Barnet FC vs Gateshead Matchday Programme by Barnet Fli

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24 • 11 •2018 | K.O. 3:00PM VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE

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BARNET FC GROUP

Division 4 promotion (3rd): 1993 Division 3 play off semi-finalists: 1998, 2000 Division 4 play off semi-finalists: 1992

CONFERENCE

Champions: 1991, 2005, 2015 Runners-up: 1987, 1988, 1990 Play off semi-finalists: 2004

FA TROPHY

Chairman: Anthony A Kleanthous

FA AMATEUR CUP

Legal Advisor: Mel Stein Property Advisor: Graham Slyper Manager: John Still Assistant Manager: Darren Currie Coach: Junior Lewis Head Physio: Luigi Cerullo Head of Sports Science: Kostas Lofitis Analysis & Recruitment: Dan Hutchings Club Doctor: Dr Naheem S Ali

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Winners: 1946 Runners-up: 1948, 1959

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Runners-up: 1972

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1931, 1932, 1947, 1948, 1959, 1964, 1965

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First Division Champions: 1966 First Division – Southern Section Champions: 1977

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John Still

STILL WRITES

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STILL WRITES

JOHN STILL

WRITES

Good afternoon everybody and a very warm welcome to The Hive London.

I would like to extend that welcome to Steve Watson, his staff, the officials and supporters of Gateshead for this National League fixture.

some really tough games against them over the years.

I’ve been delighted with our last two away games. We’ve now got to build upon that today against a difficult opponent, but I’m looking forward to it.

As with lots of games we have had this season, it’s going to be tough, we’re going to have to produce the form that we have been producing of late to get a victory.

The support we have received has been superb. It’s difficult to put into words exactly how you feel when you have had a long journey on a Sunday and a long journey on a Wednesday night. I’ll always say, whether there is 1 fan or 1,000,000 getting behind us - it’s their time and it’s their money and I have every respect for those that follow this team all over. To all of those people that have travelled all over so far this season, you do a wonderful job for your football club. Gateshead are strong, always strong. I’ve had

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Enjoy the game,

John

Callum Reynolds

CAPTAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTES

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CAPTAIN’S NOTES

SKIPPER’S

NOTES

Hello everyone and welcome to The Hive London for today’s National League game against Gateshead! Two away trips, two comeback victories! Hartlepool was a very professional away performance which we could have tied up a little earlier if we finished our chances, but we showed good character as a team, especially after going a goal down. The same can be said for Wednesday at Bristol Rovers. It’s obviously a great victory over a League One side, over two legs we managed to get the better of them. More great shown desire and character from the

boys after going a goal down, this time later in the match, to turn it around and get through. The group are still buzzing, but we’ve got to put that to one side now and make sure we’re right on it for today’s game. There’s no point in following up two good away wins without a good result at home. Gateshead have always been tough opponents, whether it’s at home or away, it’s the minimum requirement that is set upon them.

For ourselves, we have to work hard. They want to make the most out of their trips just like we have, so it should be a good game. Come on you Bees!

Callum 9

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OPPOSITION

INTRODUCING GATESHEAD CLUB NICKNAME

FOUNDEDV

STADIUM

LOCATION

THE T YNESIDERS, THE HEED

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S TA D I U M

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1977

NEILSON ROAD, GATESHEAD VNE10 0EF

OPPOSITION

The club had applied for re-election only once before in a relatively successful 30-year period, but were unceremoniously cast aside in favour of the more geographically favourable Peterborough United in 1960. Gateshead had finished third-bottom with both Oldham Athletic and Hartlepools United below them, but polled only 18 votes and were unjustly voted out of the League.

Gateshead FC CLUB HISTORY

In 1968, Gateshead became founder members of the Northern Premier League, but their stay in the new competition lasted only two years.

The original Gateshead AFC was formed in 1930 when neighbours South Shields - members of the Football League’s old Third Division North – moved to Gateshead because of financial difficulties.

Their place was, ironically, taken by another demoted Football League outfit, Bradford Park Avenue, and Gateshead were forced to replace their own reserve side in the Wearside League.

The newly-formed “Tynesiders” almost capitalised immediately on their good fortune when only Lincoln City’s superior goal average denied them promotion to the second division in just their second season of League football.

Finishing as runners-up, the Tynesiders then had two seasons in the Midland League until – in 1973, seven leagues and 43 years after its inception – Gateshead AFC ceased to exist.

However, it was to be the FA Cup that was to provide the club with its finest hour when cup fever gripped the Tyneside town in 1953. After accounting for Liverpool in the Third Round, Gateshead progressed to the quarter-final only for their Wembley aspirations to be denied by a single Nat Lofthouse goal for eventual finalists Bolton Wanderers. A sell-out Redheugh Park crowd of 17,692 had witnessed the spectacle, but within five years the North Easterners were founder members of the newly formed Fourth Division after they missed the cut for the Third Division by just one point. Despite an average placing of ninth in 21 Third Division North campaigns – interrupted by the Second World War - two years after the introduction of the Fourth Division came Gateshead’s shock dismissal from the Football League.

An unsuccessful bid to join the Scottish Football League was followed by a brief spell in the Northern Counties League and then six years in North Regional League.

A new club called Gateshead Town played the following season in the local Northern Combination League but, astonishingly, history was soon to repeat itself. South Shields, then members of the Northern Premier League, sold their Simonside headquarters and moved to a new home at Gateshead Stadium. Renamed Gateshead United, the club soon became a force in the Northern Premier League while accounting for Football League clubs Grimsby Town and Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup. However, in 1977 – after only three years of operation – came the shock announcement that United were to disband – the third body blow to hit Gateshead supporters inside two decades. It looked like the end of senior football in the town until another phoenix, this time in the form of the current Gateshead FC, rose from the ashes in 1977.

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OPPOSITION

Replacing Gateshead United in the Northern Premier League for the 1977-78 season, the new club won the title in 1983 with a record 100 points and 114 goals.

Gateshead then marked the 50th anniversary of their harsh expulsion from the Football League by again becoming a full-time professional club in 2010.

After two years in the Conference, the Tynesiders returned to the Northern Premier League and were crowned champions for the second time in 1986.

The following season brought a 14th-place finish and a spot in the semi-final of the FA Trophy for the first time, the Heed then finishing eighth in 2012 while reaching the last eight of the Trophy.

Their second spell in the Conference lasted just one season, though they were quick to bounce back, and reclaimed their place at the top table of non-league football in 1990. The accustomed role of top-flight strugglers was transformed with seventh- and fifth-place finishes in successive campaigns – 1994-95 and 1995-96 – as well as three quarter-final appearances in the FA Trophy in four seasons. A productive period ended in 1998 when the club was relegated back to the Northern Premier League after eight consecutive seasons of Conference football. The Heed’s very existence was then threatened early in the new millennium when long-time sponsors Cameron Hall Developments pulled out. Relegation to the Northern Premier League First Division followed but, after one season, Gateshead were back in the top-tier of the NPL following the introduction of a geographically split First Division. The future for a club with a proud, if somewhat chequered, past took a turn for the better when wealthy Gateshead-born businessman, Graham Wood, took over in 2006. Gateshead finished third in the renamed UniBond Premier Division in 2008 when they were joint-top goalscorers in the top ten divisions of senior English football, including the Premier League and Football League. The Heed struck 93 league goals that term, seeing off Buxton in the play-off final in front of a four-figure crowd at the International Stadium. Back-to-back promotions were achieved when the rejuvenated Tynesiders claimed the runners-up spot in the Conference North, where they finished joint-top scorers with 81 goals.

