Saints vs Truro City

The Official Matchday Magazine

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Saturday 21st September 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

25

Fan Feature

Southern Football League

04 Action Replay

28/29

Mascot Feature

Division One champions, 1 time

05 Uhlsport Feature

30/31

Saints Player Pen Pics

United Counties League

06 SNT News

32

Game For A Laugh

08/09 Match Report

33

Fixtures Matrix

10/11 Player Profile

34

Managing Directors’ Views

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

12 Greenies Greetings

35

Fixtures Information

Metropolitan League

13 Club Merchandise

37

The Non-League Paper

15 Advertising Prices

38

League Focus

16 A Blast From The Past

39

Non-League Club News

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

17 Chairmans’ View

40/41

Season Statistics

18/21 Truro City Feature

42

League Table

Champions, 1 time

22/23 Pull Out Poster

44

The Teams

Huntingdonshire League Champions, 4 times Huntingdonshire Senior Cup

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Club Officials

02

South Midlands League

Owner Mike Kearns

Winners, 37 times Team Officials Richard King (Goalkeeping Coach)

Assistant Photographer Paulo Soares

Managing Director Lee Kearns

Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt

Programme Sales Charlie Green

Football Manager Iain Parr

Physio Carol Holland

Club Secretary Gary Wilson

St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley

Chairman Mike Kearns

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

Club Merchandise Linda Walters Programme Editor Mark Davies Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green Club Photographer Claire Howes

Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson Pitchcare Working Turf

Hinchingbrooke Cup Winners, 2 times

Club Information Founded 1879 The Cozy Stadium

200 Club Stuart Walters

Rowley Park, Kester Way St Neots PE19 6SL

Design & Marketing Blueprawn

01480 470012

Print XL Press Limited

Telephone Email enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk Official Website www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Official Forum www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

MANAGER’S NOTES

Ian Parr Welcome to all of you from Truro, it’s along way to come for your first visit to our wonderful facilities.

At least it is worth the journey just to play here. Have a very safe journey home and we will see you at your ground in March.

Ann’s The Man! Our new signing Alasan Ann made the perfect start with a very well taken goal, he obviously has a lot to learn but that is what we are all about and in time Alasan will give us just what we are looking for.

In fact the whole team did very well from back to front everyone did their jobs and the back four looked comfortable.

The word “Brave” is often used in football but how do you describe the word brave on a football pitch.

There are the obvious players that graft and put their head in where it hurts and these lads are vital to all teams. There are also the players that continually demand the ball anywhere on the pitch and want to take responsibility in any situation to keep the play moving. This type of player, as my stats will show have more touches of the ball than anyone else in the team and will sometimes over play, give a wayward pass or get caught in possession. That sort of player has to be allowed a few mistakes and needs encouragement at the same time. Wide midfield players are there to get pass there full back and get in good crosses and strikers are there to take chances.

However this is the real end product of any match and even to create chance let alone finish them off is what football is all about. I think we have all of those attributes in our squad, and as we move on through the season our team play will just get better and better because the talent and desire from everyone is there.

Momentum is another word used and it is right that teams can get a momentum from winning games even if they are not that good a team, it needs just that bit of luck and your off. We have already seen teams in out league start of with that momentum and win games you would not think they would but how long can they keep that going when they suffer a few defeats. If the quality is not there then the task is even harder.

I believe that we have a very talented squad and have been a little unlucky so far this season, we still have nearly 40 games to go and that’s one hell of a lot of games to play.

The support from the fans has been great especially over the last couple of games and winning gives everyone a boost. So keep the faith we are working very hard to give this club a solid foundation and every opportunity to have the success we all want.

‘Parry’

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Great 3 Points A great 3 points on Tuesday night against a very organised Hinckley team and considering there off field problems both the team and especially the supporters gave it all they had. Three goals and a clean sheet, thanks Niall for that wonderful save gives us plenty of much needed confidence going into our next game.

We looked very dangerous on the counter attack and the defence is beginning to look very mean.

I believe that we have a very talented squad and have been a little unlucky so far this season, we still have nearly 40 games to go and that’s one hell of a lot of games to play.

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A good win in the FA cup last Saturday with a fantastic performance by the team. This was greeted by a very tough away draw to Canvey Island. I’m sure we will go into that game as an unknown and surprise them with the quality of our football. We have had them watched last Tuesday against there bitter rivals in Billericay Town of which Canvey lost by the odd goal in three.

A good full blooded derby that was very interesting to watch. A full report is on its’ way.

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

Fantastic Performances

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ACTION REPLAY

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This week two years ago Evo-Stik Southern League Central - 24th September 2011 St Neots Town 0

AFC Hayes 1

After their week off St Neots was mugged by visitors AFC Hayes as they fell victim to a very late goal.

It was ironic that it was in time added that the visitors scored because the extra time had been added purely because of their blatant time wasting from about the hour mark onwards.

However they broke away to score despite the move looking a long way offside and the home side were left to reflect on the high cost of a first half penalty miss. St Neots can point to ill fortune with Stefan Moore twice denied goals by the woodwork and Hayes have goalkeeper Simon Grant to thank for a string of saves to keep their goal intact. On the positive side St Neots gave a debut outing to Pearson Mwanyongo signed from the Saints FA Cup victors Thurnby in place of the suspended Dan Jacob and he looks to have real promise when he beds into the side.

St Neots made their usual positive start and dominated the first half to the extent that they restricted Hayes to just one first half shot at goal.

However possessions counts for nothing if it does not bring goals and St Neots could have been ahead after 11 minutes when Pearson Mwanyongo beat two players on the bye line only for his close range shot to be blocked. Grant raced from his line to deny Stefan Moore who looked to be clear and then after a smooth build up Moore glided between two defenders but saw his shot rebound from a post. After 26 minutes Moore was upended

by Chas Defty who was booked and a penalty awarded. Lewis Webb’s shot was well hit but too close to Grant who pushed the ball for corner. Three minutes later Mwanyongo was also pulled down and this looked like a second penalty but the Referee waved away strong St Neots appeals. Hayes were quite physical and picked up three first

half bookings but their tactics looked to be successful as St Neots began to wilt. Right on half time Grant dropped a cross and recovered to save at Lewis Hilliard’s feet but the St Neots man was booked for the challenge.

Hayes looked more positive after half time and Dominic Rhone had a shot deflected wide. St Neots twice looked likely to score but both Hilliard and Moore were denied by Grant who was in inspired form.

Woods shot wide for the visitors and as they seemed to be making little headway and with thirteen minutes remaining St Neots sent on all three permitted substitutes, Kieran Davies, Max Avory and Ashley Deeney – the latter two for their first appearances.

Hayes was then denied a goal when Matt Woods’ shot rattled the cross bar but in the last ten minutes St Neots created several good openings. Hilliard’s shot grazed the wrong side of a post, Stefan Moore’s curling shot beat Grant but rebounded from the crossbar and Webb just failed to connect with a Tolley cross. Then two minutes into time added Trevor Charlery looking several yards offside received a long clearance on the right and crossed for Matt Woods to score with a clinical finish. It was rough justice but St Neots must learn to take their chances.

St Neots: Duggan, Sear, Steer, Webb, Gent, Hope, Hilliard, Konadu, Moore, Tolley, Mwanyongo.

Subs: Davies (for Mwanyongo 77 mins), Deeney (for Sear 77 mins), Avory (for Konadu 77 mins), Mackenzie & Greene.

