Saints vs Cambs City

The Official Matchday Magazine

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Monday 26th August 2013 Kick-Off 3pm

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WELCOME

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.

Inside This Issue

Club Honours

03 Manager’s Notes

24

The Beautiful Game

04 Action Replay

25

Fan Feature

Southern Football League

05 Uhlsport Feature

28

Managing Directors’ Views

Division One champions, 1 time

06 SNT News

30/31

Mascot Feature

United Counties League

08/09 Match Reports

32

Game For A Laugh

10/11 Player Profile

33

Fixtures Matrix

12 Greenies Greetings

35

Fixtures Information

Premier Division champions, 2 times Division One champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 2 times

13 Club Merchandise

37

The Non-League Paper

Metropolitan League

15 Advertising Prices

38

League Focus

16 A Blast From The Past

39

Fellow Club News

17 Chairmans’ View

40/41

Season Statistics

Champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 1 time Professional Cup winners, 1 time

18/21 Cambridge City Feature

44

The Teams

22/23 Pull Out Poster

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk 02

Chairman Mike Kearns Managing Director Lee Kearns Football Manager Iain Parr Club Secretary Gary Wilson Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard Treasurer Keith Gotch Life President John Walker Life Vice-Presidents Ena Kester Jack Blyth Mel Hancock Ken Harris David Mackian Terry Reedman Stuart Walters

Champions, 1 time Huntingdonshire League Champions, 4 times

Club Officials Owner Mike Kearns

South Midlands League

Huntingdonshire Senior Cup Team Officials Andy Davies (First Team Coach) Richard King (Goalkeeping Coach)

Club Photographer Claire Howes Assistant Photographer Paulo Soares

Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt

Programme Sales Charlie Green

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 Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green

Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson Pitchcare Working Turf 200 Club Stuart Walters

Winners, 37 times Hinchingbrooke Cup Winners, 2 times

Club Information Founded 1879 The Cozy Stadium Rowley Park, Kester Way St Neots PE19 6SL Telephone

Design & Marketing Blueprawn

01480 470012

Print XL Press Limited

enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk

Email Official Website www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Official Forum www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

MANAGER’S NOTES

Ian Parr Welcome to Gary and his staff, players & supporters. We are all looking forward to another competitive encounter against Cambridge City.

After 10 years at the club Gary brings experience & another squad capable of challenging for promotion and I wish him well.

Working Hard

Challenging Stourbridge, like a lot of teams in this league, are quite direct with quality up top, an experienced back four and the remaining players know their jobs and do them to the best of their ability. Add to that the ability to grind out results and I’m sure they’ll be challenging again this year.

Our philosophy and game plan will not change but it’s important to understand when to play and where on the pitch to play. We are still a young side so I need to be patient

with this group. Our two centre half’s 19, full back 23, GK 21, 2 x 18 yr old midfielders, Lewis, Ed and Joe all 22 and Searsy who’s now about 45 I think. Add a bench of players all under 20 and an experienced skipper and the future looks good, also take into account how well the team have gelled to put on a performance like they did on Tuesday.

Get behind us The message remains the same, get behind us as I know you will, applaud all the good things and encourage the mistakes and this young squad will be the future of the club for years to come.

‘Parry’

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

We played some great possession football and looked a threat going forward with Joe and Ed working hard along the front line. I was gutted for the lads after giving so much and being the better team in the second half to come away with nothing but again we learn and quickly move on.

Get behind us as I know you will, applaud all the good things and encourage the mistakes and this young squad will be the future of the club for years to come.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

After a disappointing performance on the opening day of the season we showed our character, desire and footballing ability away at Stourbridge on Tuesday night. I asked the players to learn from their mistakes and quickly move on to the next game and I wanted to see how they would respond. They showed how far we have come in pre-season, we look like a squad that want to work hard for each other and now understand how important it is to compete and concentrate for 94 minutes to see games out.

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

The Message Remains The Same

03

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ACTION REPLAY

04

On This Week Eight Years Ago Tuesday 16th August 2005 Eagle Bitter United Counties League Premier Division St Neots Town 1

Yaxley 2

Two highly controversial refereeing decisions were pivotal in St Neots defeat by Yaxley in their first home league match of the season.

After just 29 minutes Simon Claridge and former Rowley Park regular Ricky Hailstone squared up to each other in a threatening fashion with both looking equally at fault but Peterborough Referee Michael Goodlip inexplicably booked the Yaxley player but sent Claridge off.

Then with the sides tied at a goal apiece and just eight minutes left a long clearance was returned to the St Neots half and with two Yaxley players clearly offside the Assistant Referee was left well out of position and failed to flag allowing Mark Paul to go around the St Neots keeper and claim the winning goal.

It was a very disappointing start for Manager Steve Kuhne and his new look squad in front of a healthily sized crowd and St Neots seem certain to ask for a personal hearing of the Claridge incident but the defeat will stand. There was a lively start to the match with St Neots looking largely in control. Gary Watts up for a corner tested the visiting keeper with a looping header and Kuhne sent a snap shot just a yard wide. Yaxley had little to offer in attack whilst Barry Dellar got the ball in the net at the other wend but was ruled offside. Then after 28 minutes the lively Mark Franklin ran at the visiting defence and was only stopped by a trip and Russell Lawes claimed St Neots first home goal of the season with a beautifully placed free kick. A minute later St Neots were reduced to ten men and from that point on they played with just one man up front severely limiting their attacking options. Their only scoring attempt in the remainder of the first half was another Gary Watts

header from a corner that was just too high.

St Neots new keeper Stefan Shamilan looked solid producing a fine save early in the second half to deny Mark Paul but the former Southampton player found a great burst of speed after 59 minutes to outpace the last defender and level the scores with an angled shot.

Surprisingly Yaxley seemed unable to exploit the advantage of an extra player, and they created few chances against a solid and well-organised St Neots back four. It began to look as though St Neots would hold out for a draw. However after 82 minutes the deciding goal that should have been flagged offside was allowed to stand and even though they threw on Gary Walker in a late bid to snatch a point their only chance was a Cameron Clark free kick pushed over the bar at full stretch. Yaxley returned home with three rather fortunate points and St Neots were left wondering what might have been.

St Neots: Shamilan, Clark, Lawes (Walker 86m), Watts, Buckland, Hoggett, Franklin (Hart 71m), Claridge, Kuhne, Dellar, Endersby.

Subs not used: Hurst, Moule and Fox. Goal: Lawes (28 mins)

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

www.uhlsport.com

or contact Richard at RAM Sports on 01963 31779

@UhlsportUK

www.facebook.com/Uhlsport.UK

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CLUB NEWS

06

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.

Welcome to our new Club Photographer Claire Howes and her able assistant Paulo Soares.

Claire has taken on the role of Official Club Photographer with young Paulo training up to be Claire’s assistant.

I think you will all agree what a very professional job they are doing with the quality of the photographs not only in our match day magazine but also our website and the media.

You can view more of Claire’s work and see many more shots of the Saints by visiting her web site on www.chowesimages.co.uk If you are looking for an excellent Professional photographer then just contact Claire by way of email on Claire.howes14@googlemail.com

Official Club Matchday Tickets

Box Office Success

New Goal Nets for the Stadium

The new ticketing system worked extremely well at the last home game against Weymouth. The head count was very accurate and allowed us to account for the number of adults and children attending the match.

How do you like the new goal nets?

Having looked at various types of designs (yes they do have many different designs) we went for the knotless hexagonal mesh chequered design of net.

This will really help us moving forward with our health and safety efficient requirements.

A special thanks to our Head Steward Richard Pyke for his assistance in ensuring that all ran smooth outside the ground.

Also our Box Office and Turnstile staff who made this all work.

Tweak’s need to be made but overall a very smooth transition.

We really think it gives that finishing touch to the wonderful pitch we have.

New SNTTV Gantry Our old TV gantry has been taken down and replaced by a much larger one.

We still have some finishing touches to do, but I think you will agree it looks like a real Sky Sports Gantry.

Many, many thanks to Shaun Drage and Kempston Scaffolding Services Ltd who supplied, erected and have sponsored the TV Gantry.