The next campaign, however, saw chronic pitch problems at the International Stadium, which resulted in half of the club’s home games being staged away from Tyneside. The following year, however, Gateshead recorded their highest placing in English football since their Football League days and made it to Wembley for the first time in their history. The Heed finished third and attracted their biggest crowd for a competitive game at the International Stadium – 8,202 – for the play-off semi-final secondleg win over Grimsby. Hopes of reclaiming their League status were quashed, however, as Gary Mills’ side were edged out by Cambridge United in front of a near-20,000 crowd. The Heed began the following campaign strongly, and reached the Third Round of the FA Cup for the first time in 60 years after victories against Gainsborough Trinity, Norton United and Warrington Town. There, they were heavily beaten by Premier League side West Bromwich Albion, but for the 1,200 Tynesiders who travelled to the Midlands, it was still a day to remember. After ending the season in tenth-place, Mills departed for Conference rivals Wrexham before Wood’s total shareholding was acquired by Consett-based business duo Richard and Julie Bennett. Former Sunderland manager Malcolm Crosby was sworn in to replace Mills, but – despite a promising start – the 61-year-old was sacked after less than six months in the role. Crosby’s replacement was ex-FC Halifax Town boss Neil Aspin, himself born and bred in the Tyneside town.

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OPPOSITION

Under Aspin, the Heed finished ninth in the renamed Vanarama National League, while they also made another appearance in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.

Under-19s head coach Micky Cummins took charge on a caretaker basis before former Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton star Steve Watson was named as Aspin’s successor.

After releasing all bar a handful of players ahead of the new campaign, Aspin effectively has a clean slate to work with during his first full season as Gateshead began their eighth consecutive season in the fifth-tier.

Watson joined from league leaders and eventual champions Macclesfield Town, where he was assistant to Jon Askey and made an immediate impact back on Tyneside.

And the 2016/17 campaign would ultimately end in disappointment, as early exits from the FA Cup and FA Trophy meant the Heed had only the league to play for come the start of 2017.

The Geordie named Cummins as his assistant and proceeded to win five of his first seven matches in charge, reaching the FA Cup Second Round for the first time in three years.

Arguably that worked to the side’s advantage as they mounted a significant play-off charge following a remarkable run of results which saw Aspin named the National League Manager of the Month in February.

The Heed were eventually knocked out by Luton Town who went on to face Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the next round. Watson’s initial impact eventually wore off as far as league results were concerned as the side bounced around the mid-table places for the remainder of the season. The highlight of the 2017/18 season was undoubtedly their remarkable FA Trophy run which saw them see off National League opposition in every round en route to the semi-final.

The run saw the Tynesiders move into the playoff positions by mid-March, but an end of season capitulation in which they lost five of their final six matches saw them end the season in eighth place three points better off than the previous season. An encouraging start to the 2017/18 campaign saw Aspin’s Gateshead keep five clean sheets in their opening seven matches and occupy a play-off place before gradually sliding down the table with just one win in nine. With the Heed sitting in 15th position in the National League, manager Neil Aspin opted to join his former side Port Vale in League Two, bringing assistant manager Lee Nogan along with him.

The Tynesiders missed out on a second Wembley trip when they were beaten by Bromley over two legs but still equalled their best ever finish in the competition. The second leg at the International Stadium attracted a home crowd of over 2,000 - the largest since the playoff semi-final against Grimsby in 2014. Following their Trophy exit, Gateshead’s league form took a hit as they eventually ended the campaign in 17th position. In April 2018, owners Richard and Julie Bennett confirmed their intention to sell the club after three years in charge. They agreed a deal with an overseas consortium the following month but that later collapsed. Gateshead remained up for sale until just over a week before the start of the 2018/19 National League season when Hong Kong based businessman Dr Ranjan Varghese completed his takeover of the club with Michael Williams taking over as operations director.

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OPPOSITION

MARK FODEN

AYNSLEY PEARS

POSITION

GOALKEEPER

Gateshead secured the services of goalkeeper Mark Foden following a successful trial in the summer of 2018 after leaving Ross County. The young Scottish shot-stopper spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Scottish League sides Sterling Albion and Stenhousemuir and has previously spent time in the North East of England with Hartlepool United.

Young goalkeeper on loan from Middlesbrough for the duration of the 2018/19 season. Pears is a product of Boro’s Academy and spent the second half of last season on loan with Darlington and has now made the step up to the National League with Gateshead, following the route taken by his Teesside teammate Luke Armstrong earlier in the summer of 2018. Pears made 16 appearances for the Quakers, following on from 11 made for our Under-23s earlier in the season. His combined appearances already number in excess of 50, as well playing in the UEFA Youth League and experience with England at different levels has turned him into a fine prospect. His latest interaction with the national side saw him called into the U20 squad last season. He was on the bench for the Middlesbrough first team for the Carabao Cup win at Villa Park in September 2017. Aynsley’s dad Stephen was a legend between the posts making over 400 appearances for the club and playing a part in four promotions.

ROBBIE TINKER

SCOTT BARROW

POSITION DEFENDER

A versatile player capable of playing in midfield or defence, Tinkler was snapped up by the Heed in the summer of 2018 after spending time on loan from Middlesbrough at the International Stadium the previous season.

Welsh left-back Scott Barrow signed for Gateshead in June 2017 following a season at Southern Premier side Merthyr Town after previously impressing in League Two with Newport County.

The England C international made 17 appearances for the Tynesiders during the first half of the 2017/18 campaign and featured predominantly as a right-back, picking up two Man of the Match awards under Steve Watson.

A Swansea City youth player, Barrow left the Liberty Stadium outfit in 2006 and honed his trade with Port Talbot Town and Tamworth over a seven year period before switching to Macclesfield Town in 2014 where he was later named in the Conference Premier Team of the Year. Barrow’s first season on Tyneside proved to be a successful one on a personal level as well as he scooped a hat-trick of end of season awards, claiming the 2017/18 Club Player of the Season, Fans’ Player of the Season and Goal of the Season titles.

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OPPOSITION

FRASER KERR

MIKE WILLIAMSON

POSITION DEFENDER

A familiar name to those on Tyneside, experienced centreback Mike Williamson returned to the north east to sign for Gateshead in the summer of 2018, three years after leaving Premier League side and cross river neighbours Newcastle United.

Scottish centre-back Fraser Kerr signed a contract with the Heed in July 2017 after spending the past two seasons in the Scottish League One with Cowdenbeath and Stenhousemuir respectively. The Birmingham City youth graduate didn’t make a first-team appearance for the Blues before he moved back north of the border to Motherwell. The 6ft 2in defender and former Scotland Under-21s international then went on to make 66 appearances for the Well between 2012 and 2015, scoring one goal as he helped them to back-to-back runners-up finishes in the Scottish Premiership.

