  And, naturally, Gould is not looking for his new side to give too many games away next season.

Long before taking up his post with the ICC, and prior to touring the West Indies with the England Young Cricketers in 1976, Gould played in goal for both Slough Town and Arsenal, thus earning himself the nickname “Gunner”. 

As an Umpire, Gould was appointed to stand in three matches of the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.  He presided over his first test match - South Africa v Bangladesh at Bloemfontein in November 2008, before being promoted to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in April this year.

About Burnham FC

Formed as early as 1878, Burnham FC is one of the oldest non-League football clubs in the UK.  It currently plays its trade within the confinements of the Zamaretto Football League with the goal set of reaching the Blue Square Conference Football League set up in three years time.

Under the guidance and commercial governance of clubman Malcolm Higton, the Blues’ ground “The Gore” has been recently been re-developed to increase the capacity and house new banqueting and conferencing facilities – some of the very best outside of the Football League. 

In the 2005/06 season, Burnham achieved their best run in the FA Cup before losing 3-1 at home to Aldershot Town in the First Round Proper. The game was watched by one of the largest crowds at The Gore in recent years and even saw The Blues feature on BBC One’s Match of the Day.

About Ian Gould

Gould's playing career spanned 16 years playing for Middlesex, Sussex and Auckland (New Zealand).  He also won 18 One-Day International caps for England, including an appearance in the 1983 World Cup semi-final.  

He made the transition to umpiring in 2001 and has since stood in 81 first class matches - gaining a reputation as one of the most effective officials among the ECB First Class Umpires.

After presiding over the latest test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Colombo last week, Gould returned to the UK to take up his post of chairman of Burnham Football Club.

James Gray scored the only goal of the game as Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Leighton Town won at Molten Spartan South Midlands League Ampthill Town last Saturday.

With an experimental side, including a number of triallists, Town ran out worthy winners against a very hard working and competitive Ampthill outfit. And manager Sean Downey was pleased with his side's display and says things are going to plan as they gear up for their new season.

"The close season has seen a number of very positive developments at Bell Close," Downey said. "Given that we are a club that has only a modest income, it is critical that we grow and develop our own players.

"With this in mind my prime objective was to appoint a new youth team manager and coach and I was delighted when John Forsyth and Richard Batten agreed to take the reins. They bring with them real experience and talent that I know will be hugely beneficial to the club in the medium to long term."

And to complete the club's restructuring, the new-look management team will also include Lee Halling, who has agreed to join from AFC Dunstable to take over as reserve team boss.

"We can't and won't get involved in 'cheque book football management' and these appointments are about building a club not merely a team, which in my view in the long run, is the right way to run a club such as ours," said Downey.

On the playing Leighton have been working hard to bring in some new faces and are hopeful of adding two or three more signings before the season kick-offs against Romulus on August 15th. But their cause hasn't been made any easier with a couple of disappointing departures.

"Scott Thomas  has moved to Southern Premier side Hemel Hempstead Town and although I am disappointed to lose a player of Scott's quality, he goes with my full support and best wishes," said the Town boss.

"I have always encouraged players to play the highest level of football that they can and I respect Scott for not taking the easy money options that have been available to him.

“He knows it will be tough competing at a higher level but I feel confident that the grounding he has received at our club will give him the best possible chance of being successful."

Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Romulus look forward to hosting Walsall on Tuesday, 4th August at Coles Lane with experienced former Birminghsm City defender David Barnett in their ranks.

Barnett  has featured in two pre-season games to date and the club are hopeful he will put pen-to-paper in the next weeek or so.

Joint-manager Keith Brown said: “We need a leader to guide the young lads we have here and Dave has shown in the matches and at training that he is fit both physically and mentally for the season ahead. We hope we can get him on board very soon.”

As well as Birmingham, Barnett also had spells with Kidderminster Harriers, Port Vale, Barnet, Moor Green, Windsor & Eton, Colchester, Edmonton Oilers, West Brom, Walsall, Dunfermline, and Forest Green Rovers.

Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Chesham United are set to announce that Danny Burnell will remain at the club after the hot-shot striker agreed 'on principle' to at least one more season at with the Meadowmen.

Burnell trained with Crewe Alexandra at the back end of last season and has been on trial with Blue Square South sides Woking and Chelmsford City this summer.

