Saints vs Burnham FC by St Neots Town Football Club

The Official Matchday Magazine

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Welcome to Rowley Park - The Cozy Stadium and to the latest edition of the Saints Matchday Magazine, enjoy great football, great hospitality and a great read. 03

Management Notes

Bizarre Football Stories

Action Replay

MDs’ Views

Uhlsport Feature

Memories From The Past

One Minute With

Game For A Laugh

08/09

Match Reports

Fixtures Matrix

10/11

Player Profile

A Day In The Life Of...

Greenies Greetings

Away Days

Club Apprenticeship

The Non-League Paper

Crazy Managerial Reigns

20 Best Football Stadiums

A Blast From The Past

Non-League Club News

Chairmans’ Views

40/41

Season Statistics

18/21

Opponent Feature

League Table

22/23

Pull Out Poster

The Teams

A Beautiful Game

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Division One champions, 1 time United Counties League Premier Division champions, 2 times Division One champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 2 times Metropolitan League Champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 1 time Professional Cup winners, 1 time South Midlands League Champions, 1 time Huntingdonshire League Champions, 4 times

Club ofﬁcials

Club honours Southern Football League

Owner Mike Kearns Chairman Mike Kearns Managing Director Lee Kearns Director Iain Parr Joint First Team Managers Gary King / Zema Abbey Assistant First Team Manager Nathan Abbey Club Secretary Gary Wilson Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard Treasurer Keith Gotch Life President John Walker Life Vice-Presidents Ena Kester Jack Blyth

Huntingdonshire Senior Cup Mel Hancock Ken Harris David Mackian Terry Reedman Stuart Walters Team Officials Ben Watts (Assistant Coach) Richard King (Goalkeeping Coach) Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt Physio Carol Holland St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley Club Merchandise Linda Walters Programme Editor Mark Davies Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark

Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas

Winners, 37 times

Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green

Winners, 2 times

Club Photographer Claire Howes Assistant Photographer Paulo Soares

Hinchingbrooke Cup

Club information

Programme Sales Charlie Green

Founded 1879

Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson

Rowley Park, Kester Way St Neots PE19 6SL

Pitchcare Working Turf

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Design & Marketing Blueprawn Print XL Press Limited

The Cozy Stadium

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maNagemeNT NoTeS All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Looking Upwards Gary King good afternoon everybody and welcome to our opponents today Burnham FC.

a final of such stature. The League Cup Final is the highest ranked cup competition a non-league side outside of the conference could be expected to win. The squad is developing a mindset of a winning mentality. Delivering silverware this season would be an unexpected bonus but we have reached the semi-final so our mentality now is, ‘why not go on and win it?’. The players themselves all understand and appreciate that winning is a habit, a good habit which equates to silverware.

To be 14 points above the drop zone is positive and, of course, we are looking upwards. We have been drawn away in the semi-final to Redditch. I just knew that the draw would see us drawn away. Of course, Redditch away is a winnable game so we look forward to going there and we would see it as a great achievement to reach

Our league situation is as good as anyone could have hoped for at this point. To be 14 points above the drop zone is positive and, of course, we are looking upwards. When you consider we are still only 1 place above the drop zone it is a

reminder of how much work had to be done and there still is a lot more work that needs to be done in this league campaign. In truth, I will be happy when it is behind us. With Bedford losing at Hitchin last week I believe when we look down the table now it is Totton and Bashley whose

results we must look for first but if we take care of our own business then everybody else’s results are irrelevant and once again we will try and do exactly that here again today. I hope you all enjoy your afternoon. I sign off on behalf of the management team.

All for one and one for all..

‘kingy’

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

In the last two games we have seen some fantastic goals. All three of the goals scored against Banbury really were from the top shelf. The third goal showed what I believe we have and what I believe many other teams in this league do not have – the ability to really carve a team open with pinpoint passing. It really was pleasing to see us score a goal of that pedigree. It will be important as we develop that we always nurture and encourage this type of football which is easy on the eye, whilst continuing to instil a resilience which is determined not to concede and to work harder than our opponents, whoever they may be. Also, I though Lewis Hilliard’s goal against Royston in the semi-final on Tuesday was superb so all in all, two very good wins with goals of the highest order.

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Since my last notes we have progressed to the semi-final of the Red Insure Cup with a hard fought win against Royston as well as achieving a 3 – 1 victory against Banbury here on the 1st February. I think it is eight competitive home games now without defeat so it is pleasing that Rowley Park is becoming a very difficult place for sides to have to visit.

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aCTioN replaY

This Week Two Years Ago Evo Stik Southern League Central Division - 18th February 2012 St Neots Town 3

Burnham 3

St Neots’ eight league matches winning run ground to a halt as a lively visiting Burnham side pulled back a two goals deﬁcit to take a deserved point. Never at their best St Neots had to settle for the draw and will reﬂect on conceding three goals at home for only the second time this season. Defensively St Neots were shoddy and Manager Dennis Greene will be looking to find some improvement in this area but the main feature was their inability to control the game from midfield as has been their custom. Neither Junior Konadu or Adrian Sear were at their best and but for a first ever hat trick by Ben Mackey this uncharacteristic performance could have been punished more significantly. The result was not too damaging because league leaders Slough conceded an injury time penalty to draw 1-1 at home to AFC Hayes so the gap at the top remains at three points with St Neots’ two matches in hand to be played in the next fortnight. St Neots began well enough with early efforts from Lewis Hilliard and Jordan Gent both earning corners and it was a shock when Burnham went ahead from their first genuine attack after 14 minutes. With no danger threatening Rene Steer was penalised for an unnecessary push and from the free kick on the corner of

the penalty area Will Hendry’s well placed free kick beat the outside of the defensive wall and goalkeeper Michael Duggan. St Neots responded with Ben Mackey bringing a fine save from Andrew Bayliss and it was from their fifth corner kick after 22 minutes that St Neots levelled. It was a delightful move as Chris Hope won a Dan Jacob cross and headed the ball down for Ben Mackey to smash home a low shot. That should have settled the nerves but because St Neots were being outfought in midfield they were guilty of conceding too many free kicks that kept their defence under fairly constant pressure. However when they did attack they were twice unlucky not to regain the lead as Johnny Gray cleared off the line from Mackey and Dab Jacob also suffered a similar fate when Ryan Bird blocked his effort on the line with Bayliss beaten. As half time approached Lewis Hilliard collected a neat Stefan Moore ﬂick and carved his way through the defence only for Bayliss to leave his line and smother the shot. A goal just one minute after the restart put St Neots in control. It was a carbon copy of the first with Jacob and Hope again involved and Ben Mackey applying the final touch.Within a further two minutes it was 3-1 as Mackey joyfully completed his first ever hat trick for St

Neots after his first effort was parried by the busy Bayliss. That should have seen St Neots settle to protect their lead but just four minutes after going two goals behind Burnham were back in the game as St Neots failed to cover a Johnny Gray corner and Dan Willment was allowed to head past Duggan. The St Neots keeper then made an excellent save to deny Gray an equaliser as St Neots tried hard to regain the initiative. Despite the introduction of Pearson Mwanyongo and Shane Tolley to freshen up their attack it was the Burnham substitutions that proved significant for with just seven minutes left Gavin James found a gap on the right hand side and crossed to the head of Kieran Knight and he unselfishly set up the unmarked Lewis Driver for the goal that robbed St Neots of victory.

