Fleet
EBBSFLEET UNITED
V YORK CITY
A U D I T . TA X . A D V I S O R Y
2. |£
ASCOT ARMS
50
Life
01
Saturday 13 August 2011 Kick-off 3pm
Season 2011/12 - Blue Square Bet Premier
• • • • • •
Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to the first game of the 2011/2012 season, and also our first game back in the Blue Square Premier League. I’d like to welcome our visitors York City, their manager Gary Mills, staff, players and supporters. I wish them a successful season and a safe journey home. In May we secured our place back in the top division of non league football via the play-offs after one season of being out of it. When we lost our place in this division, because of the reasons behind it I stated publicly how personallly I took the disappointment and how determined I was to wipe that negative out. I don’t think you can underestimate the efforts of the players of last year in helping this club back into the Blue Square Premier and back competing with the big boys of non league football. Today is the start of a very tough and long season but I believe it’s a real challenge for everyone to look forward to and enjoy. I will be looking for every player to stand up and be counted, prove they are good enough for this league and possibly above and show they can 4
hold their own. We will have to learn from our experiences of the last time we competed in this league on the pitch and off it. Our pre-season went fairly well considering our lack of facilities and time together because of our part time status. It’s not easy trying to cram everything in 2 or 3 evenings a week. We secured most of last year’s squad and that has helped us in our preparations this pre-season. Our new signings, Liam EnverMarum, Ian Simpemba and Joe Welch have settled in well and shown in the games why I wanted them to join us. Also the two young boys from the PASE team, Adam Williams and Lanre Azeez have joined the senior ranks and hopefully will realise the potential we think they have. At the time of writing these notes I am hopeful that the MyFC vote result will allow me to strengthen the squad, which it obviously needs which is part of learning from our last campaign in this division. This league is so different from the one we were in season before last, and has transfer windows which implement different scenarios. We started our preparations with quite a few injuries,
which wasn’t ideal, but hopefully we can see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel with those injured. Firstly, Paul Lorraine has had his operation on his wrist and is allowing to everything settle fleet life
d h l S T
I
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liam daish
down. Preston Edwards has resumed training and is looking fit and I am hoping Scott Ginty took part in Thurdays training session. I would like to close by issue 01
hoping you continue your valued support throughout this season, appreciate what league we are in and what it will entail and how much of a challenge it will be. I hope you think it’s a challenge
that is worth the effort and support. Believe,
Liam 5
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CHAIRMAN’S CHATTER Good afternoon everyone and a very warm welcome to you all. I would like to thank everyone for making it to today’s first Blue Square Bet Premier game of the 2011/12 season against York City. I hope everyone, home and away fans, have a good afternoon and wish you all a safe journey home. Last season was an outstanding season from a football point of view culminating in the play-off final success at Farnborough. I was especially pleased to be at the Football Conference AGM at Celtic Manor and to be going up to collect the Trophy. It was outstanding that we also won the fair play award which says the club achieved success in the right manner. Many fans last season said that the football club’s correct place lay in the Conference South, but I never really believed that given the last five months of season 2009/10, where it was pointed out to me by no less than Alan Algar at the Football Conference AGM that the club would have finished seventh in the league that season if it had started in that way. I know everyone around the club is looking forward to the new season and certainly up for the challenge of the coming season. Whilst I appreciate that there is still much work to be done around the club, hopefully the organisation of many areas off the pitch is getting a little better with each season. Certainly, no one can complain about the organisation on the pitch and from the pre-season friendlies I’m sure those of you that have seen the games would agree the club looks to have fleet life issue 01
// phil sonsara
a very good looking squads with the vast majority still with us from last season. A little more stability around the club is great to see. The number of former league teams now playing in the Conference National is in double figures and every one of them, including York City, will be hoping at the end of the season to be taking their place back in the football league. However, everyone who has played in this league knows what a competitive league this is and how difficult it is to get out of. Given the amount of miles that the clubs travel in this league perhaps it is time for the good of the game at this level that league two and the conference national were regionalised into North and South. That would save a lot on all clubs in terms of travel and hotel costs. I am especially pleased to welcome today everyone from Adams and Moore, our new club sponsors. It is very special that they are also a Dartford based company, which I’m sure many of you will appreciate for very obvious reasons. I hope our new alliance will be the start of a good relationship in terms of moving forward with many community and commercial projects that will benefit both organisations and also raise the profile of each of us. In the meantime, be positive and get behind the team. Phil Sonsara Chairman 7
Roaring on the Fleet!
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Born in Ireland, defender Simpemba started his career at Wycombe Wanderers where he made over 20 League One appearances for the Chairboys. After spending time on loan at Woking, the 28-year-old signed for Crawley Town in 2004 where he spent two seasons before moving to Lewes and becoming an integral figure in the 2007/8 Conference South Championship winning team. Prior to his move to Ebbsfleet, Ian has spent the last three seasons at Havant & Waterlooville where he came agonisingly close to hitting the 100 appearance mark for the Hampshire side, becoming club captain in 2009. fleet life issue 01
liam enver-marum Daish finally got his man after over a season of trying in July 2011. 23-year-old Liam already has bags of experience in this league having previously turned out for Hayes & Yeading, Woking, Eastbourne, Crawley Town and Forest Green Rovers. Reportedly beating York to the signature of Liam, Daish moved quickly following his release from Forest Green Rovers announcing the striker as his first signing since gaining promotion back to non-league’s top tier.
lanre azeez
ian simpemba
22-year old keeper Joe signed for the Fleet in the summer after a successful trial period. Measuring up at 6’1”, Welch started his career at Southend before moving on to Histon in the 2008/09 season. After patiently waiting for his first team opportunity, making only a handful of appearances over a couple of seasons, it eventually came during the 2011/12 campaign. Joe then established himself as number one between the sticks, attracting attention from League 2 side Stevenage who he joined on loan until the end of the season without making an appearance.
// summer signings
Striker Lanre spent last season in the reserves picking up vital experience in his attempt to break into the first team in his debut season of senior football. A graduate of the PASE scheme, don’t let his height deceive you as Lanre has very quick feet and a great understanding of the game extending well beyond his years.
adam williams
joe welch
MEET THE NEW BOYS
18-year-old winger Adam has progressed through the youth setup at Stonebridge Road and signed his first contract in the close season, having experienced the fringe of the first team for the tail end of the Fleet’s promotion winning campaign. One for the future, Adam has great vision and a good turn of pace and will be hoping to learn from first team players Michael West and Tom Phipp, PASE graduates themselves.
