PITCHING IN NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE WEST CITY OF LIVERPOOL VS RAMSBOTTOM SATURDAY 28TH JANUARY 2023 - 3:00PM KO
Welcome to the Berry Street Garage Stadium for this Pitching In Northern Premier League Game vs Ramsbottom utd
Don’t miss any action if you can’t get to the match! Keep updated with live commentary on purps FM & Purps TV.
City of Liverpool Football Club is a registered society under the Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies Act
2014. Our Registration Number is 7231. We are a supporter owned football club, with all shareholders owning 1 share each and operating on a 1 member 1 vote basis.
4 - Message from the chairman
6 - Our visitors Ramsbottom
14 - Meet the COLFC squad
26 - Today’s Teams
Chairman: Paul Manning
Deputy Chairman: Peter Furmedge
Club Secretary: John Lavin
Club Welfare Officer: Mike Caulfield
COLFC Community: Sean Lindblad
Club Directors: Paul Manning, Peter Furmedge, Earl Jenkins, John Lavin, Mike Caulfield, Sean Lindblad, Thomas Keiner, Amanda Manning
Volunteer Co-Ordinator: Mike Caulfield
Charity & Mascots Co-Ordinator: Amanda Manning
Programme Editor: Sean Lindblad
Gatehouse: Peter Furmedge, Howard Klarfeld
Hospitality: Amanda Manning,
Stewards: Peter Manning, Lee Thwaite, Howard Klarfeld, John Lavin.
Website: Sean Lindblad
COLlotto: Paul Manning
Purps TV: Jason Morland
Purps Matchday: Michael Meadows, Sam Pearson
NLP Correspondent: Michael Meadows
Club Graphics: Sean Lindblad
First Team Staff - Michael Ellison, Mathew Cross, Chris Lawton, Ryan Brookfield, Georgia
Dutton (physio)
Junior Section - Earl Jenkins / Sean Lindblad
Ramsbottom United was founded in 1966, the year that England won the World Cup and one of the founders, Harry Williams, is still, to this day, Chairman, over 50 years later!
Harry has overseen the club progress from a parks pitch on the outskirts to a well-appointed stadium in the centre of the east Lancashire town, adjacent to Ramsbottom Cricket Club, the East Lancashire Railway and the River Irwell, which attracted a record crowd of 2,104 against FC United of Manchester.
Early days were spent in local leagues, the Bury Amateur League, the Bolton Combination and the Manchester League before being accepted into the North West Counties League in 1995.
During the early 2000s, a number of managers came and went without success until the Chairman took the bold step of appointing jointmanagers in players Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson at the beginning of the 2009/10 campaign.
Having entered the FA Vase a couple of years earlier, the club’s first taste of FA Cup action took place in 1998, and they progressed to the Third Qualifying round before losing at home to Conference side Southport in front of a thenrecord 829 home gate (easily beating the previous figure of 464 for the local derby with Haslingden).
After a worrying 0-5 defeat in their first game, the new duo turned the team around, producing a style of attacking football that had crowds flocking back to the newly named Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.
Having finished runners-up the previous campaign, 2011/12 saw the club gain promotion to the Northern Premier League, as champions, after an exciting run-in with Runcorn Town.
The first season in the NPL saw the club agonisingly miss out on the play-offs on the last day, but more than made up for it during 2013/14.
Acquiring a place in the playoffs this time, a daunting trip up to a hostile Bishop Auckland ground to take on Darlington saw the Rams ease through before almost 2,000 spectators with a comfortable 2-0 win, followed three days later in the Final at Bamber Bridge, where over 1,200 fans saw the Rams earn their second promotion in three years courtesy of an extratime winner.
tempted away by the ambitious Salford City.
Although the club survived that season, 2015/16 was instantly forgettable as it saw the ground submerged under 5 feet of water from the adjacent river, followed by the first relegation in the Rams history.
However, despite being just outside the play-offs in the Premier Division the following year, Morley and Johnson were
A number of managers came and went in an attempt to regain their Premier Division status before Chris Willcock arrived in October 2018. His revamped squad began producing the same exciting football enjoyed under Morley and Johnson, and in his first season took the club into the last 16 of the FA Trophy, before losing in the play-offs to local neighbours Radcliffe Borough.
2019/20 saw the club on the verge of promotion before the Covid 19 pandemic brought an early “Null and Void” closure, with the club second in the league with games in hand over leaders Workington.
The 2020/21 season followed suit, although this time “curtailed” with The Rams in second place after just eight matches.
