A word from St Helens . . . Welcome Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to the Regional Athletics Arena at the City of Manchester Stadium for this ‘extraspecial’ commemorative fixture between St Helens Town and a Manchester City Former Players XI - celebrating the 60th anniversary of the transfer of legendary goalkeeper Bert Trautmann (pictured left) from Town to City back on the 7th October 1949. I’d like to take a few moments to thank Manchester City Football Club for their support in arranging today’s game, especially Danny Wilson, Rebecca Firth, Andy Derbyshire and their colleagues. Our thanks also go to Allan Grafton and Derek Partridge of the Former Players’ Association and to the players who have given their time today to support the event and the charities involved. Financial support from sponsors has been excellent in these economically tough times and our thanks go to Gareth Shone, General Manager of Johnsons Toyota Liverpool who are today’s Match Sponsor; Barry Hayton, of Hayton’s Travel today’s Match Ball Sponsor; Paul Keen of 438 Marketing for their support in producing the programme covers and to all our programme advertisers and contributors. We also say a big thank you to the St Helens Town Juniors U14s who will perform ball-boy duites this afternoon and our friends from Maine Road FC and the Manchester City Centenary Supporters Association who have provided assistance with raffle and programme sales and a ’bucket collection’ in aid of the Sierra Leone project. Finally, thanks go to referee Alan Clayton and his assistants Martin Howe and Phil Broadbent for their services. In welcoming today’s guests, sponsors, club officials and you the fans we should not forget a notable absentee - unfortunately Bert, our Honorary President, is unable to attend today’s celebrations; at 86 years old his visits to Manchester from his home near Valencia have become increasingly difficult with travel options both limited and lengthy. However, in my conversations with Bert over recent weeks he has shown tremendous enthusiasm for today and he continues to recollect his time in St. Helens and Manchester with huge affection. His support for this event has also extended to making himself available for local, regional and national print and broadcast press interviews. One such interview, with the St Helens Star newspaper, is printed elsewhere in today’s programme. In Bert’s absence I am delighted to be able to welcome Steve Fleet, who understudied Bert for many years and later became youth team coach at Maine Road in the 1970s. Steve will be presented to both teams prior to kick off along with City’s long serving Secretary Bernard Halford who celebrates his 50th year in Football. Mr Halford will kick off today’s match to commemorate his personal landmark. I am sure you will all join me in offering our best wishes to Bert back home in Spain - may the sun continue to shine on a truly remarkable gentleman and sporting hero. I am hopeful that a bumper crowd will ensure the club and the various charities being supported will benefit greatly. John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town Football Club
Today’s Match Sponsor: JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk
Sunday 15th November 2009, 1.00pm
The Bert Trautmann Trophy St Helens Town v Manchester City XI Red & White No Gls St Helens Town
Sky Blue No Gls Manchester City
Kevin Woods
Andy Dibble
John Elias
Peter Barnes (c)
Peter Birch
Ian Brightwell
Neil Jones
David Brightwell
Luke Faulkner
Andy Morrison
Mike Fargher
Andy May
Phil Mitchell
Kenny Clements
Ben Kay
Jim Melrose
Rob Hanley
Frank Carrodus
Andy Gillespie
Asa Hartford
Mike Scully
Neil Pointon
Marc Stephens
Les Chapman
Mark Evans
Paul Lake
Danny Clarke
Kevin O’Connell
Ian Frazer
Nicky Summerbee
Graeme McCall
David White
David Burns
Eric Nixon
Jamie Foster
Steve Redmond
Andy Gillespie
Joe Corrigan
Manager: Gary Bickerstaffe Assistant: Lee Riley Physio: Joe Ferguson
Manager: Derek Partridge Trainer: Paul Lake
Referee: Mr Alan Clayton (Hyde) Assistants: Mr Martin Howe (Altrincham) & Mr Phil Broadbent (Hyde) Mascots: Francesca Dyson (6 years) and Luca Dyson (4 years)
Today’s Match Sponsor: JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk
Interview with a Legend . . . Mike Critchley speaks with Bert Goalkeeper Bert Trautmann is a footballing legend who despite now being 86 is still actively doing his bit for sport and Anglo-German relations. Countless generations of football followers have grown up being told the tale of how the Manchester City shot-stopper broke his neck in the 1956 FA Cup Final, but played on and carried on making brave saves to help his team to a 3-1 victory. Fewer folk beyond the borough know that Trautmann’s football career started in St Helens. Today Town will play a Manchester City Legends team to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his transfer to Maine Road and this week speaking to Mike Critchley at the St Helens Star newspaper from his home in Valencia, Spain, Trautmann revealed that the town of St Helens and the football club where he started still have a special place in his heart. Trautmann came to England after being captured by the Allies during World War II and was held as a prisoner of war at Northwich and then Ashton-in-Makerfield. On his release in March 1948, Trautmann spurned repatriation and began playing for St Helens Town. He became a popular figure – and crowds boomed at Hoghton Road with him between the posts. The warm feelings are mutual. Trautmann said: “I will always have such fond memories of St Helens in my heart. If I had to write a CV my time there would be at the top of the list. “St Helens gave me a new life. The war and the subsequent three years as a POW took eight years out of my life.” “When I came out of the POW camp I was welcomed into a beautiful community in Sutton. It was a mining district – miners are the same the world over and very warmhearted and the people took to me.” Crowds at Town’s matches boomed, with numbers on the terraces rocketing from 300 to 6,000 allowing the club to develop their ground with the proceeds. “The club were very kind to me,” Trautmann added, “and at Christmas 1948 I was called to a meeting. When I arrived the 10 members of the committee sat me down and explained the predicament of the club and how times were hard.” “They then presented me with a trunk weighing about 70 kilos, which was packed with everything. Gave me an envelope with £50 in it, which was an awful lot of money back then. It was a sign of my acceptance.” Trautmann was fully integrated into the St Helens sporting scene and even trained up at Knowsley Road, home of St Helens Rugby League Club and now St Helens Town.