Man of the Match: Chris Hope

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

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CLUB NEWS

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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.

Iain Parr asked to join the Norwich City Academy coaching team The club have given permission for our head Coach to join the Norwich City Acadamy coaching team. Iain will coach the Norwich Academy along with Kevin Flynn on a Wednesday night.

This move will strengthen our relationship with Norwich City.

Iain Parr invited to Stevenage Borough FC Last Tuesday Iain was invited down to watch Stevenage Borough play Wimbledon at under 21 level.

Stevenage have suggested that they want a closer relationship with the Saints and have asked if we would be interested in any loan deals moving forward.

Club Photographs All photographs shown in all publications, players and mascots are available in any size.

Photographs can also be framed to size or printed onto canvas.

Please contact our Club Photographer Claire Howes by e mail at Claire.howes14@gogglemail.com

Just another piece of good club relations.

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

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

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MATCH REPORT

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Calor League Premier Division Rowley Park - The Cozy Stadium (Att 208) Tuesday 17th September 2013 - Kick Off 19:45 - Referee Rob Smith (Dunstable)

St Neots Town Ann (40 mins), Davies (51 mins), Taylor (90 mins) n Joseph (83) n Taylor (87)

3:0

Hinckley United Durrant (55 mins) n Dubidat (2 Y - 82 & 84) n Towers (21) n Degville-Cross (63) n Ford (80)

Conroy, Nkinga, Steer, Davies, Crowie, Hoyte, Hilliard, Sear, Hurst, Ann, Adjei

Hands, Moran, Branch, Towers, Pickering, Charlton, Degville-Cross, Ford, Canavan, Dubidat, Bates

Subs: Taylor (for Adjei 62 mins), Joseph (for Ann 69 mins), Sharman (for Hurst 80 mins), Safee and Wood.

Subs: Bryan (for Bates 62 mins), Sturgess (for Ford 80 mins), Bevas (for Branch (84 mins), and Downes

St Neots picked up where they left off in their weekend FA Cup victory as they deservedly earned their first home league points of the season to double their tally and move three places up the table.

It may have been two of the bottom three in the table facing each other at the start of the match but on the pitch there was no evidence of this because some of the football was impressive from both sides.

Although the final score was a fair reflection of the game beleaguered Hinckley who have to defend a winding up order in court on Friday created chances of their own and striker Liam Canavan could have had a hat trick had his finishing been on target. St Neots paraded striker Alasan Ann recently signed from Hitchin Town and he celebrated with a debut goal as Liam Hurst had in the previous match. Dan Crowie was back at the heart of the defence and this was significant result featuring St Neots’ first clean sheet of the season.

Contrasting Tactics Lewis Hilliard shot narrowly over the bar early on and Ed Adjei set off on a long run from the half way line outpacing two defenders before shooting straight at visiting keeper Denham Hinds. A Mark Branch free kick found the unmarked head of Liam Canavan but he placed the ball

over the bar and then St Neots were unlucky when Liam Hurst robbed Jarrad Pickering and beat Hinds with a low angled shot but the ball bounced off the far post to safety.

Hinckley operated a very direct attacking policy which contrasted with St Neots patient passing build up and despite much penalty area action there were relatively few direct shots on goal although Hinds did have to save bravely at the feet of Hilliard.

Rewarded Canavan’s second headed opportunity placed over the bar came after 33 minutes but for the remainder of the first half St Neots dominated and were rewarded five minutes before the break when Hilliard fed Alasan Ann who pace took him clear and he finished confidently past the advancing goalkeeper to give St Neots their half time lead.

More of the same The second half saw more of the same with St Neots looking confident but against the run of play Niall Conroy produced a brilliant diving

save to push away a Canavan volley.

Then after 51 minutes St Neots doubled their lead as Hurst was brought down on the edge of the penalty area and Jay Davies drove a low free kick through the defensive wall to make it 2-0. Hinds was then twice in action saving a stinging Davies shot at the second attempt and diving at the feet of Hurst to smother his close range shot.

Rhythm Lost Hilliard sent a free kick narrowly over the bar but midway through the half St Neots appeared to lose some of their rhythm and Asa Charlton glanced a header just wide of the St Neots goal and Canavan failed to get a touch to a Ford cross in front of an open net. An audacious chip

by Davies from the half way line was only just saved by the back peddling Hinds and with substitutes on the game perceptibly slowed.

Final Flourish With six minutes left Danny Dubidet picked up a second yellow card onbly a few minutes after being booked so Hinckley finished with ten men and St Neots with a flourish right on the 90th minute as substitute Bobby-Joe Taylor completed the scoring converting a Hilliard cross to the far post.

John Walker

MATCH REPORT

Fans View

40 Minutes

The Entire Team

Martin Everitt - Main Stand

Alasans’ first goal for the club and just at the right time to settle the team down, especially after Liam had hit the post just before the goal was scored.

There can only be one man of the match and that is the whole team.

A great performance from the team, they carried on where they left of last Saturday scoring three very good goals.

Everyone worked very hard, the defence held solid, the midfield worked hard lead by Jay and Searsy.

Our forwards ran the wings well and Alasan scored on his debut.

All in all a great team performance.

We were in control of the whole game in what could have been a very hard fixture.

Like all teams in our league Hinckley are a very well organised team, but we overcame that and went on to win the game well.

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Gavin Hoyte clears the danger when Hinckley threatened the Saints goal

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Moment of the Match Man of the Match

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PLAYER PROFILE

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Jay Davies Jay has previously played for Peterborough United and Woking of whom we paid a transfer fee for his services in September 2012. A dynamic midfield playmaker Jay is only 21 years old but has a maturity to see a pass way above his young age.

PLAYER PROFILE

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11

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GREENIES GREETINGS

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Great Atmosphere And Good Hearted Banter Mike Green Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Rowley Park – The Cozy Stadium, for today’s Calor League Premier Division game.

Who would have thought we’d have all this just over a year ago eh? The future development of this Club is in very safe hands indeed.

Today we welcome the Players, Officials and Supporters of Truro City and we trust they enjoy their brief stay with us here before embarking on a safe journey back down into deepest Cornwall this evening.

Tuesday evening saw the lads carry on where they left off against Wroxham in the last game, playing fast flowing football coupled with gritty determination in all quarters leading to a three-nil victory and a long overdue clean sheet. For the second game running, we had a debut making player get on the score sheet and this time it was the turn of new striker Alasan Ann, who coolly open his own personal account and the teams haul on the night.

Welcome to the Club, Alasan, we hope it will be a successful stay for you. A great strike by a rejuvenated

Jay Davies and a fully deserved finish from Bobby-Joe wrapped up the points. Fair play to the Hinckley away support on the night too. There were no more than 25 behind the goal but boy, did they make some noise for the whole of the 90 minutes, even when they realised the game was lost and this led to a great atmosphere and good hearted banter between the two sets of supporters. Good luck to them and their Club as a whole as they look to sort out their financial problems (they were due to appear in court yesterday I believe to fight a winding up order).

Third Highest Attendance I read in some unofficial forms of ‘local’ internet media that some thought the attendance was disappointing. We had the third highest attendance on the night with

Weymouth top (459), then came Poole(239) and then ourselves. The rest of the figures for the night were Bedford Town (159), Banbury United (157), Bashley (102) and Hungerford (100). Not so bad then considering, coupled with the fact that it was a miserable, cold, wet night, was a Tuesday evening and Champions League football was back on the box.

