40 Ramsbottom United v Buxton

rammy news v BUXTON 18-10-14

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glenn

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Good afternoon and welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for this afternoon’s clash with Buxton. We hope everyone who has made the trip over has an enjoyable afternoon and a safe trip home later.

Well where do I start other than the treat that was served up last Saturday against Belper Town. Firstly the support was fantastic and the lads have asked me to thank you all - it really does have a great feel around the ground on a matchday nowadays, so thank you.

On to the game itself, and the general consensus was that it was a fantastic game: end to end football with two teams going all out for the win. It had great goals and a sending off in the mix which all contributed to good afternoon’s entertainment - don’t get me wrong, there were certain aspects of the performance which we weren’t happy with, but thats the way we are - we strive to keep evolving as a team and to keep improving. To play for 70 minutes a man light and still win was very pleasing, e lads put a massive shift in and the work-rate was really pleasing. After the disappointment over at Frickley, to return six points from six is just desserts for the hard graft the lads have put in over the two tough midweek training sessions.

So that brings me onto today. Buxton as we know will be a tough test - anyone who travelled over for the FA Cup game a few weeks back will know they are a good side and you only have to look at both the league table and the form table to see they are flying, just like ourselves. I’m sure it will be a fascinating game today, one which we certainly are looking forward to. A win keeps us in and around the top five, but a Buxton win edges them that little bit further away from us, so its important to get behind the lads today, make as much noise as you can and help us in the quest for another three points..

COYR - Glenn

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tony cunningham and the wonderful world of non-league football Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. A special welcome to our match officials, and of course, our visitors from the lovely Peak District town of Buxton. We have, of course, already played the Bucks this season. It was my first visit to Silverlands for around 25 years, but as soon as I walked through the turnstiles, I felt as though I had never been away, other than the hill having vanished behind the far goal. What other hobby allows you to wallow in nostalgia like that?

On the day we went out of the FA Cup by the odd goal in five, but it really was the classic case of a “game of two halves”.

For the first 45 minutes we were poor, and went in three goals down as well as having missed a penalty. It all looked rather bleak during the break, but a much better second half saw us claw back two goals and the home side’s fans were relieved to hear the final whistle, as we continued to press in search of an equaliser. Plenty to enjoy there, so hopefully it will be a case of the same here this afternoon.

GOAL OF THE SEASON? It was definitely entertaining last Saturday, and a pleasure to see so many

youngsters present – they are our supporters of the future. One comment that stayed with me came from someone I had been trying to tempt down to the HWRS for some time. He came with his two little ones, and as he passed my box at half-time he looked in and commented “is should be on Pay-perview, it’s that good!”.

Another guy who I’ve seen at many Bury matches also turned up, I think for the first time here, and he left with a big grin and thumbs up.

It was good to see a good crowd on – our average League attendance has grown to 312 so far this season - and those who did come along for a change could hardly have failed to be impressed with the entertainment on offer.

Cedric was so unlucky, but we can have no complaints as the referee was left with no option. Believe it or not, he was almost distraught at having to produce the red card. He told me that it was the first time in four seasons that he has had to send someone off. And some supporters think match officials have no heart!

But what about Whiz’s second goal?!

If that had been in the professional game they’d have shown it time and again. (WE can view it on rammy.tv though!). It was an absolute belter from

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Osebi receiving his Player of the Month award from supporter David Newby

fully 35 yards. e Belper keeper had no chance as it fairly … er….whizzed into the back of the net. Worth the admission money alone, and already a favourite to be named goal of the season come next May. Well done, also, to Osebi for winning the Supporters Club’s “Player of the Month” award for September. e speedy winger has become a firm favourite here at the HWRS during his short time with us, and once again he had a fine game last week.

So here we are, as we enter the autumn period, sitting in the play-off spots. We’d have all taken that at the beginning of the campaign, and just three years ago, anyone suggesting such a position would have been considered mad. e progress made has been immense. As our Chairman would say (and he did with great joy at Darlington) “Not bad for a village team!”

Today should prove quite a test for us.

Buxton have had a superb season so far and will provide our toughest test to date.

Let’s hope that many who came for the first time last week are back again today, and hopefully they will continued to be tempted to watch what is an excellent standard of nonleague football. Don’t you just love it!

FINALLY….

Can I just pass on my thanks to Paul Cropper, who has taken the match reporting duties off me. Not only has he saved me a lengthy job, but his reports are gems! I look forward to reading them as he mixes the facts with a certain amount of humour. Excellent! anks, Paul, and well done!

Enjoy your non-league football!

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grant shenton shouting from between the sticks e supporters really enjoyed Saturday's game against Belper, particularly the way we coped with losing a man early-on. How did it feel on the pitch?

For me not much changes when someone is sent off, but for the lads in the middle the work rate increases. And I know the lads cover a lot of ground when we have eleven men so you can imagine how hard it gets with a man down. But we all coped well with the situation and got the win.

A few of us feel that the dismissal of a player as well as the award of a penalty is a like a double punishment, do you agree that it should be one or the other if it's not dangerous play?

I agree with you you on this matter. I think it is more than enough of a punishment to give the pen, but to send the accused off as well to me seems as you said double punishment. We all remember Andy Dawson's tackle at Barrow - to give a penalty for that tackle is a dreadful decision, but to then send him off seems very harsh. But that's something for the FA I guess, I don't think I'm alone as a player in saying I’d like that rule to change.

We've watched back the video of Cedric's tackle a load of times and although we thought at the time that it was a stonewall penalty, it looks like he did nothing wrong. How did it seem to you?

I had the best view in the ground which is why I protested so much. Ceders passed the man after he fell while trying to set himself. I've not seen video but I'm 99% sure he didn't touch him. And the big guy said same thing in the changing room - but being Cedric he didn't say it very loud, just a whisper and a smile.

We conceded yet another header at the far post from a long ball. Any idea why this seems to be a weakness, and what we can do about it?

