48 Ramsbottom United v Northwich Victoria

rammy news v NORTHWICH 20-01-14

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welcome to ramsbottom Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. We’d like to extend a special welcome to our match officials and everyone involved with our good friends from Cheshire, Northwich Victoria, with whom we enjoyed a seven goal thriller this time last year down at Flixton. Let’s hope for more of the same today, ideally with the same result.

It’s been a rocky couple of weeks by the Rams’ standards (though nothing to the suffering that Northwich Victoria have experienced over their long history) and I’d like to commend everyone for the great support they’ve given the club over that time. It’s testimony to the loyalty of our supporters that you’ve stuck together, and got behind new appointments Robbo and Edgy straight away.

If you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about then you’re reading the right publication! e remainder of this programme was intended for the Trafford match that was called off last week, but we’ve decided to reproduce it in its entirety to try and explain to everyone just what’s been happening at the club. We’ve got columns from Robbo and Phil Edghill, our new managers, as well as a copy of the press release announcing the departure of Johnno and Bernard on the next page. e team lineup is still very much up in the air, with a load of the squad heading off to

Salford and Robbo running around signing the kind of players that he’d like to see pulling on the Rammy shirt.

At the time of going to press he has already signed a raft of very accomplished players including 28-year-old midfielder Ian Bennett, 27-year-old Trafford midfielder Kyle Harrop and former Salford City captain and player of the year Jamie Rother. Lee Gaskell is also returning to the Riverside, as is Tom Brooks and George Bowyer from Bamber Bridge. In addition, Robbo has added Trafford’s Luke Heron to the squad, a versatile player who is son of former Trafford manager Wayne Goodison.

I went down to the hastily arranged training session last week to take a couple of photos of a few of the new lads, and I have to say that I was very impressed with the way everyone shaped up. e three new signings I saw look to be real quality players who I suspect would have nudged the mighty Gary Stopforth and Scott Burton out of their spots in midfield.

We’re not out of the woods yet, as Phil Dean and Dom Smalley gave us some fantastic width, skill and pace that is hard to match, but then Tom Williams and Osebi Abadaki are both tremendous, and arguably more versatile players who are more than capable of commanding those wide areas.

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Just over a year ago Lee Gaskell was on the scoresheet in our 4-3 win against Northwich at Flixton

It’s always disheartening for a football club to lose so many players at once, particularly players that we’ve all come to know so well, and it’s easy for us to all throw up our arms in despair, but this kind of thing happens in football, and happens quite a lot. e affected clubs rise above it and continue to thrive, improve and progress. Harry Williams comes in for his fair share of criticism but, as Northwich Victoria would testify, losing players and managers is nothing compared with financial problems which affect a club’s very existence. Ramsbottom United’s finances would hardly require the club to open an offshore bank account, but those finances do allow Robbo to go out and bring in decent, experienced players to replace those that we’ve lost. e finances allow the club to replace missing floodlight bulbs, and make the necessary ground improvements to permit

promotion to the Vanarama Conference should we find ourselves in a position on the pitch to gain promotion. We’re not rich in the same way that clubs like Northwich are rich, but we’ve also never had the administrator knocking on our door, and for me that’ll do just fine for the time being. Progress does need to be made off the pitch, but thanks to Harry’s great stewardship of Ramsbottom United, that progress can be started from the right place, not from a position of crippling debt. e following pages contain some information that was only relevant for the postponed Trafford game, but we hope that you’ll forgive us this as you read through the other things that are not only relevant, but also important for the future hopes of the club.

It only remains to say thank you again for your wonderful support, and we hope that you enjoy this evening’s match.

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At an hastily arranged meeting on Saturday Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley explained their reasons for having resigned as joint managers of Ramsbottom United having been in the job for 6 years. Antony Johnson is to become manager at Salford City with Bernard Morley following suit. Jon Robinson has been appointed as player manager in their place. In all the circumstances it was perhaps fortunate that the Rams game away to Curzon Ashton that afternoon had been postponed. ey said that they felt they had reached their limit with what they could do within the financial resources available to them , that they felt that they had hit a brick wall and could no longer do justice to the squad and that generally the club had reached its limit and could no longer match their ambitions. e appointment of the joint managers appeared risky at the time but in the event proved to be inspired , the club rocketing under their stewardship to be within 3 promotions off the Football League. Much of their success has been in identifying young talented players and building a fierce sense of loyalty and family within the squad. is great strength is now the clubs greatest weakness on their departure . It was clear from the sentiments being expressed that the players identify themselves more with the managers than the club. ere is no good time to lose a manager

and many Rams fans , now apprehensive of the future, will no doubt be wishing that there could be a change of mind but it is obvious that was not on the cards. e remainder of the season is now likely to the testing. Whereas at the turn of the year eyes were on a reinvigorated push back into the play-off places securing a comfortable mid placed position will now be seen as an achievement. In due course though many may well come to the conclusion that the managers assessment of where they were with the squad and the assessment of the aspirations of a club of the size of Ramsbottom United lacking ex professional superstar sugar daddies and their ilk was more than realistic. Quite frankly a sober analysis is that the club has reached its level ,should be quite proud to have done so, and should be content with staying there. ere is more to development than constant promotions and those who bemoan that as a lack of ambition should ask themselves, and be able to explain, what they see the limit of those ambitions to be!

And nothing is forever and the only certainties are death and taxes. So while the departure of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley could have been better timed the best response is to congratulate them on a job well done, give them best wishes for their future and to look forward to renewal and bright future under the new manager who is a very shrewd choice.

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robbo

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I’d like to start by offering a warm welcome to Gary Vaughan, Wayne Goodison and the players and supporters of Trafford FC. It’s a pleasure for us to be playing host to our old friends and I hope you all enjoy your day.

Well, what can I say? is week has been one of the best, worst and definitely strangest weeks in football for me!

My first memory of Rammy isn't really the best if I am honest. Fifteen years ago in my first start for Salford City I scored two goals in the Rams worst ever defeat! Like a few of the lads, including Johnno and Bernard, I had a long spell with Salford, and the ties between the two clubs run deep. at is one of the many reasons why it is such a pleasure to be able to bring in Phil Edghill, who has also earned his Ramsbottom stripes. I wanted someone intelligent and experienced, but who understands what Rammy is all about.

