Squires Gate v Burscough by SquiresGateFC

CLUB DIRECTORY Chairman: Tony Jo President: Brian Addison Club Secretary: John Maguire Committee: Tony Jo, Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy, Micky Farrer, John Maguire COVID Officer: John Maguire Media Manager: Jay Hayden Media Assistant: James Ashton Commercial: Dan Hayden Photographer: Albert Cooper Assistant Photographer: Ian Moore Shirt Sponsors: Central Insurance, Open Recruitment Limited, Taylors Fish & Chips, Global Football Network Home Short Sponsor: Marsden Plastering

THANK YOU

CLUB CONTACT Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk Twitter: @squiresgatefc Instagram: @squiresgatefc CLUB MANAGEMENT: Manager: Luke Evans Assistant Manager: Andy Baker Goalkeeper Coach: Des Christie TALK OF THE GATE Editors: Dan Hayden, James Ashton, Jay Hayden Front Cover: @GraphicBomb Contributors: @SullyBen, @KieranSmith08, @LewisRBlackmore, @footybookreviews, @the1Devs, @AlfieClarkBNW, @EastHullPete, @liamhjourno, @robglovermedia, @LuxembourgFooty, @ben_wrightyy14

Squires Gate FC Entity Status: Unincorporated

WELCOME The new NWCFL Premier Division is well underway, and today we welcome Burscough to The Brian Addison Stadium!

CONTENTS

Thank you for purchasing our matchday magazine, and we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

PAGE 4: GAFFER’S NOTES

Luke Evans looks ahead to today’s game, Our first edition of our new rebrand, so a big thank you to as well as our upcoming home match The Graphic Bomb for designing the front cover too! against Macclesfield in the FA Cup. Dan Hayden

PAGE 6: JOSH WESTWOOD Captain Josh Westwood’s notes.

PAGE 10-13: MATCH REPORTS Catch up on all the action from our recent matches. With images from Ian Moore.

PAGE 15: AWAY DAYS Part One of our new programme feature; we take you behind the scenes with our media team on their trip to Barnoldswick.

PAGE 19-23: BURSCOUGH An insight into today’s visitors, including an interview with Luke Denson.

PAGE 28-29: AWAY DAYS Part Two of our new programme feature, as James Ashton reviews the media team’s trip to Ashton Athletic.

PAGE 34-35: MEDIA DIARIES Social Media Manager Dan Hayden interviews Rob Glover of Reading FC to find out what happens behind the scenes of the Championship club.

PAGE 42-43: LIONEL MESSI @squiresgatefc

@squiresgatefc

Squires Gate

Squires Gate TV

AND MUCH MORE...

Please note, all articles throughout our matchday magazine are not the opinions of Squires Gate FC, and are only those of the contributors.

GAFFER’S NOTES

@squiresgatefc

GAFFER’S NOTES

It’s great to have everybody back at the Brian Addison in what seems like forever for the visit of Burscough this evening in the first home game of the season under the lights. I hope that all travelling fans have arrived safely and look forward to an entertaining game by the seaside.

LUKE EVANS

We visited Ashton Athletic in the FA Cup and came away with a deserved 2-0 victory. Lastly we played Padiham on Saturday and we were expecting a great performance after the previous game but it wasn’t to be and we were very fortunate to get away with a point. It remains to be seen whether our draws are valuable or not just yet but if we can Finally we have some football talk about but before not get beat away from home and win at home I’ll I broach that subject I would just like to take time take that. out to acknowledge our volunteers and committee members at the club and notably one in particular Unfortunately injuries are stacking up for us at the Roy Frost. We are a team behind the scenes at minute with Oli Orr, Luke Holden, Jacob Ridings, Squires Gate and we all work together but I for one Nathan Bartram, Isaac Abankwah, Jake Higham am not too proud to say that without certain people and Matty Finney all currently working their way we would not be where we are today. Roy Frost is back to full fitness and differing success rates but I part of our grounds team but to all of us he is so have to thank Rhys Daly from Motion Injury Clinic much more. There is no job too big or small Roy for his amazing work in helping us to get players will turn his hand to it. He has an amazing eye for back not only quickly but most of all safely. He is detail and fixes problems that we don’t even know excellent at what he does and a true professional. are there. His engineering skill and perfect approach impresses me every time he works and We have an extremely busy period coming up with he is even now at the ripe old age of 21 going out fixtures and within the first month we will start to to see other grounds to see how we can replicate get some distinction as to where we sit and start to or even better it at our place. During the height of work out our aims for the season. We will obviously the Covid pandemic Roy worked alone due to the give our all in every game but we hugely believe in obvious dangers when many stayed indoors and the squad that we have assembled and think that jobs were being completed that we all didn’t give a we can compete in the upper reaches of the league second thought to and I would personally just like this season. to pass on my personal gratitude to him. Without Roy, Squires Gate would be less spectacular than On a personal note I have won an award from it is that’s for sure. So Roy, thank you. Lancashire FA as a Red Rose Hero being acknowledged for my work at the club. I wish I Now on to recent footballing matters. We have had could break it in to a 100 pieces to share with a steady start to the campaign with a win 2 draws everybody who helps at the club but when I collect and a loss in our first 4 games. Lower Breck at the award I do so on behalf of everybody at the home was very frustrating for us as they came to club who deserves it. I would like to thank our frustrate and stop us playing and their game plan chairman Tony Jo for trusting me with this excellent worked superbly and then we made a rash chal- club and my family Katy, Alfie, Charlie and Alfie lenge in the box and conceded a penalty so it was who without them I would have no drive to do what always going to finish 1-0 after that. Obviously then I do as all I ever do is to give them the best life I the dramatic conclusion up at Barnoldswick with can. our new keeper Mike Hale scoring a volley in the 95th minute gaining us a 2-2 draw. On Mike he has All it leaves me to say is keep supporting us like already proven an integral part of both the dressing you do and we will always try to deliver what you room and the team and made a huge difference to want. Our goal is your goal. Stay safe and I hope us as a unit. We know how lucky we are to have that you enjoy the game. secured his signature and long may his excellent performances continue. Gaffer

JOSH

WESTWOOD

@squiresgatefc

JOSH WESTWOOD

Hello everyone, and welcome to today’s match between Squires Gate and Burscough! We hope you’re enjoying your time at Gate so far today and we’re hoping for an entertaining game!

LUKE EVANS

Big thanks to everyone attending today’s game and purchasing this programme - get yourself into the clubhouse for a nice drink, have a seat in one of our newly renovated stands or have a wander around the ground and meet some new people! It’s been a decent start to the season for us here. Non league games are fantastic days out, and we We progressed in the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over hope you enjoy yours! Ashton Athletic at the weekend after a superb performance, while also picking up a credible point We Are Gate! at Barnoldswick last Thursday with our goalkeeper scoring the equaliser with the last kick of the game! We did lose at home though on the opening day, 1-0 to Lower Breck, so we’re really hoping we can get our first home win of the season. It’s another great group of lads this year. The new signings have all fit in brilliantly and all bring something new and important to the team both on and off the pitch. We’re finally getting some consistency with the management team too, with Luke Evans & Andy Baker now into their third and second seasons at the club respectively. We know how tough today’s match is going to be though. Burscough were excellent against us here last October, putting four past us on what was a bit of a difficult afternoon. But we feel a lot more confident and solid as a unit this season, and we know we can always create and score goals. To have fans back too has also been a big plus over pre season and the start to the league campaign. We had a sell out crowd of 500 against Bury AFC, while also pulling in big figures for friendlies against Blackpool and AFC Fylde. Not only do those crowds spur us on, they bring a great bit of cash flow into the club that’s been needed over the last year more than ever. Our progress in the FA Cup also won us a great sum of prize money, and as we host Macclesfield in the next round who are sure to come in their hundreds, the financial side of things are starting to look up!

VOICE

THE GATE MACCLESFIELD TICKETS ON SALE NOW Macclesfield tickets on sale now! We’re back at the Brian Addison Stadium again this Saturday, as we host fellow NWCFL Premier Division side Macclesfield FC in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup! Tickets for this game are on sale now, with the link on our social media’s and website - if you need any help securing your ticket feel free to ask a member of staff today at the game, or email us at squiresgatefc@hotmail.com . Tickets are priced at £6 for adults and £3 for concessions, with U12’s free, a matchday programme will also be available. We’re expecting a big crowd so get your ticket fast!

LUKE EVANS WINS RED ROSE AWARD Luke was credited for single handily keeping Squires Gate FC alive during the pandemic, and rightly so. As well as his demanding duties as first team manager, Luke has done countless other things to keep the club afloat. Among countless over things, Luke has negotiated sponsorship and commercial details, even installing the sponsorship boards around the stadium himself. He has helped revamp the club changing rooms and the whole ground, organised and run a football camp for children to attend in the school holidays, prepare the ground for the return of fans and run one-to-one sessions with the players in the off season - he even temporarily took on the role of groundsman!

THANK YOU ALBERT COOPER! 61 years since photographing his first football match, legendary Squires Gate Club Photographer Albert Cooper has hung up his camera, with Ian Moore stepping in to become his replacement after a year covering Gate. Albert officially welcomed Ian into the role by presenting him with an all weather waterproof jacket, and wished him many years of protection from the wet & cold that he’s sure to encounter in the many seasons to follow!