We play attacking football and we play with high wingers. With new additions to the squad and some of the lads changing positions, some of the lads are still getting used to their new jobs. But mainly I think it's down to the physical level in this league - all the teams we are playing have big strong men and they are good at what they do. We're starting to deal with it better I think. We're just gonna work hard to get better all round.

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grant shenton shouting from atop the moors

PLEASE DON’T FEED THE GOALKEEPER

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e official attendance was about 400. How did the increase in numbers feel on the pitch (particularly with more kids) and do you think that bigger attendances is something we need to continue working on as a club?

It was great playing in front of a big crowd and we would love for the crowds to keep growing.

I mean, from a personal point of view I was getting sweets from a young lad behind my goal which is always good as I love sweets.

But we appreciate the support from everyone who attends our games so on behalf of the players ,keep up the support. And thank you.

Saturday’s game felt like the pick of the season to-date, but Buxton are a great side and are on fine form at the moment. Did we learn anything about them last time out that will be of use today?

I think Saturday was a great team display, and we worked really hard for each other so you could be right in saying it was pick of the season so far. As for Buxton we know they are a very good side who play very direct

football. It's really effective, but I'd like to think we learnt a lot about them in the FA Cup game and I know we have the quality to deal with their threat. Going forward we have bags of talent to score goals so it should make for another very entertaining game at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

Is it true that the lads have been making you run up the Rake? e very infamous Rammy Rake! I've only heard people talk about this place a few times. And then come last Tuesday evening. e dreaded text from Anthony, “Bring Runners lads, meet at the ground.” When we got there some lads seemed to have *ahem* picked up knocks on way to the ground from their house! e Gaffers said, “One mile run boys, then up a little hill, then one mile back - easy night.” e one mile there is all uphill so that's hard enough. en we were faced with the hill/ cliff face. We did about eight sprints and a run back. So yes it was true and something I wouldn't mind having an injury for next time.

Peel Tower - it doesn’t look that far, how hard can it be?

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Dom Smalley’s cross to the far-post for Phil Dean to tuck away goal number one

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4-2

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 11th October 2014 Att: 371 Rammy Goals: Dean (3, 16), Abadaki (45), Robinson (76) Belper Goals: Froggatt (6), Ross (22)

It could have come as no surprise that two teams who had so far scored and conceded 101 goals between them so far would serve another multi-goal extravaganza in which attacking flair and panache was matched by some clueless and incoherent defending.

All teams like to play at home of course but the Rams seem to have a particular affinity for their tight Riverside pitch on which they carve out a quality space and openings around the box that can elude them on larger grounds. Phil Dean, who has had a bit of a frustrating time of it so far this season lit the touch paper to a tumultuous first 20 minutes in which defending amounted to a dance of the seven veils with each team contriving to denude their goalkeepers of cover and support. On 3 minutes a neat inter-change between Dominic Smalley and Osebi Abadaki ripped asunder the Belper defence and Dean slid in at the far post. Minutes later it was the turn of the Rams defence to fall into a collective amnesia to populate their penalty area giving Jon Froggatt all the time and space in the world to equalise.

Dean then brought the ground to its feet with a thunderous shot from all of 35 yards that left a startled James Martin in the Belper goal floundering and flapping like a hooked salmon as the ball crashed into the top corner. Back came Belper, looking anything but a bottom of the league team - but who does in this division? Grant Shelton tipped over before more ambiguous defending allowed Froggatt to steal into the area. Cedric Krou hooked his feet away, received an unarguable red card and Ross scored from the penalty spot.

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Osebi Abadaki, the muscular menace!

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4-2

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 11th October 2014 Att: 371 Rammy Goals: Dean (3, 16), Abadaki (45), Robinson (76) Belper Goals: Froggatt (6), Ross (22)

It took a little time for the Rams to reorganise but assisted by some broken play littered by niggling fouls they neutralised the visitors efforts to take advantage of the extra man . Dean now repositioned at left back continued to cause a threat wide. As the half time whistle beckoned Abadaki, a muscular menace, ghosted in on his astute low ball from the left and neatly guided the ball round the keeper into the bottom corner to restore a well earned lead.

From then the Rams never looked like being a man short, defending comfortably as Aaron Cole a threat on the right for Belper started to fade and looking dangerous on the counter attack. Scott Burton and Gary Stopforth matched elegance with hard work in the middle. Clever substitutions by the Rams mid way through the half bolstered some flagging legs . Jordan Hulme released Tom Williams into acres of space James Martin doing well to tip his shot round the post.

Jon Robinson being cleverly used as an impact player to close out games headed Hulme's deep cross neatly back across the keeper to give a two goal cushion and the Rams cruised last 15 minutes into the play-off places.

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Elation as Robbo heads ten-man Rammy towards a memorable 4-2 win

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Wizzzzzzzzzzz... six years and over two hundred games for Rammy, the speedy wee man has even stopped swearing!

“We’ve been really surprised to see you warming the bench for a good part of the season so far, but on Saturday you left the traps like a greyhound, scoring two goals very early on - one of them is a real Goal of the Season contender. Did you have something to prove?”

“Yeah, I felt like I did. I started the season pretty poorly, with my head still being in America where I played over summer. It took me a long while to get back into life over here, and into recapturing the Rammy spirit. I would like to go back over there again, but I won’t have the same problems when I return.”

“How do things compare over there, football-wise?”

“I’m the fittest I’ve ever been after playing over there. Everything is geared towards running, even five-a-side is played on a much bigger pitch, so everything is about running and less about those tight-in skills that we work on a lot over here. Everything is very very athletic. Although most of our team was European, the opposition are all American, and they

are all incredibly athletic. You can see with Jordan just how his game improved over a few months in that style of football, it’s very good for you.”

“Can you tell us a little bit about what life was like in America, and are the supporters just as you’d expect them to be - a lot of whooping and cheering and so on?”