Phil fits the bill perfectly.

Going into football management is something I have thought about for the last couple of years and when the rammy job was offered to me I knew I couldn't turn it down.

I mentioned off the record that I might be interested in taking the job on, but my interview was in the tea hut after last Saturday’s press conference. I was asked the question do I want the job and that was that ! I think that's all that needed to be said to me as everyone knows what I’m about. I have been here a long time that's all that was needed. Everyone has been really supportive since my appointment and hopefully we can keep the smiles on everyones faces M y hopes for the season - well that's the question everyone wants to know the answer to. I feel that we can anticipate a tough

couple of weeks coming up but ultimately I’d like to hope that a challenge for the playoffs is a realistic goal.

Like I said in my interview on rammy.tv, players will leave - it’s what happens with a management change. It’s always going to be difficult to replace any of those players that leave, but we will go out hunting and will endeavour to bring quality players back in.

People have asked me whether I agree with Johnno’s assertions that the club wasn’t capable of progressing, and I don't think Jonno meant that rammy had gone as far as it can, full stop. I think that what he meant was that Rammy couldn't get where Johnno wanted to be fast enough. I think he feels Rammy’s developments on the pitch need to slow down so that developments off it can catch up. I feel maybe a change of direction in one sense was the ideal thing to happen so things on both sides of the club could be reassessed and brought closer together.

I would like to say a big thank you to Harry for giving me and Phil this opportunity to manage rammy and we will be doing all we can to keep the Rammy Army moving forward to make a push for the playoffs To the fans I would like to say that although there are going to be changes to the playing staff hopefully there won't be too much of an effect on the standard of football. We will tray to make the changes with minimum disruption I would like to finish by saying a big thank you for the continued support and loyalty shown by all our Rammy Family and I hope that we can all look forward to a new era and a bright future.

- Robbo

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tony cunningham and the wonderful world of non-league football Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, and a slightly belated, but nevertheless sincere “Happy New Year” to one and all! A special welcome, also, to our match officials and, of course, everyone involved with our good friends from along the M60, Trafford FC, with whom we have enjoyed many an entertaining contest over the years. Let’s hope for more of the same today.

WELL,WELL,WELL! My last column was a review of the first half of the season. I really did not expect to begin the review of the second half in such a way! So the king is dead…long live the king.

Much has been spoken and written about the events of the last seven days, so I won’t ramble on. I’ll just say “ank you” to Jonno, Bernard, Glenn and John for their excellent work in raising the profile of Ramsbottom United, and wish them well at Salford.

And welcome into the hot seat (which actually is rather cool here at Rammy!)

Robbo as he begins his managerial tenure. He is a “Rammy legend”, and I’m sure his appointment has gone a fair way to removing much of the disappointment we all

felt just one week ago. No-one is more fully committed to the cause than Robbo, and he will no doubt have strengthened both the playing squad and the coaching staff by the time you read this. To those players who have decided to stay with us “many thanks” and your loyalty to the club is greatly appreciated.

As a club, we move on, and together look forward to some more exciting and entertaining times.

MEANWHILE… On a personal note, today is one of those special days in the year for me, and I well remember a similar day back in 1970, which was even more of a special occasion. at happened to also fall on a Saturday, and in those days I was a devout follower of the Shakers. Bury had a home fixture against Tranmere Rovers, so I naturally was hoping to celebrate the day in more ways than one. At half-time the score was Bury 7 (seven!) Tranmere Rovers 0! I had Cliff’s “Congratulations” played over the Gigg Lane tannoy at halftime and the Shakers went on to win 8-0.

Some celebration! Same again today (with respect to Trafford!) would do very nicely!

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Having scored Rammy’s first goal, who can forget Robbo stripping off to cover in nets for the injured Grant Shenton at Salford two seasons ago.

UNBELIEVABLE! e irrationality of our governing bodies never ceases to amaze me. Over the years I have seen examples of stupidity which have had me shaking my head in disbelief, but I doubt I’ve ever seen a situation as silly as the one that has affected little Morda FC who are based alongside the Welsh border in Shropshire. e club wanted to play in the Welsh JT Hughes Montgomery League in a bid to cut down on travelling and expenses, but were told they had to compete in the Shropshire-based Mercian League.

As this would have proved almost untenable for this small club, they appealed, and initially both the Shropshire FA and the Welsh FA turned down their application.

Morda were then on the point of folding when, after much haggling and further appeals, both the FA’s finally relented and allowed the tiny club to play in their preferred league.

Which meant that they could now commence this season’s fixtures….in December!

So when most clubs are half-way through the campaign, Morda FC are about to commence what will prove to be an almost impossible task of playing all their games throughout the winter in an effort to complete before the end of April.

Yet the same two FA’s have allowed, for years, TNS, the only full-time team in Welsh provincial football, to play in the Welsh Premier League. Where are they based?

Oswestry….in Shropshire!

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grant shenton shouting from between the sticks I think we all appreciate what a fantastic job Johnno and Bernard did at Rammy, but they seem to think it's a foregone conclusion that a good proportion of our squad will join them at Salford. Given the previous shenanigans down there, I'm not so sure. How do the lads really feel, and do you think we will lose the great thing we have here at Rammy?

Johnno and Bern have been amazing for the lads and the club. I wish them all the best in their new job and I know they will do well - I hope they achieve what they set out to. Every player who puts on the shirt on game days is playing their all for the badge every single time, so that won't change. If clubs come in for any of the lads then that's football but we want to carry on as a team so there is no doubt in my mind the rammy spirit won't be gone.

Do you feel that our ambitions for the season need to be lowered now that things have changed, or do you think that a play-off spot should still be the aim?

In my opinion our goals need to be set to each game: win our next game, don't worry about previous results that can't be changed or games in the future all we can do is play 90 minutes at a time.

And if you ask me, we can beat any team in this league. If you win games you can only move up in the table so let's get today's game played and we can talk about the next game rather than play offs in May or June.

Although not a huge surprise, it was heartbreaking for the supporters when we heard the news of Johnno and Bernard leaving for Salford. Did the players feel the same?

