62 Ramsbottom United v Matlock Town

rammy news

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v MATLOCK 25-04-15

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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 Tues 2nd Dec Sat 6th Dec Mon 8th Dec Sat 13th Dec Sat 20th Dec Sun 28th Dec Thu 1st Jan Tues 27th Jan Tues 10th Feb Sat 14th Feb Tues 17th Feb Sat 21st Feb Tues 24th Feb Sat 28th Feb Sat 7th Mar Tues 10th Mar Sat 14th Mar Tues 17th Mar Thurs 19th Mar Sat 21st Mar Tues 24th Mar Sat 28th Mar Sat 4th April Mon 6th April Weds 8th April Sat 11th April Tues 14th April Thur 16th April Sat 18th April Tues 21st April Thur 23rd April Sat 25th April

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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 NORTHWICH VIC LgCup H HARROGATE RA LgCup A Stamford H RUSHALL OLYMPIC A Witton Albion A Blyth Spartans H ILKESTON A Skelmersdale United A Stourbridge H STOURBRIDGE A Buxton H BLYTH SPARTANS A Belper H BARWELL A Grantham Town H FC UNITED OF MCR A Ashton United H FARSLEY LgCup SemiFinal H HALESOWEN TOWN H ASHTON UNITED A Curzon Ashton A Barwell H FRICKLEY ATHLETIC H TRAFFORD H MATLOCK TOWN

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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 158 Shenton 131 Shenton 319 Shenton 223 Shenton 349 Shenton 364 Shenton 290 Shenton 229 Shenton 230 Shenton 261 Shenton 197 Shenton 234 Shenton 221 Shenton 182 Shenton 191 Shenton 2104 Shenton 237 Shenton 189 Shenton 242 Shenton 212 Shenton 183 Shenton 175 Shenton 178 Shenton

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First of all I’d like to wish a Good Afternoon to our match officials as well as the players, supporters and officials of today’s visitors Matlock Town, a team who have had a very similar season to ourselves in many ways. is has been one heck of a season for me, and a real Rammy Rollercoaster! It started with me concentrating on playing for my adopted hometown club (and enjoying every minute of it), and ended up with me as manager in place of my two good friends, and playing what will be my last game for the Rams this afternoon after 210 games over six years.

I know it’s been tough watching at times, but to have suffered the turnaround in personnel we have had and manage to still maintain our Premier Division place is testiment to the belief and fight not only from the players and staff, but also the fans who have really come through for us and who I will hold forever close to my heart. Yes, some have wandered off, but to look up at Blyth on a Tuesday night or Barwell just last week, and see the Rammy Ultras doing their thing is a great feeling, especially when things aren’t going so well.

As a whole this last few months has been a huge learning curve for myself and Phil - you learn things as a manager that you’d never know as a player and we are definitely having to learn quickly. I know that there are doubters out there, and we are still making mistakes, but I like to think that we’ve acquitted

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ourselves well given the pressure and the circumstances. Johnno and Bernard talk about their first game in charge when they had a decent pre-season but then got hammered down at Newcastle in the opening game. I remember my first midseason weekend in charge when I received messages from nine players saying that they wanted to leave Rammy.

We’ve survived it, and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

I must give the players praise because what they have done for Rammy over the last few months is incredible, not least the number of games they have faced, which should be illegal. Virtually all of our squad are on their knees with exhaustion (we even feared Mark Ayres was suffering a stroke after Tuesday’s game, which he thankfully wasn’t) but they continue to play without complaining and with grit and determination. I will shake every hand in that changing room on Saturday and thank them for the part they’ve played in this mammoth task.

I would like to finish by saying that we will be back next year stronger and better, ready to climb that table. We will take the hits but will get up and carry on.

We will play without fear and will repay every supporter’s faith tenfold.

So as I hang my boots up today I’d like to thank you for your continued support.

Forever Rammy!

- Robbo

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tony cunningham and the wonderful world of non-league football Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

A special welcome to today’s match officials, and of course, our visitors, Matlock Town who are, like many other clubs this season, making their first ever visit to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

Well, we made it! What a season this has been! I doubt whether in 49 years there has ever been such a disruptive campaign as the one we are ending today. To say we were all disappointed with the happenings in early January would be an understatement. ose who left us had done so much to bring this club up to this level, and it would be churlish of me not to recognise their achievements. However, it would have all been for nothing had Robbo not been able to turn things around. Fortunately he has done, with a certain amount of assistance.

And at last we can breathe a sigh of relief and gather our thoughts over the next couple of months as things finally settle down.

As the season ends, the time is right to hand out my thanks, both personally, and on behalf of the club, to so many people.

I have just completed my first full season as Secretary, and for that I thank Harry for giving me the

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opportunity. It has been rather traumatic at times, but my love of non-league football allowed me to rise above all the problems and deal with them as they came along. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and hopefully can continue for some time to come, although, as most of you will know, my business does have a habit of getting in the way….especially for the longer away trips. Still, it’s the business that pays the bills, so I shouldn’t complain.

Talking of Harry, as usual, he’s taken flak at various points throughout the season, but as he completes 49 years in charge, we really need to take a look at just what he has achieved here. e club has never been relegated, we are at our highest ever level in the football pyramid, we are enjoying our highest average home league attendances ever, and we have just seen the ground’s record attendance reached.

He must be doing something right! Indeed, in all my years in football, I’ve never come across a harder working Chairman, so thanks for all you do, Harry.

Andy Edmundson has taken much off my shoulders, especially for those games I’ve been unable to attend, in his role as Matchday Secretary, and I owe him a big “ank You” for that. As a further standby, our Vice-Chairman Chris Woolfall has always been there, and were it not for him, we would be a number of balls short thanks to the proximity of the river!

