44 Ramsbottom United v Grantham Town

rammy news v GRANTHAM TOWN 22-11-14

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Welcome to everybody who has made the trip from up from Lincolnshire (a beautiful part of the world). I sincerely hope you have had a great day out in our lovely little village and enjoy the game (except the result).

Saturday's game was a terrific result for us and not just because of the prize money we won but we felt we turned a bit of a corner after our two recent performances against Halesowen and West Didsbury.

Bernard and I were both very disappointed with the lads’ application during both games and felt that our normally very high levels of work rate were missing in large parts of the game.

To be fair to them though, they were excellent during the game against Nantwich; we started the game very well and on the front foot. e only disappointment was that we didn't take more of our chances and to a certain extent gave them a bit of belief that they could get back into the game! A win’s a win however and to do it the way we did was very pleasing indeed.

Last week we got the sad news that Joel Pilkington was retiring. Pilky is one of the most honorable and dedicated blokes I have ever had the pleasure to meet - his reasons behind retiring prove that as he didn't want to just turn up without putting 100% into everything for the club. We made him an offer to stay on as a coach and he said he'd have a think about it after a rest from the game so hopefully we haven't seen the last of him.

We had some great news last week as well though. Captain Marvel Andy Dawson could potentially be pulling the blue shirt on again within a couple of months if his continuing rehab goes to plan. He went back to the specialist last week and was told he can step up his training - fingers crossed he comes through the next few weeks.

Last week’s support at Nantwich was again immense so please get behind the lads this afternoon in what is surely going to be another six pointer.

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tony cunningham and the wonderful world of non-league football Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium and a special welcome to our match officials this afternoon, and of course, a warm welcome to all who have made the lengthy journey up from deepest Lincolnshire, everyone connected with Grantham Town, who we face for the first time ever this afternoon. e Gingerbreads face many a lengthy journey, being on the cusp of the north/south split, but geographical positions determine the amount of travelling each team has to do, and unfortunately for today’s opponents, their situation is one which demands many miles during the course of the season.

I last travelled down to Grantham back in the 1980’s when they were still at their old London Road ground which they shared with the adjacent cricket club.

Whether I will make it to their “new” ground, I very much doubt. Once again, work prevented me even travelling the relatively short journey to Nantwich, which I find so frustrating. However, it’s the business that pays the bills, and Saturdays just happen to be our main day, so a clash with football is always likely. Whereas I’ve probably been fortunate in not being able to travel to the likes of Frickley and Halesowen, it does seem that I missed another

excellent performance from the lads down in south Cheshire.

A good cup or trophy run is always welcome, and we have now made progress in two competitions (the FA and Lancs FA Trophies), and we can look forward to more challenges ahead as we aim to be rewarded with some silverwear come the season’s end. Before then, there’s just the little matter of the main offering – the league. We are still well placed for the playoffs, although it may still be regarded as early days yet. Mind you, if anyone had offered us this position at the start of the season, we’d certainly have taken it. ere is plenty of football still to be played but yet again, it is promising to be a memorable campaign.

BIASED? It’s funny, isn’t it, but when I attend a game as a neutral, I rarely see a poor refereeing performance.

Finally leaving work at 2.30 last Saturday, I looked for a local match and ventured down to watch Droylsden take on Burscough (our visitors on Tuesday). I still managed to miss the kick-off, but saw an entertaining and controversial match. e referee took some stick from the home fans at the end of the game (and for most of the second half, come to think of it), as the Bloods lost out to an injury time

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Saturday’s ref - he was alright! He even played a nifty one-two in the lead up to our third goal

winner from the west Lancashire side, having been reduced to nine men during that second period.

I could argue that a couple of bookings during a rather torrid second 45 minutes, were a little harsh, but the first sending-off occurred after the same Droylsden player fouled the same Burscough player twice within three minutes as he was skipping past him. Is it too obvious to suggest that if you’ve just hauled someone down and received a yellow card, you don’t repeat the process moments later? e second dismissal appeared to be for an elbow, and with the referee much better placed than I, who am I to disagree?

As far as I was concerned the official had a decent game, but it’s strange how impartiality allows one to assess situations with much more clarity than those directly involved?

JOEL Bernard and Jonno have made some terrific signings during their 5 ½ years in charge, many of whom will quite rightly claim to be regarded as Rammy legends in years to come.

We can all name at least a dozen such players,

but I’m willing to bet that in each case, at, or near the top of the list, would be Joel Pilkington.

Our duo’s first signing and without doubt one of their best. Versatile doesn’t do Joel justice. No matter where he was picked, you knew you would get nothing less than 100%.

