St Helens Town v Wigan Robin Park

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Town v Wigan Robin Park Vodkat League Challenge Trophy QF Monday 29 March 2010, 7.45pm Executive Programme Sponsor

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Playing Kit & Leisurewear Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOLPartners 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season Monday 29th March 2010 Vodkat League, Challenge Cup, Quarter Final

St Helens Town

Vs

Wigan Robin Park

Red & White Striped Shirts Red Shorts & Socks

Orange Shirts Navy Shorts & Socks

No Gls St Helens Town

No Gls Wigan Robin Park

Kevin Woods

Jason Foulds

John Elias

Neil Swift

Mark Evans

Darren Mullen

Douglas Pitts

Chris Williams

Stephen Kay

Scott Robinson

Michael Fargher

Mike Wood

Graeme Mitchell

Andy Neafcy

Marc Stephens

Lee Moss

Rob Hanley

Chris McNally

Iain Dyson

Ryan Small

Mike Scully

Steve Williams

Craig Cunningham

Jon Corcoran

Phil Mitchell

Dean Callaway

Phil Cross

Adam Whittle

Brian Hatton

Ryan Edwards

Graeme McCall

Jamie Roberts

Manager; Gary Bickerstaffe Manager; John Neafcy Assistant; Lee Riley Assistant; Craig Barton Referee; Mr K J Mattocks (Chorley) Assistants; Mr C Isherwood (Leyland) & Mr M E Doherty (Preston)

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Proud to support St. Helens Town Tonight’s Match Sponsors

Receive £1000 OFF *

Any New or Used Toyota on production of this match day programme

*

Excludes IQ and Aygo, supersedes all other offers valid until 30/04/2010

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Telephone: 0151 515 9738 Johnsons Liverpool is part of the Johnsons Cars Group, one of the largest independent dealer groups in the UK. We pride ourselves on achieving industry leading levels of customer service and everything we do is focused around the customer. Our culture is about putting people first and as a customer you'll experience this from the moment you arrive.

All your motoring needs are taken care of at Johnsons Liverpool, our large city centre facility includes Toyota first trade parts, business centre operation including the LCV range of vehicles, contract hire, Toyota Car & Van Rental, new and used car sales and a great after sales facility, ample parking is available with dedicated bays for disabled and mother & baby customers.

Our centre is conveniently located within 5 minutes of Liverpool City Centre and the new £920m ‘Liverpool One’ project.

FOR FANTASTIC OFFERS IT HAS TO BE JOHNSONS. johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Talk of the Town Good evening and welcome to Knowsley Road, this Vodkat League, Challenge Cup, Quarter Final contest against Wigan Robin Park. Let me open by welcoming the players, management, committee and supporters of Wigan Robin Park to St Helens, for what is their first visit to Knowsley Road. I hope they enjoy the hospitality they will be afforded this evening.

It has been 6 days since we gathered here at Knowsley Road to take on resurgent Winsford United, incidentally the team tonight’s victors will visit in the Semi Final of this competition. With awful weather conditions and a pitch that was getting heavier and wetter as the contest went on. The 0-0 scoreline can be looked upon as a point gained rather than two lost and with Kevin Woods making two great 1 on 1 saves late in the contest Town can count themselves luck to have extended the unbeaten streak to four matches.

Whilst we were playing out a 0-0 draw here Wigan Robin Park were also sharing the spoils, 1-1 at AFC Blackpool. The visitors have had mixed results of late and with neither of the two sides having a run out at the weekend the respective teams will be looking to improve on last Tuesday’s results.

This is the first of two Saints, Wigan clashes here at Knowsley Road this week and we will be looking to hopefully start a double for the Town over our local rivals.

With a Semi-Final date away at Winsford United for the winners both sides will be eager to secure a victory in this evening’s contest and even though there is a division between the two sides Gary and the lads will know that they can take nothing for granted this evening.

The form book will go out of the window and all that will matter once the whistle blows will be St Helens v Wigan.

This evening’s match is one of the biggest in the recent history of St Helens Town and possibly the biggest in the short history of our visitors.