Canvey Island in the Cup As you are all probably aware, we have been drawn away to Ryman Premier outfit Canvey Island FC in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup with Budweiser. This game will be played next Saturday, September 28th, with a 15:00 kick off. There will be a coach travelling and to book a seat, please leave your name behind the bar today on the board as you may have noticed, I am not present at the game as I am unfortunately working at my paid job all weekend.

Safe Hands Lastly, I’d just like to say well done to everyone involved in getting the Apprenticeship Scheme up and running. I popped up the Club on Tuesday morning and found all the young lads out on the training pitch with Iain doing what he loves best.

Everyone was enjoying themselves and there were plenty of smiling faces. They then broke for lunch and resumed in the afternoon for their academic studies. Fantastic stuff, who would have thought we’d have all this just over a year ago eh? The future development of this Club is in very safe hands indeed.

Ok, As ever, I ask you to get behind the lads from the off. I want to be reading we’ve earned another three points come 4:50.

BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE A SAINT ‘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

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Home Shirt 2012/13 £25.00

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GAVIN HOYTE

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)

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2013-2014 Advertising Prices

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

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A BLAST FROM THE PAST

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Ruud Gullit Full name: Ruud Dil Gullit Date of birth: 01/09/1962 Playing Career Gullit began crafting his skills from a very early age on the streets of Amsterdam, where it is reported he used to play alongside Frank Rijkaard. When the young Gullit was playing in the youth side DWS, he came to the attention of the Dutch Youth team, where he played alongside other Dutch greats such as Erwin Koeman, Ronald Koeman and Wim Kieft.

He was then approached by top Dutch club Ajax and invited to visit them for a trial. However, Gullit eventually joined HFC Haarlem, later describing the arrogance of Ajax as one of the reasons for his decision.

HFC Haarlem Shortly after, Gullit was signed to professional football by HFC Haarlem at the tender age of 16, which made him the youngest professional footballer to have appeared in the Dutch professional division.

For HFC Haarlem, Gullit made 91 appearances, scoring 32 goals.

FC Feyenoord During this period, Gullit had understandably attracted considerable interest from some of the top clubs in Holland. In 1982 he signed for Feyenoord for a fee of £300,000. At Feyenoord, Gullit had the honour of playing alongside Dutch legend, Johaan Cruyff. In his second season, Feyenoord claimed the league and cup double and he was named Dutch Footballer of the Year. In his 3 years at the club he made 85 appearances and scored a total of 30 goals.

PSV Eindhoven In 1985 Gullit moved to big Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. In 68 appearances for the club, he

scored 46 goals, improving upon the average he had set with his first two clubs. PSV were crowned champions in 1986 and ’87 and Gullit was once again named Dutch Footballer of the Year.

AC Milan Shortly after this, Gullit made his move abroad, after being snapped up by Italian giants AC Milan, led by Silvio Berlusconi. The star-studded club included Dutch colleagues Marco Van Basten and Frank Rijkaard, plus Italian legend Paolo Maldini.

U.C Sampdoria Gullit moved to Sampdoria in 1993 and led them to victory in the Italian Cup in the 1993/4 season. During his time at Sampdoria, he served under manager Sven Goran Erikson and the two had a strong understanding and mutual respect. In his brief time at Sampdoria he managed 15 goals.

Chelsea FC With his playing career drawing towards a close, Gullit signed for Chelsea on a free transfer in July 1995. At this point, Chelsea were a mid-table team who had recently

made several high-profile signings including Mark Hughes and Dan Petruscu. Glenn Hoddle, who was manager at the time, was instigating a “foreign revolution” at the club.

Gullit eventually ended up playing in his stronger midfield position and that season was named runner-up to Eric Cantona as Footballer of the Year.

International Football Ruud Gullit made his international debut at the age of 19 as a substitute against Switzerland. In 1994 Gullit walked away from international football, after a couple of fierce rows with Dutch coach Dick Advocaat.

A Great Career Overall, Gullit won 66 caps for his country and scored 17 international goals. He also won Italy’s Serie A three times, the Dutch title three times, the Champions League/ European Cup twice, as well as numerous domestic cups. He was also fundamental to Holland’s 1988 European Championship victory. In a career total of 495 appearances, Gullit scored a grand total of 183 goals making him a true legend.

Career Appearances: 454 International Caps: 66 Goals: 176 Career Highlight: Voted World footballer of the year in 1989

CHAIRMAN’S VIEWS

Mike Kearns Welcome to the officials, players and supporters of Truro for todays ‘game.

Truro is a long way to travel to and of course it is every teams longest trip. However they have to do the same trip the other way 23 times this season and I for one do not envy them.

Playing the right way Playing some attractive passing football, creating many chances and scoring goals is what this club is all about and I am very pleased that Iain and his team have stuck to that principle and hopefully we can now push on with some degree of confidence.

Congratulations to our new signings of Liam, Bobby Joe and Alasan who have all been on the score sheet over the last two games.

Hopefully all will come good for us.

Last Sunday I had a little tour watching the St Neots Town Youth teams playing and I must say how proud I was watching these young lads playing in our club colours.

There just seems to be a sea of kids representing the club. Speaking to Colin the Saints / Youth Chairman the other day he informed me that they had badged up over 2,500 pieces of kit for the youth section, Incredible.

The committee behind the youth teams have done a fantastic job in giving football to so many young players both at Youth and Grassroots level.

Last Tuesday I accompanied Iain down to the Stevenage Academy where we were invited by Stevenage Borough to have a look at their Under 21 team who were playing Wimbledon. We had a very interesting day even though it rained all the time we were there.

This is just another example of a top league club who recognise who we are and what we are trying to achieve. That is now a firm

relationship with Norwich City, Peterborough United, Cambridge United and Stevenage Borough.

I think just maybe we are doing something right here at our club.

Scouts Required In case some of you missed last Tuesdays programme we are looking to add to our management team and are looking for volunteer’s to become club Scouts covering local football and at senior club level, watch the opposition and give reports back to Iain. This is a great opportunity to be involved with the club but doing what we all love the most, watching football.

So anyone interested then please just speak to Iain, myself or Lee and we will go into more detail about the role.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Negotations We are of course always looking at recruiting new players and have been in negotiations with a couple of players and their clubs for what seems ages. Unfortunately Clubs quite rightly do not want to lose their best players and this makes negotiation much more difficult.

That is now a firm relationship with Norwich City, Peterborough United, Cambridge United and Stevenage Borough. I think just maybe we are doing something right here at our club.

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The last two games have given us all a lift, not only the players but also the club as a whole. It is not that we have played that bad over the course of the season and we have been unlucky in most of our matches losing by the odd goal. Also we have played Hemel, Weymouth and Stourbridge all of whom were among the favourites to gain promotion this season.

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

Firm Relationships Formed

All for one and one for all.

Mike

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OPPONENT SPOTLIGHT

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Truro City

The White Tigers

Truro City have celebrated their return to the Southern League with the news their fans have awaited, the following statement has been placed by the Chairman on the Club’s official website: “I am pleased to report that both Philip and I have received the formal notice to the effect that the Administration of Truro City Football Club Limited has been brought to an end. This effectively draws a line under this avoidable affair in the Club’s history and serves as warning for the future to us all. You need no reminding that as well as costing the two of us many thousands of pounds and a substantial amount of time the Club has damaged its reputation, suffered relegation from the Conference South and lost the ownership of the Stadium at Treyew Road.