The frustrating thing being that out of the teams last 26 league games played, 20 had been won, 4 drawn and just 2 defeats, form that, at any other time, would most certainly have gained promotion if not a Championship.
Just days from the start of the 2021/22 season, manager Willcock was tempted away by rivals Workington, so the Rams immediately filled the vacancy by promoting assistant manager Lee Donafee into the hot seat, having been an integral part of the management team which had done so well for the Rams in recent seasons. The late appointment caused a number of problems resulting in a difficult season which ended in a disappointing 15th position.
Harry
TURNER Signed for the Rams during the 2022 closed season from neighbours Bacup Borough. Previous experience at Fleetwood Town, Ashton United and a spell in Sweden with Division Two side Ytterhogdals.
Marcus
JENNINGS Young goalkeeper spotted playing for local side Haslingden St Mary’s of the West Lancashire League and signed in July 2022.
Temiloluwa
AJIBOLA Italian striker who had a spell in his own country with Parma before moving to the UK. The 6 foot plus forward signed for the Rams in July 2022 having previously played for Whitchurch Alport.
Seydou
BAMBA Experienced central defender who joined the Rams in January 2022 from NWCFL side Barnoldswick Town. Previous clubs include Prescot cables, Kendal Town and
Clitheroe.
Luke
BARLOW The full-back began his career at Crewe Alexandra before a spell north of the border with Kilmarnock. Returned to England with Stalybridge Celtic before moving to Ramsbottom in October 2021.
coach at Widnes.
Kain
DEAN Began his career with Mansfield Town Under 18s before signing for FC United of Manchester. He then joined Mossley before a move to Runcorn Linnets ahead of his signing for the Rams in preseason.
Owen
COLLINGE Ramsbottom lad who has come through the ranks of Ramsbottom United Juniors and looks to have an exciting future ahead of him. The defender is also a promising cricketer, also playing for Ramsbottom Cricket Club.
Tony
DONALDSON The industrious midfield player re-joined the Rams for the second time partway through the ‘21/22 season after an injury-hit spell with Hyde United. A firm favourite of the Rams supporters following his previous spell with the club.
Michael
Leon CREECH Began his career at Preston North End before moving on to Lancaster City and Colne. Much admired by manager Donafee, the striker enjoyed a goal-scoring feast last season for NWCFL side AFC Darwen.
Craig DAVIES An Academy coach at Liverpool FC, Craig joined the Rams in July ‘22 following a spell as Manager at league rivals Prescot Cables, having also been first team
FITZGERALD The young central defender was snapped up by the Rams following his release by Blackpool, having spent some time on loan at Ramsbottom during the ‘21/22 season.
Jack
GRIMSHAW The forward/ winger joined the club in November 2021, from fellow NPL side Newcastle Town. He had previously been on the books at the newly-formed Macclesfield FC.
Will
HALL Ramsbottom-based youngster who came through the ranks with Ramsbottom United Juniors. Signed for Altrincham last season but had a spell back at his home-town club on loan, before signing permanently in July ‘22.
Billy
HASLER-CREGG Winger signed in February ‘22 from local rivals Colne FC having previously turned out for a number of clubs including Droylsden, Altrincham, Stalybridge Celtic and Congleton Town. Began his career at Rochdale AFC..
Another local youngster who came through the clubs’ thriving Junior set-up, he made his first team debut during the ‘21/22 season.
Khalil
OSI-EFA Plays in midfield or defence, the 6ft plus player is now in his third spell with the Rams, having been coached by manager Donafee since he was a youngster.
Oscar
Sam
HOLT The tall central defender began his career at Halifax Town moving on to Stalybridge Celtic before joining the Rams in the summer of 2022 having been with NWCFL side AFC Darwen.
RADCLIFFE A graduate of the Bamber Bridge Academy, Oscar is another locally-based youngster, who signed for the Rams ahead of the ‘22/23 season having previously been with NWCFL side AFC Blackpool
Jamie ROTHER
Ryan
JENNINGS The winger signed for the Rams in July ‘22 after a career that began at Wigan Athletic before moving on AFC Fylde, Curzon Ashton, Alfreton Town, Nuneaton Borough, Ashton United, Buxton and Widnes.
