Jones 14 by Richard Jones

JONES

i t u b i r t n o c e m m a r g o r P

n o s a e s 5 1 4 1 0 2 e h t r o f ons

CO NT EN TS

AFC Bournemouth

Cherries Wall < Newest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... Oldest >

LIVE MATCHDAY BLOG AFC BOURNEMOUTH

T he Cherries' welcome Ipswich T own for today's match at the Goldsands. AFCB Starting XI: Boruc, Daniels. Cook, Elphick, Francis, Pugh, Surman, Arter, Ritchie, Kermorgant, Wilson

LIVE MATCH REPORTING FOR AFC BOURNEMOUTH USING SCRIBBLELIVE Subs: Camp, Smith, Stanislas, Gosling, Fraser, Rantie, Pitman.

Ipswich XI: Bialkowski, Mings, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Skuse, Murphy, McGoldrick, Anderson,

Bru, Hyam

Subs: Gerken, Parr, Bajner, T abb, Henshall, Bishop, Sammon

Listen live on Cherries Player: bit.ly Updates on on Facebook: bit.ly

Follow on T witter: bit.ly by AFC Bournemouth edited by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:51:27 PM November 22 at 3:51 PM Comment ()

70 A LOOK BACK INTO THE PORTFOLIO VAULT

WORDS: Richard Jones

Follow @NewportCounty to read about our next home opposi�on

Next at Glanford Park...

NEWPORT COUNTY WE ARE BACK IN ACTION HERE AT GLANFORD PARK IN A FORTNIGHT’S TIME WHEN UNITED ENTERTAIN NEWPORT. Here is our lookahead to the match against the Football League newcomers, who are managed by Jus�n Edinburgh.

TELL ME MORE... Newport County may be the league’s new-boys, but they can stake claim to an interes�ng history, ranging from European CupWinners’ Cup quarter-finalists to exiles resurrected a�er financial meltdown and record-breaking campaigns. There is also the lo�ery-winning chairman. This season marks the club’s return to the Football League a�er a quarter of a century absence, and 24 years since the club collapsed beneath the weight of financial ruin in 1989. With debts of £330,000 Newport folded and faced evic�on from their stadium at Somerton Park due to the unpaid deficit. Thanks to 400 dedicated fans, a new club was formed that began life in the ninth �er of the English football pyramid and travelled 80 miles to play their home games at a ground-share in Gloucestershire. <> Newport defender Harry Worley.

86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

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Two late goals in the first all-welsh final against rivals Wrexham earned the club a fairytale return to league football. By 1995, the club had returned to Wales, moved into the Newport Stadium and gained promo�on to the Southern League Premier Division to demonstrate a team on the up. In the last four years the Exiles have enjoyed two promo�ons and a £45.5m lo�ery scoop for nowchairman, Les Scadding. Promo�on from the Conference South in 2010 was completed in style, with records set for the most points in a season (103) and a 21match unbeaten run - the longest in the league’s history. It took just three seasons in the Conference before Newport clinched third place and a play-off spot last term. A�er Grimsby Town were dispatched in the semis, two late goals in the first all-welsh final against rivals Wrexham earned the club a fairytale return to league football.

STAR MAN... Journeyman striker Chris Zebroski is a proven goalscorer with vast experience at this level and has already made an impact at the club

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE UNITED’S NEXT HOME MATCH WILL SEE THEM PLAY HOST TO PLYMOUTH ARGYLE TWO WEEKS ON SATURDAY. Here is our lookahead to the match against Argyle, who are managed by former Oldham and Chesterﬁeld chief John Sheridan.

<> Newport’s former Iron striker Aaron O’Connor, shown celebra�ng promo�on back in May.

TELL ME MORE...

since he joined in the summer. In the season opener against Accrington Stanley, Zebroski made his full debut and scored twice as the league’s new boys convincingly dismantled the visitors 4-1. The 26-year-old has also completed spells at a host of clubs including Wycombe Wanderers, Torquay United, Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town.

ANY OLD IRON’S... Newport County’s top goalscorer last season was ex-Iron Aaron O’Connor, who was half of a lethal partnership with Chris�an Jolley that fuelled the club’s successful promo�on campaign. A�er just three appearances for Scunthorpe,

then-manager Brian Laws released the 19-year-old in the 2002-03 season. Since his departure from Glanford Park, O’Connor has plied his trade at a host of Conference sides before helping Newport County gain promo�on last season. Between O’Connor, and fellow striker Chris�an Jolley, the pair shipped an impressive 36 goals. Both were on the score-sheet in the play-oﬀ ﬁnal against Wrexham, with O’Connor’s welltaken strike sealing the game.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

2013 2014 LOOKING BACK

@rijones88

Follow @Only1Argyle for the latest news from our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park... Saturday, August 31, 2013 3.00pm kick-off

Back in 2009, when Scunthorpe and Plymouth Argyle were both in the Championship, the board of the south west club boldly announced a five-year plan to reach the Premier League. Almost five years on, both teams meet again, this �me in the fourth �er of the football pyramid, having experienced a very different half decade of events, but with similar inten�ons for promo�on this season. Plymouth Argyle began their rise up the through leagues from the old Division Three in 2001, under boss Paul Sturrock. The Scot guided the Pilgrims to two promo�ons in three seasons, before par�ng company as the club began to establish themselves in the Championship. A�er six seasons, their stay in the league ended in 2010. It also cued the beginning of a slippery slope for the Pilgrims, when a second consecu�ve relega�on followed. In March 2011, the club entered administra�on with debts of £13m and were docked ten points which resulted in relega�on 14 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

“

Argyle snapped up Romuald Boco in July when his contract expired with Accrington Stanley.

to League Two. The club’s saviour was businessman James Brent, who has since brought about stability and redevelopment plans. Plymouth City Council recently accepted a £50m proposal to improve the ground, with work to the Mayflower grandstand, new hospitality and catering facili�es and a mul�plex cinema as part of the plans. Investment and redevelopment ini�a�ves indicate that the Pilgrim’s luck may be finally improving. Manager John Sheridan has said the club can challenge for promo�on now they are more financially secure, and some shrewd summer signings certainly mark this statement of intent.

STAR MAN... Argyle snapped up Romuald Boco (circled) in July when his contract expired with Accrington Stanley, and he looks a solid addi�on to the team. The Benin interna�onal scored 10 goals in 42 appearances last season, during his second spell at Stanley. His skill and work-rate made him a fan-favourite at the Crown

Saturday, September 21, 2013 3.00pm kick-off

<> Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan.

Ground and he’s quickly established himself at Plymouth. In his third league appearance, he opened his account with a goal against Cheltenham Town.

NEW FACES... John Sheridan has been busy �nkering with his squad, with eight players leaving and as many arriving at Home Park this summer. The Pilgrims have secured the services of Yeovil striker Reuben Reid on another season-long loan, whilst Argyle academy product Ben Purrington has signed a professional contract with the club. Other arrivals at the south west side include Accrington Stanley’s out-of-contract Benin interna�onal midﬁelder Romauld

Boco, striker Lewis Alessandra from Morecombe and free-agent Neal Trotman. Plymouth Argyle also re-signed former goalkeeper Luke McCormick, who made his return to football with Truro City last year a�er being released from prison.

HAVE WE MET BEFORE... The Iron have won 11 of the 26 games against Argyle. Goals from Garry Thompson and Martyn Woolford secured a 2-1 victory last �me, in 2010.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 13 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

SCUNTHORPE UNITED

richardliamjones@live.com

CONTENTS > XXXXXXXX

> OPPOSITION GUIDE MANAGER

In an incredible second season at Anfield, Brendan Rodgers masterminded a 16 game unbeaten run and introduced a more attacking-style team that scored 101 league goals and finished within touching distance of the club’s first top-flight title in 24 years.

ONE TO WATCH

As one of the standout performers for Liverpool last season and in England’s 2014 World Cup team, Raheem Sterling has risen to prominence as one of the best wingers in the game, thanks to his blistering pace and excellent technique.

CULT HERO

Kenny Dalglish is revered among fans for his accomplishments as player and manager at Anfield, where the Scottish striker’s iconic goals in the seventies and eighties epitomised an era that helped Liverpool become the most successful English club in history.

Liverpool

SUPERSTITIONS

Daniel Sturridge watches clips of all his goals to get in the zone, whilst former Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina used to drive to the same petrol station and fill his car up to the brim six hours before home matches.

a record 30 penalties, before Liverpool snatched their ticket to the last eight with two goals in the final four minutes against Swansea. In what is their 20th quarter final appearance, Liverpool also hold the record for the most final appearances with 11 and highest winning margin thanks to a ten goal

FAMOUS FANS

James Bond star Daniel Craig is a big Liverpool fan, along with fellow actors Mike Myers and Samuel L Jackson. The Pulp Fiction star’s love for Liverpool began in 2001, after Jackson starred in 51st State, which was filmed nearby.

LATEST NEWS

Aged 34, Steven Gerrard remains a huge presence in the team and is one of the greatest Premier League players and a legend among Liverpool fans. In 16 years of service, the midfielder has made over 600 appearances and captained the side for 11 years.

demolition of Fulham in 1986, whilst remaining the only team to lift the cup four years consecutively. After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last year, Rodgers is firmly in the frame for his first trophy at Anfield.

After several plans to move away from Anfield, the club decided to stay at their historic home and expand the stadium instead. Once completed in 2016, the Main Stand will house three-tiers as well as new media facilities and team benches, whilst the surrounding area will also be redeveloped.

His towering header in the 2005 Champions League final inspired one of the greatest comebacks, when Liverpool fought from 3-0 down against AC Milan to lift the trophy. Gerrard is also the only footballer to score in the finals of the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League - all of which Liverpool won.

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62 PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS 2014 2015 SCUNTHORPE UNITED @rijones88

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME SUBMISSIONS FOR THE CHERRIES

As one of the most famous and the longest running top-flight derbies, the Everton players’ incentive in the original derby was a silk hat each, worth 20 shillings.

KEY PLAYER: STEVEN GERRARD ByRichard RichardJones Jones By

AS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TEAM IN THE COMPETITION’S HISTORY, EIGHT-TIME WINNERS LIVERPOOL WILL BE LOOKING TO ADD TO THEIR SILVERWARE COLLECTION. The Reds progressed to the quarter finals after a dramatic third round penalty shootout with Middlesbrough and a late comeback against Swansea. Middlesbrough pushed Brendan Rodgers’ side all the way, after the Championship team twice drew level at Anfield. The tie was eventually decided after

DID YOU KNOW?

NEXT HERE

/SWINDON TOWN Swindon have been one of this season’s

pacesetters.

NEXT HERE

Also Coming Soon...

/YEOVIL TOWN

Yeovil celebrate a Simon Gillet goal.

Also Coming Soon...

v CHESTERFIELD

v SHEFFIELD UNITED

v BARNSLEY

v BRADFORD CITY

Tuesday, February 17 ‐ 7.45pm

Saturday, March 14‐ 3.00pm

Tuesday, February 24 ‐ 7.45pm

RICHARD JONES previews the visit of Mark Cooper’s SWINDON TOWN here in a Category B game on Saturday, February 14... Last season marked the first time in five campaigns for Swindon Town that ended without a promotion party, the ramifications of relegation or the pull of the play-offs. In fact, in the last decade, there have been just four seasons that have not featured such ups and downs. The rollercoaster Robins can also stake claim to the shortest ever stay in the top-flight, after winning the play-off final in 1990, only to be demoted ten days later due to illegal player payments. Three years later, Swindon returned to stake their place in the top-flight under the stewardship of Glenn Hoddle, but after his departure to Chelsea, the Robins’ first ever season in the Premier League ended in relegation. Since then, Swindon fans have endured mixed fortunes, with a further four relegations, a cup final appearance and four promotions along the way. There has also been Paolo Di Canio’s reign as manager, which saw the inspirational and at points, erratic Italian create another colourful chapter at the

Tuesday, March 17 ‐ 7.45pm

How To Buy Tickets...

ONLINE: Pay a visit to Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and click the Online Ticketing option under the Tickets tab

TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899

IN PERSON: At the Glanford Park ticket office

Ticket Prices 2014/15...

CAT B CAT A Whitegates Stand (West) Adult £22 £23 Over 60/18-21 £15 £16 Student £15 £16 U18 £11 £12 U16 £6 £7 U12 Free Free Clugston Stand (East) Adult £22 £23 Over 60/18-21 £15 £16 Student £15 £16 U18 £11 £12 U16 £6 £7 U12 Free Free Britcon Stand (North) Adult £18 £19 Over 60/18-21 £13 £14 Student £13 £14 U18 £9 £10 U16 £6 £7 U12 Free Free Executive Area (West) Adult £30 £31 Over 60 £23 £24 U21 £18 £19 U16 £13 £14 Family Area (West) 1 adult and up to 2 U16’s £20 £21 1 over 60 and up to 2 U16’s £14 £15 Additional U16’s £4 £5 Second parent £20 £21

County Ground. Despite no previous managerial experience, Di Canio made an instant impact and became a favourite among fans at the Wiltshire-based club. His first season in charge saw Swindon Town crowned League Two Champions and runners-up in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. However, after 21 months in charge with the Robins flying high in League One, his resignation in February 2013 dented hopes of consecutive promotions. That said, since taking charge in August 2013, former Telford boss Mark Cooper has rebuilt confidence and assembled a side which the club’s top-scorer Andy Williams recently said is one of the best teams he has ever played in. Standout performers include former Tottenham Hotspur midfield trio Massimo Luongo, Yaser Kasim and Nathan Byrne, whilst Michael Smith and Jonathan Obika have been in fine form up front for Swindon. They are flying high at the top Stadium of the table and will pose a formidable test for the resurgent Iron.

Plan...

Buy Your Match Tickets Online 24/7

RICHARD JONES previews the visit of YEOVIL TOWN here in a Category B game on Saturday, February 28... At the start of February, Gary Johnson was relieved of his duties, following relegation from the Championship and a struggle in the third tier this year. It marked an end for the club’s most successful manager, who helped the Glovers record their highest-ever league position, three promotions and a top-40 hit. In his first spell in charge, the Glovers were crowned Conference champions in 2003 to make their Football League debut for the first time since forming in 1895 and a year later, the club famously reached 36 in the music charts with the single, Yeovil True. By 2005, the Somerset side won the League Two title under Johnson, but further promotions evaded the club, when Johnson left for spells in charge of Bristol City, Peterborough United and Northampton Town. After eight seasons in the third tier, Yeovil Town defeated Brentford in the play-off final to clinch promotion to the Championship in 2013, following Johnson’s return to Huish Park as manager. It was the club’s second ever play-off final appearance and came six years after their

first, when the Glovers lost out to Blackpool in the same season that Scunthorpe won the League One title. An unused sub against the Tangerines that day was Terry Skiverton, who joined the Glovers in 1999 and has never left the club. After 11 years playing for Yeovil, Skiverton progressed as player-manager in 2009, before hanging his boots up a year later to concentrate on managing the Somerset side. Skiverton then worked as assistant manager when Johnson returned to Huish Park in 2012 and has been placed in charge following Johnson’s recent departure. The Glover’s most capped league player has a tough task on his hands to help the relegated-threatened side, after Yeovil collected just seven points from a possible 39 in the final three months of 2014. However, a determined display for Skiverton’s first game in charge saw the Glovers come from a goal behind to beat Crawley Town and could well be the change of fortunes the Somerset side are in desperate need of.

Stadium Plan...

Buy Your Match Tickets Online 24/7

https://ticketing.scunthorpe-united.co.uk

BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS: Monday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Tuesday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Wednesday: 8.30am to 6.00pm, Thursday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Friday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Matchday Saturday: 9.00am until kick-off TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899 EMAIL: tickets@scunthorpe-united.co.uk | TWITTER: @SUFCTickets

72 / THE IRON v Oldham Athletic

Buy tickets online: https://ticketing.scunthorpe-united.co.uk

72 / THE IRON v Barnsley

Buy tickets online: https://ticketing.scunthorpe-united.co.uk

richardliamjones@live.com

PORTFOLIO

AFC

BOURNEMOUTH

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Liverpool

By Richard Jones

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> OPPOSITION GUIDE MANAGER

ONE TO WATCH

CULT HERO

DID YOU KNOW?

SUPERSTITIONS

FAMOUS FANS

KEY PLAYER: STEVEN GERRARD Aged 34, Steven Gerrard remains a huge presence in the team and is one of the greatest Premier League players and a legend among Liverpool fans. In 16 years of service, the midfielder has made over 600 appearances and captained the side for 11 years. His towering header in the 2005 Champions League final inspired one of the greatest comebacks, when Liverpool fought from 3-0 down against AC Milan to lift the trophy. Gerrard is also the only footballer to score in the finals of the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League - all of which Liverpool won.

In 1892, John Houlding formed Liverpool FC, after Everton left Anfield, their original home and moved across Stanley Park. The first derby was held at Goodison Park two years later, with the hosts victorious and even then the match held high importance. As one of the most famous and the longest running top-flight derbies, the Everton players’ incentive in the original derby was a silk hat each, worth 20 shillings.

LATEST NEWS

Daniel Sturridge is sidelined until the New Year after the striker was injured in training recently, but midfielder Philippe Coutinho and defender Jose Enrique have returned to fitness and boosted Rodgers’ options. Work on the redevelopment of the Main Stand at Anfield is underway and will add 8,500 seats to become one of the largest stands in Europe and end a 15-year stalemate on various proposals. After several plans to move away from Anfield, the club decided to stay at their historic home and expand the stadium instead. Once completed in 2016, the Main Stand will house three-tiers as well as new media facilities and team benches, whilst the surrounding area will also be redeveloped.

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West Bromwich Albion A GOOD START TO THE CLUB’S FIFTH CONSECUTIVE PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON COULD SUGGEST THE BAGGIES ARE MORE BUOYANT THAN BOUNCY. The West Midlands side gained the extension to their nickname for their yo-yoing between the Championship and Premier League, but despite a close shave last season, West Bromwich Albion look full of promise under Alan Irvine this year. Memorable matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and

Burnley have demonstrated excellent team performances, whilst a number of players have enjoyed impressive individual form. There is certainly plenty to cheer about at The Hawthorns. The Baggies squeezed through the League Cup second round on penalties, after Oxford United’s late

PAGE 14 / AFC BOURNEMOUTH v WEST BROMWICH ALBION 28/10/2014

equaliser made the home side sweat. West Brom then played host to Hull, where the highly-rated Saido Berahino grabbed the winner. In a recent interview, defender Joleon Lescott said the club should aim for the top half of the table and based on form of late, that could certainly be a possibility.

> OPPOSITION GUIDE MANAGER

In Alan Irvine’s first gig as a top-flight manager, the Scot can boast three points against Tottenham Hotspur, a draw with Manchester United and West Brom’s biggest league win since 2012, after his side recently smashed four goals past Burnley.

ONE TO WATCH

Striker Saido Berahino’s seven Premier League goals this season include two against Burnley and one against Manchester United, which almost caused a repeat result of last season, when his strike earned West Brom their first Old Trafford win since 1978.

CULT HERO

Russell Hoult’s 27 clean sheets helped West Brom achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2002 and three years later, his dependable performances inspired the Baggies to become the first top flight side to avoid relegation, despite being bottom place at Christmas.

DID YOU KNOW? NICKNAME

Numerous theories for the origins of the club’s nickname, the Baggies, include the name given to those who used to carry bags of coins from gate revenue before kick-off to the baggy clothing of ironworkers who attended matches after a shift.

FAMOUS FANS

Comedians Lenny Henry and Frank Skinner are big Baggies fans, along with One Direction’s Liam Payne, whilst television presenter Adrian Chiles, who was once approached by MI5 for a career in the Secret Service, is a regular at The Hawthorns.

KEY PLAYER: JOLEON LESCOTT Joleon Lescott was among ten arrivals at The Hawthorns this summer, and was also one of the stand-out deals for manager Alan Irvine. The centre back has brought a wealth of experience to the team’s defence and his influence has already paid dividends, with West Brom collecting ten points from the five games the England international has featured in. Lescott started out at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he made his debut aged 17, before making over 100 appearances each for Everton and Manchester City, where he helped the club win the League Cup and Premier League last season.

In May 1978, West Bromwich Albion became the first professional team to play in China, after accepting an invite from the country’s government, who were keen to raise the profile of football in the country. The Baggies completed a three week tour, whilst a BBC documentary followed the team and featured John Trewick’s famous quote about the Great Wall of China: “Once you’ve seen one wall, you’ve seen them all.”