9
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PAST OPENING DAYS A good start to the season always helps boost the confidence of everyone, though a disappointing opening day can be deceptive. For the first example look at us this time last season, beaten 2-1 at home by a Maidenhead side that had two players sent off. On the same day Blackpool won their first Premier League game 4-0 away from home and still got relegated, whilst the previous season Norwich were crushed 7-1 at home by Colchester but eventually got promoted. Our first day performances are in deficit as we begin our 66th season. Our record is P65, W24, D10, L31 and that’s despite starting with a home game on 35 occasions against 31 away. Our first day highlights include a 3-0 thumping of Hereford in our first ever match which also saw us kick off the season at as late as 31st August against our earliest of 8th August at Altrincham just two seasons ago. There were plenty of goals in the four seasons between 1955/6 and 1958/9 - 28 goals hitting the net as we won 4-3 (Barry) and 5-2 (Yeovil) and also lost by the same margins to Weymouth and Bedford. Twice Fleet players have scored hatfleet life issue 01
// paul harrison
tricks on the opening day – Bob Thomas in the 5-2 blitz of Yeovil in 1957/8 which eventually saw us take the Southern League title, and then in 1982/3 Dave Hubbick achieved it in an emphatic 6-3 blast against Poole Town – the most we have scored on the opening day. Needless to say there have been a few disasters too – none more so than the 7-0 hammering we took from a modest Banbury outfit in 1967/8 on the way to finishing bottom. In 1991/2 the coach broke down on the way to Worcester and when the team finally got to St Georges Lane at 5pm they took a 6-2 hammering. Our opening game in the newly formed Alliance Premier League in the 1979/80 season provided a better outcome as goals from defenders Malcolm Streeter and Dave Galvin gave Fleet an excellent 2-1 at Telford. Our most regular opponents on the opening day with four apiece are Yeovil who we have never lost to on the first day and Worcester who we have never beaten. Here's to victory today but if not remember what happened last year! 11
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THOUGHTS OF A SILHOUETTE Welcome back to the proper Premier League! You can keep your overpaid overweight obnoxious fancy-dans thank you very much. This is where real football is played by real footballers watched by real football fans. And a few unwelcome nutters to be fair who I’m sure will keep Richard Hills busy this season. And how fantastic is it to be back after just one season away? It’s bloody fantastic! Sure, we loved all the local trips we had last season, and getting the chance to beat Dartford here, but to be back in the national Conference with so many ex-League established clubs sends a tingle down my spine. Two European Cup winners will be sitting in the away dugout this season. Awesome! Admittedly, the higher travel and associated costs of being in the Conference’s ‘Unofficially Northern’ Premier League (UNPL) will pose a question or two for Phil Sonsara’s abacus, but to have Ebbsfleet United back in the list of the top 24 (it’s 24 as I type this but may be 23 by the time you read this) non-league sides in the country is where every Fleet fan should want to be. Until we get promoted, naturally. But that’s probably a season or two away. How do I think the Fleet will fair this season? Pretty well to be honest. Keeping the core of last season’s squad together was a key Liam Achievement and adding to them with Liam The Second, Joe Isn’t Welsh But Welch and Ian Simplemember, I think we have the squad to finish in the UNPL’s top ten. So apart from new players, and a few departures, what else has been going on down the Stonebridge? Well, the home end needs yet another name now the Cosmo has passed on. But for the love of Phazey, is it really going to be the Golden Grill End? Maybe it should be the Golden Grill Ended The Cosmo End. Or maybe it should be the
fleet life issue 01
Plough End and we can get the old pub back with its smoking parrot. Elsewhere there’s new tables and red chairs in the Social Club, and the arrival of a pool table. Obviously not for use on matchdays as them balls hurt when thrown, and the cues don’t half do some damage when inserted into the human body. But fun to use on nonmatchdays nonetheless. But don’t worry, there’s still the reassuring sights, sounds and smells of your normal Stonebridge matchday to enjoy. And balls will continue to disappear over the stands. And paint and rust will still cascade down from the Main Stand roof like confetti at a Northfleet funeral. Right, that’s your lot from me, and in the words of the delightful Delia Smith, but slightly less drunkenly… LET’S BE HAVING YOU!! Welcome back big time, welcome back fourth official (Liam loves you) and welcome to the Thoughts of a Silhouette. You ain’t seen me, right!
CHALLENGE CHAS Each matchday this season, I’m going to lay down a challenge for Lord Chas, and others commentating, tweeting or whatever else goes on in the benches in front of Graham’s tannoy hut, to try and get a word or phrase into their mutterings. So here’s today’s word...
balderdash 13
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• VAT • Business Management • Raising Finance
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1 0 - 1 2 W R O T H A M R O A D , G R AV E S E N D , K E N T, D A 11 0 P E
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All major sporting events shown on 5 large screens
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TRUST IN THE FLEET
// emily connolly, fleet trust
Fleet Trust Roof Challenge Anyone who watches the game from the Stonebridge Road stand like I do will know the perils of those stray balls hitting the roof. How often do we brush ourselves down and blow the dust out of our Bovril? Well now’s your chance to do something about it. We have found a local builder who will repair the roof, all we need to do is raise £12,000. Now we all know that this is no small sum so the Trust are setting you a challenge: If 200 people donate £50 each then the Trust will donate the extra £2,000 You can donate as an individual, in groups or as a business. You can donate more than £50 but we ask you to do this in £50 increments as part of this challenge. I know we’ve been asking you to donate a lot of money recently, I’m normally the one shaking a bucket at you but this is a chance to be part of Fleet history. Everyone who donates will also be given the chance to buy a name board (prices to be confirmed) which will be attached to the back of the Stonebridge Road stand. You can put your name, your groups’ name or business name but more importantly your name will be there, will be part of the stand and part of the club for years to come. All name boards will be put up once the £12,000 is raised and we’ll
fleet life issue 01
be putting them where everyone can see them meaning you can come along and take your picture next to your board. We’re starting the challenge off here today and I’ll be taking it to the forums, to MyFootballClub, to local businesses, even to Liam and the players! We’ll update you in a few weeks’ time with the price of the name boards and then we’ll be ready to take donations, so start picturing your name up there on the famous Stonebridge Road stand. We’ll also let you know how and where to donate. This offer will be limited to the first 200 donations, so if you’re keen to get your name down on the list or want any more information e mail me – boss@fleet-trust.co.uk or come and see me on the terraces. Emily P.S. The Trust once again has 2 tickets to the Fleet Lounge for every league game and these are available to our Gold members (and guest). If you are interested please e mail your name, the name of your guest and the game you’d like to attend to me – boss@ fleet-trust.co.uk or hand your details, including a contact phone number, in to the club shop who will pass them on to me.
15
2 MINUTES WITH... SCOTT GINTY
16
// #12
fleet life
e
Personal Full Name: D.O.B: Height: Previous Clubs: Footballing Inspiration:
Scott Thomas Ginty 17/05/91 (Age 20) 5� 9’ Peterborough United, Boston United Wayne Rooney
Favourite... ...food: ...film: ...team: ...music artist: ...place
Sunday roast Rush hour 2 Manchester United Drake Egypt
Best... ...attribute ...ground played at: ...player played against: ...footballing moment: ...advice given to you:
Finishing Stadio Artemio Franchi (Fiorentina) Micah Hyde Promotion last year Never give up
Either/Or iPhone or Blackberry? Comedy or horror? Night in or night out? Ski resort or beach? Xbox or PS3?
Blackberry Comedy Night in with MOTD Beach Xbox
In the Squad Best dressed? Worst dressed? Funniest? Longest in front of a mirror? Braniac?
Michael West Craig Stone Clint Easton Paul Lorraine Still looking for one!
issue 01
17
FLEET TWEETS
// trending topics
Over 200m tweets are sent each day globally, and some of them are about The Fleet or by Fleet players. So here at Fleet Life HQ, we decided to choose a representative sample of the messages and reproduce them for you in this cunningly-titled column called Fleet Tweets. Genius. Here we go… Sunday 7 August Ray Peck @RayPeck1 @liamenver_marum lol let’s hope you wake up as a league 2 player next May #eufc #ebbsfleetunited Saturday 6 August Gemma White @gemmaEwhite Dear #eufc players - I’d quite like a season of NO injuries so that @StuPhazey gets a little bit of time to himself, deal?!! Saturday 6 August Colin Munford @colinmunford Full time Ebbsfleet 6-0 winners, easy game before season opener next week, all you Fleet fans confident ahead of York next weekend? #eufc Friday 5 August Scott Ginty @Gint_ST Tweeting on the treadmill, whilst watching the golf. I believe that men can multi-task
Wednesday 3 August Stuart Phazey @StuPhazey 70 minutes left of being 24... Slowly feeling older!