Get Well Soon Emily Thinking of Emily Dodson, who recently went into Luton and Dunstable Hospital for surgery on her jaw. Everyone at and connected with the Club sends our best wishes to the ‘Girl with the Smiley Face in the Box Office’ and hope to see her back on Matchdays real soon.

Off

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MATCH REPORT

08

Calor League Premier Division Rowley Park - The Cozy Stadium (Att 354) Saturday 17th August 2013 - Kick Off 15:00 - Referee Adrian Gillett (Aylesbury)

St Neots Town

0:2

Weymouth FC Ford (5 mins), Walker (12 mins)

n Heath (12) n Hilliard (69) n Sear (88) Heath, Rodgers, Adjei, Sear, Crowie, Steer, Taylor, Hilliard, Benjamin, Sogbanmu, Fuller.

Subs: Sharman (for Fuller 46 mins), Safee (for Sogbanmu 49 mins), Palmer (for Adjei 78 mins), Wood and Conroy.

n Clay (66) Matthews, McConnell, S Walker, Clay, N Walker, Poole, Burbridge, Ford, Yetton, Joyce, Wood.

Subs: (none used) Wells, Groves, Chainey, Winsper and Green

St Neots disappointed their fans with a lukewarm display on the opening day.

Their much changed team with only one survivor from their final line up last season looked shapeless and unbalanced and more like a collection of individuals than a team. There was however good performances from Cambridge United on loan midfielder BobbyJoe Taylor and Rene Steer making his first appearance after a fifteen months injury absence. When they did create openings they found visiting keeper Jason Matthews in good form and they must now rethink their approach especially in attack. Weymouth set up their victory with two goals in the first twelve minutes and despite St Neots best efforts they made little impression on

Rough Justice: Lewis Hilliard heads for goal. Hand ball we say.

the visiting defence in which Nathan Walker and Sam Poole were outstanding.

With St Neots down to ten men with Ola Sogbanmu receiving treatment to an early ankle injury Weymouth went ahead after five minutes.

Home keeper Daniel Heath made a fine save to push a Stewart Yetton shot onto his cross bar but Mike Ford followed in to head home.

Seven minutes later Weymouth were two ahead when goalkeeper Heath brought down Ford in the area and was perhaps lucky to escape with a yellow card but stood no chance with Scott Walker’s well hit spot kick.

Frustating St Neots tried to reply but a BobbyJoe Taylor shot was scrambled for a corner and Matthews saved well from Lewis Hilliard. Weymouth played some attractive football frustrating many of St Neots approach moves and too often St Neots was reduced to playing the long ball out of defence. Paul Rodgers did well to block a close range effort by Ben Wood and St Neots had one shout for a defensive handball waved away following a corner. St Neots did go close with a Hilliard free kick that was just the wrong side of a post but overall Weymouth looked pretty good value for their half time advantage. Clearly needing a different approach St Neots made two early second half

changes sending on Ryan Sharman in midfield and restoring Hilliard to his more favoured wide role and substituting Karl Safee for Ola Sogbanmu who had never looked mobile enough after his early injury.

Hand Ball?

They then had a bright ten minutes spell in which Hilliard had a net bound header blocked and Taylor saw his follow up effort deflected for a corner. Another penalty appeal was turned down and then Safee fed Benjamin whose effort was high over the bar. Safee then just failed to reach an accurate Taylor cross but as the wind began to get up the brief St Neots momentum faded.

Weymouth came back into the game and Yetton was only inches wide and Scott Walker brought a good save from Heath with a stinging free kick. Ford then beat the keeper only to see his shot rebound from a post and as a last throw of the dice St Neots brought on Andy Palmer to play with just three at the back. However the late efforts all came from the visitors with Heath saving well from Ford and a wickedly inswinging corner by Scott Walker was pushed over the bar under pressure by the home custodian.

Overall it was a vey disappointing start for St Neots.

John Walker

MATCH REPORT

War Memorial Athletic Ground (Att 447) Tuesday 20th August 2013 - Kick Off 19:45 - Referee Kevin Morris (Hereford)

Stourbridge

2:1

Billingham (28 mins), Richards (90 + 2 mins) Coleman, Francis, Drake, Eze, Geddes, Bennett, Fitzpatrick, Broadhurst, Benbow, Billingham, Rowe.

Subs: Lloyd (for Francis 31 mins), Washbourne (for Fitzpatrick 68 mins),Richards (for Rowe 75 mins) and Canavan.

St Neots Town Sharman (51 mins) Heath, Rodgers, Steer, Sear, Crowie, Nkinga, Hilliard, Sharman, Benjamin, Adjei, Taylor.

Subs: Safee (for Adjei 78 mins), Fuller (for Taylor 49 mins), Palmer, Wood and King.

Lions Share St Neots were the better side in the first twenty minutes having the greater share of possession but nit really creating any clear openings.

In fact it was 23 minutes before either goalkeeper was forced into any serious action and then Daniel Heath did well to parry a shot from Luke Benbow who had cut in

from the right. However a minute beforehand he had been relived to see a blockbusting volley from Sean Geddes from 25 yards clip the outside of a post and rebound to safety.

Superior Spell That action prompted a spell of Stourbridge superiority and after 27 minutes from a Geddes corner Leon Broadhurst saw Heath again at full stretch to parry a net bound effort with Rene Steer completing the clearance. Then a minute later the home side was rewarded with the opening goal as Ben Billingham netted with a well placed shot from the edge of the penalty area. At this point St Neots seemed vulnerable to the long ball approach but after Billingham had shot wide when well placed St Neots finished off the first half in good shape. Ed Adjei found pace to go clear but Dean Coleman left his line to smother his shot and from the corner the home keeper saved well from Joe Benjamin.

The second half began with St Neots in control as Benjamin had a fierce shot pushed away by Coleman and then after 51 minutes a corner from Benjamin was neatly flicked into the far corner of the net from the near post by Ryan Sharman. It was no less than St Neots deserved and

then a period of end to end play saw Ryan Rowe head over the bar at one end and Benjamin shoot wide at the other. Stourbridge tried to vary their approach with two attacking substitutes but St Neots defence held firm with Jordy Nkinga solid and confident. St Neots substitute Karl Safee marked his introduction bringing an important save from Coleman and it began to look like a stalemate as both sides strove for a winner. Then two minutes into time added Stourbridge mounted an attack on the right and Billingham’s cross from the bye line was firmly headed beyond Heath by substitute Will Richards for the goal that broke St Neots hearts.

John Walker

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

They matched the title favourites for much of the game and came back from a goal down at half time to draw level only for the home side to snatch a dramatic winning goal two minutes into time added. ‘Gutted’ was the phrase used by Manager Iain Parr after the match after he had seen his side look certain to pick up their first league point of the campaign. With Ola Sogbanmu still suffering from the injury picked up at the weekend Parr took the brave decision to hand the striking role to defender Ed Adjei and it proved an inspired decision with the converted player and Cambridge United loanee Bobby-Joe Taylor looking lively in attack. After their impressive away victory at AFC Totton in the first match the host side looked confident and determined and in the end they recorded their first ever Southern League victory over St Neots who had taken four points out of six in their meetings last season.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

St Neots were desperately unlucky to return from Worcestershire empty handed after their first away trip of the new season.

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

Calor League Premier Division

09

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PLAYER PROFILE

10

Lewis Hilliard 22 year old Lewis started his career with Rushden and Diamonds, he then spent some time with Hemel Hempstead before joining St Neots Town. Lewis is now in his fourth season with the Saints having won two championships and numerous cups with the club. A two footed player who can play in any midfield position and is a free-kick specialist who can score goals from anywhere on the pitch. Lewis has also played in Goal as an emergency goalkeeper for the Saints.

PLAYER PROFILE

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

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and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

11

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GREENIES GREETINGS

12

It’s Local Derby Time Mike Green Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen and Welcome to Rowley Park – The Cozy Stadium for today’s Bank Holiday Monday derby game in the Calor League Premier Division.

Let’s get behind the lads from the off and create an atmosphere worthy of what’s certain to be a keenly contested local derby...

Today we extend a very warm welcome to our near neighbours, Cambridge City and hope the Players, Officials and Supporters of the ‘Lilywhites’ have an enjoyable, if brief, stay with us before embarking on a safe journey back along the A428.

