Recent History

The 2018/19 season was disappointing, with Dean Brennan and Stuart Maynard leaving early on, and Hemel finishing 16th, their worst position since joining the National League South. The following summer, Sammy Moore was appointed as manager, and Hemel started the 2019/20 season strongly. However, the campaign was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Hemel in 11th place. Despite reaching two cup finals, the season ended prematurely, and Moore’s contract was not renewed.

Lee Bircham and Steve Bateman took charge for the 2020/21 season, which was also disrupted by the pandemic. They were replaced by Mark Jones in 2021/22, who strengthened the squad, but Hemel finished 15th. The 2022/23 season saw further inconsistency, leading to Mark Jones’s departure in December 2023. Brad Quinton took over, sparking a brief resurgence, although a play-off push remained unlikely with the Tudors eventually finishing the season in 15th. 

At the start of the 2023/2024 season, Vauxhall Road underwent a makeover as long-standing sponsors and friends of the club, Focus Rigging and Scaffolding, took on the stadium’s naming rights. The newly christened Focus Community Arena hosted its first match in front of a bumper crowd of over 1,200, where The Tudors secured a 1-0 victory over Yeovil. 

Following a promising start to the season, a challenging winter period saw a difficult run of results. However, this was overturned after a Derby Day victory at Clarence Park on Boxing Day. The reverse fixture began brightly, with The Tudors taking an early 2-0 lead, but this was short-lived as The Saints scored a 90+ minute winner to claim all three points in a 3-2 victory.

Wins became hard to come by from that point onwards, leading to Brad Quinton’s departure and interim manager Alan Dowson being tasked with accumulating enough points to avoid a relegation battle. Everything was to play for on the final weekend of the season, with The Tudors teetering on the brink of the relegation zone. However, with Taunton losing their games in hand, The Tudors secured their place in the National League South for a 10th consecutive year.

Form

After 10 games this season, the Tudors were leading the way at the top of the National League South, under the stewardship of Bobby Wilkinson. 11 games later, they had picked up just one more point and were plummeting down the league table in quite dramatic fashion.

Lee Allinson was appointed as manager in early December and has overseen a fantastic turnaround, winning nine, drawing four and losing three of his 16 matches in charge. They are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run, having won three successive matches.

Last Six
10/03 – Hornchurch (H) – Won 3-1
08/03 – Hampton & Richmond Borough (A) – Won 1-2
01/03 – Tonbridge Angels (H) – Won 2-0
22/02 – Eastbourne Borough (H) – Drew 3-3
17/02 – St Albans City (H) – Won 2-1
15/02 – Maidstone United (H) – Drew 0-0

The Gaffer

Lee Allinson was appointed as Manager of Hemel Hempstead Town back in early December.

Allinson arrived from Hendon, where he had been Manager for the last five seasons. At the time of his departure, Hendon were 7th in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Lee was assistant manager to his Father, Ian, at St Albans City before joining Biggleswade Town as manager and prior to that enjoyed a playing career as a midfielder with Arlesey Town, Biggleswade Town, Boreham Wood and St Albans.

He was also a development coach at Chelsea FC.

The Skipper

Kyle Ajayi is club captain at Hemel Hempstead Town.

Kyle is a left-sided defender for Hemel Hempstead Town FC, now in his fifth season with the Tudors since joining from Dunstable Town in 2020.

Renowned for his strength and power in the backline, Kyle was named the club’s Player of the Season for 2023/2024.

He reached the milestone of 100 appearances, demonstrating remarkable consistency by missing only one league game throughout the campaign. His solid performances and reliability have made him a fan favourite.

Key Player

Brandon Barzey has been the stand out performer for the Tudors this season and is their top-scorer, with 11 goals to his name.

Brandon began his career in the academy at Queens Park Rangers before being released as an 18-year-old in 2017.

Having played locally in non-league, he signed for Hampton and Richmond Borough in 2021. Following his release, he signed for Dartford in 2023 but appearances were limited and he saw himself join the Tudors for a short spell in December 2023 making an instant impact scoring in the St Albans Derby.

Brandon signed permanently at the Focus Community Arena for the 2024/2025 season. Additionally, the skilled winger currently represents his country, Montserrat, at international level, most recently playing in the CONCACAF 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.