Monday 1 August Liam Enver-Marum @liamenver_marum Thank you to all ebbsfleet fans for the amazing tweets means a lot. I will keep trying to be the best I can be for you
Monday 1 August Steve Tervet @stevetervet Tonight took @liamenver_marum to four goals for preseason. Willock not assured a start if he maintains this form. Looks at home at #eufc Monday 1 August Jeff Chick @Jeff_Chick Why did I not book today off? Affair with football starts again tonight.
fleet life issue 01
19
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COMMERCIAL CORNER Welcome back to Stonebridge Road for our return to the Conference’s Premier Division. And a particular welcome goes to our new corporate sponsors Adams & Moore, chartered certified accountants based in Dartford. We look forward to enjoying our partnership.
// phil moss adverts in the matchday programme (four sizes) are available, with discounts available for multiple purchases. Kit Sponsorship
Rob Ballantyne / Ascot Arms I’m delighted to welcome long-standing Fleet supporter Rob Ballantyne and his friends from the Ascot Arms as today’s match sponsor. Rob sponsored the first game of last season, and we all know how well the season went, so we felt it fitting that Rob should be our first match sponsor of this season as well.
Would you like to receive the actual kit the players wear this season? If so, then why not sponsor a player, get your name alongside your player in every programme for the rest of the season and at the end of the season you’ll receive his kit. Prices start from £50 through to £400-£550 for both full kits. Season Tickets
The Ascot Arms is a family-run pub on Central Avenue in Gravesend which always offers a warm welcome and a selection of drinks including three real ales. Many a Fleet conversation takes place in one of the three large rooms which make up the pub. You’ll also find all the major sporting events shown and there are regular live music nights.
Full and mini-season tickets, both adult and junior, are available giving holders up to 20% off the individual matchday price. Please contact the Club if you’d like to purchase tickets and support the Fleet.
Thanks for your support Rob, and enjoy your matchday with us in the Fleet Lounge.
If you are interested in any of the commercial opportunities outlined above, please email fleetlounge@gmail.com or call the Club on 01474 533796.
Match Sponsorship
Wicksy
There are still a few Match Sponsorships available for the Fleet’s return to the Conference Premier. Competitively priced, the package enables a group of ten people to enjoy the complimentary hospitality of the Fleet Lounge, meet Liam Daish and the players, and watch the game from premium seats in the Directors’ Box.
Finally, it is with regret that I have to inform you that Wicksy has left his position of Commercial Manager at the Club. Since his return in 2008, Wicksy dedicated his time serving the Fleet on the commercial side and in other areas such as transporting the kit to away games last season. He also worked tirelessly to establish the Fleet Lounge 12 months ago, along with a number of our long-standing corporate supporters, and I for one will miss his presence at the Club. I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone when I wish him the very best for the future.
Advertising Opportunities There are a number of ways in which you can promote your business to thousands of people - Fleet fans and travelling supporters of the national teams - visiting Stonebridge Road this season. Pitchside boards (two sizes) and
fleet life issue 01
Enjoy the game! Phil Moss
21
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WE’VE MET BEFORE
// with paul harrison
Since we first met in the 2004/5 season there has been very little between the sides. Most people expected the Minstermen to be back in the Football League by now but they have been stuck in the logjam of ex-Football League clubs competing in this division, which now stands at an amazing 14 out of 24, seemingly getting harder each year. York is such a lovely city to visit so forgive me for not feeling too sorry that you’re still in this division. Our record against York stands at P12, W4, D3, L5, F12, A10. Memory match: Gravesend & Northfleet 4-0 York City, 28th August 2004 The first ever meeting provided Fleet with a crushing victory, perhaps because
of a motorway jam which stopped Roy Essandoh getting to the ground on time allowing Jefferson Louis to step up and put in a match winning performance. Andy Bishop squandered a couple of early chances for the visitors before a long clearance from Fleet goalie Paul Wilkerson was won by Louis with a neat flick for Manny Omoyinmi to fire home on 29 minutes. Louis then crashed home a second on the stroke of half time. Matters failed to improve for the visitors after the interval and Chris Clarke fouled Chris Moore to provide Justin Skinner with a chance of netting a 52nd minute penalty even though he had to take it twice. Paul Crighton managed to pull off a couple of good saves before Steve Davis turned a Moussa Sidibe cross into his own net as the visitors cup of woe overflowed.
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
// ed miller
Six degrees of separation refers to the idea that everyone is at most six steps away from any other person or place on Earth. We discover what links new boy Joe Welch and his former Histon teammate, York defender Lanre Oyebanjo...
fleet life issue 01
Joe Welch...
...whose supposed fake London accent was an inspiration for the Ali G character...
...began his career as a youth player at Southend United...
... played by actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who hails from Hammersmith...
...and was a teammate of Fleet players John Herd, James Lindie and Jamie Forshaw...
...home to the embassy of Georgia, the country against whom...
...who now plays for Lowestoft, birthplace of DJ Tim Westwood...
...Lanre Oyebanjo won his first Republic of Ireland U21 cap. 23
DATE
24
COMP. OPPOSITION
SCORE
Sat
13 Aug
BSBP
York City
H
Tue
16 Aug
BSBP
Tamworth
A
Sat
20 Aug
BSBP
Stockport County
A
Tue
23 Aug
BSBP
Newport County
H
Sat
27 Aug
BSBP
Forest Green Rovers
H
Mon 29 Aug
BSBP
Braintree Town
A
Sat
3
Sep
BSBP
Barrow
H
Sat
10 Sep
BSBP
Kidderminster Harriers
A
Sat
17 Sep
BSBP
Fleetwood Town
H
Tue
20 Sep
BSBP
Cambridge United
A
Sat
24 Sep
BSBP
Alfreton Town
A
Tue
27 Sep
BSBP
Bath City
H
Sat
1
Oct
BSBP
Wrexham
A
Sat
8
Oct
BSBP
Gateshead
H
Tue
11 Oct
BSBP
Luton Town
H
Sat
15 Oct
BSBP
AFC Telford United
A
Tue
18 Oct
BSBP
Grimsby Town
H
Sat
22 Oct
BSBP
Kettering Town
A
Sat
29 Oct
FAC4Q TBA
Sat
5
Nov
BSBP
Newport County
Sat
12 Nov
FAC1
TBA
Sat
19 Nov
BSBP
Darlington
H
Sat
26 Nov
BSBP
Lincoln City
A
Tue
29 Nov
BSBP
Kidderminster Harriers
H
Sat
3
Dec
BSBP
Barrow
A
Tue
6
Dec
BSBP
Cambridge United
H
Sat
10 Dec
FAT1
TBA
Sat
ATT.