St Neots: Duggan, Webb, Steer, Sear, Gent, Hope, Hilliard, Konadu, Moore, Mackey, Jacob. Subs: Mwanyongo (for Konadu 50 mins), Tolley (for Moore 78 mins), Greene, Kamara & Henebery man of the match: Ben Mackey

uhlsport in association with ram Sports are The proud Technical Teamwear Supplier To St Neots Town FC To view the full 2013-14 uhlsport Teamsport range visit

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or contact richard at ram Sports on 01963 31779

@uhlsportuk

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CluB NewS

Official Club News Feed

Never miss a thing relating to St. Neots Town Football Club! For those of you who aren’t online much then the Saints Matchday Magazine will always bring you the latest news so that you are bang up-to-date.

our range of Club merchandise continues to grow We now have a consignment of pin Badges and mugs, both carrying the New Club Crest, in stock in our Merchandise Kiosk. The pin badges, which are made of high-quality metal and finished in a high gloss detail, come with either a ‘butterfly’ fixing or ‘safety pin’ style fixing on the rear. They are sure to be a hit with both our own supporters and visiting fans alike and are priced at just £3.00 Our Tea/Coffee Mugs are available at £4.50 and carry a high definition image of our Crest. What better way to enjoy your cuppa? get yours today! If you are interested in these items, or any of our other merchandise, please give Linda or Stuart a visit on matchdays or visit our online store at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/club-shop

is this the Biggest Scarf ever? Blueprawn our main sponsor asked if they could have a banner behind the goal. Of course we said. What turned up? Well a real whopper looking like a giant scarf. Great banner, need some more of these.

Theo davis

gregory Suite

Theo has now been given the all clear to resume full time training after a very long injury. Those who know Theo will welcome his return and remember just what an outstanding player he is. We hope to see Theo in action just as soon as he is match fit.

Available for all types of functions. Please contact Louise Spark misslouises@yahoo.co.uk

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maTCh reporT

Calor Southern League Premier Division Rowley Park - The Cozy Stadium (Att 374) Saturday 1st February 2014 - Kick Off 15:00 Referee Jake Hillier (Watford)

St Neots Town Ferrari (45 mins), hilliard (80 mins), woolley (90 mins) Deeney ■ 27 Lee ■ 33 Hoyte ■ 62 Cracknell ■ 67 Abbey, Deeney, Lee, Farrell, Frater, Hoyte, Hilliard, Davies, Tolley, Thomas, Ferrari. Subs: Cracknell (for Thomas 61 mins), Woolley (for Ferrari 67 mins), Nolan (for Tolley 81 mins), Ford and Swan.

3:1

Banbury united martin (35 mins) Blossom ■ 70 Ryan ■ 78 McNulty ■ 80 Fordah, Cray, Bridges, McNulty, Mbamarah, Ryan, Green, Martin, Blossom, Lawless, Pinto. Subs: Abrahams (for Green 78 mins), Joao (for Martin 81 mins), Morgan (for Blossom 84 mins) and Barker.

St Neots extended their unbeaten home record to seven matches as they eased past visitors Banbury to record their first league double of the season. Manager Gary King again rotated his squad recalling Jay Davies and Simon Thomas for Ben Ford and Matt Nolan but the quality is there and the changes were almost seamless to the performance of the side. Neither side looked comfortable in the first half hour as they strove to master the conditions but as the match wore on it was St Neots who looked the more composed and in the second half the home goal was seldom under pressure. The only downside was the performance of Watford Referee Jake Hillier who contrived to issue seven yellow cards in a match that never had a single bad tackle. Banbury created the first scoring chance after just two minutes when John Mbamarah was left unmarked ten yards from goal but fortunately for St Neots he headed Marvin Martin’s free kick high over the bar. Four minutes later St Neots had a similar opening when Arthur Lee joined the attack to cross to the far post where Shane Tolley headed downwards from a narrow angle but visiting keeper Kwame Fordah was able to block his effort. Twice Nathan Abbey had to be quickly off his line to gather at the feet of Dom Lawless and Anderson Pinto and the keeper also palmed a Luke Cray cross for a

corner. However the play was not all one way and Simon Thomas almost beat the visiting keeper to a Ferrari cross. However it was Banbury who made the first breakthrough following a Cray free kick. The ball fell to Lawless surrounded by defenders and when his shot rebounded off an opponent it fell to Marvin Martin who netted with a low shot. St Neots responded with a couple of swift attacking moves and from the second Lewis Hilliard threw himself at a Tolley cross but the keeper saved well. Then on the stroke of half time St Neots levelled when Banbury failed to clear a free kick and Lorenzo Ferrari showed fine control to collect the ball and fire well beyond the reach of Fordah to register his first goal for St Neots and ensure parity at the break. With the wind behind them after the restart St Neots played with greater freedom and it did not take long for them to gain territorial advantage with the wind at their backs. Fordah diving bravely at the feet of Thomas after clever work by Jay Davies and then the first St Neots substitution saw Dan Cracknell on in midfield with Davies pushed forward. After 65 minutes St Neots had the ball in the net but the effort was ruled out by an offside ﬂag but this did not

deter them. With Jake Woolley also on to freshen up the attack he was quickly in action seeing a dangerous cross headed over his own cross bar by Mbamarah. The pressure on the visiting defence always looked likely to twell but there was only ten minutes remaining when St Neots went in front. An attack through the centre of the field saw Lewis Hilliard running at the defence before unleashing a trademark shot from 20 yards that left the keeper rooted to his line. Now St Neots were rampant and it was no surprise when they clinched the points with a very special goal masterminded by Jay Davies. He rounded one defender and twice exchanged passes before a clever reverse pass set up Jake Woolley for a clinical finish. That took St Neots goal tally to 43 in just 29 matches – the higheast number in the bottom two thirds of the table.

maTCh reporT

Rowley Park - The Cozy Stadium (Att 137) Tuesday 11th February 2014 - Kick Off 19:45 Referee Nigel Phillips (Waterbeach)

St Neots Town Nolan (30 mins), hilliard (61 mins), davies (80 mins) Frater ■ 30 Farrell ■ 54 Abbey, Deeney, Lee, Farrell, Frater, Cracknell, Woolley, Davies, Nolan, Wilson, Ferrari. Subs: Hilliard (for Woolley 51 mins), Ford (for Wilson 56 mins), Adjei (for Ferrari 69 mins), Tolley and Thomas.