It has to be said however unpalatable it may be to those involved that this was brought about by Officials during that time (and leading up to it) that was blinded but frankly should have known a lot better. It now leaves us all to rebuild the Club to a sustainable level which is ultimately decide on what League we play in. Rest assured it will not happen again under our watch.”

Year Founded: 1889 Chairman: Peter Masters

Club Website: www.trurocityfc.net

A special welcome to our visitors this afternoon for our next engagement in the Premier Division of the Southern League.

We have pleasure in welcoming the players, officials and supporters of Truro City to St Neots for the first ever meeting of out two clubs.

Truro will have travelled around 330 miles to be with us today and we shall have the pleasure of a return trip next March if all goes well. This is the sort of fixture that can only reinforce the argument for need of a Midland Premier League to be established and therefore begin to make the National football pyramid more balanced. However we are where we are and I am sure the White Tigers will be hell bent on

Photo courtesy of www.trurocityfc.net

regaining their Step Two status that they forfeited last year after a very well documented set of circumstances. They arrive here today in mid table having taken nine points from their first seven Southern League matches (result of their midweek match at home to Frome Town not known when these notes were penned). It was only six years ago that Truro – then a club playing at Step Six in the pyramid – scaled the heights winning the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium in front of some 37,000 spectators and since then it has been a real roller coaster ride

for them. We wish them well in their quest to regain some of their former recent glories.

Club History The 2006/7 season was the most successful in the Club’s history under the Managership of Dave Leonard. At the first attempt winning the Toolstation Western League First Division by a record margin; retaining the Cornwall Senior Cup and capping the season by winning the F.A. Vase at the New Wembley Stadium with a 3-1 win

OPPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Adult:

Concession: Junior:

Treyew Road

£10

Capacity: 3,500

£6

Disabled Access: Yes

£3

This ground has been their home since the mid-1950s. Only in recent years have they added to their old stand and erected two new stands on opposite sides of the ground lifting the capacity to approximately 3,500.

Under 12: Free (Accompanied by adult)

Season 2010-11 proved to be another momentous one under the guidance of Lee Hodges who had taken over in the Summer of 2010. Vying for the League lead for most of the season with favourites Salisbury City, Truro were finally crowned Champions by 4 points after a fabulous 6-0 win away at Salisbury and finishing the season with 7 straight victories ensuring Blue Square Bet Conference South football for the first time. Jamaican International Barry Hayles had joined the squad in the autumn

Season 2011/12 was a year of consolidation at this higher level finishing 14th in the club’s first season of Conference football which was a great achievement and taught everybody that we were more than capable of competing at this level. Off the field, cracks were beginning to show in the financial structure which resulted in the club going into Administration in the Summer of 2012.

In season 2012/13, progress was very difficult with the team being hampered both by a 10-point deduction and a League transfer embargo. The club’s survival was aided by the loyalty shown by the Manager, his staff and the majority of the players who stuck with the club during this difficult time.

Captain Jake Ash had started in the first game of season 2005/6 and had been joined later that season

by Stewart Yetton, Marcus Martin and Joe Broad; they were further joined by Andrew Watkins at the beginning of the following season and all these players are still at the club in 2013 having each made around 300 appearances for Truro City. Last season the club finished adrift at the bottom of Conference South and was relegated to the Southern League.

Did you know?...

Cornwall Council is currently developing a business plan for a proposed Stadium for Cornwall, which could host both Truro City and the Cornish Pirates rugby union team

Did you know?...

Following five promotions in six seasons, Truro were relegated from the Conference South at the end of the 2012–13 season after going into administration.

Did you know?...

Truro initially grew as an important centre of trade from its port and then as a stannary town for the mining industry. The city is well known for its cathedral (completed in 1910), cobbled streets, open spaces and Georgian architecture. Places of interest include the Royal Cornwall Museum, the Hall for Cornwall, Cornwall’s Courts of Justice and Cornwall Council.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

In Season 2009/10, the Club finished a very creditable 11th in the first year at this new level and were then better prepared to go forward again in the next season. Sean McCarthy was replaced as Manager mid-way through this season by Steve Thompson whose time in the job proved to be short-lived.

and he brought a vast amount of experience with him to the team which was very influential in the team’s success. This set a new British record in that no senior club had ever previously won 5 promotions in 6 seasons.

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over AFC Totton, the first time the Trophy had been won by a Club playing at Step 6 in the Football Pyramid and in front of a record crowd of over 37,000. Success continued in 2007/8 season under Sean McCarthy with the first team winning the Toolstation Western League Premier Division by a massive 17 points and thereby becoming the first ever Cornish Club to gain entry into Southern League football. 2008/9 was another successful season with the First Team winning promotion to the Southern League Premier Division as Champions. This meant that City equalled the British record with four successive promotions.

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

Admission Prices

19

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

WHO’S WHO

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Olly Chenoweth

Dan Evans

Goalkeeper

Defender

21 year-old goalkeeper signed during the summer after being released by Plymouth Argyle after two spells with them making one first-team appearance. Had also been with Bideford and on loan to Frome Town as well as Truro City in Season 2011-12.

20 year-old defender who was signed during the summer from local side St Blazey after previous experience with Swindon Town.

Luke Payne Goalkeeper 23 year old goalkeeper recently brought up from the second-team.

Made a couple of appearances for the first team in 2007 as cover shortly before the FA Vase Final. Has been impressive in his first few appearances this season.

Jake Ash Defender 30 year old local boy and Club Captain, now in 9th season at Club following move from Falmouth Town. Has played for City at every level from step 7 up to step 2. Former Exeter City trainee who also played for Budleigh Salterton.

Stylish defender who has an eye for goal particularly at set pieces.

Club Captain this season and has recently passed 300 appearances for the club including the 2007 FA Vase triumph at Wembley.

Warren Daw

Raiff Gwinnett Defender 22 year-old defender who has recently signed after spending pre-season with Salisbury City, Previous clubs include Torquay, Taunton Town and Weymouth

Paul Kendall Defender 24 year old central defender signed late last season from Tiverton Town where he was Captain.

Previously with Plymouth Argyle, Dawlish Town and Bideford.

Shane White Defender 23 year-old versatile defender re-signed during the summer from Cornish club Torpoint Athletic after previous experience with Plymouth Argyle where he was skipper of their second team, Weymouth, Falmouth Town, St Blazey. Had also made 14 appearances for Truro City when at the club a few years ago.

also played for the English National Game XI. In his fifth season with the club. Has played over 180 games for the club and was ever-present last season.

Matt Andrew Midfielder 24 year-old attacking midfielder who joined during the summer from Bideford after several successful years there, previously with his local Cornish club Launceston.

Joe Broad Midfielder Bristol born 31 year old now in 9th season with the club who has played in the Football League for Plymouth Argyle, Yeovil Town, Torquay United and Walsall from whom he joined nine years ago.

Another who has played for City at every level from step 7 up to step 2. Stylish midfielder, capable of breaking down any defence.

Scored in Club’s 2007 FA Vase Final success. Has now made over 300 appearances for the club.

Olly Brokenshire Midfielder Highly-rated 21 year old signed this summer from Bodmin Town where he had several very successful seasons in the SWPL. Previously played for his home town club St.Austell after starting as a 16-year old at Striker.