A U D I T . TA X . A D V I S O R Y
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Wrexham
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Tamworth
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28 Jan
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Stockport County
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Luton Town
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17 Mar
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Darlington
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24 Mar
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Kettering Town
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31 Mar
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Mansfield Town
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Forest Green Rovers
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Apr
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Braintree Town
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14 Apr
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AFC Telford United
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Sat
21 Apr
BSBP
Southport
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Sat
28 Apr
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Lincoln City
H
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Good afternoon everyone and welcome Stonebridge Road for today’s league opener. Despite the gap between last season finishing and this one starting not being particularly big, especially if you include pre-season, I’m sure it was still too long for a lot of us and after the teasers that the friendly games gave us I think we are more than ready to get on with business at long last…! So, first things first, I hope you’ve spotted the obvious in that the programme has had a complete overhaul since last season. From what I remember, I have found ever since I started to come here as a kid it is somewhat tradition to have a new look each season for the programme. I didn’t need too much of an excuse to do this off my own back however, I tend to get bored with things very quickly and even though the previous design wasn’t quite in place for a whole season, I think it was time for a change. Changing the main colour from red to white allows me a bit more flexibility design wise and I feel gives it a more professional look and is also a tad easier on the eye. Along with this new design, we have some new features as well and not all of them featuring
Ebbsfleet United Football Club Stonebridge Road,Northfleet, Kent, DA11 9GN T: 01474 533796, F: 01474 324754 E: info@eufc.co.uk www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk www.myfootballclub.co.uk Chairman: Phil Sonsara Club Secretary: Peter Danzey Matchday Secretary: Richard Hills Director: Jessica McQueen General Manager: Cheryl Wanless Safety Officer: Richard Hills Programme Editor: Ian Dickety Bar & Catering Manager: Jo Wilson Caretaker: Colin Stevens
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// ian dickety, editor in this edition. Despite my initial concerns after Wicksy’s departure that I wouldn’t have enough to put in a programme, I was somewhat surprised that I was oversubscribed for this edition and most of that is down to Hannah in the office who’s taken to the task like a duck to water. Hopefully this will continue which will mean we can progress to a larger edition of the programme sooner, as mentioned in a set of my pre-season notes. As well as Hannah I would just like to say a quick thanks to all that have helped me produce this first issue of the season – which will easily be the most time consuming one of the year, I won’t name them all but you know who you are! As always if you have any feedback regarding anything to do with the programme I would love to hear it, you can email me at ian@eufc. co.uk or alternatively just grab me around the ground on a matchday. Until the Newport game (assuming I don’t get stuck in Stockport County’s car park next week), up the Fleet! Ian
Groundsman: Peter Norton Club Photographer: Dave Plumb Webmaster: Ed Miller 50/50: Harry Houckham Tannoy: Graham McQueen Programme Printing: Bishops Printers Head Steward: Duncan Cole Vice Presidents: Roly Edwards, Jason Botley, Adrian Felstead, Mick Ward, Duncan Holt, Mark Lindop, Phil Sonsara, Charles Webster, David Holden, Peter Hammond, Gary Russell, Steve Sullivan, Alan Roberts, Alan Parker, Carol Parker, Barry Stevens, David Rutnam, Brian Kilcullen
1st Team Manager: Liam Daish 1st Team Assistant Manager: Paul McCarthy Goalkeeping Coach: Ron Hillyard Head Sports Therapist: Stuart Phazey Club Doctor: Dr Langley Kit Manager: Rob Mucci Reserves Manager: Paul McCarthy Academy: Ian Docker/Mick Chatwin Youth Section Chairman: Ray Tuffield
Club Directory 2011/12
THE HALF WAY POINT
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MEET THE ENEMY
// phil howden
Name: Phil Howden Age: 37 Length of affiliation with York City: I opened the Media Centre at York City 14 months ago, although I have worked in partnership with the club for 8 years and am a long-term City supporter. Q: Do you think this season could be the one you finally regain Football League status? A: I think we have a great chance. Obviously you try to be cautious because when you’re a former League club there are always people queuing up to pour scorn on you if you tell everyone you are going to do well and you don’t. But this season I think we are one of possibly five or six clubs who have a golden opportunity to finally get out of the Conference. Q: Have there been many incomings and outgoings at Bootham Crescent this summer? What do you think of the new players who Gary Mills has acquired in the transfer window to date? A: There have been quite a lot of squad changes over the summer, perhaps more than some people expected. However, the calibre of the manager’s new signings has got people really excited about the season ahead. This could turn out to be the most talented squad we’ve had at York City for a long time. Q: Talking of Gary Mills, how do you rate him as a manager since he took the reins in October 2010? Do you think he’s got the potential to manage higher up the football pyramid? A: Definitely. He understands the game, 28
likes things done the right way, and is very approachable and inspires confidence in everyone around him. And that includes the staff at the club who love working for him. Last season we went from dark depression to the club being a great place to be again, and that was completely down to Gary Mills taking over and giving everyone a new fresh sense of belief. Q: Going back to last season, were you happy with your 8th place finish or were you expecting to perhaps do a bit better than you did? A: As a City fan I can’t honestly ever see a day when I would be happy with an 8th place finish in the Conference. However, when you think where we were when Gary Mills took over I would have probably taken 8th at that point. The dramatic surge up the table led a lot of people, including me, to start dreaming of the play-offs. And, at some stages, it looked like we were going to make it. However, as always happens in football, a few missed chances led to dropped points and ultimately we missed out. The fact that we even had a sliver of hope of a play-off place was a remarkable turnaround in itself, but as the saying goes “it’s the hope that kills you!” Q: What were your highlights of last season? I’m guessing your great FA Cup run? A: The FA Cup run was good as it got us back into the public eye where a club of this size should be more often. fleet life
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And we should have gone further by beating Bolton, we deserved a result. The biggest highlights for me were the brilliant sequence of home wins, including the 4-1 win over AFC Wimbledon and 1-0 wins over Luton and Fleetwood, but also quite a few big away games where the York City support was absolutely magnificent – Rotherham and Darlington in the Cup, for example. This level of support was a privilege to be a part of and we have supporters who really know how to put on a show when it matters as I hope will be the case today too. Q: What are you most looking forward to this season? Do you get to many away games and travel a bit or do you look forward to some fallen giants visiting the home of York City? A: I go to most games away from home and I think this could be my 7th visit to Stonebridge Road this afternoon. The only one I missed was the notorious 4-0 game on our first visit and I can’t say I have any regrets! Regarding what I am most looking forward to, it’s hard to say. Today should be a fascinating afternoon and I love the opening day of the season because it can often be a defining moment. For me, playing “fallen giants” is more depressing than exciting when you look at the predicament of some of the English game’s great clubs. No-one with a genuine passion for the game can take pleasure in their demise. Q: There are plans for a new ‘Community Stadium’ to replace Bootham Crescent sometime in the issue 01
near future, how close are these plans to fruition and if and when this happens what will be your feelings on leaving your home of nearly 80 years? A: As an onlooker, it does seem that things are moving forward at a rapid pace after years of what seemed to be a frustrating stalemate. Of course only those involved know the reasons for this which I’m sure are rooted in the desire to get the project right. Any planning stage takes time in a place like York where people are very resistant to any kind of development or change. One thing I will say is that I will be devastated to leave Bootham Crescent because it’s our home and, however nice a new stadium will look, it can never and will never be the same. Q: I know it’s hard to guess right now, especially before the season has even started, but who do you think will be in the mix at both ends of the table come the end of the season? A: At the top I think Luton Town and Fleetwood will be up there (with us of course!) and I have a sneaky feeling that Grimsby will do well this season. They’re a massive club at this level but seem to be going about their business quietly. At the bottom - Southport and Forest Green plus maybe Hayes & Yeading depending on how they get on playing “away” at Woking for a season. Notice I haven’t mentioned Ebbsfleet! Q: What’s your predicted result for today’s game? A: Ebbsfleet United 0 York City 2. 29
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HALF TIME TEASERS
// by paul jarvis
1. What team did York City play in their FA Cup Semi Final in 1955? 2. What was the score when York City first visited Stonebridge Road? 3. What year did York City enter the Football League? 4. Who did York City beat in the League Cup in 1995? 5. For whom did York City pay Ebbsfleet United £55,000 in 2009?