BARLICK GATE

2 2

03.08. 21 / The Silentnight Stadium Words by James Ashton A fairly quiet start to the game saw both sides battling well in midfield but unable to carve out anything meaningful in front of goal. Gate took the lead though after 20 minutes through Josh Pollard. The midfielder cut inside smartly from the left hand side and fired brilliantly into the far bottom corner from outside the area, beating former Gate ‘keeper Jordan Gidley. Ryan Riley produced an excellent block at the other end to keep Gate in front, while Feeney ought to have doubled Gate’s lead on 29 minutes. The striker latched onto a clever flick on from Ing but clipped his effort over the bar. Barnoldswick were level though on 37 minutes, as striker Paul Turner was played in behind and finished past Mike Hale, with the Gate defence appealing for an offside which wasn’t given.

Hale did have a save to make on 50 minutes but was able to comfortably keep hold of an effort from distance. The hosts though were awarded a penalty on 65 minutes. Gate struggled to clear their lines and Abankwah clearly took down his man, seeing the referee point to the spot. Barnoldswick Captain Andy Hill stepped up and saw his penalty saved by Hale, but had the ball fall fortuitously back to his feet and he managed to tap home, putting the hosts in front. Looking to get back in the game, Feeney did well to drive forward from deep but saw his long rage effort fall well wide. Gate continued to pile on the pressure but the hosts were standing strong.

Deep into added time though, a strike from Burgess deflected out for a corner, with goalkeeper Hale coming up from the back. Burgess’ delivery was punched away but fell to Hale who, amazingly, volleyed clinically The second half started as the into the back of the net, giving first one did, with both sides Gate a point with the last kick of struggling to threaten either the game and sending the playdefence too much. ers, bench, staff and away fans absolutely wild.

BARLICK TOWN Gidley (GK) Brierley Foulds Lynch Higgins Muir G. Hill A. Hill (Capt.) Turner Ashton Ralph

SQUIRES GATE Hale (GK) Riley Rogers Abankwah Higham Westwood (Capt.) Pollard Webster Feeney Ing Boyd

@squiresgatefc

PICS BY IAN MOORE

BARLICK vs GATE

ASHTON AT. 0 GATE 2

https://yt3.ggpht.com/a-/ AAuE7mB6EGtOYtfKfoWxO1w920VhlN0Rh4OWYYyQ=s900mo-c-c0xffffffff-rj-k-no

07.08. 21 / Brocstedes Park / FA Cup Words by James Ashton Squires Gate began their FA Cup journey with an Extra Preliminary round tie away at fellow NWCFL Premier Division side Ashton Athletic. Gate started brightly, with Ridings looking sharp on his return. The wing back brilliantly took down a long ball from Hale, beat his man and drove into the box, only for his shot to fall just wide of the far post. Evans’ men took advantage of their strong start after 17 minutes, with captain Josh Westwood meeting an excellent delivery from Ryan Riley and heading into the bottom corner. Ridings then went close again, having a powerful drive tipped over the bar. A dangerous ball across goal from Dean Ing then just evaded James Boyd in the middle. Boyd was then able to make it two on 37 minutes, intercepting a poor clearance from the keeper and firing into the empty net. Ing then had a good chance to make it three just before half time, but his curled effort was well held by the goalkeeper.

It was almost the perfect start to the second half for Gate, as Ridings had a golden chance to make it three. He broke in behind the defence but was denied by the feet of the goalkeeper. Hale was called into action at the other end for the first time with a huge save, tipping a goal-bound effort round the post.

ASHTON ATHLETIC Willan (GK) Whyte O’Hara Cartwright Akande Houghton Wilson Nicholson Korie-Butler Nicholson Perry

Max Rogers was introduced on 58 minutes, but just as he came on he was sent off. The opposition player seemed to kick out at Rogers from a throw in, but Rogers was the man shown red. Despite being down to 10 men, Gate looked to maintain their dominance. Ing had a half chance, heading just over the bar. Gate also had appeals for a penalty waved away after a challenge on Kieran Feeney, the striker was filling in brilliantly at right wing-back following Rogers’ dismissal. Hale was then forced into another save, smartly forcing an effort out for a corner. Ing then had another decent chance at the other end, firing over from a tight angle.

SQUIRES GATE Hale (GK) Ridings Riley Abankwah Bartram Westwood (Capt.) Pollard Webster Feeney Ing Boyd

@squiresgatefc

PICS BY IAN MOORE

ASHTON ATH vs GATE

AWAY DAYS

We take you behind the scenes with our media team to give you an insight into how we prepare for away matches, and our journey for each ‘away day’. Words by Dan Hayden A new season, and a new rebranding for the club on social media. One of our new rebrands is our ‘away days’. In this programme feature, we will try to give you an in depth look into how we prepare for match days behind the scenes, and our journey to and from games. Starting with part one - a trip to Barnoldswick Town. Preparations started for this straight after the Lower Breck game - although it is slightly less stressful than home games, we still prepare as best as we can. We all have our roles leading up to matchdays; I usually create the graphics, Jay does the website stuff, James prepares the tweets but overall we all chip

in and try to create as much con- After we sorted out our media dutent as we can. ties; James does the prematch interviews, I do the So, Tuesday 3rd August - Instagram and Jay sets up the Barnoldswick away… website, we sat down and had a read of the programme. In We set off to Barnoldswick at fairness, it was a decent 4:30, after James picked me up programme with enough to read, from work. A quick fuel stop via a solid effort. McDonalds and we were on our way. We had to set off a little A quick run to the bar before kick earlier than planned as we also off; a dark fruits for me and Jay, had to pick Jay up from work too. and a can of coke for the driver and we were ready. Finally, we were off! Jay was in charge of navigation while I was Some last minute scenes as Hale finishing off the graphics. netted an equaliser with the last kick of the game - bedlam! We arrived at the ground, just under an hour before kick off - We stopped for a quick drink and relieved as James’ engine light chat with the players after the came up just as we were match, before heading home. approaching the ground. All in all, a good away day!

FIRST-TEAM SPONSORS MIKE HALE

MATTHEW GARRETT

JOSH WESTWOOD (Capt.)

AVAILABLE TO

SPONSORED BY

SPONSOR

DENISE GIBSON

ISAAC ABANKWAH

JACOB RIDINGS

JAKE HIGHAM

LUKE HOLDEN

JOSH POLLARD

ALEX WELSH

OLLIE BURGESS

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR NATHAN BARTRAM

SPONSORED BY @THESHIRTUNION CHRIS WEBSTER

RYAN RILEY

AVAILABLE TO

SPONSOR

JACK WYERS-ROEBUCK

MATTY FINNEY

AVAILABLE TO

SPONSOR

MAX ROGERS

JACK ILEY

KIERAN FEENEY

JAMES BOYD

DEAN ING

LUKE EVANS - MANAGER

THE VISITORS BURSCOUGH The 2006/07 was one of the most successful in history for the club when the Linnets won the Unibond Northern Premier Division and the Lancashire Co-Op Trophy for the first time in 40 years when neighbours Marine were defeated. The league success was only confirmed after a thrilling climax.

Despite a promising end to the season the Linnet's were relegated from the NPL Premier division. August 2012 would see renewed optimism for Burscough, with the Supporters Club back on board and helping in the rebuild of the club. Goulding would spend the summer rebuilding the team on the pitch, and a hard working Football Club committee would start to rebuild the club off it. Burscough FC finished the 2012-2013 season in mid table in 11th place and the following season they placed in 14th. The club continued to play in the First Division North for the 2014-2015 season under Derek Goulding until he left for Bangor City in October 2014.

On the last day of the season the Linnets won at A.F.C. Telford United in front of nearly 6,000 fans. The victory meant they overtook the New Bucks Head side at the top of the table and won the title on goal difference by just 1 goal. The Peter Swailes Memorial Shield was then won to confirm Burscough as Treble Winners. In their first season in Conference North, Burscough finished in 8th position. Mark Beesley was named Caretaker Manager till January 2015 when he was given the role of Burscough were relegated back to the Unibond manager full time, he brought in Liam Blakeman as Premier with Andy Gray then taking over as man- his assistant. After a successful first season in ager. The season was completed under difficult charge when finishing in fifth place Burscough circumstances after chairman Chris Lloyd stood made the play offs losing to Spennymoor Town, down and withdrew all funding, New Chairman Mark left the club just before the start of the Gary Wright was then appointed. One of Wright's 2016/17 season along with many key players and first decisions was to find a replacement for despite their best efforts the club were relegated to manager Chris Stammers, who resigned after a the Hallmark Security North West Counties League poor start to the 2011-12 season, with former for the 2017/18 season. manager Derek Goulding making a return to the club.

CURRENT POSITION

BIGGEST WIN 21/22

BIGGEST GATE WIN

BIGGEST BURSCOUGH WIN

AWAY GOALS 21/22

13th

3-1

6-1

6-0

VICTORIA PARK

20 prominence to the area (housing the tombs of the Earls of Derby), but it was the development of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the railways in the 18th century that saw the area transform from a small village into a small town. Today, Burscough can be seen as a genteel, relaxed place – if you enjoy the quiet, then it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. The main attractions I nclude Martin Mere Wetlands Centre (plenty of birds), Burscough Wharf (canalside eateries, arts centres and health & fitness facilities) and its Booths supermarket (if you’re not from the North West, Booths are basically a ‘Northern Waitrose’). Its position by the canal and the surrounding countryside makes it a particularly popular place for walkers – I know this, as I (nearly) bump into some on my way the Old Packing House, for my first pint of the day (High Wire by Magic Coast Brewery – 5.5% pale ale, about a 7.5/10 rating for me).