3:2

royston Town Fehmi (50 mins), dobson (89 mins) De La Salle ■ 44 Collins ■ 36 Thompson, Lendacott, Spencer, Nightingale, De La Salle, Cambridge, Dobson, Collins, Mason, Fehmi. Robbins. Subs: Mentis (for Nightingale 49 mins), Edwards (for Cambridge 51 mins), Bradshaw (for Mason 62 mins) Hammond and Parr.

a Reece Dobson corner Nathan Abbey had to produce two important blocks from close range shots and he also denied Rob Mason with an impressive save. St Neots were being outplayed in midfield and the visitors’ chances kept coming and it was against the run of play on the half hour when a Woolley cross set up Matt Nolan to show persistence to fire St Neots ahead. Play became scrappy with some physical tackling and a string of free kicks but in the

five minutes before the break there was incident at both ends. A shot by Luke Robbins took a deﬂection but Abbey was able to adjust his footing to save and he also kept out a Rob Mason header but at the other end a Lorenzo Ferrari run ended with his shot deﬂecting off the keeper’s body to rebound from the far post. Then the ill-judged tackle by De La Salle saw him ordered to the dressing room leaving Royston with ten men.

Royston made little change to their side after the break playing with Rob Mason up front on his own and in the fifth minute after the restart the striker was fouled by Dan Cracknell and a penalty kick awarded despatched confidently by Kaan Fehmi to level the scores. St Neots responded by sending on Lewis Hilliard for Woolley who had clearly not recovered from his injury and within three minutes Hilliard had tested Thompson from outside the area. A booking either side and more substitutions saw the rhythm of the match fragment but St Neots were gradually making the extra player count and after 59 minutes a Nolan header from a Ferrari cross beat the keeper but rebounded from the bar. However two minutes later St Neots restored their lead as Lewis Hilliard went round the outside of the last defender to score from a narrow angle. Now St Neots looked comfortable and after 80 minutes another scything run along the right ﬂank by Hilliard saw his cross netted from close range by Jay Davies. At 3-1 St Neots seemed to relax and paid the penalty when a minute from time Reece Dobson took full advantage to claim a late consolation goal for Royston.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

The visitors’ real chance of springing a surprise was dealt an almost fatal blow when defender Joe La Salle picked up a straight red card for a extremely rash and dangerous challenge on Jake Woolley a minute before half time. Up to that point Royston had held their own against their Premier Division hosts but after the break the numerical difference always showed as St Neots bossed proceedings. However Royston never gave up trying and were rewarded with a very late goal that ﬂattered the score line in their favour. St Neots Manager Gary King opted to rotate his squad no doubt considering Saturday’s upcoming league match a higher priority making four changes from his previous selection and resting skipper Gavin Hoyte. Royston were recovering from a heavy league defeat three days earlier and their overall performance will have gone some way to restoring their confidence. St Neots began well with Jay Davies having an early shot gathered by Nick Thompson and Jake Woolley seeing his dangerous cross deﬂected just past a post by a defender. Woolley then finished disappointingly after a searing run through the defence but after this burst it was Royston who began to dictate play. From

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St Neots progressed to the semi-finals of the Red Insure Cup with a performance that was more competent than confident against ten man Royston Town.

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Red Insure Cup Quarter Final

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plaYer proFile

Shane Tolley Shane Tolley, goal scorer supreme, one of the clubs top ever goal scorers scored 76 goals in 76 games during his two year spell with our double promotion team. Now back with the club Shane has carried on what he does best â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scoring Goalsâ&#x20AC;?.

plaYer proFile

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greeNieS greeTiNgS

Yet Another Impressive Performance good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to rowley park – The Cozy Stadium, for today’s Calor league premier division game.

Today we extend a very warm welcome to the Players, Officials and Supporters of Burnham Football Club and we hope you enjoy your brief stay with us before heading safely home to Buckinghamshire later this evening. “When is it going to stop raining?” seems to be the question on most people’s lips at present with the weather decimating the non league programme nationally with those located in the south / south west seemingly hit the hardest. Our game at Frome Town was one of the casualties last Saturday, leaving us now with the prospect of a long midweek trek down to Somerset between now and the end of the season. If you are reading this, we have managed to beat the latest set of downpours and we should really count ourselves lucky compared to some clubs such as Poole Town who are already facing the increasingly likely daunting schedule of Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday matches up until the season is scheduled to finish. Maybe the call for an increase in early season midweek games when the weather is more favourable will now gather momentum, so watch this space..... Tuesday saw us return to action as we entertained Royston Town in the Red Insure Cup Quarter Finals and a 3-2 victory in front of 137 supporters

saw us progress to the Semi Finals, when we travel to Redditch United on Monday 25th February, kicking off at 19:45. And now for a couple of interesting facts about the win over Royston Town; Firstly, Lewis Hilliard continued his fine scoring run in this competition, scoring in every single round (Four goals), giving him a very reasonable haul of Fourteen in all competitions so far this term. Well done Lewie, keep it going mate!!!! Secondly, our attendance was the largest of the four Quarter Finals so a massive well done to everyone who came out to support the team in freezing conditions. It was also nice to see Lewis Wilson get a deserved run out and the return to the squad of Ed Adjei who, after injury has been absent for a while due to the impending birth of his first child. Thankfully, the little one arrived safely so please join me in wishing Ed and his partner many congratulations and I’m sure you will take to fatherhood as well as you

have done in terrorising defences with your wing wizardry. In Gav’s absence, Jay Davies was given the honour of being made skipper for the night and he turned in yet another impressive performance, topped off with a superb strike from all of...........a couple of inches, being in the right place at the right time and another to add to his impressive count of nine previous strikes. The squad is growing in confidence with every game and gelling as a unit and I really believe we will be pushing at the right end of the table this time next season. Ok then, onto today’s task at hand and let’s cheer the boys home to another three points and maybe a climb of a couple of places in the table. ‘til Tuesday when we entertain Arlesey....... Be loud, Be proud, Be a SaiNT ‘greenie’

CluB appreNTiCeShip

we are underway with our recruitment process for this year’s apprenticeship programme. A two year paid apprenticeship open to 16-17 year old boys and girls who want to pursue a Career in Football and sports related Industries.