Defender

Les Afful

20 year-old left-footer signed during the summer from Plymouth Parkway Can played in several different positions in defence.

Midfielder

Cody Cooke

29 year old Liverpudlian who previously played for Exeter City, Torquay United and Forest Green Rovers. Tricky winger who has

Midfielder 20 year old local lad signed two seasons ago from Penryn Athletic; a product of Truro College.

WHO’S WHO

Jordan Copp Midfielder 19 year old midfielder signed from Frome Town late last season where he had spent a short time after being released by Plymouth Argyle.

Jared Sims Midfielder

Seb Broomfield

Liam Eddy

Striker

Striker

20 year-old forward signed during the summer from Cornish club St Blazey after previously having been with Swindon Town and Dorchester Town.

22 year old striker who has recently returned to the Club after a brief time with us some five years ago, having recently had a very successful period with local SWPL Club Helston Athletic.

Lewis Coombes Striker 20 year-old target man recently signed from Cornish Club St.Blazey.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

19 year-old local lad signed during the summer after being released by Plymouth Argyle where he had been for 7 years as part of their successful youth team. Made a few appearances for Argyle’s first team after making his debut in August 2011.

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

Very promising midfielder who was a regular for the County youth team and our second team after his arrival. Only missed a couple of games last season.

Neil Slateford Midfielder 22 year-old winger signed during the summer from Cornish club Bodmin Town.

After a very successful year there. Previously with St Austell.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

George Swain Midfielder 20 year-old signed during the summer from Cornish club St.Blazey after experience with Barnstaple Town, Bideford and the British Colleges.

Photo courtesy of www.trurocityfc.net Photos courtesy of www.trurocityfc.net

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FAN FEATURE

Martin Everitt 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.

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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

I moved to St. Neots 12 years ago with my wife Sarah. After 35 years of following Chelsea up and down the country, I now watch St Neots FC at home and ¾ of away games.

What changes would you make to the football club?

Who wears the trousers in your house Martin?

None

Swap location with the new cinema or on the Riverside Park

Two kids Tom 7 and Emily 1 Curry

4th season

Have you passed out through drinking too much alcohol?

Do you have a favourite player?

No

The last goalscorer

Do you have a favourite film?

What is your occupation?

Shawshank Redemption and Godfather 1 and 2

Machine Minder

Fish and chips or curry?

Are you scared of anything?

Missing kick off Where do you see us in the next two years?

Most memorable goal?

Challenging for league and a good FA cup run

Blue

Lewis Hilliard free kick at Stourbridge last season

Your catchphrase?

Wine or beer?

Do you have any pets?

Beer

None

What’s your favourite colour?

How did he not score from there?

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Do you have a nick name Martin?

How long have you followed the Saints?

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

One Minute With...

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and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

27

MASCOT FEATURE

MASCOT FEATURE

Kane Morehen

Jack Morehen

Age: 7 Years Old

Age: 9 Years Old

Favourite St. Neots player?

Adrian Sear, I like his playing style.

Favourite St. Neots player?

Lewis Hillard. He has the same shirt number as me.

Who do you support?

I support Manchester United Who do you play for?

St Neots Town Youth FC U8s What position do you play?

Midfield / Goalkeeper What would you like to be when you are older?

Premier league football player

What’s your favourite TV programme?

Sky Sports

Who do you play for?

St Neots Town Youth FC U10s What position do you play?

Midfield What would you like to be when you are older?

St Neots Town 1st team football player What’s your favourite food?

Pizza :) :)

Do you have a pet?

A chocolate Lab called Holly

What’s your favourite TV programme?

Sky Sports

Give Kane and Jack a big cheer as they lead the Saints onto the pitch today!

FA Cup football came to Rowley Park last Saturday and saw Chloe Ridley be mascot for the day.

Chloe brought some luck with her after leading the team out ahead of the match versus Wroxham, she had a great day out and the Saints won 3-1!

• 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?

Chocolate :)

Who do you support?

I support Manchester United

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

Todays Mascots

29

WHO’S WHO

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

Niall Conroy Goalkeeper Niall is a 21 year old goalkeeper who despite his young age has played over 200 games for our local rivals St Ives Town.

Niall has impressed in his few performances for the club at the end of last season. The club have every confidence in Niall making the number 1 jersey his own.

Jordy Nkinga

Edd Adjei

Rene Steer

Defender

Defender

Edd is 21 years old and a versatile left sided player who is comfortable playing at either full back or left midfield, or indeed up front as the second striker. Again a young player under 21 years old Edd has developed into a first class footballer who just loves playing football.

Rene started his football at Arsenal and went on to make one first team appearance before a freak injury playing on loan for Oldham nearly ended his career. Rene first played for St Neots in their Central division championship team but again bad luck hit him again where he was injured in pre season and lost the whole of last season. He is now back in a Saints shirt where he is starting to get back to playing like his old self.

Dan Crowie

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

Defender

30

of club captain of which he certainly leads by example.

Dan is 19 years old was signed at the beginning of season 2013.

Having starting his career at Luton Town his last club was Kettering Town where he was very impressive in the games against us.

A very strong centre half Dan, has impressed in pre-season and seems to have made the position his own.

Gavin Hoyte Defender Gavin joined the club just after the start of season 2012-2013. A player of great presence he plays at Centre half and after a settling in period began to dominate his position. Gavin is the second oldest player the squad at only 26 years old. Gavin has been given the role

Defender Jordy is 19 years old and plays mainly a centre half but he is also comfortable at full back. Currently finishing his education at Tresham Academy Jordy has played himself into the first team squad.

Theo Davis Defender Theo a 25 year old left back or wide midfielder, who has spent all of the last 18 months recovering from a serious injury.

Theo showed just what an outstanding player he is in his come back game last season against Cambridge City. Unfortunately a re-occurrence of the same injury has sidelined him again.

Lewis Hilliard Midfielder 22 year old Lewis started his career with the 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 any midfield position, a free-kick specialist who can score goals from anywhere on the pitch.

Jay Davies Midfielder Jay 21 has previously played for Peterborough United and Woking of whom we paid a transfer fee for his services in September 2012. A dynamic midfield playmaker Jay is only 21 years old but a maturity to see a pass way above his young age.

Liam Hurst Midfielder Liam signed a contract with Cambridge United just last season where he made a single first team appearance. He was on loan in the earlier part of the season with Corby Town but called back to United so as he could be loaned out to the Saints. A tenacious midfield player who likes to get forward and score goals. Liam is thought of very highly at Cambridge United and indeed at St Neots Town.

Ryan Sharman Midfielder Ryan a midfield utility player who is very comfortable on the ball has come through the youth teams being captain of the u18s for most of last season before breaking into the first team squad over the last part of last season. Ryan still only 18 years old has shown maturity way beyond his young age.

WHO’S WHO

Midfielder Tom, an 18 year old centre midfield player was previously with Peterborough United. Having been on loan with us for part of last season we were able to secure Tom on a full time basis.

Bobby-Joe Taylor Midfielder

Andy Palmer Midfielder Andy is 23 years old and has joined us from Linton FC in Cambridgeshire.

He playes centre midfield and has put in some very commanding preseason appearances. A confident player who has had no trouble stepping up 3 divisions and has now forced his way into the first team squad.