So how sad do we all feel that he has decided to retire at the early age of just 30.

I appreciate that holding down a job, looking after a family and committing to training, playing and travelling with a football club takes some juggling, and maybe Joel needs some breathing space. I sincerely hope that’s all it is, for a more genuine lad you would never find, and I hope he comes to the conclusion, after a suitable rest period, that the time to give up playing is when the body says so, and not whilst there is so much more to give.

If you do come back, Pilky, we’d all be delighted, but if you don’t, heartfelt thanks from everyone here for your sterling efforts during the club’s most successful period to date.

Enjoy your non-league football!

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grant shenton shouting from between the sticks e news of Pilkie's decision to pack in playing came as a huge surprise to us supporters, was it as much of a shock to the team?

It was just as much of a shock for the lads as it was for the fans; we didn't see it coming. He will be missed in the changing room.

We heard that he filled up when he was giving a bit of a speech before the Didsbury game, is that true, and is that a sign of how important football is to the lads?

He did fill up a bit yeah as did some of the lads listening. He's a great friend with everyone in the team so it's only human.

But I think it's down to where he's playing the football - Joel mentioned in his leaving speech that this was the most fun he has had at any football club he's been at. which speaks volumes on the team spirit we have at rammy.

What happened at half-time in the Didsbury game - Johnno and Bernard kept everyone out on the pitch, were they giving you all the Phil Brown treatment?

It was a decision made by the gaffers to keep us out. We weren't at the races and they wanted to to tell us

what was on their minds which they did and it worked. We won that game and we played really well in the trophy.

A good strong performance against Nantwich, which we can take as a bit of a benchmark of our progress so far this season having got tonked by them earlydoors. Were you happy with the way we played, and the way we're improving game-on-game?

We played really well from the off and we took a very well deserved lead before half time. Also we didn't fold after the break like in the reverse fixture earlier in the season - we held our shape very well and they didn't create too many chances.

We are getting better each match because we are growing in experience and confidence so we will take each game as they come.

What about a trip to Wembley - do you fancy Rammy to make the FA Trophy final? Do you think the 300 Rammy fans would rattle around in the place a bit?

We have the quality to do so and with a good draw. Why not? I would back is against any team on our day. And 300 rammy ultras in Wembley would make loads of noise.

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Any teams in the Trophy that you've always wanted to play, but have never had the chance?

Personally I'm not relishing something like Dover Athletic once the draw goes national!

For me I'd like Stockport away with a win for us and a home game after that against a side like Wrexham something like that.

When everyone is on top of their game and mad-fer-it, do you all find it a bit more difficult to get going if we don't have a midweek game, or does the break do you good?

For me as a keeper I like games thick and fast as do some of the lads but everybody's different and some lads would like the break.

Grantham are on a fantastic run of form at the moment, very similar to ours. It looks like we might be in for a belter this afternoon.

Yes they are on a good run and yet another team we've not faced in the club’s history so it's got the makings of another entertaining game at the Harry Williams Riverside. I hope everyone enjoys the game.

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î Łe Weaver Stadium 15th November 2014 Att: 238 Rammy Goals: Williams (6), Dean (38), Spencer (56) Nantwich Goals: Winslade (68)

Tom Williams opens the scoring for the Rams on 6 minutes

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Sixty minutes football of Swiss watch smoothness and precision put the Rams through to the next round of the FA Trophy .

Encouraged by an immaculate pitch that puts many in higher leagues, and not least the national stadium, to shame it was clear from the body language that the Rams were determined to put the ennui of recent games ďŹ rmly behind them. Scott Burton was an impenetrable shield in front of the back four, Dom Smalley rampaged up the right wing and in tandem with Tom Williams ran the Nantwich left back ragged.

Jordan Hulme quite simply made a total pest of himself ranging the full width of the pitch, holding the ball up, bringing others into play and generally driving the whole of the Nantwich defence to distraction. It what was clearly a well rehearsed move his run to the near post after 5 minutes took with him both central defenders allowing Williams to ghost in on Grant Spencer's in swinging free kick and slide home from the six yard line.

By the time the second goal came along on 38 minutes, delayed only by a couple of smart saves from Terry Smith, the disintegration of the Nantwich back line was such that they were engaging more with the oďŹƒcials than the Rams attackers. Still arguing with the referee over a disputed throw they failed to react to another accurate cross from Spencer. Hume headed on and the ball fell perfectly to Phil Dean who volleyed past Smith from a narrow angle in almost Van Basten fashion.