The Stoke born defender amassed over 130 top flight appearances for the Magpies over a six year spell and was part of Alan Pardew’s side who claimed a surprise fifth placed finish in 2011/12. Prior to his spell at Newcastle, Williamson made just shy of 200 appearances for Football League sides Torquay United, Wycombe Wanderers and Watford. The 6ft 4in defender has earned three promotions as a player, most recently with United, as they claimed the 2009/10 Championship title. Since leaving Newcastle with 170 appearances and two goals to his name, Williamson spent two seasons at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship before moving to League One side Oxford United last season, where he made 17 appearances in all competitions. After leaving Oxford, Williamson joined up to train with the Heed in pre-season before being offered a contract at the club.

JON MELLISH

JACK HUNTER

POSITION DEFENDER

POSITION MIDFIELDER

After a successful season for the Gateshead Under19s side, the full-back made his first-team debut in the final game of the 2016/17 National League season. Shortly after, he was offered a professional contract with the club.

Part of the Newcastle United Under-23s side that won the Northumberland Senior Cup in 2018, Jack Hunter made his way through the Magpies youth ranks before Gateshead snapped up the combative midfielder in the summer of 2018.

The young defender made 10 National League appearances in his first season as a professional while also spending time in the Northern League on loan at Newcastle Benfield. After a solid start to the 2018/19 season, Mellish was rewarded with a call-up to the England C squad. He made his international debut in a 1-0 win against Estonia U23 in October 2018.

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OPPOSITION

CONNOR THOMSON

GREG OLLEY

POSITION MIDFIELDER

Thomson became Steve Watson’s first signing of the summer when he arrived at the International Stadium in June 2018 following the end of his contract at fellow National League side Halifax Town. The young Geordie scored one goal in 11 appearances for the Shaymen in the 2017/18 campaign after leaving Blackburn Rovers. The right-midfielder was part of Rovers’ youth academy, making one competitive appearance in the EFL Trophy against Fleetwood in 2016. Thomson previously spent time on loan at Barrow in the fifth tier and as part of Carlisle United’s youth set-up.

Attacking midfielder Greg Olley signed for the Heed after a successful trial which saw him score five goals in one and a half matches. Immediately after netting twice against Newcastle Benfield at the International Stadium, the former Newcastle United youngster signed a one-year deal at the Club. After leaving Newcastle’s Academy, Olley joined Hull City where he would go on to make his professional debut in a 3-1 League Cup victory over Exeter City, playing the full 90-minutes. The following season he would make his second senior appearance for the Tigers, as they were beaten 2-0 by Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup.

JJ O’DONNELL

TOM WHITE

POSITION MIDFIELDER

Midfielder JJ O’Donnell completed a remarkable comeback from injury as he featured in the Gateshead starting XI for the first time in two and a half years at the back end of the 2016/17 season. His impressive displays in the final four matches of the season saw him awarded with a one year contract at the club. O’Donnell initially signed for Gateshead on loan from Luton Town in January 2014 and helped the club reach the Conference play-off final at Wembley. His stoppage time goal against Grimsby Town in the play-off semi-final at the International Stadium is sure to live long in the memory of many a Heed fan and following the end of his loan spell, the then 22-year-old signed for the Tynesiders on a permanent basis. A rare foot condition then threatened an early retirement for the left-sided player but plenty of hard work, support and determination literally helped O’Donnell get back on his feet with Gateshead keeping him involved through the role of kit manager - a position at the club he still holds today.

After initially being released by the club as a teenager after suffering an ACL injury during an Under-19s match in February 2016, White demonstrated remarkable tenacity by continuing to train with the Gateshead first team and eventually earning himself a professional contract just over one year later. He made his National League debut in April 2017, coming off the bench in a 2-0 defeat at Dover Athletic. The following season, he helped Scarborough Athletic earn promotion to the Northern Premier during a successful loan spell.

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OPPOSITION

LUKE ARMSTRONG

STEVE RIGG

POSITION FORWARD

Young forward on loan from Championship club Middlesbrough until the end of the 2018/19 season. Armstrong re-joined Boro in the summer of 2017 having previously spent five years with the club’s Academy.

Former Carlisle United striker Steven Rigg signed for the Heed in August 2018 following a successful trial. Rigg first signed for the Cumbrians following a prolific spell at Penrith, scoring 64 goals in 85 matches. The striker netted six times in his maiden Football League season before moving to Scottish Championship side Queen of the South via a loan in the National League with Barrow. A long term injury hampered his spell north of the border as he made just 10 league appearances before returning to Carlisle on a short-term deal in October 2017.

Luke, the son of former Boro striker Alun Armstrong, was released by the Middlesbrough as an 18-yearold, but two years on he returned to the club after firing Blyth Spartans to promotion from the Northern Premier League in 2016/17, bagging 23 goals in the process.

The Keswick born forward then had brief spells at Chorley, Workington and most recently in the United States with Erie Commodores prior to joining the Heed.

SCOTT BODEN

LUKE MOLYNEUX

POSITION FORWARD

Experienced National League striker Scott Boden signed for the Heed after leaving Wrexham at the end of the 2017/18 season, scoring three times in 36 appearances in all competitions.

20-year-old forward Luke Molyneux signed for Gateshead on loan from Sunderland on an initial half-season deal until 2 January 2019.

Prior to his Wrexham spell, Boden’s previous stints with National League clubs Alfreton Town, Macclesfield Town and Halifax Town saw him score 38 goals in 115 appearances in total, prompting a move to League Two side Newport County in 2015. Boden amassed over 100 Football League appearances with Chesterfield between 2008 and 2013, finding the net 15 times.

The County Durham born winger made his Black Cats senior debut in May against Wolverhampton Wanderers and went on to make a further four first-team appearances at the start of the 2018/19 campaign prior to signing for the Heed.

And the 28-year-old Yorkshireman enjoyed a solid spell back in the fourth tier with the exiles, scoring 15 times in 51 appearances. A venture in the Scottish Premiership followed with Inverness Caledonian Thistle where Boden managed five goals in 19 appearances in all competitions before moving down to Wales in 2017. And while on trial at Gateshead Boden scored two goals in two matches against Catalyst and Morpeth Town respectively, earning himself a one-year deal. 21

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OPPOSITION

STEVE WATSON MANAGER

WATSON WAS APPOINTED IN HIS FIRST MANAGERIAL ROLE AT GATESHEAD IN OCTOBER 2017 AFTER JUST OVER A YEAR AS ASSISTANT MANAGER TO JOHN ASKEY AT MACCLESFIELD TOWN.