“It’s un-real. e weather was amazing, the way of life is incredible, but you know that it’s not real, it’s just for summer. e people who live there are very friendly, and once they discover you’re from England they go out of their way to look after you. “e fans had just started a fan-club this year, and because of the World Cup, football had become a bit of a fad for them. We had about 3000 at the play-off final starting flares, singing, cheering and the like. But they don’t know as much about football as fans do over here, they don’t really get it. For example, as a player if you had a nothing game but scored a goal in the last few minutes then you’d be an absolute hero whereas if you’d created all kinds in the middle but not put the ball in the net then you’d be ignored or forgotten.”

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Wiz asks the referee how long is left on his watch 50p goes in the swear box.

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“So how are you finding this level? In the Evostik Division One there were a few duff teams that were quite physical, but lacking some of the more skillful players. is season we don’t get the pleasure of any of those as every team is quality.”

“To be honest, we do better against the more skillful teams. If someone comes to try and play football against us then we play our best. If you think back to the games at places like Prescot or Ossett Town, we really struggled to get going there. ey even watered the pitch at Ilkeston, and that’s like a dream for a team like ours!”

“When a player of your class, with a load of offers from bigger clubs over the summer, has to watch games from the touchline, do you end up really wanting to prove yourself, or do you just start thinking ‘sod ya, I’m off!’”?

“You have to go out in a game, when you get a start, and show that you really want the spot. I haven’t got anyone to blame but myself for being on the bench, so it’s no good having a go at anyone. It’s all in my head. It’s not something I’ve really struggled with before, and it’s been hard early-on this season. I’ve got myself properly focussed now, and I think that showed on Saturday.”

“From the touchline, we as fans wonder about the way you perform. For example, if you’re playing well then there’s no stopping you - like on Saturday, we could see that you were going to have a hell of a game - but then if a defender clobbers you then your head seems to go down, is that how it feels?”

Witton Albion

Buxton in action against

“ I think that’s the thing with wingers. It’s probably the hardest position on the pitch because whenever you get the ball you’re expected to do something exciting. No-one else has that kind of pressure, and it is easy for your head to drop if things aren’t going your way, and then everyone gets disappointed in you, and then your head drops further. is is why you’ll find there are a lot of wingers who can be a bit inconsistent.”

“So do you feel the supporters getting on your back at Rammy, or are they supportive even when things aren’t necessarily going your way? “is is one of the great things at Rammy - we don’t really have the whingers who’ll get on your back. We’ve got so used to winning, and of having players who give it our all - you know that we’re all running ourselves into the ground, even if things aren’t going our way, and you know what we’re all capable of. I’ve only ever known Rammy, as I’ve been here six years, but from the feelings you get at other places - where fans start moaning if things aren’t going their way - I reckon we’ve got a top atmosphere here.”

“How do you think Rammy will ultimately do this season, do you think we’ll make the playoffs or settle for mid-table?”

“I’d like to think we can make the playoffs.

Whatever league we’re in we can always compete, and we never get walked over, no matter who we play. It’d be nice to get in the playoffs, and nothing less than the lads deserve.”

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Scoring a goal against Stamford - another 50p in the swear box!

“I know what it feels like when you’ re a fan, but when you play for Rammy, what are the things that stand out for you as unique?”

“It is difficult to say, as all I’ve ever known is playing here. I suppose the main thing is that everyone just seems to have fun. I can’t imagine many changing rooms or managers like ours, and I think that’s why players stick around as long as they do, and why players like Danny and Billy miss the club so much.e fans are something special too, and I’d really like to thank everyone who chipped in for the collection you had for my 200 games things like that are so important and make you feel really good about playing here.”

“Do you think that will help us keep the more fickle players, such as Osebi who seems to have had more clubs than hot dinners?”

“Definitely. Johnno and Bernard are really good at getting the best out of players, though they can be sods, especially when you’re running up the Rake on a Tuesday night. at’s not nice!”

“We’ve always been dying to know how you ended up with the nickname Wiz, and what it means.”

“I don’t really know. At the very first training session I went to, Bernard called me ‘Wiz’, and the name has just stuck. I don’t know if it’s Wizard, or Whizz or Wizzer, it’s sort of all of them!”

“Have you been booked for swearing this season, or have you cleaned out that potty mouth?”

“Twice for tackling, but no bookings for swearing. at’s the way it’s going to stay this season!”

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Sat 16th Aug Tues 19th Aug Sat 23rd Aug Mon 25th Aug Sat 30th Aug Tues 2nd Sept Sat 6th Sept Wed 10th Sept Sat 13th Sept Tues 16th Sept Sat 20th Sept Tues 23rd Sept Sat 27th Sept Sat 4th Oct Sat 11th Oct Sat 18th Oct Tues 21st Oct Sat 25th Oct Sat 1st Nov Tues 4th Nov Sat 8th Nov Tues 11th Nov Tues 18th Nov Sat 22nd Nov Tues 25th Nov Sat 29th Nov Sat 6th Dec Sat 13th Dec Sat 20th Dec Fri 26th Dec Thu 1st Jan Sat 3rd Jan Sat 10th Jan Sat 17th Jan Sat 24th Jan Sat 31st Jan Sat 7th Feb Sat 14th Feb Sat 21st Feb Sat 28th Feb Sat 7th March Sat 14th March Sat 28th March Sat 4th April Mon 6th April Sat 11th April Sat 18th April Sat 25th April

H KING’S LYNN TOWN A Workington A Rushall Olympic H NANTWICH TOWN A FC United of Manchester H MARINE H STAMFORD A Whitby Town A Buxton FAC 1Q H WITTON ALBION A Ilkeston H CURZON ASHTON A Frickley Athletic A Trafford H BELPER TOWN H BUXTON H WHITBY TOWN A Marine A Whitby Town FAT 1Q H WORKINGTON A Halesowen Town H WEST DIDS Lancs Cup A Witton Albion H GRANTHAM TOWN H BURSCOUGH Lg Cup H BARWELL A Matlock Town H RUSHALL OLYMPIC A King’s Lynn Town H ASHTON UNITED A Nantwich Town A Curzon Ashton H TRAFFORD A Belper Town H FRICKLEY ATHLETIC A Buxton H BLYTH SPARTANS A Stamford A Stourbridge H ILKESTON A Skelmersdale United H STOURBRIDGE A Grantham Town H FC UNITED OF MCR A Ashton United H HALESOWEN TOWN A Barwell H MATLOCK TOWN