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Paul ‘Motty’ Cropper, roving reporter on both sides of the fence

Also I have my tweeter Andy Worsick to thank. Not only does he assist me on match days with help regarding obtaining half-time scores and other odd jobs, when I’m unable to get to an away match, I rely very much on his tweets to keep me up to date. en, of course, there is Jack Wolfenden, the game’s oldest ball-boy! Jack just keeps on going and going and is an inspiration to us all. Long may he continue. ere are a number of volunteers who regularly turn up to work on the ground during the season, and in case I miss a name, it’s probably better to say that you know who you are and your work is gratefully appreciated.

We have in my opinion, and that of a number of other club’s representatives, the best programme in the League. at is all down to Rob Moss and his band of contributors. A brilliant effort that I know takes up many hours. It’s worth it Rob! en the webmaster, our very own local Richard Isaacs (if local means something like 250 miles away!) Richard spreads the word far and wide and does an excellent job with the website.

Paul Cropper came along and relieved me of my reporting duties, and I have to say Paul’s reports are master-pieces. Great stuff! en there’s Katie and the committee who organise the Supporters Club, Scott with the Sponsorship, Kevin with the raffle and Goldline collections, and I’ve no doubt I’ve inadvertently missed someone out. If so, please accept my apologies.

Finally, a big thank you to Robbo, Edgy, Daz and the rest of the coaching team, and the players for dragging us over the finishing line. Well done one and all.

Oh….mustn’t forget YOU, the supporters.

You have been magnificent this season, with the atmosphere here racked up a few notches and the support away from home quite amazing. A big “THANK YOU” to you all.

Enjoy the break (although there won’t be one here!) and we’ll see you all come August’ Enjoy your non-league football!

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Good afternoon and welcome everyone to the HWRS for our final game of the season against Matlock Town FC. It’s now the final game of what has been an eventful season for the Rammy committee, fans and players. After the departure of Jonno and Bernard at the start of the year there was abit of a cloud hanging over the club and I’m sure some uncertainty about what lies ahead for the rest of the season. Robbo and I had the tough job of bringing players in and trying to get results in a very competitive league in which we have had some difficult times. We’ve also had some good days in amongst that especially away from home where we have picked up some vital points. e objective was to remain at this level for next season and having secured that at Barwell last week, we now have to start looking at building a competitive squad that can take us forward and hopefully push for play offs next season. We are under no illusion how tough that will be and as we have found out if your not switched on at all times and up for the physical side of the game you will get punished in this league. e squad have been fantastic recently having to play so many games in such a short period of time takes its toll and I’m sure everyone will be looking forward to a rest over the summer and come back refreshed ready for pre-season. e majority of the squad will hopefully stay with us and we need to add quality in a few key positions to give us a better chance next year as we have come up short in a number of games this season. It’s important to keep the continuity as well and we have got a tremendous dressing room with some real characters and that’s vitally important especially at this level as team work and spirit takes you along way.

Personally it’s been a real eye opener for me in my first role in the management side of football, the experience has been brilliant and really tested Robbo and I, it’s made me appreciate the good days in football because the bad days can affect your mood as my mrs would definitely vouch for!

I would like to say a massive thank you to the supporters who have always in the main been very positive and understanding of our situation and stayed behind the team throughout. Another thank you must go to the people behind the scenes who keep the club running and ensure we have everything we need and do it for the love of the club and without these people we wouldn’t survive.

Hope you all have a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you next season. Enjoy the game!

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e Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 21st April 2015 Att: 178 Rammy Goals: Frickley Goals:

Any belief that a final programme of 3 home games against fellow teams in the nether regions of the division would provide an easy route to the 3 points that secured the Rams retention of their NPL position was more than dispelled by a nervy evening against this former colliery team. How precious in the light of this point was the marvellous triumph on the road at Barwell on Saturday.

Frickley arrived in pretty much the same position the Rams had found themselves on Saturday - needing 3 points to be certain of safety. As may be expected from a club founded on the pride, passion and togetherness of the coalmine they were not going to be easy pushovers. Apart from an absence of goals the structure of the game largely followed the earlier meeting at Frickley with the Rams the much the better team in the first half and Frickley coming strong in the second.e best hopes of a goal for the Rams came from Lee Neville's incursions from full back down the left and the industry and awkwardness of player manager Jon Robinson who , having announced ( again) his permanent retirement as a player, ran around the pitch with the energy of old .But apart from his header over from a great Neville cross and a volley wide from Jamie Rother following a neat diagonal from the same source the Rams really did not trouble the towering partnership of John Cyrus and Jameel Ible at the heart of the Frickley defence. is was a two man picket line who on this evidence are as good a central defensive pairing as anything in the league.

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e Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 21st April 2015 Att: 178 Rammy Goals: Frickley Goals:

With Witton in front at half time the need for Frickley to up the ante was obvious and from the restart they threw players forward finding it easy to exploit the Rams systemic weakness on the right. On the hour Matty Bloor thought he had scored after neat control and sharp movement had opened up space on the edge of the box.

His low shot had Grant Shenton beaten but passed just the wrong side of the post and then prolific scorer Gavin Allott might have done better at the far post with Shenton somewhat stretched by a cross. In between the Rams attacks tended to be sporadic lopsided and congested.. Lee Gaskell's free kick from the edge of the box brought a good save from Ben Simpson but the keeper was otherwise untroubled.

In added time Fickley thought they had grabbed what to the impartial observer would not have been an undeserved winner but with Shenton beaten a shot was deflected onto the top of the bar and over leaving the visitors holding their heads at the final whistle moments after - but results elsewhere and the combination of final day fixtures may mean that the point may be enough for them. e Rams are now at home to Trafford on ursday and then Matlock on Saturday hoping for the first home win in the current era and anticipating a as glorious a final swansong from Jon Robinson as when old blue eyes left Vegas for the last time - but then again how many retirements did he have?

