A late Josh Keeya header capped off a positive pre-season for Hampton & Richmond FC and new manager Alan Julian, as The Beavers won 1-0 over Bishop's Stortford at Beveree Stadium. 

The home side had created chances throughout, but it took until the 79th minute for the deadlock to be broken, Keeya finding space at the far post to head home an inch-perfect Kris Campbell corner.

Hampton & Richmond have impressed throughout Julian's first pre-season in charge, and this victory only added to the anticipation building before the National League South season begins this Saturday, 10 August where the TW12 side will host Hornchurch at Beveree Stadium at 3pm.

Hampton & Richmond FC were delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Julian as the Club's new First Team Manager back in May.

Julian moved into the role having spent the past few seasons at Beveree as both a player and, more recently, as a coach.

The former shot-stopper brings with him 22 years of both Football League and National Experience, including four promotions and an FA Trophy triumph during 645 senior appearances.

Last season, Alan made the decision to retire from his playing career and make the move into coaching.

Having played a significant role for the Beavers both on the pitch and in the dressing room for several campaigns, Managing Director William King was excited to welcome the Manager.

"Everyone who knows Alan knows what a model professional he is and the level of love that he has for the game," He said.

King continued: "Playing to such a high standard throughout his career, and demanding only the very best from his teammates, we are excited to see him take these skills and his desire into management, especially during such an exciting time for the Beavers." 

On his appointment, Alan Julian expressed his eagerness to get stuck into the role. "This club has meant a lot to me for the few years that I've been here. It is a club with family and community at its core and that has always resonated with me."

He added: "Speaking to Will and the board, I am really excited about the project here at Hampton & Richmond.

"I'm a big believer that clubs and squads should operate as sustainably as possible, whilst always driving to be the very best and trying to win every single game."

The new Boss in TW12 was also keen to send a positive message to Hampton & Richmond supporters.

"I've had the privilege to be involved in some unbelievable successes in my career which I never take for granted and I understand the level of hard work it takes to achieve that success.

"I'm determined to make sure this club and these fans get to create more memories and continue to win. I can't wait to get started and to see everyone at the Bev."

Since his appointment, Alan has overseen the rapid recruitment of a new 21-man playing squad, and a successful pre-season campaign. 

Goalkeeper Ted Curd is on-loan from Chelsea and grew up In Hampton (credit: Hampton & Richmond FC).

Ones to watch

Ted Curd - Hampton & Richmond FC were delighted to announce the Loan signing of Chelsea Academy Goalkeeper, Ted Curd, back at the end of June.

The 18-year-old shot-stopper arrives at Beveree having spent part of last season on loan at Isthmian League Premier side Hashtag United.

Making 16 starts and quickly becoming a fan favourite, Ted returned to Chelsea in January.

He was then named on the senior bench for the home leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough and an away match at Aston Villa.

Joining Chelsea at the age of nine, Ted has been a key part of sides that have won the Under-16 Premier League national finals and the Under-18 Premier League Cup, as well as being a part of the England Under-16 squad that won the Val de Marne trophy.

He has also made appearances for England's Under-17 squad.

James Roberts - In June 2024 James returned to the Bev, having previously spent a period on loan at the club in 2022.

Roberts was born in Aylesbury, and as a youth player represented Wycombe Wanderers and Oxford United, for whom he made his League Two debut aged 18 (and scored in his first start).

James went on to play 34 times for Oxford United in League One and Two, whilst also enjoying a succession of loans in League Two and the National League.

After leaving the Kassam Stadium, the winger/forward has hit double figures in the league in three of the last five seasons, at Spennymoor Town, Oxford City, and Havant & Waterlooville (where he also established a fierce tennis rivalry with Hawks' goalkeeper Ross Worner).

Dom Revan - Comfortable at right back or centre back, Dominic signed from National League Barnet on an initial 28-day loan in December 2023, before signing permanently the following month.

Hailing from Wolverhampton, Revan started his career with Aston Villa, where he made his senior debut starting against Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Whilst at Aston Villa, Dominic spent loans with Weymouth and Northampton before joining Barnet in 2022.

Dominic's younger brother, Sebastian, is also a footballer, currently playing for Rotherham.

In his first season at the Bev, Dom made 22 appearances, laying on two assists from right back.

Attention now turns to the Beavers first game of the 2024/25 National League South Season.

Hampton & Richmond kick-off at Beveree Stadium (Station Road, Hampton, TW12 2BX) this Saturday, 10 August against Hornchurch FC, one of the divisions newly promoted sides, at 3pm.

Gates open from 1pm. Tickets are cheaper in advance and can be purchased at www.hamrichfc.com.