It's no secret how close our changing room is so it's not nice to lose the four men that we look to for the guidance and motivation. But we're all men and we have to move on.

Although some fans put it better than others, the consensus seems to be that while a lot of things need to change, Rammy can continue to progress. Would you agree?

I don't get involved with the non football side of things. In terms of players we have a lot of talent in the squad but it's a very small squad. If we keep injuries down and suspensions then I don’t see any reason we can't move up the table.

How did the lads receive the news of Robbo's appointment? Do you think like we do that he's just the fella to galvanise the Rammy Spirit?

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I think that for Harry it was a no brainer. Robbo has bags of experience, knows the club, the fans and the squad. So once he was informed by Harry on Saturday he called for a meeting and announced the news in typical Robbo style. So at first we laughed due to the way he addressed us but the laughs didn't last long and we all congratulated him. We are all happy with the appointment and are looking forward to what he brings to the team. And also his assistant Phil Edghill who again we all respect and look up to. I think we have the perfect pair to give the team spirit a pick me up.

What do you think the club needs to get right in order to progress further?

I don't know how to run a football club so I don't know. e club is growing quickly so it's going to hit a few speed bumps but lets just get over each one as they come. As long as we perform on pitch the club will carry on its path upwards.

Is there anything that the supporters can do to help? We don't have billions stashed away in the bank, but that doesn't make us any less loyal as supporters.

Celieve me we know just how loyal you all are and it is appreciated all the work you put into the club you support.

All I'll ask you to do is keep coming down to HWRS what ever the weather and cheer us on, because that's what this club is about and why we love playing here. So please just continue what you’re all doing! COYR!

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trafford fc the north hoping to move upwards e club was formed in 1990 under the name of North Trafford and was the brainchild of David Brown, John Harrison, David Law and Bill Whitten, with both Brown and Law still directors to this day. ey originally shared their home ground, ‘Shawe View’, with Trafford Borough Rugby League club and joined the Mid-Cheshire League Division 2 for 1990/91 season.

In their debut season manager David Law took North Trafford to second place in Division 2leading to promotion to Division 1, an outstanding start for the new club. An added bonus for this successful start saw the club obtain sole tenancy of Shawe View, via a 30 year lease, which resulted in substantial ground improvements taking place. After a season in Division 1, where they finished in 4th place, ‘e North’, as they are affectionately known, successfully applied to the North West Counties League (NWCL), finishing the 1992/93 season in 7thbplace. A stunning second half to the next season saw the club win 20 out of their 22 matches, gaining them second place and promotion to Division 1 of the NWCL. Promotion was granted after further ground improvements took place, this included the instillation of floodlights and the building of the South Stand. e club was launched under their present name, Trafford FC, in 1994 and finished in 4th place in the league and were also beaten finalists in both the Manchester Senior and

Carling Cups. e next year saw them go one better in the league with a 3rd place finish and Trafford also reached the last 16 of the FA Vase, beaten by the eventual winners, Brigg Town. e steady rise of Trafford FC continued and they won the NWCL Division 1 and were promoted to the Unibond League Division 1, with David Law also claimed the NWCL Manager of the Year award.

Trafford’s stay in the Unibond League lasted five seasons and saw them pick up both the Unibond First Division Cup and President’s Cup along the way. Unfortunately after a difficult year, which saw them use two managers, ‘e North’ were relegated back to the NWCL in 2003.

It would be another four seasons until Trafford tasted success and promotion again.

Under a new management team, with Ged Kielty as Player Manager, ‘e North’ won the Vodkat League Championship by 11 points and were promoted back to the Unibond League for a second time after originally winning the title in 1997. From September 2007, they went on an incredible 29 league game unbeaten run, including 18 straight wins. e achievement’s kept on coming with Ged Kielty being named Manager of the Year in first season.

After consolidating their position in the First Division North with a 15th place finish, Trafford claimed their second Unibond League Presidents Cup, nine years on from

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Jordan takes on half the Trafford team

their first success. e start of 2009/10 saw the return of former Trafford stalwart Garry Vaughan to take over the managerial reins from Ged Kielty. During the 1990’s Vaughan made 305 appearances and scored 89 goals in his seven seasons as a player with Trafford.

2010 saw them finish in a credible 12th position and striker Scott Barlow scored 21 goals to become the clubs all-time leading goal scorer, pushing his manager to second place in the history books.

A poor start to the 2009/10 season led to Garry Vaughan making a number of personnel changes at the club. ese changes included bringing back former Assistant Manager Wayne Goodison and this seemed to change Trafford’s fortunes on the pitch, where they gained a respectable 14th place in the league. Trafford gained promotion to the Evo-Stick Premier Division

in 2012/13, via the Play-Offs beating Cammell Laird 4-2 on penalties after extra time on their own ground.

Last season saw Trafford playing at the highest level in their history, and considering this they had an extremely successful first year. ey finished in 10th position in the table and beat Football Conference side Hyde to win the Manchester Premier Cup at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane. is season has so far proved a difficult one for Trafford, with only four league wins to date, the club currently sit in the bottom three of the Premier Division. ‘e North’s’ lowly league position should not though be taken lightly, as they possess in their ranks a proven goal scorer in Shelton Payne, who has netted 16 goals so far this season to take him to second place in the goal scoring table.

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three to watch

Tom Read (Goalkeeper) Aged 28 Previous club; Altrincham After signing for Trafford in 2006, Tom became a first team regular during 2007-08 Vodkat League Championship season, which culminated in him being named Player of the Year. e experienced goalkeeper recovered from a broken ankle to be an ever present member of Trafford’s 2012-13 promotion winning team. Tom has now amassed over 220 appearances for ‘e North’.

Nia Bayunu (Centre Back) Aged 24 Previous Clubs; Leigh Genesis, FC United Youth Team, Woodley Sports.

Nia signed for the club in August 2009 and made his debut in the 2-2 FA Cup draw with Rossendale United. A real fans favourite, he was named Supporters Player of the Year in both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons. Bayunu was a member of the victorious Manchester Premier Cup winning team last season. e defender has played over 280 games for the club scoring 13 goals in the process.