LATEST NEWS

Cardiff fan John Bullock, who suffered a heart attack last March whilst he celebrated his team’s equaliser against West Brom at The Hawthorns is set to return to the West Midlands to say thank you to staff who saved his life. Ben Foster has returned to training after a calf injury, but Jonas Olsson, Silvestre Varela and Claudio Yacob are all still unavailable, whilst the club was boosted by the news that central defender Craig Dawson agreed a new threeyear deal last month. Dawson joined West Brom from Rochdale in 2010, and featured in Stuart Pearce’s Team GB when football returned as an Olympic sport for the first time in 52 years for London 2012.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers

By Richard Jones

CONTINUED MOMENTUM FROM LAST SEASON’S RECORDBREAKING CAMPAIGN AND EXCELLENT SQUAD ADDITIONS HAVE SET WOLVES UP FOR A SECOND SUCCESSIVE PROMOTION. After suffering two consecutive relegations from the top-flight, the Midlands club are enjoying a resurgence under Kenny Jackett, since he became manager in May 2013. Having led Millwall to the Championship in 2010 and the 2013 FA Cup semifinals, Jackett left the Lions

after seven years in charge to become Wolves’ fourth manager in three years. In his debut season, the club stormed to the League One title and clinched promotion to the Championship with four games to spare. The momentum and confidence has continued this season, with one defeat in the

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opening nine matches, including victories over Norwich, Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers. After five straight defeats in November, Wolves have resurrected themselves back among the promotion pack, thanks to Nouha Dicko’s fine form and the arrival of fellow forward Benik Afobe in January.

> OPPOSITION GUIDE MANAGER

Kenny Jackett was named joint-League One Manager of the Year last season, after masterminding the club’s return to the Championship at the first time of asking, in a record-breaking campaign, with the most amount of clean sheets (24) and accumulated points (103).

ONE TO WATCH

Former Arsenal striker Benik Afobe scored 19 goals in 30 appearances whilst on loan at MK Dons earlier this season and since his January transfer to Wolves, the 22-year old has already nearly hit double figures for the Midlands club.

CULT HERO

Thousands of people lined the streets of Wolverhampton in January to pay their respects to former chairman Sir Jack Hayward, who invested £70m over a 17-year period, to transform Molineux and help the club return to the top-flight in 2003.

DID YOU KNOW?

UPS & DOWNS

If two consecutive relegations seemed bad, spare a thought for the Wolverhampton Wanderers team of the 1980s who faced the drop three times in a row during a remarkable decade that also included four promotions and a play-off final appearance!

FAMOUS FAN

Led Zeppelin rock legend Robert Plant is a huge Wolves fan - so much so that the club’s vice president paid £900 to play in Jody Craddock’s testimonial last May and had ‘whole lotta love’ printed on the back of his shirt.

KEY PLAYER: BAKARY SAKO Wolves winger Bakary Sako joined in August 2012 from Saint-Etienne and soon became a fans-favourite and first-team regular, after a spectacular 20-yard strike on his debut against Northampton Town in the League Cup, and a further nine goals in his first campaign at Molineux. As a result, the 26-year-old was voted the fans’ player of the year and, last season, Sako was on-hand to help the promotion cause with a further 13 goals. The Malian midfielder has continued his fine form, scoring four goals in as many appearances during October and netting twice against Fulham and once against Rotherham recently.

Five minutes into the Cherries’ 1957 FA Cup clash with Wolves, the match was stopped for seven minutes after one of the goalposts collapsed at Molineux. Bournemouth legend Reg Cutler collided with Wolves keeper Bert Williams and the upright to cause some impromptu repairs. Ironically, Cutler scored the winner in the same goal and the Cherries progressed in the competition, eventually bowing out to Manchester United in the quarter-finals.

LATEST NEWS

Dominic Iorfa has been awarded January’s Football League Young Player of the Month, after impressive performances since his debut against AFC Bournemouth in December. The 19-yearold has become an increasingly important member of the team, after Wolves conceded eight goals in the defender’s first ten matches. Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, who had a big part to play in the team’s defensive record, has joined midfielder Tommy Rowe on the sidelines, with the pair both out with metatarsal injuries. Former Manchester United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak has provided cover after signing a deal in January until the end of the season, whilst the club have thanked coach Steve Hodge for his services, when he left Molineux last month.

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Middlesbrough

By Richard Richard Jones Jones By

MIDDLESBROUGH HAVE BUILT ON LAST SEASON’S MID-TABLE FINISH TO EMERGE AS STRONG PROMOTION CONTENDERS IN AITOR KARANKA’S SECOND CAMPAIGN IN CHARGE. Whilst last season was of mixed review, with the Teesside team struggling to find consistent form and falling short of the playoffs, Middlesbrough have bounced back strongly. One of the main positives drawn from last year was the club’s impressive defensive record. Last season, Boro

PAGE 14 / AFC BOURNEMOUTH v MIDDLESBROUGH 21/03/2015

conceded the least amount of goals outside the top six (50), whilst for Karanka’s second Championship campaign in charge, the North East club have kept this defensive emphasis, with an impressive 18 clean sheets and just 27 goals conceded. Unbeaten runs in November and January and just one

defeat in December pushed Middlesbrough from promotion hopefuls to a side in contention for the automatic places, whilst the scoring prowess of Patrick Bamford, Grant Leadbitter, Enrique Garcia Martinez and Lee Tomlin mean Middlesbrough have plenty of firepower to pack a punch.

> OPPOSITION GUIDE

MANAGER

After three years of mentorship under Jose Mourinho as Real Madrid assistant manager, Aitor Karanka became Boro boss in 2013 and was named the Championship Manager of the Month for January, when his side conceded once in four unbeaten matches.

ONE TO WATCH

Patrick Bamford chose professional football over a Harvard scholarship and so far it’s paid off, with the 21-year-old striker on loan from Chelsea netting 29 times for MK Dons and Derby County last season. He is currently the Teesider’s top-scorer with 16 goals.

CULT HERO

Voted Middlesbrough’s greatest ever player, Juninho Paulista became an instant favourite when Bryan Robson brought the Brazilian to the Riverside in 1995. The midfield maestro enjoyed three spells at Boro and was part of the 2004 League Cup winning team.

DID YOU KNOW?

FOUR-FIGURE FEE

Whilst Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid in 2013 to become the world’s most expensive player, Middlesbrough was the first English football club to pay £1,000 for a player, when they signed centre forward Alf Common from rivals Sunderland in 1905.

FAMOUS FAN

Roy Chubby Brown is a big Boro fan but those attending Middlesbrough matches who think they’ve spotted the comedian are likely to be mistaken though, with fellow fan Chris Jacklin known locally for wearing a costume tribute at home games.

KEY PLAYER: GRANT LEADBITTER Since his arrival three years ago, Grant Leadbitter has become an important member of the team. This season marks Leadbitter’s career-best for goals, netting 13 times, whilst also featuring in every Championship game for Middlesbrough so far. Leadbitter started out at Sunderland and played in the top-flight for the Black Cats, before a loan spell at Rotherham United and a permanent move to Ipswich Town in 2009. The midfielder scored a superb 35-yard free kick against Huddersfield Town earlier in the season for Boro and is a proven penalty taker, with a perfect record and eight goals from the spot.

In 1998, Middlesbrough legend Bernie Slaven famously bared his bottom in the window of department store Binns, to the amusement of thousands of onlookers. Slaven had 3-2 drawn on his buttocks, the scoreline from the match in which Boro beat Manchester United for the first time in 68 years, after he bet Middlesbrough would lose. Six years later, the same scoreline occurred at Old Trafford, but thankfully Slaven kept quiet!

LATEST NEWS

The business end of the season for Boro has been boosted with the return of striker Jelle Vossen from injury, whilst defender Dani Ayala is almost back to match fitness. Vossen scored on his return to the first team, during the club’s comprehensive Championship victory over Millwall at the beginning of the month, when he came off the bench in the 73rd minute. Damia Abella is also set to return following a lengthy spell on the sidelines since his knee injury in September, but his involvement in a match-fixing trial could mean he is unavailable for Middlesbrough. The 32-year-old Spanish defender joined from Osasuna in the summer and has made just six appearances for Middlesbrough.

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Norwich City

By Richard Jones

NORWICH CITY WILL BE HOPING 2015 IS A YEAR TO REMEMBER WITH A NEW MANAGER LEADING THE CLUB BACK TO THE TOP TIER AT THE FIRST TIME OF ASKING. Last year, the Canaries ended their three-season stay in the top-flight after a difficult final bill of fixtures included Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. A strong start in the Championship saw Norwich top the table by mid-October and looked likely for an instant return to the Premier League, but

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a damaging dip in form followed. The Canaries won just once in their next ten matches and slid to 11th place after a defeat to Reading at the end of November. However, the East Anglia sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resurgence is underway, having collected 10 points from a possible 15 last month. Determined displays include

a last-gasp equaliser against promotion rivals Derby County and with Lewis Grabban, Wes Hoolahan and Gary Hooper to call upon, Norwich are back in the frame and are certainly a force to be reckoned with.

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Mike Phelan has taken temporary charge following Neil Adam’s recent resignation. Phelan, who made 194 appearances for Norwich in the eighties, joined as a first-team coach in November and was previously Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United for five years.

ONE TO WATCH

Bradley Johnson has scored five goals in the last four Championship matches to help kick-start the team’s resurgence as promotion contenders. The midfielder’s impressive performances include a brace in each of the club’s high-scoring victories over Huddersfield Town and Millwall.

CULT HERO

Grant Holt was voted Norwich’s Player of the Season three years consecutively after 30 goals in his debut season and netting nearly 70 overall, as one of the driving forces behind the club’s back-to-back promotions to the top-flight in 2011.

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Originally called the Citizens, with blue and white kits, the club’s nickname became the Canaries, with a badge and colours to match in 1906, which recognised local heritage surrounding the exotic bird introduced by Flemish settlers over 300 years ago.

FAMOUS FAN

Comedian Stephen Fry is an avid follower and is part of the club’s board of directors, headed up by joint majority shareholder Delia Smith, known for her cookery programmes. Fellow television presenter Jake Humphrey is also a Canaries fan.

KEY PLAYER: CAMERON JEROME Since his summer move from Stoke City, Cameron Jerome has been in fine form, with the campaign so far already bringing his second-best for goals in 13 seasons as a professional footballer. The 28-year-old striker, who has also featured in the Premier League for Birmingham City and Crystal Palace, is the Canaries’ current top-scorer and an important factor behind Norwich City’s promotion pursuit. Jerome is a real threat in the air, where most of his goals this season have been from headers; while a spectacular 25-yard strike earlier in the Championship campaign against Brentford demonstrates his shooting is just as lethal.

DID YOU KNOW? The 1985 League Cup final atmosphere was so amiable between Norwich City and Sunderland fans that games of football broke out in car parks. As a result, the clubs established the Friendship Trophy, celebrating the camaraderie which marked a stark contrast to the semi-finals marred by violence. The competition is contested when the sides are in the same division and is awarded to the aggregate winner of both league matches.

LATEST NEWS

Last month, former Norwich striker Dion Dublin released his own Christmas album and was at the club’s store to sign copies of the CD, which covered festive classics in a range of music styles. Michael D’aguilar, the linesman who took a tumble and appeared to injure himself during Norwich’s Championship clash with Wigan Athletic on the 7th December has since recovered and recently refereed Fulham’s under-21 match against Athletic Bilbao. D’aguilar was knocked over after a tackle by Wigan’s Maynor Figueroa took out Norwich’s Josh Murphy and the unfortunate linesman. Fans have also been enjoying a glimpse of rising stars, with Norwich’s continued offer of free entry for under-21 matches, with Manchester United their latest opponents.

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Ipswich Town

By Richard Jones

A STRONG START PUTS IPSWICH AMONG THE PROMOTION PACK, AS FANS HOPE BOSS MICK MCCARTHY CAN DELIVER WHERE OTHERS FAILED. Since his appointment in November 2012, McCarthy has transformed the club on a shoestring budget, after the Suffolk side had previously struggled to reach their potential. Ipswich owner Marcus Evans has been understandably cautious with transfer funds since Roy Keane’s £8m squad overhaul failed to ignite the Tractor

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Boys towards a long-awaited return to the top-flight. Keane’s successor, Paul Jewell left after 21 months in charge when the side fell short of expectations, but McCarthy has economically turned Ipswich into promotion contenders again. The experienced manager’s stand-out summer deals include the signatures of

defender Jonathan Parr, former Notts County first choice goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski and midfielder Kévin Bru from Bulgarian top-flight side Levski Sofia, who have all impressed in the first team. After several disappointing seasons, it seems to be clicking into place at Ipswich.

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Fans will hope Mick McCarthy can continue his reputation as a promotion specialist and deliver the Tractor Boys to the top-flight, having led Sunderland to the Championship title in 2005, and Wolverhampton Wanderers to the same feat four years later.

ONE TO WATCH

Tyrone Mings has enjoyed a meteoric rise since he joined from non-league Chippenham Town in 2012. Both Manchester United and Arsenal are monitoring September’s Championship Player of the Month after his rapid development, with the defender now valued around £10m.

CULT HERO

Marcus Stewart helped fire Ipswich to Premier League promotion in 2000, with crucial strikes in the play-offs. The following season, Stewart’s 19 goals saw Ipswich finish fifth and qualify for Europe, whilst the striker was crowned the league’s second-highest scorer.

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During a match against Birmingham City in 1998, goodhumoured fans turned mockery about the club’s rural agricultural links around and sang “One-nil to the Tractor Boys.” The nickname has stuck ever since and replaced their original one, the Super Blues.

THE RED DEVILS’ REVENGE

In 1980, despite the best efforts of Manchester United’s goalkeeper Gary Bailey, who saved three penalties, Ipswich beat the Red Devils 6-0. Almost 15 years later to the day, United inflicted their revenge, with a nine-goal drubbing at Old Trafford.

KEY PLAYER: DARYL MURPHY Daryl Murphy is half of one the Championship’s best strike partnerships and has been in fine form so far this season, with nine goals in the last ten games to help drive the club’s promotion push. After two successful seasons on loan from Celtic, the Republic of Ireland international signed permanently for the Suffolk side in June 2013, and has forged a formidable partnership with David McGoldrick. The 31-yearold has also featured for Waterford United’s League of Ireland First Division title-winning side, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland, where he made over 100 appearances for the Black Cats and scored 14 goals.

DID YOU KNOW? Last year, Tyrone Mings gave a lucky supporter tickets for the home clash against Bolton Wanderers, following a Twitter conversation in which a fan said he couldn’t afford to attend the game. The 21-yearold defender, who has made a big impact at Portman Road since he joined, also bought two fans replacement football shirts after they had his old number printed before squad details were announced and his had changed.

LATEST NEWS

Ipswich defender Elliott Hewitt has returned to League One side Colchester United for a second month on loan. The Tractor Boys are without Wales international Jonny Williams, after the midfielder who joined on loan from Crystal Palace was injured against Watford. Williams’ former Palace team-mate Johnathan Parr, who joined the club on a free transfer in the summer, has recently returned to fitness after facing a similar injury and adds to McCarthy’s options as the club look to continue their good start to the Championship campaign. During the international break, Town trio Christophe Berra, Daryl Murphy and David McGoldrick were unused subs in Scotland’s Euro 2016 qualifier victory over Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park.

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Derby County

By Richard Jones

LAST YEAR’S PLAY-OFF FINALISTS HAVE BOUNCED BACK AS STRONG PROMOTION CONTENDERS AND ARE LOOKING TO GO ONE BETTER THIS TIME. Despite being the Championship’s top-scorers and collecting a club-record 85 points last season, the Rams fell just short of the automatic promotion places. Five straight wins and a draw on the final day of the campaign saw Derby finish firmly in third and this momentum carried into

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the play-offs, with Brighton dispatched in style after a 6-2 aggregate victory. However, a dramatic late goal from Bobby Zamora in the final gave Queens Park Rangers an instant return to the Premier League and dashed Derby’s hopes of promotion in Steve McClaren’s first season in charge. A solid start, with just

four defeats by the turn of the year and high-scoring victories over Fulham, Wolves and Birmingham has reinstated the Rams among the promotion favourites and demonstrate an in-form team, largely thanks to prolific striker Chris Martin.

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Derby’s best league finish in five years coincided with the arrival of exEngland manager Steve McClaren in September 2013, who has previously won the League Cup with Middlesbrough and led FC Twente to the club’s first top-flight title in 2010.

ONE TO WATCH

With over 100 Premier League goals to his name, Darren Bent has continued his reputation as a prolific striker since his January arrival on loan from Aston Villa, with a goal on his debut and two against Blackburn Rovers recently.

CULT HERO

In Paulo Wanchope’s legendary debut, the Costa Rican striker ran half the length of the pitch, beat four defenders then slotted home the winner against Manchester United to become an instant fan-favourite, cemented by 22 top-flight goals in two years.

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The folk song about the Derby Ram and the butcher who drowned after cutting the gigantic animal’s throat marks important local heritage, with a statue in the city centre and the reason behind the club’s emblem and nickname, the Rams.

DID YOU KNOW? In what is believed to be the only occurrence of its kind, in 1894 Derby County and Sunderland played three halves of football after the official referee was late. Mr Kirkham’s deputy stood in and the teams played the first 45 minutes, but upon his arrival, the clubs were offered to restart the game despite Derby losing three-nil. It made no odds to Sunderland though, who thrashed the visitors eight-nil.

FAMOUS FAN

Former Skins actor Jack O’Connell, who has also featured in 300 and Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken, is a lifelong Derby County fan and hopes to convert George Clooney, who he will star alongside in Money Monster, due for release this year.

KEY PLAYER: CHRIS MARTIN Since his arrival at Pride Park from Norwich City in May 2013, Chris Martin has established himself as a real force up front for Derby County. The 26-yearold striker scored 25 goals in all competitions last season to fire the Rams into the play-off final and this year Martin is on track to beat his career-best season. As well as being prolific from the penalty spot, a 20-yard free kick against Birmingham City in December demonstrated his sharp shooting, whilst several goals from headers this season have shown Derby’s star striker is equally as adept and dangerous in the air.

LATEST NEWS

A busy transfer window saw nine squad additions, with Darren Bent, Hull City winger Thomas Ince and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard headlining the arrivals. The Premier League trio joined on loan until the end of the season, whilst McClaren bolstered his backline with permanent deals for Leeds United leftback Stephen Warnock, Ryan Shotton from Stoke City as well as the arrival of Raul Albentosa from La Liga side Eibar. McClaren’s squad shake-up also saw Leon Best and Jordan Ibe end loan spells early. Derby cancelled the seasonlong loan deal for Best, who returns to Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers after making just three appearances, whilst Liverpool recalled Ibe after impressive performances for the Rams.

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Brighton & Hove Albion

By ByRichard Richard Jones Jones

AFTER A SLOW START TO THE SEASON, BRIGHTON WILL BE LOOKING TO GATHER SOME MUCH-NEEDED MOMENTUM UNDER BOSS SAMI HYYPIA. It has been a challenging start to Hyypia’s tenure at the Amex Stadium, with the team struggling to find the same form which propelled Brighton to consecutive play-off campaigns. Last season, the Seagulls once again went close, but lost out to Derby County in the play-off semi-finals, whilst the

summer sale of star striker Leonardo Ulloa to Leicester City and the departure of experienced defender Matthew Upson have proved to be a blow for the club. However, the appointment of Hyypia in June has seen the former Liverpool defender breathe fresh life into the squad, with ten arrivals.

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The Champions League winner also made sound additions in the loan market, with Liverpool’s Joao Carlos Teixeira on a season-long deal among the arrivals on the south coast. All Brighton need to do now is gel.

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Despite some patchy form, fans have been urged to give Sami Hyypia more time to deliver the goods like at Bayer Leverkusen, where Hyypia and joint-manager Sascha Lewandowski recorded 50 wins from 92 games and a third-place Bundesliga finish.

ONE TO WATCH

Lewis Dunk is officially a defender, but the 22-year-old also has a keen eye for goal and with five to his name already this season, the highly-rated Seagulls Academy graduate has attracted several Premier League admirers for his impressive performances.

CULT HERO

Bobby Zamora, who scored over 80 goals in three years and helped Brighton win two promotions was voted Brighton’s best ever player by fans who saw their star striker move onto Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.

THE GROUND

The 14-year search for a site and the three years to build the Amex Stadium, located around five miles north of Brighton was well worth the wait, with the 30,500 capacity ground awarded the best new international venue in 2012.

FAMOUS FANS

Former television presenters Des Lynam and Jamie Theakston are Brighton followers, while DJ Norman Cook, better known as Fat Boy Slim, is also a fan and was the first artist to hold a concert at the Amex Stadium in 2012.

KEY PLAYER: JAKE FORSTER-CASKEY Jake Forster-Caskey became Brighton’s youngest non-wartime player, when the midfielder made his debut four years ago for the Seagulls and last season. He became an established member of the first team, with 34 appearances. The Brighton Academy graduate has already gained experience on the international stage, with nine appearances for the England under-21 side and is an instrumental part of Brighton’s midfield unit, where he has forged a partnership with Danny Holla. This season, Forster-Caskey has featured in all but three games so far and scored two extra time-penalties in Brighton’s League Cup second round victory over Swindon Town.