Saturday saw us open our League account with a somewhat disappointing two-nil home defeat against Weymouth here at The Cozy as we couldn’t quite recover from conceding two early goals inside the first fifteen minutes. However, it was a day of many plusses off the field with the implementation of the new Box Office Ticketing System running almost perfectly, A three hundred and fifty plus attendance for the first game, in holiday season, being quite respectable and our range of CAMRA Real Ales being received very well by

supporters of both clubs with sales more than exceeding expectations.

Many Positives On Tuesday evening, we travelled over to Worcestershire as we took on many people’s favourites Stourbridge. The home team were on fire after Saturday’s four-nil demolition of AFC Totton but found Iain Parr’s men a much tougher nut to crack, needing a ninety-third minute strike to cruelly deny us a well earned point, after Ryan Sharman scored our first competitive goal this season to pull us back into the game after conceding in the twenty–eighth minute. Heartbreak for the players, management and supporters but we can draw many positives from the game and hopefully we will have taken them into Saturday’s game down at Bashley, details of which will be in the Redditch Matchday

Magazine on Saturday due to printing deadlines.

Thursday evening (Aug 29th) sees our Under 18 squad begin their competitive season with their opening fixture in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Youth League Western Division giving them a match against Chatteris Town here at Rowley Park, kicking off at 19:45.

Admission will once again be Free of Charge so please, if you can, do come down and give Steve Pickering and the lads your valued support.

With some players reaching the age limit and moving on to the St Neots Town Youth and Saints Under 21 side and some earning their place in the First Team Squad with great pre season displays, we look forward to welcoming our new batch of youngsters onto the ‘green carpet’ as they look to emulate the success stories of players such as Ryan Sharman, Karl Safee, Kaine Felix and Dion Sembie-Ferris.

Talking of the ‘Youth and Saints’, if you can’t make first team away games, then why not come down and support Steve Kuhne and his young charges. They were here on Saturday when they entertained Thrapston Town and their next home fixture is due to be Tuesday 3rd September when they face Bourne Town. The ticketing system will work exactly the same as for First Team fixtures however, admission is cheaper for Chromasport UCL games. Ok then, on to today’s game and let’s get behind the lads from the off and create an atmosphere worthy of what’s certain to be a keenly contested local derby and regardless of the result, enjoy some welcome refreshment after the game in the Gregory Suite.

Pump up the volume ‘Greenie’

CLUB MERCHANDISE All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Official Club Merchandise

Show Your True Colours A cracking range of merchandise is available to purchase on match days and online from our web store.

Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/club-shop

Official Club Polo Shirt £20.00

Sweat Training Top £30.00

1/4 Zip Top £30.00

Rain Jacket £30.00

Managers / Coach Jacket £60.00

Track Suit Bottoms £22.00

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Home Shorts 2012/13 £12.00

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Home Shirt 2012/13 £25.00

13

DAN HEATH

GAIN EXPOSURE

Programme Advert for 2013/14 season

Triple exposure advertising for £800 +Vat

Mono

• Half Page colour matchday magazine advert

Eighth page

£125.00 +Vat

Quarter Page

£195.00 +Vat

Half Page

£475.00 +Vat

Half Page

£325.00 +Vat

Full Page

£600.00 +Vat

Colour

• 8x3 ISSI 3G Arena advertising board

Enjoy the Matchday Experience Matchday Sponsorship £100 +Vat (for the one game of your choice) Includes: • Matchday programme advert half page • Four complimentary Matchday tickets • Matchday Hospitality

Advertising Boards around the stadium pitch for one calendar year 8x3 Advertising Board

£350.00 +Vat

16x3 Advertising Board

£600.00 +Vat

These boards will offer maximum exposure during the season and with the ground share agreement with St Neots Town Saints FC you get double exposure. Your advert will also go into our Business Partner page on our bespoke website and you will also be able to take advantage of our membership data base by offering members specific monthly offers or promotions.

• Free Programme

Match ball sponsorship £50 (for the game of your choice) Includes: • Matchday programme acknowledgement • Two complimentary Matchday tickets • Matchday Hospitality • Free Programme

8x3 Advertising Board

£250.00 +Vat

16x3 Advertising Board

£450.00 +Vat

These boards offer year round exposure and are visible to all that visit Rowley Park. The ISSI 3G Arena is home to St Neots Town Saints FC Grassroots and Development Squads, The Norwich City FC Academy Hub as well as general public use.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Advertising Boards around the ISSI 3G Arena for one calendar year

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

The advert will run in both the St Neots Town FC and the St Neots Town Saints matchday magazine throughout the 2013-2014 season.

• 8x3 Pitchside advertising board (including website advert and membership data base exposure via monthly offers)

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

2013-2014 Advertising Prices

For more information contact the Football Club on 01480 470012 or email enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk

15

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A BLAST FROM THE PAST

16

Kevin Keegan OBE Full name: Joseph Kevin Keegan Date of birth: 14/02/1951 Early Life Joseph Kevin Keegan was born in Armthorpe, Doncaster, on Valentine’s Day 1951. A keen footballer from his youth, it was always his dream to play for the Doncaster Rovers. He trained with the Enfield House Youth Club but, as a teenager, the Rovers turned Keegan down; instead, Scunthorpe United took an interest in him in 1967, when he was 16.

Within a year he was playing for the first squad.

Professional Career In 1971 Keegan was signed to Liverpool for the sum of £35,000. He was transferred as a midfielder but ended up playing forward alongside striker John Toshack. The two of them struck up a famous partnership and quickly became well known and loved by commentators and fans. The “Dynamic Duo” attained superhero status and were frequently compared to Batman and Robin.

In his first game of the 1971-72 season, against Nottingham Forest, Keegan scored after only 12 minutes (although mainly by luck on this occasion). Liverpool won 3-1, changing their fortunes and launching Keegan’s career. He played his first match for England at under-23 level the same year, making his full debut in 1973 - his first of 63 caps. Keegan scored his first goal for England in 1974, against Wales at Ninian Park. England won 2-0. Meanwhile Keegan’s star was rising higher with Liverpool, whom he helped to win the League Title and the UEFA Cup. In 1974, the team also won the FA Cup. In addition, they played the Doncaster Rovers - the club who had turned him down at the beginning of his career. He relished scoring both goals of the 2-2 draw.

In 1976 Liverpool won both the League Championship and the UEFA Cup. Keegan scored twice in Liverpool’s 4-3 final victory over FC Bruges. He came to greater public attention still when he took part in the BBC program “Superstars”, winning even after injuring himself when he fell off his bike in the cycling event.

In total, Keegan made 323 appearances for Liverpool and scored exactly 100 goals in his time there. Before he left, he helped secure the team’s first European Cup win, 3-1 against Borussia Moenchengladbach in Rome.

In 1977 Keegan made a surprise transfer to SV Hamburg - this time for a price of £500,000. As a result of his time there, he would twice be named European Player of the Year in 1978 and 1979. After three seasons he returned to England in 1980, this time to play for Southampton. Keegan’s talent and appeal temporarily raised the team to the top of the league table. In 1982 he was voted PFA Player of the Year.

He was also given an OBE for his services to Association Football.

Later in 1982 Keegan made another surprise move, this time down to the second-division Newcastle United, after he fell out with Southampton coach Lawrie McMenemy. Once again he worked his magic, drawing them up the league table. Over the course of 78 appearances he scored 48 goals. In 1984 he announced his retirement. After the last match of the season, at St James’ Park, he left the grounds by helicopter and moved to Spain with his family.

Management Career After eight years of retirement, Keegan returned from Spain in 1992 to manage the club he had last played for - Newcastle Utd. He stayed there for a successful five years, retiring early in 1997 and moving to Fulham that autumn. Much to Fulham fans’ disappointment, he left only 18 months later. From 2001 to 2005 Keegan was manager for Manchester City. Retiring in 2005 before a dramatic return to football management amid euphoric scenes on Tyneside in January 2008. The former Geordie boss was installed as manager of his beloved Newcastle for a second time.

