Ollie Mann (LN 2011-16) reports on the OKS Football Club's start of season.

The Old King’s Scholars have made a strong and spirited start to the new season, winning three of their opening five fixtures. As ever, the early weeks were marked by the familiar challenge of availability, with end-of-summer holidays and late returns to London leaving the manager digging deep into the contacts list. Nevertheless, the side has shown impressive resilience and quality, finding form as the season has settled into rhythm.

The campaign began in dramatic fashion with a 4–3 victory over Old Cranleighans, a game that had everything: goals, grit, and the odd questionable tackle, Old Cranleighans we’re reduced to 10 men which inspired one of the great comebacks in OKS history. James Morpeth (LN 2006–11) was the star here as he rolled back the years to bag a brace of well taken goals and chipping in with the winning assist, collecting his latest Man of the Match award. After a tough 0–3 defeat to Old Cheltonians, the team responded with a hard-fought 3–2 win over Old Oundelians, sealed by a superb strike from Kit Wilson (TR 2011–16), who found the top corner with precision after yet another gut busting run up the right flank from his dear friend Ollie Flood (TR 2011–16). Despite a frustrating 2–4 loss to Old Salopians, the Scholars ended the opening run in style, beating Old Stoics 3–0 — a performance built on sharp finishing from Henry Dobson (GL 2011–2016), and a creative masterclass in midfield from Sam Casement (TR 2011–16).

The “Old Guard” of James Morpeth (LN 2006–11), Will Howard-Smith (LN 2005–11), and Harry Mann (LN 2008–13) - continue to form the heartbeat of the side. Now entering their eleventh and ninth seasons respectively, James and Will’s bodies are beginning to show the effects of over a decade of Old Boys’ football, though that hasn’t stopped James from continuing his lifelong mission to take every single set piece available (He does lead the goals and assists columns in fairness) Whilst Will’s transition from dynamic nippy winger to composed calm centre back is one of the great OKS stories. Meanwhile, Harry has taken charge of all the vital off-field matters, organising referees, liaising with the league, and keeping the club in one piece, proving once again that his influence extends well beyond the pitch.

Between the sticks, Kai Webster (LN 2017–22) has been outstanding, producing several crucial saves and showing composure well beyond his years. His performances have provided a solid platform for what is becoming an increasingly well-balanced side. George Howard-Smith (LN 2013–18) on the left flank is evolving into a stalwart of the club and his dedication to the cause is truly second to none, for a non-footballer at the start of his OKS career, he now resembles a fine version of Marc Cucurella minus the hair.

With three wins from five, confidence is high as the OKS turn their attention to the Arthur Dunn Cup, where hopes are firmly set on a proper cup run. The blend of experience and youthful energy is beginning to click, and there’s a quiet optimism that this could be a season to remember. 

¡Hala OKS!

A reminder that we welcome players to “join” the team at any point of the season and truly, we can never have enough players. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the club's officials should you be interested. Visit the OKS Football Club page to find contact details here, or contact the OKS Office.