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î Łe Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 21st April 2015 Att: 178 Rammy Goals: Frickley Goals:

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î Łe Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 21st April 2015 Att: 178 Rammy Goals: Frickley Goals:

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matlock welcome to rammy Matlock were formed in 1878 and at first played a number of friendly matches, before they joined the Derbyshire League, where they were champions on two occasions in 1890/01 and 1891/92. e 1885/86 season saw the club revert to name they now carry, Matlock Town. e Gladiators were disbanded during the Second World War and reformed in 1946, joining the Chesterfield and District League. ey later moved to the Central Alliance League and after winning the League Championship in two successive seasons they were promoted to the Midland Counties League in 1961. Matlock Town had continued League success and after winning the Championship for a second time in 1969, they took the bold step to move to the Northern Premier Leagueand have been members ever since.

Matlock struggled at first in the then top tier of the Non-League football pyramid, but their fortunes were to change, when the Gladiators appointed Sheffield Wednesday and England Centre-Half Peter Swan, in the summer of 1974. Matlock were suddenly transformed into an attacking force and December saw them thrash Lancaster City ten nil away from home, a League record score, which stood until September 2000. e club also reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for only the second time in their history, where they lost to the eventual Division ree Champions Blackburn Rovers.

To cap off a dream first season in charge,

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Swan took Matlock all the way to Wembley, where they hammered favourites Scarborough to lift the FA Trophy.

Swan departed in the summer of 1976and Captain Tom Fenoughty took over the managerial hot seat and led Matlock on another superb FA Cuprun, which eventually came to an end in the ird Round, after a five one away defeat to Carlisle United.

However Round Two did see Matlock thrash Mansfield Town five two and to date this is the furthest they have ever progressed in England’s main Cup competition. e 1976/77 season was a successful season for Matlock in the cups, as they won NPL Challenge Cup, the Derbyshire Senior Cup and the NPL Shield. e NPL Challenge Cup win gave Matlock entry into the AngloItalian Non-League tournament, where they lost to Pisa and Chieti, but beat Juniorcasale and Cremonese, which saw them finish as English runners-up to Sutton United. e late 1980’s saw the Gladiators in a constant relegation battle, with the club having to apply for re-election on a number of occasions. However, as a number of managers came and went, Matlock continued to keep their heads above water and preserve their Northern Premier Division status. Unfortunately their luck finally ran out during the 1990’s, as the decade turned out to be a disappointing one. In 1996 they were finally relegated from the Northern Premier Division under the stewardship of Imre Varadi. Without seriously mounting a

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promotion charge, the 2000/01 season saw another good cup run in the FA Trophy, where they were unlucky to beaten by Conference side Forest Green Rovers, who went on to reach the Final.

Ernie Moss was appointed as the new manager in the summer of 2001 and he set about laying the foundations for the clubs most successful season in twenty years during the 2003/04 campaign. After leading the league table for much of the season, Matlock Town eventually had to settle for the runners-up spot behind Champions Hyde United. ey did however lift the Derbyshire Senior Cup and narrowly lost to Northern Premier Division Champion Hucknall Town in the League Cup SemiFinals. With promotion guaranteed back to the Northern Premier Division, it was a real surprise when manager Moss left to join Hucknall.

Life back in the Northern Premier Leagues top tier, was a real mixed bag for the

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Gladiators. In 2007 they reached the Play-Off Final, only to be beaten by Witton Albion. e next few season saw Matlock yet again flirt with relegation and they were only saved by a great run of form under new manager Mark Atkins, a Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers. Atkins first season in charge at Causeway Lane, saw the Gladiators finish in seventh place and a year later it seemed a Play-Off place was a sure bet, but a late dip in form meant Matlock finished the season eleventh in the table.

With Mark Hume now in charge, this season has yet again been a struggle for Matlock Town, with the threat of relegation a real concern for all at Causeway Lane.

Much like the Rams, a win last weekend means that the Gladiators go into the final week of the season safely knowing that they will be playing their football in the Northern Premier Division next season.

- words by Gareth Bird

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Liam Needham (Midfield) Aged 29 Previous Clubs; Sheffield Wednesday, Gainsborough Trinity, Notts County, Guiseley, Bradford Park Avenue & FC Halifax Town.

Needham joined Matlock in July 2013, after spell at FC Halifax Town, who he helped gain promotion to the Conference Premier Division.

A combative midfielder who relishes to be in the centre of the park, but he is also equally at home on the left wing. Was made Captain when he joined the club and is certainly an integral part of the Gladiators engine room.

Danny Holland (Forward) Aged 32 Previous Clubs; Hucknall Town, Harrogate Town, Eastwood Town, Halifax Town & Bradford Park Avenue.

A striker who has scored goals wherever he has played. Manager Mark Atkins fought off a number of other clubs to secure his services from Bradford Park Avenue during the summer of 2013. Holland certainly didn’t disappoint as he finished the 2013/14 season as Matlock’s top goal scorer. is season he has been no different, as Holland continues his goal scoring spree, with 16 strikes so far this campaign.

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three to watch

Jon Kennedy (Goalkeeper) Aged 34 Previous Clubs; Sunderland, Blackpool, Accrington Stanley, Gateshead, Halifax, Witton Albion & Worksop Town.

A vastly experienced goalkeeper, who made a number of appearances in the Football League during spells with Sunderland, Blackpool and Accrington Stanley. Kennedy joined the Gladiators from Worksop Town in July 2011 and quickly became a fans favourite with his impressive displays. Matlock’s last line of defence is still going strong, as proved last season when he was voted the Players Player of the Year.

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meet the away fans james griffiths fills us in on matlock What's the mood like in the camp at the moment? ere's a good feeling going around MTFC with the appointment of manager Mark Hume and advancements off the field with the youth's team.

Are things going to plan would you say? at'll depend if we win the relegation battle but I have faith in the lads to do so.

For you who are the players to watch at the moment, and why.