Midfielder Adrian Is 28 years old and joined the club from Burnham at the beginning of the 2011-2012 where he won a championship medal as well as the Hinchinbrooke cup. He left the club for a couple of months in season 2012-2013 to try his luck at a higher level where he was quite outstanding, however because of budget restraints he returned to the Saints and slotted back into his old routine of giving it everything he had

Dion Sembie-Ferris

Kaine is right midfield player with commanding pace. one of our outstanding young players Kaine broke into the first team last season at the tender age of just 18 years old. An injury stopped his progress and Kaine spent the whole of last season recovering. Having played some part in pre-season Kaine is now ready to regain his place in the first team squad for this season.

Striker Dion is one of our young guns, only 17 years old.

A striker with a very good turn of pace and good goalscoring record for our U18s last season. Dion played himself into the first team, appearing in the winning Hunts Senior cup final team last season. Dion has impressed in preseason, scored a few goals and has won himself a place in this season’s first team squad.

Karl Safee Striker Karl only 18 years old is a young striker of great quality, being the top goal scorer in our U18s team last season Karl has played his way into the first team squad for this season.

Ola Sogbanmu Striker Ola 21 years old is a tall striker who has previously played for Woking FC and Carshalton Athletic last season. He is a very versatile player who is also very comfortable playing at centre half.

Striker

Kieran Joseph Striker Kieran has joined the club from Kettering Town.

He is a very quick lively forward who will cause defences many problems.

Alasan Ann Striker Alasan was a scholar at Luton town until his release during the last post season.

He joined Hitchin Town at the start of the season but was played out of position. Alasan is a very strong, young striker who is full of potential.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Adrian Sear

Kaine Felix

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Bobby-Joe Taylor joined the club on an initial loan from Cambridge United for 28 days. We have now extended that loan until the end of November. A very quick versatile wide midfield player Bobby-Joe has shown just why Cambridge United have given him a playing contract.

with a wonderful “We will never get beaten” attitude.

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

Tom Wood

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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!

Tony Cottee “The thing about goalscorers is that they score goals”

Ian Wright “I don’t want Rooney to leave these shores but if he does, I think he’ll go abroad”

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

Iain Dowie “Belgium are outside dark favourites to win the group”

“The one significant change is in fact the second significant change” Jonathan Pearce

David Pleat

Chris Kamara

“I feel sorry for Wolves at the moment but not sorry for them”

“It’s so daft it’s almost stupid”

Alan Pardew

Paul Merson

“Sometimes you want Obertan to open his legs and do something a bit exciting”

“Six yards out and Wheater headers it over”

Stan Collymore

Micky Quinn

“Fernando Torres needs a new leash of life”

“Luis Suarez is a victim of his own make-up”

Dwight Yorke “The game is not over until it is”

Ian Abrahams “Matt Taylor ran half the length of the field, width-wise”

Ray Parlour ”The last six games of the Invincibles season were the most pressurised, because we were under pressure”

Graham Beecroft “He’s got a lot of self-belief in himself”

Paul Merson “When Everton knock it long, they don’t knock it long”

Milan Mandaric “With Harry, two plus two always makes five, not three”

Garry Birtles “They were numerically outnumbered”

Tony Mowbray “It was goalposts for jumpers”

Chris Waddle “Rolando’s been given a second yellow for arguing with the life support.... er, the linesman”

Eddie Mitchell “However people have interpretated that is up to them”

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

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

33

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

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

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S VIEWS

34

It’s Good To Talk...

Lee Kearns Over the last few weeks we have seen one of the busiest periods in the clubs recent history as far as games played is concerned.

On Tuesday 10th St Neots Town Saints U21’s Played, Wednesday 11th we hosted an U16’s EJA game, Thursday12th we saw the U18’s win, on Saturday 14th we witnessed a much better display from the first team beating Wroxham 3-1, on Sunday15th we supported the Huntingdon U18’s Representative side that played a friendly against Middlesex U18’s (we also had a U15’s cup game played on the Astro Sunday morning), on Tuesday 17th we played Hinckley and today we play Truro By my calculations that’s 7 games in 12 days on the main pitch with a Sunday morning astro match thrown in. I’m sure all those that have benefitted from using Rowley Park this week appreciate how much time and effort is put in by other to ensure that the best remains the best and that we continue to find ways of improving what we have to offer. To all staff and volunteers thank you for your continued efforts, it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Interesting Discussions I’ve had some very interesting discussions this week with some of our supporters, all friends of mine but all very forthright in their opinions on what they believe is right and what they believe is wrong with the club, in particular the last 6 wks performances. Everyone is entitled to an opinion (almost everyone) and its quite refreshing to be able to say “No I disagree” and then for the discussion to move forward. I absolutely listen to and appreciate everything that is said to me by friends like Dave Bunnage or David Wilson who will always tell me what they think both good and bad. That’s how it should be or am I just old fashioned when it comes to communication. Who knows?

I’ve had some very interesting discussions this week with some of our supporters, all friends of mine but all very forthright in their opinions on what they believe is right and what they believe is wrong with the club Important Game Saturdays FA Cup game was an important game for the club, both in performance and of course going into the hat for the next round.

Canvey away is winnable absolutely but then nothing is quite that straight forward.

A Fantastic First Week The first week of our new apprenticeship programme has come to an end and I have to say it’s been fantastic both for the club, Iain and for the lads involved. It was always part of the long term objectives to put this type of programme in place but I never believed we would achieve it so quickly. This is one more piece of the jigsaw puzzle that has been coming together for the

last 2yrs and I have to say I feel a sense of achievement what with the youth set up, The U21’s in at step 6, the Norwich City FC (Stevenage, Peterborough and Cambridge United all wanting to work with us also) partnership and finally the Apprenticeship.

The great thing about the Football Apprenticeship is that it is open ended, by that I mean we are not governed by start dates etc. (we are not a college or a school) and so we can continue to recruit throughout the year.

Anyone who knows of any potential apprentices please put them in touch with us.

Lee

FIXTURES & TICKET INFORMATION

FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

Calor League Premier Division

Canvey Island v St Neots Town

Hungerford v St Neots Town

Saturday 28th September 2013 – K.O. 15:00pm

Saturday 5th October 2013 - K.O. 15:00pm

Away Ticket Prices: Adults £10, Concessions £6, Children under 16 £1 Opponent Website: www.canveyislandfc.com/home Team Coach Departs: 10-30am Sat Nav Postcode Reference: SS8 7PX

Opponent Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/hungerfordtownfc Team Coach Departs: 10-00am Sat Nav Postcode Reference: RG17 0AY Round Trip (from St Neots): 232 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.

Todays Fixtures Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk for the latest updates 21.09.13 Calor League Premier Division Calor League Premier Division Hitchin Town v St Neots Town Monday 7th October 2013 – K.O. 19:45pm

Opponent Website: www.hitchintownfc.co.uk The Coach will not be running for this fixture Sat Nav Postcode Reference: SG5 1NU Round Trip (from St Neots): 48 miles

v

Bideford

15:00

Banbury United

v

Hitchin Town

15:00

Cambridge City

v

AFC Totton

15:00

Chippenham Town v

Bedford Town

15:00

Corby Town

v

Chesham United

15:00

Frome Town

v

Hungerford Town

15:00

Hinckley United

v

Bashley

15:00

Poole Town

v

Burnham

15:00

Redditch United

v

Biggleswade Town 15:00

St Albans City

v

Stourbridge

15:00

St Neots Town

v

Truro City

15:00

Weymouth

v

H Hempst’d Town

15:00

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Away Ticket Prices: Adults £10, Concessions £6, Children under 16 £2

Arlesey Town

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Round Trip (from St Neots): 170 miles

Away Ticket Prices: Adults £10, Concessions £5, Children under 16 Free Carer (accompanying disabled spectator) Free

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

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

35

THE NLP

In the Skrill North, newly-promoted Hednesford Town have started well and led the way early on with fellow promoted side North Ferriby United also flying high.