“Some of the Saints players were friends – especially Stan McCormick, who had just joined from Belle Vue Rangers and I would regularly train with him.” “St Helens motorcyclist Geoff Duke, who went on to win the World Championship six times, was another personal friend. I had a great life there.” Trautmann met and later married the club secretary’s daughter Margaret Friar and credits the time he spent here as being a big part of his learning curve about life. He said: “My first father-in-law Jack Friar was a real gentleman and had a real effect on my life and was like a father to me.” But his performances were catching the eye, particularly during the 1948-49 season – and within months of the start of the following season Trautmann was snapped up on a free transfer by Manchester City. There were protests when Trautmann first started playing in front of the big post war crowds in the English first division – and some City fans even returned their season tickets. But Trautmann’s ability and personality managed to win them over, although he has his own theory. “It was not my ability or my performances that ‘won them over’. I love people and would always go out and talk to people outside the ground. I think my education really started when I came to England.” His signing for City led to a long and successful career which lasted more than 500 games until 1964 – and from there his managerial stint took him from Stockport County to Burma, Liberia and Pakistan. But he did not sever his connections with Town and the borough and although he cannot make it back for today’s game, he is happy to endorse the Bert Trautmann Trophy. He added: “A few months ago I met up with Town’s commercial manager Andrew Bilson-Page in Sale and he asked me if I could do anything to help the club. “Now I told the club if I had made millions from playing football, like the players today, I would gladly have given them a million pounds to help them out. But football was different in the 1950s so instead I gave them some items to auction. St Helens Town will always have my best wishes.” These items raised over £1000 at Town’s end of season Presentation Evening in May this year.
Interview courtesy of Bert Trautmann and Mike Critchley of the St Helens Star Newspaper
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King of the Kippax . . . Bert Trautmann For me it was 1955 when I first became interested in soccer. I was 11 years old and City were on their way to Wembley, with tales of the heroics of their German born, ex prisoner of war, goalie, Bert Trautmann, becoming legendary, as we were treated to glimpses of his performances on the newsreels and television clips of the day. At that age I was obviously unaware of the initial re-action to the signing of the German, from St Helens Town in 1949, so soon after the war. Some fans were up in arms, boycotting City’s games in protest. However, his displays on the pitch and the publicity they generated soon had them flocking back to Maine Road. Indeed, football crowds up and down the country took our blond hero to their hearts and it is safe to say that Bert did much for Anglo-German relations in those austere and troubled post-war times. Like most young Blues of that era I had a scrapbook of the City stars with Bert, naturally, taking pride of place. As a budding goalkeeper myself I obviously modelled myself on him, but only reached local league standard (though my workmate Dennis Hurst, a classmate of Frannie Lee, did play for St Helens Town). I also kept a diary of City games in scrapbook form, and on the way back from West Ham in 1959 I seized my chance for autographs as the players were travelling on the same train. I remember Bert’s wife, Margaret, being present too, and giving me a ‘boys will be boys’ look, with a wry smile, as I fussed round the players. She looked like a film star and I thought she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Anyway, Bert duly signed my book, flicked through it, turned to George Hannah and said “this boy looks like he’s going to become a journalist George”. George agreed, but I didn’t of course! Years later I met Bert at a Sportsman’s Dinner, and told him I was a goalkeeper and had modelled myself on him, Someone then asked him a question, and he turned to me and said “Dave, you were a goalkeeper, what do you think?” I was speechless. Anyway, I last saw Bert a couple of years ago, when he was looking great. Previously I recall his being asked at a supporters club meeting if he thought that Nicky Weaver was a better goalie than him and he replied “yes, he is now, but I am 77 years of age”. Classic. Brilliant that he has accepted the position of Honorary President at St. Helens Town. Let’s hope that today’s match for the Trautmann Trophy goes well and benefits the Trautmann Foundation and St Helens Town, and maybe prompts the Manchester City club to finally name a stand after the great man. It’s long overdue, and time is running out. Dave Wallace, Editor King Of The Kippax fanzine
King Of The Kippax Fanzine obtainable for £3.20 including p&p from 25 Holdenbrook Close, Leigh, Lancashire WN7 2HL
Cheques to ‘King of the Kippax’
GRAND CHARITY MATCH TO BE PLAYED ON
GARSWOOD PARK GROUND
On SUNDAY, 13th APRIL, 1947
P. O.W. TRAUTMANN HUEPSCH ALFTER
KRAEMER
GEISSLER
FEDERLE
ALBRECHT
KRAUS
WOLF
MUELLER
KRUG N. JONES
DRURY F. JONES
R. BIRKETT
HEAVEY
ARNOLD SHAW
MILLER WALSH
PAINTER
W. BIRKETT
HAYDOCK Kick-off 3 p.m.
Referee, J. ROGERSON.
All proceeds to be devoted to the
SOUVENIR PROGRAMME Reproduction of the 1947 souvenir programme - courtesy of Glyn Jones
FORM NO
JOCK TURNBULL TESTIMONIAL FUND
A City Legend writes . . . Mike Summerbee Bert is one of football’s true legends. We just missed one another at City. He had left a year before I arrived having played more than 500 times for the club we both love. Since then we have become good friends and not just because he was actually in the German army and I was merely in a film fighting against them! As every City fan knows Bert’s story is incredible and would have been so even if it had been specially penned for the cinema. He was a paratrooper in the war who earned his country’s Iron Cross but who was captured and imprisoned in a camp in Ashton-in-Makerfield. After the war he refused repatriation and settled in the area playing for St Helens Town and then signing for City in 1949. He stayed 15 years and won over those who were prejudiced about him playing for the Blues with his ability and wonderful consistent performances that made him one of the best in the world right up alongside such renowned figures as Lev Yashin and Gordon Banks. Bert’s heroics in the 1955 FA Cup final victory over Birmingham when he played on with a broken neck for quarter of an hour are typical of a man who had no fear and was a team player through and through. Honest, forthright but always with City at his heart Bert is now an honorary holder of the OBE for promoting Anglo-German relations. He has remained a tremendous friend to the club and to the former players’ association. I am delighted that his statue has pride of place in the new offices ‘City@home’ at the ground and proud too that my son Nick will be playing in a match that bear’s Bert’s name . . . a name that will never be forgotten in the history of Manchester City. Mike Summerbee
Trautmann Foundation . . . Courage Counts When we first met Bert Trautmann, we of course knew the incredible story of the German goalkeeper who played on after breaking his neck in the 1956 Cup Final. But we soon realised that this outstanding sportsman cannot simply be reduced to that one event. He has touched people’s hearts and is remembered as a true sportsman and gentleman.