2-3 0-1 4-2 1-4 1-3 3-2 3-1 0-2 2-3 3-2 4-2 1-1 2-4 1-0 4-2

322 Shenton 415 Shenton 161 Shenton 365 Shenton 1917 Shenton 250 Shenton 357 Shenton 265 Shenton 261 Shenton 231 Shenton 422 Shenton 309 Shenton 215 Shenton 294 Shenton 371 Shenton

Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley + Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Grayson * Pilkington Smalley Smalley

Pugh Pugh Pugh Abadaki * Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington # Pilkington Pugh Pugh Grayson + Pugh Pilkington

Spencer Spencer * Spencer * Spencer + Spencer Spencer Spencer + Spencer Spencer Spencer * Spencer * Spencer 1 Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth

Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson 1 Howson 1 Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson

Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Warrender Krou Warrender Warrender Warrender + Krou 1 Krou 1 Krou Krou Krou Krou

fixtures & results 2014/15

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Hulme 1 Hulme Hulme 1+ Hulme Warrender Abadaki + Abadaki Warrender Abadaki Warrender Abadaki Warrender + Abadaki Abadaki Abadaki + Abadaki # Mota 1* Abadaki * Abadaki 1*

Burton Burton Burton Burton Slaven Burton * Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton 1 Stopforth Burton Burton Burton

Gaskell Gaskell Robinson 1# Robinson 1 Robinson * Slaven 1 Slaven * Slaven + Krou Mota # Pilkington Pilkington Spencer Mota + Hulme #

Robinson 1* Robinson + Pilkington Pilkington Hulme 1# Hulme 1 Hulme 1# Krou Hulme Hulme 2 Hulme 1 Hulme Hulme Hulme Spencer +

Dean + Dean # Dean 2 Dean Dean Dean # Dean 1 Dean Dean * Dean + Williams 1# Williams + Robinson 1# Spencer # Dean 2

Pilkington Pilkington * Abadaki * Williams Williams + Williams # Williams + Mota + Mota * Pugh Dean + Burton + Williams * Robinson 1# Williams *

Slaven Slaven + Slaven + Slaven Krou * Robinson * Robinson # Cook Williams + Williams # Mota # Dean * Cook + Williams + Mota

Abadaki + Abadaki Ahmadi # Cook * Cook # Cook + Cook Williams Pugh # Irwin Irwin Mota Dean # Slaven Slaven

Ahmadi * Cook Ahmadi # Cook Cook Williams Krou + Morley Morley Johnson Morley Johnson Morley Krou * Johnson Morley Johnson Morley Slaven * Cook + Slaven * Cook Robinson # Cook Morley Abadaki Pilkington Dean * Robinson 1+ Gaskell #

Today’s other fixtures: Barwell Curzon Ashton Frickley Grantham Halesowen Ilkeston Kings Lynn Matlock Nantwich Rushall Skelmersdale

v v v v v v v v v v v

Blyth Trafford Belper Workington Stamford FC United Marine Stourbridge Ashton United Whitby Witton

MATCHBAL

Ramsbottom United Sponsorship A range of sponsorship packages to suit all budgets are now available, including pitchside advertising from £150, matchball sponsorship at £40 and corporate hospitality packages from just £25 per person.

For more details call 07576 390762 or email bobsolo37@googlmail.com

fixtures & results 2014/15

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tony’s teasers 1.

Which FA Cup 3rd Q round attracted a sell-out crowd of 2214 last Saturday?

2.

Which club plays at Top Field (not Rammy Juniors!)?

3.

A Russian u-19’s side beat which NWCFL side 22-0 recently?

4.

Which club’s fans staged a televised protest at another game two weeks ago?

5.

Which two teams competed in that game?

6.

Who are the new sponsors of the Southern League?

7.

Gary Brabin has returned to management at which club?

8.

What is the popular end at Barnoldswick Town called?

9.

Which island club is looking to follow Guernsey into the English non-league pyramid?

10.

Who is the player-manager of Welling United?

ANSWERS: 1. Bamber Bridge v Chorley 2. Hitchen Town 3. Cheadle Town 4. Hereford United 5. Kidderminster Harriers and Welling United 6 Evo-Stik 7. Southport 8. e Sewer end! 9. Jersey 10. Jamie Day

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Today's mascot is Jack Stockdale.

He is 7 years old and has been coming to watch and support Ramsbottom United with his dad for two and a half years. Jack's favourite player this season is Osebi Abadaki.

Jack plays for Ramsbottom Bluestars Under 7s who have made a very good start to their season.

He is in Year 2 at Edenfield Primary School where his favourite subject is PE. He likes playing football and with his toy figures. His favourite food is hotdogs. anks for your support Jack, and we hope that you enjoy leading the teams onto the pitch this afternoon.

mascot news At last week’s match against Belper the teams were lead out by members of Rammy’s Junior teams: Charlie, Josh, Alex, Finn, Madeline, Robbie, Matthew and omas, as well as Samson, Hakim, Harvey, Joe, Jack, and Rafe.

We hope you all enjoyed your day down at Rammy and look forward to seeing your names on the team sheet in years to come.

If you’re interested in leading the team out as a mascot for Rammy United then please contact Katie by email: supporters@rammyunited.co.uk

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Grant Spencer

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If your face is circled then congratulations, you’ve just won yourself a cup of tea and a Mars Bar courtesy of Rammy United Supporters Club. Visit the tea bar now to claim your magniďŹ cent prize!