11. Who won this summer’s Copa America? 12. How old is Chelsea’s current manager, Andre Villas-Boas? 13. Which BSP cub went into liquidation over the summer? 14. How many seconds did it take for San Marino to score against England in qualification for World Cup 94? 15. What year was FIFA founded?
TODAY’S MASCOT
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6. What year did the Fleet transfer from the Southern League Premier to the Isthmian League Premier? 7. Which former Fleet player scored the last goal at Wembley? 8. Who scored for the Fleet when they lost to Leyton Orient in 1993 in the FA Cup? 9. What former Fleet player scored for Stevenage against MK Dons in the FA Cup First Round last season taking the game into extra time? 10. Who were the Fleet’s last shirt sponsors before Eurostar?
// kai ayley
For today’s game we welcome four-year-old Kai Ayley to Stonebridge Road. Kai lives in Northfleet and goes to Painters Ash Infant School. As well as Ebbsfleet United, where his favourite player is Michael West, Kai also likes Tottenham Hotspur (the Chairman will be happy!) and his favourite player there is Gareth Bale. Kai also loves playing football and trains for Northfleet Eagles, and when he’s not doing that he also enjoys a spot of fishing. Kai is here today with his Mum and Dad and we hope that he has a cracking day!
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PROUD SPONSORS OF THE FOOTBALL CONFERENCE JD158 FOOTBALL CONFERENCE AD GENERIC_LHP.indd 1
26/07/2011 10:15
ALAN PARKER Hello everyone and welcome back to the start of another new season and welcome to any York City supporters who are here today. It’s great to be back in the Conference Premier again, it is of course a tough league to play in with much travelling to be done and although we probably will, we must not expect too much. If we are around the middle of the table I for one will be delighted. I was not happy with the fixtures when they came out because we had 8 Tuesday evening matches here and just 2 away. OK, there are some advantages to that in so far as it’s better to travel up North at the weekend rather than mid-week, but of course attendances tend to be lower in mid-week which will cost us money the club cannot afford to lose. May I on behalf of our supporters thank a small group of people who
work around the ground and on the pitch during the close season. Well done and thank you to Peter, Graham, Chris, Colin and Tony. Now just a reminder from last season that you are no longer allowed to park along the Thames Way. However, as far as I am aware you can still park in Car Park C at Ebbsfleet International Station where it’s secure parking for just £2 and not even a five minute walk to the ground. Finally, in the club shop you can buy a DVD of the play-off final at Farnborough, and there are also a few DVDs available of our Wembley win against Torquay United. Let’s have lots of vocal support today. Up the Fleet, Alan Parker
HALF TIME TEASERS ANSWERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Newcastle United 4-0 to the Fleet 1929 Manchester United Michael Gash
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6. 1997 7. Grant Best 8. Steve Portway 9. Darius Charles 10. Austrian Airways
11. Uruguay 12. 33 13. Rushden & Diamonds 14. 8 seconds 15. 1904 33
YORK CITY
// club history
League History Formed in 1922 the club were members of the Midland league until their election to the Football League (Division Three North) in 1929 when they replaced Ashington. Their original ground was Fulfordgate and in 1932 they moved to their present home at Bootham Crescent. City had a successful debut season in 1929/30 when they finished 6th but this was to be their highest position until the 1950’s. In the years prior to and immediately after the war their record was moderate and in 1949/50 they finished bottom of the Northern Section and had to apply for re-election. In 1952/53 and 1954/55 they finished 4th the club’s highest position in regionalised football. In 1958 they narrowly failed on goal difference to retain their Third Division status and became founder members of the newly formed Fourth Division. Managed at the time by Sam Bartram, the former Charlton Athletic goalkeeper, City won promotion for the first time in their history in 1958/59 when they finished 3rd in Division Four but the following campaign were immediately relegated. In 1963/64 they again had to apply for re-election but the following year bounced back to win promotion back to the Third with a club record (2 points for a win) 62 points. Once again they suffered immediate relegation when they finished at the foot of the Third with just 27 points. The following three seasons they finished in the bottom four of the Fourth and on each occasion had to seek re-election. The 1970’s were a remarkable time for the club – they started and finished the decade in the Fourth but in between spent two seasons in the second tier of English football for the first time in their history. Under the managership of Tom Johnston they won promotion to the Third in
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1970/71 and then after narrowly avoiding relegation in successive seasons, both times on goal average, they finished 3rd in 1973/74 to take their place in the Second Division (Championship).It was a memorable campaign in which they only lost 6 games (a club record) and in one sequence went 11 league matches without conceding a goal so equalling a Football League record set up by Millwall in the 1920’s. In their first season in higher company City finished a creditable 15th – their highest ever League placing - but the following year (1975/76) were relegated. During their two campaigns in the second tier City rubbed shoulders with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday. With Wilf McGuinness, the former Manchester United player and manager, at the helm City suffered a further demotion back to the Fourth in 1977 and the following season completed an unenviable hat trick when they had to make their 6th reelection application in 1978. The club finished bottom of the Football League in 1980/81 and so made their 7th and final application for re-election but in May 1982 Denis Smith, who had had a long and illustrious playing career with Stoke City, was appointed manager with Viv Busby his assistant. This heralded a very successful period for the club. After finishing 7th in their first season in charge City were runaway Fourth Division champions in 1983/84 and totalled 101 points and they were labelled “The Team of the Century” as they became the first ever club to reach three figures in a Football League season. A number of club records were achieved this season including most wins – 31 and most goals – 96.The next two campaigns saw City finish in the top 8 of Division Three (League One) and also twice reach the 5th round of the FA Cup. Following a disappointing
1986/87 campaign Smith and Busby left for Sunderland and the following season City dropped back into the Fourth. For the next four years the club languished in the lower reaches of the table and then in 1992/93 they gained their 6th and to date last promotion success when via the play offs they beat Crewe Alexandra at Wembley – their first visit to the stadium - and returned to the third tier of the Football League. In their first season in the Second Division (League One) the club narrowly failed to emulate the achievement of 20 years earlier of reaching the second tier (Championship) when they lost to Stockport County in the promotion play offs semi-final. Under the leadership of Alan Little, who had taken over from former boss John Ward in March 1993, City went on to spend a club record six successive seasons out of the basement division of the Football League. They were relegated in May 1999 when they dropped into the bottom four for the first time in the season by losing to Manchester City at Maine Road on the last day of the campaign. City struggled to retain their League status in their first three seasons back in Division Three (League Two) as they battled to avoid the drop to the Conference but in 2002/03 just failed to reach the promotion playoffs. The next campaign with player manager Chris Brass at the helm City occupied 10th position in the table early in the New Year. Failure to win any of the last 20 games (5 draws/15 defeats), however, saw the club slump to the bottom and they were relegated to the Conference in May 2004 after 75 years membership of the Football League. Excluding the war years 1939-1946 in which the club competed with a fair degree of success in the various regional competitions, City had 68 playing seasons in the League. Two of these were in the second tier and 22 in the third tier.
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The club are now in their 8th season in the Conference and only Forest Green Rovers of the current clubs have a longer continuous membership at this level. Twice the club have reached the promotion play-offs. In 2006/07 during Billy McEwan’s tenure as manager they lost to Morecambe in the semi final and in 2009/10 with Martin Foyle in charge they lost the play off final at Wembley to Oxford United and so just failed to return to the Football League. In 2010/11 they made a disappointing start to the campaign and in September 2010 Foyle resigned and the next month Gary Mills was appointed so becoming the 25th manager in the club’s history. City were in the lower reaches of the league when he took over and slipped fleetingly into the bottom four in mid-November but under his guidance and aided by a run of nine successive home wins climbed up the table to the fringe of the play-offs and finally finished 8th.
