Martin Ellett - Club President and Treasurer:
Profile:
Martin joined the club in1967 and became first team captain. He became a solid 1st team left back until retirement in 1982. Became Club Treasurer in1969, and holds that post to this day. Became the President of the club in 1999.
ARDINGLY FC - A PERSONAL VIEW BY MARTIN ELLETT
(Martin played his first game for Ardingly on 14th September, 1967)
I am not very good at remembering dates so this is a very general view. I was introduced to the club by Bob Holman who was one of my neighbours in Lindfield. I have since made a lot of friends at Ardingly which I have always found to be a friendly club.
There are a few things which spring to mind on looking back:-
Playing at Fairwarp - that pitch, waterlogged in winter (Fairwarp only played away in winter!) and rock hard in spring and summer.
Changing at Fairwarp - gas lights and a galvanised bath with cold water. I must admit the end of the game was never looked forward to!
A classic own goal scored from the half-way line (nearly) by Rob Lawson which rocketed over our goalkeeper (Fred Funnell) at Nutley.
Also at Nutley a drop kick by Fred Funnell in goal which bounced once and went over the other goalkeeper’s reach - and this was uphill!
I remember being sent off at Forest Row - Martin Keeler was chasing a ball back to his own goal with the opposing centre forward pulling and pushing Martin all the way. Eventually Martin retaliated and pushed the centre forward. The referee gave a penalty against us and I pointed out to the ref. that he might have made a wrong decision!. He asked for my name and I replied “Oh ...sure”. He then sent me off! I later found out that he thought I had replied “Oh shorty” - he was about 5ft 3in so I could understand his feeling sensitive!. Many people heard what I said including the opposition but it seemed too much bother to protest against the £4 fine. That was the only time I was booked or sent off and I was partly innocent - but there were many other times when I pushed my luck and got away with it!
I was very lucky to win quite a few medals and trophies in my 16 seasons with Ardingly but on those occasions I consider myself to have been one of the worst players in a good side. I was made to look better by good players playing around me.
My early days at Ardingly were when Stan Stride was the secretary and later on when Alan Washer was secretary, Manager and latterly President and I am very sad that we can’t share this centenary year with Alan who was, to my mind, Mr Ardingly FC.