Club captain and a talented midfield player who joined the club in 2015. The 2016/17 season was a nightmare for Jamie as he suffered a nasty injury pre-season at New Mills, and only came back towards the end of the season. The tenacious midfield player is in his seventh season with the Rams, already having notched up well over 100 appearances
Domaine
Aidan
MARSHALL-KING
ROUSE The midfielder is best known for his lengthy spell
at Droylsden, but he began his career at Bury, for whom he made 12 appearances, and has also had spells at Hyde United, Macclesfield Town and Colwyn Bay Jordan
SHANNON Another locallybased youngster who signed forms for the Rams just ahead of the new season.
Highly rated Ryan was spotted playing for Winsford United in the North West Counties Premier Division when FC United took an interest in him.
Hamer joined the Broadhurst Park squad in 2021-22 and made a debut as substitute in the Fenix Trophy fixture against Brera in Italy in April 2022.
Ryan made the switch in pre season 22/23 to City of Liverpool FC as the purps manager Michael Ellison looks to build his squad ahead of an exciting season.
The 24-year-old defender came through the youth ranks at Tranmere Rovers, spending 10 years with the Prenton Park outfit up to the age of 16.
He then had spells at Cammell Laird, Marine, Warrington Town and also represented Vauxhall Motors who were at the time in the National League North.
In the summer of 2019 Hughes spent a period on trial with TNS, suitably impressing enough in a number of pre-season fixtures to earn a contract with the full-time club.
The 35-year-old custodian is no stranger to manager Paul McNally, having captained his Skelmersdale United side to promotion to the NPL after a play off against Cinderford at the end of last season.
Rejoining Skem in 2019, Barnes was a key figure as Macca slowly transformed their fortunes.
Adam picked up the August 2019 goal of the month award for TNS, for a fine right footed strike against Aberystwyth Town who he later went on to join on loan.
Jack Walls is a 20-year-old right back who joined the purps in November. Jack is a product of the Liverpool FC Academy.
AdamProgressing up to Liverpool FC U23 football before leaving the Reds at the end of the 2020-21 season and being snapped up by the purps.
An impressive first season with the club came to fruition with Jack receiving the coveted young player of the season award for 21/22.
The 26 year old defender came through the youth ranks at Tranmere Rovers before leaving at the age of 18.
Shaw played 92 times for Marine across two spells before leaving at the end of last season, and has also represented Llandudno, Airbus UK and Widnes.
Blackburn Rovers and got to the FA Youth Cup final in 2012 with the Ewood Park side, eventually beaten by a Chelsea side featuring future Premier League stars Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Ake.
The experienced Wylie has played National League football for Stalybridge Celtic, featured in the NPL Premier Division with Marine and Warrington Town and also represented Skelmersdale United.
Our new signing is no stranger to manager Michael Ellison, who signed him for his Linnets side in 2018 from Marine, with the defender later going on to be appointed captain.
The 25 year old left back joins from Skelmersdale United where he was originally signed by Purps manager Paul McNally.
Hont has impressed this season in a Skem shirt, not least when his former side won 2-1 against his new team in August.
Jack has also previously represented Prestatyn Town, Burscough and AFC Liverpool.
The 28-year-old centre-back came through the youth ranks at
The 31 year old defender has previously represented a host of local clubs across the non league pyramid, including Marine, Burscough, Cammell Laird and Skelmersdale United.
Hollett rejoined Cables in October 2021 and was a pivotal figure for Kevin Lynch’s side with his leadership skills and no nonsense defending.
The experienced centreback became a real fan‘s favourite across two spells at the IP Truckparts Stadium, where he
was well known for committed displays and being immersed in the club both on and off the pitch.
The experienced defender joined the purps from Longridge Town in the NWCFL Premier Division and has previously played against his new club when representing Charnock Richard.
Schofield has experience of playing in the Northern Premier League for Burscough and had impressed as a trialist in a number of friendly fixtures for Michael Ellison’s side during the 21/22 preseason before committing to the purps .
winners against Litherland Remyca and Burscough in the title run in, as well as scoring “The Goal That Went Viral” by lobbing Hanley Town’s keeper with a first time effort from his own half in March 2019.
Michael Simpson –MidfielderSimmo was a key part of Michael Ellison’s Runcorn Linnets side which won the NWCFL Premier Division title.
A midfielder who is also capable of operating in defence, Simpson started his career at Bury before playing over 200 times for Linnets across a couple of spells.
Karl Clair – MidfielderClair came through the youth ranks at Liverpool FC and was part of the young reds side which got to the final of the 2009 FA Youth Cup, where he played alongside another former Purp in Michael Roberts.
Karlo originally joined the Purps from Marine in the summer of 2018 and made an immediate impression by slotting on his debut as his new club started the season by routing 1874 Northwich in their own back yard.
