THANK
We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support. It is very much appreciated. Enjoy the match! YOU FOR SUPPORT
Squires Gate FC EntityStatus: Unincorporated
YOUR
To view all of our available sponsorship opportunities, flick to page 10 or email our Head of Media James Ashton at jamesashton2000@icloud.com for any additional queries.
Despite the 3 day turnaround, it's a 36 page edition tonight with plenty of content and I'd say it's one of my favourite issues so far so Midfielderwehopeyouenjoythereadtoo!ChrisWebsterfeatures as today’s Cover Star, so watch our for a Q&A with him alongside lots more exciting content!
On Saturday, it was great to welcome Albert Cooper and his grandson Matt back to Gate as Albert featured as our 'Cover Star' and Matt did a feature on our club legend.
4 THE GAFFER 23 FOOTY BOOK REVIEW 8 CHRIS WEBSTER 25-27 NATIONAL LEAGUE 11 60 SECONDS 28 PL SACKINGS 14-15 HOLDEN’S HAIRDRYER 30-31 MEDIA DIARIES 18-20 ASHTON ATHLETIC 33 LUXEMBOURG 22 MATCH-UP 34-35 QUIZ CORNER SquiresGateFC@squiresgatefc
Let's continue to get behind the boys, and hopefullyget 3 pointson theboardtonight!
Good evening, and welcome to The Brian Addison Stadium for tonight's game against Ashton Athletic. A warm welcome to the visiting players, supporters and committee.
CLUB President:DIRECTORY Brian Addison Club Secretary: John Maguire Committee: Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy, Ian Moore, Micky Farrer, John Maguire Head of Media: James Ashton Media Officer: Jay Hayden Social Media Manager: Dan Hayden Club Photographer: Ian Moore KIT ShirtSPONSORSSponsors: Central Insurance, Open GlobalTaylorsRecruitment,Fish&Chips,FootballNetwork, Short Sponsor: Marsden Plastering CLUB Manager:MANAGEMENT Luke Evans Assistant Manager: Andy Baker First Team Coach : Liam Robinson Club Physio: Rhys Daly TALK OF THE GATE Editors; James Ashton Dan Hayden Jay Hayden Front Cover: Chris Stewart @kitforbrains Printing: Moulton Printing CLUB Website:CONTACTwww.squiresgatefc.co.uk Twitter: @squiresgatefc Instagram: @squiresgatefc Email: squiresgatefc@hotmail.com WELCOME WHAT’S INSIDE MORE?WANT FIND US HERE... #WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 03 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc squiresgatefc.co.uk@squiresgatefc@squiresgatefc
Good evening everyone, and welcome to tonight’s NWCFL Premier Division match between Squires Gate and Ashton Athletic. I spent a couple of fantastic years at Ashton Athletic before my time at Gate, it’s a great club and I wish them all the best for the Todayseason.however is about my team, Squires Gate. We will be doing all we can to win the match this evening and we’re confident we can get three vital points on the Weboard.come into today’s match on the back of what was a difficult afternoon against a very strong Wythenshawe Town side. After what was a solid first half fromus, we went into
The break level at 1 1. The visitors showed their quality though in the second half and were just too strong for us, putting us to the sword in a 3-1 win. We move on quickly though, and take positives from the match. Goalkeeper Nathan Pennington put in one of the best performances I’ve seen between the Gate sticks, and it was great to have Chris Webster back too after missing a Thankfewmatches.youto everyone attending tonight’s match, we hope you enjoy your evening with us at The BrianAddison Stadium!
Gaffer #WeAreGate #WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 04 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc THE LUKE EVANS
RHYS DALY (Physio)
ISAAC ABANKWAH
CHRIS WEBSTER FIRST-TEAM SQUAD & MANAGEMENT SPONSORSHIPS // SQUIRES GATE FC 2022/23 AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR AVAILABLESPONSORTO AVAILABLESPONSORTOAVAILABLESPONSORTO
JOSH WESTWOOD (Captain)
SPONSORED BY DENISE
NATHAN PENNINGTON
HARRISON WEBSTER
LUKE EVANS (Manager)
ANDY BAKER (Asst. Manager) LIAM ROBINSON (First Team Coach) TO SPONSOR GIBSON
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLESPONSORTO
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FIRST-TEAM SQUAD & MANAGEMENT SPONSORSHIPS // SQUIRES GATE FC 2022/23 AVAILABLESPONSORTO AVAILABLESPONSORTO AVAILABLE TO AVAILABLESPONSORTO SPONSOR AVAILABLESPONSORTO AVAILABLESPONSORTO AVAILABLESPONSORTO AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR
CHAMBERS
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RYAN POWELL CLIFFE
Webby! You’re our ‘Cover Star’ for tonight’s programme! Are you looking forward to the match?
important part of the squad
a young squad, means I'm a bit of a senior which is not what I've been used to beforesoI'vetriedtostepup.
It always tends to be a tight game against Ashton Athletic, what are you expecting from the visitors this evening? Like ourselves Ashton can give anyone a game but we will come outontop.
Q&A WITH CHRIS WEBSTER
We face your former club in Ashton Athletic this evening, how would you sum up your time atBrocstedesPark?
Havingonthepitch.such
Q&A WITH CHRIS WEBSTER // WE ARE GATE
I always looks forward to the games! Especially mid week when your under the lights. Covers/programmesare top draw bythe way!
You’ve become a fans
You worked with current Gate boss Luke Evans in your time at Ashton, how big a factor was he in making the switch to SquiresGate? Massively! Evo brought a lot to Ashton at the time so I already had an idea of what he was about and what he wanted. So, when he asked me to get down to gate, I knew I made the right decision.
s been a mixed bag in terms of results for the team so far this season but a lot of good performances, what’s the aim forthe squad this year? We've had some ups and down already this season but we have a talented squad that need to click. Once we click we'll surprise a lot of teams this year and do wellI'msure.