FA Cup History Over the years City have earned themselves the title of “giant killers” and as a Division Three North club reached both the quarter final and semi finals of the FA Cup. In their first two seasons in the Football League (1929-1931) they drew away to First Division opposition – Newcastle United and Sheffield United – before losing replays in front of record crowds at Fulfordgate. The first big cup run was in 1937/38 when they reached the 6th round. Halifax Town and Clapton Orient were beaten in the first two rounds after replays. City were drawn at home in the next four rounds and in front of increasing record attendances Second Division Coventry City 3-2, First Division clubs West Bromwich Albion 3-2
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and Middlesbrough 1-0 were all vanquished. In the last eight Huddersfield Town, then a leading first Division side, were the visitors and in front of Bootham Crescent’s all time record attendance – 28,123 – the game ended goal-less. Town won the replay 2-1 at Leeds Road watched by 58,066 and went on to finish runners up to Preston North End at Wembley. These magnificent feats were eclipsed, however, when in 1954/55 City’s march to the semi-finals captured the attention and admiration of the nation. Non-leaguers Scarborough and Dorchester Town were knocked out in the first two rounds and then City recorded a famous victory at Blackpool 2-0. The Tangerines, then in the top division, had won the Cup only 18 months earlier and fielded the legendary Stan Matthews and Stan Mortensen in their line up. In the fourth round top amateur club Bishop Auckland were beaten 3-1 away and then followed a classic 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Bootham Crescent which is regarded by many as the club’s finest performance. In the next round City won 1-0 away to top Second Division side Notts County and so became the first Northern Section club to reach the last four. In front of 65,000 at Hillsborough – the all time record crowd to watch the club – City and Newcastle United battled out a 1-1 draw. United won the return match 2-0 at Roker Park but City had become the first Third Division side to appear in an FA Cup semi-final replay. The following season City reached the fourth round losing to Sunderland in a replay and in 1957/58 they knocked out First Division Birmingham City 3-0 before losing to eventual cup winners that season Bolton Wanderers in a fourth round replay after a 0-0 draw in front of Bootham Crescent’s biggest post war attendance of 23,600.
In the 1960’s City failed to get past the third round but in the 1970’s reached the fourth round on four occasions claiming the scalps of Second Division (Championship) clubs Cardiff City, Bolton Wanderers and Luton Town in the process. While in the Second Division (Championship) in the mid 1970’s City were exempt until the third round of the competition and at that stage in 1974/75 held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Highbury before losing the replay at York after extra time. In the mid 1980’s City again tasted FA Cup success and in successive seasons reached the last 16 of the competition before losing on each occasion to Liverpool. In 1984/85 they beat Arsenal at Bootham Crescent 1-0 in a dramatic fourth round tie thanks to a late penalty goal. At the next stage they entertained Liverpool and drew 1-1 before losing the replay at Anfield 7-0. The next season the club reached the fifth round after knocking out four non-league sides Morecambe, Whitby, Wycombe Wanderers and Altrincham. Again they were paired at home to Liverpool and after taking the lead were held to a 1-1 draw but this time City took the Merseysiders to extra time in the replay before bowing out 3-1. The next time City progressed past round three was in 2001/02 when Premier club Fulham won 2-0 at Bootham Crescent. Since dropping out of the Football League the club have twice reached the third round losing away at that hurdle to Premier League opposition. In 2009/10 they lost 3-1 at Stoke City and last season went down 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers.
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// player profiles
Gary was appointed manager in succession to Martin Foyle in mid October 2010. He had a distinguished playing career and as an 18 year old played in the 1980 European Cup final for Nottingham Forest when they beat SV Hamburg to lift the trophy. A midfielder, he was capped for England at Under 21 level and went on to play for Derby County, Notts County and Leicester City as well a spell in the USA with Seattle Sounders. In total he made 477 Football League appearances – 37 goals (1978-1995). His first managerial appointment was with Grantham whom he led to the Southern League (Midland) title in 1998. He then moved to Kings Lynn before joining Tamworth for his first spell as manager of the Lambs in 2001. A period as first team coach at Coventry City followed before his appointment as boss of Notts County in 2004 and then after managing Alfreton Town he returned to Tamworth in January 2007. He was unable to save the club from relegation from the Conference Premier that season but in 2009 he guided them back to the top tier of non-league football when they were Blue Square North Champions. In his first full month at Bootham Crescent he was voted Blue Square Premier “Manager of the Month” for November 2010 and guided the club from 16th when he took over, to a final position of 8th plus an FA Cup run to the 3rd round.
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#1 PAUL MUSSELWHITE Goalkeeper Experienced ‘keeper who joined the club during the close season from Lincoln City and along with providing cover for Ingham has taken over as goalkeeping coach. He started his career as an apprentice at Portsmouth in 1986 and made his Football League debut for Scunthorpe United two years later. Went on to have two spells with the Iron plus eight years with Port Vale and then Hull City and Lincoln totally 616 Football League appearances. With stints also at Kettering, Eastleigh and Gateshead he has over 700 games to his credit in a long and distinguished career. #24 MICHAEL INGHAM Goalkeeper Now in his fourth season at Bootham Crescent having joined the club from Hereford United in the summer of 2008. Capped twice for Northern Ireland he had a spell on loan with City from Sunderland in 2002-03 making 17 Football League appearances. He also had loan spells with Carlisle United, Darlington and Doncaster Rovers before joining Wrexham prior to his move to Edgar Street. A virtual ever present in the last three seasons he started this campaign with over 150 senior appearances to his credit. He captained the side in the closing weeks of 2009-2010 leading the side out at Wembley in the play off final. He kept 25 clean sheets in League and Cup football that season and was voted “Clubman of the Year”, earning a new contact in the process keeping him at Bootham Crescent until the end of 2012/13.
michael ingham
gary mills
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#3 JAMES MEREDITH Defender Left sided defender he has been a virtual ever present for the club making over 100 senior appearances since signing from Shrewsbury Town in the summer of 2009. Equally at home in the centre of defence when called upon he won the Players “ Player of the Year” award last term. Born in Australia he started his career as a youngster with Derby County. After a loan period at Chesterfield and a spell with Irish club Sligo Rovers he joined the Shrews in 2007. In 2008-09 he played on loan with AFC Telford United. #4 CHRIS SMITH Defender Re-joined City in October 2010 initially on loan from Mansfield Town and appointed captain. Started his career as a trainee at Leeds United and then Reading and first moved to Bootham Crescent in 2001. In three seasons with the club he made 88 League and Cup appearances before leaving City when they dropped out of the Football League in 2004. Since then he has had spells with Stafford Rangers, Worcester City and Tamworth before moving to Mansfield at the start of last season. #5 DAVID McGURK Defender The club’s longest serving player having first appeared for City on loan from Darlington in 2004/05. The following campaign he had a full season on loan from the Quakers before signing a permanent deal in August 2006. Twice has helped the club reach the promotion play offs plus the FA Trophy final and in 2007-08 was voted Clubman of the Year”. He currently has 273 League and Cup appearances under his belt for City.