DID YOU KNOW? Brighton missed the chance to sign Ian Wright when the striker had trials at the club and ex-boss Chris Cattlin opted for winger Steve Penney instead. The Irishman helped Brighton reach the FA Cup final a year later, but lost to Manchester United, who signed fellow countryman Roy Keane a decade later. Keane won the FA Cup four times with the Red Devils and was another trialist Brighton turned down.

LATEST NEWS

Brighton’s home shirt from over a decade ago, which featured Fat Boy Slim’s dance label as the kit sponsor recently made Shortlist Magazine’s Top 40 Coolest Kits, while former Seagulls boss and Brighton club ambassador, Alan Mullery has said Hyypia should be given more time. The club has also been boosted by the return of left-back Joe Bennett on loan from Aston Villa, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury.

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Brentford FC

By Richard Jones

AFTER A 21-YEAR ABSENCE, BRENTFORD MAKE THEIR RETURN TO THE SECOND TIER FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND PREPARED FOR THE CHALLENGE. Brentford bounced back from play-off final heartache at the hands of Yeovil to gain automatic promotion under Mark Warburton after Uwe Rosler’s exit for Wigan in December. The transition between managers was almost seamless as Warburton continued the Bee’s eight-game unbeaten run PAGE 14 / AFC BOURNEMOUTH v BRENTFORD 16/08/2014

initiated by the German and completed a sensational 19game streak. Wolverhampton Wanderers eventually ended the run, which gave Brentford a staggering 51 points to put the West London club firmly in the hunt for promotion. Good summer business means Brentford are geared up for their Championship debut.

Strikers Scott Hogan and Andre Gray scored 49 goals between them for Rochdale and Luton respectively last season and replace the outgoing Clayton Donaldson and Marcello Trotta, whilst winger Moses Odubajo has signed for the club and Alex Pritchard has joined on loan to bolster the midfield.

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A decade ago, ex-currency trader Mark Warburton quit Canary Wharf for a career in football. Warburton has since worked as Watford Academy Manager, Brentford’s first team coach and boasts a 62 per cent win rate after he became Bees boss in December.

ONE TO WATCH

Brentford smashed their transfer record for 20-year-old Leyton Orient Academy product Moses Odubajo. The promising winger scored 12 goals last season, including a 25yard strike in the play-off final and was named April’s Football League Young Player of the Month.

CULT HERO

Kevin O’Connor joined Brentford as a schoolboy almost 20 years ago and over 500 appearances later, has shared relegation, two promotions and several play-off heartbreaks with fans. O’Connor’s role as player/coach will mean the squad benefit from his valuable experience.

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Despite one of Brentford’s earlier kits vaguely resembling a bee with black and yellow stripes, their nickname actually came about by mistake. Local press mistook fans chants ‘Come on you B’s’ for bees in match reports and the name stuck.

FAMOUS FANS

Former chairman Dan Tana apparently introduced Brentford to Charlie’s Angels star Cameron Diaz after she visited Tana’s Hollywood restaurant, whilst Sky Sports presenter Natalie Sawyer makes no secret of her love of Brentford and has been a fan since childhood.

KEY PLAYER: ALEX PRITCHARD The highly-rated Tottenham Hotspur Academy product joined Brentford on loan this summer and is an exciting addition to the squad. Pritchard will look to build on an impressive season at Swindon Town, where he gained tonnes of valuable first-team experience and plenty of admirers. The midfielder made 44 appearances for the Robins and scored eight goals, before he returned to London to make his Spurs debut against Aston Villa in the final game of the season. Pritchard has also gained a reputation as a set piece expert, with several of his goals from free-kicks and will give Warburton further attacking options.

DID YOU KNOW In the 1960s, Rod Stewart had trials at Brentford and Queens Park Rangers chairman Jim Gregory tried to buy the club because Griffin Park had a larger capacity at the time. Both were unsuccessful, but it was not Gregory’s last take-over bid. He also attempted the infamous Fulham Park Rangers merger, five years after media tycoon Robert Maxwell tried to combine Oxford United and Reading to create Thames Valley Royals.

LATEST NEWS

Speculation continues to surround Adam Forshaw’s future at Brentford, after Wigan Athletic made several approaches for the services of the talented young midfielder. Forshaw has made over 100 appearances for the Bees and scored eight goals last season to earn the League One Player of the Year award, but was left out of the season opener against Charlton Athletic and was told by Warburton to stay away from the training ground until the issue is resolved. Ex-Bees boss Uwe Rosler left Griffin Park for the Latics in December and is a keen admirer of Forshaw’s talents, having worked with the midfielder for almost two seasons, but has been met with fierce resistance from his former club.

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Blackburn Rovers

By Richard Jones

A STRONG SQUAD AND A GOOD RUN COULD SEE ROVERS REACH THE PLAY-OFFS IN GARY BOWYER’S SECOND SEASON IN CHARGE. After three managers in three turbulent years, as well as relegation from the top-flight in 2012, it seems to have finally settled down at Ewood Park. A 17th place finish for the club’s first season outside the Premier League for 12 years dashed hopes of an instant return to the top-flight in 2013, but

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last year, Blackburn Rovers were much-improved and finished eighth. A 12-match unbeaten run ensured a strong end to the campaign, thanks to formidable frontmen Jordan Rhodes and Rudy Gestede, whose fine form has continued this season. The added bonus of a good cup run has made

for a more positive period at Ewood Park, with FA Cup victories over Stoke and Swansea, whilst an unbeaten run in October and November mean Rovers shouldn’t be ruled out of the promotion race just yet.

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Last season, Blackburn finished eighth and two points shy of the play-offs for Gary Bowyer’s first campaign in charge to mark a decade at the club, having previously worked as reserve and youth team coach, as well as caretaker boss.

ONE TO WATCH

Maybe not the youngest player in the Rovers ranks, but midfielder Craig Conway has made a big impact since his summer arrival, thanks to a selection of superb goals, with a curling 20-yard effort against Rotherham his most recent example.

CULT HERO

In a relatively short but extremely sweet four year spell at Ewood Park, Premier League all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer netted 112 times in 138 league appearances and helped win the club’s first topflight title for 81 years in 1995.

DID YOU KNOW?

ANIMAL ANTICS

After a chicken was released with Blackburn’s flag during their topflight match with Wigan in 2012, Ewood Park has seen two further poultry pitch-invaders. In the same year, a cat also ran onto Liverpool’s pitch to cause a brief paws!

FAMOUS FANS

Ex-Doctor Who star Matt Smith follows Rovers, along with comedians Lee Mack and Jim Bowen. Seven-time World Superbike champion and I’m a Celebrity winner Carl Fogarty is also a fan and recently predicted arch-rivals Burnley would lose 17-0 against Chelsea!

KEY PLAYER: JORDAN RHODES After scoring 40 goals in his final season at Huddersfield Town and 81 overall to help the Yorkshire side clinch promotion to the Championship, Jordan Rhodes joined Blackburn for a club transfer record in August 2012. Since his arrival at Ewood Park, the Scottish international striker has continued to be a force up front, with 28 goals in his debut season to earn the vote of supporters’ player of the year, with nearly 70 goals overall in three seasons service. The 25-year-old has strong aerial ability and excellent placement which means he is often on hand to poach a goal.

In heavy snowfall during one of the coldest weeks of 1891, Blackburn faced Burnley with a single player. After conceding three first half goals, the rest of Blackburn’s team apart from goalkeeper Herby Arthur left the pitch when two players were sent off. Arthur, who won the FA Cup three years consecutively with Rovers, remained and with nobody to pass to, tried to time-waste before the game was eventually abandoned.

LATEST NEWS

Jason Lowe could be ruled out for the rest of the season, after it was confirmed the midfielder needed an operation on his foot. A pre-season fracture has hampered the 23-year-old’s campaign, which was made worse when he limped off with a broken foot in the recent victory over Rotherham United. Meanwhile, Blackburn have been boosted with the return of Tommy Spurr, who made his first start of the season in the one-all draw against Blackpool last weekend. The defender, who was side-lined with a groin injury, played the full match and boosts Bowyer’s options at the back, after the manager said recently that the club will need to keep more clean sheets to reach the play-offs.

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Cardiff City

By Richard Jones

RUSSELL SLADE’S APPOINTMENT AS MANAGER IN OCTOBER HAS COUNTERED A SLOW START TO PUT CARDIFF BACK AMONG THE PROMOTION PACK. The Welsh side faced a setback in plans for an instant return to the top-flight earlier in the season, after Cardiff slipped to 15th place, having collected 13 points from a possible 33. However, Slade has put the Bluebirds back on track since he replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer three months ago. Slade, who led

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former club Leyton Orient to the League One playoffs and was named the division’s manager of the year last season, has sought to improve player fitness levels and confidence within the squad and the results are already evident, with important victories over promotion rivals Nottingham

Forest, Ipswich Town and Watford. With a large squad and the likes of strikers Adam Le Fondre, Federico Macheda and Kenwyne Jones at Slade’s disposal, it would be foolish to rule out Cardiff City this season.

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Russell Slade may lack Championship experience, but his win rate of nearly 50 per cent over four years at Leyton Orient and proven managerial methods to get the best from his players makes Slade the ideal candidate to drive Cardiff City forward.

ONE TO WATCH

Federico Macheda has put the limitations at Old Trafford behind him and has enjoyed a bright start since his summer move, which followed a successful loan spell at Birmingham last season, where the striker scored 10 goals in 18 appearances.

CULT HERO

When Craig Bellamy signed permanently for his hometown club in 2012, he vowed to help Cardiff clinch promotion to the Premier League and a year later, the side returned to the top-flight after a 53-year absence, thanks to his determined displays.

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Originally known as the Bluebirds, Cardiff City underwent a major rebrand in 2012, when the club’s colours changed from blue to red, whilst the Dragons became their new nickname in a bid by club owner Vincent Tan to increase appeal.

RITUALS & CELEBRATIONS

West Brom fans boing, Manchester City supporters link arms, turn their back on the pitch, and jump up and down, whilst Cardiff have adopted The Ayatollah, where fans pat their heads, which is originally a traditional Iranian expression of grief.

KEY PLAYER: ADAM LE FONDRE Adam Le Fondre only joined in the summer, but has already become an indispensable team member. The 28-year-old striker signed from Championship rivals Reading in May, where he spent three seasons. In his first year at the Madejski Stadium, Le Fondre’s firepower helped Reading win promotion to the Premier League, where he went on to score 12 goals and was voted the club’s player of the season. The striker may have endured a slow start in front of goal at Cardiff, having only recently opened his account against Watford, but now the floodgates are open, more goals will surely follow.

DID YOU KNOW? Although local rivals Swansea City became the first Welsh side to play in the Premier League and lift the League Cup, Cardiff are the only Welsh club to win the FA Cup and reach the final three times. Cardiff’s first appearance was in 1925, as runners-up against Sheffield United; the second came two years later, when they defeated Arsenal and 2008 was the third, when Portsmouth lifted the coveted prize.

LATEST NEWS

Cardiff are without winger Antony Pilkington for approximately a month after he pulled a hamstring against Watford recently, but have been boosted by the news that fellow midfielder Craig Noone has signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2018. Highly-rated Kadeem Harris also recently committed to the club until 2017 and Slade could look to the talented 21-yearold midfielder to act as injury cover for Pilkington. After just one league appearance this season, out of favour defender Juan Cala has left Cardiff City by mutual consent. The former Spanish Under-19 international joined from Sevilla last February and made regular Premier League appearances but has failed to fit in plans this season.

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Sheffield Wednesday

By Richard Jones

IN THEIR THIRD CONSECUTIVE SEASON BACK IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP, SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY COULD CLINCH A TOP HALF FINISH UNDER STUART GRAY. Since their return to the Championship in 2012, following a two year absence, Sheffield Wednesday have steadily established themselves back in the second tier. Last season, the Owls built on 18th position by securing 16th place in the final league standings under boss Stuart Gray. The former

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Burnley and Portsmouth caretaker manager joined the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coaching staff in 2012 before stepping in when Dave Jones was relieved of his managerial duties in December 2013. A strong start in charge ensured relegation fears were eased, whilst Gray was handed the full-time job just two

months later. The Owls have continued to develop under Gray this season, thanks to several sound squad additions, including former Leeds defender Tom Lees, whilst midseason deals for striker Sergiu Bus and Lewis McGugan in midfield should see Sheffield Wednesday finish strongly.

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MANAGER

Last season, Stuart Gray took the reins with the relegationthreatened Owls six points from safety. Gray made an instant impact, collecting 22 points from his first 12 games in charge, with the side much-improved under the experienced coach this year.

ONE TO WATCH

After 10 goals in 19 appearances for Bulgarian top-flight side CSKA Sofia this season, Sergiu Bus has impressed since his February transfer. The highly-rated Romanian striker recently scored his first for the club in the Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town.

CULT HERO

Renowned for excellent technique and several spectacular strikes, Italian striker Benito Carbone regularly made a mockery of opponents’ defences and became a fans’ favourite after joining from Inter Milan in 1996, with his overhead effort against Newcastle arguably his greatest goal.

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With players originally meeting on Wednesdays for cricket matches, the football team was established in 1867 to keep players fit in winter. The club moved to the Owlerton suburb known today as Hillsborough in 1899 to gain the nickname Owls.

FAMOUS FAN

Keep an eye out for superfan Paul Gregory, AKA Tango, who gained the nickname in 1993 when he took a large orange hand to an away game at Crystal Palace and is renowned for baring his belly and starting chants!

KEY PLAYER: LEWIS MCGUGAN Voted as the fans’ player of the month for February and March, Lewis McGugan has made a big impact since his arrival. The 26-year-old originally signed a shortterm loan deal from Watford in November, but strong performances prompted Gray to secure the midfielder’s services until the end of the season. McGugan has established himself in the team and as a set-piece specialist thanks to spectacular strikes against Derby County and Blackpool. Last month, McGugan featured in all five matches and has remained a big part of plans in April, with Gray keen to sign the midfielder permanently in the summer.

DID YOU KNOW? The recent ruling for the final 18 seconds of the England Women’s under-19s match against Norway to be replayed is not the first time odd replays have been ordered. In March 1899, Sheffield Wednesday’s match against Aston Villa was abandoned with the final ten minutes played 15 weeks later. Bizarrely, the Football League ruled only registered players could participate, meaning Sheffield Wednesday’s 16-strong team took on Villa’s 13 players!

LATEST NEWS

Defensive duo Joe Mattock and Claude Dielna have been ruled out for the rest of the Championship campaign after picking up injuries. Mattock, who has made 30 appearances for the Owls this season, picked up a groin injury in training, whilst Dielna limped off with a torn hamstring against Norwich City. Owls Academy defender Brad Beatson recently signed a professional contract with the club and could provide cover. Southampton midfielder Lloyd Isgrove has made some impressive performances since his arrival at Hillsborough on loan last month. The 22-year-old has featured in every game for the Owls and almost opened his scoring account with the Sheffield side when his overhead kick hit the woodwork against Charlton.

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Fulham

By Richard Jones

A SLOW START DAMPENED PLANS FOR AN INSTANT RETURN TO THE TOP-FLIGHT, BUT FULHAM LOOK TO BE BACK ON TRACK. After gaining one point from their opening seven matches, the Cottagers found themselves at the wrong end of the table and parting company with manager Felix Magath in September. In his seven month stewardship, Magath won just four matches as Fulham ended their 13-season stay

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in the top flight and made a stuttering start to the new campaign. A summer shake-up saw nine first team players released, including Steve Sidwell, John Arne Riise and Damien Duff, but a host of arrivals have given Fulham a new look. Frontline options have been boosted with the signatures

of former Leeds United duo Ross McCormack and Matt Smith, who scored 42 goals between them last season, whilst Tom Hooglandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival from German top-flight side Schalke adds some muchneeded steel in defence for a side that conceded 85 league goals last season.

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After five wins in nine matches, caretaker manager Kit Symons was appointed Fulham boss in October. Since then, the club have continued to climb the table, with a twogoal comeback against Blackpool last month demonstrating the confidence instilled by Symons.

ONE TO WATCH

Ross McCormack was crowned the Championship’s top-scorer last season with 28 goals and since his record-transfer move from Leeds in the summer, the Scottish striker has adjusted well at Fulham and formed a formidable partnership up front with Hugo Rodallega.

CULT HERO

Former owner Mohamed Al Fayed transformed Fulham’s fortunes and fuelled their rise from the third tier to the top-flight, where he watched his beloved side reach the Europa League final during his 16-year proprietorship and the club’s most successful era.

DID YOU KNOW?

NICKNAME

William Craven’s cottage, built in 1780 once stood where the centre circle of Fulham’s pitch is now and is the reason behind the stadium name and the Cottagers tag. Fulham are also sometimes referred to as the Lilywhites or Whites.

FAMOUS FANS

Actors Hugh Grant and ex-James bond star Pierce Brosnan top the list of famous followers, but two fans Fulham have lost are Lily Allen, who switched her allegiances to Chelsea and Michael Jackson, who died in Los Angeles in 2009.

KEY PLAYER: HUGO RODALLEGA Whilst the squad continues to gel, experienced Fulham frontman Hugo Rodallega has given Symons’ side some much-needed stability this season, with his versatile performances and fine form. The Colombian striker joined Fulham in 2012 after his contract expired with Wigan Athletic, where he spent three years and netted 24 goals, whilst he also holds the record as the Latics’ all-time Premier League top scorer. Rodallega, who beat Lionel Messi to the Golden Boot at the South American under-20 Championships in 2005, has made over 50 Cottagers appearances and he also scored twice in Fulham’s victory over Charlton in October as well as netting the winner against Leeds recently.

As well as Paul the Octopus, who correctly predicted the outcome of all seven of Germany’s 2010 World Cup matches and Nicholas the Llama, who forecasted the winners of the 2012 Champions League and FA Cup finals, Fulham also have their own clairvoyant chickens. The aptly-named Mystic Chicks that lay freerange eggs for the Fulham squad, who go through 90 a week, correctly predicted 17 matches in the 2012/13 season.

LATEST NEWS

Last month, Fulham recalled Scottish defender Jack Grimmer from his loan spell with Shrewsbury Town after options at the back became limited, with Fernando Amorebieta and fellow defender Tim Hooglan sidelined through injury. Midfielders Alex Kacaniklic and Ryan Tunnicliffe could also return from their respective loans at FC Copenhagen and Blackburn Rovers in January to boost Symons’ options. The pair’s bright performances have prompted Symons to consider recalls, especially with Tunnicliffe making regular appearances at Championship rivals Rovers, where the former Manchester United defender has been praised by boss Gary Bowyer. The 21-year-old celebrated scoring his first senior career goal when he netted for the club in September to earn a draw against promotionchasing Watford.

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Reading

By Richard Jones

HAVING FALLEN JUST SHORT OF THE PLAY-OFFS LAST SEASON, READING ARE LOOKING TO REBUILD AND GATHER SOME MOMENTUM. The Royals will be looking to bounce back this year, after a draw with Burnley and results elsewhere meant Reading missed out on the top six and an instant return to the Premier League on the final day of last term. Whilst several key players, including top-scorer Adam

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Le Fondre left the Madejski Stadium this summer, Adkins has worked the transfer window well to fill the gaps with the likes of Anton Ferdinand, Jamie Mackie and striker Simon Cox, who has already made a big impact in his second spell at the club.

In a league with so many teams vying for promotion, the play-offs might be a push, but you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put it past a side who have been either a topflight team or promotion contenders for the best part of a decade now.

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The story of Nigel Adkins, the physiotherapistturned-manager is as memorable as his career so far. Adkins led Scunthorpe to the League One title in 2007 and masterminded Southampton’s back-to-back promotions to the Premier League before he joined Reading in 2013.

ONE TO WATCH

Royals Academy graduate Jordan Obita has already won Premier League admirers with his impressive appearances last season, which saw the defender become established in the first team, with 36 appearances and the vote as the club’s Player of the Season.

CULT HERO

Club captain, ambassador and integral team member were just a few words that Reading used to describe Graeme Murty when the Scottish defender, who made more than 300 appearances in 11 years for the Royals, left the club in 2009.

DID YOU KNOW?

NICKNAME

The club’s original nickname was the Biscuitmen, due to the Hunter and Palmer factory nearby, but Reading changed their name to the Royals when the biscuit factory closed in 1976 as a nod to Berkshire’s links with the royal family.

FAMOUS FANS

Titanic star Kate Winslett and singer Leo Sayer are rumoured to be Royals followers, whilst Who Wants to be a Millionaire television show host Chris Tarrant is often spotted at games and conservationist Bill Oddie even has his own chant!

KEY PLAYER: SIMON COX Six years after Simon Cox left for Swindon Town, the Royals Academy graduate made his return to the club this summer, equipped with Premier League experience and a strong scoring record to help fire Reading forward. The Republic of Ireland striker scored 29 goals in his first season at Swindon to earn a move to West Bromwich Albion, where he made 65 appearances and scored 10 Premier league goals for the Baggies. Cox moved to Nottingham Forest in 2012, and featured in nearly 80 matches for the Midlands club and has had no problems finding the net this season so far.