Shelton Payne (Forward) Previous Clubs; Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers, Dinas Powys, Port Talbot Town, Chorley, Colwyn Bay. e speedy forward is now in his second spell with the club after resigning in the close season of 2013. Shelton definitely has an eye for goal, he scored an amazing 35 goals in 48 league and cup appearances last season, including all 5 in the 5-1 FA Cup win at Droylsen. is dangerous player scored a hatrick as Trafford defeated Matlock Town recently for their first victory in the league since the end of September.

rammy

points total

league position

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points total

league position

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traord

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î Łe Weaver Stadium 1st January2015 Att: 285 Rammy Goals: Robinson (14), Dean (81) Nantwich Goals: Burns (31,60), Jones (38)

Robbo rounds the keeper to score the opening goal for the Rams

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e Rams came in to this New Years Day fixture with half their league fixtures still to play knowing that if they are able to double their points total to date they will be close to the play-off positions. Unfortunately the form that has presented them with such a promising start to the Premier League is proving elusive at the moment and the hope that the turn of the year would present a change to December's misfortunes was misplaced.

Injuries and suspensions are not helping and with the fullest respect to them it is never a good sign when both of the joint managers are needed to fill out the substitutes bench. Nonetheless in what was a pretty dreary opening period the Rams started the brighter and when on 14 minutes Jon Robinson seized on a loose cross field ball skated round the Nantwich keeper and rolled the ball a repeat of the recent cup win was very much on the cards. e Rams though were finding it difficult to achieve any penetration down the flanks which is another bad sign of pending problems. e nearest they came to scoring again in the first half was a Grant Spencer free kick on the half hour well saved. Immediately after Nantwich equalised when a shot through a crowded area following a cleared corner caught out Grant Shenton who could only palm the ball into the path of Aaron Burns. His scuffed effort rolled slowly into the net despite Tom Williams' best efforts to clear.From there it went from bad to worse. Steve Jones was completely unmarked 7 minutes later and had the easiest tap ins to put the home team in front. en with only a couple of minutes remaining in the first half the advantage the Rams would have of the strong wind in the second half was nullified when Gary Stopforth was sent off after over stretching into a tackle. ere was no apparent intent and the red card was to say the least harsh.

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Wiz gave the lads a ray of hope, bangin home a penalty with just nine minutes remaining

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e Weaver Stadium 1st January2015 Att: 285 Rammy Goals: Robinson (14), Dean (81) Nantwich Goals: Burns (31,60), Jones (38)

To their credit the Rams came out fighting. ey rolled the dice by pushing Steve Howson upfront and forced the home team deep but struggled to manufacture a clear opening. It was inevitable that gaps would open up at the other end. Jones became increasingly influential .Having spurned a glorious chance at the far post on the hour he dispossessed Jon Robinson and found Burns unmarked in the area. His fierce cross shot whistled past Shenton. e Rams though refused to lie down effectively playing with just two at the back .Jordan Hume was twice denied by the keeper with 15 minutes left and five minutes later Phil Dean scored confidently from the spot when Steve Howson was pushed from behind when about to head in.

No red card there then ref? e Rams battled away bravely .Matthew Davies on as a sub looks more than a promisingly acquisition and as the game slipped into time added on his cross was met by Jordan Hulme whose header seemed goal bound but somehow floated wide and that was that. Plenty of perspiration but a lack of inspiration.

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Minds made up? Johnno and Bernard ust before half-time at Nantwich

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rammy in exile sky sports statto richard isaacs Hello everyone! I hope all is well.

Well, its been quite a week and today we start the beginning of a whole new era.

Supporting Ramsbottom United over the last five or so years has been nothing short of brilliant but, on Saturday, it all dissolved. Bernard and Jonno have their heads turned finally by Salford City and the players have begun to pour through the exits to follow them or head elsewhere. It is a hugely worrying time for us but ... we have Robbo and the returning Phil Edghill and now our faith and hope sits in their hands. e place will not be the same again.

From that inauspicious start at Newcastle Town back in August 2009, the club has grown beyond all recognition from the depths of rank bottom of the North West Counties League to the dizzy heights of third in the Evo-Stik Premier in the space of just five and a half years via some incredible days - the home game against Winsford, that despairing away day at Skelmersdale (that I wasn't at but felt everything) and then that magnificent evening in Bishop Auckland and the subsequent half that I saw at Bamber Bridge.

But, I can look upon something very close to home for some ray of hope and I refer you to the club that are currently sat fourth in the Barclays Premier League - my home town

club of Southampton.

During the summer of 2014, after a brilliant season, the vultures circled above St Mary's and heads were firmly turned by offers of great things. Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana, who had played for the Saints when they were in League One, headed to Liverpool with the promise of Champions League football as did Dejan Lovren. Young Calum Chambers was picked up by Arsenal and another talent from the youth academy, Luke Shaw, disappeared for £25m to Manchester United. And to top it all off, the manager Pochettino decided that there was nothing left for him and hopped off to Tottenham Hotspur. e great side, who had achieved so much, was decimated and the pundits and the like predicted just one thing - relegation back to the Championship and maybe beyond once more.

It is the 10th January 2015 and 20 matches into this 'relegation' season, they are 4th in the table and fresh from a 1-1 draw with the leaders Chelsea and a 2-0 success against perennial Champions Leaguers Arsenal over the Christmas and New Year period. So, who is to say that, from the despair of the managers, coaches and players racing for the exits, a new dawn and fresh hope starts today with this game against Trafford.

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rammy in exile sky sports statto richard isaacs To Bernard and Jonno, to Glenn and John, to Dominic and Whiz, Spenner and Scott - those who have confirmed their departures already amidst rumours of many more to follow, thank you.

I am pleased that this edition of the programme has not gone down the route that Newcastle United trod when Alan Pardew left them recently by devoting not a single word to their former boss.

Bernard, Jonno and the lads deserve much better than that. ey transformed our club from the utter dire desperation to a club that people are proud to be associated with. ey produced a team who played top quality football and their record of 4th, 2nd, 1st, 6th and 5th and promoted and reaching 3rd this year is testimony to what they achieved.