Danny Holland is a huge fan favourite and we recently celebrated his 100th goal for the club in 166 matches as well as young midfielder Niall McManus who has impressed since he signed for the club around Christmas time.

How long have you been a supporter?

I have supported Matlock Town since as long as I can remember, going to games with my father who went to games with his mother, I dare say that my family has watched the club for over a hundred years with all three of us in total.

What are your most memorable times with the club, and what sticks out for you this season.

Beating Mansfield Town in the FA Trophy is one that sticks out as you get a buzz that only football gives you when you get a big result

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but in regards to this season just the turn around on the pitch and our majestic run of victories against other teams in the relegation battles was an incredible turnaround.

How would you change the club if you won the lottery?

I'd give the gaffer a lovely big transfer budget and get some new floodlights as well as some state of the art kit for our fantastically hard working groundsmen.

How would you describe your supporters?

Passionate and not scared to voice an opinion or have a debate on the club they love, that's what makes the club the heart of the community in Matlock.

What are your hopes for the rest of the season?

Avoid relegation, win our Derbyshire Senior County Cup final and then plan for next season would be the ideal.

How would you describe the town for any visitors, and what one word would you use to describe the ground catering? e town itself is like a beautiful painted watercolour with some of the most majestic views to be seen in the whole of the country, as the song goes "We've got Riber on the hillside!" and in regards to the food, as a big man myself I can tell you that the food is a treat.

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Action from the FA Trophy win over Mansfield Town back in 2012

What's the best pub for a pre-match / postmatch pint, and why's it a good one?

Difficult one this, there are several good pubs in the town of course but for me, a trip in the Autoworld Lounge is always my port of call as the staff are so warm and friendly.

What's your name, and do you have any forum or club nicknames?

My name is James Griffiths and I don't have any nicknames although I'm sure after people have read this then they'll come up with some.

What's your connection with the club?

My connection with the club as I've previously mentioned comes through my family and I was lucky enough to be taken to games at an early age where I caught the bug of non league football and I haven't looked back since.

Tell us a little bit about yourself - what you do for a living? Married? Kids?

I'm twenty three years old and I run MTFC TV as well as do the clubs social media and I have recently being appointed as the developmental press officer for the recently established MTFC Academy

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Trigger Stephen & David Ste, Angie & Ethan Maria Mr & Mrs Darkside TobyTrotter Little Katie smiffylad Rammy Blue Chris S Johnno & Bernard Tony Cunningham Lui Delverto Rob Moss John Ayers Richard Isaacs Emma James Ian McCool Frank Crook Paul Gaskell Tanners Croft

£2 £2 £4 £1 £2 £1 £1 £1 £1 £2 £2 £1 £1 £2 £2 £2 £2 £2 £2 £5 £2

If you’d like to join in (you get your name in the programme and receive your very own signed team photo as a thankyou) then please make your pledge on the club forum, email rob.sax@musician.org or call Rob on 07944 038512 e Fans Fund total currently stands at £854

goal sponsorship

We’d like to thank the following people who have already pledged to sponsor the team for every goal scored for the remainder of the season.

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Ian Bennett 0 24

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tony’s teasers 1. Which club is planning a Gary Speed Memorial run?

2. Which Conference North club has been put up for sale?

3. Sean Hessey has been confirmed as the new manager of which Evo-Stik League club?

4. Which club, hoping to move to a new stadium next year, has just spent £85,000 upgrading it’s current stadium?

5. What is the nickname of Bangor City?

6. Whose ground is situated in Well Street?

7. Where will Northwich Victoria play their home games next season?

8. Who is the new Director of Football at Stockport County?

9. What colours do Ossett Town play in?

10. Which Welsh club plays at Pennydarren Park?

ANSWERS: 1. Colwyn bay 2. North Ferriby United 3. Marine 4. AFC Fylde 5. e Citizens 6. Padiham 7. Witton Albion 8. Alan lord 9. All Red 10. Merthyr Town 0 24

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Why not advertise here next season?

Phone Rob on 07944 038512 or email rob.sax@musician.org AN 8. A

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rammy in exile sky sports statto richard isaacs Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the final match of this most arduous of seasons. Today we welcome Matlock Town - a club from a beautiful town in the Peak District whom we welcome to our little haven of transquility here in Lancashire.

Naturally we wish you all an enjoyable day, bar the result of course!

Well, we have finally made it. Saturday 25th April 2015 and the final hurdle in our inaugural season at this level. 24 matches since the 10th February and the use of 49 players through the competitions this campaign. Actually, when you compare that to the last three seasons of stability and loyalty - the last three seasons saw 36 players used, 34 the following season and 38 last year so 49 this year, given the upheaval midway through is not that bad really.

But what a season it has been. After the incredible euphoria of being promoted last season and introducing ourselves to Step 3 of non-league football and all the publicity that it entails - the excitement of seeing our clubs name in the fixtures and results sections of the national papers and every single day on Sky Sports News HQ plus heightened attention in the Non-League Paper as well. We had never anything like it - our little club in the media spotlight (well, sort of!).

And then, we go on a magnificent run of results which

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slotted us very tidily into the play-off places, winning club of the month for October 2014 with five wins from five and then had another terrific November too with six wins from eight games, only losing away to Hasleowen and drawing at home to Workington the only blips on that particular radar. And all in the garden was rosy, especially when we beat little Salford City in the League Cup. Little did we know then, as it transpired, that that would be the final victory under the previous management as we lost five games in a row after a draw with Matlock Town on a lovely afternoon in the Peaks ... adjoining the special Christmas Market which all of our brethren thoroughly enjoyed - I know I did as I was there for that one, enroute back home to Southampton. en, it happened. After the Nantwich Town 3-2 loss on New Years Day, our loyal men of true, our team that had taken us on the ride of our lives for the last five or so years, left. It was heartbreaking. Ok, it is just a football team at the end of the day.

