At the home game against Irchester United a few weeks back we were delighted to welcome back 2 players who played for Buckingham Athletic in the 60’s - Pete Shipton and Pete Riches, here are their stories.

Pete Shipton signed for Buckingham Athletic mid-season 1964-1965, however things took off the following season 1965-1966: new pastures in the Hellenic League and the season we won the Berks & Bucks Junior Cup. During my time with the club, I also played Bletchley Sunday League team Belsize AFC, League and Cup winners 1967-1968. I mention Belsize because when they became a Saturday side legendary Pete Riches managed them.

I remained with Buckingham until 1968 when I moved to Northampton playing for Cogenhoe Utd and Spratton until a further move to Olney in 1972. I signed for Olney Town in 1972 winning the United Counties League Division One that season. I was to remain with Olney for over 20 years moving through the ranks to Chairman.

During this period I was goalkeeper coach to Milton Keynes Ladies FC combined with managing the reserve team. One of my players, Amanda Baker (now Williamson) is the mother of England Ladies captain Leah Williamson. Also at the ladies was Leslie Shipp (now Higgs) who went on to play for Arsenal and England. I also coached another England keeper Theresa Wiseman, then with Fulham Ladies winning 60 caps.

I retired from active involvement in 1993 but was coaxed back in 2010 when I was asked to coach Olney Town Colts goalkeepers. It went well with up 15 players at some sessions. Feedback from managers was encouraging and four lads attended pro club academies. One lad Jacob Woods had trials with Brentford and landed up on Kettering Town books. I retired gracefully in 2014. Had during this time moved to Irchester and at present assisting Irchester Utd.

Hence my recent visit for the Buckingham FC v Irchester Utd match meeting up with Pete Riches after a lapse of 26 years. I had a very enjoyable day and wish Tony, his committee, and the club the very best for the future.

Pete Riches played for Buckingham Athletic, playing during the 60's 70'S and 80's, yes and has most appearances for the club. Proudest achievement must be my 3 month spell at Manchester United playing in the A team, all thanks in roundabout way playing for the Athletic in a six a side competition over at Steeple Claydon (May 1968), it was a big competition back in the day Spurs sent over an A team as did Leicester, we were runners up to Leicester, no goals scored in the game and we lost on corners conceded (picture of side in the clubhouse).

After the game as we trooped off back to get changed I was approached by a guy who said he was a scout for United and could he take my details, which I did give him, the rest of the guys in the side thought the guy was just having a laugh so thought no more about it.
The following September received a letter asking if I would like to go for a trial with the club and they would arrange lodgings for me. HOW COULD I REFUSE, I found out later they had been to watch me 3 times before sending letter to me.

I took up lodgings with a Mr and Mrs Barrett, Willie Carrick (later signed by Luton and an Eire international) was my roommate. The next 3 months were great training mainly down at the Cliff and once a week at Old Trafford with the likes of Alex Stepney, Jimmy Rimmer, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles, Dennis Law etc etc.

Why did I leave??? after 3 months in all honesty I couldn't see me going anywhere sat down with sir Matt and Chief Scout Joe Armstrong and spoke about my future, the wanted to find me a job and use me as a cover keeper, I was told to go back home and consider their offer, this I did and decided (my dad) that to ask if there was somewhere else I could try with their help.

Next meeting to be fair to them Matt Busby got in touch with Northampton and arranged for me to train with them, this I did and signed Amateur (Semi -pro) with them. no sooner this had happened, and they got in financial bother and their Reserves pulled out of the Football Combination League at this point I was loaned out to Marlowe, who played in the Athenian League and I must say I got more money playing for them (18-17s-6p plus I had a job at Wipac.

Pete Riches is still active in the game, coaching Goalkeepers.