Career Appearances: 594 International Caps: 63 Goals Scored: 226 All Trophies Won: 10 Career Highlight: World footballer of year 1976

CHAIRMAN’S VIEWS All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Privileged To Play Mike Kearns Welcome to the officials, players and supporters of Cambridge City for todays’ fixture.

A special welcome to their manager Gary Roberts who has just celebrated 10 years in charge of the club, an outstanding achievement.

The Weymouth game was a disappointment for us all as after conceding two very early goals, our opponents just shut up shop and played the game out especially in the second half where we were much the stronger side.

Our match against Stourbridge was never a disappointment, more of ‘here we go again’ never any luck for us.

Fergie Time Losing by a goal scored in ‘Fergie time’ was very hard to swallow as we had all of the game in the second half and really were unlucky not to have gone ahead on several occasions.

Talent in numbers I was speaking to the Stourbridge Chairman after the game and he said that they could not believe the talent we had in our team, and how young the players looked. He also said his manager said they were glad to

take the points as they would have settled for a well earned point. All of this just underlines what we are trying to achieve. The supporters who travelled with us, as I, were impressed on how we played against a team that finished 2nd last season and have been in the play offs for the last three seasons.

Work in progress So lets go into today’s game with confidence knowing that we are a team in working progress and that we will for fill our potential.

There are teams in our division that seem to be going for promotion or bust, something we have done before in our two championship seasons and it’s not a very enjoyable experience even if it does work out well.

As Chairman the word ‘bust’ is a very frightening one and I am much more comfortable with the words,

consolidation, growth from within and financial stability.

Much has been achieved on the other side of the club with the new Box Office being an instant success of which I am very pleased with and at last a larger TV gantry for Adam to film from. I think by the time we have completed it to his satisfaction it might just turn out like an executive box.

Privileged Let’s all get behind the team at all times because as I have said earlier the management, everyone connected with our club and especially this group of players are privileged to play for our club and want to be part of our future. Not many other clubs have that kind of attitude.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

I spoke to most of the players on the coach on the way back and they were all really down that they had lost and thought they had let the club down. Now that is an attitude that has not been at our club on this scale before. It shows they care and want to win for the club and themselves.

...the management, everyone connected with our club and especially this group of players are privileged to play for our club

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Well we are now two games into the new season and are yet to pick up a point. I always knew it would take time for this team so settle in and understand this level of football and we could not have had two tougher fixtures than Weymouth and Stourbridge to start our season off.

All for one and one for all.

Mike

17

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OPPONENT SPOTLIGHT

18

Cambridge City

The Lilywhites

The close season was a traumatic one for City. Their lease on Milton Road having expired had to find a new home of which was up to the standards required for them to continue playing football at step 3 level. Thankfully City agreed a ground share with Conference neighbours Histon, their nearest neighbour.

Year Founded: 1908 Chairman: Kevin Satchall Club Website: www.cambridgecity.com Previous Meetings: Cambridge City 0 – 5 St Neots Town (27/08/12) St. Neots Town 2 – 3 Cambridge City (01/01/13)

A special welcome to our visitors Cambridge City this afternoon for todays match in the Calor League Premier Division. City finished last season in 8th position after a very indifferent start to the season.

Away Cambridge 0-5 St Neots St Neots Scorers: Ben Mackey (3), Stefan Moore, Dan Jacob Notable Moment: Ben Mackey’s first away league hat-trick for St Neots.

On the first Saturday of the season City began their new league campaign with a 0-0 draw away at Frome and they will hope to improve on last season’s finish of eighth – just four points shy of the final play off place achieved on the final day by Gosport Borough as they defeated out lads by the only goal of the match. City’s visit here last year ended in victory for them by the odd goal in five after trailing 2-1.

City will also be hoping to emulate their FA Cup exploits last season that saw them progress to the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the sixth time in their history only losing to Milton Keynes Dons in a replay in

Club History

front of 4126 spectators. That cup run was so important to them as old revenue would be lost when they had to move away from Milton road.

Last Season At Home St Neots 2-3 Cambridge St Neots Scorers: Dan Jacob, Ade Yussuf Cambridge Scorers: James Brighton, Adam Marriott, Luke Allen Notable Moment: Theo Davis back for St Neots after long injury lay off.

Cambridge City re-joined the Southern League in 2008/009 after an absence of five seasons.

Previously, City had played there for 46 seasons from 1958/59 until a last day victory in 2003/04 confirmed the Club’s elevation to the newly formed Conference South Division. City’s enforced demotion from Conference South at the end of 2007/08 was due to its ground failing an FA grading, rather than the team finishing in the relegation zone.

This decision ended 22 consecutive seasons in the 2nd tier of non-league football and is only the 3rd relegation in the Club’s history. It was also scant reward for City spending time and resources taking High Court action to preserve the use of its ground. A judgement delivered in September 2007 found that City had been the victim of bribery and fraudulent misrepresentation in a deal done by outgoing directors to sell its Milton Road ground. The Court restored the Club’s previous lease, which runs until 2010, and its right to half of future development profits.

That City actually made it to their centenary year of 2008 is an achievement for the Club and its

OPPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Adult:

£10

Concession: (over 65’s, students) Child: 12/ 16yrs

£5

Under 12s

(with a paying adult)

£3 Free

The ground is an A graded facility with 1,700 covered seats. The record crown at the Glassworks stadium was 4,103 for an FA cup match against Leeds United in 2008.

But City lost their way and were relegated to Southern League Division 1 in 1967-68. Promotion back to the Premier Division followed in 1969/70, but this was the same season Cambridge United was elected to the Football League.

City were left to reflect that, in 12 Southern League seasons together, they had finished above United in 8 of them. City went on to finish Southern League runners up in 1970/71, the period from1975-1985 was dreadful. Relegation in 1975/76 was followed by dwindling crowds and a Board decision in 1977 to return to amateur status by joining the Isthmian League. However, as in 2006, Directors were to find they could not ignore the views of City supporters. Protests forced out most of the Board and the club remained in the Southern League.

City improved and a new generation of fans mobbed their heroes after the 1985/86 Southern League South championship was won on the last day of the season. City have reached the 1st round of the FA Cup five times and the 2nd round once since 1993 - this is a far better record than achieved by the more illustrious City sides of the 1960s. Manager Gary Roberts has stayed loyal to the club through its recent uncertainties and is now in his 8th season as manager. The enthusiastic fans of the ‘Shed’ made Milton Road one of the noisier grounds in Conference South. However at the start of the 2013/14 season they were made homeless and entered in to ground share arrangement with Conference neighbours Histon.

Did you know?...

Gary Roberts the Cambridge City manager has just had a Testimonial game in his honour to celebrate his 10 years of managing the Lilywhites.

Gary must be one of the longest serving managers in Non league football.

Did you know?...

Since 1993, City have reached the first round proper of the FA Cup five times and the second round once.

Only last season saw city reach the first round proper with a televised home tie with MK Dons producing a fantastic night with a 0-0 draw, city as might have been expected lost the replay at Stadium MK. What a wonderful experience for club and supporters.

Did you know?...

City celebrated their centenary in 2008, but were demoted at the end the 2007/08 season due to overzealously applied ground regulations.

This decision ended 22 consecutive seasons in the 2nd tier of non-league football and is only the 3rd relegation in the Club’s history.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

City finally left the amateur game in 1958 and joined the Southern League, gaining promotion in their first season at the expense of Cambridge United and going on to win the Premier Division in 1962/63, again edging out United in an enthralling title race. The absence of a pyramid system and automatic promotion put a lid on City’s ambitions. Nevertheless, City were regular challengers for the title and had the highest attendances in non-league football up until the mid-1960s.

Capacity: 4300 Disabled Access: Yes

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supporters. In the dark days of early 2006, the previous Board announced plans to have City absorbed into Cambridge United. The plan was to sell Milton Road, scrap the first team and turn City’s youth team into a united feeder side. A fans’ campaign forced Directors to resign, to be replaced by members of the Cambridge City Supporters’ Trust.

The new Board kept the club alive and discovered the evidence, which led to the successful High Court action. The club was formed in 1908 as Cambridge Town, winning several titles and cups in its early years.