Before joining Squires I wasn't enjoying my football at the time and I knew I needed a change. Once I made the change I again started to enjoy it which showed
SOCIAL SPONSORMEDIA (£1000 for 2 seasons) > Your business logo will be on every single graphic we put on our social media pages > Your business will be mentioned, tagged or displayed in every single post the club puts on social media. > Regular social media posts directing our followers to your website. > A free advertising board worth £300. > 2 Free 2022/23 season tickets (includes matchday hospitality). > A Matchday Sponsorship Package for a game of your choice. DIRECTORS & SPONSORS SPONSORSHIPSTAND (2500 for 2 seasons) > Your business name & logo proudly displayed across our Directors & Sponsors >Stand.FiveFree 2022/23 Season Tickets (worth >£400).Unlimited Social Media inclusion across all of >platforms.ourFreeroom hire of our function room. > Free Match Sponsorship Package (worth £150). PITCH-SIDE ADVERTISING BOARD (£300 first season, £200 thereafter)p/season > Your business logo, company name and any message or contact details displayed on a 8ft x 2ft Alu Panel Board (All costs included) > Exposure for your business in the local newspaper, media highlights and nationally through visiting fans and the non league community including FA Cup games. > A Matchball Sponsorship Package > 2 Free 2022/23 Season Tickets (inc. hospitality) > Inclusion on our Sponsors section in our match programme and club website. > Social Media post directing over 10k followers to your website / company SPONSORSHIPMATCH (£150 per game) > Your business logo will be on every single graphic we put on our social media pages leading up to and during your match. > Your business will be mentioned or tagged in every single post the club puts on social media leading up to and your match. > A social media post directing our followers to your website. > Double Page spread on your business in our Matchday >Programme.6FreeTickets including free food, drinks, programmes and hospitality. > Choose the Man Of The Match, with a picture taken and shared with your business tagged on social media. MATCHBALL SPONSORSHIP (£75 per game) > Your business logo will be on every graphic we put on our social media pages on your matchday > Your business will be mentioned or tagged in every post the club puts on social media on your matchday. > A social media post directing our followers to your website. > A Page on your business in our Matchday Programme. > 4 Free Tickets including free drinks, programmes and hospitality. For more information, or any questions regarding commercial deals, email our Head of Media James Ashton at jamesashton2000@icloud.com SPONSORSHIP DEALS // GET INVOLVED // @SQUIRESGATEFC
60 SECONDS // PART EIGHT // ALEX WELSH WELSHALEX ALEX WELSH IS SPONSORED BY @squiresgatefc 11 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc
Tuna & Sweetcorn Sandwich, s Paprika Crisps and an
Don’t know any films off by heart if I’mhonest!
YourgotoMaccies order?
5 Chicken Select meal (large obviously), with a coke and doublecheeseburgerontheside.
Worst fashion sense in the squad?
Which movie can you quote by heart?
Never really had awful advice from anyone, probably something like being told to stay out longer thanIshouldonanightout!
FleetwoodMac Rumours
Worst piece of advice you’ve everreceived?
If all the lads were on Love Island,whowouldwin?
Josh Westwood, Jake Higham, James Boyd, Ryan Riley and DeanIng
I think Boydy would do well on LoveIsland,he’dprobablywin.
Your perfect meal deal? (Butty, snack&drink)
WheredoIevenstart!
Who would be in your all-time Gate5-a-side?
You can listen to one album on repeat.Whichdoyou pick?
#WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 12 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc
PICTURES BY IAN MOORE // @OLDBLUEFOX // @FYLDEFOX ACTION #WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 13 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc Dwyer was denied by Nathan Pennington after being found from a headerpointPenningtonByrnepoked20Thecrossfromtheright.visitorstookadeservedleadonminutes.AballoverthetopwaspastPennington,withBradbundlingitinontheline.producedabrilliantblanksavetokeepoutafromDwyer,beforeJosh Penningtonsmartlyoverthegoalkeeper.hadnochancethough on 53minutes,with a volleyfrom distance by Matty Bryan flying incredibly into the top corner to put Wythenshawe Hebackinfront.againhad no chance though on 88 minutes, with a corner headed into the top corner from six yards out to seal thewinforWythenshawe. 2. HUGHES 3. H. WEBSTER 4. GRAY 5. BARTRAM 6. WESTWOOD © 7. RILEY 8. C.9.WEBSTERPETT 10. 11.CHAMBERSBOYD
In this feature, we get an insight into the Gate changing room as Luke Holden gives an alternative view on his team mates. Please note, these are purely the views of Luke Holden and not the media team…
Dan Smith was telling me he fancies himself as the clubs hard man. And he wears stone island wherever he goes so based on that I’d have to say it’s probably FunnilyDan!
yet?
Luke! A chance to do the lads dirty for something embarrassing they do in the changing room, or for something they’ve done on the pitch! You are live in the Squires Gate programme, please do not Startingswear!
HOLDEN’S HAIRDRYER TREATMENT // LUKE HOLDEN
enough I don’t actually have much on Westy. Wish I did. He’s the ultimate professional I’m afraid.
Not sure on Nathan. He acts tough on the pitch but I reckon he’s got a soppy side that we’re yet to see.
Quite a few recognisable defenders still here from last season. Isaac, Nathan, Alex, Westy, as well as the additions of James Hughes and Dan Smith. Is Nathan the clubs hardman?
NothingyetfromPenny.He’slike a mouse. Expected better to be honest, it’s a bit like trying to get blood from a stone trying to get Heanybanteroutofhim.doesagoodjobof boosting our strikers’ confidence in trainingthough.Insmallnetstoo!
Having spent a few years with ve got a few stories about him in the dressingroom?
off with the shot stopper, NathanPennington!
HOLDEN’S
And what about the back room staff, Rhys and Robbo? Any stories in them two?