A number of other professional clubs have also been circling but it seems that Burnell is going nowhere.

Manager Andy Leese said: "I expected him to go, he expected to go and I think the supporters expected him to go.

"I'm a little suprised because I've always maintained that he can play at a higher level.

"But I also believe in timing and I think the timing wasn't quite right on this ocassion. He's been on trial with lots of players who have come out of professional football, so it's a tough time to be on trial now.

"I'm sure he's disappointed. But he loves scoring goals and he'll continue doing that for us."

Chesham's current contract with Burnell gives them an option to sign him for another year. Leese would not say whether they would sit down and draw up a new deal now.

Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Hitchin Town will include a former Colombian youth international in their squad in 2009/10.

Steve Guaje-Velandia from Bogota has joined the club in the latest wave of signings by manager Colin Payne.

The 24-year-old central midfielder has played for Enfield Town, Kingstonian, Dorking and Wingate & Finchley.

Payne has also signed 19 year-old Zak Burke from Blue Square Prem ier neighbours Stevenage Borough.

A wide midfielder, Burke has impressed in the two pre-season games he has played, scoring two goals.

Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Soham Town Rangers have made their first signings of the summer with full back Luke Hipwell joining the club from Blue Square Premier neighbours Cambridge United and defender Tom Moran.

Hipwell, 18, was released from the Abbey Staduim at the end of last season, but was a member of the CRC side that finished second in the Ridgeons League, and has also represented United’s Youth team and Cambridgeshire under-18 County side.

Moran, 21, joins the Greens from league rivals Arlesey Town, having previously played for St Ives Town.

Despite losing Aaron Turner, Paul Jones and Lea Jordan in recent weeks, a number of last year`s players have also signed ahead of the new campaign. These include Kevin Brasher, Martin Bromwich, Andy Coleman, Andy Furnell, Kentoh Gray, Scott Johnson, Will Seymour, Michael Simpson, Adam Weston, Scott Carter, Jamie Chamberlain, Simon Flanz and Charles Libam as well as Tom Benjamin, who missed all of last season through injury, reserve team keeper Ryan Overton and under-18 midfielder Dan Sterna.

It is hoped the others will sign up in the coming weeks.

Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Chesham United have announced the signings of Steve Wales and David Hicks.

Wales  is 26 years old, and the 6` 2” midfielder has represented the FA, England and Middlesex Wanderers at semi professional level.

He was a key part of the Hemel Hempstead Town team which just missed out on promotion last year, and has previously played for Cheshunt, Yeading and AFC Wimbledon.

Manager Andy Leese knows the player well, having managed him before. “Steve is a fantastic signing for us, and I am delighted we were able to convince him to come here in the face of stiff competition.

“The supporters will love the way he plays the game. We need to get him back in love with the game and scoring goals, which he has always done playing for me. He can play through the middle or wide, and gives us real quality options whatever system we employ.”

Hicks  is well known to Chesham fans after a spell on loan in January 2009. The 23-year-old former professional at Tottenham and Northampton Town, has more recently played for Cheshunt and Wealdstone.

Leese is delighted to link up again with Hicks. “We didn’t see the best of Dave when he came on loan. Ironically he had his best game just as his loan spell ended.

“Dave is a great signing for the club, and he will bring competition, energy and drive to the midfield. He wanted to come here as he enjoyed the football we play, and he has turned down better offers. We will get him back to a good level of fitness, and I am sure he will then get the goals I know he can score.

“We are still finalising the squad, but these are quality additions to the group which finished last season. We have couple of exciting players we are looking at in pre-season training. We need to get the balance of the squad right, and have versatile players.

“There are still some player issues to resolve this month, not least with striker Danny Burnell. He is training with a couple of full-time clubs at present, with our blessing, and we have always said we would not stand in his way if there is a chance for him to progress. I think his situation will be resolved soon, and it could still be the case that we see Danny back with us.

“We have lost Gary Sippetts to Slough Town, notwithstanding his recent unfortunate accident. Gary is a great lad and I hope he makes a full recovery.

“I have been focusing on our forward options, and there is a contingency plan in place if Danny does leave, but I am not in a position to say or do anything at the moment. It gives an opportunity to the likes of Leon Archer and Liam Farrell who have both looked very sharp in pre season.”

Jamie Jarvis, the new manager of Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Burnham, is hoping to secure his first major signing after enticing former Farnborough Town and AFC Wimbledon midfielder Rob Saunders  to train with them.