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#6 DANIEL PARSLOW Defender A former Wales Under 21 international this is his 6th season at Bootham Crescent having joined the club from Cardiff City in the summer of 2006. Figured in two promotion play off campaigns for the club and captained the side when they reached the FA Trophy final in 2008-09. He was voted “Clubman of the Year” that season and twice has won the “Community Player of the Year”. Whilst with City he has captained the Wales non-league side and at the start of this season had 211 senior appearances for the club to his credit. He was again voted the Billy Fenton “Clubman of the Year” in 2010-2011. Equally at home at either right back or the centre of defence.
daniel parslow
#2 LANRE OYEBANJO Defender A summer signing from Histon with whom he spent the last three seasons. He had previously been on the books of Brentford. The son of a Nigerian father and Irish mother he has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under 19 and under 21 level.
#8 SCOTT KERR Midfielder Signed from Lincoln City in January 2011 just before the transfer window closed. An experienced midfielder he started his career on the YTS with Bradford City and turned professional for the Bantams, who were then in the Premier League, in 2000. He later played for Hull City and Scarborough and then in 2005 joined Lincoln City with whom he made 249 appearances.
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// player profiles
#14 MICHAEL POTTS Midfielder Another newcomer this season he was snapped up after his release from Blackburn Rovers. A first year professional at Ewood Park last season he was a regular in Rovers’ reserve side and was a member of their under 18 team that reached the semi finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2009/10. Before joining Blackburn he spent nine years as a member of the Manchester United’s school of excellence. #15 ANDRE BOUCAUD Midfielder Joined the club initially on loan from Kettering Town in November 2010. Capped for Trinidad and Tobago six times he was a youngster on Tottenham’s and Queens Park Rangers’ books before turning professional at Reading. He made his Football League debut for Peterborough United in 2003 and later had a spell with Wycombe Wanderers. #16 JAMAL FYFIELD Midfielder A utility player operating at either full back or left wing he joined City from Conference South club Maidenhead United in September 2010 and scored on his debut. He later went back on loan to Maidenhead but returned to Bootham Crescent in the closing weeks of the season when he impressed at centre back. #17 MATTY BLAIR Midfielder Joined City from Kidderminster Harriers in the close season. He can play on either flank and netted 11 goals for the Aggborough club last season. Has had spells with Stratford, Redditch and AFC Telford along with Bedworth Town for whom he played against City in the FA Cup in October 2009. #18 ADRIANO MOKE Midfielder Born in Portugal he spent last season at the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain playing for Jerez Industrial in the Spanish Fourth Division. As a youngster he was on the books of Manchester United and then played for Leeds United under 16’s before serving a youth team scholarship at Nottingham Forest.
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#19 DAVID McDERMOTT Midfielder Moved to City at the start of the 2010-11 campaign after pre-season trials. A former Walsall trainee he spent two years with Kidderminster Harriers prior to his move to York. #26 PATRICK McLAUGHLIN Midfielder Moved to Bootham Crescent in the summer having spent the last four years with Newcastle United and during this time was a regular in the Magpies reserve side. Born in Larne he is a Northern Ireland under 21 international. #7 JAMIE REED Striker Joined City in January 2011 from Bangor City and made his debut for the club when coming on as a substitute in the 3rd round FA Cup tie at Bolton Wanderers. He went on to finish second top marksman last season with 9 goals in 12 starts plus 12 substitute appearances. Formerly with Wrexham he was a prolific scorer while at Bangor and at the time of his move to Bootham Crescent had notched 17 goals for them that season making him the leading marksman in the Welsh Premier League. Had a loan spell at Tamworth when Gary Mills was manager and in the summer of 2010 was in Australia where he played for Melbourne based club Dandenong Thunder.
jamie reed
YORK CITY
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#10 ASHLEY CHAMBERS Striker 21-year-old Ashley joined the club on loan from Leicester City in November 2010 and spent the rest of the season at Bootham Crescent. He made his senior debut for the Foxes at the age of 15 and has represented England at under 17, 18 and 19 level. In 2009-10 he had loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers and Grimsby Town. Ashley was released by Leicester at the end of May but was quickly snapped up by Gary Mills, becoming his first signing of the summer transfer window.
#11 LIAM HENDERSON Striker Another newcomer this season after spending the last five years at Watford. He made several substitute appearances for the Hornets in the Championship and also had loan spells with Hartlepool United, Colchester United, Aldershot Town and Rotherham United, Born in Gateshead he was a product of the noted Redheugh Boys Club.
ONE TO WATCH ONE TO WATCH ONE TO WATCH ONE TO WATCH ONE TO WATCH ONE TO WATCH ONE TO WATCH ONE TO WATCH ONE TO WAT
#9 | Striker
jason walker Jason signed from Luton Town for a reported fee of £60,000 in June 2011. Born in Barrow he spent four seasons at Dundee and then moved to Greenock Morton in 2004. After a short spell with Morecambe he joined his home town club in 2007 helping Barrow win promotion from the Blue Square North the following year. He represented the England “C” team in 2009 and netted the winning goal for Barrow in the FA Trophy final against Stevenage in 2010. He moved to Kenilworth Road in November 2010 and helped the Hatters reach the promotion play-off final. In the last two seasons he has netted a total of 38 goals for his two clubs.
issue 01
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PLAYER SPONSORSHIP M Liam DAISH
AM Paul McCARTHY
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#4 Giannoulis FAKINOS
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MYFOOTBALLCLUB UPDATE Hello! Welcome back to Stonebridge Road, welcome back to the start of the football season, and welcome back to Blue Square Premier! Over the last few months the MyFootballClub members have been working for the football club in a number of areas. Board member Jessica McQueen has worked tirelessly to prepare a deal for the new shirts, and members have voted on the designs, colours, and prices. Given the significance of the club shirt it was very important to us that fans were involved in consultation at every step of the way, with avid discussion taking place on both the EUFC forum and Facebook pages which were referenced in the votes. A small group of members have been working on improving the attendance with the away fans by advertising the club, facilities, and local attractions on the forums of visiting fans, creating Facebook campaigns, getting guides on oppositions websites and more. Hopefully the impact of their work we will begin to see today, and we can see the impact of this throughout the season. I’ve had some good discussions with Steve Miles from BOSS (Bums On Seats Squad) and we are working together to advertise the home matches to local fans. Another initiative they are working on is to get the Play Off Trophy out to as many fans as possible in the community. Many of you will already have been photographed with the trophy either at the after party following the play off final, or perhaps at the Big Day Out recently. Visits are planned with many fleet life issue 01
// pete langton
local pubs and schools, and any business that is interested in being involved should get in touch! MyFC Members have raised over £27,000 through the Sponsor our Squad promotion, and Adopt a Player, and all of this money has been put into the playing budget for this season. We are holding raffles throughout the year to all who contribute, and have recently given away a prized purple away shirt from last season – one of the actual shirts worn during away games. There are a couple of more shirts available in the raffle, and more great prizes will be made available throughout the season. It’s great to see so many of the playing squad retained for this season, and this continuity stands us in good stead for the season ahead. The signings of Lanre Azeez and Adam Williams – graduates of the great EUFC PASE scheme – was a particular delight. Hopefully they can go on to emulate the achievements of Tom Phipp and Michael West, and previous graduates such as John Akinde and Luke Moore. The quality of the opposition we’ll be facing in the Blue Square Premier is going to be tough. We showed last season in the FA Cup that we can take the game to teams of a higher standing. This season we will be facing these teams as equals. I’m sure you’ll agree – it’s good to be back! Pete Langton EUFC Board Representative 43
Over the close season I have been speaking continuously with BioSynergy about using their products for the new season back in the Blue Square Bet Premier. Bio-Synergy were kind enough to send us 1000 bottles of fitness water which we have been using for the past two preseason games and the feedback from the players has been great. Find out more about the fantastic BioSynergy range on Facebook, Twitter and at their website bio-synergy.co.uk.