Words: ‘goalmouthscrambles.com’ My destination for the first groundhop of 2020 is Burscough. A club who can be said to have ‘punched above their weight’ for much of the last two decades, The Linnets have dropped a couple of levels in more recent years and now find themselves in the North West Counties League Premier Division. Today, they’re hosting Congleton Town, hoping to pick up points to keep them from the bottom of the league – and the only relegation place to the First In the early-mid 2000s, Division North (for this season at Burscough were going great least). guns in the sixth tier of English football, the Northern Premier Located (roughly) between the League (obviously before the giant metropolises of Wigan and Conference North/South were Southport, Burscough lies within introduced). West Lancashire and has a population of around 10,000. In 2003, they reached the final of Originally developed as a small non-league’s most prestigious farming village, the Viking roots cup final, the FA Trophy – in are reflected within the town’s which they faced Southern name – Burh-skogr, meaning League side, Tamworth. Playing ‘fortress in the woods’. The at centre-half and managing building of Burscough Priory in Burscough was Shaun Teale – the 12th century brought some the Southport lad who had spent

After four years at Aston Villa, making 147 league appearances, winning the League Cup and finishing as a Premier League runner-up. Watched by a crowd of 14,296 (numbering more than the population of the town), Burscough were two-up after 55 minutes, thanks to a double from Gary Martindale, before Tamworth pulled one back late on – to no avail. Crowds thronged the streets leading to the club’s ground; everyone wanting to join in with arguably the biggest moment since it was decided to conglomerate all of those settlements around the railway line to create the town. A short stroll from Burscough Bridge railway station, the home of the football club, Victoria Park, will soon be no more – the club have already broken ground on building a new facility NEXT TO their current ground. The sale of Victoria Park for housing has allowed them to purchase the adjacent site; containing a 500

seat stand, ‘more spacious changing rooms’, ‘a more comfortable viewing experience’ and more energy-efficient (with floodlights said to be ‘less intrusive’ to the surrounding area), the new ground can be said to be a lifeline for a club who have struggled in recent years – the present-day Victoria Park being a sign of that. Undoubtedly, the finest day Victoria Park has seen was the 3-2 win against League One Gillingham in the first round of the FA Cup in 2005. Playing in the ‘proper’ stage of the competition for only the second time in their history, the hosts took the lead in the first-half – but Gillingham equalised early in the second. Gillingham had a man sent off (former Wigan midfielder, Mike Flynn) but still managed to take a 2-1 lead thanks to future Premier League midfielder, Matt Jarvis. In front of a crowd of almost 2,000, Burscough never let up and as

the 90th minute approached, they got their equaliser through an own goal, before an injurytime goalmouth scramble saw the ball fall to David Rowan who smashed it home to spark delirium for those squeezed into a viewing spot. I bet plenty of pints and pies were sunk that night. There was no mention of the reasons behind the move on the club website, but news reports (since copied and pasted onto a Chester FC forum) assert that the owners sacked the chairman and secretary, and sought to sell the ground. The only snag being that a covenant exists on the ground – the site of can only be built on if there is another site for the team to play on in Burscough. Despite the move being called ‘temporary’, the report says that Chequer Properties searched for ways to bypass the covenant and move the club out of town permanently.

The move to Skem did indeed turn out to be temporary and instead of selling Victoria Park immediately, the owners of the club seemingly chose to abide by the covenant and in January 2018, purchased the land adjacent to the current ground to develop the new facility.

There isn’t really much of a crowd on – incidentally, when I came here last time I stood in the terrace on the opposite side of the pitch to where I’m sat now. Except, today, that roofed terrace (and the entire side) has been fenced off, with rubble visible in the background.

The new ground can be used by the community, providing a safe, comfortable place for youngsters to play – and to watch their local side. Looking at all of the evidence I’ve had access to, it’s obvious to me that the attraction for Chequer was the land that Victoria Park sat on – they just didn’t bargain on the covenant.

The first-half was decent enough, but the scoresheet remained clean – although both sides had half-chances, there wasn’t much in the way of clear-cut opportunities that should have been put away.

I did laugh at what must have been the ‘executive area’, which was screened off from us This is a prime example of why normies – through the gaps I can covenants of this type should be see a buffet of chips was put on. placed on all football grounds – it ensures that, whatever happens There’s more notable action in to a club, the local community will the second-half – particularly still have a place to play and to from Burscough’s No10 (both in watch football. The plan for number and position), James Victoria Park is to build houses, Salkeld; his pace when running adding to the population – so with the ball has been opening getting rid of an asset to the up gaps in the Congleton locality makes little sense to a defence. local council, so good on them for standing firm on the terms of the On the 69th-minute mark, he covenant,. takes the ball 35-yards out and runs, and runs and keeps on Meanwhile, there’s a match to running – inside the area, before watch! With it being cold and wet, slipping the ball across the reach I sit in the stand – the broken, of the goalkeeper and into the far fading green seats presenting an corner. It’s a brilliant goal – the accurate picture of the state of best I’ve seen for some weeks. the club at the moment. I could This has become a cliché in do with a good portion of meat itself, but if Lionel Messi would (or some money, if they don’t have scored that goal, you’d hear give meat away at the football about it for weeks anymore), so I get a strip of raffle tickets. I happen to sit next to the old lady who makes the draw during the early part of the firsthalf, but needless to say, my mouth will be meat-free tonight.

FROM THE

AWAY END Linnets Matchday - @LinnetsM How excited are you to make the trip to Blackpool to face Squires Gate? We always like traveling to the seaside. We also get to see the famous Tower lights. What are your expectations for the season for Burscough? I would say we are expecting to finish in the top 6. What’s been your most memorable moment as a Burscough fan? Winning the FA Trophy in 2002/03. What’s your favourite nonleague away ground you’ve visited? Macclesfield, the facilities are brilliant. If you could choose 3 players from the championship to sign for Burscough, who would they be? Bright Osayi-Samuel Michael Olise Jason Knight Who’s your favourite player currently at the club? Have you been happy with the start of the season so far at Burscough? Any players we should look out for? I’ll tell you some from Macclesfield; Tom Clare and Laurent Mendy - not telling you any of ours! Prediction for the game? 3-2 Burscough

LUKE

DENSON Could you give us a brief insight into your career? How long have you been at Burscough, and any memorable moments? Started at Tranmere have played for Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde, Chester and City of Liverpool.

On the last trip to Squires Gate, Burscough put 4 past us. How do you feel about today's game? Feel confident we have a good group of lads here with some talented players. We are a new team and still learning as we go but we have a good mix of youth Been at Burscough since start of and experience and I fancy us last season but obviously with against anyone on our day. Covid etc. This is my first proper season. Not many memorable Any superstitions on a matchmoments so far as we have day? Anyone at the club got played so few games but I know some strange things they do this group of lads will have plenty before a game? this season I always put my right sock, shin pad an boot on before me left no What position do you play in? idea why but something I have Who is the best player you always done. One of the lads has have played alongside? got lucky Everton boxers with I play right back. The best player holes an that in but think they got I’ve ever played with would be binned after we got beat. Aaron Cresswell who now plays for West Ham. What is the last thing you do before stepping out onto the What is your usual matchday pitch? routine for away games? Is it Not sure on the last thing I do much different to home probably changes each week but games? more than likely get myself in the Nothing special; bit of breakfast, zone make sure everyone is ready walk the dog then meet the lads to go to war. and head to wherever we are going!

TEAM MATES Worst dress sense? Haven’t seen the lads on a night out yet but the gaffer has come to training in some dodgy gear so far Best and worst taste in music? Ryan Smith gets the lads going before the game. Worst is probably the gaffer! Worst jokes? Warren Sung, don’t think he has spoke yet so il go with him Management material? Kev Pollard but don’t think I’d want to play for him, he’s a bit angry Worst trainer? Few here but got to be Danny Brady. Who controls the music before the game? Ryan Smith has got the good tunes but Dec Daniels and Danny Brady have both had a go too and not disappointed 100m race, who wins and who comes last? Winner Danny Brady, loser Gibbo Who gets fined the most? Fined the most: Dec started of but he’s got his act together, Danny Brady leaves something after every game and session

YOUNG BRITS

ABROAD

Words by Ben Sully

Over the last few years, more British players have recently taken the plunge to ply their trade in other countries. Jadon Sancho has paved the way for young players to leave home comforts and try something new in leagues around Europe. In the last few years, we have seen Jude Bellingham swap Birmingham for Dortmund, Fikayo Tomori join AC Milan and Ryan Gauld play in Portugal before he left for the MLS this summer. In this article, we will look at three young British players who are trying to prove themselves in Europe.