The 28-year-old Reading-born midfielder is reported to be out-of-contract at the moment, and Jarvis is pulling no punches when he says that the once Dons man would be a great acquisition to aid his 2009/10 campaign.

The Blues kick-started their pre-season training at Burnham Grammar School last week. It was the first time that the trio of Jarvis, Peter Scott (coach) and Phil Gray (physio) were seen to take charge following their move to The Gore.

Twenty-seven players, both old and new, were put through their paces amid the challenging afternoon heat. Some familiar names included former Beaconsfield SYCOB players Stuart Swift, Matt Clarke, Terry O’Connor and Nick Hart.

Jarvis is also expected to recapture the services of former SYCOB captain Adrian Sear and veteran Paul Brett, along with Craig O’Connor, Will Dunlop and Oliver Godwin, all of who helped Beaconsfield SYCOB to treble-winning success in 2008.

The new 39-year-old Blues’ supremo will not hesitate in wielding out anyone who is not committed to the cause as Burnham seek a top-six finish come April next year.

Ian Benjamin has told his players to wake up and realise how good things are at Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Soham Town Rangers.

The manager has seen Aaron Turner move to Mildenhall Town, while attacker Paul Jones is also considering heading out of Julius Martin Lane.

And the boss is urging the remainder of his squad to remember the solid foundations laid by chairman Colin Murfitt in recent years.

Benjamin said: "Aaron going to Mildenhall was disappointing.

"Mildenhall pay their players a lot more money than we do, but they're still in the Ridgeons League. Our chairman said he'd get us up and put his money into improving the ground and he's stuck to his word. But I wish Aaron all the best anyway.

"Paul Jones has had AFC Sudbury and Newmarket Town interested in him - some of the players seem to think the grass is greener on the other side. They can try it if they like, but I think they might find Soham is a very good club to be at."

Liam O’Neill, manager of Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Bedworth United, had a mission this summer – to get a spine through the middle of his team. And he believes he has achieved that aim with several new additions.

The Greenbacks, who finished thirteenth last term, are striving to improve vastly on their previous efforts and O’Neill reckons his newcomers – Richard Allen from Romulus, Fazel Koriya (Rothwell Town), Matt Blair (Stratford Town), Jamie Petty (Barwell), Jamie Lenton (Leamington) and Rory Squire (Quorn) – will provide a much-needed backbone to his line-up.

“We learned a lot last season and I want to put that knowledge to good effect,” said O’Neill.

“I’ve brought in players who I feel will fill the inadequacies, especially down the middle of the side, and have the capabilities to move this club onward and upward.

“My assistant Mark Rosegreen and I looked at what was available and put down names we felt would fit the bill and I’m delighted with the lads that have not only signed for Bedworth United but want success for the club and themselves.

“There’s an optimism about the lads and, now we are back in training, I’m certain they will enhance the terrific spirit and camaraderie we already had both on and off the field.

“The squad needed some fine tuning and that’s now been done. We have a good pre-season sorted out and I cannot wait for the season to get underway.

“I want us to be the fittest team in the division and over the next six weeks a lot of hard work and determination will be put into our preparations, as well as plenty of fun!”

He added: “I want us to enjoy what we are doing, play with a smile on our faces and get results.

“And that’s not only in the league but also in the cup competitions. This club is desperate for a bit of FA Cup and FA Trophy glory.

“That helps mould a bond within the dressing room, so we shall be giving those competitions plenty of respect and looking to have good runs and boost the finances.”

Colin Payne, manager of Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Hitchin Town, has announced initial batch of new signings for the 2009/10 season.

Among the first players to put pen-to-paper are Dean Gilbert, Martin Bennett, Carl Williams, Ieuan Lewis, Ashley Grinham, Danny Payne, Luke Donnelly and Jamie Arlick.

Donnelly and Arlick are new to Hitchin fans. Donnelly is another of the Hitchin football clan. Son of Ian, he is the brother of Brett, who is also expected to sign. Donnelly, a central midfielder, was previously with Boreham Wood and has also played for Stotfold.

Arlick had a pre-season with Hitchin two years ago. A 20-year-old striker, he was previously with Tiptree United. “I have high hopes for Jamie,” said Payne. “He could be a real find for us.”