But that Rammy team had become more than just a football team - they were our family, our friends, our Rammy that we cheered on with great gusto and passion.

And it all just .... went.

Robbo was appointed and he brought in Phil Edghill to sit alongside him and they set about filling the gaps left by all those who had swapped blue for tangerine .... oh, sorry,

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But that is now the history and the 2015/2016 season commences in just a few months time.

And, everyone knows that we will still be here.

We will still be watching the Rams with the same passion, ferver, joy, delight, anxiety, fear, frustration, celebration, drum-banging pride, song singing, sheep mask wearing, sh*t shirt parading Rammy support.

To everyone, thank you. ank you for sticking with us this year, those of you that have. ank you to the players, the 2014 variety and the 2015 variety and those who have split the two.

Have a wonderful summer, enjoy your cricket, which is where I am headed now for a full on summer of cricket of Sky Sports but, when August comes around again, you know where we will all be. "Down by the Riverside, Down by the Riverside, Down by the Riverside, Gonna lay down my sword and shield, Down by the Riverside, Ain't gonna study form no more" with apologies to the old song of the same name.

COME ON YOU RAMS!

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red. With 22 league games to play - basically half a season and the club starting to slip down the table, that challenge was one of epic proportion.

Which brings us to today. 22 league games later, just four wins (prior to the Trafford game on ursday) and 11 defeats but enough to keep our status at the level for another season.

It has been horrible. To put it no other terms whatsoever, it has been horrible but you have to give total credit to the players and the managers and coaches for the effort that they put in, in such trying circumstances. e stats are there for all to see - 4 wins in 22 games since New Year is not exactly a glowing reference but when you have to build a team with a moments notice and get them to play together at this level of football, we cannot criticise but just heap praise upon those who have worn our shirts for the last four months.

So, we reach the end of the season. A season that will only be remembered for one thing. e departures. When the history of the club is updated, it will take a rather major piece of it.

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rammy united

meet the lads

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Jon ROBINSON

Phil EDGHILL

Date of birth: 28th December 1981 Place of birth: Salford Position: Player Manager / Striker Height: 5ft 9ins Previous clubs: Salford, Flixton, New Mills, Bacup A passionate and never-say-die striker who would score goals by sheer hard work and enthusiasm alone. Took over the managerial reins in January 2015.

Date of birth: 13th September 1979 Place of birth: Oldham Position: Assistant Manager / Midfielder Height: 6ft Previous clubs: Rochdale, Ashton, Chadderton, Rossendale, Curzon Ashton, Hyde, Salford A vastly experienced creative midfielder who returned to Rammy as assistant manager in January 2015.

Danny JONES

Darren GREEN

Date of birth: 3rd January 1976 Place of birth: Salford Position: Coach Previous clubs: Scunthorpe United, Altrincham, Curzon Ashton, Salford, Trafford An excellent and experienced coach with a class pedigree in league and non-league football.

Date of birth: 4th January 1979 Place of birth: Bury Position: Coach Previous clubs: Glossop, Bury, Bolton Wanderers A UEFA trained professional football coach who brings a wealth of expertise to the club.

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Alex FROST

Date of birth: 28th January 1991 Place of birth: Newton Heath Position: Goalkeeper Height: 6ft 2ins Previous clubs: Maine Road, FC United A fantastic goalkeeper whose vision plays as much a part in creating goals as his athleticism plays in denying them.

Date of birth: 18th September 1985 Place of Birth: Chadderton Position: Centre-Half Height: 5ft 11ins Previous Clubs: Droylsden, Nantwich, Ashton United, Bath, Altrincham A no-nonsense centre-half.

Callum JONES

Matty BURKE

Date of birth: 10th May 1990 Place of birth: Salford Position: Centre Half Height: 6ft 1ins Previous clubs: Hindsford, Ashton United, Trafford A no-nonsense centre half.

Date of birth: 14th December 1985 Place of birth: Salford Position: Creative Midfielder Height: 6ft 1ins Previous clubs: Blackpool, Salford, Barrow, Vauxhall Motors, Hyde, Alfreton Town, Ashton United, Staffor Rangers A hard-working and commanding creative midfielder.

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Grant SHENTON

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rammy united

meet the lads

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Mark AYRES

George BOWYER

Date of Birth: 17th May 1985 Place of Birth: Walkden Position: Centre-Back Height: 6ft Previous Clubs: Salford, FC United, Atherton Collieries, Droylsden, Flixton A strong and committed centre-back.

Date of birth: 11th November 1990 Place of birth: Stockport Height: 5ft 10ins Position: Full-Back Previous clubs: Rochdale, Woodley, Mossley, Curzon Ashton, Bamber Bridge A determined and committed full-back who likes to get forward.

Kyle HARROP

Ian BENNETT

Date of birth: 22nd April 1987 Place of birth: Chadderton Position: Full-Back / Midfielder Height: 6ft Previous clubs: Curzon, Trafford, Sorrento and Mandurah (Australia), Ashton , Nantwich A versatile and experienced player who is equally happy at full back or in a holding midfield role.

Date of birth: 24th February 1986 Place of birth: Middleton Position: Midfielder Height: 5ft 7ins Previous clubs: Manchester City, Ashton United A creative attacking midfielder returning to football after a break to study at university.

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Jamie ROTHER

Date of birth: 24th February 1996 Place of birth: Bury Position: Wing-Back Height: 6ft Previous clubs: Oldham Athletic,Trafford A versatile wide player who is happy on either wing, or in defence.

Date of birth: 8th March 1989 Place of birth: Middleton Position: Midfielder Height: 5ft 8ins Previous clubs: Oldham, FC United, Bacup, Salford A hard working centre-midfielder who’s not afraid to get stuck in when necessary.