And that is why it is so extremely disappointing that today, we mark the first game in five and a half years without them. We all have our theories, we all have our thoughts on why now and what the cause was and those have been well versed on the forum of late.

But, as a passionate Rammy supporter who wears his club colours with unrivalled pride anywhere and everywhere I go, Saturday was a sickening day and subsequent developments have not made the nausea ease. e worry about the future will not subside until the

dust of the tyres in the car park of all those driving away has ended and Robbo and Edgy's strategy for the future begins to take shape.

I am naturally upset that the lads have gone - I had a brilliant relationship with them during my time as programme editor and always on the website as well and I have already thanked them personally for what they have achieved. I am not overly happy with what has happened but, it has happened now and nothing is going to change it. We have had to say goodbye, thats the end of it.

I have to say that I am worried for them though. Today, Bernard, Jonno and Glenn commence their work, ironically at Bamber Bridge, the scene of our greatest day. ey have gone from a job for life with the Rams within a club that loved them dearly to a club run by multimillionaires owners who could throw them on the scrap heap very easily, like they did with their previous manager.

Of course, I wish them all the very best and will always be grateful for what they achieved for Ramsbottom United. I just wish it hadn't happened at all and a solution to whatever it was they felt needed adjusting was achieved. To Robbo and Phil - good luck Gents. You know you have our full support.

COME ON YOU RAMS!!!!!!!

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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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Jordan Hulme

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tony’s teasers 1.

Which Evo-Stik League club plays at the War Memorial Athletic Ground?

2.

What colours do Newtown play in?

3.

Which club knocked Gateshead out of the FA Cup?

4.

Which club recently did the double over Barrow in Conference North?

5.

Steve Kittrick has taken over as manager of which Conference club?

6.

Which club did he recently manage?

7.

Carl MaCauley, the Marine manager arrived at Rossett park from which other Merseyside club?

8.

Holly Park was the former home of which ex-Northern premier league club?

9.

Kirkby Town changed their name in the 1980’s to what?

10.

Steve Claridge is becoming involved with which southern based club?

ANSWERS: 1. Stourbridge 2. All red 3. West Bromwich Albion 4. AFC Fylde 5. AFC Telford United 6. Guiseley 7. Vauxhall Motors 8. South Liverpool 9. Knowsley United 10. Salisbury

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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures With our recent run of defeats, and the upheaval with our management and playing staff, it seems an absolute age ago since the Rammy Rocket landed in Matlock on the first weekend of December. It was not only a Rocket full of festive cheer that arrived at the ground just after lunch, it was pretty much a full set of Rammy Ultras who had made the short trip from East Lancashire. Adding to the festive cheer was the Christmas fair that was being held in the park across the road from the ground, which got Mrs Darkside’s and Joanne’s mouths watering and dreaming of Baileys and Hot Chocolate, but before that we had more important matters such as some lunch and a couple of pints, somewhere a little warmer than the fair.

We did manage to find somewhere a little warmer, but unfortunately it was also a lot smellier. If you are planning a day out in Matlock then I would suggest you avoid e Railway, unless you enjoy the fragrant aroma of Eau de Craphouse. is meant we had the sight of twenty Rammy Ultras walking into the bar, only to immediately turn round and walk back out again. For a

tourist destination like Matlock it is not exactly blessed with many pubs, but we eventually found a trendy little bar called MoCa which also served a large range of real ales and some very tasty steak and onion baguettes. e bar also had the walls full of very tasteful black and white photographs of rock icons and it was nice to have a couple of beers surrounded by e Ramones and e New York Dolls. Fed and watered, we set off back down the High Street to the sound of Andy Massey and his magic vuvuzela and started to make our way to the ground.

We got to the ground about 2.30, and while the girls went for a browse around the Christmas fair, we went to the clubhouse for a final pre-match pint, stopping only to put the Rammy Ultras flag proudly up on display. e ground only had three sides, the fourth side being a field that was doubling up as car park for the Christmas fair. e Rams were kicking towards the car park/field end for the first half and we gathered ourselves down the side of the pitch to cheer the lads to, hopefully, another three points for our playoff push. We were soon rewarded when Tom Williams put us into an early lead and, just seven days after annihilating Banbury United, we started to dream that this was going to be another impressive away display. Despite quite a few efforts on goal this was to be the only goal of the first half and, although Rammy were pushing forward, Matlock were

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not out of this game by any means. During the first half we had been listening to some Matlock supporter, with a very negative and somewhat abusive point of view, which he seemed to want us to hear about. As the ref blew the whistle for half time, Andy Massey took the opportunity to sneak up behind a certain abusive Matlock supporter and give him a blast of the old vuvuzela, at which point a certain Matlock supporter jumped out of his vindictive skin. is caused a little uproar (good humoured from the Rammy side, obviously) and Andy getting called a few names that cannot be repeated in a publication that is read by under 16s.

We had a nice, covered terrace to stand on for the second half, and with Jack, Ethan and Jake on drum duties we managed to make quite a bit of noise to try and urge the players on to another victory. is made for quite a good atmosphere and stirred a few Matlock fans to find their voices; especially the group of young teenagers amongst them. He made a good, but ultimately futile

attempt to out-sing us. e second half saw the players looking a little jaded, especially as the pitch was getting much heavier, and Matlock started to look more and more threatening. With five minutes left, and with victory in sight, the happy atmosphere amongst the travelling support was suddenly burst as Matlock forced an equaliser to make it 1-1 and that is how the game finished. e post-match pint in the clubhouse was probably not as sweet as the one at Banbury the previous week, but we couldn’t really complain after the recent run of victories we had been witness to.

After checking the other results in the EvoStik Premier, and realising we were still well placed around the play-off positions, the mood took an upswing in time for the journey home. So, it was a not too downbeat Rammy Rocket that made its way through the foggy Derbyshire hills and winding its merry, little way back to Lancashire

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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.

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

rammy meet

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.

Steve HOWSON

Cedric KROU

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.

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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George GRAYSON

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..

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 flank, giving the Rams additional defensive flexibility.

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

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.