One of our key strengths is that we with our Educational Partners we are able to focus not only on your development as an apprentice but also as a student and ensure that the correct exit routes at the end of your two year apprenticeship are available to you. It’s extremely important that you focus on your individual achievements and we all work towards a common goal. Our primary interest is making sure we help you reach whatever targets

you set yourself, whether your aim is to move onto higher education (University), playing football at the highest level or gaining the appetite, knowledge and drive to move into the sports business sector once your Apprenticeship programme has been completed.

our partners and links Norwich City FC-recruitment and development of Young Footballers

We believe our links gives will you a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talents. We have fantastic links with many professional football clubs including Peterborough Utd, Stevenage Town, Luton Town, Colchester Utd, Brighton and Hove Albion and Cambridge Utd to name just a few.

pre-Trial dates

duration: Approximately 2-3 hours

date: Friday 21st February 2014

Please wear training Kit and Astro footwear

venue: St Neots Town FC, Rowley Park, Kester Way, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 6SN

For additional information e-mail enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk

Time: 10am meet in the Reedmans Function Room

We look forward to meeting you on the 21st February.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

We are working closely with Norwich City FC to Identify, Recruit and Develop young footballers. We have a Norwich City FC Development Academy Hub based at Rowley Park whose sole purpose is to identify the stars of the future. We also have strong links with other professional and semi-professional football clubs as well as our own youth development groups (U7’s-U16’s) an U18’s and U21’s Development squad and First team squad. You

will also have the opportunity to (at a significantly reduced cost) do your coaching badges and referee qualification during the apprenticeship via and in partnership with the Hunts FA

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The programme is a 16 hours a week academic and sports development programme that will encompass a Btec level 2 in the first year and a level 3 in the second however during the entire programme we will be offering further/higher addition academic options via our leaning Partners Ernulf and Longsands Academies (please see additional Press release).

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St Neots Town FC Apprenticeship Programme Pre-trial Dates

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CRAZY

MANAGERIAL REIGNS

We count down the top ten bizarre stories that fall off the Managerial Roundabout that leaves us all scratching our bonses every season. 4) Joe kinnear (Newcastle) September 2008-april 2009

3) graham Taylor (england) July 1990-November 1993

After four years away from management, Newcastle’s appointment of Joe Kinnear as interim manager in September 2008 came as a surprise to say the least. And his tenure at St James’ Park got off to the best possible start when he launched an expletive-laden tyrade at journalists. Nothing like convincing people you are a worthy appointment. Although Kinnear did lift Newcastle off the bottom of the table, it was events away from the pitch that stole the headlines. He was sent to the stands after a contretemps with referee Mike Riley and then showed epic ineptitude by mispronouncing Charles N’Zogbia’s name as ‘insomnia’ in a press conference. Unsurprisingly, N’Zogbia said he no longer wanted to play for Kinnear. He needn’t have worried, a health scare meant Kinnear was replaced by Alan Shearer a few weeks later.

Having never won a major trophy, the appointment of Graham Taylor to the country’s top management job in 1990 wasn’t popular with everyone. But the former Aston Villa and Watford boss nonetheless guided England through the qualification phase for the 1992 European Championships, despite not knowing his best eleven nor how to handle stars like Paul Gascoigne. Sadly for a nation with sky-high expectations following the drama of Italia ‘90, this proved the high water mark of Taylor’s reign. England lost to Sweden and failed to get out the group, with Taylor’s bafﬂing decision to hook off Gary Lineker with half-an-hour to play leading to The Sun’s merciless ‘Turnip’ headline. Worse was to follow as England stumbled through their qualifying group for the 1994 World Cup in the States. Channel 4s’ documentary gave us the immortal line ‘Do I not like that’ as Poland scored at Wembley, a quip which went down in history as Taylor’s personal catchphrase and neatly summed up the thoughts of a nation.

BeN Farrell

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a BlaST From The paST

Pelé Full name: edison arantes do Nascimento

ambassador, working to protect the environment and combat corruption in Brazil. Pelé was, for a short while, Brazil’s official minister for sport. He has also written multiple autobiographies, worked as a scout for football clubs, appeared in Hollywood films and even promoted Viagra and Pepsi during his decidedly active retirement.

date of birth: 23/10/1940 Edson Arantes do Nascimento, more popularly known as Pelé, or ‘The King Pelé’, or ‘The King of Football’. Like many footballers, Pelé has claimed to be the greatest footballer of all time, saying he was born for football in the same way that ‘Beethoven was born for music’. Unlike many other footballers, however, a lot of people agree with him, and in 2000 he received a FIFA award declaring him, alongside Diego Maradona, the greatest player in the history of the game. His first football team was formed with a number of friends from his neighbourhood – they called themselves ‘the shoeless ones’, and played in local tournaments. He and other members of the team were spotted and recruited to join a youth team managed by former Brazilian international Waldemar de Brito. Pelé went on to join the Santos FC juniors at the age of fifteen.

which put him out of the tournament – though Brazil went on to defend their title as World Champions. In 1966, both Pelé and his team were out of the tournament at a much earlier stage. With Pelé injured again – but still able to play – they lost to Portugal in the third round. It was a career low for Pelé, and he vowed never to play in a World Cup again, but he went back on that promise in Mexico City in 1970 with a spectacular return to form. In his final World Cup match, the final against Italy, he notched the opener in a remarkable team performance which resulted in a 4-1 victory. Pelé continued to play for Santos until 1974, though he retired from international football, and when he finally left Santos the club marked his leaving by removing the number 10 shirt from their line-up.

At the age of sixteen, he moved to Santos seniors where he stayed for the greater part of his career. His exploits caught the attention of the national side and, at the age of seventeen, he rose to international stardom in the 1958 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-final and two goals in the final against Sweden. In the 1962 World Cup, he managed to score twice against Mexico before tearing a thigh muscle

In 1975 he was tempted by American megabucks to come out of retirement and play for New York Cosmos, where he stayed for another two years before retiring for good. Even in retirement, however, Pele decided not to sit back and collect the cheques and the accolades that his legendary status has afforded him – he has continued his career in other directions. retirement Since retiring from football, Pelé has worked as a UNICEF Goodwill ambassador and as a United Nations

The Brazilian national player retired some 35 years ago, and yet he remains the holder of a plethora of records, and he remains the only player ever to have been a member of three World Cup winning teams. He continues to top industry polls as the greatest player that ever was and as the player who set the bar for today’s footballers – he even coined the term ‘the beautiful game’. he says • ‘Everything is practice’ • ‘A penalty is a cowardly way to score’ • ‘For 20 years they have been asking me the same question: who is the greatest? Maradona or Pelé? I reply that all you have to do is look at the facts. How many goals did he score with his right foot or with his head?’ • ‘Enthusiasm is everything. It must be taut and vibrating like a guitar string.’ They say • ‘Pelé is the greatest player in football history, and there will only be one Pelé’ – Cristiano Ronaldo • ‘I told myself before the game, he’s just made of skin and bone, like everybody else. But I was wrong’ – Tarcisio Burgnich, defender who marked Pelé in the 1970 World Cup Final

Career appearances: 468 goals: 501 international Caps: 92 goals: 77 Career highlight: FIFA Footballer of the Century: 2000

ChairmaN’S viewS

Mike Kearns welcome to the ofﬁcials, player and supporters of Burnham FC for todays ﬁxture. The last encounter at the “Gore” earlier in the season ended in a narrow defeat for us with a very late goal from Burnham. Lets hope that we can reverse that result today.