The North East native is perhaps most notable for his playing career at the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton and West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League. When Watson made his Magpies’ debut against Wolves in 1990, he was the clubs youngest ever player at the time and went on to make over 250 appearances for his hometown club, helping them to consecutive runners-up finishes in the English top flight. An integral member of ‘The Entertainers’ squad, Watson was noted for his versatility and could play in almost any outfield position, wearing every starting number (2 to 11) at least once during his eight years at St. James’ Park. Although mostly played as a defender, Watson had an extended spell as a striker while at Everton and famously bagged a Premier League hat-trick against Leeds United in 2003. Watson saw out his playing days in South Yorkshire with Sheffield Wednesday, hanging up his boots in 2009. From there he quickly moved into coaching - joining up with former United teammate Lee Clark at Huddersfield Town and later Birmingham City. In July 2016 he joined National League side Macclesfield Town before moving to Gateshead as manager the following season. 22

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CL ASSIC CAMPAIGNS

Classic Campaigns Football historian LEIGH EDWARDS selects ten post-war Gateshead ‘Classic Campaigns’.

1 2 2 23

1947/48 Gateshead ﬁnished fourth in the Third Division (North) in 1947-48, their highest position for 16 years. Results were inconsistent during the ﬁrst half of the season but a thrilling 7-0 win at home to Hartlepools on Christmas Day was quickly followed by a 5-0 demolition of Rochdale, with Harry Hawkins grabbing a hat-trick. Five successive wins lifted Gateshead up to third place by early February but promotion hopes faded after Oldham Athletic won 5-3 at Redheugh Park and top scorer Harry Hawkins moved to Hartlepools, despite Bill Tulip’s side beating eventual champions Lincoln City 3-2. Tom Callander was ever-present in the heart of defence.

1948/49 Gateshead reached the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in 1948-49. Bill Tulip’s side defeated Netherfield, Scarborough and Aldershot before facing West Brom in front of 17,000 at Redheugh Park. Tom Callander gave Gateshead a first-half lead but the Baggies triumphed 3-1 after extra-time. Leading marksman George Wilbert and Johnny Ingham scored 26 goals between them as Gateshead finished fifth in the Third Division (North). They trounced Bradford City 6-2 in mid-March and their two Easter matches against eventual champions Hull City were watched by a total 61,333 fans. Defensive pair Tom Callander and Harold Wyles were ever-present.

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CL ASSIC CAMPAIGNS

3 2 4 5

1949/50 Gateshead finished Third Division (North) runners-up in 1949-50. They kicked off with a 3-1 win at Rochdale, then Ernie Passmore netted four goals in a 7-1 demolition of Halifax, a hat-trick against Chester and five in a 5-3 victory at Hartlepools. But Gateshead slipped from top to mid-table before a 3-2 win at Darlington on Boxing Day sparked an improvement. They gained two consecutive 5-1 wins over York City and Tranmere, then a 5-0 victory over Accrington in mid-March heralded seven successive wins. George Wilbert was leading marksman and Johnny Ingham ever-present as Gateshead finished just two points behind champions Doncaster Rovers.

1952/53 Gateshead reached the FA Cup sixth round for the only time in 1952-53. Bill Tulip’s side beat Crewe Alexandra and Bradford PA before Ian Winters’ goal clinched an epic 1-0 third round win at home to Liverpool, then won at Hull City and Plymouth before losing 1-0 to eventual finalists Bolton watched by 17,692 at Redheugh Park. Gateshead were the North-East’s last survivors in the FA Cup that season. George Wilbert was top scorer and the two Callander brothers, Jack and Tom, both ever-present as Gateshead finished a disappointing ninth in the Third Division (North) despite hammering Crewe 6-1 and slamming five goals past Darlington and Accrington.

1953/54 Gateshead ﬁnished fourth in the Third Division (North) in 1953-54. They slammed four goals past Southport, Workington, Stockport, Tranmere, Halifax and Accrington, remaining unbeaten at home until losing 2-1 to Darlington in February. Bouncing back to hammer Grimsby 7-1 a week later, Billy Watkin scored four goals and was immediately sold to Middlesbrough. Gateshead were one of only three teams to beat champions Port Vale that season. Bill Tulip’s side were second in the table in mid-March but a 5-1 defeat at Wrexham heralded a poor run and they won just three of their last 11 matches. Bob Gray and Tom Callender were ever-present.

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CL ASSIC CAMPAIGNS

6 2 7 8 26

1982/83 Gateshead won the Northern Premier League title with a club record 100 points in 1982-83.Ray Wilkie’s side included skipper Terry Hibbitt, goalkeeper ‘Player of the Year’ Kenny Dodds, Steve Higgins, Gordon Hindson, Kevin Pugh and strikers Jim Pearson and Bob Topping who scored 47 of Gateshead’s 114 Northern Premier League goals between them. Gateshead trounced Netherﬁeld 8-0, both Goole and Worksop 6-0 and Matlock, Oswestry and Tamworth 5-0. They emerged from the pack around Christmas when they started catching up with the games in hand and ﬁnished 16 points clear of runners-up Mossley, losing just once at home, 2-1 to Chorley.

1985/86 Gateshead were Northern Premier League champions in 1985-86. They began with a 2-0 win at Witton and lost just one of their first ten games. Injury and loss of form caused a mid-season slump during which they suffered their only two home defeats, against Macclesfield and Workington. They were rocked when chairman/manager Ray Wilkie quit in March to take charge of Barrow but, inspired by Ian Donaldson, Gateshead lost just three of their last 17 games, gaining a 4-2 win at home to Morecambe. They pipped Marine to the title with a 3-2 victory at Rhyl in their final match. Keith McNall was top scorer with 23 goals, while Simon Smith was ever-present.

1989/90 Gateshead went close to the Northern Premier League ‘double’ in 1989-90. Despite an early 3-2 victory over eventual champions Colne Dynamoes, Dave Parnaby’s side were just above mid-table at Christmas, but won 11 of their last 15 games, losing just once. They finished runners-up after a 3-1 win at South Liverpool on the final day and regained Conference status after Colne were denied promotion by ground grading. Gateshead were also League Cup finalists for the first time but lost 1-0 to Hyde United at Maine Road. Simon Smith and Gary Hays were ever-present, while other key players included Derek Bell, Paul Doolan, Bobby Hulse and Keith McNall.

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CL ASSIC CAMPAIGNS

2 9 10

2007/08 Gateshead won the Northern Premier League play-off final in 2007-08. Ian Bogie’s side began with six straight wins and remained in the leading pack throughout the season, despite three successive defeats, completing the ‘double’ over eventual champions Fleetwood Town. They finished third behind Fleetwood and Witton Albion after winning nine of their last ten unbeaten matches, scoring 29 goals and conceding just two in the process. Gateshead beat Eastwood Town 4-1 in the play-off semi-final, then clinched promotion with a 2-0 play-off final victory over Buxton. Leading marksman Graeme Armstrong and David Southern netted 39 goals between them.

2008/09 Gateshead won the Conference North play-off final in 2008-09. The Tynesiders were mid-table before Lee Novak’s four-minute hat-trick in a 5-2 victory at Hyde United in early November sparked a marvellous run of 14 wins in 17 games. They trounced Hyde 6-3, Tamworth 5-1 and Hinckley United 5-1 and were top at the start of March but finished runners-up, five points behind Tamworth, after losing three of their last nine matches. Ian Bogie’s side defeated Southport 2-1 on aggregate in the play-off semi-final, then secured promotion with a 1-0 play-off final win over Telford United. Top scorer Lee Novak and Graeme Armstrong netted 48 goals overall.