One that catches the eye further down in the Ryman North is VCD Athletic who were top of the league coming into the weekend after finishing runners-up in the Kent League last season.

When speaking to a manager who has just won promotion, you can bet your bottom dollar that he’ll mention momentum and a winning attitude as being key to the following season.

Well, looking back at the past three seasons from Steps 1-3, the average position of a promoted side is…

10th.

It just goes to show how close divisions are in Non-League in terms of quality, with the biggest step, and lowest average finish for a promoted side at 13th, being the Skrill Premier.

With most promoted sides operating part-time and entering a mainly professional division, it can be tough but there is positive news for Chester, Welling, Halifax and Salisbury fans – no promoted side has gone straight back down over the past three seasons.

In fact, over the past three years, six sides have been promoted again from Steps 1-3 while only five have gone straight back down – a whopping 15 reaching the play-offs.

The Skrill North is the friendliest

division for promoted teams with an average finish of sixth. The lowest finish over the past three terms?

Colwyn Bay’s 12th place finish in 2011-12.

The Skrill South isn’t quite as welcoming though, with both AFC Hornchurch and Billericay falling straight back down last season.

Despite that, it still has an average finish of 12th.

Of the three Step 3 divisions, the Evo-Stik NPL has seen the most success, helped by phoenix clubs Chester and FC Halifax.

And if your team hasn’t started well, don’t panic! As seen in the Skrill Premier last season, it’s a long old marathon and not a sprint.

Champions Mansfield and runners up Kidderminster Harriers failed to impress early on but both recovered to fight it out for the title on the last day of the season.

So, if you’re lucky enough to be a fan of a promoted side, there’s a very good chance you’ll enjoy another fruitful season – have fun!

Steven Coney Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper @SamElliott_NLP

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

In Kiddy’s case, they had yet to win after ten games – drawing five and losing five – but the club stuck with boss Steve Burr and were almost rewarded with a return to the Football League. Patience is indeed a virtue.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Well, if you look at the stats, the old saying is pretty accurate. With the benchmark ten games almost played in most leagues, certain sides have set out their stall for another promotion charge.

Promoted sides are often tipped to do well with a feel-good factor spurring them on but how much impact does it actually make?

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

SUCCESS often breeds success, especially in Non-League football.

Promoted sides always do well when making the step up, or so people think, but is it fact or fiction?

@Stuhammonds_NLP @MattBadcock_NLP

37

LEAGUE FOCUS

LEWIS HILLIARD

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 Midweek Action

Division 1 Central Midweek Action

On Monday, a goal after fifteen minutes secured Cambridge City a 1-0 victory at St Albans City, who were reduced to ten man in the second half, taking the visitors up to fifth place and leapfrogging their hosts in the process. On Tuesday, leaders Hemel Hempstead Town equalised a minute after going behind in the seventeenth minute and added three more in the second half to record a comfortable 4-1 away win at bottom of the table Bashley and Chesham United, ahead on the stroke of half time, moved into second place with a 3-0 victory at Bedford Town while Bideford, who led by the odd goal in five at the interval, and Poole Town dropped to third and fourth respectively when they drew 3-3 with the home side equalising three minutes from time. Weymouth scored twice in three minutes just after the mid-way point of the first half and, although AFC Totton hit back two minutes later, moved up to fifth with a 2-1 home win and Banbury United, a goal ahead at the interval, completed a 3-1 home win over Corby Town but Stourbridge went down 1-0 to a second minute strike at Hungerford Town while St Neots Town, having taken the lead four minutes before half time, moved out of the bottom three with a 3-0 home win against second from last Hinckley United.

Beaconsfield SYCOB took the lead on the hour after which the visitors were reduced to ten men and immediately equalised but the hosts went ahead again with a minute remaining only for Royston Town to make it 2-2 from a penalty in the final minute. On Tuesday, second in the table Barton Rovers, two goals behind with ten minutes remaining, salvaged a point from a 2-2 home draw with a goal deep into time added on against St Ives Town and third placed Dunstable Town likewise had to settle for a point when Potters Bar Town scored two minutes from time to earn a 1-1 away draw while Egham Town moved up to fourth despite also being held to a 1-1 home draw when AFC Hayes equalised in the final minute. Uxbridge, a goal down after seventeen minutes but level at the break, scored four times in the second half to complete a comprehensive 5-1 home win over Northwood while Rugby Town scored two second half goals to record a 2-0 victory at Kettering Town and Aylesbury, ahead in the eighth minute, won 3-0 at home to leave Leighton Town still looking for their first win. In the night’s other game bottom of the table Chertsey Town went down 4-3 at home to Ashford Town (Middx).

Division 1 South & West Midweek Action Paulton Rovers, behind after fifteen minutes but level at the interval, went back to the top of the table when a goal twenty minutes from time gave them a 3-2 victory at Yate Town and Merthyr Town, leading from a fifth minute own goal but pulled back level before the break, scored seven minutes from time to move into second place with a 2-1 home win over Shortwood United and North Leigh, two up at half time, completed a 5-0 home win over Godalming Town to move above Bridgwater Town who, having taken the lead from a penalty early in the second half, were held to a 1-1 home draw by Cinderford Town.

Cirencester Town, two in front at the break, conceded a goal two minutes into the second half but scored again seven minutes from time to complete a 3-1 home win over Taunton Town but Stratford Town, ahead on the stroke of half time, had to settle for a home point when Didcot Town made it 1-1 ten minutes after the break and Bishops Cleeve, leading by the odd goal in five at the interval, conceded two second half goals to lose 4-3 at home to Thatcham Town while Evesham United, a goal up at half time, scored twice in three minutes in the second half to record a 3-1 home triumph, their first victory of the season, leaving second from bottom Clevedon Town still looking for their first win.

FA Cup First Round Qualifying Replays Redditch United, ahead after fifteen minutes, surrendered their lead five minutes before the interval and then conceded a penalty twelve minutes from time to lose 2-1 at home to Midland Football Combination Atherstone Town. On Tuesday Division One Central Chalfont St Peter scored ten minutes from time to go through 1-0 at Isthmian Premier Division Metropolitan Police while North Greenford United, having gone behind in the first half, also accounted for Isthmian Premier opposition when they scored twice after the break to win 2-1 at home against Harrow Borough while Premier Division Biggleswade Town recovered after twice being behind to defeat their Isthmian League visitors, Wingate & Finchley, 4-3. In the night’s all Premier Division tie Arlesey Town scored a goal in each half to win 2-0 at home against neighbours Hitchin Town.

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

NON-LEAGUE CLUB NEWS

Cambridge United CRYSTAL PALACE STRIKER LOANED TO U`S Cambridge United have announced the signing of Crystal Palace striker Kwesi Appiah on a month`s loan.