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A smashing Wiz volley for the second Rammy goal

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e Weaver Stadium 15th November 2014 Att: 238 Rammy Goals: Williams (6), Dean (38), Spencer (56) Nantwich Goals: Winslade (68)

Eleven minutes into the second half and the game was all but up. Jordan Hulme was again the provider, taking advantage of further confusion among the Nantwich defenders as to what constitutes offside, to calmly round the keeper and tee up Grant Spencer with the easiest of taps ins. at really should have been that but the Rams do like to dangle the chin and invite a counter punch. With 20 minutes left they allowed Winslade space to slot in a low cross from the left. For a few moments there was a threat of an unlikely comeback which could all too easily have materialised except for some classy interventions from an imperious Cedric Krou, one of which he followed up with a mazy 70 yard run spoiled only by a shot that ballooned over the bar. With that the Rams restored equilibrium and calm.

Smith saved brilliantly from Dean, set up by another strong run from Hulme and a neat cut back, and the Rams closed the game out comfortably although where 4 minutes off added time came from is as much a mystery as how they managed to let Nantwich beat them at home earlier in the season.

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Jordan takes on half the Nantwich team to set-up Spencer for the third

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joel pilkington we talk to pilkie about his recent retirement announcement

Osebi Abadaki, the muscular menace!

Few names resound with such committed Rammy-ness as that of Bernard and Johnno’s first ever signing Joel Pilkington. He has popped up in virtually every position on the pitch, and has played no fewer than 235 games in a career that spans six seasons at the Riverside. At 30 years of age, we were all astonished to discover that Pilkie had decided to hang up his boots, and so we caught up with him before the Didsbury game and asked just what happened to cause him to pack up playing for Rammy.

“To play for this club, and do the team justice, you have to be able to turn up and wear your heart on your sleeve. It’s no good going into tackles halfheartedly, or finding yourself wondering if this is really where you want to be, and what you really want to be doing. I’ve always given Rammy 100% and that is that way that the managers and your team-mates expect you to play. Over the last few months though, since perhaps a couple of months into the new season, I’ve found my mind wandering, and as a result my performances are starting to suffer. It’s been a struggle at some games this season to get my head around playing, and I think that I just have to be man enough to admit it. It’s not fair to the lads to turn-out half-hearted as I

might miss something during a game that could cost us the points - I owe them better than that.

“In terms of how I’ve been playing, I doubt that it’s come across how jaded I’ve been feeling as I’m not one to let it show, but it’s more of a battle that I’ve been having with myself. Obviously I try to set myself a high standard of playing, which is what I’ve always been like.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s the travelling that’s affected me, as the extra travelling is all part and parcel of getting promoted and of playing a higher level of opposition - that’s just what you have to expect. It’s more that I occasionally find myself just not wanting to be there - it might be because I’ve been playing constantly for fifteen years, and because I’m quite committed. I very rarely miss training sessions, and when I do things I like to do them properly - I just feel that I can’t do that any more.

“It’s also nothing to do with being on the bench. It’s a fact of life that when you’re a versatile player, or a jack-of-alltrades if you like, that you find yourself being on the bench quite a bit, and I’ve spoken to Johnno and Bernard about this. at’s just the way it is, and if being on the bench bothered me then I would have left a long time ago - I could have just gone and played for somebody else.

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“It’s an honour and a privelege to be able to end my football career at Ramsbottom United.”

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“Yeah, it’s frustrating to be on the bench, but at the end of the day it’s the managers’ decision where you play on the pitch, if you play at all, and even if you disagree with them, there’s no point arguing or sulking about it, I’m more professional than that. At the end of the day it’s down to them and you have to trust that they know best, so this really has nothing to do with my decision at all.

“Johnno and Bernard have mentioned to me the possibility of coming back and getting involved more in the coaching side of things, but right now I just really need a break from it all. e coaching idea doesn’t really appeal to me at the minute, but if I’m going to make the decision to do that then I need some time to think about it.

“It’s been a shock to pretty much everyone that I’ve decided to finish as I’ve kept it completely to myself, but it’s something I’ve thought long and hard about for a good while now, not a decision that I’ve taken lightly.

“I would like to just say that I’ve played at some alright clubs and have played at a pretty decent level, and I have to say that this is the best time I’ve ever had while playing football. I want to thank Bernard and Johnno as well as all the fans at the club. I’m really

proud to have been part of Rammy and getting us up through the leagues, and I hope the club gets promoted again this season. Part of me wishes that I’d seen this season through and help get the club promoted again, but it wasn’t to be.

“I’ve told the lads that I’ll definitely come and watch them. I’ve not fallen out with anyone or left on bad terms. I’m not packing in to go and sign for anyone else or anything like that. I’ve no intention of turning out for anyone else and I’m just really proud to be finishing my career at Rammy.”