In 2008, the Royals were awarded a ‘ghost goal’ during their showdown with Watford, when linesman Nigel Bannister thought the ball had crossed the line and informed referee Stuart Attwell. Unfortunately, the ball had crossed the line two yards to the right of the goal, before Reading’s Noel Hunt tapped it back into play. The goal stood and Watford’s furious manager Aidy Boythroyd was sent to the stands.

LATEST NEWS

Highly-rated winger Garath McCleary ended speculation about his future when he signed a new contract to keep him with the Royals until 2017, whilst fellow midfielder Oliver Norwood helped Northern Ireland win their third European qualifier and set up a goal in a decisive victory against Greece. McCleary joined Reading from Nottingham Forest two years ago and has since become an instrumental part of the team and welcomed Norwood, who joined from Huddersfield Town in the summer and will provide cover for the injured Danny Williams, who is recovering from a knee operation. Players are also set to benefit from the club’s recently submitted training ground plans, which will include 15 pitches and indoor facilities.

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Nottingham Forest

By Richard Jones

FANS WILL HOPE CLUB LEGEND STUART PEARCEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RETURN WILL FINALLY DELIVER WHERE OTHERS FAILED AND GAIN PROMOTION TO THE TOP-FLIGHT. The East Midlands club have had more than their fair share of play-off heartaches, and what looked like a promising season under Billy Davies once again ended in disappointment. Davies led the side to a 14game unbeaten run, with important victories over promotion-rivals Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park PAGE 14 / AFC BOURNEMOUTH v NOTTINGHAM FOREST 19/08/2014

Rangers to register as strong contenders, but stalled during the second half of the season. Forest won just three of their final 18 games and suffered a heavy defeat to rivals Derby County, which led to the club parting company with Davies and confirmed another season in the second tier.

The appointment of vastly experienced Stuart Pearce and some excellent summer additions, including the signature of prolific striker Britt Assombalonga could be just what Forest have been missing to fire the club onto great things this season.

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Stuart Pearce returned to the City Ground this summer for technically his second spell as boss. Pearce, who was Forest caretaker playermanager during the 1996-97 season has gained extensive managerial experience at Manchester City, England Under-21 and with Team GB.

ONE TO WATCH

Forest fought off top-flight competition to land the highlyrated Britt Assombalonga in a club-record deal from Peterborough United in May. The 21-year-old striker was crowned League One joint top-scorer and netted an impressive 33 goals in all competitions last season.

LEGEND

Brian Clough was Forest’s most successful manager and one of the greatest in the English game. He won a host of silverware including the First Division title, four League Cups and saw his side crowned European Champions two years running.

THE GROUND

The River Trent and 300 yards is all that separates the City Ground and Notts County’s Meadow Lane, making them England’s two closest stadiums. Forest moved to the 30,575 capacity ground in 1898 and hosted several England Euro 96 matches.

SUPERSTITIONS AND RITUALS

Ex-boss Billy Davies played down speculation his trademark blue jumper was superstitious after a 14-game unbeaten run, whilst Brian Clough’s pre-match ritual was to bounce a tennis ball as players changed and occasionally throw it hard at someone to catch.

KEY PLAYER: ANDY REID Despite Stuart Pearce signing a host of young players during the summer, the experience of Andy Reid will be invaluable to the former England Under-21 coach, who will look to the midfielder for stability as the new arrivals gel. The influential 32-year-old was everpresent last year, with 36 appearances and ten goals to earn the supporters’ vote as Forest’s Player of the Season. Reid joined the club’s academy as a schoolboy and made 144 appearances over five years, then had spells at a number of clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and Blackpool, before returning to the City Ground in 2011.

DID YOU KNOW? In February 1979, controversy surrounded the club after Trevor Francis joined to become Britain’s first million-pound player. Forest legend Brain Clough, who managed the club for 18 years, signed the skillful forward from Birmingham City and famously claimed he paid a pound less than the million because he was worried it would go to Francis’ head. Four months later, the same head scored the winner in the European Cup final.

LATEST NEWS The arrivals of Michail Antonio and Britt Assombalonga have eased tensions at the City Ground after promising duo Karl Darlow and Jamaal Lascelles were sold by Chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi against Pearce’s wishes. The highly-rated goalkeeper and defender were snapped up by Newcastle United but as part of the deal, will remain at the County Ground on a season-long loan. Hasawi, who has been Forest chairman since 2012, defended the decision, stating it was to ensure the club met Financial Fair Play rules. The Kuwaiti businessman gave Pearce the green light on big-money buys Antonio and Assombalonga recently, who will provide sound attacking options as the club gear up to challenge for promotion this season.

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FO OTBA

MILL W

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Millwall

By Richard Jones

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AFTER MIXED FORM RECENTLY, MILLWALL WILL LOOK TO BUILD THE SAME MOMENTUM THAT ENSURED THE CLUB’S CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS LAST SEASON. The Lions beat the drop on the final day of the campaign, after boss Ian Holloway masterminded an eight-match unbeaten run, which included decisive victories over Wigan Athletic, Nottingham Forest, the Cherries and Middlesbrough. Since Holloway was appointed manager in January 2014, he

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has inspired a renewed belief within the squad, exemplified by the club’s survival and performances so far this season. The Londoners lost just one league match in August and bounced back from struggles in September, where the side picked up a single point from five games with an unbeaten

run throughout October. Millwall have also recently battled back from two and three goal deficits against Blackburn Rovers and Wolves to grab a draw and scored at the death to share the spoils against Sheffield Wednesday to demonstrate the Lions’ newfound resolve.

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As one of football’s biggest characters, renowned for his quirky post-match interviews, Ian Holloway backs up his outspoken approach with a proven track-record. He’s led Blackpool and Crystal Palace to the Premier League and helped Millwall avoid relegation last season.

ONE TO WATCH

With almost 80 goals in three seasons, Lee Gregory was handed the number nine shirt this summer to demonstrate Holloway’s faith in the striker. The 26-year-old joined from Conference side Halifax Town and has already adjusted well to Championship life.

CULT HERO

As the Lions’ all-time top-scorer, who helped the club win two promotions and reach the 2004 FA Cup final, former striker Neil Harris continues his 12-year affiliation with Millwall and uses his extensive experience to coach the under-21 team.

DID YOU KNOW?

IT MUST BE LOVE

Millwall now have two mascots, after Zampa the Lion introduced fans to Bolina, his lioness lady friend, in the summer and shows a more mature side since the infamous tussle with Swansea City’s mischievous mascot Cyril the Swan in 2001!

FAMOUS FAN

Former World Heavyweight boxing champion David Haye is an avid fan and delivered a sparring session at The Den ahead of Millwall’s 2011 FA Cup clash against Birmingham, but his knockout tips failed to register, as the visitors won 4-1.

KEY PLAYER: DAVID FORDE Republic of Ireland and Millwall number one David Forde arrived at The Den six years ago and has been a dependable and influential figure between the posts ever since. Last season, Forde was named Millwall’s Player of the Year for his solid performances, which included a first-class display to deny the Cherries on the final day of the campaign. The Irishman was also short-listed for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for October, after he kept three clean sheets in four games to take his tally to over 80 for Millwall since he joined the club in 2008.

In August 2013, Millwall had no choice but to play the first half of their Championship clash against Sheffield Wednesday in their hosts away kit. The London side were left red-faced as they walked onto the pitch at Hillsborough in their temporary yellow strip after the kitman’s forgetful blunder. Two months later, Mansfield were fortunate to avoid the same fate when their kit arrived just before kick-off against Torquay United.

LATEST NEWS

To commemorate Remembrance weekend, Millwall wore a special camouflage-style shirt against Brentford and held an online auction for the players’ shirts to raise money for Headley Court, a rehabilitation centre for injured or unwell service personnel. The initiative comes just over a year after Millwall presented Prostate Cancer UK with a £25,000 cheque, following the club’s partnership and fundraising efforts for the charity. The recent arrival of Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson on a three-month loan deal gives Holloway more defensive options, after Carlos Edwards sustained a long-term injury in September. Nicky Bailey recently joined Edwards on the sidelines after the midfielder tore his calf muscle, but Ricardo Fuller and Richard Chaplow have returned to training.

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Rotherham United

By Richard Jones

AFTER CONSECUTIVE PROMOTIONS, AND COMPLETE WITH A STUNNING NEW STADIUM, ROTHERHAM UNITED REPRESENT A TEAM FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND MOMENTUM. However, it was a different story six years ago, when the club was on the very brink of existence but, thanks to Tony Stewart, Rotherham’s fortunes have drastically improved. The local businessman stepped in and bought the debt-ridden Millers, who faced administration at the foot of League Two, PAGE 14 / AFC BOURNEMOUTH v ROTHERHAM UNITED 13/09/2014

with a 17-point penalty in 2008 and invested heavily in the club to transform the South Yorkshire side. Rotherham’s meteoric rise coincided with the move to their £17m New York Stadium and the arrival of Steve Evans in 2012, who overhauled the squad and led Rotherham to backto-back promotions.

The Millers’ chairman has his eye on the top-flight and with over £30m and counting invested and a strong squad, the South Yorkshire side could well be up there with the promotion pack again this year.

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Steve Evans can boast four promotions in four years, with two consecutively in his last two seasons at Crawley Town, before he became Rotherham manager in 2012 and led the club to back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.

ONE TO WATCH

Midfielder Richie Smallwood impressed on loan from Middlesbrough last season and recently made a permanent switch to Rotherham. The 23-year-old made 19 appearances for the Millers, including the play-off final, where he scored the penalty shoot-out winner against Leyton Orient.

CULT HERO

Ronnie Moore’s prolific record as a striker in the 80s helped the Millers become Division Three champions and when he returned as manager in 1997, he led the club to two consecutive promotions to seal his place as a firm fanfavourite.

A SPOT OF BOTHER

The passion of Millers boss Evans can sometimes get the better of him. Whilst managing former club Crawley, the Scot’s outburst after a heated showdown against Bradford City, which saw five players sent off, cost him a six-game stadium ban.

FAMOUS FANS

Comedians Barry and Paul Elliott, better known as The Chuckle Brothers, from the children’s BBC show, are lifelong fans and were made honorary presidents in 2007, whilst former referee Howard Webb and Muse bassist Chris Wolstenholme also follow the club.

KEY PLAYER: LEE FRECKLINGTON Lee Frecklington joined the Millers on loan in 2012 and made an instant impact, with a goal in his debut against Aldershot Town. The midfielder joined Rotherham in search of first team opportunities after he struggled to fit in plans at Peterborough and has quickly become a fans’ favourite at the New York stadium. The 29-year-old played in the Millers’ consecutive promotion campaigns and scored 22 goals in two seasons to earn a permanent deal. Last year, Frecklington made 39 starts and was voted Player of the Year for his strong performances as a link between the defence and attack.

DID YOU KNOW? Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena rent row was not the first of its kind and followed Rotherham’s exit from Millmoor, where they played for over a century and gained their nickname from the nearby Hovis flour mill. Whilst Coventry played fixtures at Northampton Town’s Sixfields Stadium until a recent agreement, Rotherham United spent four seasons at Sheffield’s Don Valley stadium whilst they built their New York ground after a rent disagreement.

LATEST NEWS Despite a host of summer arrivals, the Millers boss made two final swoops on deadline day, with the signatures of strikers Jonson Clarke-Harris and Luciano Becchio from Oldham Athletic and Norwich City respectively. Becchio joined on loan from the Canaries, whilst Clarke-Harris signed permanently and smashed the club’s previous transfer record set by forward Jordan Bowery, who recently joined from Aston Villa. The three strikers provide firepower after Millers’ top-scorer last season Kieran Agard was lured away by League One side Bristol City. Another addition to the New York Stadium was a big screen, which was recently installed in the North West corner of the ground and will provide pre-match interviews, team line-ups and action replays.

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Huddersfield Town

By Richard Jones

GOOD PERFORMANCES UNDER CHRIS POWELL HAS SET HUDDERSFIELD TOWN UP TO RECORD THEIR HIGHEST-EVER FINISH IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SEASON. The Terriers gained promotion to the second tier at the third time of asking in 2012, after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Sheffield United. Since then, Huddersfield built on a 19th place finish in their debut season to move up two places in the final standings last year,

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under Mark Robins. On the opening day of the campaign, Robins was relieved of his duties, following a heavy defeat against the Cherries and a month later, Powell was appointed to become the third manager in three years. Powellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appointment has been a positive one for the Yorkshire side, with a

recent victory over Milwall demonstrating a team with resilience and determination. The Terriers tied at oneall, were reduced to ten men, before scoring twice in what Powell described as their best away performance of the season.

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With over 750 professional appearances and two decades of experience as a defender, Chris Powell’s natural progression into management saw him guide Charlton Athletic to the League One title in 2012, before he was appointed as Huddersfield manager in September.

ONE TO WATCH

Since Conor Coady’s move from Liverpool in the summer, the 21-yearold midfielder has established himself in the Terriers’ first team in style, with a 30-yard strike against Wolverhampton Wanderers in October and a superb curling effort against Wigan Athletic recently.

CULT HERO

Huddersfield’s third all-time top-scorer Andy Booth rose through the youth ranks and made over 400 appearances in two spells to help his hometown team win two promotions. Since his retirement, the ex-striker has continued his involvement as the club’s ambassador.

THRICE CHAMPIONS

In the 1920s, Huddersfield Town became the first English team to win the top-flight title three years consecutively. The Terriers won two titles under Herbert Chapman before he left for Arsenal, where he guided the Gunners to equal Huddersfield’s record.

THE STADIUM

Currently referred to as the John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield’s home broke the mould for traditional stadium design in 1994 and set a blueprint for others to follow, with its semi-circular stands and 24,500 capacity, complete with commercial and hospitality facilities.

KEY PLAYER: NAHKI WELLS Record signing Nahki Wells joined Huddersfield in January 2014, after the Bermudan striker impressed at local rivals Bradford City, where he scored 53 goals in three seasons to fire the Bantams to League One promotion and the 2013 Capital One Cup final. Wells made an instant impact at his new employers and marked his debut with a superb volleyed effort against Millwall, before adding a further six goals in 21 appearances last season. This year, Wells has continued to be a threat up front and has scored double figures, thanks to blistering pace and the confidence to shoot from range.

DID YOU KNOW? In 1995, Huddersfield Town sealed the services of a striker with an incredible goal-scoring legacy. Paul Moulden scored 289 goals in 40 appearances for Bolton Lads Club and after successful spells at Manchester City and the Cherries under Harry Redknapp, Moulden looked for a fresh start after injury-plagued periods at Oldham and Birmingham. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, with just two Terriers appearances before a brief stint in non-league football.

LATEST NEWS

Huddersfield have signed Ishmael Miller from Championship rivals Blackpool on a short-term contract until the end of the season, whilst fellow striker Daniel Carr has joined League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge on a month’s loan deal. Powell has also secured the services of Birmingham City defender David Edgar on loan until the end of the season. Tommy Smith has played his first game since he was airlifted to hospital in the Yorkshire derby against Leeds United at the end of January. The 22-year-old defender suffered concussion from a clash of heads with Terriers goalkeeper Joe Murphy, but has made a full recovery and played the full mid-week match in Huddersfield’s defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Charlton Athletic

By Richard Jones

AN UNBEATEN START TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON, INVESTMENT FROM OWNERS AND SEVERAL NEW SQUAD ADDITIONS HAS TRANSFORMED THE CLUB’S OUTLOOK. Charlton joined a host of teams bought by wealthy investors, when Roland Duchatelet acquired the south London side in January. The Belgian businessman, who already has a network of European football clubs, was quick to make his mark at The Valley, with five players arriving in the

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January transfer window from Standard Liege - one of the teams owned by Duchatelet, whilst Chris Powell was replaced by Jose Riga in March. Riga guided Charlton to safety, but despite seven wins in 16 games, Duchatelet opted for fellow countryman Bob Peeters to take the club forward. The

former Millwall striker has continued to take advantage of Duchatelet’s links and was given the green light on other sound summer squad additions, who have given Charlton a strong start. Suddenly, relegation survival last season seems a distant memory.

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A solid start in the Championship this season has ensured former Belgian international Bob Peeters has made a big impact at Charlton Athletic since he left Belgian top-flight side Waasland-Beveren and was recruited by Addicks owner Roland Duchatelet in May.

ONE TO WATCH

Igor Vetokele’s explosive start has put the 22-year-old Angolan international among the league’s top scorers, with six goals and the Championship Player of the Month Award for August already to his name since the striker’s summer transfer from FC Copenhagen.

CULT HERO

Chris Powell is still rightly considered a legend among fans. The former defender spent eight seasons over three spells at The Valley and as manager he rebuilt the south London side and turned Charlton into League One champions in 2012.

DID YOU KNOW? NICKNAME

Also known in the past as the Robins or the Valiants, Charlton Athletic are best known as the Addicks, a word that derived from the south London accent and pronunciation of haddock, which opponents used to be treated to postmatch.

FAMOUS FANS

Comedian and former television show host Jim Davidson is a Charlton follower, along with six-time World Snooker Champion Steve Davis, who used to appear alongside Davidson on Big Break, whilst former Grandstand presenter Steve Rider is also an Addicks fan.

KEY PLAYER: JOHNNIE JACKSON Johnnie Jackson has been an integral part of the team since he moved from Notts County four years ago. The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster has made over 150 Addicks appearances and his experience makes him a natural choice for the captain’s armband. Jackson scored 28 goals in his first two seasons, 13 of which helped fire Charlton to the League One title and sealed a return to the Championship in 2012. Whilst goals for Jackson were few and far between last season, the ones he did score were invaluable, like the decisive strike against Watford that ensured Charlton’s Championship status.

Roland Duchatelet, who made his fortune in electronics, was voted into Belgian parliament in 2007 and has been followed into club ownership by his son. The businessman’s portfolio includes Standard Liege and AD Alcorcon, whilst son Roderick owns Hungarian top-flight side Ujpest. Since Duchatelet’s takeover, nine players joined Charlton from within his network to echo Watford’s owner Giampaolo Pozzo, who used players from his clubs Udinese and Granada to strengthen the Hornet’s team.

LATEST NEWS Talk of promotion is already on the lips of owner Roland Duchatelet, who has told Peeters that more funds could be made available to him in the January transfer window if the club can continue their bright start to the season and are among the challengers for promotion. Striker Igor Vetokele, who has already made a name for himself in the Championship, returned from international duties after Angola failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained last month against Middlesbrough. The highly-rated Icelandic international was one of 11 new arrivals this summer, after his contract expired with Dutch top-flight side AZ Alkmaar.

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Bolton Wanderers

By Richard Jones

WITH NEITHER RELEGATION OR THE PLAY-OFFS ON THE CARDS, BOLTON WILL LOOK TO FINISH STRONGLY AND BUILD FURTHER NEXT SEASON. After a slow start, with one win in the opening ten matches and the club four points adrift in the drop-zone, it looked bleak when Bolton boss Dougie Freedman was shown the door last October. However, the side has enjoyed a remarkable recovery under Neil Lennon. The former

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Celtic manager won his first game in charge, before overseeing an impressive unbeaten run in November, with just one defeat in December to ease relegation fears. The Trotters have continued to progress since, thanks to loan signing Adam Le Fondreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newfound form, whilst fellow forwards Emile

Heskey and Eidur Gudjohnsen have given an experienced edge up front. Throw academy star striker Zach Clough into the mix and it could prove to be a promising season for Bolton next year if Lennon can keep hold of Le Fondre.

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MANAGER

After a successful playing career, most notably at Celtic, Neil Lennon moved into management for the side in 2010, where he won the SPL three times and the Scottish Cup twice, before he was appointed Bolton boss in October 2014.

ONE TO WATCH

Keep an eye out for Zach Clough next season. Since his January debut against Wigan, the highly-rated striker scored six goals in 10 appearances before a shoulder injury recently ruled the 20-year-old out for the rest of the Championship campaign.

CULT HERO

Jay-Jay Okocha’s dazzling dribbles and sheer skill tricked and tormented Premier League defenders during his four year spell, after the Nigerian midfielder signed from Paris Saint-Germain in 2002 for free, in arguably one of the club’s greatest ever transfer coups.

NICKNAME

Whilst explanations for the Trotter tag include pig’s trotters being a delicacy, the local name for a prankster, or Bolton’s old Pike Lane’s proximity to a pig farm, the arrival of midfielder Liam Trotter in 2014 however, was very fitting!

FAMOUS FAN

Television presenter Vernon Kay and comedian Paddy McGuinness are fans, along with Amir Khan. The boxer, who has played in two charity matches for Bolton, met Lennon in January and wished the club well for the rest of the season.