If it were just a matter of his sporting achievements, perhaps only football statisticians would remember him now. However, Bert Trautmann personifies values such as courage, passion and sportsmanship more than almost any other sportsman, and he has had a positive influence on an entire generation in post-war England. It was never a one-sided love affair. England and its people taught “the Kraut” far more than catching balls. It is a mutual affection that now lasts for more than half a century. Bert is still deeply moved when he recalls the day when St. Helens supporters invited him into a café before he travelled back to Germany for the first time in 1949. The place was crowded with fans that surprised him with a huge suitcase full of food and an envelope with 50 Pounds and that at a time when not only in Germany food and money were scarce. Due to the warm-hearted affection he experienced in St. Helens and later in Manchester giving something back to people has always been of particular concern to
Bert Trautmann. It is also the core idea of his Foundation. Through projects like the ‘Kick&Think’ Academy and the ‘Courage Counts’ Competition, the Trautmann Foundation is attempting to instil in children and young people precisely those values which seem to us even more relevant today than ever. Hence our motto: Courage Counts. In our projects schools from all over England and Germany take part. The Academy brings together children from both countries and a wide variety of backgrounds. Together they discuss what role courage and sportsmanship play in their daily lives. The same applies to our Courage Counts Competitions, for which we received several hundred entries, with children answering our questions in the form of texts, photos, pictures and even films. We are particularly delighted that more girls than boys take part in our competitions – proof that sports and football are no longer a purely male domain. The Trautmann Foundation also honours people who distinguish themselves through courage and sportsmanship on and of the pitch. Uwe Seeler was the first person to receive the Trautmann Award for his exceptional social commitment in the world of football. He was followed by the President of the German Football Association – Theo Zwanziger. We are quite confident that the next Trautmann Award will be handed over to an English football personality. Bert Trautmann recently announced that the next Manchester Derby in spring 2010 will be the last he will attend. At the age of 86 travelling from Spain to Manchester simply has become too strenuous. But he is convinced that his Foundation with the support of all those who care about values like courage and sportsmanship, will still achieve a great deal. If you would like to learn more about our work, please contact us:
Trautmann Foundation Uhlandstr. 171 10719 Berlin Fon: +49-30-284 700 36 Email: kontakt@trautmann-foundation.org www.trautmann-foundation.org
Manchester FA are delighted to announce their
Annual Grassroots Dinner Monday 30 November 2009 Guest Speaker: Wayne Rooney at Lancashire Cricket Club £350 per table Evening includes a 3 course meal followed by a question and answer session with Wayne Rooney. Entertainment will continue late into the evening with a comedian and memorabilia auction. Book a table on-line at http://eventspace.thefa.com/manchesterfa/rooney
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A Fan’s View . . . Sky Sports - John Gwynne Sky Sports commentator John Gwynne has supported Manchester City since 1957 and Bert Trautmann, to this day, is his biggest sporting hero. During his years commentating on football, rugby, cricket and darts he has seen them all, the likes of George Best, Colin Bell, Ian Botham, Viv Richards, Jason Robinson and Eric Bristow but Bert stands out above them all. “Not just for me, I suppose, for my generation of City fans Bert will always be tops. I have had the pleasure of meeting him several times and not only is he a brilliant goalkeeper but also a true sporting gentleman,” he insists. Imagine John’s reaction when he saw Bert Trautmann’s name spelt incorrectly, of all places, at the new Wembley Stadium when he made his first visit there in May. John said, “I was working for Sky on the darts Premier League finals at the Wembley Indoor Arena in the evening and, being on good terms with Burnley Football Club, I was lucky enough to get a couple of ‘comps’ for their Championship play-off final against Sheffield United that afternoon - they won 1-nil and are playing in the top flight alongside City, United and the rest, of course.” John, a former schoolteacher, noticed that one of the many themed bars was in Bert’s honour. ‘The 1956 Bar. Trautman plays on’, it stated. “I was horrified. There was only one ‘n’ at the end of his name. What a horrible mistake! It was like spelling Matthews with one ‘t’ or Bobby Moore with one ‘o’, unforgivable!” On getting back to his Denton home the next day, John got in touch with Wembley Stadium to tell them of their error and they immediately assured him that the matter would be dealt with. Next time he’s there - and he hopes to be watching the Blues in a cup final this season - John will be checking, just to make sure!