Ben Dawson Fitness Coach
SEASON PREDICTIONS
// ian dickety
As part of an article appearing on footballing blog twofootedtackle.com, I was asked my thoughts on who would go up, who would go down and who we should keep an eye on this season... Who'll win the title and get promotion? It's a difficult question - as are they all - as I was an outsider looking in last season as an Ebbsfleet United supporter. However, I'll follow the general trend that has taken place over the last 5 or 6 years and back a traditional "non-league" team who no one ever expects to do it and gain the only automatic promotion spot, that team being Fleetwood Town. We saw last season they're a strong team and have some particularly influential players which they've supplemented with some high profile, high pedigree signings in the summer. In a way they're similar to Crawley Town where they have money and they're not afraid to spend it, but it's good to see the money is being spent in building the club's infrastructure too, and it's clear they're very different to the Red Devils in the respect they're taking their time to do it. Who'll make the playoffs? I think we'll see the playoffs mostly made up of ex-league clubs - you can bet your bottom dollar a fair few are really going to go for it this season. We've seen it before with Cambridge, Mansfield, Wrexham, Oxford and others, with only the latter of that list having success. I think the order will go Luton, Lincoln, Grimbsy with the final spot going to Newport who will have a late surge towards the end of the season. I've left out Stockport as I think they'll suffer from "We're-too-big-for-this-tinpot-league syndrome" and have an awful start to the season a-la Luton a couple of season's ago. Which sides will get relegated? In this league nowadays there's no way you'd ever expect a full time team to go down with the full to part time ratio that now exists, though having said that there are 'full time' clubs running on what are practically parttime budgets. Obviously as with the last few seasons you'd expect at least one or maybe
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two of the relegation spots to be filled by clubs in financial difficulties come the end of the season, and it looks like we may already have one of them in Wrexham. However, I think they've got too much backing in various forms to go completely belly up and although I reckon they'll get some kind of points deduction, I think they'll overcome this to finish mid-table. Bottom four I'd go for Southport, Hayes & Yeading, Braintree and Tamworth, though I really couldn't put them in any kind of order. Forest Green will squirm out it somehow as usual... Are there any sides you think may be a surprise package this season? As much as I think the Fleet hold quite a few tricks up their sleeve (I'm quietly confident we can match Bath's record last season), I think fellow newly promoted AFC Telford are going to shock quite a few people, hovering in and around the play-offs for the majority of the season. They've had their fair share of trauma in Shropshire but I think before too long they could follow in the footsteps of Aldershot and Wimbledon and back into the league. Which players in the division should we look out for this season? I'll admit I'm a bit out of touch with opposition players at the moment - I'm a seasoned pro on Conference South ones though! Close to home Liam Enver-Marum has looked very good for us from what I've seen so far, and Jai Reason was impressive at Braintree last season and I think the step down last season has done him the World of good. Ashikodi of Kettering has a natural eye for goal and if he can stay injury free he'll be in contention for the Golden Boot, as will another ex Fleet striker Magno Vieria at Fleetwood. Lastly, As my wildcard, I'll back James Dance who's just moved to Luton from Crawley to be one to watch this season.
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AWAY DAY GUIDE
// the lamb ground, tamworth
Match Details: Ebbsfleet United v Tamworth, Tuesday 16 August 2011 What’s it like? The Lamb Ground may not be the favourite place in the memories of Fleet Fans,but the ground itself contains bags of charm and character to fall into the classic non-league stereotype. It’s official capacity is just over 4000 but when you consider that is similar to Stonebridge Road, it does make you wonder where they would all fit in. It’s main stand, built in 1996, houses the only seats available and with a capacity of 426 is a very modest structure. Unusually for a new main stand the changing rooms were not built beneath it and were kept in the opposite corner of the stadium. Opposite this is ‘The Shed’ which possesses the same structure and style as the stand at the Meadow Street End. Both these terraces are shallow and extremely tight to the playing area, while their signature unique pitched roves are hard to find anywhere else in the country. Unlike its counterpart, the Meadow Street End has characterful red brick partitions running at regular intervals throughout the stand. The remaining end behind the opposite goal is a very small version of our own Swanscombe End with crush barriers running the length of the pitch.
Trains: Tamworth from Gravesend takes roughly 2.5-3 hours though is only advised if you are able to get a lift back – the latest you could leave Tamworth to get back to Gravesend on the same evening would be 8.30! Some services go direct from London Euston to Tamworth itself, which is a 10-15 minute walk from the ground. Directions: Leave the M42 at Junction 10 and take the A5 towards Tamworth. Follow the A5 bypass into the town and take the turn for the town centre. Follow the signs towards the Snow Dome and Glascote/ Amington. After passing the Snow Dome on your left, you should see the ground on your right. Rough travel time is just over two and a half hours. Postcode for Sat Nav: B77 1AA. Parking: Tamworth have a reasonable sized car park and charge £2 per car for this privilege. Admission: Category C – Adults: £10, 16-17 & 65+: £5, 6-15: £2, Under 5’s: Free. Seating transfer £2.
Segregation: None. Last time here: 24/04/10 - Fleet won 4-3 in a thrilling last game of the seasonwhere they were 1-0 and 3-2 down. However, despite Scott Ginty coming off the bench to and scoring two to ensure 3 points on the day, it was not enough and due to results elsewhere Fleet were relegated ending an 8-year stay in the Football Conference.
fleet life issue 01
Meadow Street End
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Ebbsfleet United
York City
Colours: Red & White
Colours: Blue & White
M. Liam DAISH AM. Paul McCARTHY
M. Gary MILLS AM. Darron GEE
1. Preston EDWARDS (GK) 2. Craig STONE 4. Giannoulis FAKINOS 5. Clint EASTON 6. Paul LORRAINE (C) 7. Michael WEST 8. Ranbir MARWA 9. Calum WILLOCK 10. Ricky SHAKES 11. Tom PHIPP 12. Scott GINTY 14. Joe HOWE 15. Liam ENVER-MARUM 16. Ian SIMPEMBA 17. Joe WELCH (GK) 18. Lanre AZEEZ 19. Adam WILLIAMS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 24. 26.
Paul MUSSELWHITE (GK) Lanre OYEBANJO James MEREDITH Chris SMITH (C) David McGURK Daniel PARSLOW Jamie REED Scott KERR Jason WALKER Ashley CHAMBERS Liam HENDERSON Michael POTTS Andre BOUCAUD Jamal FYFIELD Matty BLAIR Adriano MOKE David McDERMOTT Michael INGHAM (GK) Patrick McLAUGHLIN
TODAY’S GAMES Forest Green Rovers v Stockport County (Fri) Barrow v Tamworth Darlington v Braintree Town Ebbsfleet United v York City Grimsby Town v Fleetwood Town Hayes & Yeading United v Alfreton Town
Referee Tim ROBINSON
(Bognor Regis)
Kettering Town v Newport County Kidderminster Harriers v Gateshead Mansfield Town v Bath City Southport v Lincoln City Wrexham v Cambridge United AFC Telford United v Luton Town (OFF)
Assistant Referee
Assistant Referee
Fourth Official
Lee VENAMORE
Peter LAVELLE
Thomas RAMSEY
(Maidstone)
(Totton)
(Chelmsford)