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The Harry Williams Riverside, Acre Bottom, Ramsbottom, Lancashire, Tel: 01706 822799 Recent Senior Honours: Bolton Comination Div 1 Champions: 1972/73 Bolton Comb. Premier Champions 1976/77: Bolton Comb. Div2 cup runners up: 1979/80,1982/83 Bolton Comb. Div2 runners up: 1982/83 Bolton Comb. Cup winners: 1976/77, 1979/80, 1983/84 Bolton Comb. Div1 runners up: 1984/85 Bolton Comb. Cup runners up: 1985/86, 1987/88 Manchester League Cup Winners: 1990/91 Manchester League Champions: 1990/91 Yorkshire Cup runners up: 1993/94 Northwest Counties Div2 Champions: 1996/97 Northwest Counties Div2 Trophy: 1995/96 Bolton Hospital Cup winners: 1974/75, 05/06. 06/07, 07/08 Northwest Counties Premier runners Up 2010/11 Northwest Counties Premier Champions: 2011/12 Northern Premier League Div1 playoff winners: 2013/14

rammy united

Ramsbottom United Football Club President: John Smith Chairman: Harry Williams Vice Chairman: Chris Woolfall Secretary: Tony Cunningham Matchday Secretary: Andy Edmunson Treasurers: H Williams, C Woolfall Committee: Harry Williams, Chris Woolfall, Andy Edmundson, Kevin Hitchen Catering Manager: Sophie Fletcher Programme Editor: Rob Moss Contributors: Callum Rigg, Darren Comer, Richard Isaacs, Tony Cunningham Match Reports: Paul Cropper

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rammy in exile sky sports statto richard isaacs Well, good afternoon everyone - hope all are well and wrapping up warm.

Summer has certainly ended here in the tropical south - you kind of get that impression when my dentist appointment last Monday morning was cancelled due to the surgery being closed due to weekend flooding! At least we have the Rams to keep us warm and content.

Middle of October and fifth in the table? Yes, ok ok, it is still very early days and we are not even half-way through the season but the lads have done us incredibly proud so far and to even be fifth in this league, following our promotion last season, shows just what resolve we have. Playing for 70 minutes with only 10 men, courtesy of Cedric's red card - which, having looked at the video is a little bit 'could be/might not be' - was a terrific effort, of course albeit against the side at the bottom of the table.

Today will be a totally different challenge. From playing bottom of the table to playing the team in second, all in the space of a week. We have already crossed swords this year with Buxton - getting the better of the FA Cup game - but only just, so this could be a real belter here at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium and I really hope there is a bumper crowd here for this 'top of the table' clash ... sounds good, doesn't it!

Anyone who has seen our forum recently will have noticed that I did a few stats and here are a few more (well I am a statistician by trade so I may as well!). e figures are really telling, and it follows the development of the team under Bernard and Anthony.

In the year before they came, attendances averaged just 116 in the 2008/2009 season. Now, we are getting close to THREE times the amount of people coming through the gate, and that matches the outstanding performances on the park.

2007-2008: 123 (19 games) 2008-2009: 116 (21 games) A&B ERA STARTS: 2009-2010: 138 (21 games) 2011-2012: 197 (21 games) 2012-2013: 232 (21 games) 2013-2014: 262 (21 games) 2014-2015: 312 (7 games) So, why are people coming to watch us now? ere are so many answers to that but first on the list is quite simple - the team. We do not get to where we are now without making people sit up and take notice. I can only vouch for myself. When I first started watching Rammy, if you had something better to do, you would go and do it. You arrived more in hope than expectation. It was more for the pie and

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Bart and Lisa consider a Rammy season ticket after ten minutes listening to Richard’s ravings on his recent USA trip

peas and tea in a proper mug than watching the Rams of the day. Now - well, it’s completely unmissable.

I also think that our outstanding media coverage has also boosted our profile massively. Tony's (and now Paul's) match reports, Rob's pictures, invention of rammy.tv and the excellent coverage, Andy and Katie on the twitter and everyone's enthusiasm, coupled with the Rossendale Free Press, Bury Times and Lancashire Telegraph's efforts, has made everyone in the local area take notice.

Bury supporters, amongst many others, now have a 'second team' to come and watch, people around the town know we exist and it is absolutely brilliant. And that all comes back to Anthony and Bernard's incredible turn around of our club's fortunes.

Who remembers the summer of 2009?

Harry appoints these two nippers. Many think he has lost his marbles. And we lose the first game 5-0 to Newcastle Town ... everyone laughs. Same ol' Rammy!

Bottom of the NWCFL Premier Division table, going to be one of those seasons, like the majority of those that preceded it.

And now look (we know another club who are bottom of the NWCFL Premier Division table ......)

Our crowds are getting bigger. Our crowds are getting louder. Gone are the days of the sole voice shouting like a loony (that will be me then!). And long may it continue. Where can this club go? Are we fifth for a reason and what happens if we stay there? What does the future hold. If it is anything like the last five years .... strap yourself in!

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the boogie bus on the road with rammy

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Due to Blyth Spartans making another one of their famous F.A. Cup runs this season, the Rams’ away game against them on Saturday October 25th has been postponed. Don’t panic about having a Rammy-less Saturday though as we have re-arranged to play Marine that day instead, so calm down soft lad! (please note, that the Marine game was originally set for the following Tuesday 28th October).

Based in Crosby, Merseyside, Marine play their football at e Arriva Stadium where they have been based since 1903. Originally, the ground was called Rossett Park, but in 2003 they struck a sponsorship deal to re-name it.

One of the things I despise about modern football is the renaming of traditional grounds, but I suppose you could argue that, at non-league level, any money coming into the coffers is vital. If it keeps the club alive then it is certainly not as bad as Mike Ashley renaming St James Park to e Corporate Interest Stadium.

Marine share the ground with AFC Liverpool (the scouse version of F.C. United). ey have reached the F.A. Cup 1st Round on no fewer than 10 occasions, with their best run coming in 1993, losing 3-1 to Crewe Alexandra in the 3rd Round. e early 1990’s saw Marine with one of their most successful sides ever and followed their cup exploits by winning the

Northern Premier League in both 1994 and 1995. Going further back into their history, Marine reached the Amateur Cup Final in 1932, although they lost to Dulwich Hamlets, in front of 22,000 people at West Ham’s, Upton Park.