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grantham town not just where atcher came from ...but also the town in which Sir Isaac Newton was schooled. Grantham is a new stomping ground for Rammy supporters, and it’s another of those poor teams that find themselves on the fringes of both the Southern and Northern leagues, occasionally getting swapped between the two according to the whims of the FA. ey began life very early in footballing terms, way back in 1874, entering the Midland Amateur League which they won a couple of years before World War I broke out.

An astonishing name in the club history books is that of Jack McCartney, who hung up his boots in 1955. During his career at the club, McCartney scored no fewer than 416 in just 456 appearances - a frightening statistic at any level of football. e 60s and 70s were a golden era for Grantham Town, with a record crowd of 6578 attending London Road for a visit of Jack Charlton’s Middlesborough team, who incidently won 2-0. A move up to the Southern League came hot on the heels of that game, followed by a quick promotion to the premier division... followed by an equally quick return to Division 1.

A move to the Northern League saw the club finish fourth followed by failure to be reelected at the end of 1983-84, seeing a return instead to the Southern League. e usual financial troubles that seem to beset a great many clubs set in, but with Martin O’Neil as manager the club missed

out by another promotion by just a single point. As we all know, O’Neil went on to climb the managerial ladder very soon afterwards.

A move from their traditional London Road stadium saw the club play at Spalding for a year before settling in to their new home at the catchily names ‘South Kesteven Sports Stadium’ or 'e Meres' as it’s known to the locals.

A quarter final FA Trophy excursion saw the club finally defeated by Southport (we know the feeling) in front of 3695 in 1998, and despite a whole load of financial and ownership shenanigans they managed to recover from relegation in 2001 by getting promoted yet again back to the Premier Division in 2002. e FA Cup bandwagon trundled into town in 2003 when they conceded an injury time goal to Leyton Orient in the first round proper in front of the BBC cameras, ultimately losing 2-1.

Business as usual as the club found themselves yet again transfered from the Southern to the Northern League, suffering relegation straight away to the Division 1 South. A playoff defeat to Nantwich in 2008 meant that the usual instant bounce-back wasn’t happening, and the club again missed out in the playoffs in 2012, losing 2-0 to Rushall Olympic. It was just a practice-run for a team that would go on to win the league by a massive 10-point margin the next season.

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“ business as usual as the club found themselves yet again transfered from the Southern to the Northern League“ e club again found life in the Premier division difficult and managed to achieve 15th spot in the Premier Division last season. is season has been quite a different story though, with Grantham perched precariously in that fourth play-off spot, with a home form second to none. As you’d expect from a team with so much travelling on the cards their away form is not nearly so impressive, with just three wins and a single draw from their ten away games.

Last week saw them draw with the

rampant Skelmersdale United precede by wins against Trafford, Buxton, Witton, Nantwich and Workington - just the one league defeat amongst that lot, away to Barwell. e recent budget cuts have seen big changes among the playing staff, and led Jimmy Albans to step down as Joint Manager back in November after over four seasons alongside Wayne Hallcro who continues the job on his own.

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In action against Belper Town Photo Courtesy of Ken Allsebrook

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Paul GRIMES – Striker Leading scorer in the Southern Division Championship side. Returned to his home town club Brigg where he was joint player manager before returning to the Gingerbreads in January 2014.

Rhys LEWIS – Midfield Joined in June 2010 from local football. Broke into the first team that season before contributing several goals in the run in to the play offs. Player of the year for two consecutive seasons.

five to watch

Sam PURCICOE – Defender First came to the club on loan from Mansfield town in 2010 before making the move permanent. Had brief spells at Rainworth and Belper before rejoining in December 2013.

Dan HAYSTEAD – Goalkeeper Signed in the summer 2013 from Conference North Boston United. Began his career at Sheffield United. He has also played at Hinckley United, Ilkeston and Hucknall as well as two spells at Boston United

Wayne HALLCRO – Manager Reappointed as joint-manager with Jim Albans just before Christmas last season. Previously spent three and a half years in charge at the club taking them to a playoff final and then the Southern division championship at the end of the 2011 /2012 season. Took over as sole manager in the start of November this year.

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tony’s teasers 2.

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Tuesday’s game at Witton was postponed because Albion were replaying against which club?

Whch team is former Ram Adam Morning now playing for?

Who was the manager responsible for Newport County’s elevation out of the Conference?

What colours do Rainworth Miners Welfare play in?

Which Evo-Stik League club plays at e Beeches?

Which local non-league club’s take-over was completed last week?

Warrington Town’s reward for beating Exeter in the FA Cup is a trip to which other non-league side? e Kuba-Kuba brothers are currently turning out for which club?