Former Players Association What Bert means to us . . . As a player who played (badly!) for both clubs, I feel qualified to write this piece because I have a foot in both camps. One of the big plusses of being a footballer in the fifties and early sixties at Manchester City was that not only were you affiliated to a great club, but there was the added bonus of seeing and actually training with the great Bert Trautmann every day of your life. Bert was and indeed still is everybody's hero. Not only because he was the world's best goalkeeper but because of his somewhat unique background and the actual man he is. The directors at St Helens Town were the first to spot his potential. They didn't actually have to look very far because he was playing only a few miles up the East Lancashire Road in Ashton in Makerfield and in his circumstances as a prisoner of war, he wasn't likely to be going anywhere else in the near future!! Nevertheless it was a great risk for St Helens Town to enlist the services of an ex German paratrooper so soon after the war, no matter how good he was and it was, in turn an even bigger gamble for a major club like Manchester City to do exactly the same after he had earned a string of rave reviews playing in The Lancashire Combination. Both clubs deserve huge credit for taking such a bold step but most of the credit must go to Bert himself of course for the way he handled such a delicate situation with his now familiar humour and humility. His demeanour both on and off the field earned him tremendous respect and adulation around the world and before long even his most fervent detractors became his most dedicated fans. This game today commemorates the 60th anniversary of his transfer from St Helens Town to Manchester City. A memorable day indeed for both clubs but equally important, a red letter day for Anglo German relations that thankfully still exists to this very day. Fred Eyre Former Players Association Eastlands November 2009
LANES TROPHIES
Proud supporters of St. Helens Town Football Club For all your Trophy & Medal requirements 121 Higher Parr Street St. Helens Merseyside WA9 1AG Tel: 01744 732229 Fax: 01744 732293
Today’s Match Sponsor: JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk
City Former Players . . . Introducing the City Legends squad Andy Dibble, Age 44, City 1988-1997, 116 games Welsh goalkeeper, began career at Cardiff City, signed for City from Luton for £240,000 and also featured for Rangers, Stockport and Wrexham. 3 Welsh caps. Saved penalty for Luton against Arsenal to help win League Cup for Hatters in 1988. Ended career at Accrington in 2006. Eric Nixon, Age 47, City 1983-1988, 58 games Born Manchester, began career at Curzon Ashton, joining City in 1983 for £1000. Transferred to Tranmere for £60,000, helping the Wirral club to two promotions and the brink of the Premier League. After 13 years at Tranmere, went on to serve Stockport and Wigan Athletic, ending playing days at Sheffield Wednesday at age of nearly 41. Played 522 league games over 22 years. Ian Brightwell, Age 41, City 1986-1998, 321 games, 18 goals Signed from City’s Youth team, played in every outfield position in 13 years at Maine Road, scored a spectacular equaliser in the Manchester Derby in February 1990. Left City on a free transfer for Coventry, also played at Walsall, Stoke, Port Vale and Macclesfield. Won 4 England U-21 caps. David Brightwell, Age 38, City 1988-1995, 44 games, 1 goal Defender, brother of Ian and son of Olympic gold medallist Ann Packer and 400-metre runner Robbie Brightwell. Began career at City, also played for Bradford City, Northampton, Carlisle, Hull and Darlington. Andy May, Age 45, 1980-1987, 15 games, 8 goals Born in Bury, played midfield for City for 7 years, moving to Huddersfield, Bristol City and ended his league career at Millwall. Also had a loan spell with Bolton Wanderers. Peter Barnes, Age 52, 1974-1979 and 1987-1988, 123 games, 15 goals Son of City legend Ken, played his first game for City in 1974 and scored in the 1976 League Cup Final aged 19. Voted PFA Young Player of the Year, but sold by Malcolm Allison to West Brom. for £752,000 in 1979, moved to Leeds in 1981, also played for Coventry and Manchester United before re-joining City in 1987. Transferred to Hull City and ended his career with Mossley. Played 9 times for England U-21 and won 22 full caps, scoring 4 goals. Kenny Clements, Age 54, 1972-1979 and 1985-1988, 225 games, 1 goal Born in Middleton, had two spells at Maine Road, serving Oldham in between. Later played for Bury , Limerick and Shrewsbury, ending his career at Curzon Ashton. After retiring, set up a driving school in Oldham. Jim Melrose, Age 51, 1984-85, 34 games, 8 goals Scottish striker, scored 99 goals in 399 career league games, beginning at Partick Thistle. Played for Leicester and Coventry before signing for City after a brief spell with Celtic. Went on to serve Charlton, Leeds and Shrewsbury. Steve Redmond, Age 42, 1984-1992, 235 games, 7 goals Central defender, born Liverpool, won 14 England U-21 caps, some as captain. City’s youngest-ever captain before Micah Richards, left to join Oldham, later moving to Bury and ended playing days with Leigh RMI. Andy Morrison, Age 39, 1998-2002, 3 games, 4 goals Scottish centre-back, had a colourful and sometimes controversial career, playing for Plymouth, Blackburn, Blackpool and Huddersfield, before signing for City and helping the Sky Blues to successive promotions back to the Premier League.
Neil Pointon, Age 44, 1990-1992, 74 games, 2 goals Left back who began his career at Scunthorpe. Had 5 years at Everton before moving to City in 1990 to rejoin manager Howard Kendall in an exchange deal involving Andy Hinchliffe. Signed by Joe Royle for Oldham in 1992, he went on to play for Hearts, Walsall, Chesterfield and Hednesford Town. Frank Carrodus, Age 60, 1969-1974, 42 games, 1 goal Cheshire-born winger, went on to play at Aston Villa, Wrexham and Birmingham City. Nicky Summerbee, Age 38, 1994-1997 and 2001, 131 games, 6 goals Son of legend Mike, born in Manchester but began career at Swindon Town, signed for City for £1.3m by Brian Horton, but sold by Alan Ball to Sunderland in an exchange deal for Craig Russell. Later moved to Bolton and returned briefly to City before further moves to Forest, Leicester, Bradford City and Tamworth. England U-21 and “B” caps. Asa Hartford, Age 59, 1974-1979 and 1981-1984, 260 games, 29 goals Scottish midfielder, began career at West Brom. and was due to join Leeds until “hole in the heart” medical blocked the move. Joined City in 1974 for £210,000, going on to prove the doctors spectacularly wrong. Left for Forest and also played for Everton before returning to Maine Road in 1981 to play 75 more games. Won 50 Scottish caps, scoring 5 goals, went on to serve Bolton and Stockport as player-coach and also managed 4 clubs before returning again to City as assistant (and caretaker) manager. Paul Lake, Age 41, 1986-1996, 110 games, 7 goals Trainer to the Legends team, he was born in Denton and played in nearly all outfield positions for City before suffering a series of catastrophic injuries which ended his playing days at the age of 27. Capped 5 times for England U-21 and once for the “B” team. After retiring, he qualified as a physiotherapist. Tommy Booth, Aged 60, 1968-1981, 382 games, 25 goals Born in Middleton and played at the heart of the City defence and midfield during a thirteen year Maine Road career, winning FA Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup and two League Cup winners medals. Tommy also won four England Under 23 caps and eventually signed for Preston North End in 1981. Injury forced him to retire during the 1984-85 season and he was appointed North End manager in February 1985, a position he held until December that year when he resigned. Glyn Pardoe, Age 63, 1961-1974, 380 games, 22 goals. Glyn made his debut in April 1962 against Birmingham City, aged 15 years and 314 days, he became Manchester City's youngest ever player. He scored the winning goal for City in the 1970 League Cup Final, beating West Bromwich Albion and earned four England U23 caps. Pardoe retired in 1976, taking up a position in the club's coaching staff, and remained at the club for a further 16 years. Joe Corrigan, Age 60, 1966-1983, 592 games Joe joined Manchester City as a youth player in 1966 and made his debut in 1967 before establishing himself in the first team during the 1969–70 season. He was part of the Manchester City team which won a cup double of the European Cup Winners Cup and the League Cup and was also a member of the 1976 League Cup winning side. Joe won a total of 9 England caps, and he was part of the squad for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He also won City's Player of the Year award three times, a feat matched only by Richard Dunne. Corrigan had a short spell in the US, making 29 appearances before returning to England with Brighton, followed by spells on loan at Stoke City and Norwich. Joe retired in 1985 following a neck injury. He has subsequently held coaching positions at a number of clubs, including Liverpool and Celtic. Les Chapman will also take part in today’s commemorative game. His career ran to 747 league appearances with Oldham, Bradford City and Huddersfield. He became Manchester City Reserve team coach in 1993 a position he held for three years before becoming City’s kit man, a position he holds to this day.