JORDAN HOLSGROVE First up is midfielder Jordan Holsgrove who has played for Scotland at numerous age groups, including the u21s.The young Scot experienced his first taste of football away from British shores in 2019 when he was loaned out from Reading to Segunda División B side Atlético Baleares. After 22 appearances, two goals, and an assist for the Balearic side, Holsgrove earned a move to Celta Vigo in September 2020. The midfielder featured 17 times last season for Celta Vigo B, the reserve team of the Galicia club. Holsgrove did enough to impress the management of the senior team, which led to him making his debut for the first team in January of this year. He managed to score on his debut, with a consolation goal in a 5-2 Copa Del Rey defeat to UD Ibiza. The Scottish midfielder went on to feature five more times for the La Liga side last season. Holsgrove will be hoping that he can build on his promising start in Vigo and feature more in the coming season for the first team.

ISSUE TWO

YOUNG BRITS ABROAD

It is not often you see a player move from the English Championship to Bayern Munich. Many players dream of such a move that only usually occurs in video games. For 23-year-old Omar Richards it was not a dream, but reality. In May 2021, it was announced that the young full-back would be swapping Berkshire for Bavaria.

@squiresgatefc

OMAR RICHARDS

Richards came through the academy at Reading and featured 104 times for the Royals. Unfortunately for Reading, the German champions came knocking and Richards rejected a new contract from Reading and duly accepted a four-year deal to join Bayern Munich. The work now begins for Richards as joining one of the elite clubs of Europe brings the sort of pressure he has yet to experience. Furthermore, as someone who can play left-back or as a wing-back, Richards has the unenviable task of challenging the outstanding Alphonso Davies for a starting place. Even with the added pressure that being a Bayern player brings, it is certainly an amazing opportunity for the Englishman. He will be in a squad that features Robert Lewandowski, Serge Gnabry, Dayot Upamecano just to name a few. Richards will want to prove this season that he deserves to be playing at the highest level.

CLINTON MOLA

Clinton Mola is another graduate of the acclaimed Chelsea academy, but in January 2020, he joined Stuttgart, who were then in the second tier of German football in the 2. Bundesliga. Mola is a versatile player, who can play as a defensive midfielder but is comfortable as a centre-back or in a left-back role. He featured mainly at left-back for Stuttgart in the promotion run-in back in 2020. The former Chelsea player featured in eight 2. Bundesliga games in the 2020/21 season, with five of those games resulting in wins. Those wins proved crucial to helping Stuttgart gain promotion at the first time of asking. Unfortunately for Mola, he has not been able to play a competitive game since that promotion season. He missed the whole of last season with a hip injury, which stifled his progress. The good news is he has featured in pre-season, though he has recently picked up a slight injury. That may not be surprising as his body adapts to training and playing again after a year in the physio’s room. If the 20-year-old can have an injury-free season, then it will be intriguing to see how he fares in the top tier of German football. After the injury-affected year, he has had, Mola deserves a chance to showcase his quality in the Bundesliga.

ERLING HAALAND WHERE IS THE NORWEGIAN’S NEXT DESTINATION?

WORDS BY KIERAN SMITH Erling Braut Haaland has taken the footballing world by storm in the past couple of years. He first burst onto the scene with Molde in the Eliteserien and then in the Champions League with Red Bull Salzburg, before swiftly being picked up by Borussia Dortmund – where he hasn’t looked back since. The Norwegian giant has racked up a supremely impressive 41 goals in 41 games last season for Dortmund – providing 12 assists along the way. The powerhouse of a forward looks to be staying with Dortmund for at least another season, but with a release cause of £66 million pounds activating in the summer of 2022, pretty much every big club in the world will be fighting for his signature; but who is most likely to prise Erling away from Germany? Let's explore his options.

MANCHESTER CITY Could Erling follow in his father's footsteps? It's certainly a different era at Manchester City compared to when his old man was there in the 90s. City have become footballing powerhouses since the introduction of their sweet oil money and last year saw them crowned champions of England for a fifth time. Haaland would fit in perfectly at The Citizens, one thing they've been desperately crying out for is a clinical finisher and the Norwegian is just that. The money also won't be an issue for the wealthy Sky Blues, with £66 million being a drop in the ocean for Sheikh Mansour’s bank balance. A lot depends on the future of Harry Kane, who has been heavily linked to Man City, but you really feel if City secured the big man's signature, it could be game over for all the other English clubs.

MANCHESTER UNITED Current Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, has worked with Haaland before during his time as Molde manager and it’s reported that the pair had a ‘very good relationship’.

The Reds would also really benefit from a clinical finisher. They possess arguably the two best wingers in the league and adding Haaland to the mix would almost borderline on unfair.

Juventus have always been known for clinical strikers, David Trezeguet, Filipo Inzaghi, Gonzalo Higuain and Roberto Baggio to name a few, so Haaland's arrival would mean he's following some good company.

A front line of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Erling Haaland. Haaland's boisterous style of play Solksjaer has also made his Wow - that's formidable. would certainly suit the Italian values pretty clear on bringing game, so I wouldn't be surprised REAL MADRID young players into United’s side if they were in for him next and Haaland fits the bill perfectly. What world-class rising talent summer. isn't linked with Real Madrid? BAYERN MUNICH Once again - a club from Los Blanco's have been one of Manchester that's desperate for a the most desirable clubs to play The final team I believe will be in clinical finisher. Manchester for during the last few decades for Erling’s signature is Bayern United never seemed to fill the and remains the case even Munich. void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in despite their recent drop in Span2018 and with ish and European dominance. Munich are notorious for stealing Edinson Cavani's future at the Borussia Dortmund’s starlets, Red Devil's looking to last until Madrid are, like many clubs, in a with Robert Lewandowski, Mats the end of this season, next 'rebuild' stage - which means Hummels and Mario Gotze being summer may be the right time to they need to draw sensational the most recent exchanges besplash the cash. talent to their club and tween the German sides. isn't Haaland just that. Karim The Dortmund man will certainly Benzema, although phenomenal, It’s no dispute that contact will be be tempted for a move to English is knocking on a bit now and it made between the two football because of his dad’s may be time for a changing of sides, Haaland is a perfect Robplaying career. Combine this the guard. ert Lewandowski replacement – with Solksjaer’s Norwegian although the Pole shows absoconnection and they might be Madrid can afford Haaland’s lutely no sign of slowing down onto a winner. probable ridiculous wage and soon. with them looking for a new LIVERPOOL poster boy after Eden Hazard’s It all depends really on The Merseyside club didn't severe flop of a transfer, whether Haaland wants a new exactly have the title retention Erling could well be on a plane to challenge abroad, or will he stay season they were the Spanish capital next summer in Germany with Bayern to try expecting in the Premier League and establish himself as a JUVENTUS last year, nevertheless, they're Bundesliga icon. Time will tell. still widely regarded as a massive A club that will soon need to club with huge ambition - which is replace a departing generational Chelsea would’ve been included why Haaland could be swayed to talent, Cristiano Ronaldo. in this list, but the recent join The Reds. purchase of Romelu Lukaku will Juventus were lacklustre last surely rule them out of contention Liverpool have the pull of a world season, ending their nine-year for the Norwegian’s signature. -class manager who could help Scudetto win streak and allowing Barcelona would have also been continue to guide Haaland's Inter Milan to their first title in 11 in with a shout, but I’m pretty sensational growth into stardom, years. sure their bank account will say although he probably doesn't otherwise. need the help.

Words by James Ashton This week’s ‘Away Day’ tale was last Saturday’s trip to Ashton Athletic in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. I’ll be describing the events from the day, as Dan’s priorities lie with his paid job rather than his voluntary role - what a madman! I was on driving duty again, with my trusty Mini back to full fitness after a worrying journey to Barnoldswick the previous Tuesday. A quick stop off to fill up and get some McDonald’s for the road was made before I picked up fellow media-man Jay, then we were on our way! As it was an away game, we in the media team have a few less responsibilities, but there were still graphics to be finalised, tweets to prepare and match predictions to be made. Jay showed brilliant multi-tasking in the car to my be navigator while

AWAY DAYS

complaining of his achey arm he had just had his second covid jab - but an hour after leaving Blackpool, and after a couple of wrong turns, we arrived at Brocstedes Park, home of Ashton Athletic FC. We arrived just after 1pm so had a lot of time to relax and prepare. I took the chance to get my pre-match interview with manager Luke Evans done early and posted onto the socials. Mainly to allow him to focus on preparing his team for the game, but also to save stressing about it after 2pm! Jay took some videos around the ground for our matchday Instagram reels, while I took a few snaps too for Twitter and Facebook. A handful of players were undergoing late fitness tests, so we weren’t able to confirm our lineup till around 2.15pm. It did give me more than enough time

though to sort out the team sheet graphic for social media and debate with Jay over the selection while sitting with club photographers Ian Moore and Albert Cooper. 45 minutes later and in the pouring rain, me and Jay made our way into the stands to watch Gate kick off their FA Cup journey. A nice chat was had with some local supporters sat next to us, who seemed overjoyed that we were from Blackpool!