Cambridge moved on to the Spartan League, winning three league titles between 1945-50. When Cambridge was granted City status in 1951, Town and Eastern Counties League neighbours Abbey United both applied to change their name to Cambridge City. Town’s application was first to arrive at the Cambs FA and was accepted, leaving Abbey United to change their name to Cambridge United.

The Glassworks Stadium (Groundshare)

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Admission Prices

19

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

WHO’S WHO

Who calls the shots?...

Gary Roberts First Team Manager Gary was appointed manager in January 2003. He previously took St.Albans from a relegation situation to promotion candidates and before that the same with Baldock Town. His playing career included over 200 games for Brentford and spells with Barnet, Maidstone and Welling in the Conference. In the early ‘90s he enjoyed a short time as a player at City.

Zachary Barrett

James Brighton

Ben Farrell

Goalkeeper

Defender

Midfielder

Zac is a goalkeeper who joined Luton Town at the age of 11 and progressed through their colts teams into their Academy. He earned a 3 year contract and was a regular in the reserve team through season 2006/07 but injury curtailed his appearances. He was released from his contract on financial grounds and signed for City in September 2008 and has been ever present since then.

Left back James spent the first half of last season on loan from Cambridge United and made a tremendous impact at City. Released from his contract at United in the summer, he had no hesitation in joining City again.

Ben is a centre midfielder and joined city in summer of 2013. He has previous experience with Bedford Town, Arlesey Town, Weymouth and Cambridge United.

Whilst at Cambridge United he he spent a month on loan at City.

Lee Chaffey

Josh Beech

Defender

Midfielder

Lee is a centreback/ leftback signed

by City after being released by Ipswich Town after five years in the Portman Road Academy.

Lee, now in his tenth season at City, played initially at leftback. Lee’s loyalty was rewarded in the summer of 2013 by being handed the captains armband.

Josh also joined City in summer 2013 having spent the last two seasons at Bedford Town. He is equally at home at the heart of defence or midfield.

Miles Smith Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Defender

20

Miles is a former West Ham Academy right wingback. He had short spell with City at the start of 2011/12 season but moved on to Chertsey Town. Miles has spent the early part of last season at Farnborough before returning to City but broke his leg in his second match.

Jackson Ramm Defender Jackson signed for Colchester in the summer of 2012 after impressing during a pre-season trial. The former Norwich City and Cambridge United man returned to East Anglia after spending three years with Blackburn Rovers.

Will Lawton Defender Will joined City towards the end of last season from Cambridge University Press and proved to be a very capable centre half.

Louis Lee

Neil Midgley Midfielder Neil is a product of Ipswich Town’s Academy but he made his name at Barnet where he scored freely. He moved on to Kettering Town via Canvey Island.

Neil had a three month loan spell with City in 2006 before returning to Kettering for three weeks when he made the move to City permanent.

Joshua Dawkin

Midfielder Louis signed for City in summer 2013 after enjoying three seasons at Hitchin Town. Louis is a grafting midfielder.

Midfielder Josh is a Norwich City academy product, where he earned a contract

WHO’S WHO

Adam Marriot Striker 20 year-old Adam is a striker who certainly knows where the net is as his record of 90 goals in three seasons in the Ridgeons League for Cambridge Utd’s development side, CRC, proves. Signed for City after completing a successful loan spell with the club last season.

and made three first team games.

On release from Norwich he signed for Braintree Town. Josh can play anywhere across the middle or as a striker. Josh earned Welsh under 16,17 and 21 caps.

Midfielder David is a central midfielder who previously played for Club Deportivo Javea in Spain. He was born and bred in Javea and played for his local team for four seasons, the last of which he was club captain, before moving to England in the summer of 2011. He has proved to be a capable player and a very popular lad around the club.

Nick Beasant Striker

Chris Bacon Striker Chris is a very experienced striker at non league level.

Born in Kings Lynn, he has had two spells with his hometown club.

Midfielder

Ghana born Kelvin played for the countires under 17s. He is a striker or winger with electric pace. He was with Havant & Waterlooville last season and previously with Maidenhead United and Helmond Sport in Holland.

Adam is another product of Colchester United’s academy and also represented Essex University He plays wide on either side of the pitch.

Allen Bossman Midfielder Brother of Kelvin, Allen is a midfielder previously with Reading Youth, Stoke City Academy and Maidenhead United .

Ieuan Lewis Striker Yiuan was signed from Hitchin Town in October last season after making 200 appearances for the Hertfordshire club. He is equally at home on right or left of midfield.

Yiuan played for Arlesey Town and Stevenage Town before Hitchin.

Joey Abbs Midfielder Joey joined City in summer of 2010 from county league side Fulbourn Institute. He is equally at home on either flank where he displays tremendous vision and passing ability.

Enol Ordonez Goalkeeper Zac is a goalkeeper who joined Luton Town at the age of 11 and progressed through their colts teams into their Academy. He earned a 3 year contract and was a regular in the reserve team through season 2006/07 but injury curtailed his appearances. He was released from his contract on financial grounds and signed for City in September 2008 and has been ever present since then.

Joe Miller Sports Therapist Joe is a fully qualified sports therapist having previously had experience at Millwall, Watford and Fisher Athletic. He runs a private physio clinic at his home in Hertfordshire. Joe is in his fourth season with City.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Nick is a striker who spent last season at Bedford Town and moved to City during the summer.

He has previously played for AFC Wimbledon, Barnet and Maidenhead as well as a spell at The Glenn Hoddle Academy.

Adam Allen

Striker

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David Prada

Kelvin Bossman

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One to watch...

21

Karl Safee: No Fear

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THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

24

Hopes And Dreams Ade Roberts Let’s be honest, we’d all like the lifestyle of a footballer wouldn’t we, especially one that plays at the very highest level.

Just look at Mario Balotelli, plying his trade at AC Milan, living it up, and in the process of having a crystal encrusted water feature built in his backyard at home. We’d all love one of those wouldn’t we? No – me neither!

Do you remember that madcap idea a few months ago when Macclesfield Town were trying to raise funds to remain a full-time outfit. They initially offered a supporter a chance to pay £20,000 to become a pro-footballer for the week and play at least 10 minutes in ONE game. Now if it were the other way around, and Macclesfield were offering me £20K to turn out in their colours for 10 minutes, I may well consider it – it depends if I was busy that day, I’d have to check my diary! Remarkably, after a lot of hoo-ha and the obvious health and safety aspects relating to the idea, it did actually happen! Sadly though, the guy who forked out a mere £10,000 for 20 minutes on the pitch only lasted 10 minutes in a pre-season game against Stoke City after getting injured. That’s £1,000 a minute he paid to play for Silkmen – the sillyman!

It makes you wonder if the signing of One Directions’ Louis Tomlinson was more of a publicity stunt at Doncaster Rovers than an astute business decision. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt; he could be a cracking footballer? He can’t sing, he can’t dance, perhaps he can spin on a sixpence and find the top corner with ease – I guess we’ll see when he turns out for the first team….if he ever does?? Donny have pulled a similar to stunt to Macclesfield in the past when their Chairman fancies a chance to play for his beloved

club. John Ryan became the oldest footballer to appear for a British club at the age of 52 when he fulfilled his dream and came on as sub for Donny against Hereford United in the 89th minute. Donny were 2-1 down at the time and Ryan smashed a hat trick in 60 seconds to make it 4-2 to Donny. That’s not entirely true, [other than the score line being 4-2 to Donny at the final whistle]. He was berated by the fans, ridiculed by the press, scoffed at, laughed at, and fell over a few times but having said, it was probably one of the highlights of his life! As for the kid from ‘1D’ [that’s ‘One Direction’ for any of you that aren’t ‘with it’], he’s not the first and nor will he be the last celeb to dabble in the glorious world of being a football player.

Over the years there have been the following Ian Botham – England cricketer turning out for Scunthorpe United. Boxer Curtis Woodhouse playing for a number of clubs including Sheffield United, Birmingham City, Hull City and others before returning to Boxing.

Foul-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay alleged that he played for three years at Glasgow Rangers although it is claimed that this was simply to

drum up publicity for his restaurants.

The likelihood is, he played for the reserves, cleaned the first team players’ boots and then realised he enjoyed cooking a little more.