Ry, I’ve never seen anyone so keen to buy a round. Can’t go on a night out with him without him getting his wallet out, flick through about £2000 worth of notes and then get the “baby Guinness” shots in.Theymustbe likepintstoRyaswell. Fairplay. Don’t get me started on Dan Gray. Only lad I’ve ever known to go on a night out, get a pizza at half 9 and be home and tucked up in bed by 10pm because the Mrshadbeenonhiscase.
And for the strikers. Nathan, Olly, Gal and Boydy. Olly and his incorrect punchline also got a few laughs we heard? As for Boydy, and Gal, they both gounder the radarbutwe trust you to be able to give us some insight into what the changing roomis reallylike?
Rowan, Theo, Sam, and Prince are all relatively new too but going off our 60 seconds feature, Theo’s banter has got some stick?
Robbo never leaves his side though. Always backs him up. Fair play to him. A Prison Break reference here but you’d be a brave man to try and take over Rhys’ pocket lining off Robbo. He hasthatonlockdown.
Yes all good lads the 4 of them. You only need to have one conversation with Theo and you have your answer. Talks the talk,
Rhys is a nightmare on a night out. He’s hammered after about 10 mins and then can’t get in anywhere. The bouncers always turn him away no matter how manytimeshe tells them heused to be at Man United as a kid or that he was the youngest professional physio in the football league.They’rehavingnoneofit.
Asbegun.for
There’s been a few additions to the midfield.We know Webby has played with you for a few years, previously at Ashton Athletic too. Webby has been voted quite a few times in our 60 seconds feature to be the winner of Love Island if him and his Mrs were to go on. A clear winner? Ry Riley and Dan Gray also have played with you for a few years now so again, surely some stories fromthemtwo?
I did see that Nathan answered his all time 5 a side team with only 4 players so he’s not Ollycoveringhimselfinglory.hasgotabitabouthim. His initiation up there with one of the best I’ve seen. Not sure on his jokes though. Maybe he’ll have to tellmeafewmore.
Boydy I can’t say a bad word about. Too much respect. What I can do with a football, James Boyd can do with an orange, and even whilst wearing those horrendous Crocs that he thinks are cool. Gal is great member of the dressing room. You really have to commend him because he is an older head in what is a young squad and the commitment levels to be down with the kids by wearing a headband roomWeeveryweekistremendous.haveareallygooddressingthisyear.Ican ’t wait to get back in amongst it. I have to say we would love to have more time having a bit of banter in the changingroomsbutthemajority
I reckon Webby and Mel would be a great shout for the win. They’re like a comedy sketch them two. And now Mel is a viral TikTok superstar for an incident with an oyster they’ve got the upper hand before it’s even
of the time we are listening to the gaffer and watching his slideshows. Or listening to Andy shout whilst his teeth fall out hand on heart that actually happened!
yet to walk the walk yet though. Always goes out with sunglasses on for some reason, something about confidence issues with the ladieshesaidtome