Classic Campaigns GATESHEAD 27

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28 www.signsandscreens.com

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sales@signsandscreens.com

ALEX JONES

ALEX JONES FA CUP QUIZ Our opponents will crop up in two conversations involving Barnet fans. In 1991 the supporters coach broke down en route to a 3-1 victory in the North East. Kenny Lowe, Nicky Evans and Gary Bull scored, but that group of supporters saw less than a quarter of an hour of the game. The result helped secure our promotion, as did our 2-0 triumph here at The Hive three years ago. History fondly records that Mauro Vilhete scored both our goals that day. I stood with the Gateshead followers, so full was The Hive.

We know that Joe Gibney was also be anxiously contemplating a lengthy midweek trip to Hartlepools, but instead Slough triumphed on penalties, and will entertain Doncaster for I presume the first time. Good news that our game against Stockport a week tomorrow guarantees one Non-League representative in the third round.

HIVE OF ACTIVITY Apparently, in League games, we have won on 57 occasions at The Hive. This contrasts with 27 draws and 39 defeats .So logically we must be approaching seventy competitive victories in all competitions. I know this through reading the Only Barnet site, where this source was a comparatively reasoned and logical soul, which are phrases you don’t always bring to mind reading other Barnet related forums on the social networks.

Monkey magic Well done on the excellent win at Hartlepool. The last time we triumphed here, Jeff Stelling seriously lost his cool on Sky Sports, as his team were ultimately relegated in rather ignominious fashion. A lot of YouTube hits recorded his tantrum, but I understand he has moved on and is counting his money from a certain razor company.

MORE ON THE CUP

QUIZ OF THE WEEKEND Manually, and this is once a year, I shall compile a quiz for the Festive fixtures, recalling the events of 2018.Just in the short term though here are some posers recalling recent events. 1. Who scored the England goals in their victory v Croatia? 2. Northern Ireland will not progress in the Uefa Nations League. Who beat them? 3. Roberto Martinez had his interest in the competition similarly extinguished. Which countries were involved? 4. One team in National League hit 4 on their travels. Who were they? 5. Which teams in our Division scored three away from home? 6. In Women’s Super League, who extended their 100% record?

COME ON HOME Good news Dulwich Hamlet finally returned to Champion Hill after a deal was struck with the local council. Also in Vanarama South, Truro City were in the even more ludicrous situation of having

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to commute from Cornwall to Torquay. Hamlet are mid-table, but are just happy to be back home, the travelling cannot have helped the form of Truro with crowds occasionally dipping under three figures, but they will see out the season at Treyew Road.

Meet the New Boss…. Ben Strevens was recently named the interim manager of Eastleigh, Andy Hessenthaler having left for another spell at Dover. Many will remember Ben with affection at Underhill, I am old enough to have seen the Hess play for Redbridge Forest, Gillingham and Watford, as he toiled in Non-League for several seasons before his big break. There may even be people here today who saw him in a Corinthian shirt.

I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERYDAY No that would be ridiculous, although the Festive period will include a visit to Boreham Wood. An article on the NonLeague Football Grounds Facebook site asked why the football team are spelt that way. Personally, that had never occurred to me, but two former students, Miss Jayne Paige and Courtney Barnes now live in the town and prefer the one word Borehamwood. Both girls went to Woodcroft School, so neither labour under the delusions that they live in Elstree.

Answers

FA Cup

1. Lingard and Kane 2. Austria 3. Switzerland and Belgium 4. Salford 5. Eastleigh and Solihull Moors 6. The Arsenal

GATESHEAD

DANIELE ACCURSO

A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS BY DANIELE ACCURSO A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS’ COMBINES MY TWO PASSIONS: HISTORY AND BARNET FC. I’LL BE TRAWLING THROUGH THE ARCHIVES TO FIND PLAYERS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR BOTH BARNET AND OUR VISITORS. TODAY, WE LOOK AT THOSE WHO HAVE PULLED ON THE FAMOUS BLACK ‘N’ AMBER STRIPS AND PLAYED FOR THE TYNESIDERS.

Neal

B I S H O P

At 37-years-old, Neal Bishop is still playing in the Football League and it was with Barnet that the commanding central midfielder got his first break in professional football. After being released from the Middlesbrough youth set-up, Bishop took it upon himself to delve into the lower leagues to kick-start his career, firstly playing for Billingham Town. A move to Gateshead followed in 2002 for Neal. Still a youngster, combining football with an outside job meant Neal found life a tough balancing act. Netting twice in 10 appearances for The Heed, the Englishman moved back to Billingham Town. Stints at several local lower league sides such as Whitby Town and Spennymoor United, allowed Neal to gain regular first-team football which was desperately needed for his career progression. As a regular player for Scarborough and York City across the 200506 and 2006-07 seasons respectively, the Stockton-on-Tees born midfielder finally gained his big break. 25-years of age at this point (June 2007), Neal moved to Football League outfit Barnet, thus becoming a fairly old Football League debutante when he played against Morecambe in August 2007. Making 47 appearances across all competitions in his first season with the Bees, Neal then took on the role as club captain in November 2008 after defender Ismail Yakubu relinquished his role. Donning the Black ‘N’ Amber 48 times in his second season, Neal had attracted attention from several ‘bigger’ clubs, and so it was no surprise a move to Notts County was completed in May 2009. My first Barnet match, against Port Vale in May 2009, was Neal’s last for Barnet and it provided what is still to date one of the funniest things I have heard on a terrace; Neal during the game didn’t seem to want to put any balls in the box, leading to one frustrated spectator berating him with the line, “Are you some sort of Vampire Neal? You afraid of crosses or something?” Neal wasn’t afraid of crosses and was actually a very competent footballer in the middle of the pitch, becoming a stalwart in the Football League for Notts County and later on Scunthorpe United. A physical, non-stop engine who had an eye for a pass, Neal is still going today with Mansfield and doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon. BARNETFC.COM

DANIELE ACCURSO

John

OSTER

Another stalwart of the Football League and also a Premier League footballer at one stage, John Oster played out the final few years of his career with us and today’s visitors but still had all the class that made him a 13-time capped Wales international. Coming through the ranks with Grimsby Town, John was sold to Everton in 1997 for £1.5million at just 18-years of age. The move didn’t quite work out for the Welshman, with playing time in a wide position often limited. Sunderland came calling in 1999 in a transfer move in excess of £1million but a familiar, frustrating time ensued at the Stadium of Light. Loan spells with Grimsby and Leeds could not convince the Black Cats to keep John, and soon after signed a short-term deal with Burnley. A three-year spell with Reading proved to be the highlight of his career, helping the Royals gain promotion to the Premier League but was released when the club were relegated in May 2008. Fellow Championship side Crystal Palace took a chance on John before he then ended up with Doncaster Rovers, appearing 120-times in total during his time at The Keepmoat Stadium. Once again a free agent at the start of the 201213 season, Oster joined Barnet in September of that year. Playing in midfield alongside Edgar Davids and Andy Yiadom, our relegation was hard to take that season for several reasons but even more so as we had a starstudded midfield full of ability. Davids and Oster running the midfield was a pleasure to watch, with the technical ability both possessed a beauty to behold for the paying spectator. Oster’s first Barnet goal in a 4-0 romping of Northampton Town at home will live-long in the memory for all those at Underhill on that cold Friday night. Davids’ first game in a Barnet shirt and Barnet’s first win of the season, everything went right that night and Oster’s finessed 25-yard first-time finish was the cherry on the top. Due to relegation, John was unfortunately released but rocked up at Gateshead. The first-time playing in the non-league during his career, the now 39-year old found a home for two seasons up north, playing 83 times for Gateshead between September 2013 and May 2015, deciding to reject a new deal and instead call it a day on his playing career.