Clair went on to score crucial
Our new signing may be remembered by fans for scoring a spectacular brace as Linnets secured a resounding 5-1 win against Simon Burton’s Purps on their way to the 2018 NWCFL Premier Division title.
Since leaving the APEC Taxis Stadium, Simpson has recently represented NPL West champions Warrington Rylands and Step 5 play off winners Skelmersdale United.
Michael Grogan – DefenderAn experienced defender who
is also capable of operating in midfield, Grogan was a trainee at Manchester United before going on to represent a number of clubs across the Non League pyramid.
Mike has previously played for Warrington Town, Burscough, Cammell Laird and Telford United, where he was an important part of Liam Watson’s side as the Bucks won the 2013-14 Conference North title.
He notched an impressive 13 goals in 34 league appearances from a defensive midfield role, after joining from Cammell Laird in 2013.
Rylands earlier last year and now joins Michael Ellison’s Purps.
The winger returns for a fourth stint at the club, having initially signed from Liverpool Football College in 2017 and has made 101 appearances for the Purps to date, scoring 33 goals.
John was a key part of the side which won the 2018-19 NWCFL Premier Division title and scored the winner in a man of the match display as the Purps won the Reusch Champions Cup in July 2019.
Max Allen – Midfielder
The 24-year-old spent the summer of 2020 on trial with the Purps, impressing as “Trialist #1” in a number of pre-season fixtures before moving to America to play for College side San Jose State University Spartans.
A classy left-footed midfielder, Max started out at Liverpool Academy before moving to Bolton Wanderers at the age of 10, where he stayed until he was 18.
As a youngster he had a spell on loan in the NPL Premier Division with Skelmersdale United in 2017, featuring 16 times for Alan Rogers’ side.
After returning home from San Jose recently, Max signed for
Since leaving the club in 2020 John had a spell at NWCFL Premier side Lower Breck before moving to Widnes in September 2021.
McGrath hit fine form with Widnes, notching 12 goals in 23 appearances last season and became a real favourite at the DCBL stadium.
John now makes the return to his hometown club where he has always been held in high esteem for his energetic displays, creativity, and penchant for important goals.
Jack Hazlehurst –MidfielderFootball College in 2017 and has gone on to play 112 games, scoring 38 goals for the club.
The tricky attacking midfielder has become a firm fans favourite and has scored some memorable goals along the way.
The midfielder was a key part of manager Paul McNally’s side at Skem, making well over 300 appearances for the club across a couple of spells, and is now reunited with Macca and former team mate Danny Mitchley at Purple Hub.
Strickland represented both Manchester United and Chelsea at youth level, turning out for the London club up to the Under 18 age group.
Our new signing also spent a number of years at Marine where he made over 130 appearances for the Crosby club.
A versatile operator, Kenny is highly adept in a number of positions and will add to the strength in depth and leadership attributes Paul McNally is steadily building at the club.
The experienced forward had a stellar career in the professional game, amassing over 800 appearances in his career to date and left League Two side Newport County at the end of last season.
Ellison started his career in Non League with Southport and also turned out for Chorley and Conwy United before joining Altrincham.
After 23 goals in 51 appearances for Alty, Ellison attracted the interest of Peter Taylor at Leicester City, signing for the Foxes in 2001 and making his debut off the bench against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Kev has represented a number of clubs during his professional career, including Stockport County, Chester City, Hull City, Tranmere, Rotherham United and Bradford City.
Ellison is perhaps best known for a long spell at Morecambe, where he is a bona fide legend, scoring 81 goals in 352 appearances for the Shrimps.
The 32-year-old forward brings with him a wealth of experience which has seen him represent Blackpool, Southport, Mansfield, Wrexham and Altrincham amongst others.
Danny also had a fruitful spell with Marine during which time he scored 81 goals in 178 appearances and captained the side before leaving for Radcliffe in June 2019.
Mitchley is no stranger to Purps manager Paul McNally, for whom he has starred in recent years and leaves Skem after three spells at the club.
Our new forward has been a key player for Macca and was a pivotal figure in Skem’s promotion from the NWCFL Premier Division last season.
BEN BARNES 1 HARRY TURNER
DANNY SHAW 2 OSCAR RADCLIFFE JACK WALLS 3 DANIEL MCKENNA
JACK HONT 4 KELVIN LUGSDEN
ADAM HUGHES 5 LUKE BARLOW JACK HAZLEHURST 6 MICHAEL FITZGERALD
MAX
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