Our pitch like many others has had its problems with the weather.

before we do our usual annual work on the pitch to insure that we have the very best playing surface at our level for next season.

Maybe we could roll the water off the pitch somehow, well yes we have done that to an extent with hand rollers like they use on golf courses but it does damage the root growth of the pitch of which we really need to avoid. What about a heavy roller to ﬂatten the pitch and squeeze the water off the pitch.

Moving on to another subject, I am hoping by today that the new face lift to our web site and the introduction to some new features will be live and that you all like the new look and lay out of the site. Follow The Saints:

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Well the construction of the pitch dictates that you can never use a heavy roller on our pitch because it will compact the sand down and stop the water from finding its way to the drains.

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As many have seen, our pitch is one of the very best in non-league football, even so our pitch still gives us problems when the weather is as bad as it has been. The pitch is built on top of a network of drainage pipes, then a layer of special gravel stones with that followed by a sand base and then the top turf. Imagine the layers of a sandwich and you should get the picture.

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© St Neots Town FC 2014. All content and information on this website are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the consent of the owner. Tel: 01480 470 012. Email: enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk Rowley Park Stadium, Kester Way, St Neots, United Kingdom PE19 6SN

A special thank you to our main sponsor Blueprawn and their Managing Director Mark Davies for his input in this. I am very demanding in getting the web site and match day magazine up to the very highest standard achievable and in Blueprawn I have the very best in Vision, Design and creativeness to achieve what I demand. Also a thank you to all the contributors to both publications, you know who you are and I am very grateful to have you as part of the production team. A top team off the pitch as well as on it.

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The system is that any surface water will drain away through the sand, gravel and find its way into the drains under the pitch.

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Considering that there have now been 70 matches played on the pitch, I think it is still up to its usual standard. However some serious work will be carried out on the pitch just as soon as the final whistle sounds to end the season. The 2 six yard boxes will be dug up as well as parts of the centre parts of the pitch. New “Blocks” of turf yes half way down to the gravel will be installed

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So the only real solution is to allow the water to drain away naturally, this usually takes very little time but with the rain we have had it is a continuous process and we just have to wait for the pitch to dry out.

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Breaking News: Ground Share Agreement for 2013-2014 Season - Tuesday 21st May 2013

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A serious amount of rain all over the country has played chaos with football and there have been so many matches postponed that I think we are a little lucky that we are right up with the number of games we have played.

However this takes time and the water table that the country has had to deal with makes this operation take much longer.

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Pitch Perfect

all for one and one for all. mike

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Burnham FC

The Blues

Burnham are in their first season at step three but are undergoing major changes off the field at present with a recent change of management. previous meeting of our clubs 2013/14 Season: Burnham FC 1-0 St Neots Town 2012/13 Season: St Neots Town 3-3 Burnham FC Year Founded: 1872 Chairman: Gary Reeves Club website: www.burnhamfc.com

Welcome to our visitors this afternoon for our next engagement in the Calor Southern League Premier Division. They are the players, Directors and supporters of Burnham making their second visit to the Town and we extend to them our usual warm Cozy Stadium welcome. Burnham began life at Step Three this season quite confidently after following our lead and picking up the Central Division championship in 2012/13. However as we discovered consistency in the season after promotion to this level is not easy to achieve and although Burnham currently sit in 13th place in the table their recent results are unimpressive with four defeats and a draw in their last five league matches. A Cozy Stadium

favourite son Adrian Sear is currently on loan at Burnham (one of his previous clubs) but will not feature today as part of the loan agreement. We look forward to Adrian’s return after he has racked up a return to fitness after a lengthy injury. Of course Burnham will be hoping to complete a league double this after noon after winning 1-0 at The Gore in December with substitute Nicke Kabamba claiming the only goal of the match. With three postponed matches since the turn of the year our lads are looking forward to getting back to more regular football starting this afternoon.

Club history Banbury United’s genesis is to be found in Spencer Villa, a works club formed in 1931. Friendly matches were played on a ground on the town’s Middleton Road. The club joined the Banbury Junior League for the 1933-34 season and won the championship at their first attempt. They changed their name to Banbury Spencer in 1934 and moved to their current ground for the start of the 1934-35 season in which they competed in the Oxfordshire Senior League. This too they won at their first attempt. During the season they were elected to the Birmingham Combination for the start of the 1935-36 season. After the war, Banbury resumed in the Birmingham Combination and turned professional for the 1946-47 season. In 1947-48, with attendances averaging 3,500, they finished runners-up in the league and reached the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 2-1 at Colchester United, at that time a Southern League club. The status of the Birmingham Combination began to decline in the early 1950s. At the end of the 1953-54 season the league disbanded and, along with most of its remaining clubs, Banbury joined the Birmingham League. In 1959-60 they reached the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup for the second time, again

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Martin Stone has tendered his resignation as Manager of the club with immediate effect. Stone leaves The Gore after almost three years in charge. He spent just over three successful years managing Chalfont Wasps where the club won the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup three years running, the Wycombe Senior Cup and also claimed the Hellenic League Division One title, taking them to the highest level in their history, with the club winning ten trophies during his tenure. The Club has appointed a new manager from within, replacing Martin Stone with his former coach Robin Mallinson.

did you know?.. Name Change In 1985 bought about the amalgamation of the football club with Hillingdon Borough FC who had lost their ground and were about to fold. They played in the Southern League as Burnham & Hillingdon FC but reverted back to the former name of Burnham FC in 1987.

did you know?... pinnacle The 2012-2013 season without doubt was the most successful in the football clubs history. The First Team won the Evo Stik League Southern Division One Central (Southern League) championship.

did you know?... location, location, location Burnham is a village and civil parish that lies north of the River Thames in the South Bucks District of Buckinghamshire, on the boundary with Berkshire.