Twenty-three-year-old Appiah shot to prominence with Margate in the Ryman League Premier Division, scoring thirty-five goals in thity-four games for the Kent side in the 2011/12 season. His performances caught the attention of a number of Football League clubs, with Appiah opting to sign for Crystal Palace in January 2012.

St Neots Town & St Ives Town THE ONLY WAY IS ESSEX FOR THE SAINTS Two Saints teams will vist canvey island in the FA cup next week. St Neots Town visit Canvey Island whilst their near neighbours St Ives Town will visit Concord Rangers who also play on the Island.

BILLERICAY SIGN EX PLAYERS AGAIN Billericay Town have re signed Both Joe Benjamin and Paul Rodgers who both had a short spell at Calor league side St Neots Town.

Guernsey FC GUERNSEY LOSE HOME FA CUP ADVANTAGE Ryman League Division One South club Guernsey FC has announced that the FA Cup with Budweiser Second Qualifying Round .....tie with Skrill South side Dover Athletic will not take place in Guernsey.

Under the FA terms that have been given to the club to allow Guernsey to participate in the FA Cup, all matches taking place in Guernsey must kick-off at 13.00 on a Saturday afternoon, unless the two teams can agree to an alternative kick-off time.

Hinckley United HINCKLEY FUTURE STILL IN DOUBT Due to the winding-up petition issued by the Downes Pension Fund and Kevin Downes over the last two weeks, the Board of Directors have been having meetings with various consultants and administrators to save the future of Calor League Southern Premier Division club Hinckley United. At present there is no easy solution to resolving the winding-up petition on Friday. What the Board of Directors are trying to do is safeguard the business and work with their partners going forward. A statement from the Board read: “We fully appreciate this is not where we want to be but if a solution is not found between now and Friday prior to the court hearing you can be re-assured that the Board have worked exceptionally hard in the best interests of its fans, shareholders and sponsors.”

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

On the 28th September, the Guernsey Rugby Club has a home fixture due to kick-off at 14.30 and it cannot move its match as the visiting rugby club is not staying in the island overnight. Dover Athletic has advised that it’s unwilling to play on the Saturday evening. Its reason is that the club will not play on the pitch after a rugby match has taken place on it. Guernsey FC has also offered for the fixture to be played as a Friday evening tie on 27th September. However, Dover has advised that its players have insufficient time to arrange time off work for this date. Dover also refused to play the tie on Sunday, 29th September.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Billericay Town

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

We take a look at what other non-league clubs are doing that’s making the news.

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

Tue 20 Aug

A Stourbridge

447

CLPD

1-2

22

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

Sear

N

Sat 24 Aug

A Bashley

209

CLPD

3-1

15

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

Sear

Sh

Mon 26 Aug

H Cambridge City

451

CLPD

1-2

18

Heath

Rodgers

Adjei

SEAR

Sat 31 Aug

H Redditch United

231

CLPD

2-3

21

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

SEAR

H

Wed 04 Sep

A Corby Town

317

CLPD

0-1

22

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

Davies

C

Sat 07 Sep

A Hemel Hempstead

669

CLPD

0-2

22

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

Sear

C

Sat 14 Sep

H (Wroxham)

232

FAC

3-1

22

Conroy

Wood

Steer

Davies

N

Tue 17 Sep

H Hinckley United

208

CLPD

3-0

19

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

DAVIES

C

Sat 21 Sep

H Truro City

Sat 28 Sep

A Canvey Island

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

CLPD FAC

C

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

6 Steer

Nkinga

7

8

Hilliard

Taylor

9

10

11

Benjamin

Sogbanmu

Fuller

12 Sharman

Crowie

Hilliard

SHARMAN

Benjamin

Adjei

Taylor

Safee

harman

Crowie

HILLIARD

Fuller

BENJAMIN 2

Adjei

Taylor

Sembie-Ferris

14

15

Safee

Palmer

Steer

Crowie

Hilliard

Sharman

Benjamin

Davies

Taylor

Nkinga

Fuller

Hoyte

Crowie

Hilliard

Davies

Benjamin

Palmer

Adjei

SAFEE

Sembie-Ferris

Taylor

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sharman

Sogbanmu

Sear

Taylor

Adjei

Joseph

Safee

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Davies

Sogbanmu

Sharman

Adjei

Nkinga

Hoyte

HILLIARD

HURST

Safee

SEAR

Adjei

Taylor

Joseph

Sharman

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sear

Hurst

ANN

Adjei

TAYLOR

Joseph

Sharman

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

5

Crowie

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

LEAGUE TABLE

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

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

First Team - Calor League Premier Division (17.09.13)

42

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

+/-

Pts

Hemel Hempstead Town

8

7

0

1

26

5

21

21

Chesham United

8

6

1

1

20

10

10

19

Bideford

8

5

3

0

19

7

12

18

Poole Town

8

5

3

0

18

12

6

18

Weymouth

8

4

3

1

15

8

7

15

Cambridge City

8

4

3

1

10

7

3

15

St Albans City

8

4

1

3

13

9

4

13

Arlesey Town

7

4

1

2

12

8

4

13

Banbury United

8

4

1

3

14

13

1

13

Stourbridge

8

4

0

4

15

10

5

12

Hitchin Town

7

3

3

1

9

6

3

12

Hungerford Town

8

3

1

4

12

10

2

10

Corby Town

8

3

1

4

9

16

-7

10

Chippenham Town

7

3

0

4

11

8

3

9

Truro City

7

2

3

2

11

13

-2

9

Burnham

7

2

2

3

9

10

-1

8

Biggleswade Town

7

1

4

2

8

7

1

7

Bedford Town

8

2

1

5

10

23

-13

7

St Neots Town

8

2

0

6

10

13

-3

6

AFC Totton

8

2

0

6

13

23

-10

6

Redditch United

7

2

0

5

9

23

-14

6

Frome Town

7

1

2

4

4

13

-9

5

Hinckley United

8

0

3

5

7

17

-10

3

Bashley

8

0

2

6

7

20

-13

2

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THE TEAMS

ST. NEOTS TOWN

V

TRURO CITY

Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks

Colours

White Shirts, White Shorts & Socks

Ian Parr

Manager

Steve Massey

Assistant Manager

Graeme Kirkup

Carol Holland

Club Physio

SQUAD NUMBERS

Rating Goals Rating

1. Niall Conroy (GK) 2.

2. Jamie Lowry

3. Edd Adjei

3. Shane White

4. Adrian Sear

4. Paul Kendall

5. Dan Crowie

5. Dan Evans

6. Gavin Hoyte (C)

6. Jake Ash

7. Lewis Hilliard

7. Joe Broad

8. Jay Davies

8. Neil Slateford

9. Ola Sogbanmu

9. George Swain

10.

10. Seb Broomfield

11. Liam Hurst

11. Matt Andrew

12. Dion Sembe-Ferris

12. Cody Cooke

14. Ryan Sharman

14. Liam Eddy

15. Karl Saffee

15. Les Afful

16. Kaine Felix

16. Jared Sims

17. Tom Wood

17. Olly Brokenshire

18. Jordy Nkinga 19. Jack Sellick 20. Andy Palmer 21. Alasan Ann

18. Jordan Copp

22. Rene Steer 23. Bobby-Joe Taylor Teams will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Officials: Referee: Paul Evans Assistants: Matthew Lawrence & William Hardie 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 Biggleswade Town Saturday 12th October - 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

SQUAD NUMBERS 1. Ollie Chenoweth (GK)

Officials Rating