Lets get behind Town and hopefully cheer them into the Semi Finals.

Enjoy the Game Jeff Voller

JOHN BURNS AUTO BODY REPAIRS 25 years established bodyshop Insurance work and estimates All types of Accident damage, car parking dents and scratches, bumper scuffs and grazes, panel replacements Minor dents and scratches All aspects of welding including MOT failures Excellent rates, quality work and refinishing guaranteed.

Cansfield Street (off Birchley Street) Town Centre, St. Helens WA10 1LL

Telephone/Fax: 01744 24967

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Haygarth Jones

SOLICITORS

www.haygarthjones.co.uk

Proud Away Shirt Sponsors of St. Helens Town AFC Season 2009-10

Are you looking for a solicitor to advise you on…

• • • • • • • •

Buying and selling residential or commercial property?

Marital and co-habitation issues: such as separation, divorce or domestic violence?

Children matters: including residence/contact and parental responsibility?

The making of Wills and dealing with Probate matters?

Employment disputes – whether or not you have yet been dismissed?

Corporate and commercial matters: including business disputes and employment law?

Criminal proceedings and motoring matters?

Claims arising from personal injury?

Whatever your needs, we can help. Haygarth Jones is a firm of solicitors based in St Helens, Merseyside offering legal advice and support services to a wide range of businesses and individuals.

At Haygarth Jones we provide a professional and affordable solution to meet all of your legal advisory needs. We work hard to get to know you in order to deliver timely, individual advice on how to deal with your legal issues and, where relevant, improve and protect your business and personal wealth. To find out more about how we can help you, your family, or your business contact us at: Our office at 8 Hardshaw Street St Helens WA10 1RE Telephone number 01744 26153 for matters relating to Family and Crime.

Our office at 66 Claughton Street St Helens WA10 1SN Telephone number 01744 740440 for all other matters.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Chairman’s Notes . . .

Good evening and a very warm welcome to Knowsley Road for this Vodkat League Challenge Trophy Quarter Final encounter with today’s first time visitors, new friends and rivals Wigan Robin Park. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters, along with tonight’s match officials and our own home support have had a pleasant journey and enjoy our hospitality during their short stay as well as an entertaining encounter!

Many thanks to tonight’s match sponsors Johnsons Toyota Liverpool who have been fantastic in their support of the club this season, long may it continue. I’d like to welcome along Toyota General Sales Manager Gareth Shone and his colleagues - let’s hope your visit brings us good fortune. We also say a warm welcome to Master Valet and Scuffs ‘n Scratches who are tonight’s joint match ball sponsors.

Reading John Neafcy’s recent article on the Vodkat League website (reprinted in tonight’s programme) it seems he’s reasonably pleased with progress to date but will be hoping his team’s Cup performances can continue. Of course Wigan Robin Park ousted Premier Division outfit Runcorn Linnets in the last round. Both teams enjoyed a free weekend but had to settle for a share of the spoils last midweek as Wigan Robin Park drew 1-1 at AFC Blackpool while Town were held 0-0 by a resurgent Winsford United. It proved a tough encounter as Winsford aim to pull clear of the relegation battle with the recent change in management and a number of new signings. We had ‘keeper Kevin Woods, Man of the Match Dougie Pitts (pictured left) and his defensive team to thank for a solid performance.

With the First team without a game on Saturday the Reserves took centre stage at Bobbies Lane where they entertained Clubmoor Farmers in a Division Two North clash. The lads eventually ran our 4-1 winners with goals from Brian Hatton, Jamie Foster, Danny Ventre (pen) and Adam Gilchrist.

A reminder that the club will be holding a Golf Day in conjunction with the St Helens Town Juniors - it will take place on Sunday 11 July 2010 and we are looking for entrants.

Please see the advert in tonight’s programme and give it your support!!

Tonight’s mascot is 11 year old Kieran Cooch, (pictured right) who attends Eccleston Mere Primary School and plays in central defence for Parkdale Sidac Under 11s. A keen Town fan, he also watches Everton when he can and his favourite players are Rob Hanley and Tim Cahill.