Centenary Supporters . . MCCSA Sierra Leone Project In the autumn of 2003 Tony Griffiths, a member of Reddish Branch of the Manchester City Centenary Supporters Association (MCCSA), retired after 30 years as a police officer in the Greater Manchester Police. His retirement didn’t last long as he then started working in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where his job was to train detectives to investigate child abuse. Sierra Leone has for the past several years been either last, or second to last in the World wealth league tables published every year. Average life expectancy is around 38 years and living conditions for most people are appalling. On top of all these problems the country has gone through a particularly bloody civil war that lasted 11years and only ended in 2000. When Tony arrived in Freetown, the capital city, he noticed the usual scattering of people wearing Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United shirts. It soon became apparent that football is massive in the country and most people follow the English Premier League. At the end of his first week he was enjoying a beer at a beach bar when a young man approached him by the name of Armani Sheku Kamara who was selling watches, sunglasses etc. He noticed that he was wearing a Manchester United lapel badge. As Tony is a die hard blue he joked with the young man that he could not buy any merchandise from a man wearing a Man United badge. Within a short time he agreed to throw the offending item into the Atlantic Ocean and negotiations commenced. It soon became apparent that not only did he have a good knowledge of Premier League football he also had a good knowledge of the ups and downs of Manchester City. He assured Tony that he was only wearing the United badge because a customer had given it to him. Armani promised Tony that if he could get him a City shirt he would be a City fan for the rest of his life. Little did he known what that conversation would lead to. In early 2004 Tony returned to Sierra Leone having spent a few weeks back in Manchester, and of course, as promised, took back with him a City shirt for Armani. Within a few days of receiving the shirt Armani told Tony that he was setting up a Man City Supporters Club in Freetown. When Tony next returned to UK he discussed the Sierra Leone situation, first with Howard Burr the Secretary of the Reddish Branch and then with Alex Channon the Chair of the MCCSA. It was then that the Sierra Leone Branch of the Manchester City Centenary Supporters Association was born. On Tony’s next visit he was able to take back with him several dozen assorted City shirts donated by City fans over here. They proved very popular and soon were being seen all around the Freetown streets. Soon Armani had formed a Manchester City Football team in Freetown as well as a Junior Man City team. The problem was that they were wearing a red and white striped kit that they had to rent on a match-by-match basis. Following discussion with Lorraine Firth at Manchester City the Club kindly donated a full kit for the team. There was also a concerted effort by a lot of Branches to collect as many shirts, boots as possible these were also sent. Another recent development is that a Reddish Branch member donated a generator for the community where Armani lives allowing around 100 people to have electricity. The shipping of the generator was financed by MCCSA funds with the blessing of its members. Tony Griffiths last visited Sierra Leone in March 2007 and we were proud to hear of many men women and
children wearing an array of City shirts around the capital and beyond. The football team formed such a short time ago is going from strength to strength and Armani is something of a local celebrity who is frequently interviewed on national radio in Sierra Leone and works extremely hard to promote Man City for no financial reward. The Phuket Branch of the MCCSA then very kindly donated both a new home and away kit as many of the shirts donated were getting worn out. On 23rd November 2008 the Man City Sierra Leone Youth team appeared in the Sierra Leone F.A. Youth Cup final and WON. Not bad for a team that did not exist 4 years ago. You now can't walk through Freetown without seeing a City shirt and hearing shouts of ‘City till I die’. Unfortunately the first team had to pull out of the main league this season as it did not have enough cash - although the league have agreed to keep their place in division two for next season assuming they have funds in place. The next phase is to try and help make the team financially independent and self sufficient by raising £1520K to buy a mini bus. This bus would double up as both transport to away matches, which is one of the most prohibitive costs to the team, and then during the rest of the week it would become a revenue maker by running as a proper bus in the Capital Freetown. This would create jobs for people and also raise enough cash to keep the teams self-sufficient. This is not just another fund raiser - the work being done is changing and saving lives, keeping young people off the streets and giving them a common bond – all of which Tony Griffiths and his family have seen and experienced first hand. On Saturday 12th September 2009 Manchester City allowed the MCCSA to hold a bucket collection before and after the Arsenal game when they raised £2,500. On Thursday 29th October 2009, Alex Channon (Chair of MCCSA), Howard Burr (Secretary of MCCSA) and Tony Griffiths met with Mark Hughes who pledged his support of the cause. For more information and or to make a donation please contact:
• • • • •
Tony Griffiths: 07980 788 984 – tony@griffiths7786.fsnet.co.uk Alex Channon: 07985 229 313 – alexchannon81@googlemail.com Howard Burr: 07331 846 194 – reddishblues@btinternet.com Phil Holme: 07734 003 083 – philholme@btinternet.com Dave Peers: 07734 336 730 – david.peers@uk.zurich.com
St Helens Town AFC A Brief History 1946 - present day Formed in 1946, by a group of local businessmen, fronted by George Fryer, St. Helens Town obtained a lease on the Hoghton Road ground in Sutton, adjacent to St. Helens Junction station on the Liverpool to Manchester railway line. Having played a number of friendly matches, the team entered the Liverpool County Combination in the 1946/47 season, playing against Everton “A” and Liverpool “A” and several reserve sides from the leading non-league clubs. Success was first attained in May 1949 when Runcorn were defeated in the final of the George Mahon Cup, played at the Prescot Cables ground. The following season, 1949/50, Town were elevated to the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination and they were promoted as Champions in only their second season to the First Division, where they ran up against teams such as Ashton United, Nelson and New Brighton, newly relegated from the Football League. Sadly, Town were themselves relegated and although promoted briefly again in 1955/56, they spent most of their early years in the Second Division. Improvements were made quickly to the facilities at Hoghton Road in the early years, but the tenure of the ground became uncertain between 1951 and 1953 and several matches were played at the former St. Helens Recs’ rugby league ground at City Road resulting in some encouraging crowds: indeed, a permanent move to City Road was mooted in 1953, before the club had a change of heart and returned to Sutton in the October of that year. The ground was subsequently purchased and developed