KEY PLAYER: ADAM LE FONDRE Since his January arrival from Cardiff City on loan, Adam Le Fondre has enjoyed newfound form and given Bolton’s frontline a cutting edge. Le Fondre started out at hometown team Stockport County, before moves to Rochdale and Rotherham, where he scored 52 goals in two seasons for the Millers. Le Fondre continued to rise to prominence when he moved to Reading in 2011, where he helped the Royals win the Championship title a year later. Whilst the 28-yearold has been less prolific since his summer transfer to Cardiff, Le Fondre has already scored eight goals in 15 appearances for Bolton.

DID YOU KNOW? During World War Two, the whole Bolton Wanderers team fought together in the same regiment and only one player died in action. Before a game in 1939, team captain Harry Goslin made a war effort speech to the crowd and afterwards, led his team to enlist. Goslin, who became Lieutenant, died in 1943, but his teammates returned after the war and continued their football careers, many of which at Bolton.

LATEST NEWS

Last month, Bolton signed Liverpool midfielder Jordan Lussey on loan until the end of the campaign, whilst Simeon Slavchev was recently ruled out for the rest of the season. The midfielder, who is on loan from Sporting Lisbon, injured his ankle whilst on international duty with Bulgaria. Eidur Gudjohnsen spoke of the best week of his career recently, after the Icelandic striker celebrated the birth of his fourth child and scored a stoppagetime equaliser against Blackpool. The veteran striker returned to the club after 14 years, when he signed in December along with fellow forward Emile Heskey, who extended a shortterm deal last month to remain at the club until the end of the season.

W W W. A F C B . C O . U K / PA G E 1 5

> XXXXXXXX

Northampton Town

By Richard Jones

ON THE SURFACE, NORTHAMPTON APPEARED LUCKY TO AVOID RELEGATION LAST SEASON, BUT A CLOSER LOOK REVEALS A TEAM IN TRANSITION. In a bizarre twist, Chris Wilder left high-flying Oxford United and risked jeopardising his impressive 71 per cent unbeaten record to take the post at Sixfields after Aidy Boothroyd was shown the door last December. Under Boothroyd, Northampton managed just

PAGE 14 / AFC BOURNEMOUTH v NORTHAMPTON TOWN 26/08/2014

18 points from a possible 63, and by January 27th when Wilder was announced as the new Cobblers manager, the club sat six points adrift at the foot of the League Two table. A miraculous relegation escape followed, with just five defeats in the remaining 20 games and despite this

surge of form, the club had to wait until the final game of the season to confirm their League Two status. However, fans will be pleased with Wilderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bid to build on last year, with nine summer arrivals and a confident start to the season so far.

> OPPOSITION GUIDE THE MANAGER

Attracted by the club’s ambitious redevelopment plans, Chris Wilder swapped the promotion pack for a relegation scrap, when he left Oxford United for the Cobblers in January. Northampton beat the drop and look full of promise under Wilder this season.

ONE TO WATCH

The Cobblers snapped up John-Joe O’Toole this summer, after the midfielder left Bristol Rovers following relegation. O’Toole scored 15 goals in 46 appearances last season and won the vote for the Professional Footballers’ Association League Two team of the year.

CULT HERO

John Frain, who made over 200 Cobblers appearances, earned himself a place in club folklore when he scored his famous stoppage-time freekick winner at Wembley, in the 1997 Third Division play-off final against Swansea City to secure Northampton Town promotion.

NICKNAME

The club gained their nickname the Cobblers because the town was once the country’s shoe-making hub, which dates back to the Middle Ages and peaked in the 1950s, when factories in the area produced over 160 million pairs a year.

THE GROUND

Work on the multi-million pound Sixfields redevelopment is underway, but recently had a change of plan, when Chairman David Cardoza decided against the capacity increase from 7,653 to 10,000 and opted for more corporate boxes and 847 extra seats instead.

KEY PLAYER: DARREN CARTER In his Cobblers debut, experienced midfielder Darren Carter saw red for a second bookable offence as Northampton lost to York City in last season’s opener. Consistent, reliable performances in his 37 league appearances meant fans soon forgave Carter, who scored five goals and was voted the Fans’ Player of the Year last season. The former Birmingham City Academy and England Under-20 star has played for a host of clubs including Millwall, Sunderland and Preston North End and made the headlines for his superb 20-yard strike for West Bromwich Albion in their shock Premier League win over Arsenal in 2005.

DID YOU KNOW? Chat show hosts Alan Carr and Des O’Connor both have strong links with the Cobblers and the area. Former Countdown presenter O’Connor, who had a solitary number one with ‘I Pretend’ in 1968, worked in a local shoe factory and was briefly a Cobblers player, whilst Carr grew up in Northampton and his father Graham played for the club in the sixties and was Cobblers manager between 1985 and 1990.

LATEST NEWS Wolverhampton Wanderers became the latest victim of a long line of League Cup giant-killers, when midfielder Lawson D’ath scored twice to complete an explosive debut and sink Wolves in the first round of the competition. The midfielder joined Northampton in the summer after he failed to make an impact at Reading, where he made just one appearance for the club and completed several loan spells in order to gain first team experience. Originally brought in as cover for the injured Lewis Hornby, D’ath impressed on trial in a friendly against Conference side Eastleigh to earn a contract until January and has set himself up nicely so far to feature more in Wilder’s plans this season.

W W W. A F C B . C O . U K / PA G E 1 5

AFC Bournemouth

Cherries Wal < Newest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... Oldest >

LIVE MATCHDAY BLOG AFC

BOURNEMOUTH

he Cherries' welcome Ipswich Town for today's match at the Goldsands.

The Cherries' welcome Ipswich Town for today's match at the Goldsands.

. . . e v i l n o i t c a e h t l l a g Coverin

AFCB Starting XI: Boruc, Daniels. Cook, Elphick, Francis, Pugh, Surman, Arter, Ritchie,

Kermorgant, Wilson

Subs: Camp, Smith, Stanislas, Gosling, Fraser, Rantie, Pitman. Every pass, every questionable tackle and every wonder goal - it’s all covered.

To achieve thise, I engaged with the club’s supporters and invited their views whilst covering the game.

Ipswich XI:2014-15 Bialkowski, Mings, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Skuse,live Murphy, Anders In the season I started learning the art of live One of my favourite blogs thisMcGoldrick, season was against

text commentary, when I was approcahed to help Bru, Hyam with the matchday operation for the club’s first team.

Ipswich Town, in which I got to lead the live coverage for the action-packed game.

The live blog, which includes imagery, video clips and The match in November saw the visitors twice come allows supporters join in, covers theHenshall, game and is Bishop, from behind to gain a point and included over 12 Subs: Gerken, Parr,toBajner, Tabb, Sammon followed by over 500 viewers every match. minutes of nail-biting stoppage time! As the eyes and ears of the game, it is all about

live onthe Cherries Player: bit.lythe action on Listenbringing game to life, by describing

and on off the and addingbit.ly analysis and statistics. Updates onpitch Facebook:

is, how do you retain your audience’s FollowQuestion on Twitter: bit.ly

interest and compete against live match streams?

Cherries striker Tokelo Rantie was also stretchered off in the game just two minutes after replacing the injured Callum Wilson in a fiercely fought tie. Here are some screen-shots of the action, including coverage of the key moments of the game.

by AFC Bournemouth edited by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:51:27 PM November 22 at 3 PM Comment ()

() Comment by AFC Bournemouth via twitter 11/22/2014 3:04:07 PM November 22 at 3:04 PM

lessWhat than an 3 mins in we areKermorgant! 1 up 02: opener from His acrobatic volley gives #afcb the lead within two minutes! bit.ly/1tbBnfO #AFCBvITFC by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:03:38 PM November 22 at 3:03 PM () by AFC Bournemouth via twitter 11/22/2014 3:04:07 PM November 22 at 3:04 PM Comment Wide play looking dangerous for Bournemouth in the opening minutes less than 3 on mins in we are 1 up YES come lads by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:04:49 PM November 22 at 3:04 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:03:38 PM November 22 atPM 3:03 PM () Comment by Kieran0419 11/22/2014 3:03:18 PM November 22 at 3:03 () Comment Comment ()

THE GOALS

. . . d a e l e h t e k a t s e i r r e T h e Ch

Ipswich's attack snuffed out YES come on lads sensational overhead kick from Kermogant! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:04:42 PM November 22 at 3:04 PM by Kieran0419 11/22/2014 3:03:18 PM November 22 at 3:03 () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:03:12 PM November 22 atPM 3:03 PM () Comment Comment ()

Ritchie seeks for Wilson going forward but its intercepted sensational overhead kick from Kermogant! 02: GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL to #afcb ! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:04:19 PM November 22 at 3:04 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:03:12 PM November 22 at 3:03 22 PMat 3:03 PM () Comment by AFC Bournemouth via twitter 11/22/2014 3:03:04 PM November Comment ()

GOALL!!! 02: What an opener from Kermorgant! His acrobatic volley gives #afcb the lead within two 02: GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL to #afcb ! minutes! bit.ly/1tbBnfO #AFCBvITFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:02:58 PM November 22 at 3:02 PM by AFC () 3:03:04 PM November 22 at 3:04 3:03 PM by AFC Bournemouth via twitter 11/22/2014 3:04:07 Comment GOALL!!! less than 3 mins in we are 1 up Crossbar!! 3:02:58 3:02 by by AFC AFC Bournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 11/22/2014 3:03:38 3:02:46 PM PM November November 22 22 at at 3:03 3:02 PM PM () Comment Comment () Crossbar!! YES come on lads shoots! AFC Bournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:02:46 PM November November 22 at at 3:02 PM PM by 11/22/2014 3:03:18 PM November 22 at 3:03 PM by Kieran0419 AFC 11/22/2014 3:02:41 PM 22 3:02 () Comment Comment () shoots! sensational overhead kick from Kermogant! centre to ritchie! () Comment 3:02:41 3:02 by by AFC AFC Bournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 11/22/2014 3:03:12 3:02:34 PM PM November November 22 22 at at 3:03 3:02 PM PM Comment () () switches by AFCto Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:02:30 PM November 22 at 3:02 PM centre ritchie! 02: GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL to #afcb ! Comment () by twitter 11/22/2014 3:03:04 PM November byAFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouthvia 11/22/2014 3:02:34 PM November 22 at 3:02 22 PMat 3:03 PM ()

Pugh down the left GOALL!!! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:02:24 PM November 22 at 3:02 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:02:58 PM November 22 at 3:02 PM Comment () Comment () AFCB on the break Crossbar!! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:02:18 PM November 22 at 3:02 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:02:46 PM November 22 at 3:02 PM Comment () Comment () Ipswich early pressure out for throw in Cherries half shoots! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:02:10 PM November 22 at 3:02 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:02:41 PM November 22 at 3:02 PM () Comment () Comment

Ritchie's run deemed offside by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:37 PM November 22 at 4:09 PM () deemed offside Ritchie's run Comment Ritchie's run deemed offside by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:37 PM November 22 at 4:09 PM () by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:37 PM November 22 at 4:09 PM Comment () Comment at the far post by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:26 PM November 22 at 4:09 PM () at the far post Comment at the far post by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:26 PM November 22 at 4:09 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:26 PM November 22 at 4:09 PM Comment()() Comment It looked like the slowest of crosses that crept its way right accross the face of the goal to Bishop with the softest of finished Itlooked looked likethe the slowest of crosses that crept its way right accross the face of the goal to Bishop It like slowest of crosses that crept itsPM way right accross the face ofPM the goal to Bishop by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:19 November 22 at 4:09 () the softest of finished with finishes with the softest of finished Comment by 11/22/2014 4:09:19 PM November 22 at 4:09 by AFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:19 PM November 22 atPM 4:09 PM ()() Comment Comment That second goal was ALWAYS going to prove vital by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:13 PM November 22 at 4:09 PM That second goal was ALWAYS going to prove vital () goal was ALWAYS going to prove vital That second Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:13 PM November 22 at 4:09 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:09:13 PM November 22 at 4:09 PM () Comment Comment () Substitute Teddy Bishop slots the ball away to Borucs left hand side with a gentle touch Substitute Teddy Bishop11/22/2014 slots the ball away to Borucs left hand side a gentle by AFC Bournemouth 4:08:34 PM November 22 with at 4:08 PM touch () Substitute Teddy Bishop slots the ball away to Borucs left hand side with a gentle touch Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:34 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:34 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM Comment () Goal! Goal! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:22 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:22 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM () Goal! Comment Comment () by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:22 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM Comment () intothe thebox! box! into

THE GOALS

. . . k c a b e n o l l u p h c i w s p I

by AFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:17 PM November 22 atPM 4:08 PM by 11/22/2014 4:08:17 PM November 22 at 4:08 () into the box! Comment() Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:17 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM Comment () aamings thethe leftleft mingscross crossdown down by 11/22/2014 4:08:12 PM November 22 at 4:08 AFCBournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:12 PM November 22 atPM 4:08 PM by AFC () Comment () a mings cross down the left Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:12 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM () Comment Now here come town Now here come town

by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:04 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:04 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM () Comment

() Now here come town Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:08:04 PM November 22 at 4:08 PM Bournemouth Comment () continue to look for the inside ball to then return wide behind the full backs Bournemouth continue to look for the inside ball to then return wide behind the full backs by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:07:58 PM November 22 at 4:07 PM

() Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:07:58 PM November 22 at 4:07 PM

() Bournemouth continue to look for the inside ball to then return wide behind the full backs Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:07:58 PM November 22 at 4:07 PM Thanks Cherrypie Comment () by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:07:51 PM November 22 at 4:07 PM Thanks Cherrypie

by Allan AllanininFinland Finland 11/22/2014 4:13:10 PM November 22 at by 11/22/2014 4:13:10 PM November 22 at 4:13 PM4:13 PM () Comment Ritchie!!!! () Comment by Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:12:06 PM November 22 at 4:12 PM Comment () hahaha- -perfect! perfect! hahaha by Holland HollandHell Hell 11/22/2014 4:13:08 PM November 22 at 4:13 PM by 11/22/2014 4:13:08 PM November 22 at 4:13 PM Comment ()() Ritchie!!!! 2-1 Cherries Comment by Phil (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:12:06 PM November 2222 at at 4:12 PM AFC McG Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:56 PM November 4:11 PM () Comment get in ingoalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll goalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll get by geoff geoffininnznz11/22/2014 11/22/2014 4:13:07 PM November 22 at 4:13 PM by 4:13:07 PM November 22 at 4:13 PM ()() Comment Comment 2-1 Cherries Ritchie receives the ball from a lay off by Wilson 4:11:56 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:53 Ritchie!!!! () Comment by Phil got McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:12:06 PM November 22 at 4:12 PM Blogger one right Blogger gotthat that one right Comment () by 11/22/2014 4:13:01 PM November 22 at 4:13 PM4:13 PM by Allan AllanininFinland Finland 11/22/2014 4:13:01 PM November 22 at ()() Comment Comment Ritchie the ball from a lay off by Wilson GOAL! receives by Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:53 4:11:50 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM 2-1AFC Cherries Ritchie!!!! () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 PMhisNovember 22 4:11 PM Great play from Wilson, held the the ball4:12:06 up,4:11:56 stayed on feethis and got theat ball to Ritchie space and Great play from Wilson, held ball up, stayed on feet got the ball toinRitchie in space and by Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 PM November 22and at 4:12 PM () Comment only one outcome from there! only one outcome from there! () Comment by AFC 11/22/2014 4:12:59 PM November 22 at 4:12 by AFCBournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:12:59 PM November 22 PM at 4:12 PM GOAL! shoots! () Comment () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM 4:11:47 Ritchie receives the ball from a lay 4:11:50 off by Wilson 2-1 Cherries () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:53 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM 11/22/2014 4:11:56 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM by AFC Bournemouth Comment Slots the shot Slotshome home() the shot () Comment cool, calm collected cool, calmand and shoots! November 22 atcollected 4:11 PM AFC Bournemouth @afcbournemouth by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:12:25 PM November 22 at 4:12 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:12:25 PM November 22 at PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:47 PM November 22 at 4:12 4:11 PM 54: GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL to #afcb ! bit.ly/1tbBnfO #AFCBvITFC () Comment GOAL! () Comment Ritchie receives the ball from a lay off by Wilson () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:50 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM Reply RetweetFav orite by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:53 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM Comment () Comment () November 22 at 4:11 PM AFC Bournemouth @afcbournemouth

THE GOALS

. . . d n o c e s a d d a s e i r r e h T he C

54: GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL to #afcb ! bit.ly/1tbBnfO #AFCBvITFC shoots! pulls it back to Ritchie in space in the box! GOAL! AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 11/22/2014 4:11:47 PM PM November 22 22 at 4:11 4:11 PM by AFC by by AFC Bournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:45 4:11:50 PM November November 22 at at 4:11 PM PM () Comment () Comment Comment () November 22toatRitchie 4:11 PM AFCinBournemouth @afcbournemouth pulls back in space the box! in theitbox shoots! 54: GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL #afcb ! PM bit.ly/1tbBnfO #AFCBvITFC by 4:11:45 Bournemouth November at by AFC AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 11/22/2014to4:11:30 4:11:47 PM November 22 22 at 4:11 4:11 PM PM () Comment Comment () in the box 22 at 4:11 PM AFC Bournemouth @afcbournemouth to Wilson, wison November by AFC Bournemouth 4:11:30 4:11:26 November 22 at 4:11 PM pulls it back to Ritchie11/22/2014 in space in to the box! !PM 54: GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL #afcb bit.ly/1tbBnfO #AFCBvITFC Comment () by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:45 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM Comment () to wison AFCB counter AFCbox Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:26 4:11:22 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM by in the pulls it back () to Ritchie in space in the box! Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:30 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:45 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM Comment () Comment () AFCB counter Perhaps a warning shot from Ritchie? 4:11:22 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:12 to wison in the box () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:26 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:11:30 PM November 22 at 4:11 PM Comment () Comment () Perhaps a warning shot from Ritchie?