Former Enfield central defender Gilbert is returning for his second spell at the club. He was originally signed in December 2008 from Arlesey Town but left Hitchin last season.

Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Woodford United's second-time around manager Phil Mason is turning the clock back in an attempt to recapture his halcyon days.

Since the Reds' eighth place finish a couple of seasons ago, the Byfield Road club has twice narrowly avoided relegation.

So Geordie boss Mason is planning to re-introduce a handful of players who helped the village outfit to make the difficult transition from United Counties League to Southern League football.

Leading scorers Glen Hawkins  and Nicky Gordon shared thirty-nine goals at Step 4 status before going their separate ways with Aylesbury United and Banbury United. Now they will play together again up front at Byfield Road.

Playing alongside them will be old chums Lewis Travers, Chris Jackson and Neil King, a specialist in spectacular goals who has rejoined Woodford from Rugby Town.

Travers and Gordon will both start the season late though on completing coaching spells in the USA.

Central defender Chris Jackson is also on his way back from Hook Norton along with midfield man James Coleman while 'Hooky' striker Ricky Johnson could also put pen-to-paper after scoring forty times in two seasons of Hellenic League football.

Meanwhile, manager Mason will be hoping that 'Sid' Hawkins makes a similar impact to his first spell at Woodford which resulted in thirteen goals, including a hat trick against Berkhamsted Town, in his first thirteen appearances for the club.

Club captain Aaron Parkinson has also signed on for another season along with goalkeeper Matt Finlay and full back Josh Urquart, who turned down a move to Daventry Town.

"We should be in for a better season and a halfway slot in the Midlands division looks realistic," said chairman Andy Worrall after the Reds' only escaped relegation last season because Dunstable Town were deducted thirteen points for player irregularities.

Steve Bateman, the busy manager of Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Slough Town, has made Jon Stevenson the latest addition to his new-look squad.

Bateman said: "Jon is a 6`3" central midfielder who joins us from Harlow Town. He played for me at Hemel Hempstead Town previously and will give us some height and strength in the middle of the park. Jon can also play anywhere down the middle, up top or at the back when needed so gives us versatility as well.”

Stevenson`s other previous clubs include St Albans City, Hitchin Town, Boreham Wood and Enfield FC.

Stevenson  will join new recruits Ian Brown, Steve Jackman, Chris Herron, Garry Sippetts and Paul Edgeworth and last season`s remaining squad when pre-season training starts next week.

Chris Keogh, manager of Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Sutton Coldfield Town, has confirmed that he has appointed Paul Holleran as his new assistant-manager for the coming season.

After having talks with a number of clubs, Holleran  has decided to join Sutton Coldfield and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of non-League football.

Holleran was most recently in charge at uniBond League Division One South outfit Rushall Olympic and lists Solihull Moors and Halesowen Town amongst his previous clubs.

Meanwhile, former Sutton Coldfield keeper Tony Breedon has put pen-to-paper to confirm his return to Coles Lane after spells at Solihull Moors and Rushall and will join Keogh's new squad for the coming season.

Colin Payne, manager of Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Hitchin Town, is putting the finishing touches to his playing squad for next season as he looks to stamp out the mistakes made at Top Field in previous years.

Payne said he had a good idea of what his playing squad will look like next season and that he only has one or two positions to fill.

"I'm going to sit down and speak to a few players and hopefully get them on board with us," Payne said.

"I've got a good idea of what my squad will look like when the season starts.

"I'm in the hunt for a centre back and have three coming this evening and probably a left back too as I look to get about twenty-twenty-five players in time for pre-season."

Payne hopes to have Jeff Hammond on board before the striker goes off on his holidays next week, but he also expects Derwayne Stupple to join Liam George  on his way out of the club.

"We're hopefully going to get Jeff Hammond on board. He's coming along to the session so hopefully we can tie him down, but Derwayne Stupple is unlikely to be back.

"He's talking to a few clubs and to be honest if he's not made his mind up about us yet I'll look elsewhere as I need to move on.

"Liam George has signed for neighbours and league rivals Arlesey Town and we're still talking to Jon Munday and we want to keep both him and Jeff at the club."

Payne also added that he has to choose the right characters for the club, something which has let the side down in previous campaigns and the club is trying to address by bringing in a new code of conduct this season.

"It's something a lot of clubs do," Payne said.