27 Aug 22 Easington Collieries (FA V
1 2 136
3 1 220
22 Apr 23 Padiham 15:00
14 Jan 23 Lower Breck 15:00
26 Nov 22 West Didsbury & Chorlton 15:00
07 Jan 23 Barnoldswick Town 15:00
01 Oct 22 Winsford United 15:00
25 Feb 23 Litherland Remyca 15:00
26 Oct 22 Avro 19:45
1 3 113
17 Dec 22 Ashton Athletic 15:00
Pennington Abankwah Shields Chambers Welsh
Pennington Hughes Shields Chambers Welsh
0 2 118
VS KO / RESULT ATT. 1 2 3 4 5
DATE
13 Aug 22 Litherland REMYCA
Pennington Hughes Welsh Chambers Holden
30 Aug 22 Bury AFC
03 Sep 22 Wythenshawe Town
Pennington Hughes Welsh Chambers Abankwah
Q1) 2 1 62
28 Jan 23 FC Isle Of Man 15:00
24 Sep 22 West Allotment Celtic (FA Vase Q2) 15:00
11 Mar 23 AFC Liverpool 15:00
26 Dec 22 Burscough 15:00
01 Apr 23 Vauxhall Motors 15:00
Pennington Hughes Welsh Chambers Holden
Pennington Hughes H. Webster Gray Bartram
22 Oct 22 Charnock Richard 15:00
3 3 68
07 Sep 22 Ashton Athletic 19:45
09 Nov 22 FC Isle Of Man 19:45
11 Feb 23 Avro 15:00
18 Feb 23 Longridge Town 15:00
15 Apr 23 Lower Breck 15:00
25 Mar 23 Prestwich Heys 15:00
21 Jan 23 Congleton Town 15:00
Hogarth Abankwah Welsh Gray Bartram
20 Aug 22 Longridge Town
20 Sep 22 Prestwich Heys 19:45
0 2 69
19 Nov 22 Bury AFC 15:00
10 Aug 22 Irlam
6 Aug 22 Northwich Vics (FA CUP E.P.)
18 Mar 23 Kendal Town 15:00
10 Apr 23 Burscough 15:00
14 Sep 22 Barnoldswick Town 19:45
08 Oct 22 Wythenshawe Town 15:00
4 2 104
2 Aug 22 Charnock Richard
FIXTURES & RESULTS // LEAGUE TABLE // 2022-2023
1 4 68
Pennington Gray Welsh Chambers Bartram
15 Oct 22 Cleator Moor Celtic (MACRON R1) 15:00
30 July 22 AFC Liverpool
11 Sep 22 Northwich Vics 15:00
2 1 1140
10 Dec 22 Kendal Town 15:00
04 Mar 23 West Didsbury & Chorlton 15:00
Pennington Hughes Welsh Chambers Bartram
05 Nov 22 Winsford United 15:00
04 Feb 23 Northwich Vics 15:00
17 Sep 22 Vauxhall Motors 15:00
03 Dec 22 Congleton Town 15:00
Pennington Abankwah Welsh Gray Bartram
17 Aug 22 Padiham
29 Oct 22 Irlam 15:00
RED CARD SUB 1 SUB 2 SUB 3 HOME FIXTURES IN BOLDYELLOW CARD SUB 4 SUB 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB
Westwood Riley Webster Ball Chambers Yelegon Holden Boyd Burgess Powell Hughes Westwood Riley Webster Pett Chambers Hughes Cliffe Yelegon Burgess Hesford Ball Westwood Riley Webster Ball Pett Hughes Cliffe Eastham Burgess Kay Powell Westwood Riley Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Smith Eastham Kay Powell Hesford Westwood Riley Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Smith Yelegon Kay Abouzaid Powell Westwood Riley Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Gray Kay Pett Yelegon Westwood Riley Abouzaid Pett Cliffe Gray Smith Burgess Kay Robinson Yelegon Westwood Riley Abouzaid Pett Cliffe Boyd Shields Powell Eastham Ball Yelegon Westwood Riley Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Gray Eastham Yelegon Powell Yilmaz Westwood Riley C. Webster Pett Chambers Boyd Kay Yelegon Abouzaid Cliffe Ball
P W D L F A GD PT 1 Vauxhall Motors 8 7 1 0 18 4 14 22 2 AFC Liverpool 8 7 0 1 25 8 17 21 3 Avro 6 6 0 0 15 0 15 18 4 Northwich Vics 6 4 1 1 12 5 7 13 5 Wythenshawe Town 4 4 0 0 12 4 8 12 6 Prestwich Heys 6 4 0 2 15 8 7 12 7 West Didsbury 7 3 3 1 12 8 4 12 8 Bury AFC 5 4 0 1 12 8 4 12 9 Barnoldswick Town 8 3 2 3 20 22 2 11 10 Congleton Town 6 3 1 2 13 6 7 10 11 Padiham 8 3 1 4 17 16 1 10 12 FC Isle Of Man 8 3 1 4 12 18 6 10 13 Lower Breck 7 3 0 4 7 9 2 9 14 Charnock Richard 6 2 2 2 12 13 1 8 15 Squires Gate 8 2 1 5 13 19 6 7 16 Longridge Town 7 2 1 4 6 14 8 7 17 Kendal Town 7 2 1 4 6 14 8 7 18 Litherland REMYCA 7 2 0 5 6 13 7 6 19 Irlam 8 1 2 5 11 17 11 5 20 Burscough 7 1 0 6 7 23 16 3 21 Winsford United 7 0 1 6 7 17 10 1 22 Ashton Athletic 7 0 1 6 6 18 12 1 NWCFL Premier Division League Table
charge , the success was noticed from clubs at a higher level and following the 2016/17 season, Ben Kay left his role as joint manager to take up the role as assistant manager to Simon Howarth at Clitheroe FC. The following seasons saw further progression with finishes of 12th (17/18), 5th (18/19), and 5th and 14th in the covid curtailed campaigns of 19/20 and 20/21. The club enjoyed further cup success the 2017/18 season saw Ashton Athletic see off Squires Gate, Runcorn Linnets, Bamber Bridge and Albion Sports in the FA Cup to set up a mouth watering 3rd qualifying round local derby with Chorley with the yellows suffering a narrow 1 0 defeat in front of live BBC cameras and the biggest home crowd in their history of 610.
Ashton Athletic Football Club was founded in 1968, playing in the Wigan Sunday League. The Club developed Brocstedes Park and was admitted to the Lancashire Combination, before becoming a founder member of the North West Counties League when the Combination merged with the Cheshire league in 1982. Unfortunately, financial constraints prevented the required ground improvements to be completed, and the Club was relegated into the Manchester league Division One in 1986.
#WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 18 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc LAST SEASON Premier Division: 18th FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round FA Vase: First Qualifying Round A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR VISITORS…
In the 2019/2020 season, wins over AFC Liverpool, Skelmersdale and Morpeth set up an away trip to York City with the yellows beaten 5 0 by their illustrious opponents in front of over 1,000 spectators at Bootham Crescent. The Club was awarded the FA Charter Standard in 2013.
The 2008/09 season also saw further progression for the Yellows, having been promoted to the Premier Division of the North West Counties League. The previous season also saw cup success for the Yellows, retaining the Atherton Charity Cup at the end of the season. Following an impressive 6th place finish in the 2008/09 season, the Yellows struggled in the league for the next 4 seasons, finishing in the bottom three of the league in three of the next four seasons.
In 2013, the Yellows took the unusual step in bringing in a trio of joint managers Jay Foulds, Ben Kay and Dougie Pitts. Jay and Ben were brought in from Wigan Robin Park and Dougie came in following a break from the game. The trio needed to completely rebuild the squad for the 2013/14 season and made an excellent start to their managerial careers creating club history with a 6th place finish and beating Maine Road 1 0 to win the League Challenge Cup at Curzon Ashton.
More club history was made in the 2014/15 season with a highest ever 5th place finish in the league, conceding only 38 goals and losing only 7 league games that season and the Yellows were successful in the Wigan Cup, beating Newburgh Harrock United 5 1 in the final at Brocstedes Park. reaching the 2nd qualifying round for the first time ever, losing 5 0 against Halifax Town and winning the Lancashire Cup for the first time, coming from a goal down to win 2 1 against Radcliffe Borough. Lee Vaughan scoring the
ASHTON ATHLETIC
DW STADIUM The closest Football League ground to Ashton Athletic is the DW Stadium, home to Wigan Athletic of the Championship! THE NUMBER CRUNCHER W D L F AP 12 3 13 40 4928 2021/22 STATS MEDIA MEMOIRS TWITTER FOLLOWS 7.9k HIGHESTDIVISIONPREMIERFINISH 5th THE SCOREAGGREGATEBETWEENTHETWOCLUBSLASTSEASON 3-4 INSTA FOLLOWS 572 W D L GF GA 11 10 19 65 97 GATE RECORD VS ASHTON
ASHTON ATHLETIC: THE SECONDSIXTYGUIDE BROCSTEDES PARK Ashton Athletic play their home matches at Brocstedes Park, located 35 miles away from SquiresGateFC. NEW PARTNERSHIPS Wigan Athletic Ladies now play their home matches at Ashton Athletic, showing a great stride forward for the club and local women’sfootball!