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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the boogie bus on the road with rammy Next Saturday will see us treading a familiar path, down through the Peak District, to watch e Rams take on Belper Town in deepest, darkest Derbyshire. After away days at Buxton, Ilkeston and Matlock this game will complete the four Derbyshire teams in this division and with it being Robbo’s first away game in charge, let’s make we have an even larger, and noisier, turnout from Lancashire than we usually do. is is actually the fourth incarnation of Belper Town Football Club and, despite the club badge proudly claiming 1883, this version were formed in 1951. e previous three attempts at football in Belper all ended due to financial difficulties, although the current version seem to be doing quite well and there have been several upgrades to their ground in recent years, including a new floodlighting system a couple of years ago.

Christchurch Meadow, or e Marstons Stadium, if for some perverse reason you prefer to use sponsors name instead of traditional names, also dates back to 1951 and now holds 2,500 with seating for 500. In the year it was built it witnessed its highest ever attendance when 3,600

saw the local derby with Ilkeston Town. e town of Belper has a history of nail making dating back to the Middle Ages and this is evident In their nickname of e Nailers.

Like Rammy, Belper spent much of their past in the lower, regional divisions of the football pyramid, but are now becoming well established at this level. Also like Rammy, they won promotion, via the play offs last season, albeit from the Southern section, when they beat Mickleover Sport by 1-0. Apart from local cups and leagues, Belper Town have never really had any sustained periods of success and you have to go back to 1887 for their only appearance in the 1st Round of the F.A Cup when they lost 3-2 at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

If you followed the lower leagues of the professional game during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s you may recognise the Belper manager, Peter Duffield, who was a striker with teams such as Halifax Town, Crewe Alexandra, Stockport County, Blackpool and Darlington (where are they now, I wonder).

After Belper’s defeat at e Riverside earlier in the season I was lucky enough to have a bit of a chat with him at the Cricket Club and, to say his team had just lost, he was more than happy to talk about all aspects of the beautiful game with us.

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Rapture as Robbo headed the fourth in Rammy’s 4-2 thriller against Belper back in October

Bear that in mind, Jose and Arsene, next time you have a hissy-fit in front of the Match of the Day cameras.

If you are getting there early, which is recommended as Belper is quite a lovely, little place, and you are planning on eating, you could try the evocatively named e Spanker Inn on the equally evocatively named Spanker Lane. If it’s a couple of

pints you’re after there is Black Bulls Head, e Black Swan and Arkwrights Real Ale Bar, all within walking distance of the ground which is located on Bridge Street. e journey should only take a couple of hours and Harry is running a coach, so go and see him now to book your place on Robbos Rammy Rocket

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Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 28th December 2014 Att: 372 Rammy Goals: Skelmersdale Goals: Kirkbride (29), Mitchley (36,85)

e army of volunteers who worked throughout the morning to ensure the frost-bound pitch at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium was passed fit, watched on as visitors Skelmersdale United strengthened their position at the top of the league courtesy of a 3-0 win.

After the home side were denied following a good move between Osebi Abadaki and Jordan Hulme, Skelmersdale took the lead on 29 minutes when a 20 yard strike from Aidan Kirkbride sailed over home keeper Grant Shenton and in off the underside of the bar.

Phil Dean looked to have equalised five minutes later when he was on the end of a right wing cross, but somehow visiting keeper Zac Hibbert managed to pull off a point-blank save to deny him.

On 36 minutes, the visitors doubled their advantage when Cedric Krou needlessly tripped Danny Mitchley on the edge of the box, and Mitchley dusted himself down before slotting home the resultant penalty.

Dean was again close to putting the Rams on the scoresheet, but again he watched on as his goalbound shot was blocked out by some desperate defending.

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Despite having much of the possession, the home side barely looked like breaking down a well-organised Skelmersdale defence, with plenty of effort but nothing to show at the end of it all. With the exception of his first half save, Hibbert had very little to do as his defenders kept the free-scoring Rams attack at bay. e west Lancashire side wrapped up the points on 85 minutes when Mitchley was played in, and with the home defence in tatters he confidently slid the ball past Shenton from

ten yards out to seal all three points e disappointing reversal meant that Ramsbottom United have now suffered four straight defeats in all competitions, having been knocked out of the FA Trophy and the Lancashire FA Trophy, to round off the year in disappointing style.

Hopefully 2015 will see the Rams back in form and looking to regain a place in the playoff spots.

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Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 28th December 2014 Att: 372 Rammy Goals: Skelmersdale Goals: Kirkbride (29), Mitchley (36,85)

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Many î Łanks to Angie Leach who took this beautiful photo capturing just about everything we love about Rammy - just a shame it involves Skem celebrating a goal!

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phil edghill on the edge with the assistant manager I would like to welcome everyone to the HWRS for this afternoons game against Trafford FC. It’s been abit of a crazy week for me personally but I am really happy to be back at Rammy for my second spell with the club. It’s a great opportunity for me at 35 years old to now look at the other side of football with15 years experience at this level that I hope to bring into this role.

I left just over a year ago after 18 enjoyable months to join Salford City. I had a really good time there under Phil Power who unfortunately lost his job last week. ey are a club with huge ambition to get to the football league and with the resources at their disposal I’m sure that will happen, however there is no magic wand

No stranger to the Rammy Rollercoaster - Phil at Skem two seasons ago

- it will be tough but with Johnno and Bernard in charge they can gain promotion this season. I have massive respect for them and Glenn - they are great people and have done a fantastic job here over the years and left rammy in a great position. I wish them well down at Moor Lane.

As is the norm at this level when managers leave a club some players tend to follow and that is what me and Robbo have had to deal with this week. Players who have been stalwarts of this club for many years have moved on, but that is football. We have been busy behind the scenes trying to bring in reinforcements that we believe are the right sort of players to add to this already talented group.

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Todays opponents Trafford under Gary Vaughan are always a good footballing side and although recent results haven’t gone their way we are under no illusion that this will be a tough game. Our form has also dipped lately so we need to start on the front foot and take the game to the visitors which will hopefully bring us 3 points.

I can guarantee the the hard work going on behind the scenes will become evident on the pitch. Robbo and I are passionate and excited about the job ahead and we can only ask that you give us the vocal support from the terraces.