Reply RetweetFav orite

Damn! I reckon Fraser will come on for either Pugh or Ritchie, for pace. That or Gosling to shore up midfield. by Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:34:29 PM November 22 at 4:34 PM Comment ()

THE GOALS

. . . e s i l a u q e s y o B r o t c a r T he T

2 a piece now by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:34:21 PM November 22 at 4:34 PM Comment ()

A fantastic header in all honesty that flies into the top left of the goal finishes by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:34:18 PM November 22 at 4:34 PM () Comment

A well worked move, good cross and solid header from Murphy by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:34:18 PM November 22 at 4:34 PM Comment ()

Murphy scores from Andersons set piece by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:33:55 PM November 22 at 4:33 PM Comment ()

goal! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:33:43 PM November 22 at 4:33 PM Comment ()

whips it in! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:33:39 PM November 22 at 4:33 PM Comment ()

Anderson to take by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:33:28 PM November 22 at 4:33 PM Comment ()

free kick the the guests by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:33:22 PM November 22 at 4:33 PM Comment ()

Brought down by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:33:16 PM November 22 at 4:33 PM Comment ()

< Newest ... 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ... Oldest >

Comment ()

Hope itÂ´s not too bad an injury for Wilson by Allan in Finland 11/22/2014 4:24:02 PM November 22 at 4:24 PM Comment ()

Sounds like Ipswich are using dirty tactics right now!! Sounds bad!!! by Davein Berlin 11/22/2014 4:24:01 PM November 22 at 4:24 PM Comment ()

THE DRAMA

. . . d e r u j n i s i e i t n a R & d e t c e j e r s l a e p p a y t l a n Pe It looks like his shoulder. Worrying times here at Goldsands, play still held up by Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:23:58 PM November 22 at 4:23 PM seriously hope rantie and wilson are4:26:21 ok by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 PM November 22 at 4:26 PM () Comment () Comment by afcbjames 11/22/2014 4:27:20 PM November 22 at 4:27 PM Comment ()

Play still stopped why are te refs so bad in the championship by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:23:56 PM November 22 at 4:23 PM spinal board used by Stevo denark 11/22/2014 4:25:46 PM November 22 at 4:25 PM () being Comment () Comment Worrying times here at Goldsands, playNovember still held up by afcbaidan 11/22/2014 4:27:13 PM 22 at 4:27 PM () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:26:21 PM November 22 at 4:26 PM Comment Rantie was()clattered by the two Ipswich defenders and at first glance there was no sign of the ball Wherewon you watching this phil being Looks bad for TK by Kieran0419 11/22/2014 4:25:37 PM November 22 at 4:25 by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:23:51 PM November 22 atPM 4:23 PM () Comment whySteve are tein()refs so 11/22/2014 bad in the championship spain 4:26:50 PM November 22 at 4:26 PM by Comment () Comment by Stevo denark 11/22/2014 4:25:46 PM November 22 at 4:25 PM Comment () Are you guys on Cherries player or a livestream? or Stanislas Poor lad. Hope11/22/2014 it's not11/22/2014 as bad as it looks by 4:25:36 PM November 22 at 4:25 by DaroDude AFC Bournemouth 4:23:45 PM November 22PM at 4:23 PM () Comment Where you()watching this phil 4:26:45 PM November 22 at 4:26 PM ChilledCherry 11/22/2014 by Comment () Comment by Kieran0419 11/22/2014 4:25:37 PM November 22 at 4:25 PM Comment () Really doesn't look good. TK. Could be an option, maybePoor Gosling? Derby watford 1 we are top of the leaguePM by Phil1McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:25:35 November 2222 at at 4:25 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:23:38 PM November 4:23 PM () Comment AreCherrypie you guys on Cherries player orPM a livestream? () 11/22/2014 by 4:26:35 November 22 at 4:26 PM Comment () Comment by DaroDude 11/22/2014 4:25:36 PM November 22 at 4:25 PM Comment () Spinal board going on must be bad Now what? Pitman Both. Myinstudio has11/22/2014 become 4:23:25 a media centre the22 Cherries are by Allan Finland 4:25:34 PMwhen November at 4:25 PM by Kieran0419 11/22/2014 PM November at224:23 PMplaying! () Comment () Comment Really look good. Poor TK. () (Italy) by Phildoesn't McG 11/22/2014 4:26:33 PM November 22 at 4:26 PM Comment () Comment by Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:25:35 PM November 22 at 4:25 PM Comment () They got away with that one ready to go on the bench Pitman striped offIt and The ref is stared at it. waslooks a stonewall pen! by AllanBournemouth in Finland 11/22/2014 4:22:33 PMPM November 22 22 at 4:22 PMPM PrayForRantie by AFC 11/22/2014 4:25:27 November 4:25 by Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:22:36 PM November 22 at at 4:22 PM () Comment () Comment Spinal board going on must4:26:26 be bad PM November 22 at 4:26 PM by DaroDude 11/22/2014 () Comment by Allan in()Finland 11/22/2014 4:25:34 PM November 22 at 4:25 PM Comment () 2 players him! Let's hopesandwiched not ChilledCherry by AFC Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:22:30 PM November 2222 at at 4:22 PM by Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:25:26 PM November 4:25 PM () Comment () Comment Pitman is striped off and looks ready to go on the bench by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:25:27 PM November 22 at 4:25 PM Comment () It's looking serious Looks like he's dislocated his shoulder? by ChilledCherry AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:22:27 PM November at 4:22 by 11/22/2014 4:25:08 PM November 22 at22 4:25 PM PM () Comment () Comment Let's hope not ChilledCherry by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:25:26 PM November 22 at 4:25 PM Comment ()

() It's looking serious Comment

by AFCcome Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:22:27 PM November 22 at 4:22 PM Here the chaps with a stretcher! Comment ()

by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:22:21 PM November 22 at 4:22 PM Here come the chaps with a stretcher! Here come()the chaps with a stretcher! Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:22:21 PM November 22 at 4:22 PM by AFC Bournemouth () chaps with11/22/2014 Here come the a stretcher! 4:22:21 PM November 22 at 4:22 PM Comment Comment () by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:22:21 PM November 22 at 4:22 PM Things beginning to liven up with the two sets of fans () Comment by AFC beginning Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:22:13 PMofNovember 22 at 4:22 PM Things to liven up with the two sets fans Things beginning to liven up with the two sets of fans () Comment by AFCbeginning Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:22:13 PM November 22 at 4:22 PM Things to liven11/22/2014 up with the two sets of PM fans November 22 at 4:22 PM by AFC Bournemouth 4:22:13 () Comment () by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:22:13 PM November 22 at 4:22 PM Comment () Comment November 22 at 4:22 PM AFC Bournemouth @afcbournemouth

THE DRAMA

63: Rantie goes the box. fans are fuming as the ref says no pen! The striker is still November 22 atdown 4:22 in PM AFC#afcb Bournemouth @afcbournemouth November 22 at 4:22 #AFCBvITFC PM AFC Bournemouth @afcbournemouth down. bit.ly/1tbBnfO November at 4:22 PMin the AFC Bournemouth 63: Rantie22 goes down box. #afcb fans@afcbournemouth are fuming as the ref says no pen! The striker is still 63: Rantie goes down in the box. #afcb fans are fuming as the ref says no pen! Reply The striker is still down. bit.ly/1tbBnfO #AFCBvITFC RetweetFav orite 63: Rantie goes down in the box. #afcb fans are fuming as the ref says no pen! The striker is still down. bit.ly/1tbBnfO #AFCBvITFC down. bit.ly/1tbBnfO #AFCBvITFC Reply RetweetFav orite

Reply RetweetFav orite Reply RetweetFav orite

He was running at some speed, tearing down the pitch but was stopped in his tracks now he is in some pain down there Hewas wasrunning running some speed, tearing down the but pitch but was stopped in his tracks is in He at at some speed, tearing down the pitch was stopped in4:21 his tracks now he is now in he He AFC was running at some speed, tearing down theNovember pitch but was stopped in his tracks now he is in by Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:57 PM 22 at PM some pain down there there some somepain paindown down there () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:57 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:57 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:57 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM () () Comment Comment Comment () Shoulder to shoulder or a foul? Rantie was through and it was certainly a goal scoring opportunity Shoulder toto shoulder or aor foul? Rantie was through it and was certainly goal PM scoring by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:46 PMand November 22 certainly at a4:21 Shoulder shoulder a foul? Rantie was through it was a goalopportunity scoring opportunity Shoulder to shoulder or a foul? Rantie was through and it was certainly a goal scoring opportunity () Comment AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:46 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM by by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:46 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:46 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM () Comment Comment () That was a penalty! That was a penalty! by Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:21:09 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM That a penalty! by Philwas McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:21:09 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM That was a()penalty! Comment () Comment by Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:21:09 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM by Phil McG () (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:21:09 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM Comment Comment () blisteringrun run from Rantie is still blistering from Rantie whowho is still downdown AFCBournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:03 PM November 22 at by by AFC 11/22/2014 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM4:21 PM blistering run from Rantie who 4:21:03 is still down blistering from Rantie who is still down () Comment Comment()run by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:03 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:21:03 PM November 22 at 4:21 PM () Comment Comment no penalty()given by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:20:55 PM November 22 at 4:20 PM Comment ()

bought down! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:20:47 PM November 22 at 4:20 PM Comment ()

into the box! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:20:44 PM November 22 at 4:20 PM Comment ()

Rantie on the run by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:20:39 PM November 22 at 4:20 PM Comment ()

() Comment byPhil PhilMcG McG (Italy)11/22/2014 11/22/20144:39:29 4:39:29PM PMNovember November22 22atat4:39 4:39PM PM by (Italy) () () Comment Comment

Cherries Wall < Newest ... 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 ... Oldest >

Boruc to get things underway again Boruc to getthings thingsunderway underway again4:39:28 PM November 22 at 4:39 PM Boruc get again by AFCto Bournemouth 11/22/2014 () Comment byAFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouth11/22/2014 11/22/20144:39:28 4:39:28PM PMNovember November22 22atat4:39 4:39PM PM by () () Comment Comment We need to be knocking over promotion rivals at home. We need to over rivals atat home. WeJono need11/22/2014 tobe beknocking knocking overpromotion promotion rivals home. by 4:39:27 PM November 22 at 4:39 PM () Comment by byJono Jono11/22/2014 11/22/20144:39:27 4:39:27PM PMNovember November22 22atat4:39 4:39PM PM Comment Comment()()

THE STATS

. . . e g e l w o n k r e y a l p n o Oppositi

He's walking to the sidelines as play resumes now He's walking to asasplay resumes now He's walking tothe thesidelines sidelines play4:39:20 resumes now by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 PM November 22 at 4:39 PM () Comment by byAFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouth11/22/2014 11/22/20144:39:20 4:39:20PM PMNovember November22 22atat4:39 4:39PM PM () () Comment Comment

Hoorah!! The signs are positive as Player is now working in Italy! Mings, who joined from Chippenham Town for £10k is reportedly wortth £10m with Arsenal and by Phil McG (Italy) 11/22/2014 2:53:51 PM November 22 at 2:53wortth PM £10m Man Utd interested inthe 21-year-old defender Mings, who joined from Chippenham Town for £10k with Arsenal and Mings, who joined from Chippenham Town for £10kisisreportedly reportedly wortth £10m with Arsenal and () Comment Utd interested inthe 21-year-old defender Man Man Utd interested inthe 21-year-old defender by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:39:08 PM November 22 at 4:39 PM () Comment by 11/22/2014 byAFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/20144:39:08 4:39:08PM PMNovember November22 22atat4:39 4:39PM PM ()() Comment Comment player on here now by geoff in nz 11/22/2014 2:53:49 PM November 22 at 2:53 PM Mings is still down () Comment () down Mings still Comment Mings still down 11/22/2014 4:38:25 PM November 22 at 4:38 PM by AFCisisBournemouth () Comment by byAFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouth11/22/2014 11/22/20144:38:25 4:38:25PM PMNovember November22 22atat4:38 4:38PM PM ()() Comment Comment Player on in Germany!!! Keep cool, Harry (Arter) by Davein Berlin 11/22/2014 2:53:13 PM November 22atat4:38 2:53PM PM The young full back is down and looksPM to be in some pain by Holland Hell 11/22/2014 4:38:04 November 22 () Comment The young full back is down and looks to be in some pain () full back is11/22/2014 Comment The young down and looks to bePM in some pain 22 at 4:38 PM AFC Bournemouth 4:38:18 November by () by Comment byAFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouth11/22/2014 11/22/20144:38:18 4:38:18PM PMNovember November22 22atat4:38 4:38PM PM () Comment () Comment good of afternoon all 2-0ischerries clash bodies Mings down but goal kick once play resumes by dusty in spain 11/22/2014 November 22 at22 2:53 PM PM The Ref certainly seems to have2:53:08 been a PM game changer today!! 4:38:02 PM November at 4:38 by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 () Comment The Ref certainly seems to have been a game changer today!! ()Berlin 11/22/2014 Comment The Ref certainly seems to have been aPM game changer 22 today!! by Davein 4:38:09 November at 4:38 PM by Davein Berlin 11/22/2014 4:38:09 PM November 22 at by Davein Berlin 11/22/2014 4:38:09 PM November 22 at4:38 4:38PM PM

. . . n o i t a m r o f n i h c t a m e Pr () () Hey all, currently ()down Mings goes

being dragged around shops by girlfriend in Swindon! Up the cherries!

by AFC MattBournemouth AFCB 11/22/2014 2:52:444:37:35 PM November 22 at 2:52 PM by 11/22/2014 PM November 22 at 4:37 PM () Comment Comment ()

Before that, down the leftit was also a draw with a goal a piece at The Goldsands in December by AFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouth11/22/2014 11/22/2014 4:37:32 2:52:40PM PMNovember November22 22at at4:37 2:52PM PM by () Comment Comment () Last time the two sides met, both had to settle for a point with the scoreline 2-2 at Portman Road November 22 at 2:50 PM AFC Bournemouth @afcbournemouth Mings chases! last April LIVE BLOG: Follow #AFCBvITFC closely on afcb.co.uk: bit.ly/1p8Rqid #afcb by Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:37:28 PM 22 4:37 byAFC AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014more 2:49:56 PMNovember November 22at at 2:49PM PM Comment Comment()()

Reply RetweetFav orite

tonw on the break stats before this top table clash so a few pre-match by byAFC AFCBournemouth Bournemouth11/22/2014 11/22/20144:37:23 2:48:56PM PMNovember November22 22at at4:37 2:48PM PM ()() Comment Comment

by Holland Hell 11/22/2014 4:42:28 PM November 22 at 4:42 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:43:48 PM November 22 at 4:43 PM () Comment Comment () Let´s hope he´s not up to parr Quality control by Artur! by Allan in Finland 11/22/2014 4:42:24 PM November 22 at 4:42 PM by Phil McG () (Italy) 11/22/2014 4:43:43 PM November 22 at 4:43 PM Comment Comment () skies it over at least 10 mins added time play halted for a free kick by AFC 11/22/2014 4:42:20 PM November at PM 4:42 PM by StevoBournemouth denark 11/22/2014 4:42:47 PM November 22 at 22 4:42 by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:43:42 PM November 22 at 4:43 PM () Comment Comment () Comment ()

THE INTERACTION

. . . n u f f o t i b a s k r a p s n o i t u t i t s b u As

shoots! Goal kick to the Cherries Eddie Howe's Barmy Army !!!! by AFC Bournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 11/22/2014 4:42:30 4:42:17 PM by AFC PM November November 22 22 at at 4:42 4:42 PM PM by Prestonsouthend 11/22/2014 4:43:42 PM November 22 at 4:43 PM () Comment Comment () Comment ()

McGoldrick No, Sub Parrpicks jokesup the loose ball outside the area Joining the Parr-ty by Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:42:14 PM November 22 atPM 4:42 PM by AFC Holland Hell 11/22/2014 4:42:28 PM November 22 at 4:42 by Jono 11/22/2014 4:43:41 PM November 22 at 4:43 PM () Comment Comment () Comment () 84 mins on he´s not up to parr Let´s hope town retain the ball but then lose it, now AFCB advance by AFC 11/22/2014 4:41:36 PM November 4:41 PM by AllanBournemouth in Finland 11/22/2014 4:42:24 PM November 2222 at at 4:42 PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:43:21 PM November 22 at 4:43 PM () Comment Comment () Comment () Cue below Parr jokes skiessome it over cut out by AFC Bournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 11/22/2014 4:42:20 4:41:24 PM by AFC PM November November 22 22 at at 4:41 4:42 PM PM by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:42:58 PM November 22 at 4:42 PM () Comment Comment () Comment () Town shoots!sub: Mings off, Parr on long ball for Skise to chase by AFC Bournemouth Bournemouth 11/22/2014 11/22/2014 4:42:17 4:41:08 PM PM November November 22 22 at at 4:42 4:41 PM PM by AFC by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:42:55 PM November 22 at 4:42 PM () Comment Comment () Comment ()

. . . s n a f m o r f n o i i t i n g o c Re

Agreed always a great blog!bunch today! Ipswich seempicks like aup rough McGoldrick the loose ball outside the area Derby winning :/ by Nathan 11/22/2014 3:56:02 PM PM November 22 at PM PM by Matt AFCB 11/22/2014 4:40:33 November 223:56 at 4:40 Agreed always a great blog! by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:42:14 PM November 22 at 4:42 PM () Comment by DaroDude 11/22/2014 4:42:48 PM November 22 at 4:42 PM () Comment () Comment by Nathan 11/22/2014 3:56:02 PM November 22 at 3:56 PM Comment () Comment Great blog()today

by Cherrypie 11/22/2014 4:07:25 22 at 4:07 So half time the Cherries are 1-0 upPM howNovember has that affected our PM full time score predictions? Mings returns 84 mins on() to the play Comment by Bournemouth 11/22/2014 22 full at 3:55 So AFC half time the Cherries are 1-0 up3:55:42 how hasPM thatNovember affected our timePM score predictions? by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:41:36 PM November 22 at 4:41 PM () Comment () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 3:55:42 PM November 22 at 3:55 PM Agreed always a great 11/22/2014 blog! () Comment AFCB starting to build the pressure by Nathan 11/22/2014 3:56:02 PM November 22 at 3:56 PM () Comment by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:07:21 PM November 22 at 4:07 PM Thanks Stevederbs, always a pleasure and an honour Cue some below Parr jokes Comment () by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:55:16 PM November 22 at 3:55 PM Thanks Stevederbs, always a pleasure and an honour by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 4:41:24 PM November 22 at 4:41 PM () Comment () Comment by AFC time Bournemouth 11/22/2014 22 at So half the Cherries are 1-0 up3:55:16 how hasPM thatNovember affected our full3:55 timePM score predictions? () Comment but the visitors conceed a throw by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:55:42 PM November 22 at 3:55 PM () Comment by AFCRichard Bournemouth 11/22/2014 PM November 22usatin4:07 PM thanks and Aidan, you are 4:07:14 doing a great job keeping the picture Town sub: Comment ()Mings off, Parr on by stevederbs 11/22/2014 3:53:26 PM November at 3:53us PM thanks Richard and Aidan, you are 4:41:08 doing a great job22 keeping the picture by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 PM November 22 atin4:41 PM () Comment () Comment by stevederbs 11/22/2014 PMand November 22 at 3:53 PM Thanks Stevederbs, always 3:53:26 a pleasure an honour () Comment but intercepted by AFC Bournemouth 11/22/2014 3:55:16 PM November 22 at 3:55 PM ()

SCUNTHORPE

PORTFOLIO

UNITED Copyright Northcliffe Media Ltd

NEXT HERE

/SWINDON TOWN Swindon have been one of this season’s

pacesetters.

Also Coming Soon... v CHESTERFIELD

Tuesday, February 17 ‐ 7.45pm

v BARNSLEY

Tuesday, February 24 ‐ 7.45pm

How To Buy Tickets... ONLINE: Pay a visit to Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and click the Online Ticketing option under the Tickets tab TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899 IN PERSON: At the Glanford Park ticket office

Ticket Prices 2014/15... RICHARD JONES previews the visit of Mark Cooper’s SWINDON TOWN here in a Category B game on Saturday, February 14... Last season marked the first time in five campaigns for Swindon Town that ended without a promotion party, the ramifications of relegation or the pull of the play-offs. In fact, in the last decade, there have been just four seasons that have not featured such ups and downs. The rollercoaster Robins can also stake claim to the shortest ever stay in the top-flight, after winning the play-off final in 1990, only to be demoted ten days later due to illegal player payments. Three years later, Swindon returned to stake their place in the top-flight under the stewardship of Glenn Hoddle, but after his departure to Chelsea, the Robins’ first ever season in the Premier League ended in relegation. Since then, Swindon fans have endured mixed fortunes, with a further four relegations, a cup final appearance and four promotions along the way. There has also been Paolo Di Canio’s reign as manager, which saw the inspirational and at points, erratic Italian create another colourful chapter at the

Plan...

Buy Your Match Tickets Online 24/7 https://ticketing.scunthorpe-united.co.uk BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS: Monday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Tuesday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Wednesday: 8.30am to 6.00pm, Thursday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Friday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Matchday Saturday: 9.00am until kick-off TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899 EMAIL: tickets@scunthorpe-united.co.uk | TWITTER: @SUFCTickets 72 / THE IRON v Oldham Athletic

Buy tickets online: https://ticketing.scunthorpe-united.co.uk

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/YEOVIL TOWN

Yeovil celebrate a Simon Gillet goal.

Also Coming Soon... v SHEFFIELD UNITED

Saturday, March 14‐ 3.00pm

v BRADFORD CITY

Tuesday, March 17 ‐ 7.45pm

How To Buy Tickets... ONLINE: Pay a visit to Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and click the Online Ticketing option under the Tickets tab TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899 IN PERSON: At the Glanford Park ticket office

Ticket Prices 2014/15... RICHARD JONES previews the visit of YEOVIL TOWN here in a Category B game on Saturday, February 28... At the start of February, Gary Johnson was relieved of his duties, following relegation from the Championship and a struggle in the third tier this year. It marked an end for the club’s most successful manager, who helped the Glovers record their highest-ever league position, three promotions and a top-40 hit. In his first spell in charge, the Glovers were crowned Conference champions in 2003 to make their Football League debut for the first time since forming in 1895 and a year later, the club famously reached 36 in the music charts with the single, Yeovil True. By 2005, the Somerset side won the League Two title under Johnson, but further promotions evaded the club, when Johnson left for spells in charge of Bristol City, Peterborough United and Northampton Town. After eight seasons in the third tier, Yeovil Town defeated Brentford in the play-off final to clinch promotion to the Championship in 2013, following Johnson’s return to Huish Park as manager. It was the club’s second ever play-off final appearance and came six years after their

Stadium Plan...

Buy tickets online: https://ticketing.scunthorpe-united.co.uk

NEXT HERE

/BRISTOL CITY FC Steve Cotterill.

Also Coming Soon... v OLDHAM ATHLETIC

Saturday, February 7 ‐ 3.00pm

v SWINDON TOWN

Saturday, February 14 ‐ 3.00pm

How To Buy Tickets... ONLINE: Pay a visit to Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and click the Online Ticketing option under the Tickets tab TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899 IN PERSON: At the Glanford Park ticket office

Ticket Prices 2014/15...