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From the late 1970s United’s fortunes declined sharply as debts mounted and in 1990, United finished 21st of 22 and were relegated for the first time in their history, starting season 1990-91 in the Hellenic League. In 1999/200 the club clinched the Hellenic League championship with two games remaining and Banbury United were back in the Southern League almost ten years after leaving it. The restructure of

non-league football meant that the 2004-05 season was anticipated as keenly as any in the history of the club and United were equal to the challenge of Premier Division football – but only just. Winless after five games, they rose to ninth by the end of October but then struggled and by February had sunk to within one place of the relegation zone and spent two months there before a late improvement saw them to safety with a game to spare. Five wins in the first eight games of the 2011-2 season took United to second place but as players left the cash-strapped club, tempted by better offers, an alarming slump followed. Winning only six of their next 31 matches, United fell into the relegation places on Easter Monday. Two wins in the last three games saw them to safety. Last season Banbury finished 16th in the table nine points above the relegation zone.

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losing to Nuneaton, this time 1-0. In 1961-62, Banbury reached the first round of the FA Cup for the second time, travelling to Third Division Shrewsbury Town and losing 7-1. In 1965 a group of local businessmen bought the club and Banbury Spencer became Banbury United and during the summer of 1966 Banbury were elected to the Southern League. Significant improvements were made to the ground. Floodlights were installed and the famous old railway coaches that had been used as changing rooms were removed and replaced by a new clubhouse. The first round of the FA Cup was reached twice more; in 1972-73, United lost 2-0 at home to Barnet, then a Southern League club, and the following season, after a 0-0 draw at home, they lost 3-2 away to Fourth Division Northampton Town in a replay. United twice reached the last sixteen of the FA Trophy, losing 1-0 in a replay to Hereford United in 1970-71 and, in 1973-74, by the same score in a second replay to eventual Southern League champions Dartford.

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whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S who

who calls the shots?... robin mallinson manager Recently joined Burnam from Brentford FC Academy where e as been working for the last 5 years Came to the club in the summer of 2013. Currently studying for his EUFA A badge, he works fulltime in the Brentford FC academy.

kevin green (aSSiSTaNT maNager)

struck up a successful striking partnership with Ryan Bird.

AS above Brentford Academy.

aShleY SmiTh (debut 18/08/2004)

SimoNe CoNNor (SporTS TherapiST) The most important person in any team if you want to win football matches. Simone joined the club in the summer of 2013 from Chalfont St Peter. Tom BaddeleY (debut 17/02/2009) A defender, Tom first signed in 2009 on a dual registration from Maidenhead United. His performances impressesd so much so he was recalled to York Road. Moved to AFC Totton before returning to Burnham in March 2012. lewiS driver (debut 12/11/2011) Lewis came to the club in November 2011 after spending time at neighbours Holyport. The lure of Southern League football prompted the move to The Gore where he

Ash is in his second spell at the club, returning at the start of the 2011-2012 season. His first spell was cut short by the manager at the time not seeing his potential. Went on to play at Maidenhead United and Hampton & Richmond Borough. lee Togwell (debut 14/09/2010) Signing from Chalfont St Peter in October 2010, equally comfortable in defence or midfield. Total commitment to the team he gives 100% every time he enters the field. Player of the Season in 2012-2013. rYaN upward (debut 17/08/2013) Young midfielder signed at the start of the 2013-2014 season from Beaconsfield SYCOB. Started his career at Flackwell Heath. JoSh weBB (debut 18/08/2012) Young midfielder joined the club

in August 2012 from Walton & Hersham and has quickly established himself in the team. Tom willmeNT (debut 01/04/2008) Younger brother of Dan, recently returned to the club after spells at Marlow and Uxbridge. He started his career at SYCOB. Tom played a few games at the end of the 2007-2008 season before mobbing back to SYCOB. A much improved central defender. Sam BoulTwood Recently signed. JordaN dowdiCaN Recently signed from Chalfont St Peter. NiCke kaBamBa Recently signed from AFC Hayes. maTThew ColliS Recently returned to the club. adriaN Sear On loan from ST Neots Town. Charlie Bell Recently come into the first team from the reserves. riChard JeFFreY Recently come into the first team from the reserves. mYleS hippolYTe Recently signed from Hayes & Yeading. JohN muNdaY Recently signed from Slough Town.

Photo courtesy of Burnham FC

dean cracknell

Nathan keeps us in the game

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The BeauTiFul game

Mis-Match of The Day Ade Roberts only recently there was uproar from Tv viewers and football fans alike at the presence of gabby Yorath in the match of the day presenters seat rather than gary lineker. Whilst some might say that Lineker himself does not possess the most entertaining of personalities, he does crack the odd one-liner to bring us a chuckle. He may not have been the best choice of presenter initially, but he has grown in the role to become the regular choice for viewers [or we’ve just got used to him] Those that appear alongside Lineker during the show are sometimes questionable choices to share their individual views of the games. It appears the only criteria for appearing on the show is that you need to have played professional football at some point – that’s basically it! You don’t really have to be the model ‘silver tongued cavalier’ of the Queen’s English or even appear grammatically apt on set. Take Alan Shearer for instance, a fabulous player for club and country but is he the ideal candidate for the Motd show? It’s rumoured he’s paid £8,000 per show to appear next to Lineker. That’s obviously much less than he’d earn on the pitch each week whilst a player, but it’s still a decent payment for a short appearance on TV. Personally, I’d rather see Keith Lemon or Harry Hill giving their views on the day’s events from the Premier League games. At least there’d be a few laughs along the way! Chris Kamara would be the ideal candidate for me – he’s hilarious. What is surprising is the BBC’s latest announcement that they’ve ‘secured’ the services of Thierry Henry for coverage of the 2014 World Cup games. Henry, who continues to play the game at MLS side New York Red Bulls, will retire from football at the end of the current campaign. All

Yorath 0 - lineker 1 Fans were in uproar recently when Gabby appeared on the popular Saturday night footie show. the big TV sports broadcasters are fighting to acquire him as a pundit on their show. Sky, BT Sport and now the BEEB are all after him. Why is he in such demand though, it’s a mystery. Henry, like Shearer, is a legend in the modern game but they are not the most charismatic of sports personalities are they? Surely, we’d prefer someone with a bit more character who knows the game, and can add a bit of humour to the punditry. One of the funniest moments of punditry ever witnessed by the football loving public is that of former Arsenal legend Paul Merson. Whilst on Sky Sports’ soccer Saturday in 2007, whilst sharing his thoughts on a game with viewers, out popped his false front tooth live on TV!

The biggest mystery, other than the interest in Henry was the decision to employ Alan Hansen as a Match of the day pundit initially? He drones on in his monotone voice to the point where you just want to mute the show in between footage of the games. Believe it or not, Hansen is reported to earn £40,000 for each show – and that’s probably a lot more than he earned as a professional player! Thankfully Hansen will quit his BBC job after the World Cup in the summer; he’s probably got his own comedy show lined up!? With all the competition in football broadcasting, you’d think the bosses at the BBC would try a little harder to get hold of a football personality who can add some pizazz to the show. As fans, we’re all football pundits when we’re watching the game; we all like to express our views. There’s probably a fan in the stand right now who you know of, makes you roll with laughter at every game with his or her comical running commentary of each game. Could they do a better job than Messers Hanson, Shearer or Henry? Probably. Get behind the boys today and enjoy the game. ade

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FooTBall FuNNieS

Give Me That Vegetable!