DANIELE ACCURSO 31

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THIS OR THAT

THIS OR THAT WITH

Dan Sparks 33

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THIS OR THAT

Tea or Coffee

Spicy or Mild

Arctic or Desert

Boxset or Movie

Pepsi or Coke

Neither

Beer or Wine Neither

Neither

Dog or Cat

Thriller or Horror

Aston Martin or Ferrari

Beach Holiday or City Break

Xbox or Playstation

Text or Call

Road Trip or Cruise

Countryside or City

Twitter or Facebook

Fight: 1 Horse-Sized Duck or 100 DuckSized Horses

Like a mix

Cardio or Weights

Sit Down Meal or Fast Food

Instagram

Pinapple on Pizza: Yes or No

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worse: Laundry or Dishes

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MATCH REPORT

BRISTOL ROVERS 21

1 - 2

ADAM SMITH (GK)

5 TONY CRAIG 6 7

ED UPSON LIAM SERCOMBE

MATCH OFFICIAL: LEE SWABEY

MARK COUSINS (GK)

CHEYE ALEXANDER

ELLIOTT JOHNSON

4 CALLUM REYNOLDS ©

8 OLLIE CLARKE

CRAIG ROBSON

10 TOM NICHOLS

CHARLEE ADAMS

15 JAMES CLARKE

12 JACK TAYLOR

22 JOE PARTINGTON 23 KYLE BENNETT

STADIUM: MEMORIAL STADIUM

18 WES FONGUCK 26 DAN SWEENEY

28 MICHAEL KELLY

37 IMMANUELSON DUKU

33 ALEX RODMAN

38 MOHAMED BETTAMER

SUBSTITUTES

MATCH ATTENDANCE: 2,740

13 RIHARDS MATREVICS (GK)

31 ALEXIS ANDRE-JR (GK)

BARNET FC

DANIEL LEADBITTER

BYRON HARRISON

10 SHAQUILE COULTHIRST

11 DAN SPARKES

STEFAN PAYNE

14 CHRIS LINES

21 MEDY ELITO

26 SAM MATTHEWS

22 JOSH WALKER

27 ROLLIN MENAYESE

27 EPHRON MASON-CLARK

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MATCH REPORT

Fonguck could have doubled the Bees’ lead just past the half-hour mark but his shot from the edge of the box was well saved.

The Bees opened the scoring on 16 minutes through Craig Robson before Chris Lines slotted home a penalty in the second half.

Rovers thought they had won a penalty minutes later when Tom Nichols appeared to have been tripped in the box but the referee booked the striker for diving. He was then joined in the book by a very animated Darrell Clarke who was shown a yellow for protesting a free-kick awarded to Barnet.

The first chance of the game fell to the hosts after Elliott Johnson won a corner with five minutes on the clock. Jack Taylor whipped it in from the left before Robson headed the ball narrowly wide of the post. Rovers were reduced to 10 men moments later after Sinclair received his marching orders following a rash challenge on Wes Fonguck. The Bees tried to capitalise on their one-man advantage and could have had their noses in front on 14 minutes when Taylor’s strike from range was well saved by Adam Smith. Moments later, Johnson’s dangerous free-kick from the right flank missed everyone in the box and almost crept in but the ‘keeper tipped it over the bar. Barnet’s pressure soon paid off when a delightful ball in from the left by Johnson was nodded home by Robson, giving the hosts a deserved lead. Taylor tested Smith again from range before Rovers decided to make a double change, Daniel Leadbitter and Stefan Payne making way for Sam Matthews and Kyle Bennett. The latter nearly made an immediate impact after running through on goal but after letting fly, his effort flew over the bar. A low shot from Sam Sercombe soon after forced Mark Cousins to get down low and make a smart save to maintain his clean sheet.

The half ended with pressure from both sides but it was The Bees who entered the break on the front foot. The visitors had a great chance to equalise in the early stages of the second half. Bennett found himself through on goal but his effort forced Cousins to extraordinarily palm the ball out of harm. Smith had to race out to block Duku’s shot after he capitalised on a defensive mistake but the ball fell to the feet of Bettamer who failed to bag a debut goal. The miss proved costly as Rovers clinched an equaliser just past the hour mark. After Callum Reynolds conceded a penalty, substitute Lines stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. However, The Bees nearly regained their lead with 15 minutes remaining after Taylor’s shot from distance bounced off the crossbar. It was Rovers’ turn to hit the woodwork minutes later after Ollie Clarke’s drive from distance rattled the crossbar via the fingertips of Cousins. The resulting corner then fell to Sercombe who saw his shot cannon off the bar aswell. Lines came very close to adding to his tally in stoppage time after his sensational low shot struck the inside of the post and out of danger.

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In the Community

PARTY DETAILS OF PACKAGE: Football games and matches Pizza & Chips in Pecking Order w/ drinks Birthday Cake Medal for each child FREE 12 month Hive Membership Â£20 PER PERSON (BASED ON MINIMUM OF 14 CHILDREN)

All sessions are held at The Hive London, Camrose Avenue, HA8 6AG 38

For more information please contact on 020-8381-3800 (Ext. 1040) or mdixon@thehivelondon.com BARNETFC.COM

COMMERCIAL PITCH

COMMERICAL PITCH Welcome to The Hive for this evening home fixture in Vanarma National League match, as the Bees take on Gateshead.

Why not celebrate a match day in the Directors Studio where you are sure to enjoy a day to remember. We have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available which are the perfect opportunity to get your business noticed. They also make a unique special occasion or a birthday present for a loved one. You will be able to watch the action from the best seats in the house. You will also be treated to a sumptuous unlimited buffet, free house drinks before and after the match and the presentation of the man of the match award.