Former Football League referee Colin Seel is currently PA man at which Northern League club?

Which Welsh club plays at e Oval?

ANSWERS: 1. Workington 2. Droylsden 3. Justin Edinburgh 4. All White 5. Tividale 6. Salford City 7. Gateshead 8. Bacup and Rossendale Borough 9. Celtiuc Nation 10. Caernarfon Town

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Phil Dean a record-breaking 255 matches for Ramsbottom United p

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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 Sat 15th Nov Sat 22nd Nov Tues 25th Nov Sat 29th Nov Sat 6th Dec Sat 13th Dec Sat 20th Dec Fri 26th Dec Sun 28th 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 Nantwich FAT 2Q H GRANTHAM TOWN H BURSCOUGH Lg Cup A Banbury United A Matlock Town H RUSHALL OLYMPIC A King’s Lynn Town H ASHTON UNITED H SKELMERSDALE 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 2-0 4-0 3-1 2-1 1-1 0-2 3-0 3-1

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 470 Shenton 237 Shenton 366 Shenton 233 Shenton 250 Shenton 358 Shenton 132 Shenton 238 Shenton

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

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

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

Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson 1 Howson 1 Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson 2 Howson Howson Howson Robinson + Howson

Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Warrender Krou Warrender Warrender Warrender + Krou 1 Krou 1 Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Robinson Krou 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 * Abadaki 1 * Abadaki + Abadaki 1 Abadaki # Abadaki + Robinson # Abadaki * Williams 1*

Burton Burton Burton Burton Slaven Burton * Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton 1 Stopforth Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton Pilkington * Burton Burton Burton Williams Burton

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

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

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

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

Slaven Slaven + Slaven + Slaven Krou * Robinson * Robinson # Cook Williams + Williams # Mota # Dean * Cook + Williams + Mota Mota * Mota Mota # Mota Williams # Abadaki # Piacentile Gaskell +

Abadaki + Abadaki Ahmadi # Cook * Cook # Cook + Cook Williams Pugh # Irwin Irwin Mota Dean # Slaven Slaven Slaven Gaskell + Gaskell Gaskell # Mota Spencer * Burton * Robinson #

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 # Robinson # Pugh Robinson #1 Pugh Slaven * Piacentile Robinson + Pilkington * Gaskell + Robinson * Mota Piacentile Hulme # Mota Piacentile

Our MATCHBAL Club Needs Our Help If you can spare as little as half an hour to help Harry Williams keep Rammy’s pitch and ground in the impeccable condition that we’ve all become so proud of then please just come down and help, any day of the week from 11am onwards.

fixtures & results 2014/15

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If your face is featured 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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rammy in exile sky sports statto richard isaacs Good afternoon one and all - hope you are all well and recovered from the trip down the M6 to Nantwich last weekend.

It was certainly a different trip for me this time and the jury is still out on whether the Isaacs hoodoo remains in place over the Rams, despite us actually winning the game last weekend. e joy of a flat tyre between junctions 19 and 18 whilst hastily heading from a quick Bury Market shop on Saturday lunchtime down to the Weaver Stadium resulted in mum (watching her first Rammy game ever), dad and I arriving at half-time, by which time we were already 2-0 up. So the final result was 3-1 ... which technically meant that I only watched a 1-1 draw and therefore my last 3 Rammy games have been "D L D".

So I am pleading to the Rammy brethren - am I exonerated? Or does the curse of my watching continue? I did try and chant "I'm not really here .... I'm not really here .... just keep going .... I'm not really here!" but it didn't seem to work.

Another fantastic away day (well, a half-day anyway!) and I just love the brilliant cameraderie. But, one thing that did strike me while I was tootling my way back up the motorway at 50mph on my emergency space saving tyre was that I would never want anything to change in what we

have at Rammy. e fantastic relationship between everyone involved with the club, from the Chairman all the way to the very youngest of supporters, through the committee, the managers, the players and the spectators, must stay as it is, regardless of where the club goes.

I really don't think that it would change - Bernard and Jonno and the supporters really wouldn't let it, but to see the players enjoying the company of the fans and vice versa - something which certainly happens on the Rammy Boogie Bus, I am led to believe, should never change. It is what has made our club just so enjoyable over, not only the recent years, but the whole history of Ramsbottom United FC. It is what makes me enjoy my visits to watch all the more pleasant and should entice more and more people to turn their back on the faceless values of the higher professional echelons and embrace our level of football.

Anyway, I will get off my soup box now.