THE
I would have to say, former Gate winger Max Rogers. The winger is a dangerous, pacy and tricky player that has caused many defensive lines trouble so far this season!
FROM THE AWAY END // Q&A WITH THOMAS SMART
I remember the game in early 2020, just before covid. Frantic end to the game which saw about 2 goals late in the second half for the Yellows that sawthemtakingawaya3-2win.
What is your all time 5 a side Ashtonsquad?
I have not visited Squires Gate before! I have heard that it is a great ground though and from what I have seen on the club's visits to Brocstedes, Squires Gate are a very friendly club! I hopetovisitthisseason
Gate and Ashton have played each other numerous times over the last few years, what are the standout fixtures you remember?can
MID- CharlieMunro
One of many fine performances that season!
Who is the one to watch for Gatefans today?
The team I'm looking forward to are Bury AFC and Isle of Man at home feel like them two will be up therethisseason.
First of all, why Ashton? What encouraged you to start supportingthe club?
I was looking for local Non League clubs to go and watch when Wigan were not playing and I discovered the Yellows. I went to a cup game one Friday night then I got hooked! The day after, I messaged the club'sTwitter and I have been a volunteer ever since (foraround3yearsnow!)
I am hoping for the club to hold their own and give every team they play against a tough time! Hopefully we can gather some form and stay up in the League this season and build for the future!
- Luca-DefrietasHansen
MID JoeNicholson
DEFGKHmmm,trickyone!JamesAspinall
ATT JoshNicholson
FROM THE AWAY ENDQ&A WITH THOMAS SMART
Have you ever visited Squires Gate before? What did you think of your visit?
What are your expectations for the new season and what new clubs are you looking forward toplaying?
Gate last hosted Ashton Athletic at the end of September 2021. The visitors went 3 0 up before goals from Dean Ing and Kieran Feeney got it back to 3 2. Ashton scored a fourth though on 70 minutes to seala4-2victory.
MAX ROGERS PRINCE YELEGON
MATCH-UP L 3 0 vs Avro (A) L 2 1 vs Skelmersdale (A) RECENT FORM SQUIRES GATE THE LAST THREE ASHTON ATHLETIC THE LAST THREE L 1 4 vs Padiham (H) 2 3 vs Hallam (A) Vs AFC Liverpool (H) L 1 3 vs Wythenshawe (H) L 2 1 vs Bury AFC (A) W 2 1 vs Easington Colls (H) WINS ONES-2-WATCH GOALS SCORED
R E W I N DR E W I N D
40 49 12 13
also captures what
Conker Editions is an independent publishing company, established in 2017 with the aim of producing high quality, beautifully designed books. Conker specialises in books on football, memories and memorabilia and here at FBR we have been lucky enough to review many of them including, Can We Not Knock It?, 101 Manchester City Matchworn Shirts, Flat Caps & Tangerine Scarves, Glove Story, Glove Story 2, Football’s Black Pioneers,The A Z ofWeird & Wonderful Football Shirts and The Got, Not Got Football Gift
Pompey’s history is as choppy as The Solent that laps around its famous harbour, so for every triumph, most recently, the FA Cup win in 2007/08 as a Premier League club, there has been later.tofinancialruinandrelegationdownLeagueTwojustfiveyears
Where Conker’s previous books (and this addition also) win, are that the stories have an authentic feel, which for this Portsmouthbook comes from having a dedicated and life ling fan, Sean ‘Northstandcritic’ Simpson, as the readers guide to all things Pompey. As with some other titles from the Conker’s stable, there are within the pages, images of a great collection of memorabilia, whether that be kits, programmes, pennants, flags, rosettes, or football cards.
However, it also provides so much more, as Simpson captures the unique identity of those from the ‘island’ of Portsmouth, with its naval and dockyard links and history, the famous Play Up Pompey chime and larger than life fan, John Anthony Portsmouth
ItFootballClubWestwood.isalsoatributetomany that have been at the heart of the club through the ups and downs and featured with the section ‘Pompey People’ and most of all to Simpson’s father who passed away nine months before Portsmouth’s FA Cup victoryin2007.
it has been like as a fan following the Fratton Park side, giving readers his personal choices, in the sections titled, ‘Top ten players’, ‘Match of the decades’ and ‘Away day tales’, which contains an absolutely genius story of a trip to Liverpool, and which is worth the price of this bookalone.
FOOTBALL BOOK REVIEWS // POMPEY CHIMES, POMPEY TIMES // @FOOTYBOOKREVIEW
Yes this is a book aimed at Pompey fans, but followers of other teams will understand the experiences Simpson provides as a fan, and of the trials and tribulations that clubs endure through their history whether Premier League or Northern PremierLeague.
ThisBook.latest
POMPEY CHIMES, POMPEY TIMES
Nothing within the Club’s History is shied away from as tales of the rise and fall on and off the pitch are covered, with the League title and FA Cup triumphs, and the season in Europe, sitting alongside Pompey’s poor Play off record and financial crisis’s in the mid 1970s and Butearly2010s.Simpson
offering is a homage to Portsmouth FC, a Club who in winning the First Division title in 1948/49 and 1949/50 were crowned champions of England, but by 1978/79 had fallen all the way down to the Fourth Division.