DETAILS OF OUR MATCH SPONSOR PACKAGE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Signed Barnet FC 1st Team Shirt by the Man of the Match Best seats in or next to the Directors Box Use of Directors Entrance A sumptuous unlimited buffet in the Directors Studio overlooking the pitch 1 bottle of complimentary Laurent Perrier Champagne Half-time cheese board with tea and coffee Full-time dessert with tea and coffee Waitress attendance Select Man of the Match and present his award post-match with photographs 2 VIP Parking Spaces Complimentary Match day Team sheet ½ Page Advert in Match day Programme and logo on cover 4 public address announcements Electronic Scoreboard display of your logo Company logo on official team sheet 1 web story about your company Complimentary house drinks Corporate gift for each guest Sky Sports and BT Sport TV Dress Code Smart Casual

TODAY’S MATCH SPONSOR: BMI HENDON HOSPITAL BMI Hendon Hospital has treated over 24,000 patients in the last 12 months and is proud to support the healthcare of Barnet. BMI Hendon Hospital offers the services of over 170 highly qualified medical consultants who practise and treat over 30 different specialties. They deliver highly specialised treatments and use technology including the Alter G physiotherapy machine. With 0% MRSA rates, together with 97.6% recommendation rate in the Friends and Family test, BMI Hendon Hospital are delighted to support Barnet FC. BMI Hendon Hospital is part of BMI Healthcare, the UK’s leading provider of independent healthcare. In London, BMI Hendon Hospital is one of 15 hospitals and treatment centres, attracting world-class consultants from a wide range of specialties. For fast access to treatment and more information please call 020 8457 4500 or visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk

THE COST FOR THIS UNIQUE PACKAGE IS £799 PLUS VAT FOR 8 GUESTS For more on all of our sponsorship packages in the Directors Studio please go to the Commercial pages on the website www.barnetfc.com/commercial/matchday-hospitality/ or call John Meir on 020 8381 3800 (ext 1030) 39

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MATCH REPORT

HARTLEPOOL FC

BARNET FC

SCOTT LOACH

MARK COUSINS

PETER KIOSO

CHEYE ALEXANDER

MARK KITCHING

ELLIOTT JOHNSON

MATCH OFFICIAL: MARTIN WOODS

LIAM NOBLE

RYAN DONALDSON

CRAIG ROBSON

16 NICKY FEATHERSTONE

CHARLEE ADAMS

17 MYLES ANDERSON

12 JACK TAYLOR

19 KENTON RICHARDSON 21 TYRONE O'NEILL

STADIUM: VICTORIA PARK

18 WES FONGUCK 26 DAN SWEENEY

26 PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN

37 IMMANUELSON DUKU

33 LUKE JAMES

38 MOHAMED BETTAMER

SUBSTITUTES

1 - 3

SUBSTITUTES

MATCH ATTENDANCE: 3,545

4 JAMES BUTLER

13 RIHARDS MATREVICS

10 NIKO MUIR

11 JOSH HAWKES

11 DAN SPARKS

24 CONOR NEWTON

21 MEDY ELITO

31 MARCUS DINING

22 JOSH WALKER

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BYRON HARRISON

MATCH REPORT

Barnet held League One side Bristol Rovers to a 1-1 draw in the First Round of the FA Cup this weekend, forcing a replay. New signing Mohamed Bettamer made his debut for The Bees as he was one of three changes from the side who lost to Maidstone last weekend. The Bees opened the scoring on 16 minutes through Craig Robson before Chris Lines slotted home a penalty in the second half. The first chance of the game fell to the hosts after Elliott Johnson won a corner with five minutes on the clock. Jack Taylor whipped it in from the left before Robson headed the ball narrowly wide of the post. Rovers were reduced to 10 men moments later after Sinclair received his marching orders following a rash challenge on Wes Fonguck. The Bees tried to capitalise on their one-man advantage and could have had their noses in front on 14 minutes when Taylor’s strike from range was well saved by Adam Smith. Moments later, Johnson’s dangerous free-kick from the right flank missed everyone in the box and almost crept in but the ‘keeper tipped it over the bar. Barnet’s pressure soon paid off when a delightful ball in from the left by Johnson was nodded home by Robson, giving the hosts a deserved lead. Taylor tested Smith again from range before Rovers decided to make a double change, Daniel Leadbitter and Stefan Payne making way for Sam Matthews and Kyle Bennett.

Fonguck could have doubled the Bees’ lead just past the halfhour mark but his shot from the edge of the box was well saved. Rovers thought they had won a penalty minutes later when Tom Nichols appeared to have been tripped in the box but the referee booked the striker for diving. He was then joined in the book by a very animated Darrell Clarke who was shown a yellow for protesting a free-kick awarded to Barnet. The half ended with pressure from both sides but it was The Bees who entered the break on the front foot. The visitors had a great chance to equalise in the early stages of the second half. Bennett found himself through on goal but his effort forced Cousins to extraordinarily palm the ball out of harm. Smith had to race out to block Duku’s shot after he capitalised on a defensive mistake but the ball fell to the feet of Bettamer who failed to bag a debut goal. The miss proved costly as Rovers clinched an equaliser just past the hour mark. After Callum Reynolds conceded a penalty, substitute Lines stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. However, The Bees nearly regained their lead with 15 minutes remaining after Taylor’s shot from distance bounced off the crossbar.

The latter nearly made an immediate impact after running through on goal but after letting fly, his effort flew over the bar.

It was Rovers’ turn to hit the woodwork minutes later after Ollie Clarke’s drive from distance rattled the crossbar via the fingertips of Cousins. The resulting corner then fell to Sercombe who saw his shot cannon off the bar aswell.

A low shot from Sam Sercombe soon after forced Mark Cousins to get down low and make a smart save to maintain his clean sheet.

Lines came very close to adding to his tally in stoppage time after his sensational low shot struck the inside of the post and out of danger.

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TAKING THE MIC

TROUBLEMAKER! It’s funny who you can run into at a football match. It’s one thing, though, to spot celebrities at major games, but another as you head down the football food chain. And, in this case, I mean head FAR down. I never expected more than a high scoring match and an inexpensive afternoon out the day my friend Neil lured me to Coggeshall, near Colchester, towards the end of last season. His reasoning was that the Seed Growers, as they’re known, were shoe ins for the Eastern Counties League title, were pushing well past the 100 point mark and also homing in on 150 goals! What he didn’t add until we were already in transit was that pop singer and television presenter Olly Murs might also put in an appearance. It turned out that the “The Voice” coach and charity footballer is also the co-owner of the ninth tier club, albeit one who generally kept a low profile at games.

a photo. I have to say he was totally receptive to my blurted request – he even borrowed my phone to take the picture himself and got the framing spot-on, so he’s obviously pretty used to this kind of thing – and came across in our brief time together as a really good guy and a down to earth character. And when I made a point of stressing, “The picture’s for my wife”, he responded with a grin, “They ALL say that!” While I’m still not part of Olly’s target market, and unlikely either to buy his music or watch The Voice, I am keeping an eye on Coggeshall’s results in the Bostik (Isthmian) North this season. So maybe he did get a new fan after all

Unfortunately, neither Neil nor myself were really part of Olly’s target market. We couldn’t name any of his hits (which, for the record, I now know include “Please Don’t Let Me Go”, “Heart Skips a Beat” and “Dance with Me Tonight”.) Why, we didn’t even know what he looked like with any great certainty. That was still pretty much the case as we sat in the club house about an hour before kick-off. Then I noticed what I was convinced was The Man himself briefly talking to one of the players. “How do you know it’s him?”, asked Neil. “Well, for starters, the other guy called him “Olly”. And the letters “OM” were on his shirt. I think that gave it away.” I couldn’t let the opportunity pass and, summoning up a momentary rush of courage, followed Olly out of the bar and into the ground to ask him for 43

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SEE LONDON BEES LIVE THIS SEASON

HOME MATCHES PLAYED AT THE HIVE BUY TICKETS AT WWW. FAWSL.COM/TICKETS

WHAT’S THE BUZZ

WHAT’S THE BUZZ JOSH PALMER

AFC Liverpool, of the North West Counties League Division One North (the tenth tier of English football) had to postpone their game against Cleator Moor Celtic (based in Cumbria) for a more unfortunate reason. With many games normally postponed around this time of year due to cup runs or the weather, this game, which was scheduled to take place last Tuesday, had to be put off due to one of the sides’ managers dying. Ben Williams had been manager of the club alongside Stuart Kier. “First and foremost, on behalf of AFC Liverpool, we send our sincere condolences to Ben’s wife Jaclyn and his daughters Rebecca and Grace. Our thoughts also go out to the many friends Ben made inside and outside the world of football”, said club chairman Chris Stirrup. “As a Club we will come together to grieve and support one another. Whilst football is far from our thoughts at the moment, when we play our next game we will do so honouring Ben’s memory, showing the same passion and dedication to the badge that he displayed every time he stepped on to the pitch and into the dugout”.