You will be pleased to know that I am not at today's game - I will be back watching rugby down here in Southampton but, as always, keeping a close eye on events via the Twitter feed and I am also unlikely to be at the most local match that Rammy have ever had to me here in Southampton at Banbury United on the following Saturday either as I will be working on a very early one-day international between

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Richard with Mark Bray from Somerset, a combined mileage of 708 miles to watch Nantwich v Rammy

England and Sri Lanka, which starts at 4.30 on Saturday morning and I will be at Sky Studios for that. I am trying to work out my timings but maybe, just maybe... it would be just my luck to miss the game which is actually less than 100 miles from my home! I bet Rob cannot wait for this one though.

I am probably not going to get to many games in the near future as my cricket work load is going to massively increase with the Sri Lanka series, the Aussie Big Bash and, of course, the World Cup coming up in February next year followed by England in the West Indies plus the glorious IPL and then ... the English domestic season kicks o once more! And you can see it all on Sky Sports (get the corporate plug in!).

I am looking forward to the Sri Lanka v England series - although I will only be working in the studios in London and at some ungodly hours as well but it will be great to meet some of our special guests that are coming in - including Stuart Broad, Michael Carberry and Matt Prior.

I will see if I can take my scarf in and hopefully I will get Nottingham Forest fan Broad with a Rammy scarf! Prior is probably a Brighton and Hove Albion man while Carberry, I think, is one of the London clubs.

Well, that is about enough for me today!

Keep the atmosphere going and those sheep, they say no! COME ON YOU RAMS!!!

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spot the ball and win a customised rammy mug

Simply email your chosen grid reference to qy@dr.com and the winner will be chosen at random from those submitting the correct answer. You can then have your very own personalised rammy mug, which will be presented at the next home game.

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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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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.

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.

Lee PUGH e 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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures We really do have a great bunch of old and young, male and female supporters who follow Rammy these days, and they really fill these trips with wonderful memories, so Id like to send out an invitation before I waffle on about our recent exploits. If you have never travelled on e Boogie Bus before, then please give it a try. You will be made to feel more than welcome and be part of Rammy family before we are even off the M66. Hopefully the details of our recent away day at Halesowen will whet your appetite...

Just seven days after the Halloween Special in Whitby, e Mutton Army (name copyright of Sir Paul Cropper), were back on the Boogie Bus for a trip to the Black Country to take on Halesowen Town. e same as the week before, the players‘ coach was leaving the Riverside Stadium as the bells at St Pauls Church hit 10.30, with the usual suspects from the Rammy Ultras joining them.

It was a rainy morning in deepest, darkest Lancashire and by the time we reached the M6, 45 minutes later, this had turned into a deluge, giving us all doubts about if the

game would be on or not. Our fears only worsened as we got closer to the Midlands and were driving past an endless stream of flooded fields and burst rivers. ere was only one thing to be done so we cracked open the beers and Martin went looking for someone with a newspaper.

Unfortunately, for the former Rammy favourite he could not find one so he came back with a copy of e Sun and began quizzing us on football teams and their grounds. He did not have much luck in trying to catch us out as Mick, Carlsberg, Dave and myself got the names of all the old grounds and Young Jake and Young Jack the Lad got all the new ones. At this point Johnno came up to the front of the coach to say he had word from the ground and the match was definitely on and a chorus of Oh Rammy United rang out around the West Midlands.

We arrived at the ground around 1.00 and as the players disappeared inside, we headed off to the nearest pub which turned out to be e Yeltz Arms. As usual, Gaz was first to the bar and I got a rather Albert Tatlock-esque pint of mild. ey were showing the Derby v Wolves game which I was casting a glancing eye over when a Halesowen supporter leaned over and asked “Do you lot come from Derbyshire?”.

I replied “No, why do you think that?”. “Well you’re the Rams and so are Derby” he said.

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from the darkside

‘Sir‘ Paul Cropper, Rammy’s very own John Motson

Could anyone explain the logic of that please?

At this point I was rescued by Mrs Darkside who had just just received a call from Little Katie to say the rest of the Ultras had arrived in town and were enjoying a pint in e Waggon and Horses just down the road. Now, this really was my type of public house, a real spit ‘n’ sawdust place that sold about 20 real ales (I opted for a pint of Wizard White Witch in honour of our legendary left winger - that’s Phil Dean by the way, not Martin Hulme). e travelling Rams had taken over one of the back rooms and we were introduced to some of Paul Cropper’s family who live in Halesowen (they joined us for the game later and Pauls sister seemed to enjoy being an honorary Rammy Ultra immensely).

We left there and made our way back to the ground around 2.30 and as we headed through the nearby park we were greeted by the sight of the Rammy team warming up on the grass. Apparently the grass on the pitch was pretty delicate so it must have been touch and go as to whether the game went ahead or not.