Malachi SLAVEN

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Luke HERON

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Donal McDERMOTT

Date of birth: 19th October 1989 Date of birth: 17th May 1994 Place of birth: Dublin Place of birth: Manchester Position: Forward Position: Midfielder Height: 5ft 10ins Height: 5ft 11ins Previous clubs: Manchester City, Scunthorpe Previous clubs: Bury, Macclesfield, Droylsden A decent quality midfielder who joined Rammy United, MK Dons, Chesterfield, Huddersfield pre-season but has been out on loan, only Town, AFC Bournemouth, Dundalk A classy and accomplished forward player with returning to the club just before Christmas. a great eye for goal.

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meet the lads

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Lee NEVILLE

Tom WILLIAMS

Date of birth: 6th April 1988 Position: Left Side Previous clubs: Salford, FC United, Witton Albion A fantastic and inspirational left-sided player who is excellent in defence or coming forward.

Date of birth: 4th September 1990 Place of birth: Bolton Position: Winger Height: 5ft 11ins Previous clubs: Bamber Bridge A class winger whose corners and crosses are exquisite.

Tom HARTLEY

Tom BROOKS

Date of birth: 11th November 1996 Place of birth: Rawtenstall Position: Midfielder / Striker Height: 5ft 7ins Previous clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Moston, Ramsbottom United Youth A tough young attacking midfielder/striker who progressed through Ramsbottom United’s youth setup.

Date of birth: 29th September 1989 Place of birth: Bury Position: Forward Height: 5ft 6ins Previous clubs: Bury, Walshaw, Bolton Wanderers, Radcliffe A fast and clinical striker who makes perfectly timed runs off the last defender.

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D P P H P W A r 2

D P P P A A ‘R

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Date of birth: 22nd April 1991 Place of birth: Nigeria Position: Winger Height: 5ft 10ins Previous clubs: Nantwich, Halifax A speedy and tricky winger who can take on defenders for fun and whip in a mean cross.

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Date of birth: 7th February 1985 Place of birth: Salford Position: Striker Height: 6ft Previous clubs: Morecambe, Trafford, Walshaw, Warrington An incredibly skillful and creative striker who received the Evostik golden boot for season 2013-14.

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Osebi ABADAKI

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Lee GASKELL

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Harun Bhatti Date of birth: 31st December 1991 Place of birth: Burnley Position: Club Physio Previous clubs: Burnley, Blackburn Rovers, Accrington Stanley A first-rate physio, despite his nickname ‘Rooney’ and his supporting Arsenal

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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures Oh crikey, it’s that time of year again and the realisation is just dawning on me that we will have several football free Saturdays after today. ankfully, Mrs Darkside is not a fan of e Trafford Centre or e Rock and I feel sorry for those of you who have better halves who are. But, c’mon fellas, we owe our wives and girlfriends after the nine months on the Rammy Rollercoaster that we have made them endure.

Is it really only a year ago that we were preparing for that historic play off, double header against Darlington and Bamber Bridge? OK, we are battling at the other end of the table this season, albeit in a higher league, but it has been just as exciting, and arguably more important than last year. Our final away game of the season saw us travelling to Leicestershire, to take on Barwell, knowing that three points would see us safely over the finishing line and ensuring a second year of Northern Premier League football at the HWRS for the 2015-16 season. e rumours that Morrisons and Aldi had completely sold out of toilet paper were not exaggerated as the Rammy Ultras began to reach critical mass at

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squeaky bum time.

For this final away trip of the season, Harry had subsidised the travel costs as a thank you to the supporters and this, coupled with a week of sunshine and the relegation battle, meant we had a full coach of Ultras making the journey to the Midlands. It had also been designated as S**t Shirt Day, although S*****r an e Usual Shirt Day may have been more appropriate for some of us, which had seen the charity shops on Bridge Street make a killing during the week. In an ironic twist of fate, King of the S**t Shirts, Sir Paul of Cropper was not even joining us for this trip as he and Karol were off watching the egg-chasers of Leigh take on Salford in e Rugby League Challenge Cup. An early start was in order for the trip and by 10.30 we were on the road to Barwell, via Prestwich and Worsley to pick up players, for our destiny with the football relegation Gods, and if the Gods were not going to shine on us, well at least the sun was. Alongside the usual rag arsed bunch of supporters, we also had debutants on e Rammy Rocket in the shape of Louis and Emma, as well as Lewis who had forsaken his beloved Shakers promotion battle, at Portsmouth, to join the rest of the Junior Ultras on board.

On arrival at Barwells, Kirkby Road Sports Stadium we found a very similar set up to what we have down here at e Riverside, especially as it had the local cricket ground

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I Want to Break Free - just warming up for the air guitar

adjoining it. Also, similar to our own set up was the fact that the bar was on the cricket ground, not the football ground, but rather than venture in there we made our way into Barwell town centre instead.

I must say, Barwell is probably one of the most picturesque places we have visited on our travels this season and it was not long before we found ourselves settled in the beer garden of a rather nice little boozer, e Blacksmiths Arms, where the locals took quite a shine to Andy Masseys shirt and even offered him a few quid for it. Armed with a pint of Pedigree Bitter, myself and Mrs Darkside ordered some ham, egg and chips (£3.60, what a bargain) and joined the rest of the Ram Army for the customary photoshoot.

We arrived back at the ground with twenty minutes to spare before kick-off which gave us plenty of time to hang the flags and have a chat with some of the very friendly locals. Unfortunately for our hosts, the Rams defeat the previous ursday, against Curzon Ashton, meant

that Barwell could no longer make the play-offs, although they did not seem to hold this against us. e ground itself was even smaller than our own HWRS, but that is not to take anything away from the hosts as I personally found it a perfect environment to watch my last away game of the season, especially as the sunshine seemed to be getting warmer and warmer. e game itself pretty much summed up our rollercoaster season in a nutshell and every time we had a Rammy goal to cheer, we immediately had a Barwell reply to bring us back down to earth. e legend that is Jon Robinson opened the scoring in his typical predatory manner, only for it to be cancelled out within a couple of minutes. It was a half that we pretty much dominated on the pitch and we got our just rewards a few minutes before half time when the referee awarded a penalty to Rammy (whisper it quietly, but a pretty dubious penalty, shhhhh) which was duly dispatched by Lee Neville to give us a 2-1 lead at the break.