RICHARD JONES previews the visit of league pacese�ers Bristol City to Glanford Park in a Category B game here on January 17... A 16-game unbeaten run at the start of the season has set Steve Cotterill’s side up perfectly for a return to the Championship. Having followed Scunthorpe into the Championship in 2007, Bristol’s first season in the league was a dream start, with the new-boys among the promotion pack throughout the campaign. It was Hull City who eventually denied the club back-toback promotions and a golden ticket to the Premier League, when the Tigers narrowly won the 2008 play-off final. Perhaps the disappointment lingered, as Bristol have failed to emulate the same form as their debut season and recorded progressively lower league positions since. After surviving relegation in 2012, the Robins were not so lucky the second time round, when the side finished at the foot of the Championship table in 2013. Last season, it looked like Bristol City were destined to face further relegation, after the side had recorded

just two wins from the opening 18 matches, which led to the departure of popular manager Sean O’Driscoll in November 2013. Steve Cotterill was appointed soon after and since taking charge, the former Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest boss has drastically improved the club’s fortunes. Of the remaining 27 matches, Bristol lost just six games; whilst a solid end to last season saw the club finish in a comfortable 12th position. In the final thirteen games of the campaign, the Robins picked up an incredible 26 points from a possible 39 and this momentum and confidence has carried on into the new season. Aaron Wilbraham and Kieran Agard are largely behind the strong start, with both strikers in fine form since arriving at Ashton Gate this summer. The two recruits have softened the blow of losing Stadium Sam Baldock, who was last season’s top-scorer and was lured away by Brighton.

Buy Your Match Tickets Online 24/7 www.ticketing.scunthorpe-united.co.uk BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS: Monday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Tuesday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Wednesday: 8.30am to 6.00pm, Thursday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Friday: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Matchday Saturday: 9.00am until kick-off TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899 EMAIL: tickets@scunthorpe-united.co.uk | TWITTER: @SUFCTickets

72 / THE IRON v Chesterfield

Plan...

NEXT HERE

/OLDHAM ATHLETIC Oldham celebrate a Mike Jones goal.

Also Coming Soon... v SWINDON TOWN

Saturday, February 14 ‐ 3.00pm

v BARNSLEY

Tuesday, February 24 ‐ 7.45pm

How To Buy Tickets... ONLINE: Pay a visit to Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and click the Online Ticketing option under the Tickets tab TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899 IN PERSON: At the Glanford Park ticket office

Ticket Prices 2014/15... RICHARD JONES previews the visit of Lee Johnson’s OLDHAM ATHLETIC here in a Category B game on Saturday, February 7... After a shaky start to the club’s 18th consecutive campaign in the third tier, with five points from the first five matches, Oldham Athletic became one of the league’s in-form teams, thanks to an unbeaten run throughout September and October. This fine form echoed the end of last season, when the Latics were unbeaten in their final ten matches to gain a 15th place finish in Lee Johnson’s first full season in charge. Johnson, whose father Gary manages fellow League One side Yeovil Town, became the Football League’s youngest manager in March 2013, when he took the reins and steered the club away from relegation and has continued to impress at Boundary Park. The former Kilmarnock midfielder has demonstrated a keen eye for talent and standout deals include former Southampton striker Jonathan Forte, midfielder Mike Jones from Crawley Town and ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers defender George Elokobi. Since arriving at Oldham in the summer,

CAT B Whitegates Stand (West) Adult £22 Over 60/18-21 £15 Student £15 U18 £11 U16 £6 U12 Free Clugston Stand (East) Adult £22 Over 60/18-21 £15 Student £15 U18 £11 U16 £6 U12 Free Britcon Stand (North) Adult £18 Over 60/18-21 £13 Student £13 U18 £9 U16 £6 U12 Free Executive Area (West) Adult £30 Over 60 £23 U21 £18 U16 £13 Family Area (West) 1 adult and up to 2 U16’s £20 1 over 60 and up to 2 U16’s £14 Additional U16’s £4 Second parent £20

Forte has linked up well with last season’s top-scorer Danny Philliskirk, and scored five goals in five games during October to win the league’s Player of the Month award. It was Kieran Agard’s strike for Bristol City at the start of November that finally ended the Latic’s 13-game unbeaten run and disappointing draws followed against Crawley Town and Sheffield United, when Johnson’s men twice dropped points from winnings positions to slip out the play-off places. A difficult December followed when Oldham lost all four league matches and conceded a staggering 14 goals with heavy defeats to Yeovil Town and MK Dons, before a media storm surrounded Boundary Park in January after the club tried to sign former Sheffield United striker Ched Evans. The deal was cancelled after intense public pressure and those affiliated with Oldham Athletic received threats, but now the Stadium club has stepped out of the limelight, Johnson will be looking to rebuild form.

CAT A £23 £16 £16 £12 £7 Free £23 £16 £16 £12 £7 Free £19 £14 £14 £10 £7 Free £31 £24 £19 £14 £21 £15 £5 £21

Plan...

Buy tickets online: https://ticketing.scunthorpe-united.co.uk

NEXT HERE

/NOTTS COUNTY Also Coming Soon... v MILTON KEYNES DONS

Saturday, November 15 - 3.00pm

v CREWE ALEXANDRA

Saturday, December 13 - 3.00pm

How To Buy Tickets... ONLINE: Pay a visit to Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and click the Online Ticketing option under the Tickets tab TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899 IN PERSON: At the Glanford Park ticket office

Ticket Prices 2014/15... Notts County boss Shaun Derry.

RICHARD JONES previews the visit of No�s County here in a League One ﬁxture a week today. It’s a Category A match... While the dizzying days of Premier League-pedigree players, promotion and multi-millionaire investors has, for the meantime ceased, Magpies fans will at least be glad for some stability after a turbulent five years has seen nine managers, two takeovers and the threat of administration at Meadow Lane. It all began in the summer of 2009, when the world’s oldest professional football club hit the headlines as Munto Finance, backed by a wealthy Middle-East consortium completed the takeover of Notts County and promised the world to fans of the then-League Two strugglers. The club’s new owners boldly proclaimed a five-year plan to reach the Championship and millions were to be invested to overhaul the club, whilst the arrivals of top-flight players and a vastly experienced international manager backed up the investors’ ambition. Among the big coups that summer was the appointment of former England and Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Erikson as director of football, while Sol Campbell, Kasper Schmeichel and Lee Hughes headlined the eleven new players

who arrived at Meadow Lane. While the season started full of optimism and promise, elements of the club’s revival regime were short-lived. Former England and Tottenham Hotspur Captain Sol Campbell walked out just 29 days and a single appearance into his five-year contract and by the close of 2009, the club’s owners had lost interest and pulled out, while it emerged Notts County had debts and unpaid tax bills. Erikson resigned in February 2010, and it was former Lincoln City chairman Ray Trew who finally steadied the ship and settled the debts when he bought the club for £1. Last season, County’s fourth consecutive campaign in League One saw the club narrowly beat the drop, finishing a single place and three points off the relegation zone. However Notts County have started brightly this year under boss Sean Derry, who became Magpies manager last November and helped retain the club’s League One status. A bright start to the season has meant that the agenda has shifted from relegation survival to a punt at promotion.

72 / THE IRON v Colchester United

Stadium Plan...

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/READING FC Also Coming Soon... v WALSALL

Saturday, August 30 - 3.00pm

v CHESTERFIELD (JPT R1)

W/b Monday, September 1 - TBA

How To Buy Tickets... ONLINE: Pay a visit to Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and click the Online Ticketing option under the Tickets tab TELEPHONE: 0871 221 1899 IN PERSON: At the Glanford Park ticket office

Ticket Prices 2014/15... of Andy The former Iron management team n next week . Crosby and Nigel Adkins will retur

RICHARD JONES previews the visit of Reading to Glanford Park in the second round of the Capital One Cup this �me next week... The League Cup has not held the greatest memories for Reading fans, who have endured disastrous defeats against Arsenal and Peterborough United in recent years. Last season was also frustrating for fans as the Royals missed out on sixth place and a play-off spot on the closing day of the campaign, while crashing out of the League Cup when League One side Peterborough smashed six past them. Britt Assombalonga's fourth minute strike started the onslaught, which saw Reading three goals down by the break and ended with Lee Tomlin grabbing a memorable hat-trick to dump the Royals out in the second round to do no favours for their track-record in the competition. The year before, Arsenal completed a miraculous comeback from a four goal deficit to win 7-5, leaving Reading fans shell-shocked in disbelief. While domestic cups may not be Reading's forte; whose best runs in the FA Cup was reaching the semi-finals back in 1927 and the quarter-finals in the League Cup nearly twenty years ago, the Berkshire

club have been either a top-flight team or promotion contenders in the Championship for the best part of a decade. A season finale draw with Burnley and Brighton's last minute winner over Nottingham Forest confirmed Reading would miss out on the chance of an instant return to the Premier League via the play-offs, despite being in contention for most of the second half of the season. Fans may well rue missed opportunities, as the club threw away three points from winning positions five times last season and failed to convert chances. Former Iron manager Nigel Adkins filled the void with the signature of forward Simon Cox from Nottingham Forest, while his Forest team-mate Jamie Mackie has joined the club on a season-long loan to bolster attacking options. Reading and Scunthorpe have never met in a domestic cup before, and last faced each other in 2011, when the Royals won 2-0 to end the Iron's Stadium previous six-game unbeaten record against Reading.

72 / THE IRON v Fleetwood Town

Plan...

2013 2014 LOOKING BACK SCUNTHORPE

UNITED

WORDS: Richard Jones

Follow @NewportCounty to read about our next home opposi�on

Next at Glanford Park...

86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

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STAR MAN... Journeyman striker Chris Zebroski is a proven goalscorer with vast experience at this level and has already made an impact at the club

Saturday, August 31, 2013 3.00pm kick-off

<> Newport’s former Iron striker Aaron O’Connor, shown celebra�ng promo�on back in May.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

2013 2014 LOOKING BACK

WORDS: Richard Jones

Follow @Only1Argyle for the latest news from our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park...

TELL ME MORE... Back in 2009, when Scunthorpe and Plymouth Argyle were both in the Championship, the board of the south west club boldly announced a five-year plan to reach the Premier League. Almost five years on, both teams meet again, this �me in the fourth �er of the football pyramid, having experienced a very different half decade of events, but with similar inten�ons for promo�on this season. Plymouth Argyle began their rise up the through leagues from the old Division Three in 2001, under boss Paul Sturrock. The Scot guided the Pilgrims to two promo�ons in three seasons, before par�ng company as the club began to establish themselves in the Championship. A�er six seasons, their stay in the league ended in 2010. It also cued the beginning of a slippery slope for the Pilgrims, when a second consecu�ve relega�on followed. In March 2011, the club entered administra�on with debts of £13m and were docked ten points which resulted in relega�on 14 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

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Argyle snapped up Romuald Boco in July when his contract expired with Accrington Stanley.

Saturday, September 21, 2013 3.00pm kick-off

<> Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan.

Ground and he’s quickly established himself at Plymouth. In his third league appearance, he opened his account with a goal against Cheltenham Town.

HAVE WE MET BEFORE... The Iron have won 11 of the 26 games against Argyle. Goals from Garry Thompson and Martyn Woolford secured a 2-1 victory last �me, in 2010.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 13 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

SCUNTHORPE

UNITED

WORDS: Richard Jones

Follow @OﬃcialECFC to read about our next home opposi�on

Next at Glanford Park...

EXETER CITY WE ARE BACK IN ACTION HERE AT GLANFORD PARK IN A FORTNIGHT’S TIME WHEN UNITED ENTERTAIN EXETER CITY. Here is our look ahead to the match against the Grecians, who are managed by the sartorially elegant Paul Tisdale.

TELL ME MORE... The Grecians have a couple of interes�ng claims to fame. In 2005, while in the Conference, Exeter held Manchester United to a goalless draw in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford and they have also had some unlikely celebrity involvement. Uri Geller – a psychic known for his cutlery-bending exploits was once co-chairman of the Grecians, while Michael Jackson and David Blaine have also been associated with the westcountry club, albeit briefly. The trio made an appearance at St James Park for a charity fundraiser event in 2002, but have since cut �es. Later that year, the Grecians were again asking for dona�ons of a different kind and urged fans to buy shares to save the club. The Exeter Supporters Trust recently celebrated the ten-year anniversary of majority ownership, but a lack of funds this summer has meant Grecians boss Paul Tisdale was unable to offer new contracts to a host of players, including some first-team regulars, leaving holes in the line-up. Among the outgoings included 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

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John O’Flynn was Exeter’s second-highest scorer last season with 12 goals, and a decent start should see him build upon that this campaign. talisman striker Jamie Cureton, the club’s top-scorer last season with 21 goals in 42 appearances, as well as veteran defenders Kevin Amankwaah and Steve Tully. Tisdale has managed to retain the services of inﬂuen�al trio Ma� Oakley, Tommy Doherty and striker John O’Flynn whose experience should steady the ship. The impact of the summer departures doesn’t seem to have aﬀected Exeter City too much, a�er a decent start to the campaign, but the side could s�ll be in for a struggle this season.

STAR MAN... John O’Flynn was Exeter’s secondhighest scorer last season with 12 goals, and a decent start should see him build upon that this campaign. A double against Wimbledon this season demonstrated why O’Flynn is o�en Tisdale’s star�ng striker, with his opener a low shot from the edge of the box. The inﬂuen�al Irishman also is lethal in the air – he came on as a subs�tute and headed home the injury-�me winner to devastate

Saturday, October 19, 2013 3.00pm kick-off @ Glanford Park <> Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has been linked with numerous posi�ons during his tenure.

Northampton Town recently.

NEW FACES... Tisdale has ﬁlled gaps on a shoestring budget le� by the nine-player summer exodus, bringing in a mixture of youth and experience. John O’Flynn signed a new deal and will be looked upon for goals following Jamie Cureton’s departure to Cheltenham Town, while the reten�on of veteran midﬁelders Ma� Oakley and Tommy Doherty are also a boost for the club. Academy star Ma� Grimes and non-league prospect David Wheeler have both signed professionally, whilst ex-St Mirren striker Sam Parkin should bring

much-needed experience and goals. Defensive steel has also been added with the signatures of Danny Bu�erﬁeld and Doug Bergqvist.

LAST TIME OUT... A single goal from Jon Parkin in the 76th minute at Glanford Park was enough to secure three points during a ten match unbeaten run for the Iron in 2012.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

2013 2014 LOOKING BACK

WORDS: Richard Jones (@rijones88)

Follow @oﬃcialpompey to read about our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park...

PORTSMOUTH

WE’RE BACK HERE A FORTNIGHT TODAY WHEN PORTSMOUTH MAKE THE TRIP TO FACE US AT GLANFORD PARK. Here is our look ahead to the match against Pompey, who are now managed by ex-Iron youth coach Richie Barker.

TELL ME MORE... Perennial strugglers Portsmouth have endured three relega�ons and two administra�ons which almost wiped out the club completely, but now - almost at rock bo�om - it seems the only way is up. That is owing to the never-say-die a�tude of Pompey and its fans. Of the thousands of supporters who followed their team to FA Cup victory in 2008, many have remained fiercely loyal and dug deep to save the club. A total of 14 months was spent in con�nuous administra�on and at points the club had just a 50/50 chance of survival, as a mass exodus of players and staff ensued. Three consecu�ve months passed in 2010 where players and staff went unpaid, while points were deducted as Pompey slid down the league tables with no real escape plan un�l the blue half of Hampshire and beyond took ma�ers into their own hands and formed the Portsmouth Supporters’ Trust. The Trust won a High Court ruling to become the largest community-owned club just weeks before their poten�al expulsion from the Football League as thousands bought 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

Saturday, February 22, 2014 3.00pm kick-off @ Glanford Park

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<> Portsmouth manager Richie Barker has begun rebuilding his squad.

Of the thousands of supporters who followed their team to FA Cup victory in 2008, many have remained fiercely loyal and dug deep to save the club. shares cos�ng £1,000 each. With the true interests of the club and the fans now at the heart of every decision, the long process of rebuilding and recruitment has begun. The squad that was le� depleted by large-scale departures has been ﬁlled with the promo�on of several academy players, who the club will hope can emulate the success of ace Jed Wallace, while arrivals such as defender Nicky Shorey and striker Patrick Agyemang bring some muchneeded experience to the ranks.

STAR MAN... Jed Wallace’s solo eﬀort against York City was voted by Portsmouth fans as their goal of 2013 and is one of many performances demonstra�ng why he is one to watch. He picked the ball up inside his own half and weaved through a series of players, then ﬁred home to showcase his ability. Wallace has become a key part of Pompey’s

ﬁrst team and he has also represented England U19s.

ANY OLD IRON’S... Andy Barcham began his football career at To�enham and, in four years at White Hart Lane, made a solitary Spurs appearance in the League Cup fourth round against Port Vale in November 2006. The midﬁelder completed loan spells at Leyton Orient and then Gillingham, to whom he made a permanent switch. Three seasons later, Barcham signed for Scunthorpe and made 84 appearances over two campaigns for the Iron and was top scorer in the 2011/12 season. The South Coast was his next stop when he

signed a three-year deal with Pompey a�er par�ng company with Scunthorpe in the summer.

LAST TIME OUT... Dave Syers levelled just minutes a�er Tom Craddock’s ﬁrst-half opener to kill Pompey’s celebra�ons and piled further misery on the Fra�on faithful when he made it 2-1.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

SCUNTHORPE

UNITED

Follow @Dag_RedFC for the latest news from our next home opposi�on

Next at Glanford Park...

WORDS: Richard Jones

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE UNITED’S NEXT HOME MATCH WILL SEE THEM PLAY HOST TO DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE IN A FORTNIGHT’S TIME. Here is our lookahead to the match against the Daggers, who are managed by former Grimsby midﬁelder Wayne Burne�.

TELL ME MORE... The club formed 21 years ago in 1992, when Redbridge Forest and Dagenham joined forces in a merger, and started life in the Conference. A�er s�nts there, and in the Isthmian Premier, the Daggers entered into league football for the first �me in 2007. They spent two seasons in the forth �er before climbing into League One in 2010. Promo�on for the club was special for two reasons. Dagenham & Redbridge set, and s�ll hold the record for the highest win in a Football League play-off match, when they smashed six past Morecombe in the semi-finals. In the final, they saw off Rotherham United to earn a golden �cket into League One to compete at the highest level in the club’s history. However, their stay in the third �er was short-lived, as their debut season ended with

<> Daggers hotshot Luke Howell.

86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

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The Iron have never played Dagenham & Redbridge in a friendly or competitive game before.

relega�on. Since returning to League Two, the Daggers have struggled to bounce back; instead they have flirted twice with relega�on. In the 2011-12 season, Dagenham & Redbridge they made a decent start, but September proved tough for the Londoners. Five straight defeats saw the club plummet to 20th - a posi�on they would not rise above in the league un�l the climax of the campaign. A strong finish, with just one defeat in the last ten matches li�ed the club clear of relega�on to finish 19th place and six points clear. The Daggers cut it even finer last season, finishing just above the drop zone on goal difference to send Barnet down instead.

STAR MAN... All eyes are on top scorer Luke Howell, as Dagenham are without the departed strikers Sam

Saturday, August 17, 2013 3.00pm kick-off

<> Dagenham & Redbridge boss Wayne Burne�.

Williams and Dwight Gale, who scored eight and seven goals respec�vely last season. The central midﬁelder found the net nine �mes - two of which came in the ﬁve-goal drubbing of Rotherham United. Howell, who has previously played for League One side MK Dons, looked lethal in front of goal with a strike from the edge of the area.

NEW FACES... Wayne Burne� has been busy reshuﬄing the ranks, releasing six players to make way for some new faces at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium. The Daggers have brought in some much-needed steel to bolster their strike force, with the signature of Afolabi Obafemi. The centre forward was released by east London rivals

Leyton Orient despite some promising performances for the club last term. Jack Connors has signed a professional contract a�er he completed a two-year scholarship at the club’s academy. The defender started his playing career in the youth setup at Fulham before moving on to Dagenham.

HAVE WE MET BEFORE... The Iron have never played Dagenham & Redbridge in a friendly or compe��ve game before. Sta�s�cs from last season show that the Daggers won just 26% of their away matches.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

2013 2014 LOOKING BACK

WORDS: Richard Jones (@rijones88)

Follow @AFCWimbledon to read about our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park...

AFC WIMBLEDON THE IRON ARE BACK IN ACTION HERE A FORTNIGHT ON SATURDAY WHEN THEY ENTERTAIN AFC WIMBLEDON. Here is our look ahead to the match against the Dons, who beat Scunthorpe 3-2 at Kingsmeadow in August.

TELL ME MORE... In 2001, Wimbledon FC announced plans to move the club to Milton Keynes and took the league posi�on of the old ou�it with them, which was later rebranded MK Dons in 2004 - a somewhat cau�ous nod of acknowledgement to what it essen�ally replaced. Aggrieved fans formed AFC Wimbledon in 2001, by those eager to keep the heritage and community of the club alive in South London. The determined Dons won five promo�ons in their first nine seasons and despite forming li�le over a decade ago, the club already have plenty to talk about. AFC Wimbledon holds the longest unbeaten record in English senior football (78 games), which spanned from February 2003 to December 2004. Another feat came in 2007, when MK Dons chairman, Pete Winkelman handed back the collec�on of trophies Wimbledon had won to the London borough of Merton, the original home of the club. The Dons became the Football League’s first fan-owned club, when they won a drama�c penalty 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

Saturday, January 18, 2013 3.00pm kick-off @ Glanford Park

“

<> Michael Smith celebrates a goal for AFC Wimbledon.