A few minutes later Gaz was in a group walking behind us when a loose ball came running loose straight to his feet. Now Gaz is partial to bit of left foot-right foot and has played at a pretty good level himself, but as he went to kick the ball back he went a*** over t**, landing on his back in the mud. Unfortunately, I missed this little episode but found out later, through tears of laughter, from Joanne, Mary and Mrs Darkside.

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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures We gathered under the covered terrace for the opening 45 minutes as that was behind the goal Rammy were attacking, or not as it turned out. e terrace was great for creating an atmosphere (as is Richard who was there) and Carlsberg helped with a new, long overdue, chant for our management team……..Bernard and Jonno’s Rammy Army!

A friendly Halesowen fan had been on the forum the previous week claimed they had a vociferous support, but I think we reinvented the word for him during the 90 minutes. e less said about the game the better and as Carlsberg put it “just a bad day at the office”. Despite the 2-0 defeat the players gave it their all, but it just wasn’t our day.

For the 2nd half we had moved sides and were stood on the open terrace. Despite not being the best of games we still made the most of it, singing nonstop and having some humorous exchanges (I refuse to use the word banter!) with the Halesowen goal-

keeper, who not only made some great saves, but was also a top bloke and a credit to football. e game was covered by a rather wonderful blogger called e Groundhopper (check him out) who was quite complimentary about the travelling support:

“e away fans are different class. ey sing 'Oh Rammy United to the White Stripes 'Seven Nation Army.' ey greet a goal chalked off for offside with a chorus of 'We thought we had scored, we were wrong, we were wrong. ey make me chuckle” After a quick pint in the clubhouse we were soon back on the Rammy Rocket with Bernard turning from Joint Manager to Beer Waiter for the journey home. As you might expect, the journey wasn’t as joyous as the recent trips to Ilkeston and Whitby, but we still managed a few sing songs, although I didn’t do my Gilbert O’Sullivan medley due to not having Hilary on board to serenade. We departed the coach on arrival back home and made our walk down to the Cricket Club where we were joined by a few of the players and Chairman Harry. Not a perfect day, but at that moment I would not have wanted to be anywhere else.

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from the darkside

Today’s Other Fixtures: Barwell Belper Blyth Buxton Curzon Ashton Frickley Skelmersdale Stamford Stourbridge Trafford Witton

v v v v v v v v v v v

Whitby Nantwich King’s Lynn Workington Matlock Marine Ilkeston Rushall FC United Halesowen Ashton

Today’s mascot Jude Holland is 5 years old, and attends Stubbins Primary School. He lives in Edenfield, and has a big sister called Jazz, 20 and a big brother called Jacob, 12.

Jude loves to play football. He enjoys coming to watch ‘e Rams’ and going to the ‘Eagle & Child’ with his Dad. His favourite pastimes are baking, going for muddy walks, watching kids films at home and playing out with his friends, especially Callum.

He is really excited to be today’s mascot and has been looking forward to it for ages. Come on Rammy!

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

mascot news

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e final score, with all the goals coming in the last 10 minutes, somewhat flattered a rather insipid Rams performance. ere is an advert on TV at present featuring men of a certain age playing football, the rule being that running is not allowed. For more than 70 minutes the Rams seemed intent on putting this slightly esoteric idea into practice. at is not to suggest that there was any lack of effort from the Rams .e limited range of the squad means that both by design and necessity there is only a plan A - the pleasing neat open football that attracts many admirers but allows the opposition to play as well . e visitors took advantage and for most of the first half and

Phil Dean slots the ball between four defenders and the keeper for Rammy’s third

long into the second the gap in status was far from apparent. Most of the better moments for the Rams in a largely forgettable first half came through Nelson Mota who produced a couple of good saves from Jordan Hitchen but the visitors also had their chances to the best falling to Adam Hilton who put through a statuesque back line was only denied by an excellent save with his feet by Grant Shenton. As the half time whistle beckoned the Rams began to build some pressure, Hitchen saving well from Lee Gaskell and then fortunate to see a low cross from Grant Spencer infiltrating from the right cleared from under the cross bar. e improvement did not save the Rams from

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no little managerial ire at half time. In a clear sign that just at the moment all is not quite well they were kept out on the pitch and subjected to what was clearly and could only be described as direct motivation. e introduction of Scott Burton brought some better direction but without any real sign of a breakthrough, apart from Dom Smalley being upended in the area only to see the referee literally looking the other way confused by the fact that the linesmen were operating down the right rather than left touchlines.