Former Doctor Who Matt Smith was also a signed Pro-footballer and turned out in some capacity for Leicester City, Northampton Town and Nottingham Forest before a knee injury scuppered his chance a career in the beautiful game. Then there’s the unforgettable Vinnie Jones who went the opposite way and had a successful career in football [albeit controversial] and then went into acting. Vinnie’s role as ‘Big Chris’ in Guy Richie’s ‘Lock, stock and two smoking barrels’ back in 1998 launched his acting career and he then went on to work in Hollywood Blockbusters ‘Swordfish’, ‘Gone In Sixty Seconds’, and ‘X-Men – The Last Stand’.

We’d all love a player like Vinnie Jones in our side. The ‘No nonsense’ – ‘get stuck-in’ tenacious player who fights for every ball and shows the same hunger to win as us fans.

Enjoy today’s adventure!

Ade

FAN FEATURE

Richard Pyke Welcome to our new feature “one minute with” you our supporters.

A simple question and answer to give us all a chance to get to know each other.

Put a name to a face, and get that face “yours” into our match day magazine. For full details see below.

I love the club and everyone involved, in my opinion this is the best non league club in the country.

I am married to Karen, we have a daughter Holly. I am Head Steward at the club, and love being involved.

We have just purchased a new house only two minutes from the ground, no not my idea but Karens. I am certainly not complaining about the move!

What changes would you make to the football club?

Who wears the trousers in your house Steve?

Pikey / Big Dog

Some new songs from the Rabble

My Daughter

How long have you followed the Saints?

Have you passed out through drinking too much alcohol?

Fish and chips or curry?

4 years, seriously

I could not possibly comment

Are you scared of anything?

Do you have a favourite player?

Do you have a favourite film?

All players who play with passion.

Highlander

Lee asking me to lock up the club at night as I am near.

What is your occupation?

Most memorable goal?

Sales Executive

Hopey on one leg

Where do you see us in the next two years?

What’s your favourite colour?

Do you have any pets?

Conference North

Blue

None

Your catchphrase?

Wine or beer?

Both together, Yummy

Is that beer in a plastic glass?

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Do you have a nick name Richard?

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Take Part!

If you would like to take part in this feature then contact Louise Sales on misslouisesales@yahoo.co.uk

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

One Minute With...

Both

25

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27

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Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S VIEWS

28

Notes From The Accounts Lee Kearns

First and foremost I’d like to welcome Cambridge City to Rowley Park. I hope they have a great day and enjoy our hospitality.

In my last programme notes I said that I would give you all some figures with regards to pre-season friendlies so here goes.

In the 2011-2012 we had an average attendance of 277 people over the pre-season games. This includes Posh at 904 people by far the biggest crowd we had. If you take Posh out of the equation it comes down to 220 per game in attendance In the 2012-2013 pre-season we had an average of 309 per game in attendance but this was for half the games that were played the year before so it’s understandable that more people came to see less games. If you take Posh out of the equation (787) it comes down to around 152 supporters in attendance per game played.

This year we had a much better pre-season attendance wise than last year, maybe the reason behind this was the better pricing... year (excluding Posh because it wouldn’t give an accurate figure for this year) we get the following:

In the 2013-2014 pre-season we had an average attendance of 238 per game.

• 2011-2012 – average attendance for the top 6 games excluding Posh 252 (only 14 up on this year)

It’s difficult to look at the figures and make too much sense because in the 2011-2012 pre-season we played 12 games and in the following two years we played half of that so you could argue that people spent their money on a selection of games during the programme of friendlies. The same cannot be said for the next two years. The 2012-2013 pre-season were poor because of the problems we experienced and also because we made a bad call on pre-season pricing. This year we had a much better pre-season attendance wise than last year and maybe the reason behind this was the better pricing for Members (only £5 per head)

• 2012-2013 – average attendance for the top 6 games excluding Posh 152 (had to adjust to bring the number of games up to 6)

If we take the best attendance records for the top 6 games in each

• 2013-2014 – average attendance for the top 6 games was 238 per game • Lowest crowd for the 2011-2012 pre-season was 75 • Lowest crowd for the 2012-2013 pre-season was 92 • Lowest crowd for the 2013-2014 pre-season was 119 In our promotion season when we moved from step 5 to step 4 we averaged 39 people more than this year if we include Posh. If we take Posh out we averaged 18 people less than this year. (this was over

twice as many games) We also have to consider that this year’s preseason Hospitality came through the Reedman’s entrance and not through the Turnstiles as it had done for the previous two years.

The bottom line Everyone can pick out of that what they want (or just ignore it as I do) but the bottom line is the attendance figures are up YOY and on par with the 2011-2012 season. The gate for league matches is also pretty much the same YOY for the last 3 years the only difference is Kings Lynn in 2011-2012 bumped the average up as did slough in the 2012-2013 season. As previously mentioned we also calculated the gate differently last year, which in hindsight was a mistake. This year will be interesting because of H&S and our Fire Regulations it’s now moved back to a head count as it was in 2011-2012.

Lee

BOBBY-JOE TAYLOR

MASCOT FEATURE

MASCOT FEATURE

Teddy Ryan Bartram Age: 5 Years Old Favourite St. Neots player?

Jay Davies Who do you support?

Manchester United & St Neots Favourite Manchester United player?

Wayne Rooney Who do you play for?

St Neots U7’s What do you want to be when you are older?

A policeman

Do you have a pet?

Two cats and a puppy

Give Teddy a big cheer as he leads the Saints onto the pitch today!

The opening day of this season against Weymouth saw Rhys Sales be mascot for the day.

Unfortunately the result didn’t go well for the Saints on the day but at least his other favourite team Chelsea won! Rhys said “I had a great day and leading out the team with Searsy was fun!”

• Free entry for mascot and parents • Use of our hospitality room • Signed match day programme by your favourite player, which you will also appear in • Meet your favourite player and have your photo taken • Tour of the stadium • Have a kick about on the main pitch • Lead the Saints on to the pitch • Free portion of chips and drink for the mascot

To apply to be a Matchday Mascot contact Louise Spark on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

The Saints Matchday Mascot Experience

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

What’s your favourite food?

Pizza

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

Todays Mascot

31

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

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!

Phil Babb “Ireland need fresh impotence”

Ray Parlour “Is it the case that 50% of West Ham fans want Avram Grant sacked and the other half want him to stay? Or is it the other way around?”

Neil Warnock “We didn’t give them any opportunities, but unfortunately they took one.”

Michael Owen “England have players who can rattle anyone’s feathers”

Kevin Keegan “Every picture paints a thousand words and that one said ‘goodbye’”

Aidy Boothroyd “What’s changed is that nothing’s changed”

Glenn Hoddle “I don’t think that this clean sheet was a shut-out”

“When Gareth Bale opens his legs like that, it’s just a magnificent sight” Gary Neville

Jason Cundy

Matt Murray

“The one thing you get from Martin Allen is honesty. Ask him a question and he’ll avoid it”

“You either love or hate Neil Warnock and I like him”

Rob Hawthorne “Real Madrid came out the traps like a thoroughbred racehorse”

Harry Redknapp “We’ve won 10 out of 11. You can’t do any better than that”

Stan Collymore “Martin O’Neill rules with a rod of fear”

Alan Green “It’s Wolves 0, Swansea 2 and that is an accurate scoreline”

Matt Le Tissier “It’s 2-2-all”

Sam Matterface “Olsson has taken a large portion of Andy Carroll from behind”

Kevin Keegan “Jose Enrique’s strength is that he’s very strong”

Jimmy Armfield “The first half has gone how I almost half-anticipated”

Roy Hodgson “We had a setback against Stoke which set us back a bit”

Paul Merson “Today will open the title race wide back up”

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

32

Image credit: TalkFootball

FIXTURES MATRIX

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

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and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

33

RENE STEER

FIXTURES & TICKET INFORMATION

Calor League Premier Division

Calor League Premier Division

Corby Town v St Neots Town

Hemel Hempstead Town v St Neots Town

Wednesday 4th September 2013 - K.O. 19:45

Saturday 7th September 2013 - K.O. 15:00

Away Ticket Prices: Adults £10, Senior Citizens £7, Under 16yrs £2 Opponent Website: www.corbytownfc.co.uk