and a social club and floodlights were added in more recent years. Town were Champions of the Lancashire Combination in 1971/72 season, losing only one game, finishing 6 points clear of Accrington Stanley. A win over Darwen also secured the Bass Charrington Cup. 1975 brought a switch to the Cheshire League, where they remained until the formation of the North West Counties League in 1982 and St. Helens Town are the only club to feature in the top division of that league throughout its existence. The club’s major achievement was victory in the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987. After a stuttering start in the Preliminary Round with a 5-4 extra-time win over Colne Dynamoes, further home successes over General Chemicals, Wren Rovers, Guisborough Town and Wythenshawe Amateurs, led to wins at Wisbech Town, at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare, away to Falmouth Town (after a replay) and in the away leg at Emley when, following a 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg, a 2-0 win in Yorkshire secured a Wembley Final against local rivals Warrington Town, who were dispatched 3-2 with goals from Phil Layhe (2) and Brian Rigby. Town sold their Hoghton Road ground in 2000 to move in with St. Helens Rugby League Club at their Knowsley Road base. Their farewell appearance at Sutton produced a 1-0 win over Champions Vauxhall Motors and the initial campaign at Knowsley Road got off to a cracking start, with Town leading the table for most of the season, before finishing in a rather disappointing fourth place. Recent seasons have been more of a struggle, perhaps none more so than 2008/09, with the club in the relegation positions until the end of March,
when Gary Bickerstaffe was appointed the new manager and the team rallied to win six of the last eight games, including 3-1 victories at Squires Gate, Colne and the Wembley-bound Glossop North End, before Runcorn Linnets were blitzed 5-0 in the final game. St. Helens Town boast an impressive “Hall of Fame”, including legendary goalkeeper and former German Prisonerof-War Bert Trautmann (pictured right), who signed for Manchester City 60 years ago this season and who went on to play the game of his life in the 1956 FA Cup Final, despite breaking his neck in the early stages. Bill Foulkes was transferred to Manchester United, where he had a glittering career, surviving the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, in which he bravely rescued some of his stricken team-mates. John Connelly, an England squad member in the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign, was sold to Burnley and he later moved to join Foulkes at Old Trafford. Other future stars, groomed at St. Helens Town, included John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday), Geoff Nulty (Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton) and, most recently, ace goalscorer Dave Bamber, who began and ended his career at Blackpool and who played in all four divisions of the Football League. Captain of the FA Vase winning team was Tommy O’Neil (pictured opposite), who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United.
St Helens Town . . . Hall of Fame: Bert Trautmann October 7th 2009 saw the 60th anniversary of the transfer of Town legend Bert Trautmann to Manchester City (Bert pictured below with former City ‘keeper Frank Swift). Now in his 87th year, Bernhard Carl Trautmann was born in Walle, near Bremen, Germany on 22nd October 1923 and upon leaving school, he became an apprentice motor mechanic. He joined the Luftwaffe in 1941 as a radio operator, eventually becoming a paratrooper, winning 5 medals, including an Iron Cross (First Class) on the Eastern Front, but having transferred to the Western Front, was captured by the British in 1944, seeing out the remainder of the War in prison camps in Northwich and Ashtonin-Makerfield. Whilst at Ashton, he played in football matches, initially as an outfield player, but following an injury, went in goal, where his all-round athletic abilities allowed his career to blossom. In 1948, having declined an offer of repatriation, he began playing for St. Helens Town and quickly earned a reputation as a goalkeeper of rare talent, attracting interest from several Football League clubs. His brief career with Town began with a home game against South Liverpool in the Liverpool County Combination on 28th August 1948. On his third appearance, it was reported that “very sportingly the Skelmersdale supporters gave Trautmann a wonderful reception.” Later in the year, the club secretary, John Friar, proclaimed in his programme notes “To put your minds at rest again, I am pleased to inform you that B. Trautmann is Not leaving Sutton. As I have told you before, his whole interests are in the Town Club and he is more than happy with us. But he has been granted leave to visit his parents. He will be going early in the New Year and we shall lose his services for a matter of three matches.” Such was the town’s affection for Bert that they sent him on his way with a large food hamper and a considerable sum of cash, which was an overwhelming gesture of kindness not lost on Bert and, indeed, his family at such a difficult time in Germany’s history. On Bert’s return, he assisted Town to success in the George Mahon Cup competition, his and the club’s first trophy. Runcorn were beaten in the final at Prescot before a crowd of 9000. As the 1949/50 season opened, with Town in the Lancashire Combination, Second Division, the pressures on St. Helens to part with their star player became ever stronger and a transfer to Manchester City was agreed, but deferred until Town’s elimination from the FA Cup. That occurred on 1st October 1949 when Town lost 0-3 to Bangor City and the transfer was completed the following Thursday. Bert had played 43 games for St. Helens Town, but he returned on three subsequent occasions, twice for friendly matches with Manchester City and once to marry the secretary’s daughter!
Bert’s debut for City came in a game with Bolton Wanderers on 15th October. There were mass protests over his signing by the citizens of Manchester, who had suffered so much at the hands of the Germans in the War. However, the affable keeper did not take long to win over the hearts of the City fans and any hostility soon melted away. He went on to make 508 League appearances for the Maine Road club in a 15-year career, culminating in a testimonial game which attracted a crowd of over 47,000. The game for which Bert is best remembered is the 1956 FA Cup Final against Birmingham City. The Sky Blues won 3-1, but Bert broke his neck when caught by a stray boot and bravely played on for the remaining fifteen minutes. The extent of his injury was only confirmed some days later. Honours continued to flow for Bert, selected twice for The Football League and he was the worthy recipient of the FA’s Footballer of the Year Trophy in 1956. After retirement as a player, Bert became manager of Stockport County, subsequently managing two teams in his native Germany and completing his career in charge of Burma, Liberia and Pakistan. He was awarded an honorary OBE in 2004 for his services to AngloGerman relations through football – his Trautmann Foundation is a charitable trust set up to raise funds to foster that aim – and the following year, he was inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. Bert has for many years lived in Spain, but Collector will purchase single still visits England occasionally.