"The club has had more sendings off than I would have liked and I'll be letting my players know that if they misbehave it won't be tolerated.

"I'll bring fines in, but it'll be down to my discretion and I'll be using my head about it. After all I can't ask players to run through a brick wall for me then fine them every time they pick up a booking.

"When I put a group together for this coming season I'll be interested in getting a group together with the right mentality.

"It didn't hurt our players enough last season when they lost and we want players that want to win games rather than a bunch of lads who don't care.

"We want more people like Charlie Williams."

In addition to strong minds, Payne is determined to put some flair into his side and highlighted winger Ieuan Lewis as a potential star for his team next season.

"Ieuan is a very good young player who has got the right mix of pace, strength and skill. He's got great mobility and has a big future ahead of him.

"It won't be easy, but that's the sort of player we want.”

Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Stourport Swifts are closing in on a replacement for striker Mark Owen, according to assistant-manager Paul Scott.

Owen decided to re-sign for previous club Evesham United last week after a spell as player-coach at Walshes Meadow.

However, the club are hopeful of securing a replacement in time for pre-season training which starts on Saturday.

Scott admitted he and manager Neil Hunt were disappointed to see the vastly experienced former Worcester City man leave the club for the Zamaretto Premier Division side.

“Mark spoke to Evesham boss Paul West and told us the chance to play at that level again was too tempting to turn down,” said Scott.

“We’re gutted because we have lost a focal point of the team and someone who could have scored between twenty-five and thirty goals for us next season.

“We’re hoping to tie-up another striker soon as well. We’re quite close and it will be someone who fits the bill, who is young, hungry and gifted.”

Defender Dene Whittal-Williams  is also set to sign for the club this week.

The defender was captain of UniBond League Division One North side Rossendale and also has Premier Division experience with Kendal Town.

Swifts swooped for the defender after being tipped off that he was moving down to the region.

Midfielder Lewis Fathers, 18, is set to train with the squad after being released by Cheltenham Town.

“Dene is a big lad with experience from the UniBond Premier. We hope to have him signed, sealed and delivered by the end of the week,” commented Scott.

“He’s a big lad who could be very handy at set-pieces as well as being a big presence in defence.”

Scott also picked up some new training ideas while on a trip to Holland with Hartpury College’s football team last week.

Scott said: “We saw some amazing facilities. The Dutch really take it seriously, even at non-League level.

“I found it very informative and will be livening up the training sessions at Swifts this summer.

“Their focus on technical skills was impressive and I felt I learned a lot from my experience.

“We have retained most of the squad and I think that Neil Hunt has just a couple from last season to talk to.

“We’re trying to bring in the right players to ensure we’re challenging for the top half of the table.”

Liam O’Neill, manager of Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Bedworth United, has strengthened his squad with the signing of central defender Rory Squire.

The capture from UniBond League Division One South side Quorn has been hailed as major boost by O’Neill.

He said: "I’m really pleased to have bought Rory in. He can be a top player for us.

"I think we are strong in the centre of defence. We’ve got Rory, Ashley Pringle and Gilbert Cummins for that area, plus we have players who can fill in."

O’Neill has shifted his attention to boosting his attack before the new season gets under way.

"I’m looking at two or three strikers. We’ve got a couple coming in on trial.

"Ashley Robinson is coming from Stourbridge and Ben Foster is coming as well.

"He was top scorer in the United Counties League with Long Buckby recently so he has got good pedigree," he said.

Two youngsters are also confirmed to report for pre-season on June 30th — a central defender who was released by Wolverhampton Wanderers and a defender who was let go by Coventry City.

"The lad from Coventry could be someone we are really to keen to get in. He’s an exciting prospect but we’ll have to see how he goes in training," O’Neill said.

Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club Slough Town could finally be coming home.

The Rebels will submit a revised proposal to Slough Borough Council's overview and scrutiny panel next month to develop the Arbour Vale site next to The West Wing in Stoke Road.

The homecoming would end years of misery for loyal fans who have seen their favourites play at a variety of grounds, including Wexham Park, Windsor & Eton and Beaconsfield SYCOB, where the Rebels currently groundshare at Holloways Park.

The 120-year-old club and Paradigm Housing Group are proposing to develop the Arbour Vale site with eighty-one homes, a sports fields and a stadium. A previous plan, which included a hotel, was deemed unworkable.