Away Ticket Prices: Adults £10, Senior Citizens £6, Under 18 yrs £3, Under 12 yrs £2, Under 5yrs £Free

Team Coach Departs: TBA

Opponent Website: www.hemelfc.com Team Coach Departs: TBA

Round Trip (from St Neots): 54 miles

Sat Nav Postcode Reference: HP2 4HW Round Trip (from St Neots): 68 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 26.08.13 Calor League Premier Division

31.08.13 Calor League Premier Division

AFC Totton

v Bashley

15:00

St Neots Town

v Redditch United

15:00

Banbury United

v H Hempst’d Town

15:00

Bashley

v

15:00

Biggleswade Town v Bedford Town

15:00

Hungerford Town

v Chesham United

15:00

Chesham United

v St Albans City

15:00

Truro City

v

15:00

Corby Town

v Hinckley United

15:00

Bedford Town

v Stourbridge

Frome Town

v Chippenham Town 15:00

Poole Town

v Biggleswade Town 15:00

Hitchin Town

v Arlesey Town

15:00

Weymouth

v Cambridge City

15:00

Hungerford Town

v Burnham

15:00

Arlesey Town

v

Hinckley United

15:00

Poole Town

v Weymouth

13:30

Burnham FC

v

H Hempst’d Town

15:00

Redditch United

v Stourbridge

15:00

St Albans City

v Corby Town

15:00

St Neots Town

v Cambridge City

15:00

Banbury United

v Frome Town

15:00

Truro City

v Bideford

15:00

Chippenham Town v AFC Totton

Bideford Hitchin Town

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Sat Nav Postcode Reference: NN17 2FB

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

Saints Away Games - Everything you need for the next 2 away fixtures

15:00

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

15:00

35

THE NLP

Well, Ant used to be our goalkeeper…last seen trying to control a ball on his goal-line and flick it over an onrushing Potters Bar Townstriker’s head early in the 200708 season, only for it to be nodded straight into our net!

He was always a confident lad, and I knew that after a brief spell in charge of Harlow Town four years ago, he’d been playing up front in the Herts Senior County League for Wodson Park and then at Step 5 for St Margaretsbury with prolific results.

It got me thinking about other big position transitions. We can all reel off a Dion Dublin or a Paul Warhurst, who would alternate between centrehalf and centre-forward from one week to the next – or even within the same 90 minutes if their side were chasing a game.

Then there are the likes of Staines Town manager Marcus Gayle, who played up front in the top-flight for the original Wimbledon, but often played centre-half under Terry Brown at Aldershot Town and AFC Wimbledon as his legs matured.

I also recall seeing Gary Hooper play right-back for Grays Athletic, although his destiny always promised to be in the opposition’s penalty area – as he has proved in the Champions League with Celtic and hopefully will now in the Premier League as a £5m Norwich City striker.

The best example for me, however, involves another player who cast off the gloves to play outfield.

Step forward Matty Taylor, who was so good as a Non-League goalkeeper he won the FA Trophy with Burscough ten years ago with an outstanding display against Tamworth at Villa Park.

He also played for Matlock, Hucknall, Halifax and Guiseley, before TeamBath boss Ged Roddy – who selected him as a centre-half for English Universities – signed him for the Students’ 2006-07 Southern League Premier campaign.

Taylor proceeded to step up a division virtually every season up to 2011 by moving to Exeter City and being the rock at the heart of their defence as they rose from the Conference to League One, before captaining Charlton Athletic in the Championship.

Let me know via stuarthammonds@ gmail.com or tweet @ stuhammonds_NLP if you can think of any others.

Stuart Hammonds Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper @SamElliott_NLP

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

This summer the 32-year-old has dropped back – not in position but division, to join League One new-boys Bradford City – but there can’t be many who have enjoyed as successful a switch as manmountain Matt.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

As I devoured last Sunday’s NLP, there he was on pages 26 and 41, firing in a goal during Hertford Town’s FA Cup extra preliminary round win over Colney Heath. What’s unusual about that? I hear you ask.

A summer move has seen him switch to Spartan South Midlands Premier rivals Hertford, and fair play to him – he’s now banging in goals in the world’s greatest cup competition at the age of 34.

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

NOT since he woke me up on a late-night Calais to Dover ferry at the end of an exhausting trip to EuroDisney with the kids have I been more surprised to see my old Ware team-mate Anthony Anstead’s greying barnet.

@Stuhammonds_NLP @MattBadcock_NLP

37

LEAGUE FOCUS

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

A brief round up of the weekly results from the leagues that matter.

38

Premier Division Weekend Action

Division 1 Central Weekend Action

Division 1 South & West Weekend Action

Stourbridge, last season’s Runnersup, got off to a flying start when they converted three penalties before the break to set up a comfortable 4-1 win at AFC Totton and Division One Central Champions Burnham, two ahead at half time, also chalked up an impressive 3-0 away victory at relegated Corby Town while Division One South & West’s top team Poole Town came from behind with a goal in each half to secure a 2-1 home win over St Albans City.

Daventry Town, having been two up just after the break, conceded two goals in five minutes before scoring three in the final twenty minutes to record a 5-2 home victory over Ashford Town (Middx) while AFC Hayes scored three first half goals to set up a 3-1 home win over Aylesbury and there were home victories for Potters Bar Town, who went ahead after two minutes before going on to beat relegated Kettering Town 2-0, and promoted St Ives Town, who came from behind to defeat Chertsey Town 2-1.

Promoted Stratford Town, two ahead at the interval, got off to a flying start with an impressive 5-1 victory at Thatcham Town and Paulton Rovers, three up at the break, also had a resounding away win, 5-0 at Godalming Town.

Bridgwater Town scored three times in the second half to complete a 5-1 home win over Bishops Cleeve and Cinderford Town, two up at the break, secured a 5-0 home victory against Fleet Town while Mangotsfield United scored twice in the opening three minutes before going on to defeat visiting Guildford City 5-3.

Banbury United scored two goals in two minutes just before half time to record a 2-0 home win against Chippenham Town while Hitchin Town scored a goal in each half to defeat visitors Hemel Hempstead Town 2-0 and there were away victories for Arlesey Town who, having conceded an equaliser on the stroke of half time, scored twice in the second half to beat Redditch United 3-1 and Weymouth, who won 2-0 at St Neots Town with both goals coming in the opening twelve minutes.

Promoted Biggleswade Town and Hungerford Town, who went ahead after just three minutes, each opened their accounts with home draws, 0-0 with Bashley and 2-2 against relegated Hinckley United respectively, while relegated Truro City, who had taken the lead just after the half hour mark, snatched a point from a 2-2 home draw with Bedford Town thanks to a penalty in time added on.

Chesham United, behind after just six minutes, took the lead in the opening minute of the second half but had to settle for a 2-2 home draw when Bideford equalised twelve minutes later and in the day’s other game Frome Town were held 0-0 at home by Cambridge City.

Last season’s Runners-up Rugby Town scored a goal in each half to inflict a 2-0 home defeat on promoted Aylesbury United while Beaconsfield SYCOB recovered after going behind in the fifth minute to win 3-2 at promoted Dunstable Town with a goal a minute from the end and there were away victories for Royston Town, who scored twice in the opening twenty minutes to win 2-1 at promoted Egham Town, Chalfont St Peter, who won 2-0 at North Greenford United with a goal in each half, and Northwood who scored eight minutes from time to defeat Slough Town 1-0.

Barton Rovers, trailing to a penalty early in the second half, scored a minute from time to secure a 1-1 home draw with Uxbridge while promoted Marlow were held to a 0-0 home draw by Leighton Town.

North Leigh, two ahead at the interval, conceded a penalty two minutes from time but recorded a 2-1 home win over Merthyr Town while Shortwood United scored twice in each half to complete a comfortable 4-1 home win against Didcot Town and Swindon Supermarine scored twice in three minutes shortly before the interval to defeat visiting Clevedon Town 2-0.

Cirencester Town conceded an own goal a minute after taking a sixth minute lead but went on to win 2-1 at Tiverton Town and Yate Town, ahead after twelve minutes, won 2-1 at home against Wimborne Town while Evesham United, behind after six minutes but ahead at the interval, lost the lead three times in the second half and had to settle for a point from a thrilling 4-4 home draw with Taunton Town.