It was a good little stand with a three rows of seats and a decent view of the pitch. The game itself saw Gate start brightly, Jacob Ridings looking sharp on his return from injury. A towering header from skipper Josh Westwood gave us the lead 17 minutes in, with James Boyd making it 2-0 on 37 minutes as

he pounced on a poor clearance We headed back outside and from the keeper to double our with it being temporarily dry, we lead. opted to stand outside next to the Gate dugout rather than sit in We went into half time very the stand. I love standing at the pleased with the lads’ dugout, you really get an insight performance - they looked into how the team operate, assured, confident and solid, and how the coaches want the clearly bowled on by the late lads to play. There’s always good drama at Barnoldswick and the banter among the subs too! extra incentives the FA Cup bring. We were excellent in the second half too, and despite a questionaMe & Jay nipped inside at the ble red card against Max Rogbreak, and were delighted to see ers putting us down to 10our hosts had supplied us with men, we controlled the game and free teas, coffees, sandwiches, maybe ought to have got two or and cakes - a very nice touch three more. Shoutouts to the from a very nice club. I managed likes of Chris Webster, Isaac to charge my phone for a good Abankwah and Josh Pollard who 10 minutes, giving me a massive were all outstanding. 7% boost - POWER! Striker Kieran Feeney also did an Head of Youth Development excellent job filling in at right Liam Robinson was also there, wing back once we went down to giving Jay the fixtures for our 10. newly formed U23’s side.

You could see and hear what the win meant to the players as they walked off the pitch and entered the away changing rooms. After seeing Blackpool had nicked a point at Bristol City with a 93rd minute equaliser, me and Jay got out of the rain and had a quick drink in the clubhouse before I did my post-match interview with Luke Evans. That was edited and uploaded to the clubs socials, and me and Jay were off home. We stopped off on the way to pick Dan up after work and went back to mine for a few cans and a game of cards. We also worked on this programme that you’re reading right now! A lovely little away day and an excellent result for Gate in the FA Cup - onto the next one!

FOOTBALL BOOK REVIEWS

PAT NEVIN Words by @footybookreviews Depending on your age and interests, Pat Nevin is either an ex-Scottish International footballer and Chelsea legend, a DJ much influenced by the indie music scene or a respected media journalist and writer. One man, many facets and with a story to tell. Much like the release of Arsene Wenger’s autobiography, My Life in Red and White, Pat Nevin’s book was also keenly anticipated by many in the sporting world and beyond. And like the ex-Arsenal manager’s offering, Pat Nevin’s The Accidental Footballer is a book that has a sophistication, insight, depth and humour that is not always associated with the genre of football writing.

Nevin never intended to be a footballer (as the book’s title infers) with no clamour for the glamour and fame that a successful playing career could bring.

Indeed even though he was released by Celtic, the club he supported and watched from the terraces as a boy, Nevin was determined to follow the educational path taken by his siblings and would have turned down the club whatever their decision. That he found his way into the game through playing for Clyde, was determined by his desire to play the game he loved purely for enjoyment, whilst allowing him to continue his University studies and earn some money on the side to get to various music gigs in Glasgow. Indeed, you get the impression his love of the arts, and the chance to get to more involved in the indie music scene was as much as a draw as he moved to London and Stamford Bridge, than going full-time in England.

Growing up, football biographies and autobiographies tended to be very much along the lines of the ‘boy done good’, containing a less than inspiring linear plod through the matches and seasons the subject played in, with machismo tales of drinking and night club The move saw Nevin become part of a excesses adding the ‘colour’. successful Chelsea side as his goals and assists for Kerry Dixon saw the During Nevin’s career at Chelsea and Blues gain promotion from the old Everton (from 1983 to 1992), which he Second Division in 1983/84 with him focuses on in his book, this was indeed picking up the Player of the Year Award the culture that he found himself that season and in 1986/87. When amongst. Chelsea were relegated in 1987/88, he stayed in the old First Division by However, where his fellow squad moving to Everton, where his time was members were happy to lounge by the blighted by injury and the return of forhotel pool on club and international trips mer Toffee Manager Howard Kendall, abroad, downing a few beers in the sun, which after a loan spell saw Nevin stay Nevin wanted to get out and see the on Merseyside by signing permanently countries and the culture, wherever he for Tranmere Rovers. Internationally, he found himself, whether that be in was talented enough to earn 28 caps Europe or further afield in China and for Scotland, playing in the European Iraq. Championship Finals in 1992 and was Player of the Tournament as Scotland This wasn’t the only aspect that singled became European Under 18 Champiout the Glasgow born fleet-footed ons in Finland ten years earlier. forward from his clubmates.

Whilst football is central to Nevin’s ‘memoir’ (his parents always encouraged their children to use the best English they could), his love of music is evident not only through his interesting tales of his relationship with John Peel and meetings with others in the business such as Morrissey, but that each of the book’s 32 chapters headings are in fact song titles, handily detailed at the end with the artists also listed. Football and music aside, readers also get to learn of Nevin’s politics, influenced by the hard-working ethos of his family and the reality of growing up in working-class Glasgow, a city divided by the Catholic and Protestant religions. Indeed, as a Catholic, Nevin believed that despite his father’s years of dedication to his job on the railways, he was always overlooked for promotion in favour of his Protestant colleagues. It is evident that Nevin’s father was an incredible inspiration, not only working long hours for British Rail, but spending hours coaching his son and various youth teams, and even when Nevin moved South, getting to games in London. And just as Nevin feels able to articulate his view of the discrimination against his father, he is open in expressing opinions on major issues such as racism, the child abuse scandal at the Celtic Boys Club and the continuing sectarian problems at both Celtic and Rangers. Indeed, it will be interesting to see whether that particular issue would be explored in any potentially further book to come from Nevin, which could also look at parts of his playing career not mentioned in this memoir, at Kilmarnock and Motherwell, where he also had a stint as Chief Executive.

Words by Tom Devereux Non-league football is, in some circles seen as a bit of a magnet for anoraks not too far removed from train spotters and real ale enthusiasts. It has in some respects a well-earned reputation for grounds riddled with character to managers washing the team kit and a collection of footballing stereotypes from the lumbering centre-back and the hatchet midfielder to the lazy striker and commentators’ obsessions with non-league players day jobs during your team’s cup run.

However, non-league football could perhaps be considered an art form in itself; Away from the dazzling lights of its professional counterpart, the non-league chapter of the beautiful game has also earned a reputation for passion, desire and hard-fought victories rivalling that of the professional game.

Away from the footballing stereotypes that more commonly encountered than not; Non-League at its purest will leave you begging for more.

You will encounter teams who actually want to play football and entertain onlookers; And as they say, “The rest is History” with the passion, desire and heroic efforts For many a football supporter reigning supreme in what is, the whom perhaps consider art of non-league football. themselves a connoisseur of the beautiful game; Dwell deep You can check Tom’s blog out on enough into the art of non-league Twitter - @1904View. That might be true in some football then you shall reap the cases, but at its best, non-league treasures encountered. football is inclusive and community driven with supporters In prospecting for a spectacle, just as passionate about their non-league football in its purest clubs as their professional form will most provide the counterparts. Going to a football connoisseur valued non-league game opens you up entertainment from the off; On a to a world of unique footballing chance moment a hidden experiences no longer available treasure is encountered, my dear at your average Football League friend are in for a deserved treat. or Premier League match day. A Festival of goals, defensive Whether that’s standing on a heroics and a passion fuelled terrace or simply, and more game for the neutral may ensue commonly, no VAR! through non-league football.

NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION 2021/22 P

PTS

2021/22 SEASON SUMMARY (ALL COMPS)

Charnock Richard

Wythenshawe Town

Northwich Vics

Barnoldswick Town

Macclesfield

Congleton Town

AFC Liverpool

2021/22 MINUTES ON PITCH:

Longridge Town

Lower Breck

Avro

Winsford United

-2

Skelmersdale United

Burscough

-1

Runcorn Town

-2

Irlam

-3

Mike Hale 360, Josh Westwood 360, James Boyd 360, Chris Webster 360, Dean Ing 322, Ryan Riley 338, Kieran Feeney 303, Isaac Abankwah 270 Nathan Bartram 255, Jacob Ridings 240, Josh Pollard 216, Jake Higham 158, Jack Iley 119, Alex Welsh 104, Max Rogers 88, Ollie Burgess 54, Mekkaoui-Abbouzaid 12, Oli Orr 0, Luke Holden 0, Matty Finney 0

Squires Gate

-1

Padiham

-4

Litherland REMYCA

-3

Vauxhall Motors

-6

Prestwich Heys

-8

Ashton Athletic

-11

LEAGUE

FA CUP

FA VASE

Apps

Goals

Apps

Goals

Apps

Goals

Mike Hale

Jacob Ridings

Jake Higham

Nathan Bartram

Luke Holden

Josh Westwood

Josh Pollard

Dean Ing

James Boyd

Jack Iley

Kieran Feeney

Ryan Riley

Ollie Burgess

Alex Welsh

Chris Webster

Isaac Abankwah

Matty Garrett

Jack Wyers

Oli Orr

Max Rogers

M-Abbouzaid

Pld

GF GA CS 5

FS 1

*CS: Clean sheet **FS: Failed to score

2021/22 DOMESTIC BOOKINGS Chris Webster 2, Nathan Bartram 1, Josh Pollard 1, Mike Hale 1