All Fogged Up...

Not too many of the stories to feature on this list take place in the past decade or so, but we have a special place here for the faithful fans at Stamford Bridge, home ground of Chelsea. You might not know it about the West London club, but Chelsea fans have been bringing celery to the Bridge for decades now—most likely in order to pay homage to their chant “Celery” (warning: inappropriate language).

The throwing of anything at a football match, including celery, is a criminal offence for which you can be arrested and end up with a criminal record. In future, if anyone is found attempting to bring celery into Stamford Bridge they could be refused entry and

The fog was so thick that the game turned into an absolute farce, with both sides playing by their own set of rules and suffering their own bad luck because of the inclement weather. Moscow at one point made a substitution but didn’t take a player off, with fans watching the match believing that the Russian club had up to 15 players on the pitch at the one time. Arsenal also made the best of the conditions, with one of their players—who had earlier been sent off—sneaking back onto the pitch and playing the remainder of the game. However, they did suffer some bad luck, with their goalkeeper knocking himself out cold after running into the goalpost, which of course, he could not see due to the fog. A spectator reportedly took his place in goal and the match continued.

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However, according to a club statement from 2007, the Blues have reminded fans that bringing celery to the ground is in fact outlawed and that any fan caught bringing the “dangerous” vegetable to the ground could face a lifetime ban from the Blues’ home ground. Here’s the story via The Guardian, with the statement from the club below:

Arsenal played a friendly against Dynamo Moscow in heavy fog in 1945 at White Hart Lane and despite the urging of players to suspend play due to the fog, the referee decided that play should continue.

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anyone caught throwing celery will face a ban. The statement then goes on to direct fans to a hotline they could call to report others seen carrying celery, promising that “all calls will be treated in confidence.”

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There’s never a dull moment supporting your favourite team, the beautiful game has been kicking around for years but will always throw up some lunacy! Check these beauties out!

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maNagiNg direCTor’S viewS

Notes From The Press Box Lee Kearns i had the pleasure of sharing the press box with mr walker and mr hutchinson for the footie match against royston Town the other night and what a splendid evening it was, full of wit and banter.

idea that sprang from Parry’s head (and mine on the odd occasion!)

I did offer to help Mr Walker with his match report but understandably he declined stating, and I quote, “NO”. Just “NO” not “that’s alright Lee I’ve got it covered” or anything like that, just “NO”. where’s it gone I find it hard to believe that it was three years ago this month that I was asked to pop down and go through the books at the club to ascertain what was going on and what could be done to take the club forward behind the scenes. Looking back at that early association I have to say that my opinion has not changed on whether a football club is a viable business to be involved in. However putting that view to one side I think St Neots Town FC has a better chance than most to succeed both on the pitch and off the pitch. So much has been put into place in the last few years that it’s hard to believe that what was presented to me in Feb 2011 is that same club as we have now. I’m going to mention three people that have contributed the most in getting us moving forward as a business. They deserve all the credit

because without their honesty, drive and sheer determination to help the club we would be a dead Duck (or Parrot). Here goes and In no particular order louise Spark our Functions and Events Manager. I have to say I’m very proud of the way she has become a confident go getter who is not fazed by anything and I have no doubt that whatever she turns her hand to she will succeed. If the world was full of Lou’s it would be a much more productive, positive place. iain parr our Director and Head of Youth Development and my partner in crime when it comes to making ideas a reality. Every step that we have taken as a club behind the scenes as far as youth development, Grassroots football, Apprenticeship programmes, Relationships with professional and semi-professional football clubs, Community football programmes etc etc has been born from an idea or the evolution of an

irmantas Sabaliauskas our Site Manager and head grounds man. A moaning Lithuanian but someone whose work ethic is fantastic (when he’s not moaning). He took over looking after the pitch as well as the whole site this season and I’m sure you will all agree he’s done a great job. A little known fact about Iramis is that he’s studying to be an employment solicitor and every January he goes back home to Lithuania to take his exams and see his Son. There is of course a whole raft of people that have made the last three years productive and to a large degree enjoyable but the three that I have mentioned have in my eyes made the biggest contribution because without income streams from Functions and events (and with continued growth), without a blue print for the future in both expansion and youth development and without a clean and tidy site and a great pitch that’s presents us in the most professional way possible we would be as dead as the Norwegian Blue. Enjoy the game and in one of those quiet moments spare a thought for all that have made the club what it is, the best non-league football club in the business. lee

I think St Neots Town FC has a better chance than most to succeed both on the pitch and off the pitch. So much has been put into place in the last few years that it’s hard to believe that what was presented to me in Feb 2011 is that same club as we have now.

! E W O BL

NAILA

St Neots Town Squad Montage Posters & Canvases Featuring all of your favourite players from the 2013-2014 season

Posters (30x30 cm) cost ÂŁ10, but the image is also available as a canvas print in various sizes (40x40, 50x50 and 60x60 cm). Montages can also be customised, why not have a montage featuring several images of your favourite player? For more information, please contact Claire on claire.howes14@googlemail.com or have a chat with her at a match! This print, and more images from St Neots Town, are also available by visiting www.chowesimages.co.uk

The contemporary history of the world’s favourite game spans more than 100 years. It all began in 1863 in England, when rugby football and association football branched off on their different courses and the Football Association in England was formed - becoming the sport’s ﬁrst governing body.

On the contrary, apart from the need to employ the legs and feet in tough tussles for the ball, often without any laws for protection, it was recognised right at the outset that

later and is still played today. This is a sport lacking the competitive element of Tsu’ Chu with no struggle for possession involved. Standing in a circle, the players had to pass the ball to each other, in a relatively small space, trying not to let it touch the ground.

This Han Dynasty forebear of football was called Tsu’ Chu and it consisted of kicking a leather ball ﬁlled with feathers and hair through an opening, measuring only 3040cm in width, into a small net ﬁxed onto long bamboo canes. According to one variation of this exercise, the player was not permitted to aim at his target unimpeded, but had to use his feet, chest, back and shoulders while trying to withstand the attacks of his opponents. Use of the hands was not permitted. Another form of the game, also originating from the Far East, was the Japanese Kemari, which began some 500-600 years

The Greek ‘Episkyros’ - of which few concrete details survive - was much livelier, as was the Roman ‘Harpastum’. The latter was played out with a smaller ball by two teams on a rectangular ﬁeld marked by boundary lines and a centre line. The objective was to get the ball over the opposition’s boundary lines and as players passed it between themselves, trickery was the order of the day. The game remained popular for 700-800 years, but, although the Romans took it to Britain with them, the use of feet was so small as to scarcely be of consequence.