We ask for a bit of patience in this semitransitional period for the club. My mrs thinks I’m having an affair the amount of phone calls and txts this week, I assured her it’s mainly Robbo and he’s not my type!

Enjoy the game

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supporters club on the terraces of rammy Oh where do you start!

I suppose that we all knew the situation would arise eventually and it’s merciful that, given the strong personalities of Harry and of Johnno, that it’s taken almost six years, but does that dampen its impact?

At the press conference Johnno cited Harry saying that Bamber Bridge and Darlington were as big as it comes, and that those feelings would unlikely ever be matched, and that’s the way that I’ve tried to view events over the last few years at Rammy. In all my years watching football, the last few have undoubtedly been the best. Whether you’re watching Bayern Munich or Daisy Hill, the elation of getting promoted, or of completely outplaying opposition as relatively illustrious as Darlington IS as good as it gets. For every team that is promoted, another gets relegated. For every team that goes out of business, another is elected to the league structure. Football has as many downs as it has ups, and I have always tried with Rammy to enjoy the moment for itself. is club will never become a top premiership club. e club can’t keep rising and rising through the pyramid until it reaches the top, that can never happen.

Harry, with his 70 years of experience knows this, Tony with his (appreciably

less) experience knows this, and deep down I think that we all know it. at doesn’t mean to say that there is not a long way to go yet. I believe Rammy is capable of achieving league football, and I would really love to see us ultimately achieve that, but patience will be needed, and the acceptance that we will face set-backs on the way.

Johnno wasn’t patient enough. He needed the club to support his ambitions, and the club wasn’t able to do that. e club itself is in a fantastic position, with a great arrangement with the cricket club, and finances that would be the envy of many at our level. FC United, for example, would have killed to be in our position during their last ten years, and to even be debt-free is the dream of many a club.

We do have a very very long way to go yet though. e income the club generates outside of turnstiles receipts is woeful for a club at this level, and that isn’t just down to not having an operating bar. e need for a groundsman who can take some of the excessive burden off Harry’s shoulders is becoming more and more urgent as the weather continues to do its worst to the pitch. e need for an expanded committee of trustworthy people to help lift this club to the next level is absolutely critical. ese are the things that Johnno and Bernard became impatient with, and they are things that need addressing as a matter of urgency.

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Would you want this man going into battle with you? Hell yeah!

Harry needs help. How can a man of 70, who should be having a nice sit down with a glass of scotch, spend so much of his time and effort running a football club of this stature virtually single-handedly? Even something as simple as a tax miscalculation could see him imprisoned, yet the poor fella has to take responsibility for that as well as cutting the grass and divoting the pitch and operating the turnstiles and cooking the peas! Harry needs help, urgently! Imagine how much sponsorship money could be generated through pitchside advertising. Imagine if we had influential local businessmen on the committe who could help get things done and help raise income. Imagine if we negotiated a deal with the cricket club that would allow us to sell food and alcohol at the football club for a share of the profits!

Yes, there is a long way to go, and Johnno wasn’t happy to wait for these things to be

sorted out, but if you’re reading this then you (and I) obviously don’t share his lack of faith. is club IS going places - perhaps not today or tomorrow - but the next day, and the next. Robbo knows this. I’m pretty sure that Edgy knows it. Darren, Maurice and others at that meeting last Saturday also know it.

So where do we go from here?

We throw our hats in the ring for Robbo and Edgy - that’s the first step. Maybe we’ll end up getting relegated, but with these lads we certainly won’t go down without one hell of a fight - and that’s what really matters to me. With these lads we have passion, commitment, intelligence and a never say die attitude. I don’t know how they’ll fare tactically or at bringing in players, but I do know that they’ll give it every last ounce of commitment, and that’s good enough for me!

Good luck lads!

p p 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 Tues 2nd Dec Sat 6th Dec Mon 8th Dec Sat 13th Dec Sat 20th Dec Sun 28th Dec Thu 1st Jan Sat 10th Jan Sat 17th Jan Tues 20th Jan Sat 24th Jan Sat 31st Jan Sat 7th Feb Sat 14th Feb Tues 17th Feb Sat 21st Feb Tues 24th 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 Salford City Lg Cup A Matlock Town A Atherton Collieries Lancs H STOCKPORT COUNTY A King’s Lynn Town H SKELMERSDALE A Nantwich Town H TRAFFORD A Belper Town H NORTHWICH VIC LgCup H FRICKLEY ATHLETIC A Buxton H BLYTH SPARTANS A Stamford H Rushall Olympic A Witton Albion A Blyth Spartans 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 3-1 5-1 3-0 3-1 1-1 1-2 3-0 1-2 0-3 2-3

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 351 Shenton 140 Shenton 235 Shenton 189 Shenton 257 Shenton 120 Shenton 907 Shenton 510 Shenton 372 Shenton 285 Shenton

Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley + Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Grayson * Pilkington Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley * Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 Williams Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley * Hulme

Pugh Pugh Pugh Abadaki * Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington # Pilkington Pugh Pugh Grayson + Pugh Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pugh Pugh Pugh Pugh Pugh Pugh Pugh Piacentile 1 Pugh Dean Pugh Grayson Grayson + Grayson Grayson Grayson

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 Stopforth Slaven Stopforth + Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth 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 Howson 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 Krou Krou Robinson Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou 1 Krou Krou Pugh Krou Krou Krou Krou

Matchball Sponsor Today’s matchball has kindly been sponsored by John Turner.