With 80 minutes gone though the visitors were visibly tiring and with the introduction of Jordan Hulme's ability to hold up the ball with

his back to goal, a sustained threat began to materialise. Hulme 's clever reverse pass found Grant Spencer in the D and his shot ricocheted in off the post. e second goal came soon after with Lee Gaskell volleying in a precision cross from Tom Williams. Williams then picked out Gaskell on the penalty spot, the latter twisting acrobatically to to send in a brilliant volley, well saved by Hitchen. On the final whistle another fine cross from the winger controlled instantly by Hulme and fed into the path of Phil Dean produced the third. If this had been an election campaign the message would have been obvious - it is the quality and timing of crosses, stupid!

3-0

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 12th November 2014 Att: 132 Rammy Goals: Spencer (81), Gaskell (85), Dean (89) West Disbury and Chorlton Goals:

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points total

rammy

league position

points total

statistics page compiled from data provided by footballwebpages.co.uk

grantham league position

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supporters club on the terraces of rammy Some fans dream of their league two club someday drawing Liverpool in the FA Cup third round, while others wake up in a cold sweat imagining Notts County travelling to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. For me, waiting for the FA Trophy draw on Monday, it was the thrilling possibility of Banbury United v Rammy in the FA Trophy.

I know what you’re probably thinking, and I can imagine the groan that went round Rammy when the 300 mile round trip was announced, but for me it’s a dream tie. I was very much involved with Banbury United when I lived there back at the turn of the millenium, and I watched the club evolve from a Hellenic League team (the Oxfordshire equivalent of the Lancashire League) with attendances comprising three men and a dog, through to a Southern League Premier team, pushing for promotion and getting crowds pushing 1000! ings were very much on the up at Banbury, with the horrible debts cleared and ex Newcastle United player Kevin Brock at the helm, performing magic on the pitch. Coverage in the media was really ramping up, and the interest around the town was enormous.

Nigel Slater had secured a huge grant to install state-of-

the-art pitch drainage, and the brand new stand had just been completed. is sleeping giant of a club, with a massive catchment area was really starting to yawn, fart, and contemplate getting out of bed!

What happened since those days I don’t really know. I resigned from the board and we moved away from Banbury, heading up to Bolton, then Warrington, before settling in Rammy in summer 2008. From a distance I watched the results drop off and the good players leave. I watched as the fantastic chairman’s name dropped off the officials list to be replaced by someone who I always knew as talking the talk without bothering to get off his lazy arse and do anything. In fact when I look at the photos of the club right now, they look almost identical to those on the right, which I took in 2000. e seats in the brand new stand are now faded, and the letters are coming off the roof. e pitch looks a bit erm... Prescot Cables, if you know what I mean. e only real improvement that I can see is at the bottom end of the ground where there is a new terrace, no doubt due in part to the landlord’s attempt to alleviate the flood risk and make the ground more marketable for a housing development, which has allegedly been his desire since he bought the place off the club to help pay off historical debts.

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With these thoughts in mind I start to wonder whether this is such a dream draw for me. Many people hand out those wise words, “Don’t ever go back; it won’t be how you remember it”, and I suspect that in this case they might just be right. e thought of seeing just 200 supporters in the place, and knowing that local pub team and bog trotters Brackley Town (the equivalent of Bacup Borough ‘back in the day’) being in the Conference North while Banbury languish at the foot of the table is too horrible to contemplate.

And so I guess that my conclusion is that we need to make sure that the momentum continues at Rammy. All of this progress that the club is making both on and off the field must continue, and we must go on to bigger and better things.

If I do bump into Kevin and Rory and Nigel and Wally at the ground then I will give them a big smile and a hello, but in the back of my mind I will be wondering just how they let it get like this, and why they took their foot off the pedal. For a club that had so much potential it’s far from being too late, but I can’t help thinking that a very big boat has sailed, and a great opportunity has been missed.

Over 1000 supporters watching table-topping Banbury back in 2000

The club’s pride and joy a brand new stand

not for the feint-hearted, the very exposed cow-field end

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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 Tom WILLIAMS Lee GASKELL Lee PUGH Sam COOK George GRAYSON

Managers: Wayne Hallcro Jimmy Albans

Dan HAYSTEAD Danny MEADOWS Julian KELLY Sam PURCICOE Scott HELLEWELL Marlon GRUNDY Rhys LEWIS Connor JOHNSON Paul GRIMES Stefan BILYK Michael EMMOTT Dan WORTHINGTON Corey NEWMAN Alex FOSTER Tom DIVVER Dennis RHULE

Referee: Barry Lamb Referee’s Assistants: Micheal Johnson, Andrew Johnson

Next home game: Tuesday 25th November 7:45pm - Rammy v Burscough