Next time: From 1863 to the present day

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can be justiﬁed in some instances is disputable. Nevertheless, the fact remains that people have enjoyed kicking a ball about for thousands of years and there is absolutely no reason to consider it an aberration of the more ‘natural’ form of playing a ball with the hands.

the art of controlling the ball with the feet was not easy and, as such, required no small measure of skill. The very earliest form of the game for which there is scientiﬁc evidence was an exercise from a military manual dating back to the second and third centuries BC in China.

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Both codes stemmed from a common root and both have a long and intricately branched ancestral tree. A search down the centuries reveals at least half a dozen different games, varying to different degrees, and to which the historical development of football has been traced back. Whether this

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History of Football - The Origins

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game For a laugh

ES!

COMMENTATORS FOOTBALL GAFF

You can always rely on the good old football commentator to come out with a classic during the big match! Here are a few howlers! STaN CollYmore “Matty Jarvis had acres of time there”

aleX mcleiSh “Shay Given is champing on the door to be involved this weekend”

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alaN BraZil “There’s a good-feel factor about Sheffield Wednesday”

“If you closed your eyes, you couldn’t tell the difference between the two sides” phil BrowN

Nigel worThiNgToN

alaN Shearer

“Neither team has really taken the baton by the scruff of the neck and put their stamp on it”

“The pass for Wright-Phillips was overweight”

Niall QuiNN

paul ellioT

“It’s all hands to the decks now”

“Bayern will have the added advantage of playing in their own stadium - that’s like a home game for them”

raY hudSoN

uli kohler

graham CourTNeY

“Robben and Ribery have what you call a fisty relationship”

paul merSoN “Football’s all about yesterday, it’s all about now”

ToNY CoTTee “Fulham haven’t had a shot on target, which is probably why they aren’t in the goals”

“Ozil could find the needle in a haystack with his sense of smell”

Joe roYle “Mario Balotelli is like Marmite, you either love him or hate him. Me, I’m between”

mark lawreNSoN “Fernando Torres needs to be loved on a regular basis”

“Too often this season, Sunderland have left themselves with an uphill mountain”

garY Neville

david Craig

gordoN STraChaN

“The problem is nobody knows what the problem is”

“He could have done one of three things. He didn’t do either”

“He went in with his shuds stowing”

paul merSoN “They’re not that very good, Napoli”

Heard a howler? pass it on and we will look to feature it in a future issue. email saintsmag@stneotstownfc.co.uk

Image credit: TalkFootball

FiXTureS maTriX

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and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk 34

Simon Hutchinson

Scoreboard / DJ a Defensive Midfielder instead so I’m extremely happy. My first game watching the Saints wasn’t that long ago to be honest. I came down to a pre-season friendly against Chelmsford Town which the Saints won 2-1. I never looked back after that game. I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed myself that day and immediately looked to the fixture list. Needless to say I didn’t miss a single League/Cup/Friendly home game that season.

First of all i would like people to bare with me for a few minutes while reading this article. i’ve never written an article like this before, but having been asked by the Chairman to have a go at writing one, i thought i would give it a try. My love for football started not straight away but roughly at the age 7 or 8 when I started playing on the field behind my house and lunch time’s at school with friends. I joined a colts side at the age of 12 and played right through to Under 18’s. Playing as a goalkeeper I have some really fond memories of certain saves made and 1 or 2 blunders made. As a goalkeeper sometimes you tend to get remembered for moments you would rather forget. But overall I am happy with my record as a youth I just wish I stuck with it after my colts years had ended. My son has now taken a interest in football finally and funnily enough at the same age I did. He wants to be

I became Match Day Music Man at the end of last season having spoken to Mike on the forums about taking on the voluntary role and my first game within the role was the last game of the 2012/13 season against Chippenham Town. Sadly the result didn’t go our way that day and the lads I felt deserved more from the game but I wasn’t put off in the slightest. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and I let Mike know that I wished to take the role on fully. I decided to take on the Scoreboard at the start of this season to allow the current operator to take on another role within the club that he felt he could use it as a valuable experience and as I knew I could operate both music and scoreboard comfortably I gladly took on the additional voluntary role. On the Saturday my match day starts with preparing the scoreboard information. I check and fill in the upcoming fixtures section on the scoreboard along with preparing the team line-up section with some templates I have created. I look at all the other league fixture’s to prepare my half time and full time scores section which involves checking

who’s playing who and if there are any postponements. Lastly I check if we have made any signings due to things getting a little last minute transfer wise sometimes to get new player in the squad for the next game as Gary explained in his last article. Selecting the music is much more difficult then it sounds. Everyone has different music taste’s. Trying to please everyone isn’t going to happen so I pick a range of songs from what I consider 3 categories. These are Classic Rock or Pop, Chart Music and Stadium Anthems which are songs I have heard played in a sports stadium or I think sound good in one. And after selecting two and a half hours worth of music my preparation is done. I arrive at the ground at half 1 to get everything set up for the day’s game. I like to have the music going and the scoreboard displaying its information I prepared earlier by 2pm so fans arriving have the match day atmosphere and any information they need regarding the club. This is a voluntary position and I have tried my best, along with all the other volunteers at the club to give our supporters the match day experience they deserve. It does take up a chunk of my free time but I enjoy it and would not give it up. I do work full time during the week and sometimes Saturday mornings and I am married with 4 young children the oldest being 9 and the youngest being 2 so things get quite hectic at home. I would also like to thank my wife Yvette for giving me the free time to properly fulfil my role at St.Neots Town F.C as without her I simply would not have the time. Thanks for reading.

Everything you need for the next two away fixtures

red insure Cup Semi Final redditch united v St Neots Town

Saturday 22nd February 2014 – K.O. 15:00pm

Monday 24th February 2014 – K.O. 19:45pm

away Ticket prices: Adults £9, Concessions £5, Under 16 Yrs £3

away Ticket prices: Adults £10, Concessions £6, Under 16 Yrs £2

opponent website: www.afctotton.net

opponent website: /www.redditchutdfc.co.uk

Team Coach departs: TBC

Sat Nav postcode reference: SO40 2RW

Sat Nav postcode reference: B97 4RN

round Trip (from St Neots): 260 miles

round Trip (from St Neots): 198 miles

Travel in style on the Team Coach for only £10pp return Advance bookings (recommended) can be made at the Club Bars, email enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk for more information and to check availabilty. Don’t leave it late as spaces are limited to 25 for each game.

upcoming Fixtures - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk for the latest updates 15.02.14 Calor league premier division

17.02.14 Calor league premier division

Arlesey Town

Stourbridge