FOOTBALL & RUGBY LEAGUE Programmes
Earlier this year Bert visited Manchester and during his short stay he made time to meet with St Helens Town officials. Bert was kind enough to donate a number of items which the club has auctioned, raising in excess of £1000. The relationship between Bert and St Helens Town has been cemented and Bert was delighted, in September 2009, to accept the club’s offer of becoming its Honorary President alongside former Town and Manchester United great Bill Foulkes.
items or collections, especially: • St. Helens Town • Everton • Runcorn • Widnes RL • Liverpool City/Liverpool Stanley RL • Wigan Highfield RL Contact glynjones1@sky.com or telephone 07764 655460
St Helens Town AFC Introducing the St Helens squad Graeme McCall: Keeper in his second spell at the club after rejoining in the close season. Good shot stopper and equally adept in the air, also possess a good distribution with accurate throws and kicks. Will be looking to stake a claim for the keeper’s jersey. Kevin Woods: Young Goalkeeper who has took up the number one mantle after Andy Lynskey broke his ankle last term. He retained the shirt for the majority of the season and put in some solid displays including several clean sheets. Neil Jones: Commanding centre half now in his fifth season at the heart of the Town defence. Strong in the air and on the ground and has been know to bully a few experienced strikers. Always likely to pop up with a goal or two especially at set-pieces. Chris Burke: Rejoined the club last summer after leaving to join Prescot Cables. He has played higher up the pyramid with Hucknall Town & Northwich Victoria. A solid defender who reads the game well and stopped many an opposition attack last term. John Elias: Strong centre half who returned to the club last season for a second spell. A tough tackling and no nonsense defender who always gives 100% in every game. His attitude on the park is much improved from his previous spell. Rob Hanley: Striker who has joined the club in the off season from Greenall Padgate St Oswald where he was top scorer in the Cheshire League last term having netted 30 goals. He has pace, power and a great drive and looks dangerous every time he gets the ball. Iain Dyson: Town Skipper and the heartbeat of the team, a great motivator and leader on the pitch who battled at the heart of midfield and also up front during the last couple of seasons. Was the club’s top goalscorer last term for the second time in three seasons. Can count Everton, Bolton, Rochdale, Chorley, Winsford and Warrington amongst his former clubs. Graeme Mitchell: Joined Town from Warrington last summer for a second spell after being here previously under the stewardship of Jim McBride and John Davison. Centre forward who scored plenty during his time in the UniBond, had a spell with Bamber Bridge at the turn of the year. Phil Mitchell: Brother of Graeme, followed a similar path. He can play on either wing or just behind the front man. Another who made a great impact last term and finished the season as 2nd top goalscorer. Adam Gilchrist: Speedy winger who caused problems for many a defender last term. He played in many various positions during last term including right back, right midfield and centre midfield. Marc Stephens: Young midfield who had a fine start to life at Town. Signed last summer he came into his own when moved into central midfield and linked up well with Karl Ledsham during the final stages of the last term. Ian Frazer: Midfield player who joined the club this season. After some early substitute appearances he’s now become a regular with some confident performances. A player who reads the game very well and who’s good on the ball with excellent passing skills. Mark Evans: Left sided player who is equally at home at full back or on the left of midfield.
Rejoined the club in the close season after a spells with Congleton Town, Atherton LR & Wigan Robin Park. Stephen ‘Ben’ Kay: Another close season signing from Wigan Robin Park. The centre back has proved to be a quality addition as he reads the game well and is good both in the air and on the ground. Mike Faragher: Young midfielder acquired from local football who possess pace and no little ability. Likes to take on defender and beat them before sending quality crosses into the box. Dougie Pitts: Vastly experience defender who joined in the summer from Wigan Robin Park. He marshals the back line well and is an excellent header of the ball. A regular in the team after missing the opening few games of the season while holidaying in the southern hemisphere. Nick McLoughlin: Left sided defender equally at home pushing into midfield. He has the ability to deliver an excellent cross and having been a regular last season he will be pushing to retain that place after a solid start to the 2009-10 season. Paul Monteith: Now in his second season at the club, “Monty” was involved during most of last season but will be looking to make more starts this term his is not afraid to put his foot in. Netted his first goal for the club against East Villa in the Liverpool Senior Cup. Previously at Flixton and Ashton Town. Peter Birch: Young defender recently signed from Unibond outfit Burscough. Peter possesses good pace and agility. His height gives him a distinct advantage both in defence and at attacking set pieces. Luke Faulkner: Seventeen year old central defender who has recently joined the club from Mid-Cheshire outfit Garswood United. Has composure beyond his years which has been evident across a number of excellent performances for club. Brian Hatton: The oldest member of the squad but still has bags of energy and enthusiasm. His legs may not be as fast at they used to be but his brain still works at optimum speed and he has a great eye for a pass and his fine crossing can cause havoc in opposition penalty areas. Brian was almost ever present last season only missing the final match after picking up a nasty injury at Runcorn. Former Stockport & Bolton player who has had more clubs than plenty of golfers! Lee Riley: Joined the club last season as assistant to Gary Bickerstaffe and has proved a popular addition. A strong central defender who has had significant experience with Warrington Town and Prescot Cables. Gary Bickerstaffe: Rejoined the club late last season as manager having had a previous spell as a player in the 1990s. His arrival last term ensured we staved off relegation comfortably with eight wins from our last 11 league encounters. A mid-field dynamo at the height of his playing career Gary has graced a number of clubs including Congleton Town, Winsford United and Bangor City and has been assistant Manager at both Warrington Town and Congleton and Manager at Garswood United. Other squad players include prolific strikers David Burns and Jamie Foster along with Andy Gillespie and Danny Clarke who have all stepped up from St Helens Town Reserve team football so far this season.