Sam Winnall and Chris Iwelumo’s first half efforts were countered by a determined AFC Wimbledon display. shoot-out against Luton Town in the 2011 Conference play-off final. History was also made in the first game of its kind, when the two halves of the original Wimbledon FC met for the FA Cup in December 2012. MK Dons stole the show at the death, but for a while fans allowed themselves to dream, when Jack Midson’s leveller sent the AFC con�ngent into frenzied celebra�ons. His penalty on the final day of last season against Fleetwood Town also ensured victory and the league status of the club.

STAR MAN... Harry Pell has scored some important goals this season, including his 18-yard leveller against Scunthorpe in the Don’s drama�c 3-2 win from two goals down. The midﬁelder was released by Charlton Athle�c a�er 11 years, having joined aged seven, but got back on track with Bristol Rovers, where he was awarded Young Player of the Year. Subsequent appearances for Hereford and

Cambridge United a�racted AFC Wimbledon, who signed him.

ANY OLD IRON’S... Callum Kennedy le� Glanford Park by mutual consent in the summer and joined AFC Wimbledon a�er a poten�al deal with Oxford United fell through. The le�-back began his career at Swindon Town and completed loan spells at Gillingham and Rotherham United during his ﬁve seasons at the County Ground. Despite making 23 appearances in the Robins’ 2011/12 League Two-winning season and featuring in the team’s memorable FA Cup third round victory over Wigan Athle�c, Kennedy was released by

the club in May 2012. The 24-yearold joined Scunthorpe a month later and made 18 appearances for the Iron last season.

LAST TIME OUT... Sam Winnall and Chris Iwelumo’s ﬁrst half eﬀorts were countered by a determined AFC Wimbledon display, as the hosts came from two goals down a�er the break to win 3-2.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

SCUNTHORPE

UNITED

WORDS: Richard Jones

Follow @CTFCOﬃcial to read about our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park...

CHELTENHAM TOWN OUR NEXT VISITORS TO GLANFORD PARK WILL ARRIVE IN A FORTNIGHT’S TIME WHEN WE PLAY HOST TO CHELTENHAM TOWN. Here is a look ahead to the match against Mark Yates’ side, who were �pped for a promo�on push but have had a slow start.

TELL ME MORE... Cheltenham Town will be hoping to make it third �me lucky this season a�er two consecu�ve failed promo�on a�empts. The Robins were relegated from League One in 2009 a�er just three seasons in the third �er, the highest level the club has ever competed at. Two shaky seasons in League Two followed as the side struggled to re-establish themselves, but the appointment of Mark Yates in December 2009 improved the fortunes of the club. Yates steered the Robins clear of relega�on, finishing just above the drop-zone and the following season he built upon it, with a 17th place finish. Cheltenham Town were surprise-package promo�on contenders in 2012, with sixth place and a spot in the play-offs. The Robins brushed aside Torquay United in the semis to earn a trip to Wembley to face Crewe Alexandra in the final,

86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

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<> Cheltenham Town manager Mark Yates.

Striker Jamie Cureton should add some much needed firepower to improve on last season when the club managed just 58 goals in 46 games. which they lost two-nil. The club bounced back last season, with a fi�h place finish but then fell short at the first hurdle in the play-off semi-finals. Northampton Town scored a single goal in both legs to deny the Gloucestershire club a return to Wembley. Despite the disappointments of the last two campaigns, Cheltenham Town will likely feature again as promo�on contenders this season, a�er some solid summer signings, despite a slow start. Veteran striker Jamie Cureton should add some much needed firepower to improve on last season when the club managed just 58 goals in 46 league games, whilst the defence has been strengthened with the addi�on of Troy Brown from Aldershot Town.

STAR MAN... Experienced journeyman striker Jamie Cureton proved proliﬁc in front of goal last season despite his age, ne�ng 21 �mes in 42

Saturday, October 5, 2013 3.00pm kick-off

appearances for Exeter and was the league’s second-highest scorer. Cheltenham Town secured the veteran striker’s services a�er Grecians boss Paul Tisdale decided not to oﬀer a contract renewal despite his good form. Cureton scored on his Cheltenham debut and dislocated his shoulder in the season opener against Burton, which he has recently returned from.

ANY OLD IRON’S... Russell Penn started out with the Iron, but failed to make an impact at Glanford Park. A�er an equally fruitless loan spell at AFC Hornchurch, a permanent move to Kidderminster Harriers in 2005 enabled him ﬁrst team football. In four years at the Conference club, he became integral to the

Harriers midfield, with 26 goals and 178 appearances. Penn tasted fourth �er football for the first �me when he joined Burton in 2009, following their promo�on to the league. Two years, seven goals and 89 appearances later, the midfielder joined Cheltenham Town and has been a regular starter ever since.

THE LAST TIME... The Iron hammered three past already-relegated Cheltenham at Glanford Park, with goals from Paul Hayes, Cliﬀ Byrne and Henri Lansbury to almost secure a League One play-oﬀ place in 2009.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

2013 2014 LOOKING BACK

WORDS: Richard Jones (@rijones88)

Follow @ChesterﬁeldFC to read about our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park...

CHESTERFIELD

WE’RE BACK HERE A WEEK ON SATURDAY WHEN CHESTERFIELD MAKE THE TRIP FOR A TOP-OFTHE-TABLE CLASH AT GLANFORD PARK. Here is our look ahead to the match against Paul Cook’s Spireites.

TELL ME MORE... From patrio�c kits to World Cupwinning goalkeepers and inter-war period transfer scandals - the Football League’s sixth oldest club is steeped in as much history as the crooked church spire the club got its nickname from. Founded in 1866, the Spireites underwent several kit and name changes before it was elected into the Football League in 1899. In 1881, the club folded and reemerged three years later as Chesterﬁeld Town and bizarrely in 1892, the strip was proudly embellished with the Union Jack on the front of the shirts. More experimenta�on followed, ranging from claret and blue halves, to black and white stripes, as well as red shirts and white shorts, un�l 1921 when blue became the Spireites’ chosen colour. Three years earlier, the club was as red-faced as the jerseys they wore at the �me, from their a�empts to sign Fulham’s George Parsonage. The footballer requested £50 - ﬁve �mes the amount a player could receive as a sign-on fee. As a result, Parsonage was banned for life from the game and the Spireites were voted out 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

Saturday, February 8, 2014 3.00pm kick-off @ Glanford Park

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<> Chesterﬁeld manager Paul Cook will bring his team to Glanford Park next week.

Marc Richards found the net 12 times last season to be crowned top scorer for Chesterfield and is on course to replicate that honour. the Football League. As well as being home to one of the first transfer scandals, England’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks began his professional career at Chesterfield. Banks was known to order his backline and would have been proud as the Spireites had the league’s second-best defensive record last season. Despite this and a six-game unbeaten season finale, Chesterfield finished eighth and two points off the play-offs.

STAR MAN... Marc Richards found the net 12 �mes last season to be crowned top scorer for Chesterﬁeld and is on course to replicate that honour. The proliﬁc striker is one to watch for his direct free-kicks he has also hit regular goals for the Spireites from open play and the penalty spot so far this season. Richards joined the club from Port Vale in 2012, where he a�racted

a�en�on for scoring 72 goals in ﬁve campaigns.

while Ritchie Humpreys and Drew Talbot had loan spells at Glanford Park in 1999 and 2007 respec�vely.

ANY OLD IRON’S... The Spireites have four players on the books who have played for Scunthorpe and include Sam Togwell, who in his debut season for the Iron featured heavily in the side that won promo�on to the Championship in 2009. The midﬁelder spent three more seasons at Glanford Park, but was among 10 players released in May 2012, when he signed for Chesterﬁeld. Jimmy Ryan played alongside Togwell at Scunthorpe and made 76 Iron appearances over two seasons before a summer move to the Spireites,

LAST TIME OUT... Luke Waterfall headed home two minutes from �me to salvage the Iron a point a�er Marc Richards ﬁred Chesterﬁeld ahead in the eighth minute at the Proact Stadium in November.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

SCUNTHORPE

UNITED

WORDS: Richard Jones (@rijones88)

Follow @OﬃcialGTFC to read about our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park...

GRIMSBY TOWN

WE’RE BACK HERE ON TUESDAY NIGHT FOR OUR FA CUP FIRST ROUND REPLAY AGAINST NEAR NEIGHBOURS GRIMSBY TOWN. Here is our look ahead to the match against the Mariners, who are currently managed by exRotherham defender Paul Hurst.

TELL ME MORE... Grimsby Town have suffered three relega�ons in seven years between 2003 and most recently in 2010, when the Mariners finished 23rd in the fourth �er to drop out the Football League for the first �me in nearly 100 years. Fans have been le� to rue what could have been from the depths of the Conference, a�er Grimsby reached the League Two play-off final in 2006 under then-manager Russell Slade. The game ended in defeat, with a single goal from Cheltenham Town enough to se�le the �e at the Millennium Stadium. Despite a cup run and a visit to Wembley Stadium for the Football League Trophy final, the cracks started to show in the league for Grimsby. The Mariners narrowly escaped relega�on in the 2008/09 season, surviving only because Luton Town had points docked, and a slow start to the following season saw their good fortune run out, with a 25-game winless streak making ma�ers worse. The climax of the season saw Grimsby make a lastditch push for survival, with four wins and a draw, but a 3-0 defeat to Burton Albion on the final day 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

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Here is our look ahead to the match against the Mariners, who are currently managed by exRotherham defender Paul Hurst.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 7.45pm kick-off @ Glanford Park

<> Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst.

of the season confirmed their exit from League Two. Conference life has been tough, with two miserable consecu�ve 11th place finishes making up the first two seasons in the fi�h �er. The club improved last season, finishing fourth to reach the playoffs, only to lose out to Newport County, so the FA Cup �e will be seen as a welcome distrac�on from the league.

STAR MAN... Grimsby’s star striker Ross Hannah a�racted a�en�on a�er winning the Golden Boot two years running; scoring 52 goals in a season and 102 overall for nonleague Matlock Town. Bradford City signed the striker in 2011, but Hannah failed to emulate such frui�ul form and was shipped out on loan. The striker had successful spells at Halifax and Grimsby where he scored nine and ten goals respec�vely, before he signed permanently in January.

TRANSFER BUSINESS... In a bid to brush oﬀ

disappointment of the play-off semi-final defeat to Newport County last season, Hurst has brought in no fewer than nine new faces at Blundell Park to have another stab at promo�on. Among the arrivals include a trio of York City players, namely midfielders Patrick McLaughlin, Sco� Kerr and experienced defender Chris Doig, who signed as player-coach. The signatures of Clayton McDonald and Paul Bignot from Port Vale and Blackpool respec�vely have added some steel at the back, while winger Sco� Nielson penned a one-year deal a�er being released by

Conference rivals Luton.

LAST TIME OUT... Before the FA Cup clash ten days ago, the Iron dumped Grimsby Town out the Football League Trophy 2008/09, winning 2-1 to maintain our ﬁ�een-year unbeaten record against The Mariners.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

2013 2014 LOOKING BACK

WORDS: Richard Jones (@rijones88)

Follow @wwfcoﬃcial to read about our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park...

BURY FOOTBALL CLUB

OUR NEXT HOME GAME COMES A FORTNIGHT TODAY WHEN BURY MAKE THE TRIP FROM LANCASHIRE TO FACE US AT GLANFORD PARK. Here is our look ahead to the match against David Flitcro�’s side, who play at Gigg Lane.

TELL ME MORE... Opera�on rebuild is firmly underway at Gigg Lane and the first task for recently-appointed manager David Flitcro� is to ensure that the Shakers don’t succumb to a second successive relega�on. Last season was nightmarish for Shakers fans, as the club teetered on the very brink of existence and faced financial meltdown, a transfer embargo, 16 released players and relega�on from League One. In fact, the club was just hours from being closed down and needed £1million to survive. Salva�on came in the form of property developer Stewart Day, who became chairman and invested funds to steady the ship. Since the takeover was announced in May 2013, the debts have been paid off and the transfer embargo li�ed, complete with a busload of new squad arrivals. All of which have proved vital to the func�onality of the club, not least the new signings, because Bury could not even muster up enough players for a team in May, with just eight squad members. As a result, the summer transfer market proved busy, as they filled 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

“

Although things are starting to look up for the Shakers, the chairman has told fans to expect a steady, structured revival. This season the focus is to retain Football League status and the team gelling. the gaps le� by the exodus. A total of 25 trialists from numerous countries including Spain, Italy, and Brazil descended upon Gigg Lane, while 17 permanent signings and four loan deals were completed. Although things are star�ng to look up for the Shakers, the chairman has told fans to expect a steady, structured revival. This season the focus is to retain Football League status and the team gelling, while next term will simply be to build on it.

STAR MAN... In recent years, Daniel Nardiello has become an increasingly proliﬁc goalscorer. The striker found the net 19 �mes while playing for Exeter to make him a fans’ favourite and earned a move to Rotherham United in 2012, where he was top scorer and helped the Millers to promo�on. Despite this, the striker found himself down the pecking order and joined Bury in

Saturday, April 12, 2014 3.07pm kick-off @ Glanford Park

<> Bury manager David Flitcro�.

November, where he has since been lethal in front of goal for the Shakers.

ANY OLD IRON’S... Richard Hinds joined Scunthorpe permanently following a loan spell from Hull in 2005 and featured for two seasons at Glanford Park; one of which was the 2006.07 League One-winning campaign. The defender, who has also played for Tranmere Rovers, Sheﬃeld Wednesday and Lincoln City joined Bury last summer from Yeovil Town. Fellow defender Jimmy McNulty has had two Iron loan spells; his ﬁrst was to reignite his career a�er rupturing a kidney and his second was cut short when he

suﬀered an ankle injury. Chris Sedgwick has also featured brieﬂy for Scunthorpe, when he made a handful of appearances last season.

LAST TIME OUT... Despite a two-goal lead courtesy of Sam Winnall, Bury bounced back with late strikes from Chris Sedgwick and Daniel Nardiello to grab a point at Gigg Lane on Boxing Day.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

SCUNTHORPE

UNITED

WORDS: Richard Jones (@rijones88)

Follow @Oﬃcial_BRFC to read about our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park...

BRISTOL ROVERS

WE’RE BACK HERE ON TUESDAY NIGHT WHEN BRISTOL ROVERS MAKE THE TRIP TO FACE THE IRON. Here is our look ahead to the match against the Pirates, who are now managed by the vastly experienced John Ward.

TELL ME MORE... Despite o�en being in the shadow of local rivals Bristol City, the Pirates can boast a colourful history, as FA Cup quarter-finalists with seven previous grounds, several ex-household names and as the first league club to play a match inside a prison. Since forming in 1883, and primarily known as the Black Arabs because of black shirts and nearby rugby club called the Arabs, the side changed their name twice more and played in four grounds before moving to the Eastville Stadium in 1897, when they became Bristol Rovers. The club, whose other nickname is the Gas because of a gasworks site near Eastville, have played in the Football League con�nuously since 1920, and have reached the FA Cup quarter-finals twice. Rovers equalled their 1950 efforts during the 2007/08 season, with a memorable giant-killing cup run, knocking out Fulham and Southampton en-route. Rickie Lambert celebrated his 26th birthday with the goal that knocked Southampton out and is one of numerous household names to play for Bristol Rovers. 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

“

<> Bristol Rovers’ former Iron loan goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall.

A goal-line clearance and the woodwork twice saved Bristol Rovers from defeat as the Iron had to settle for a goalless draw, despite dominating, back in August. Goalkeeper Nigel Martyn began his career with the Pirates, before moves to Crystal Palace and Leeds United, and he also featured for England. Other notable names include Barry Hayles, Jason Roberts and Ian Holloway, who went on to become manager of Rovers. The club have submi�ed plans for a £40 million 21,700seater stadium, which will be a far-cry from a friendly the club once played inside Erlestoke Prison against inmates back in 1982!

STAR MAN... Sco�sh striker David Clarkson was joint top scorer last season and he has been in good form so far this year, with an 18-yard volley in the Pirates’ 3-0 thrashing of AFC Wimbledon and two goals against York City demonstra�ng his danger in front of goal. The 28year-old joined Rovers in July 2012, a�er he was released by Bristol City and began his career at

Tuesday, February 25, 2014 7.45pm kick-off @ Glanford Park

Motherwell, where he scored 49 goals in 219 appearances.

ANY OLD IRON’S... Experienced shotstopper Steve Mildenhall signed for Bristol Rovers a year ago, and has played for ten clubs including Yeovil, Oldham and Grimsby Town since he started out at Swindon. Mildenhall’s memorable moments include scoring a free-kick in the League Cup against Mansﬁeld Town while at No�s County, and his heroic display for Southend United that earned the Shrimpers a replay in the 2009 FA Cup against Chelsea. Last season, he made nine appearances for Scunthorpe while on loan from

Millwall. Defender Mark McChrystal also joined on loan in the same season from Tranmere and made three Iron appearances.

LAST TIME OUT... A goal-line clearance and the woodwork twice saved Bristol Rovers from defeat as the Iron had to se�le for a goalless draw, despite domina�ng at the Memorial Stadium in August.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

2013 2014 LOOKING BACK

WORDS: Richard Jones (@rijones88)

Follow @�fc to read about our next home opposi�on.

Next at Glanford Park...

FLEETWOOD TOWN

WE’RE BACK HERE A WEEK ON MONDAY WHEN FLEETWOOD TOWN VISIT US IN A LIVE TELEVISED GAME. Here is our look ahead to the match against Graham Alexander’s Cod Army, who are fellow promo�on contenders.

TELL ME MORE... It is easy to forget that Fleetwood Town are only in their second ever season in League Two a�er a confident 13th place debut campaign firmly established the club. Expecta�on is even higher on Fylde Coast this �me around. The story of the Cod Army isn’t straight forward though, but one of steely determina�on and perseverance in the face of adversity. The side have twice fallen out of existence and the most recent incarna�on is certainly one that speaks volumes for third �me lucky. The legacy of the North West side extends back to 1908, and was known as Fleetwood FC un�l financial difficul�es first struck in 1976. The club was re-established the following year and became Fleetwood Town FC. The second wind lasted just 20 years, but included the 1980 FA Cup first round clash with neighbours Blackpool and a trip to Wembley in 1985 for the FA Vase final. The side bounced back from administra�on in 1997 as Fleetwood Wanderers, and began life in the tenth �er. By 2002, the club was renamed Fleetwood 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE

“

<> Fleetwood Town boss, and exIron man, Graham Alexander.

Sam Winnall’s deflected goal just before the hour mark was enough to seal all three points for the Iron in October. Town and the meteoric rise began. Five promo�ons in eight seasons followed and by 2012, the club were Conference champions and had completed a £1-million redevelopment of the Highbury Stadium – a far cry from the overgrown, vandalised ground it once was. Confidence is high at Fleetwood, with promo�on a dis�nct possibility, while the Football League Trophy area final clash with Chesterfield is all that separates them from a return to Wembley.

STAR MAN... Midfielder Antoni Sarcevic has made an impressive League Two debut, with confident dar�ng runs, solid penal�es, a spectacular 20yard volley against Bury and a drama�c hat-trick against Mansfield Town. Four years ago, Sarcevic played in the eighth �er of English football a�er he was released by Manchester City. Since then, bright performances at Crewe Alexandra and 15 league goals to power Chester’s three straight promo�ons earned him a

Monday, January 27, 2013 7.45pm kick-off @ Glanford Park

move to Fleetwood in June 2013.

ANY OLD IRON’S... Veteran striker Jon Parkin scored six goals in 14 appearances for the Iron while on loan from Cardiﬀ City, before a permanent switch to Fleetwood Town in June 2012. Parkin’s career highlights include scoring 36 goals in 78 appearances for Macclesﬁeld Town, helping Stoke City win promo�on to the Premier League, and a Championship-level hat-trick in Preston North End’s 6-4 win over Leeds United in 2010. David Lucas was another Iron loan signing and made six starts in the 1996/97 season. The goalkeeper joined Fleetwood as

player/coach and played alongside manager Graham Alexander at Preston, who made 159 appearances for Scunthorpe.

LAST TIME OUT... Sam Winnall’s deﬂected goal just before the hour mark was enough to seal all three points for the Iron in October, during the ﬁrst ever mee�ng of the two sides. Scunthorpe won 1-0.

HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.

Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcoﬃcial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7

SCUNTHORPE

UNITED

THE SEASON IN NUMBERS

27480 Total number of words

FL72 teams

out of previewed

1050 Number of minutes working on the live match day blog

550

Goals scored by my chosen key players of each team previewed

@rijones88

richardliamjones@live.com