It has been reported that Herefordshire County Council are going to invest £120,000 into the counties’ main football club, Hereford FC, to redevelop their Edgar Street stadium. The council own the ground, which was originally built over 120 years ago. They are looking to improve the Blackfriars and West stands in the ground, as well as potentially expanding the site to include some small shops and houses. The Bulls were formed at the end of 2014 after the previous club, Hereford United, was wound up in the High Court after a petition had been brought against it by HM Revenue and Customs. Since it entered the league system in 2015, the side have won their league on all 3 occasions, starting in the Midlands League, before going to the Southern League Division One South and West, then the Southern League Premier, now the National League North, where they currently sit in the relegation zone, 2 points off of safety.

This week saw National League North side Chester appoint a new general manager and then sack him less than 24 hours later. Stephen Jones was initially appointed to the role on Monday, but was subsequently relieved of his duties on Tuesday. “As part of the recruitment process, significant checks and due diligence were completed based on the information provided”, the club said in a statement following his departure. “The issues however only came to light following his commencement in post and the club has acted swiftly once they came out to resolve these matters”.

Barrow interim chairman Paul Hornby has successfully managed to get a new owner in place at the club just four weeks after the Bluebirds’ previous owner, Paul Casson, ended his four-year spell at the top of the Holker Street club. Hornby followed up from his previous promise in making sure that the Cumbrian side will not be under the sole ownership of an individual, instead now being under control of a locally-based consortium, which Hornby himself is a part of. He continued to reveal that he will remain chairman up until the end of the season. The takeover is due to be confirmed by the National League at some point next month. “It was just over a month ago that I took up the role of interim chairman, with the task of finding a new owner/ owners for the club” said Hornby. “We are currently going through the formalities with the FA and the National League, but I’m pleased to report its mission complete and we now have our new investors on board. When Sid Blain and I met the National League, they informed us they are looking to confirm the change of ownership at their December meeting”. The supporters trust also now own part of the club.

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WHAT’S THE BUZZ

DARREB WAY

Yeovil Town manager Darren Way has said that he believes that the side is in its’ best position since 2013. He has backed up his opinion by committing himself to the club for another 2 ½ years, signing a new contract until 2021. The side were in the Championship as recently as 2014, before suffering successive relegations to end up in League 2, with the former Glovers’ player taking over in 2015. During that time, the side have narrowly avoided relegation back to the fifth tier, finishing 19th, 20th and then 19th. The 39 year old says that he feels that the side have now stabilised financially, and that “we can see light at the end of the tunnel”. “We had relegation after relegation until I took over and almost stopped the rot. But we haven’t fallen victim, unlike other clubs, through adversity” said Way. “I can deal with that pressure. All you can do is ride the storm through difficult times”.

The EFL have agreed a deal with Sky Sports for a new TV deal. The deal is worth £595 million, and will run for 4 seasons, starting from next season, and ending in 2024. The deal will see an increase of 35% on its’ previous TV deal with the three divisions. It will now show 138 league matches a season from the 3 leagues, as well as every play off game, the Checkatrade Trophy semi finals and finals, 14 early round Carabao Cup games, and its’ final. However, the deal has been met with some controversy, with many of the Championships’ bigger clubs feeling that it undervalues how much the rights are worth, with one club executive saying that: “The EFL has just started a war”.

Investigations into racist insults and abuse at Luton Town have “not ended”. Bedfordshire Police received 2 reports of the abuse during the club’s home match against Accrington Stanley on 23 October, which the Hatters won 4-1. The reports included racist chanting and race based insults towards a player. “In relation to alleged racist chanting, we have investigated several lines of enquiry, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing audio footage of the game and CCTV” said a police statement. “We have not identified any specific comments or suspects and found no evidence of an offence being committed, so the investigation has now been filed. We are continuing to investigate a separate allegation of racist comments directed towards a player during the match”. There had been reports that the cases had been closed, but the police force have said that this is not true

League 1 side AFC Wimbledon have claimed that they have received around 80 applications for their vacant managerial role. This comes after former manager Neal Ardley departed the club earlier this month after having spent over 6 years at the helm. Simon Bassey and Steven Reid are currently in temporary charge of the side as caretaker managers at Kingsmeadow. The club say that they have made a shortlist of candidates for interviews and expect to announce the new manager this coming week. Wally Downes is the bookmakers favourite for the job, having played over 200 times for the original Wimbledon side during the 1970’s and 1980’s.

BARNETFC.COM

DEREK ADAMS

WHAT’S THE BUZZ

With the side sitting in 22nd place in League 1, having only won 3 out of their 18 league games so far, manager Derek Adams says that he will strengthen his Plymouth Argyle side in the January transfer window. This comes after a 5-1 away defeat to Luton Town last week – the third time this season that the Pilgrims have conceded five goals in one game. “There are players that will have to move on in January for new players to come in, and that’s only natural” said Adams. “Planning is in place, we’re trying to get players in”.

Arrests made in relation to football has more than halved in England and Wales over the past decade, according to newly released figures. Compared to the previous season, arrests were down 6% last during the 2017/18 season. Last seasons findings also revealed that Birmingham City still had the unwanted record for the highest number of arrests in a season, 95, a title that they have held for three years. The Championship had the highest number of arrests, at 591, whilst 374 Premier League fans were arrested. In the top five divisions in England, an average of 7 fans were arrested per 200,000 fans, with League 2 having the highest average – 8.6 fans per 100,000.

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In the Community

SATURDAY

SOCCER

SCHOOL

RECEPTION & SCHOOL YEAR 1 Times: 9am-10am or 10am-11am Price: £5 per session; £25 session block* SCHOOL YEAR 2 – SCHOOL YEAR 6 Time: 9am-10:30am Price: £8 per session; £40 session block* SCHOOL YEAR 2 – SCHOOL YEAR 9 Time: 12:30pm-2pm Price: £8 per session; £40 session block* *Session blocks include 6 sessions

All sessions are held at The Hive London, Camrose Avenue, HA8 6AG For more information please contact on 020-8381-3800 (Ext. 1044) or dlea@thehivefoundation.com

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