CLUB APPEARANCES (2018-PRESENT) A big thank you to Kevin Lawton from Congleton Town for the stats from the past few seasons. Dean Ing 91, Ryan Riley 68, James Boyd 78, Joshua Pollard 51, Josh Westwood 49, Jake Higham 48, Jack Iley 26, Luke Holden 19, Kieran Feeney 12, Ollie Burgess 11, Jacob Ridings 10, Chris Webster 7 , Mike Hale 5, Nathan Bartram 4, Isaac Abankwah 3, Max Rogers 3, Alex Welsh 3, Matty Garrett 2, John Maguire 1, Oli Orr 1, Mekkaoui-Abbouzaid 1

CLUB GOALS (2018-PRESENT) James Boyd 39, Dean Ing 34, Josh Westwood 7, Ryan Riley 5, Jack Iley 3, Kieran Feeney 3, Jake Higham 2, Josh Pollard 2, , Luke Holden 1, Mike Hale 1

ROB In this feature, our social media manager Dan Hayden interviews media teams of other clubs to try and grasp just how different life is as a media manager further up the football pyramid. This week, it’s an interview with Rob Glover - Media and Communications Executive at Reading FC.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT READING FC

MEDIA DIARIES

GLOVER I have, I spent the second year of my degree volunteering in the media team of Northern Premier League side Kidsgrove Athletic, this was a brilliant place to try new things, practice and also to make mistakes. You get unrivalled creative freedom in non-league and that was something I really enjoyed, getWhat inspired you to get into ting to put my own stamp on the social media, etc? club's digital output while learning I think from an early age I'd been on the job. fascinated by social media, online presence and content so I owe Kidsgrove a lot, considerlooking back it seems logical for ing the following year I was lucky me to have gotten into content enough to secure a year long creation in football, a game I've media and communications loved since I could walk. placement in the Championship with Stoke City! However I probably realised there was a career in it for me That in itself was the most during my A-Levels, Media amazing first look as to what it's Studies was one of the subjects I like to work for a professional took and it was this that opened football club. I took so much from my eyes to the sort of roles I Stoke and I think having could find myself in. experience at such a big club behind me when I left University Having finished college I went on was a massive part in me getting to study Sports Journalism at my first full-time role at Reading, Staffordshire University and from a club in the same division. there I knew it was what I wanted to do! I truly believe I've got I had to bide my time for my myself one of the greatest jobs in chance at Reading, I'd spent the world. most of the summer during the pandemic struggling with the job Have you worked at any non search, getting to plenty of league clubs, and how did you interviews without getting over manage to get the job at the line etc. Reading?

But one day I happened to see an opening at Reading and I thought why not, so I put my name in the hat, got an interview, got a second interview and was lucky enough to be appointed. Now I'm six months in and it's been brilliant!

What makes a good club social media account, and any clubs content you like? For me a good social media account is one that understands its audience, their interests and what matters to them, while also showing the right level of humour and personality across their social output.

Your favourite part of the job? My favourite part of the job has to be filming and editing video There's some brilliantly managed content, I love getting to be accounts out there, but for me, in

club football I really admire Southampton, Bristol City and Manchester City, and on the international stage I think the content England have produced, particularly during the Euros has been sublime.

ENGLAND CAN BE A REDEMPTION STORY AFTER ALL...

AS LONG AS WE BE KIND!” Chris Stewart (@kitforbrains) reflects on a summer of encouragement on the pitch, but the improvements needed off the pitch - with online trolls ruining the game we all love.

Euro 2020 was a redemption and unfortunately were caught who wear their hateful opinions story, just not the one England out by the cruel, unpredictable out in the open, with pride. Most fans wanted. nature of a penalty shootout. of them find work at the Daily Mail. The narrative England hoped for Gareth Southgate should know was Gareth Southgate putting to better than anyone how that I wish that was just a joke, but bed the 25 years of hurt since feels, but Twitter wasn’t around there’s a ring of truth in it. Online missing his penalty at Euro ‘96 by back in 1996 for people to send trolls feel emboldened by the leading a bright, talented, young him death threats. I doubt constant negative bias of the England squad to victory in the Marcus Rashford will get a press and mainstream media European Championship final. lighthearted Pizza Hut advert who will vilify the likes of Raheem His saved penalty sent us out deal out of his misfortune. He’s Sterling for buying a large house back then, a win in a penalty probably fed more kids than or a flash car, making it a shoot out this time around would Pizza Hut ever has though, his headline story in a newspaper be a fairytale ending. So fairytale charity work has made sure owned by a billionaire tax exile. in fact that if you saw it in a thousands of children have had Hollywood film you’d say it was access to free meals over school Politicians too have come out too trite and unbelievable, so to holidays, he’s raised millions of publicly and told Marcus make things more realistic, Italy pounds for good causes, but it all Rashford to ‘stick to football’ completed their own story arc counts for nought because he when he was lobbying them to and avenged their failure to made a mistake in an incredibly not take food away from starving qualify for the World Cup two high stakes situation. children. He could have retorted years previously by shaking up that they should ‘stick to politics’, their management and squad Bukayo Saka took England’s but based on the state of the then going on a 2 year, 34 game final penalty of the game at just country maybe it’s best if they unbeaten run to reclaim their 19 years old. Can you imagine didn’t. Some of those same thrones as the kings of European playing in a European politicians put on England shirts football. Championship final, and then for photo opportunities with no having the weight of an entire sense of shame when they got to England losing on penalties is country relying on you when the final, tags still attached so an nothing new of course, they’ve you’re that young? I was 19 aide could return them back to only won 3 out of the 10 when Liverpool had their penalty Sports Direct afterwards. shootouts they’ve been involved shootout in the 2005 Champions in so defeat should be as routine League final and could barely But I want to leave with a note of as the the sun setting at the end handle the pressure of just hope. The day after the final, a of every day. Get Baddiel and watching it. mural of Marcus Rashford was Skinner to change the lyrics defaced with graffiti. Less than a again and add one more year of But it’s so easy to troll and criti- few hours later it was completely, hurt, it’s not coming home just cise online. If you’re angry or overwhelmingly covered up by yet. upset you can just lash out messages of support and love. without fear of reprisal because England will be back next year at In the social media age, however, there could be thousands of the World Cup and I hope that the story doesn’t end there. miles between you and your kind of positive support will Before Donnarumma had even target, you’re like a military drone continue, whatever the result in saved the last penalty, the online pilot except with 250 characters Qatar. hate had already started. Abuse instead of a missile. was flying in for Rashford, Euro 2020 can be a redemption Sancho and Saka, the three Anonymity is the big problem, but story after all. As long as we all players who didn’t score, three I don’t think bringing in ID checks be kind. incredibly talented young men for social media will help who stepped up for their country because there’s plenty of people

MANAGING

YOURSELF

Words by Alfie Clark

For many people, games are an escape; a break from reality. Sure, we all have the odd rage moment but at the end of the day, the majority play for fun. It's the same premise with the widely popular fantasy football game, Fantasy Premier League (FPL). Mini leagues with mates, the race for bragging rights and maybe avoiding a punishment for last place always makes for some great moments over the season and just adds to the love we have for football. On the opposite end of the spectrum, though, what's it like for the pro's? The experts? The one's who consider themselves the best? The select few people who have managed to make a penny or two off FPL have a lot of pressure on them to cement themselves as the best and the people who others can listen to for advice. Naturally, this creates intrigue amongst the wannabes in the community who believe they can follow in their footsteps. However, I believe that it is these people who are trying to make it to the top that end up stressing the most and put too much unnecessary pressure on themselves. Playing FPL seriously every season can easily result in overthinking, anxiety and

alienation from other aspects of life, so making sure you put yourself first will most likely make you play a better game. Here are my essentials tips to make sure you don't let the emotion of FPL take over your season.

also lead to a lot of overthinking and is extremely time consuming. We are all thankful that content like 'The Athletic FPL Podcast' and 'The Green Arrow Podcast' are just a few taps away, but excessive reading or listening to FPL content can waste hours of your day away, especially when a lot of the same ideas and points will just be regurgitated across these different forms of media.

Get off Twitter for a while The world of FPL Twitter can be a confusing one. So many people that they have cracked the code, found the new hidden gem or are just trying to drag people down a new rabbit hole. My tip to stop this is find your favourite podcast or article series A player bandwagon on Twitter and just stick to that one across can make the average player the season. Not only does this think everyone and their dog reduce your intake of content, but owns them, but that is never the may also make your own choices case. more often, as you are hearing less advice. Personally, I think twitter is the number one place for overthink- Take days off after every ing to occur. Seeing new ideas gameweek and draft from the pros will only Sometimes in FPL, you're going get your mind on the verge of a to have an absolute howler. It's meltdown, as you wonder how inevitable. However, at some you're going to fit Harry Kane, points in the season you're going Bruno Fernandes and Mo Salah to kill it. No matter what your in your latest draft. If that's the score is after a gameweek, I case for you, log out for your own would highly advise you to wait sake. until a couple days until the next deadline before you pick the Consume less content game up again and plan your Whilst podcasts and articles are next move. normally the best way to get help with your FPL issues, content overload, similarly to Twitter, can