Firstof all,I'dliketosaythatit'sa great pleasure to once again be writing for the Squires Gate programme. The Gate, just like Vauxhall Motors who I write for Merseyside papers for, are a fantastic club at this level and they're a club that I like to look out for. If you have read some of my pieces in this programme last season, you may know that I write about the National League
bit of National League news involving Wrexham, owner Ryan Reynolds has recently criticised the ban on clubs streaming matches as he believes this is hindering clubs earningsomewellneededextra
Sinceinthem.Tranmere's
ETHAN HOIJOIRD REVIEWS...
THE NATIONAL LEAGUE
to watch out for this weekend are: Oldham v Chesterfield, Dorking v Wrexham and Wealdstone v Woking and you may have noticed that throughout this article I haven't even touched on Oldham's new they'reGateenjoydoingtouchHopefullyownersorDorking'sgreatrise.infuturearticles,Icanonhowthosetwoclubsareindepth.However,fornowthegametodayatTheasjustlikethefifthdivision,specialtowatch!
promotion in 2018, a day I will forever remember for all the right reasons, I have liked to maintain an eye on this division for the shocks it can cause with only two teams having the chance to be promoted. It has, unsurprisingly, started in great fashion once again and at time of writing Chesterfield are top of the table with Wrexham and Barnet just behind them. Wealdstone, Notts, Solihull and Borehamwood occupytheotherPlay Offspots.
Ground will know what to expect from their superstar owners as they have been at the club for Comfortjustoverayearnow.canbring some elements of complacency but despite the owners being comfortable at their new club, I certainly don't believe that Phil Parkinson's side are showing any elements of complacency after their defeat to Grimsby in last seasons playoffs. Promotion will taste so sweet thus they should continue to work in the manner that they are doing so to Asachieveit.ageneral
revenue as they aim to get back on their feet after the setbacks caused from the Coronavirus Elsewhere,pandemic.
Due to family links, I was gutted that Solihull missed out on promotion to The Football League this summer as they were defeated at The London However,StadiumbyGrimsby.it'sniceto see that Neal Ardley's outfit have started the season in great fashion despitetheirrecentperformance
struggling Scunthorpe who sit in the lowly position of 23rd have sacked gaffer Keith Hill who formerly guided Tranmere to the League Two Play-Offs and the Papa John's Trophy Final. It'll be interesting to see where Hill finds himself next as it has certainly been the fall from grace since he was appointed by a club he 'loves' in SomeBoltonWanderers.ofthegames
THE NATIONAL LEAGUE REVIEW // ETHAN HOIJOIRD
away at Notts County. I do believe though that this is the season for Wrexham and Chesterfield with Paul Mullin continuing to bang in the goals for The Dragons and Paul Cook getting his Spireits firing on all everyonetimethisthey'reWrexhamIt'llcylindersintheopeningmonth.beinterestingtoseehowdothiscampaign,arguablyaclubtoobigforleaguedespitethelengthofthatthey'vespentinitandatTheRacecourse
Inastatementreleasedsoonafter Reynolds’ comments,theNational League said: “Firstly, it is
WordsbyLewisBlackmore
“
“The League has the support of Vanarama and BT Sport in ensuring we deliver the needs of all our clubs. There are challenges in supplying a product that can be used by everyone, whilst ensuring compliance with Article 48. The boardwillconsider theproposalin full, and that will include the timetableforitsintroduction.
“We understand the desire from some clubs, who find themselves in a position to stream independently and we respect that, however there is a requirement for the League to protect and provide a solution for all three divisions,” the statement added. We will always take into account the views of individual clubs, but it is imperative that we look after the interests of 72 member clubs and doingas much as we can to deliver income, profile and support for all. The commercial arm of the League have been simultaneously seeking partners for the delivery and commercialisation of a streaming platform.
Ingames.athread
The National League, the fifth division of English football, will submit proposals for a 'fully tested' streaming platform following Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds criticisms for not allowing clubs to broadcast
The National League also said how it is 'imperative' that the interests of all 72-member clubs are consulted and are in agreementwhenitcomestothe
of tweets Wrexham co -owner Reynolds damned those in charge for its 'truly baffling' nature to not allow clubs to stream live matches domestically and internationally. The actor, best known for his role as Marvel’s Deadpool, said officials had neglected to pursue a plan to open talks with BT Sport, who currently own the rights to the competition in the UK, about potential streaming, and won support from league sponsors platformthingdemic,gamespermissionwereintofirstVanarama.Whilethisishardlythetimelivestreaminghascomeconversation,seeingasclubstemporarilygrantedtostreamtheirownduringtheCovid19pan-thisisthefirsttimesome-suchasastreaminghasbeenproposed.
” NATIONAL LEAGUE STREAMING // LEWIS BLACKMORE
important to remember that we alreadyhave a broadcast partner, in BT Sports, who currently have the contractual rights to all National League games in a deal andthathasservedthewholeLeagueallits72clubswell.
NATIONAL LEAGUE STREAMING IS COMING (MAYBE!)
MOVE OVER DISNEY PLUS...
issue of live streaming games. Especially when you consider that the facilities available at some betterclubsaregoingtobeconsiderablythanothersinthedivision.
“The proposal will recognise that we must respect and protect the status of the League and also BT Sport's high production values and ensuring an approach which guarantees quality of service and the needs of all our clubs and theirfans.”
BT are keen to work with the National League to support opportunities for our clubs to generate extra income, as they did during the Covid pandemic, in the form of streaming. We have been working intensely for some months to finalise a proposal to launch a centralised, fully tested Vanarama National League streaming platform. This proposal goes to the board for consideration at their meeting on 15thSeptember.