If you’d like to sponsor the club then please contact Rob on 07944 038512, or email rob.sax@musician.org

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Hulme 1 Hulme Hulme 1+ Hulme Abadaki + Abadaki Abadaki Abadaki + Abadaki Abadaki Abadaki + Abadaki # Mota 1* Abadaki * Abadaki 1 * Abadaki 1 * Abadaki + Abadaki 1 Abadaki # Abadaki + Robinson # Abadaki * Williams 1* Williams * Abadaki Williams # Abadaki Williams 1 Williams * Williams * Abadaki * Abadaki Abadaki +

Burton Burton Burton Burton Slaven Burton * Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton 1 Stopforth Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton Pilkington * Burton Burton Burton Williams Burton Burton Kuba-Kuba Burton * Burton + Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton 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 # Hulme 1 Hulme 1 * Robinson 1 Hulme 1 Hulme Robinson # Hulme Hulme Hulme Williams #

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+ Spencer + Robinson Dean 1 Robinson * Spencer * Brooks Spencer Spencer 1 Spencer + Robinson 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 Dean Spencer 1 Abadaki # Spencer 2 Dean + Abadaki + Dean Dean Dean Spencer *

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

Slaven Abadaki + Slaven + Abadaki Slaven + Ahmadi # Slaven Cook * Krou * Cook # Robinson * Cook + Robinson # Cook Cook Williams Williams + Pugh # Williams # Irwin Mota # Irwin Dean * Mota Cook + Dean # Williams + Slaven Mota Slaven Mota * Slaven Mota Gaskell + Mota # Gaskell Mota Gaskell # Williams # Mota Abadaki # Spencer * Piacentile Burton * Gaskell + Robinson # Gaskell + Robinson 1* Burton Stopforth Kuba-Kuba * Slaven + Slaven Piacentile Kuba-Kuba* Robinson + Spencer +1 Hulme # Abadaki * Morley Kuba-Kuba Robinson + Brooks + Robinson Davies * Johnson

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 Kuba-Kuba Piacentile Dean * Johnson Piacentile Kuba-Kuba + Brooks Grayson Brooks Hartley Morley Kuba-Kuba Slaven Slaven Brooks # Slaven Morley Slaven # Morley

Our 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.

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northwich victoria will the real northwich please stand up e Vic’s hoping for more cup glory! e name Northwich Victoria is steeped in tradition as the football club was named after the then reigning monarch, Queen Victoria, when it was formed back in 1874. Equally historical was e Vic’s first home ground, the Drill Field, which was on the site of the former Drilling Ground for the 22nd Company of the 3rd battalion of the Cheshire Rifle Volunteers.

For nearly twenty years Northwich only played friendlies, but in 1892 they became founder members of the 2nd division in the Football league. After two seasons as a professional team the financial burdens became too much and they resigned from the league, but this was not before they signed the legendary Welsh ‘wing wizard’ Billy Meredith, who played in their final football league season.

Over the next 70 years Northwich played in a number of local leagues that included the Cheshire league and the Lancashire Combination. In 1968 they were invited to become founder members of a new Northern Premier, where they stayed for a further 11 years. eir ambition to play at a higher level in the non-league pyramid was signalled when they joined the new Nationwide Alliance Premier league in 1978. e 1976/77 season also saw Northwich reach the fourth round of the FA Cup, defeating Football League opposition Rochdale, Peterborough and Watford before

being knocked out by Oldham Athletic at Maine Road. Incidentally, the game against Watford was witnessed by their then Chairman ‘e Rocket man’ Elton John. Over the years e Vic’s have gone on to claim other notable football League scalps and have beaten both Bury and Charlton Athletic. ey have had more success in the FA Trophy, visiting Wembley on no less than three occasions. In 1983 and 1996 the Vic’s were beaten finalists, but in 1984 they went one better and won the trophy after beating Bangor City in a replay at Stoke City’s Victoria Ground.

After a few years of struggling, the 1990’s saw Northwich start to become a force again in semi-professional football. In 1993 they defeated Martin O’Neil’s mighty Wycombe Wanderers at Adam’s park to lift the Drinkwise Cup. eir progress continued under the management of Keith Alexander and in the 1996/97 season they finished a club best sixth in the Conference. e tide seemed to turn when Alexander departed for Lincoln City; he was succeeded by former Northern Irish international Jimmy Quinn, with his stay lasting only two seasons before Shrewsbury Town came calling. A disastrous spell followed, with three managers coming and going in quick succession and Northwich finished bottom of the Conference in the 2003/04 season only surviving relegation due to ground technicalities with other clubs.

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Goalscorer Phil Dean takes on the Northwich defence back in 2013

With financial problems getting worse, Northwich moved out of their famous Drill Field ground and became tenants of near neighbours Witton Albion. September 2004 saw the club enter their first spell of administration and they were deducted 10 points, but against the odds manager Steve Burr ensured the club finished outside the bottom three. However, this achievement turned out to be for nothing as e Vic’s were relegated due to an administration technicality and they started life in the Conference North in the 2005/06 season.

Under the new ownership of Mike Connett they moved to a new ground, the newly built Victoria Stadium. e new facilities saw another great FA Cup run, where they were finally beaten in the third round at Premier League Sunderland. After a record breaking run of fifteen consecutive victories, promotion was secured at the first attempt back to the National Conference.

New owners took over the club, but any hopes of a bright future were shattered in May 2009 when the club again entered administration after relegation back to the Conference North. ey were later expelled and joined the Northern Premier league, where more financial problems affected the club, this culminated in them losing the Victoria Stadium in 2012, forcing them to yet again ground share.

Due to subsequent relegations Northwich now find themselves under the stewardship of former Stockport County legend Jim Gannon in the Evo-Stick League Division One North. is season has seen an upturn in fortunes with the Vic’s currently on the same number of points as leaders Darlington 1883, lying second on goal difference. Tonight will certainly be a stern test for the Rams against high flying Northwich.

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Manager: Jon Robinson

Grant SHENTON Kyle HARROP George GRAYSON Jamie ROTHER Steve HOWSON Cedric KROU Osebi ABADAKI Ian BENNETT Jon ROBINSON Lee GASKELL Tom WILLIAMS David KUBA-KUBA Lee PUGH Andy DAWSON Malachi SLAVEN Luke HERON George BOWYER Tom BROOKS

Manager: Jim Gannon

Tim DEASY Chris SMALLEY Mohamud ALI Michael CLARKE Callum HENRY Stuart COOK Brian SUMMERSKILL Michael RODDY Goodwin ABADAKI Gary BURNETT Aboubacar ANOGO Danny MEADOWCROFT Joe GORMAN Jack SHERRATT Josh AMIS Dave SMITH

Referee: Andrew Halliday Referee’s Assistants: Mark Hughes, Andrew Daniels

Next home game: Saturday 24th January, 3pm - Rammy v Frickley