This gives you time to cool off from a bad week or get off your high horse from a good week. Not only that, it allows you to refocus on your responsibilities in real life and ensures that FPL doesn't interfere with them. Finally, not only is a good move for your mental health, it is also useful tactically, as some people in your mini league may make rash decisions and 'go on tilt' for their upcoming transfers, depending on their scores. Take a season off Saying this to long time FPL veterans might sound stupid, but is definitely the way to prevent any mental issues caused by FPL to worsen. Taking a full season away from the game allows you recharge yourself, focus on more important aspects of life and also enjoy the season in a way you may not have done in the last few years. I can imagine that many avid players might not be able to find it in them to do this, even if signs of mental health issues were

popping up, so if that does apply hurl abuse at someone; don’t. to you, then seek professional help. To end on a lighter note, I hope all Squires Gate FPL managers No matter how stupid it may thoroughly enjoy their season. sound in your head describing May it be full of exciting moves, this to a councillor, there job is double digit hauls and mini ultimately to help. league glory. At the end of the day, FPL is all just a game. The fact that people can get to this stage over fantasy football does get you thinking, but it’s just the reality of the whole situation. A lot of these points can be linked to normal football, as well as drawing a lot of similarities to gambling, so don’t think these tips are exclusive to FPL only. Obviously, I didn’t touch on things like online abuse due to FPL rage, especially after the summer we’ve had so far, with racism peering it’s ugly head out of the shadows once again. I haven’t seen racial or personal abuse in the FPL community but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there, so if your first thought after a bad gameweek is to get online and

GOOD

Words by Peter Fleming Social media came along late in my life, which is probably just as well because I shudder to think of the wasted hours if it had been about 30 years earlier. I’ve got to grips with it, but I still can’t get head around which posts are going to prove popular and which are not. One such instance came this week. I had been to see a local non-league side play and I had posted some video clips of the goals, which normally do, on Twitter and though I would apologise to my non-football followers. “Sorry if I go on about non-league and bore you with videos but football is not something on the television but an important part of life in the community”. This Tweet got me 330+ likes and several new followers. It seems many people related to it and agreed with the sentiment which is genuine. The last year has been so difficult for many of us and I guess televised games, albeit with no crowds, have helped to keep football fan’s sanity but for many of us it can’t replace the real thing. For us live football is what really matters. I’ve managed to take in a few pre-season friendlies, but it started for real on 31 July with steps 5 and 6 of non-league.

TO BE BACK

First day back it was almost as if the previous eighteen months hadn’t happened. Barely 10 minutes in and the first big moan of the season started. Some of the away fans (of which there were many to their credit) were suggesting that the pitch had been made smaller to their side’s disadvantage; one even suggesting that the touch line had been moved in 6 to 8 feet! All this to stifle their ‘expansive game’ I kid you not.

Then on Tuesday it was my turn to be aghast at an away ground. I admit the vagaries of the English summer make work difficult for groundsmen, parched grass and hard surface one week and then a couple of heavy downpours and its lush green and soft underfoot. Here the grass looked to be 6 or 7 inches long in parts! Couldn’t they be bothered to mow it? Perhaps they lost the mower in the thicker sections?

As a regular at the ground I was baffled, it may have been moved a foot or so clear of the tracks left by assistant referees, but more than that no way. Of course, pitch dimensions are governed by the laws of the game so I though this an odd complaint but other than at ground gradings when are dimensions checked? I can’t recall ever seeing a man in black pacing it out with a metre wheel like some officious employee of the Council Planning Department. The irony is their home ground is well known for its unusual geometry and topography as well as its water retention qualities. If you get a large-scale Ordinance Survey map, I bet there are contour lines through their pitch and in winter there are usually a few weeks when the local ducks feel at home. All of this adds to the uniqueness of our wonderful football pyramid.

However, the referee seemed happy to play (I have no idea if there are any protocols other than will the ball roll) and both teams got on with it without much complaint. The unique conditions took the height out of some of the bounces following big wellies up field and the rolling ball did tend to hold up but all in all it was an entertaining enough game with 3 decent goals. Free kicks in particular were fun as takers tried to pick spots with the best lie like cheating golfers negotiating the rough at Carnoustie. Perhaps one day a free drop will be introduced. These are things you’ll never see covered on Sky or BT. The video camera is on charge for the next match, and I have a spring in my step. Its good to be back.

Yes, you read that right. Lionel Messi’s time at Barcelona has concluded after 21 years with the club. The end of an era most definitely, now that the muchrumoured move to French giants PSG has been confirmed. The Argentine has signed a 2-year deal and one which will see him be reacquainted with former teammate Neymar. The six-time Ballon d’or winner signed for the French side after Barcelona revealed they could not afford to honour the new contract they agreed with him because of La Liga's salary limit. The ‘new diamond in Paris’ will earn a reported £25 million a year after tax plus individual bonuses. In a situation exacerbated by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Barcelona have been struggling to reduce their wage bill in line with La Liga's rules for this

coming season and have also been in talks with vice-captains Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto about reducing their salaries by 40% in return for contract extensions.

that with Messi's new contract the club would have spent 110% even with him gone, that figure remains at 95%. Essentially, even though his new deal would have included a major wage cut – this was still too expensive for the They have also been trying to club to justify. What a sorry state sell several high earners of affairs. including Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Philippe As someone who has known Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti and nothing else than Messi at BarceMartin Braithwaite but have not lona all of my life, seeing him not yet found solutions for any of pulling on that no.10 Barca shirt them and even free agent next season will take some getarrivals like Memphis Depay ting used to. It’s one of those have demanded high fees for changes you think will never their services. come, but here we are. The first time in my life when the ArgenWage caps in La Liga are tine international won’t be playing calculated prospectively based in Spain. on a club's financial health and they must adhere to their cap in It was always going to be sad order to avoid future financial when the day of his departure penalties. La Liga will only permit finally came, this was evident Barcelona to spend 70% of their when he shed a few tears at a turnover on their wage bill, but press conference, but it’s also president Joan Laporta stated . sad when you analyse the

circumstances and context of his exit. Essentially, he’s leaving because he’s now become an unaffordable asset and would cause more damage to the club than good breaking financial fair play rules to attempt to keep him. But boy is that sad. The forward, who broke down as he received a standing ovation at the press conference, said he tried to "behave with humility and respect, and I hope that's the memory that will be left of me".

signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Achraf Hakimi this summer, but bringing Messi to Paris takes them to the next level. Suffice to say they are shaping up to be quite the force in Ligue 1 this season. Messi is the cherry on the proverbial cake. This whole saga involving his Barca exit might well cloud the judgement of many, but to sign Messi on a free deal (even at the age of 34) is one hell of a statement, especially for the Messi had spent his entire career league PSG play in. at Barcelona up to this point, coming through the club's At least we as football fans won’t academy before going on to have to say goodbye to seeing score 672 goals in 778 appear- him play just yet. Although I am ances after making his senior not too sure about seeing him in debut at the shy age of just 17 in the number 30 shirt though. 2004. He’s their all-time record Okay I know it’s intended to be a top scorer and played his part in throwback to his early Barca winning 34 trophies. days, but no.30 just screams squad player to me even despite Under the guidance of Mauricio the obvious reference. As if all Pochettino, PSG have already this wasn’t weird enough already.

MESSI CAREER STATS

MATCHES 929 GOALS 748

HAT-TRICKS 48 ASSISTS 315 TITLES 38

During the summer of 2005, Gernika Club moved to the municipally owned Urbieta sports complex on the northern fringes of the town, whilst Santa Lucia hosted rugby and for a few years, Metalfest, which is pretty self explanatory.

Words from Estadios De Espana Blog Gernika will forever be associated with the terrible atrocities of one day in April 1937 and Picasso’s striking depiction of the horror of that Luftwaffe bombing raid. I must confess that I knew little else about the town that lies between Bilbao & San Sebastian, so at least this article gives me an opportunity to shine a light on Sociedad Deportiva Gernika Club, the town’s senior club since 1922.

On 21 November 1954, the club moved to the south of the town and the Campo de Santa Lucia and it was here that they won the Copa Vizcaya in 1958 and promotion to the Regional Preferente in 1971

On opening, the football stadium consisted of just the one stand on the west side of the ground and an artificial playing surface. This has a raised seating deck that sits above changing facilities and offices. This main body of the stand also contains changing facilities for the town’s senior rugby club, who play on an adjacent field to the west. 1500 multicoloured seats sit beneath a perspex cantilevered roof, the profile of which resembles the wing of an old bi-plane as it undulates along the west side. The roof is held in place by natural oak beams, which when combined with the clear panels, ensure that the whole structure is bright, light and airy.

Three years later, Gernika Club debuted in the Tercera for the first time and spent the next twenty seasons usually becalmed in mid-table. That changed in 1993-94 when the club finished in third place in the league and then won promotion Gernika Club first made the lower to Segunda B after topping a reaches of the Vizcayan regional group that featured SD Huesca, leagues in 1929, but the lack of a Real Racing B & Chantrea. In 2011, work commenced on 60 permanent pitch saw the club metre long grada on the east side drop out of the league in 1933. The club was relegated to the of the ground. This sits between Tercera at the end of the 2002- the floodlights and houses 1000 After the Civil War, the club 03 season, and two seasons seats. moved to the Campo de Zubikoa later the club called it a day at and won promotion from the the Campo de Santa Lucia. lower reaches of the regional league in 1947. .

Words by @LuxembourgFooty

IT HAS BEGUN... Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to announce the return of the BGL Ligue, the countries top division - after a summer break! 16 clubs (the same 16 as last year, as there was no relegation due to COVID-19) are competing for the title, and it’ll go down to the wire as it did last year, it will be decided on 22nd May, which is when the last matchday is held.