Reynolds highlighted the subject by expressing his dismay to league officials writing to his 20 million Twitter followers. ‘CC’ing’ in all 24 National League clubs in his tweets, he wrote: “After months of maximum effort, the decision (through inaction of the Vanarama National League) to not allow domestic/international streaming of matches of Wrexham and the other clubs in the league is truly baffling. Depriving every team in our league the chance to expand the fanbase while adding to league revenuebenefitseveryone.”
in their minds, promotion is the aim of the game, but I think even they know that might take more time than they envision. With only one automatic and one play off promotion route, the National League is a very However,hardleaguetogetoutof.iftheyhelppush this live streaming concept into actuality then I think that would certainly push non league further intothemainstream.
charts their first steps as owners of the fifth division non-league Offootballteam.course,
NATIONAL LEAGUE STREAMING // LEWIS BLACKMORE 1 Chesterfield 7 17 2 Wrexham 7 16 3 Notts County 7 15 4 Solihull Moors 7 14 5 Boreham Wood 7 14 6 Wealdstone 7 14 7 Barnet 7 13 8 Bromley 7 13 9 York City 7 11 10 Woking 7 10 11 Eastleigh 7 10 12 Maidstone United 7 10 13 Southend United 7 8 14 Oldham Athletic 7 8 15 Dag & Red 7 8 16 Torquay United 7 7 17 Maidenhead 7 7 18 Dorking 7 7 19 Gateshead 7 6 20 Yeovil Town 7 6 21 Aldershot Town 7 6 22 FC Halifax Town 7 5 23 Altrincham 7 4 24 Scunthorpe United 7 3
The interest in Wrexham is only set to grow further and more international following the release of the fly on the wall documentary by the Hollywood pair, entitled 'WelcometoWrexham',which
Paul Sturrock still holds the unwanted achievement of the earliest Premier League sacking, lasting9daysin2004 05.
PREMIER LEAGUE
PETER REID KENNY
KEVINDAGLISHKEEGAN
As a Watford fan, I was expecting us to make the list quite a few times; however, Newcastle have made the most ‘earlysackings’ with4onthislist.
EARLIEST SACKINGS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
This week we have a look at some of the earliest sackings in thePremierLeagueera.
Scott Parker is the first manager to be sacked from the Premier League after Bournemouth were thrashed 9 0 by Liverpool a coupleof weeksago.
GORDON STRACHAN
ALAN CURBISHLEY
SIR BOBBY ROBSON
SCOTT
PARKER 9 1212 1816 2519
GRAEME SOUNESS
PAULO DI CANIO
232121 24 23 2936 36 31
GIANLUCA VIALLI
GLENN HODDLE
FRANK DE BOER
JAVI GRACIA
CHRISTIAN GROSS HOWARD WILKINSONRUUD GUULIT
I think a good social media account these days needs to be morethanjustaglorifiedversion
One important part of matchdays is the “footy scran”, have you any favourite grounds in terms of hospitality and what is your go to choice ofmatchdayfood?
I am the Media Manager at Newport County, I've been at the club since October last year. It's my first full time role at a professional club but my route here was via volunteer roles in the non league circuit and the women'sgame.
In terms of social media. What do you think makes a good clubsocial mediaaccount?
Ifspecificdays.there'saparticular
We do as much as we can in order to get fans to buy tickets, but the nature of football means that, while planning is a huge part of it, a lot of them can go out the window if you've not won for
First of all, thank you for your time, it really is appreciated. Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your role at the club and have you worked at any clubs previously?
Building up to a matchday, what do you do to build excitement with supporters andtogauge interactions?
Could you give us a brief rundown of your matchday routine? How do you prepare for games, and how do you ensure everything runs smoothly?
The boring but accurate answer is that it's both. It's true that there are no two days that are the same in this job, but the flipside is that week by week there are certain things that need doing on
Don't really read programmes these days and most in the EFL are pretty similar, probably leave this one (although apologies as this is literally for a programme haha,sureyoursisbrilliant)
I wouldn't say there's a specific plan for this, but that obviously doesn't mean that it isn't taken intoconsideration.
MEDIA DIARIES // BENJAMIN WILLIS // NEWPORT COUNTY
big game coming up a derby, notable cup game, that sort of thing then it needs a more unique approach thana'normal'leaguegame.
Most of the matchday stresses are things you need to sort out during the week to prevent the chances of a stress coming! By which I mean ensuring that all attending press have their passes and requirements sorted during the week so that they can turn up and crack on with the job without needing to fire fight on the day. If you've done the work during the week, the off field stresses will hopefully not arrive! t's just praying the players can securethethreepoints...
MEDIA DIARIES BENJAMIN WILLIS
How do you usually prepare your weekly content? Do you plan ahead? Do you have a specific layoutfor yourweek?
balance to strike where you plan as much as you can but the best ideas are very regularly things that happen off the cuff. I was fortunate in my debut season that Newport had one of the most in-form strikers in the country so anything involving Dom Telford was practically an open goal for contentthatfansliked!
Any club that provides free food and drink is a winner! My history of covering Swindon for years (who do) meant I naively assumed everyone did turns out Genuinelytheyreallydon't(haha!)mostclubscouldn't be nicer to their visiting press in my experience although going back to the 'Scran' part of your question, Hartlepool's Parmo stands out - looking forward to going back there later this season.
Another important part of the matchday routine is a programme. What makes a good programme to you, and which clubs do you think have the bestprogrammes?
It'samonth!adifficult
// BENJAMIN
I have to be selfish and say Swindon purely because I'm still based there and it's the only ground where it doesn't involve a bit of a commute! But for League Two, Bradford naturally stands out because Valley Parade is clearly not a ground that's in its whichParkInaturalhabitatleaguewise.alsovisitedCarlisle'sBruntonforthefirsttimelastseasonwasverynice,it'djustbe ideal if they could move it slightly closertoSouthWales notsure
To be fair, we genuinely have a great group here and, touch wood, never had a player kick up a fuss on having to do media requirements!