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s**t shirt day

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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures So, it was a pretty happy bunch of Rammy supporters at half time as we headed to the cricket club bar for a much needed drink. e players had done their bit on the field, while off the field our support had been excellent, hardly shutting up for the first 45 minutes and totally out singing the home fans. e bar was quite full when we got there and despite having a cricket match and a football match going on outside in the Spring sunshine, it seemed many of the locals preferred to stay indoors watching the rugby union on the large TV screen in the bar (I would give you details on what game they were watching, but my interest was close to zero on what was on the screen) Well, that’s Leicstershire for you, but give me the green and pleasant hills and dark satanic mills of Lancashire any day of the week.

If we thought the first half had been incident packed, it couldn’t hold a candle to the second half and within five minutes of the restart another penalty was awarded, this time to Barwell, and we were pegged back once again, oh bobbins indeed. Not letting their heads drop, the players simply dusted themselves down once more and continued to get on with the job in hand, which was to get the three points and ensure our safety. As the players lifted their game even further, so did the supporters and the noise from the travelling Ultras must have been able to be heard as far away as Hinckley. Horns were blown, drums were banged and our

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increasingly hoarse voices were really put through their paces.

With less than twenty minutes to play, Robbo struck his second goal of the afternoon to make it 3-2 and surely now we were going to hang on for a much needed victory. e sudden rise in the optimism in our ranks lasted for all of two minutes and quickly disappeared when Shents brought down one of the Barwell forwards for the third penalty of the game, which like the previous two spot kicks was duly It’s not easy being as cool as Osebi! converted. e terrace talk suddenly started to turn, and turn towards the fact that a point here would actually be a positive result and set us up nicely for the three remaining home games we had. Despite that, the feeling amongst the Rammy support was that we deserved more than a point and could still win this game to ensure our safety.

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With ten minutes still to play, Luke Heron came on as a late substitute for the Osebi, who had ran his bollocks off during the game, and within a couple of minutes had scored what turned out to be the allimportant goal, and sending the travelling Ultras into euphoric raptures behind the goal. e tension behind the goal for the last few minutes was understandably high and it seemed as though the referee’s watch had stopped to those of us waiting for the whistle and the inevitable celebration of our safety. When the referee did finally blow his whistle, and after a further heart stopping moment where Barwell hit the bar, there was the expected pandemonium amidst the chants of ‘We Are Staying Up, I Say, We Are Staying Up, which was continued as we walked out of the stadium,

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past the cricket game (God only knows what the cricketers must have made of the noise) and only stopping when we reached the bar.

Once back in the bar, and after double checking the other results just to make sure we had avoided relegation, the celebratory beers soon started to flow. One by one, the players began to make their way to the bar and each one was greeted by a huge round of applause from the supporters, culminating in the loudest cheer of the day when Robbo walked in. As is the norm, it was a boozy trip home with plenty of singing from not only the supporters, but also the players and even Uncle Harry playing air guitar on a mop to Queens, ‘I Want to Break Free’……..

Are we rockin’?........................ indeed, we are

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grant shenton shouting from between the sticks It's been a very difficult season, but we've managed to achieve mid table obscurity which is a good place to build from next season. Has it been an ordeal for you, watching everything change around you?

It's not been great. I've been part a team that has helped a club grow so much. en to watch it be broken up has been very hard for me. We should be proud of what the new look team has done with the amount of games we've had and the short space of time to play them in. So I think things could be worse. And there is something the management can build on.

How've you felt about being captain?

How does it change the way you work?

For me to be given the band after Dan left was a very proud moment for me. ere were plenty of lads who could have done a very good job. It means I can't be as vocal to the officials anymore. But my game’s not changed too much, I just have more of a say in the changing room.

It often confuses people to see the keeper go running upfield to talk to the referee. What do you feel are the positives and negatives of having a keeper as captain?

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A negative is I can't be around everyone to have an impact. But from where I am I can dictate the pace of our game and lead by example. I have 7 years of non league experience now and I’m still young so I bring a lot to the table.

I'm not counting too many chickens when I guess that you've won Supporters Player of the Season. Do the fans give you the recognition and appreciation you deserve?

I don't think I deserve anything the fans have their opinions and I respect them. If they are happy with the way I’m playing than that makes me happy.

Our fans are brilliant.

It took a long time for Johnno and Bernard to get the old squad just how they'd like it. Although the fans are hoping for a good pre-season and to hit the floor running, we'd be very lucky if it worked out that simple, would you agree?

I would be very surprised it's not easy to do. e new management team have got a hard job ahead of them. at being said I think they will make a good start with a strong pre-season.

We're really disappointed at how the crowds have dropped off over the last

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few weeks and months, showing who the real supporters are. Do you find it annoying that so many scarf wearing fans have scarpered for the hills?

I can understand why those fans don't attend the games anymore and I can’t possibly think bad of them for that. Fans are the ones paying to watch and making the club what it is - if they choose not to watch because they’re not happy with what they’re watching then that's that and I respect everyone who has ever paid to watch my team and I thank them all.

What's been the high point of being a Rammy player this season, and over your whole career with the club? is season is hard for me to pick one. I'd say away at Whitby in the Trophy and Robbo's last minute winner. Being a big part in two promotions with the team has been a massive high for me.

What do players normally get up to straight after the season finishes? How long do you normally get off before training starts again?

Everyone is different some people have family and like to spend time with them. Some lads don't stop and train all the way through to the start of preseason. It's usually about 5 to seven weeks off.

Well thank you all for watching the Rams this year.