For more information visit www.southern-football-league.co.uk/news

FELLOW CLUB NEWS

Banbury United Banbury United have signed Australian goalkeeper Ben McNamara.

McNamara was last at Skrill Premier side Nuneaton Town just over a year ago. He joined Nuneaton from Bonnyrigg White Eagles, who play in Australia’s New South Wales Premier League.

AFC Totton AFC Totton are still hoping to get their transfer embargo lifted.

With wages still outstanding from last season, the cash-strapped Stags were told they could only sign sixteen players until they could prove to the Southern League that there is an agreement in place to pay the 2012/13 squad the money they owe them. It leaves manager Steve Riley the difficult task of going into the new season with just three first-team survivors from last season.

Chippenham Town have announced the signing of three new players. Isaac Reid, Mitch Tippins and Joe Tumulty.

Striker Reid arrives from Toolstation Western League side Radstock Town where he netted twenty-four times in thirty-four games, while midfielder Tippins joins having also played in the Western League last season with Bitton. Former Hereford United under-18s midfielder Tumulty,18, spent the majority of preseason training with Skrill North side Gloucester City.

Hitchin Town Ryan Frater has left Hitchin Town just 2 months after signing for them from Arlesey Town.

Frater made 96 appearances for Arlesey in the last three seasons, and yes he has returned to Arlesey Town. Another player to leave Hitchin Town after just signing for them is Ryan Charles who they signed from Hemel. Hitchin beat premier favourite’s Hemel on the opening day of the season 2-0. Funny game this football.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Chippenham Town

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

We take a look at what our fellow clubs are doing that’s making the news.

Chesham United

James Beasant, who has played in the Conference National for Hayes & Yeading, has been training with the Generals for most of pre-season and looks to have finally committed to the club.

Bedford Town Bedford Town have announced the signings of midfield player Curtis Shaw and forward Claude Seanla.

Curtis who has also played for Mansfield Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Shepshed Dynamo, Hucknall Town (three spells), Matlock Town, Ilkeston Town, Kings Lynn Town, Bromley, Alfreton Town and Carlton Town.

Played for Tamworth and St Albans City last season. Claude started his career at Tottenham and hit 6 goals in 11 starts for the reserves in 2005/06. Then moved to Watford but only made one appearance.

He then moved to Kettering Town before signing for League 2 side Barnet. Recent clubs he has been involved with are Boreham Wood, Arlesey Town and Winslow United.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Chesham have signed the nephew of former Chelsea keeper Dave Beasant as back up between the sticks for next season.

39

SEASON STATISTICS 2013/14

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

Opposition in CAPS denotes home fixture. Player name in bold CAPS denotes goal scorer.

40

ATT

COMP

R

Pos

1

2

3

4

Sat 17 Aug

H Weymouth

354

CLPD

0-2

22

Heath

Rodgers

Adjei

Sear

C

Tue 20 Aug

A Stourbridge

447

CLPD

1-2

22

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

Sear

N

Sat 24 Aug

A Bashley

CLPD

Mon 26 Aug

H Cambridge City

CLPD

Sat 31 Aug

H Redditch United

CLPD

Wed 04 Sep

A Corby Town

CLPD

Sat 07 Sep

A Hemel Hempstead

CLPD

Sat 14 Sep

H (To Be Confirmed)

Tue 17 Sep

H Hinckley United

CLPD

Sat 21 Sep

H Truro City

CLPD

Sat 05 Oct

A Hungerford Town

CLPD

Mon 07 Oct

A Hitchin Town

CLPD

Sat 12 Oct

H Biggleswade Town

CLPD

Sat 19 Oct

A (To Be Confirmed)

FAT

Tue 22 Oct

H Chesham United

CLPD

Sat 26 Oct

A Bideford

CLPD

Tue 29 Oct

H Corby Town

CLPD

Sat 02 Nov

A Redditch United

CLPD

Tue 05 Nov

A Hinckley United

CLPD

Sat 09 Nov

H Hemel Hempstead

CLPD

Sat 16 Nov

A Poole Town

CLPD

Sat 23 Nov

H St Albans City

CLPD

Tue 26 Nov

H Bedford Town

CLPD

Sat 30 Nov

A Banbury United

CLPD

Sat 07 Dec

H Frome Town

CLPD

Sat 14 Dec

A Burnham

CLPD

Sat 21 Dec

H Afc Totton

CLPD

Thu 26 Dec

A Cambridge City

CLPD

Sat 28 Dec

H Stourbridge

CLPD

Wed 01 Jan

H Arlesey Town

CLPD

Sat 04 Jan

A Chippenham Town

CLPD

Sat 11 Jan

H Poole Town

CLPD

Sat 18 Jan

A St Albans City

CLPD

Sat 25 Jan

A Bedford Town

CLPD

Sat 01 Feb

H Banbury United

CLPD

Sat 08 Feb

A Frome Town

CLPD

Sat 15 Feb

H Burnham

CLPD

Sat 22 Feb

A Afc Totton

CLPD

Sat 01 Mar

H Hungerford Town

CLPD

Sat 08 Mar

A Truro City

CLPD

Sat 15 Mar

H Hitchin Town

CLPD

Sat 22 Mar

A Biggleswade Town

CLPD

Sat 29 Mar

H Bideford

CLPD

Sat 05 Apr

A Chesham United

CLPD

Sat 12 Apr

A Weymouth

CLPD

Sat 19 Apr

H Bashley

CLPD

Mon 21 Apr

A Arlesey Town

CLPD

Sat 26 Apr

H Chippenham Town

CLPD

Date

Opposition

FAC

SEASON STATISTICS 2013/14 Player name in these colours denotes substitute.

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

15

Steer

Hilliard

Taylor

Benjamin

Sogbanmu

Fuller

Sharman

Safee

Palmer

Nkinga

Crowie

Hilliard

SHARMAN

Benjamin

Adjei

Taylor

Safee

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

5

Crowie

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC 41

DAN CROWIE

Roses are Red, the Best Prawns are Blue.

Here’s to a Great Season and a Saints Promotion too! @blueprawndesign

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

THE TEAMS

ST. NEOTS TOWN

V

CAMBRIDGE CITY

Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks

Colours

White Shirts, Black Shorts & White Socks

Ian Parr

Manager

Gary Roberts

Andy Davies

Assistant Manager

Neil Midgley

Carol Holland

Club Physio

Joe Miller

SQUAD NUMBERS

Rating Goals Rating

SQUAD NUMBERS

1. Niall Conroy (GK)

1. Zac Barrett (GK)

2. Paul Rodgers

2. Jackson Ramm

3. Edd Adjei

3. James Brighton

4. Adrian Sear

4. Will Lawton

5. Dan Crowie

5. Lee Chaffey

6. Gavin Hoyte (C)

6. Ben Farrell

7. Lewis Hilliard

7. Ieuan Lewis

8. Jay Davies

8. Josh Beech

9. Ola Sogbanmu

9. Nick Beasant

10. Joe Benjamin

10. Chris Bacon

11. Ash Fuller

11. Joey Abbs

12. Dion Sembe-Ferris

12. Josh Dawkin

14. Ryan Sharman

14. Neil Midgley

15. Karl Saffee

15. Miles Smith

16. Kaine Felix

16. Adam Allen

17. Tom Wood

17. Kelvin Bossman

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

18. Jordy Nkinga 19. Jack Sellick 20. Andy Palmer 21. Dan Heath (GK) 22. Rene Steer 23. Bobby Joe Taylor Teams will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Officials: Referee: Martyn Holmes Assistants: Nicolae Manolescu, Mark Wardell Your Man of the Match

Attendance

Match Rating

Opposition Support Rating

Ratings: Albeit just for fun - why not give your rating from 1 to 10 with 10 being perfect!

Next Home Game: We value your continued support, thank you Calor League Premier Division St Neots Town v Redditch United Saturday 31st August - KO 15:00 As a Club we support Grass Roots Football and stand firm against racism within football, visit www.thefa.com for more information on playing your part.

44

Officials Rating