Two legendary football names are linked with Marine, one famous and one not so famous. One of my footballing heroes, Kenny Dalglish, is a patron of the club (Dalglish is not only one of the best footballers I have seen live, but I will always hold him in high esteem due to how he handled himself following the Hillsborough disaster). e lesser known name linked with the club is Roly Howard (what an evocative football name) who managed Marine from 1972 – 2005, taking 1,975 games in charge, a world record that is recognised by e Guinness Book of Records. Hopefully, this record will stand until it is broken by Bernard and Jonno in 2038!

If you get there early enough, and the wind and rain are not biting too hard, you might want to pay a visit to Crosby Beach which is where Antony Gormley’s statues, ‘Another Place’, can be seen on the beach and protruding out of the sea. ere is also a tenuous local connection with Ramsbottom, in that Cherie Blair was brought up in Crosby after being born just down the road from us at Fairfield Hospital in Bury. e journey will be nowhere near as long as Blyth Spartans, about 1 hour and 15 minutes, so lets make sure we have another large away day following and make plenty of noise.

YOU RAMS! YOU RAMS! Anthony Gormley’s creepy artwork is worth a look if you want sleepless nights.

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Grant SHENTON Born in January 1991, this 6ft 2” goalkeeper joined Rammy from FC United at the end of August 2010. He was number two at FC United, but a superb season in 2010/11 saw him win Player of the Year for the Rams. He Signed full-time with the club at the start of 2011/12.

Dominic SMALLEY Signed for the club after impressing the managers when he played against the Rams for Atherton LR. Adds a whole new dimension to the Riversiders’ squad, and equally at home on the right side as either a defender or attacking winger.. Brother of Plymouth Argyle’s Deane Smalley.

Grant SPENCER Battling midfield who signed for the club in 2011 following the demise of Rossendale United, for whom he scored a hat-trick in the ridiculous 7-5 Rammy win the previous season. Won the NWCFL title with the club and was offered terms with Conference Premier side Hyde but returned to the club on loan, eventually signing full terms.

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Steve HOWSON Signed from local rivals Radcliffe Borough after a spell playing in Australia, the big man is equally at home in the heart of the defence, or up front poaching goals.

Tom WILLIAMS Wing man Tom came on as a sub in the playoff game for our opponents Bamber Bridge. e Rams management team acted swiftly in the summer to bring him down to Ramsbottom

Joel PILKINGTON Former Burnley professional player who is a model of consistency, wherever he is picked.

A previous Player of the Year award-winner, Joel is a firm favourite with the fans at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, and has played over 200 games for the club.

Scott BURTON It has taken some two years for the management to finally get Scott to join the Rams. Bernard and Jonno have followed Scott’s career with Runcorn Town and he finally joined the club in late January 2014.

A hard-working midfielder, similar in style to Gary Stopforth, and an integral part of the promotion winning team.

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Jon ROBINSON Experienced striker Jon was signed from New Mills and despite plentiful interest from other clubs has remained loyal to the Rams for a number of seasons now, and always finishes near the top of the goal-scoring charts. Regarded as a “Rammy legend” in east Lancashire..

Phil DEAN A constant threat in attack, a solid performer in defence. Awarded Clubman of the Year award in 2011. Continues to cause plentiful problems to defences around the leagues.

Lee GASKELL Signed at the end of August 2011 from Manchester League side Walshaw Sports and has taken his opportunity with some relish.

Last season the 29 year old won the Golden Boot accolade for being the highest scorer in the Division One North.

Jordan HULME Joined the club in December 2011 from Clitheroe via Padiham. Son of a former 1990s Rammy favourite Martin, midfielder Jordan is highly rated and scored 8 goals for the Storks before going to Clitheroe. A versatile player – he can play anywhere from defence to striker.

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Sam COOK

Malachi SLAVEN

Having spent time at University, the youngster spent last season with Shepshed Dynamo before moving back to the northwest, where joint-managers Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson snapped him up for the Rams.

Joined the Rams in the summer of 2014, this midfield player spent last season as a member of the struggling Droylsden side which changed places with e Rams at the end of the campaign.

Osebi ABADAKI e speedy wingman joined the Rams at the beginning of the 2014/15 season, having spent the previous campaign at fellow EvoStik Premier club Nantwich Town.

Cedric KROU Cedric joined the club in January 2014 having impressed the management team during his time with rivals Trafford FC. Essentially a defender, Cedric has the ability to fit in other positions for the team.

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Dan WARRENDER Previously club captain of the Rams, who famously lifted the play-off trophy at Bamber Bridge in May 2014, Danny moved to Salford City in the summer, but soon returned. His consistent displays at the back and in midfield have seen him become a firm favourite with the fans.

Nelson MOTA A 24-year old forward player who signed for the Rams in the middle of September.

Previously with FC United of Manchester and Salford City. Prior to that he had spells at Niort, Lilas, DH Saint-Maur and Paris DC in France, as well as Tercera in Spain.

Gary STOPFORTH A skilful battling midfielder who signed full time with the Rams during the summer of 2012 after coming on loan from AFC Fylde the previous season and dominating the midfield. In his third season with the club he was a vital member of the promotion set-up last term.

Alex PIACENTILE A left-back who signed for the Rams in the middle of September. Previously with C.E.Principado De Andorra, a second division Andorran team with whom he experienced Champions League football.

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Liam IRWIN Son of Manchester United player Dennis Irwin, Liam signed for the Rams in the middle of September. Previously with Stockport Sports, Altrincham and Bolton Wanderers. He played at international level for Republic of Ireland youth.

Anthony JOHNSON Appointed joint manager at the start of the 2009/2010 season and took the club to the NWCFL title in 2011/12 season, despite missing much of the season through injury.

He has helped guide the club through another promotion via the play-os into the Evo-Stik Premier League in May 2014.

Lee PUGH î Łe talented left full-back rejoined the club from Chester during the 2013/14 season having had a short spell here a couple of years earlier. His long throw-in is always a dangerous piece of his armory.