It's not been easy and you have all been amazing throughout the season. ank you to all the fans and volunteers who help with the running of the club. And thank you to both management teams for this first season in a very difficult league it's been a tough ride. Now to next season with the new management and it's time for a new Rammy chapter. I hope everyone has a lovely summer. COYR! ank you from me.

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a word of thanks from the programme editor So here we are, finally at the end of the season after a manic couple of months of fixture backlog which has made editing the programme an absolute nightmare, and I reckon we’re all just about ready for a Nice Sit Down. I think most people would be astonished at the amount of work that goes into producing something like this, and although it’s disheartening when we only end up with 42 copies to sell to supporters, it’s still extremely rewarding to hold a copy in your hand and to hear complimentary words said by lots of visitors to Rammy.

We’d like to make some improvements for next season and I’ll be talking to Harry and Scott in the next few days to try and find ways to cut down the excessive number of adverts in here (which over the season actually end up losing money for the club!) while getting more copies printed so that people don’t end up having to go without. We also need to find a way to print up to date programmes for rescheduled games - nobody wants to read a programme that is a couple of months out of date, and the editorial team feel like frauds when we sell out of date programmes (as we did on ursday for the Trafford game).

With the great team of people who work on this

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publication every match I feel that we’ve got it absolutely spot on and have one of the best programmes in non-league football, we just now need the club to work on getting its advertising and marketing up to a similar level so that it can support what we’re doing more effectively. While we continue chipping away at that we will ensure the programme remains available to the 200+ regular online readers who often find it difficult or impossible to get hold of a copy at a match.

Next season we’re going to look at some kind of subscription scheme so that we can reserve programmes for people. If you’re interested then please give me a shout and I’ll keep you posted: rob.sax@musician.org And so on to the people I’d like to thank for their excellent contributions towards making this programme what it is...

Tony Cunningham, Grant Shenton, Phil Edghill, Richard Isaacs and Jon Robinson have all been absolutely first rate throughout the season. Tony never needs asking, and turns up with his quiz and column without fail for every match, and his column is just a copy and paste for me, which is priceless. Edgy’s column is always on time and impeccably written too, which makes life so much easier with a midnight deadline looming.

Shents and Robbo have been so reliable this season, which is a real breath of fresh

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air after the last lot, and their willingness to tell things as they really are has helped to make the programme such an interesting read. Shent’s column was a new thing that I thought we could give a try, and it’s been fantastic right through the season, thanks Shents.

Richard’s column is always well written (if a bit Southern sometimes, with a tendency to mention rugby!) and has a real cult following among our supporters! It’s something that no other programme has, and singles us out as being just that little bit different. Again, I love reading this, as I hope you do, and his FC United rant will live long in my memory, as will the weird celebrity photos he gave us earlier in the season.

Gareth Bird and Darren ‘e Darkside’ Comer, with occasional photographic contributions from Angie Leach or Ste Heard have been a real God-send this season. Darren tends to need a poke when a deadline looms, but he’s never let me down yet, and the entertainment value of his whole Rammy-thing comes across so well in his column. Gareth’s ultra reliable and writes the away stuff for me, the things that I can never be bothered to read in other people’s programmes which he turns into literate and informative material - I’ll admit, I still don’t read it beyond scanning for typos, sorry Gareth!

All that remains is to thank Terry Brumpton of JJ Sports Promotions, who handles the printing for us, and 4ColorDigital down in South Wales who do such an excellent job of physically printing the thing. e lovely fella from DHL who has changed his route to deliver our programmes first makes life so much easier, and his contribution is greatly appreciated.

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at’s it for the programme (I hope. Sorry if I missed someone), but I still need to thank a good number of people for their assistance with Rammy.TV, which is starting to get nearer to what I’d like it to be.

First and foremost I’d like to thank Jack and his dad, without whom we’d have nowt! Jack’s camera-work is second to none, and if he had the proper facilities then our footage would rival Sky Sports. He’s already been enlisted to cover Bury FC’s playoff games, and I’ll be surprised if we hang on to him next season.

Stephen and David have also been fantastic for Rammy.TV. Filming matches is a stinky job, and those two have done so many matches for us this season that I don’t know how to begin to thank them. It’s also thanks to them that we have all the different angles as they set up and monitor the multiple cameras. anks fellas.

Jonathan, Joe, Little Katie, Callum, Olla, Amy and others have also contributed with filming, and we’re grateful to them for the time and effort that have devoted to helping us.

Dave Aspinall has been enormous help with getting Rammy.TV off the ground. He was interested in getting more involved with Rammy, but seems to have popped up at Radcliffe Borough now. Good luck down there Dave, and thanks for giving us a much-needed boost early on.

And so it’s time to sign off for the season, and finish by thanking everyone who watches Rammy.TV and reads the programme. We know that you appreciate the hard work we all put into it all and will do our utmost to persuade ‘e Powers at Be’ to help us make more copies available in 2015-16.

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Manager: Jon ROBINSON

Grant SHENTON Kyle HARROP Lee NEVILLE Jamie ROTHER Alex FROST Mark AYRES Osebi ABADAKI Matty BURKE Lee GASKELL Jon ROBINSON David KUBA-KUBA Ian BENNETT George BOWYER Tom WILLIAMS Luke HERON Callum JONES Tom BROOKS Phil EDGHILL Malachi SLAVEN

Manager: Mark HUME

Jon KENNEDY Grant BLACK Scott MAXFIELD Josh MEADE Muhammed SABO Julian BANTON Ted CRIBLEY Liam NEEDHAM Jamie MCDONAGH Danny HOLLAND Otis KHAN Mark HUME Nial MCMANUS Micky HARCOURT Liam GAUGHN Ryan PUGH Oscar RADFORD Adam YATES Danny FROST Nicky TRAVIS

Referee: Paul Hodskinson Referee’s Assistants: Matt Rickard, Christopher Porter

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