As this is the Squires Gate programme, is there anything youknow aboutourclub?
What would you say is your favourite social media platform touse attheclub?
Who has been your favourite player to interview at the club?
// NEWPORT
We tend to outsource our interviews but Dom Telford was always a pleasure to deal with whenever we had media work to do, which was a relief because he was a man in high demand lastyear!
of the website - a lot of clubs just routinely play it by numbers with just uploading website content to cansomethingTokShrewsbury/BristolonlyBundesligatendway.thewithyouIthesocialsandleavingitatthat.thinkthenatureofsocialsgiveslicencetohaveabitoffunyourselfandotherstogiveclubitsownpersonalityinaThebestexamplesofthesetobetheEnglishaccountsandyouneedtolookattherecentRoversTik-backandforthtoseehowabitsillyandouttherereallytakeoffonline.
Which grounds to you enjoy visiting the most in terms of facilities andmatchdayfood?
if that's crossed their minds at all... If I had to spend an entire day at a stadium I'd have to go with Sixfields, there's all sorts goingon there! Just ashame that we're only there for the actual game considering we have work todo
MEDIA DIARIES WILLIS COUNTY
I'd be lying if I said I did, but hoping you get a decent FA Cup run in the future and draw the Port at home so we can pay you avisit!
Finally, what is your favourite memory within your time at the club?
It's really hard to think of a stand momentcurrentlysomyjobsounds,Asoutmoment,butinagoodway...cheesyandclicheasthisIgenuinelyjustlovetheafterworkingsohardtogetbreakataprofessionalclubI'mnaturallyjusthappywithouthavingonethatstandsoutthatIcan
think of right now. What a way to endthisinterview...
I'm a Twitter go to, we obviously use all the main ones to get across all our supporters' preferred platforms but Twitter best lends itself to football given it doesn't restrict itself to a specific type of content and it's best for a matchday as it's the idealplatformforliveupdates.
As F91 are one of the league’s powerhouses, they will probably be able tofind game time against lesseropponentsforNinte.
Ninte turned out as the main benefactor of this situation though, as the 19-year old Portuguese forward got chances
LUCAS FIGUEIREDO
He started the domestic season in scintillating form though, as he scored a brace in the league opener against Union Titus Pétange.
P R O S P E C T S
LUXEMBOURG FOOTBALL // PART THREE // @LuxembourgFooty
team out a lot when counter attacking, and his speed is considered quite rare amongst players of similar build (Ninte stands just above 6’1”).
FRANCISCO NINTE JR
As opposed to Ninte, Figueiredo has already made it to youth national team contention, although he arguably had an easier job as a Luxembourger.
He has only played 102 minutes across 9 games so far this season, which accounts for an average of slightly more than 11 minutes per game, sono one can expect him to carry the team on his shoulders, but he has already shownglimpsesofhisability.
It says a lot about Figueiredo’s playing style too, who by all means is a modern attack minded wing back, who uses his brilliant acceleration and clever vision to help the team’s attack.
He isn’t a typical defender at only 5’7”, but of course he does chip in and does his defensive duty to a sufficient, if unremarkable, level. With the national team in need of some back-up in left back position, it could only be a matter of time before Lucas gets his call up, especially if he continues to thrive in a side usually near the bottom of the table.
HisonqualifyingtoplayEuropeanfootballinthestage,gettingsubbedfrequently.dynamicmovementshelpthe
Next week, we will continue with some more hidden gems developing in the Luxembourgish topdivision,staytuned!
In the following mini series I will introduce some of the very best young talents currently playing in the National Division, who have the best chance to move abroad and maybe even make it as a pro inthefuture!
F91 Dudelange ended up selling three of their best attackers over the summer (one of them, Adel Bettaieb, went straight to the Turkish Super Lig), and the insufficient replacements provided talented youngsters a chance to break through.
Etzella Ettelbrück’s quick 19 year old left back is a Luxembourg U21 international, although his debut still has to wait for now.
Spot The Ball Match The ManagerTad-Stad Trivia 1. BlackpoolWhosignedJoshBowlerfromonDeadlineDay? 2. signWhichteamdidManchesterUnitedAntonyfrom? 3. haveHowmanyPremierLeaguetitlesManchesterCitywon? ANSWERS ShirtSeason:2005/06 SpottheBall:A Trivia:1.NottinghamForest 2.Ajax 3.Six Managers:RogersLeicester Cooper-Notts.Forest Potter-Brighton Viera-CrystalPalace Marsch-Leeds
Louis
#WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 36 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc SQUIRES GATE ASHTON ATHLETIC Manager: Luke Evans Colours: Blue shirt, blue shorts, blue socks Manager: Jay Foulds Colours: Yellow Shirt, blue shorts, yellow socks Nathan PENNINGTON Josh WESTWOOD (C) Isaac DanAlexDanLouisLukeNathanABANKWAHBARTRAMHOLDENSHIELDSSMITHWELSHGRAY
Jason
Chris WEBSTER Ollie BURGESS DARK Michael DONOHUE FOULDS HADDOCK Brian
Will JamesRyanSaadHarrisonRowanEASTHAMCHAMBERSKAYMEKKAOUIABOUZAIDRILEYHUGHES Nathan CLIFFE James BOYD Sean ALUEBHOSELE Theo BALL Olly HarrisonPrinceRyanGaryHESFORDPETTPOWELLYELEGONWEBSTER Hogan ChrisMarkZachGeorgeNathanMussabThomasChristopherAKOBANDELLBECKETTBENALYCARNELLCOLVILLECONWAYCORBETTCORDARASOANES Jack
MaxRobelSamuelHATTONHOUGHTONKOSOTELEWENS Yannick MACHADO LE GAL Charlie MIDDLEMORE Joshua Nicholson Max CalumJoeAndrewJosephLucasROGERSSCHOFIELDSMITHTHOMASWHITEWILSON