Bernard MORLEY Re-joined the club in January 2009 and became joint manager at the start of 2009/2010. A Rammy man to his core, a combative and hard-working midfelder who has occasionally taken over with some prowess in goal. Successful in guiding the Rams to two promotions in three seasons.

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John MORREY

George GRAYSON

John is the goalkeeping coach at Ramsbottom, and was formerly manager at NWCFL side Maine Road, where he constantly had them pushing for promotion.

A 20 year old player who joined from Conference side Tamworth early in the 2014/15 season. George is a highly rated fullback capable of playing on either ank, giving the Rams additional defensive exibility.

Darren GREEN A highly respected coach who has experience at all levels of the game, from local football with Walshaw to League One time at Bury. Highly respected coach and a coup for the club to have secured him. Also a holder of a UEFA B Coaches badge.

Glenn MOSES Former manager of Atherton LR, leading them to 10th place in the NWCL in 2010/11.

Resigned from his post with the Crilly Park club and joins Ramsbottom United as a highly rated coach.

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SERIOUSLY STRONG SERIOUSLY VERSATILE

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buxton f.c. playing at dizzying heights since 1877 Formed as an offshoot of the town's cricket club, Buxton F.C. began life in the autumn of 1877. Its first game took place on Saturday, October 27th, at e Park (still the home of the cricket club) when 14 members picked sides for a 7-a-side match.

Situated 1000 feet above sea level, the Silverlands is the highest ground within the Pyramid of soccer - and substantially higher than the highest Football League ground (e Hawthorns). e club entered e Combination in 1891 and joined the Manchester League in 1899, winning the championship in 1931/32, which prompted a move to the Cheshire League for the following season (though the reserve side remained in the Manchester League and won the title in 1959/60). It took 40 years to bring the Cheshire League title to Buxton, though the club had been runners-

up in 1962/63. Promotion to the NPL for the 1973/74 season was an opportunity eagerly seized and honours in this league comprise the winning of the President's Cup in 1980/81 and a League Cup final appearance at Maine Road in 1990/91. e club's highest NPL final placing was 4th position achieved in 1980/81, though it was not until September 10th, 1991 "the Bucks" actually topped the NPL (eventually finishing 5th). Buxton’s best years in the F.A. Cup came in the two decades after World War Two. In 1951/52 the club, having defeated then Football League Club, Aldershot, 4-3, reached the third round proper only to lose 2-0 at Division 2 side Doncaster Rovers, while first round appearances followed in 1958 and 1962. However in 2003/04 Buxton reached the fourth qualifying round only to meet their match at Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion.

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e early days of the F.A. Trophy however saw the club develop a considerable reputation, reaching the quarter-finals in 1970/71 and 1971/72. A full member of the F.A. and the Derbyshire F.A., Buxton F.C. has won the Derbyshire Senior Cup 10 times, including 3 times in the 1980's. e Bucks got off to a disappointing start in 2011/12 and John Reed and Clive Freeman left the club in November by mutual consent. e managerial reigns were initially picked up by experienced player/coach Scott Maxfield, who brought in ex-Sheffield FC manager Chris Dolby as his assistant, but Martin McIntosh was appointed manager in February with ‘Maxi’ as his assistant. Results picked up immediately and a remarkable run of 10 wins from 12 matches at the end of the campaign left the Bucks in 13th place when relegation looked odds on at one stage. To

cap the season off the Bucks gained revenge over a young Derby County side in a repeat of the previous season’s Derbyshire Cup Final to lift the cup with a Mark Reed goal.

In 2012/13 the Bucks finished a very creditable 7th in Martin McIntosh’s first full season in charge and last season, after signing experienced former full-time professionals like Andy Warrington and Derek Niven, the club made a good start to the campaign but a poor run of form around Christmas time ended any play-off hopes and needed some solid late-season performances to finish 13th. e lack of goals scored last season was a factor that the club will be trying to address and the early pre-season capture of Liam Hardy and Shaun Tuton has added firepower to the squad. photos courtesy of Ken Allsebrook

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two to watch

CRAIG KING -Midfield (23), creative midfielder who signed for the Bucks in the summer of 2013. Chesterfield-born King came through the ranks at Leicester City, making an odd first-team appearance, and also represented the Scotland Under-19’s team on two occasions while with the Foxes.

He spent nearly the whole of the 2009/10 season on loan at Hereford United, scoring 3 times in 26 appearances, before being transferred to AFC Telford United in the summer of 2011 after another loan spell, this time at Northampton Town. He spent one season at Telford before joining Worksop Town for the 2012/13 season. Craig was voted supporters player-of-the-season last term and found the net 8 times in 53 (1) appearances.

DEREK NIVEN-Midfield (30), Falkirk-born Niven came through the ranks at Stenhousemuir before signing for Raith in the summer of 2000, making his debut the following January. Sam Allardyce took him to Bolton later in 2001 but he never made a first team appearance in nearly two years and was transferred to Chesterfield in December 2003. Derek made a big name for himself in nine seasons with ‘the Spireites’, making nearly 300 league appearances, despite battling illness for a time and will go down in history as the last player to ever score a league goal at Chesterfield’s old Saltergate ground in their 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth in May 2010. He was released in the summer of 2012 and signed a one-year contract at Grimsby Town before joining the Bucks in the summer of 2013.He scored once in 38 (4) appearances last season.

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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures When Neil Sedaka recorded One Way Ticket to the Blues back in 1960, I’m sure he was not singing about an away day at Frickley, but never has a song been so appropriate. For our recent trip to West Yorkshire. I had decided to organise a coach to take the supporters, although this is something I do not normally get involved in (for a bloody good reason I can hear you all shouting), but sometimes you just have to show willing.

