Sam Barder

Following the sudden passing of Norman Carnell last week,  we had planned to remember him at the game today.  Luke Carnell had done a piece in the programme about his grandad and we wanted to make sure those words were shared.  From Luke: "This past week has been very tough for us as a family, having taken the phone call from my dad to tell me my grandad (most of whom will know him by the nickname “fossil” and wouldn’t have a clue his real name was Norman) had passed away out of the blue.  With him having phoned me during my drive down to Mousehole Friday evening and the fact he was genuinely gutted he couldn’t make the trip down himself it never crossed my mind to travel back having not played for him as that would have been his wish however hard the afternoon turned out to be for various reasons. He’s been with me throughout my whole footballing career over around 28 years. Cleaning my boots for 99% of the time and travelling up and down the country alongside my dad with no complaints ever apart from when a club doesn’t have 3 or more mars bars in stock for him to consume during the game!! He really was one of a kind. I can’t thank everyone associated with the club enough for their support this past week. My team mates who were with me when I took the devastating call, to Jamie and his management staff who have checked on me and my family since as well as fans and people around the club who made the effort to give their best wishes in person and through messages. The lovely tribute Daz and the social media personnel kindly put out on what would have been his 85th birthday, prompted both former team mates and managers of mine to get in touch with myself and family members to remind us just how special my Grandad was and helped lighten up what has been a dark time for us. Thanks again and it’s a shame today is off as we were all looking forward to the game with quite a few friends and family due to attend as the club remembered Grandad." Cheers

Sam Barder will make his 250th appearance for the club after being named in the side to face Bemerton Heath Harlequins today. Sam has scored 25 goals and had 16 assists for the club. He is the latest player from the current squad to have featured for the side at least 250 times, joining Adam Learoyd, Leigh Bedwell and Luke Carnell.

Didcot Town are pleased to announce that Sam Barder will remain at the Loop Meadow Stadium for the 2024/25 season.  Sam made 37 appearances last season, bringing his total to 245 games for the club.  We will announce our next retained player at 7am tomorrow.

THIS IS MY LIFE - JAMIE HEAPY A portrait of the man we are all proud to call Our Gaffer. Filmed and produced by @AnthonyHanc_ – at South East, England

Jimmy Glover makes his 100th appearance for Didcot Town this afternoon. The midfielder has been a key part of the team in recent seasons. Jimmy was the clubs Player of the Season during their promotion campaign last season and he is known for him combative style of play in midfield. Well done to Jimmy on reaching the 100-appearance milestone.

Congratulations to Didcot Town midfielder Sam Barder after his goal against Salisbury was named the Southern Premier League goal of the week.  Barder scored an unstoppable 30-yard shot into the top corner to give Didcot an early lead.  The midfielder took 33.2% of the vote to claim the award.  Well done Sam. #upthediddy 💪🔴⚪️🔴👊

WHAT A GOAL Sam Barder opens the scoring for Didcot this afternoon at Salisbury in the @SouthernLeague1 He must have a foot like a traction engine! – at South East, England

So good to see this man back on the grass at training yesterday evening. Another milestone on Taylor Bedwell's road to recovery following his ACL injury 💪 – at Harwell, England