This year represents a huge chance for them, as they were able to poach some of the best players in the league this summer.

At the other end, Hamm Benfica are ones to worry about getting into one of the two relegation (or the two play-off spots). They finished 14th last year with 5 wins out of 30, Hesperange were back in the and since that, lost their talisman top division last year and almost Maxime Deruffe to Jeunesse won the title, eventually falling 3 Esch. points short, and ending up in third place. They’ve continued Ettelbruck managed to escape the constant upgrade of their last place, in the very last matchsquads, signing both experience day of the season despite being and the biggest talents in the 10 points adrift from 15th. country. If they can manage the If they can build on their late form pressure better now, they are in they will be fine, but I wouldn’t with a shout. put them in the top 10 for sure.

Jeunesse Esch, all time record Although, we’re still early into the champions, are one of the season, we can lready talk about biggest winners of the transfer some of the contenders. window, managing the club similar to the French and Dutch Fola, who were champions last model, loaning and bringing in year, have overseen a busy youngsters from the neighbour transfer window where several powerhouses, and occasionally key players have left the club, from much bigger clubs elseand they have proceeded to start where. the season with a shocking defeat to Mondorf. Hostert have every chance to

Union Titus Pentage finished 2021/21 in 16th, and they’ve lost several players since, while their task is severely hardened with back luck in terms of avoidable long term injuries. While their task is severely hardened with bad luck in terms of avoidable longer-term injuries. Their performance represented the biggest disappointment kast year, after finishing 3rd in 2019/20.

become the underdog story of the campaign. After a complete rebrand, they’ve signed Cameroon international Guy Ndi Assembé, and Niedercorn’s forward talent RyadHabbas.

Unfortunately, every sign shows us their chances of staying in the division and avoiding the last four places are very slim.

Dudelange might be the most popular, and well known club in the country after consecutive UEL group stage appearances in 2018/19 and 2019/20.

NATHAN’S OF LAYTON Traditional English Gentleman’s Hairstylist - with 35 years experience

Est. 1934 PRICE LIST Mens Cut: £8.70

Appointments available 7 days a week.

Call Nathan on 07497265022 to arrange a convenient time.

Senior Citizens: £6.50

All aspects of gentleman’s hairstyling.

Kids under 14: £6.00

Full PPE used and fully licensed.

LIFE AS A

LONG LIVE

NON LEAGUE FAN

NON LEAGUE

Words by Liam Hampton @liamhjourno

Words by Ben Wright @ben_wrightyy14 With the continued commercialisation of the Premier League, the disconnect between football and its fans has never been more apparent at the top of the game. In the nonleague game this is far from the case, local people bellowing support for local players from the stands, the non-league fans are the blood that runs through the veins of football.

It goes without saying, having football back in our lives has been undoubtedly uplifting for every fan in the country. A summer of hope, anticipation and eventual heartbreak, where “it’s coming home” was put on hold. The remarkable powers of football uniting an entire nation The highs and lows of Premier through times of adversity. It was League football are present with a magical. more localised feel in non-league, giving local lads the chance to become heroes or perhaps villains. These lads often have friends and family cheering their names from the stands, they feel the pressure to perform not only for them but also for their community. The community come together like no other for the non-league game, a big reason for this especially in the NWCFL is because the teams in the league are often only a stone’s throw from one and other. Local derbies are constant which increases the pressure for fans and players, because as we all know there is nothing worse than losing on derby day. But between all the pressure and stress, the highs and lows and the long winter nights, the fans are still there. Talk to any non-league fan and they will tell tales of away days in the sunshine to somewhere you didn’t know had a team, or cold winter nights under the floodlights with a Bovril. Through thick and thin the fans are there, that’s what being a non-league fan is all about.

Back to reality and away from the exuberance of international football, the new footballing season has begun. It has already been a strange one. Possibly the greatest footballer to ever live being forced to leave Barcelona. Hundreds of millions of pounds being pumped out in the Premier League for Grealish, Lukaku and Sancho, while clubs in the division below them are struggling to pay their player wages. No matter how much you think football is dwindling away into avaricious obscurity where money is the only focus, there will always be one constant. Non -league. Without focusing too much on the business and financial aspects of the past 18 months, it’s important to understand the personal attachments to football. Following your team isn’t a hobby or a pastime, it’s a commitment. People from all backgrounds, all walks of life, join together as a community for one sole purpose - to support their team.

To be able to return to stadiums and grounds reunites these communities, which means more than most to non-league football. Non-league is where is the essentially the root of football. It’s where it begins for most professional footballers and where it continues for those who didn’t make it. If you played non-league when you were younger, you’re likely to watch it when you’re older. In many ways it isn’t about the quality of football or which team has the money financially. There is a deep appreciation for local football with the old rusting turnstiles, the mud -soaked pitches and the old clubhouses. It is what the sport is built upon. It is this season that non-league clubs need support more than ever. Those big corporate clubs don’t need your money, your local non-league club does. Who knows, it may be one of your local clubs to shock everyone with an underdog FA Cup run this season. Aside from the trivialities of Premier League football, the slog of the Championship and the escapades of league one and two, there’s always twenty-two players on a local non-league pitch putting their all into a game for the love of the sport. Long live non-league.

FIXTURES/RESULTS 2021/22 JULY H

3PM

0-1

18th

Hale

Riley

Higham

Abankwah

Bartram

Barnoldswick Town

7:45PM

2-2

221

13th

Hale

Riley

Rogers

Abankwah

Higham

Ashton Athletic (FA CUP EP)

3PM

0-2

N-A

Hale

Ridings

Riley

Abankwah

Bartram

Padiham

3PM

1-1

107

16th

Hale

Ridings

Riley

Welsh

Bartram

Burscough

7:45PM

Macclesfield (FA CUP P)

3PM

Litherland REYMCA

3PM

Irlam

3PM

AFC Liverpool

7:45pm

Garforth Town (FA VASE)

3PM

Skelmersdale United

7:45PM

Charnock Richard

3PM

Avro

7:45PM

Ashton Athletic

3PM

Longridge Town

7:45PM

Prestwich Heys

3PM

Congleton Town

7:45PM

Runcorn Town

3PM

Macclesfield

3PM

Vauxhall Motors

3PM

Northwich Victoria

3PM

Winsford United

3PM

Wythenshawe Town

3PM

Lower Breck AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Westwood

Pollard

Webster

Iley

Ing

Boyd

Welsh

Burgess

Rogers

Feeney

Garrett

Westwood

Pollard

Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Welsh

Wyres-Roebuck

Garrett

Burgess

Iley

Westwood

Pollard

Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Rogers

Wyres-Roebuck

Welsh

Garrett

Burgess

Westwood

Pollard

Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Iley

Mekaoui-Abouzaid

Holden

Garrett

Burgess

Iley

AVRO

BURSCOUGH

IRLAM

LONGRIDGE

MACCLESFIELD

PADIHAM

WINSFORD

BRAIN TEASERS 1.

Which Premier League team are nicknamed the ‘Eagles’?

Who did Chelsea play in the European Super Cup?

Who plays their home games at St Mary’s?

What colour shirt?

Who wears the number 5 shirt for Man United?

Fulham’s

home

HALF TIME TEASER

THE NUMBERS GAME Words by Ben Wright @ben_wrightyy14

ARSENAL

CHELSEA Sunday 18th December, 2005

German No.1

Now technical advisor of the club

Now a coach at Leicester City

Portuguese full-back

Swiss centre half

Signed from Porto in 2004

Played for Arsenal & Spurs

Captained club and country

Cameroonian full back

Also played for both clubs

Went on to play for Chelsea

Dutch winger

Now environmental entrepreneur

Over 50 caps for Ghana

Belarusian footballer

Revolutionised the CDM role

194 appearances for the club

429 appearances for Chelsea

Had an interim job at Arsenal

182 apps after signing in 2003

174 goals for Arsenal

‘Mr Cup Final’

SUBS:

Dennis Bergkamp

Geremi

Robert Pires

Robert Huth

Owusu Abeyie

MANAGER: ARSENE WENGER

MANAGER: JOSE MOURINHO

THE TEAMS SQUIRES GATE BURSCOUGH Manager: Luke Evans Manager: Nick Matthews

Mike HALE (GK) Jacob RIDINGS

Vincent BAILEY Dylan BOUSIQUE-GREEN

Jake HIGHAM

Daniel BRADY

Luke HOLDEN

Conor CHRISTIANSEN

James BOYD Dean ING Matthew GARRETT (GK) Oliver BURGESS Jack WYERS-ROEBUCK Oli ORR Isaac ABANKWAH Josh POLLARD Alex WELSH

Declan DANIELS Luke DENSON Owen FISHER-JONES Jack FLIGHT James FLIGHT

Luke GIBSON Peter HENERTY Joseph WAUGH (GK) Jack HONT David JONES Mitchel KINSELLA Jack LEAMEY Christopher LOMAX Kevin POLLARD

Matty FINNEY

Joshua QUARLESS

Max ROGERS

Lewis SINNOT

Kieran FEENEY

Ryan SMITH

NWCFL Premier Division / Date 17/08/21/ The Brian Addison Stadium Referee: Robert Denton Assistant Referees: Aaron Rhodes Henry Naylor