Anyway, after a week of messaging people and making phone calls, we had a full complement of sixteen Ultras leaving Ramsbottom at 12.00 for the short (ish) journey up the M62. Everything was going well and we made excellent progress, and were on the outskirts of Frickley not long after 1.00. is was when the first sign of things to come occurred. I asked the driver if we could stop for a pint and some lunch just outside of the town, but he said he had another job to go to, so we carried on and arrived at the ground for 1.30. Upon arrival, the driver said he had no knowledge of being booked to take us back for the return trip which set me into something of a panic. While Little Katie was trawling through my e-mails for proof of a return

trip, Mrs Darkside was on the phone to the travel company but all to no avail. A few more phone calls and we had established that there would be enough travelling Ultras in cars to make sure we all could get home safely after the game, so we bade our driver a (not so) fond farewell We then made our way into the ground, me with a very red and embarrassed face, and made our way to the bar. It was not long before I was getting a text from Martin ‘Julius Caesar’ Hulme who was in Chester, calling me Mr Shearings.. I realised then that this would go down in Rammy folklore and will never be forgotten so I consoled myself in a pint of Bombardier in the Frickley clubhouse. Luckily, there was another excellent away following and by 3.00 there seemed to be as many Rammy Ultras there as home supporters. e first half saw Rammy racing into a 2-0 lead and the half time pint tasted much sweeter as we looked forward to more of the same in the second half and another 3 points to take home to East Lancashire. ...how wrong we were. Full credit to our hosts who absolutely battered us in the second half and came away with a 4-2 victory, although it could have been more if it was not for Shents making some fine saves. At the final whistle both teams were applauded from the pitch by both sets of supporters who seemed to be in agreement on the officials, who quite rightly got booed off (not sour grapes here as we were saying

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from the darkside

Now we know where Frickley is, but we’re not so sure about the place

the quality was poor even when we were in of course, Harry was never going to let me get away with this one lightly. What the the lead).

I enjoyed the Frickley supporters company travel disaster did show is that we really are on the day, especially after some of the a family at Rammy and that we all pulled previous weeks’ scare-mongering when together to make sure everyone got home some said it would be like going to the Old from Frickley. anks to all who gave us lifts Den at Millwall wearing a West Ham shirt. home and many more apologies to those Myself, Mrs Darkside and Callum the who travelled armed only with a One Way Camera had managed to get a lift back with Ticket to the Blues.

Dave and his son Young Jake, and we had a great journey home in the Malc toys with getting end. e highlight of the a pie, but wonders if journey home was passing a it’ll be like a proper pie from Lancashire car that had stopped on the hard shoulder of the M62 so that a certain, nameless Ultra could relieve himself of the afternoon’s beers.

We arrived back in Rammy at 6.00 and made our way down to the cricket club for a few more beers and a bit more mickey taking out of yours truly, only this time it included the players, management and

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supporters club on the terraces of rammy As I looked around the large crowd last week, I couldn’t help giving a little smile at how far Rammy has come. We visit so many clubs, even at this level, where the support comprises nobbut a load of old fellas, yet at Rammy we find that a huge proportion of our supporters are women and children. As I’ve said last week, they aren’t just footy families doing dad’s thing, but real fans who know what’s going on, understand the game, and know the players... and why the heck not!

I was also reading about this ‘Rooney Rule’ in America, where clubs are forced to interview black candidates for managerial jobs, and the possibility that the FA may introduce it in this country. Perhaps things are different in America, or even elsewhere in this country, but I consider that singling out someone based on their race is not relevant in football, or in life. At Rammy we have black players and white players, and ginger players - who cares! Our players get into the team based purely on their ability, which is exactly as it should be, and if we appointed a manager it would similarly be based on their ability! Last month Jordan Hulme was voted Supporters Player of the Month, this time around it was Osebi Abadaki does it matter what colour they are? We are a completely inclusive club, without having to get things forced on us, and I can’t help thinking

that something like this “Rooney Rule” will just create animosity where none currently exists - particularly in places that are perhaps not as open and accepting as Rammy.

Oops - I ended up ranting, when all I meant to say was that I was proud about the diversity of the Rammy Family - supporters and players alike. I hope that Saturday’s crowd, and great atmosphere shows us all that we need children at our matches, and we need to take steps to make our games a more attractive proposition than a visit to other local clubs.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Callum and Jack for the sterling work that they’re putting into helping make rammy.tv a success. ey’re both very talented, and it’s great to have them onboard. I thought it was great testament to the Rammy Experience that Callum asked us to get him a Rammy shirt to say thanks for all his hard work - he seemed pretty chuffed that he had it presented by Bernard too.

Just a quick note about the parking situation at Rammy, after a heated meeting we’ve just had in the Oaks. If you get to the ground after about 2:35pm then please don’t even attempt to get down the service road. I spent half an hour running around trying to unpick the grid-lock a couple of weeks ago, and everyone involved was going nowhere and getting extremely frustrated. It’s an issue that desperately needs dealing with, but until it’s addressed we’ll just have to use our own common sense and avoid the area in the minutes preceding the match.

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Media student and Rammy Convert Callum Rigg gets presented with a club shirt by Bernard

Media student and rammy.tv expert cameraman Jack Woodman

Women, children, teenagers and a load of happy fellas - Quid A Kid proved a great success

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Managers: Anthony Johnson, Bernard Morley

Grant SHENTON Dominic SMALLEY Joel PILKINGTON Gary STOPFORTH Steve HOWSON Cedric KROU Osebi ABADAKI Scott BURTON Jordan HULME Grant SPENCER Phil DEAN Jon ROBINSON Malachi SLAVEN Dan WARRENDER Tom WILLIAMS Lee GASKELL Lee PUGH Sam COOK George GRAYSON

Managers: Martin McIntosh

Arron JAMESON Stuart LUDLAM Jamie GREEN Neil STEVENS Ash PALMER Gregg YOUNG Alastair TAYLOR Derek NIVEN Shaun TUTON Liam HARDY Craig KING Jonathan WILLIAMS Josh DAVIES Steve ISTEAD Mark REED David REAY Tim RYAN James HANDLEY Alex BYRNE

Referee: Chris Isherwood (Leyland) Referee’s Assistants: James Morgan (Wigan), James orburn (Stockport)

Next home game: Tuesday 21 October 7:45pm, Rammy v Whitby

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