St Helens Town Juniors . . . The future’s bright for Town Established just three years ago, and now an FA Charter Standard Club, the ‘Town Juniors’ has grown into one of the largest junior outfits in the region. With over 300 local players and nineteen teams the club provides football for both boys and girls from the age of 5 to 16 years. To date the club has been extremely successful both on and off the field, winning a plethora of cups and league titles across all age groups and has recently seen Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United, Burnley, Preston, Wigan and Crewe offer contracts to a number of its players. The junior section has formed a community partnership with Premiership giants Liverpool FC, enabling the club to access a range of education resources as well as coaching sessions for young players in St. Helens and at the LFC Academy. In addition, all junior coaches are invited to events at the LFC Academy aimed at expanding their knowledge of the game and coaching skills. Steve Leather spokesman for the ‘Juniors’ said, ‘We are here to provide an excellent standard of coaching and football for local youngsters: with our long term ambition to provide a wealth of talent to the club’s First Team.’ The Town Juniors’ major aim for this season is to develop the Girls’ team under the guidance of recently appointed ‘Head of Girls’ Football’, Katie Chedotal. For further information see the club’s website www.sthelenstownjfc.co.uk. St Helens Town Juniors Under 14s will be ball-boys at today’s game:
Callum O’Hanlon, Louis Fenny, Sam Gravener, Tom Henly, Kevin Vaughan, Ellis Moville, Jason Gough, Mark Kirwan, Joel Donogue, Connor Denning, Ciaran Spencer, Niall Corness, Ryan Vaughton, Chris Waring, Ben Lever, and Sam Dunphy, and pictured along with Steve Leather.
Sporting Connections . . . History of Maine Road FC 1955-2009 One of St Helens Town’s North West Counties Football League opponents for a number of years have been Maine Road FC and our mutual affiliation with Manchester City have led to a strong ties being developed between our two clubs, despite our sporting rivalry. Maine Road FC have provided support in the build-up to today’s commemorative fixture, helping with advertising and contacts, as well as offering assistance with programme and raffle sales this afternoon. The club was formed in 1955 as City Supporters Rusholme, when our past Chairman Frank Thompson and a few friends formed a team and after playing a few friendlies joined the local Rusholme Sunday League. In the late sixties the club changed to the Manchester Amateur Sunday League and also moved its headquarters to the newly built Maine Road Social Club and hence the new name Maine Road FC was born. Ronnie Meredith was now running the club and in 1971-72 we won the Manchester County Sunday Cup and both the club’s sides won their respective leagues. This prompted Ron to look for a new challenge and he changed the whole future of the club by moving to Saturday football in the form of the Manchester League. Success followed success on the field and after several years of moving grounds we settled on our present home at Brantingham Road in 1980. After a lean spell one of Ron’s ambitions was realised in season 1983-84 when we won the Manchester League Premier Division. In fact we won the league four years running. Derek Barber took over the managerial reins in 1986 and the clubs progress continued so much so that when the Manchester County FA’s new complex at Brantingham Road was built Ron’s other ambition was achieved: entry to the Bass North West Counties League. In only our second season (1989) we finished runners up to Vauxhall Motors but regrettably were denied promotion due to ground grading, so in 1980 we went one better to win the Second Division Championship and take our rightful place in Division One. In season 1987-88 we beat Irlam Town 1-0 at Maine Road (home of Manchester City) in the Manchester Premier Cup Final to complete a unique record in the Manchester County Competitions by winning all five County Cups. The five Manchester County Cups are Premier Cup (1), Amateur Cup (4), Sunday Amateur Cup (1), Intermediate Cup (2), Challenge Cup (4). At the end of season 2001-02 after twelve seasons in the top division Maine Road were relegated to the 2nd division. This was the first time a Maine Road side had ever been relegated and we hope it will be the last. Two seasons in the 2nd division when our very young side finished 3rd and runners up resulted in a return to the top
division. Under the guidance of Chris Simms the club finished 8th and 10th in the following two seasons. The arrival of Ian Walker as Manager saw the club achieve its highest ever league finish with a 6th place swiftly followed by Maine Road FC Fixtures 2009-10 a magnificent 4th place. On top of that the team lifted the 21/11/2009 Maine Road v Winsford United prestigious Vodkat League Cup for the first time. Last season 24/11/2009 Maine Road v Ramsbottom United after a difficult early campaign the team finished in a 28/11/2009 New Mills v Maine Road respectable 13th position. Maine Road has a long and proud reputation for introducing young players into the club. This began with the introduction of a Youth Team run by Derek in the late 1980s, which brought a succession of fine young players to the club. This success in spotting and nurturing the best young talent has continued over the last decade with Maine Road’s domination of the Umbro International Football Tournament at Under 19 level. Over the last 11 seasons our Under 19’s have taken on and regularly outplayed talented youngsters from around the world. They have won the competition an amazing 6 times and been runners up 3 times. The record set by the team of 2003 may never be surpassed when 8 of the squad regularly played 1st team football in the same season.
05/12/2009
Runcorn Linnets v Maine Road
12/12/2009
Maine Road v Alsager Town
19/12/2009
Maine Road v Congleton Town
26/12/2009
Abbey Hey v Maine Road
02/01/2010
Padiham v Maine Road
09/01/2010
Maine Road v Squires Gate
16/01/2010
Bacup Borough v Maine Road
30/01/2010
Winsford United v Maine Road
06/02/2010
Maine Road v Newcastle Town
27/02/2010
Bootle v Maine Road
27/03/2010
Maine Road v Colne
03/04/2010
Ashton Athletic v Maine Road
06/04/2010
St Helens Town v Maine Road
10/04/2010
Maine Road v New Mills
24/04/2010
Maine Road v Runcorn Linnets
Another factor in the continued 01/05/2010 Maine Road v Atherton LR success of the club is the outstanding loyalty shown by many players. he best examples are our 1st Team Manager Ian Walker who amassed 631 appearances, Chris Simms 550 appearances, Gordon Woods 465 appearances and Mark Mitchell 325 appearances. For further information see the club’s new website at www.maineroadfc.com Maine Road Football Club Brantingham Road Chorlton-cum-Hardy Manchester M21 0TT Phone : 07857 146275 E-mail : info@maineroadfc.com