Enjoy the game and join us in the Black Bull after the game for the Town Man of the Match presentations. . .

John McKiernan Chairman, St Helens Town

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

In Town Today . . .

Wigan Robin Park Football Club was founded in 2005 and started playing in the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester Football League, which is a feeder for the North West Counties.

During the first season in 2005/06 a steady start was made and soon mid-table was found. All the players were local lads and soon gelled together resulting in a good start to the Lancashire Shield and Wigan Cup. By Christmas the team had just been knocked out of the Lancashire Shield at the Quarter Final stage by BAE Systems Barrow on penalties and was sitting 7th in the table. At the end of the season the team was unlucky to lose in the semi-final of the Wigan Cup but an appearance in the final of the Murray Shield was a big achievement. The lads just fell short when they were beaten on penalties

by Walshaw Sports but the benchmark had been set.

The signs were good at the start of the 2006/07 season with a number of new players joining the club. Another solid start in the league saw the team move into fourth in the table a position they never went below throughout the season. In the Wigan Cup the team progressed to the quarter-final stage but went out in the first round of the Lancashire Shield to Crookland Casuals.

The team then went on a remarkable league run which saw them lose on the 14th October then go all the way to the end of the season undefeated. For the second year running the semifinal was the end of the Wigan Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Winstanley St Aidan's. But the aim at the beginning of the season was achieved with promotion to the Manchester Premier Division finishing in second place behind Walshaw Sports.

As a result of their success in the 06/07 season there was a need for a reserve team for 2007/08 to compete in the Manchester Premier League.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

. . . Wigan Robin Park Two first team players Paul Vermiglio and Craig Barton applied for The Manager and Assistant Manager role respectively and were appointed.

After holding an Open day for new players the team was formed and competed in the Manchester 4th Division.

Another influx of new players to the first team again stood us in good stead for the season ahead. A poor start to the campaign saw the team lose four, draw one and win one in the opening six games and also get knocked out of the Wigan Cup in first round. The team then turned the corner and went on an excellent run which saw them lose just once in 24 games in all competitions resulting in final appearances in the Gilgryst Cup and the Lancashire Shield.

The team played Euxton Villa in the Lancashire Shield Final at the County Ground Leyland. After 90 minutes the score was 0-0, then with one minute left Ben Kay scored a free kick, but with 10 seconds left Euxton equalized and then went on to lift the cup on penalties.

With the season coming to an end a big push was needed to catch leaders Gregorians. Another good run saw the team lose just once in 13 games and it all came down to the last game of the season. A win for the Robins and Gregorians to draw or lose would hand Wigan the title.

Wigan saw off Breightmet 4-1 and Gregorians lost 3-2 at Atherton Town handing Wigan Robin Park the title at the first attempt. The reserves also did well in their first season together finishing just outside the promotion places in fourth.

After a visit from the North West Counties ground grading committee we were promoted to the North West Counties First Division. In their inaugural season in the NWCFL the Robins’ made a decent start winning 7 drawing 3 and losing 2 in their opening 12 fixtures. The highlight of this was being the first team to defeat title contenders AFC Liverpool in front of what would be the highest home crowd of 603 at Valerie Park.

The league cup saw us bow out at the first hurdle at the hands of Norton Utd. The team then lost some consistency but stayed in the top 5 most of the season including top but eventually finishing in fifth position.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Wigan R.P. Statistics Season

League

P

W

D

L

2005-06

MANC-1

34

17

4

13

65

46

19

55

8/18

2006-07

MANC-1

30

21

6

3

92

35

57

69

2/16

2007-08 2008-09

MANC-P NWC-1

36 34

23 18

5 5

8 11

95 61

45 49

50 12

74 59

1/19 5/18

Key;

F

A

GD

Pts Position

MANC-1-Manchester League, Division 1 MANC-P-Manchester League, Premier Division NWC-1-North West Counties League, Division 1

Previous Meetings

None

Another blast from the past!

St Helens Town AFC - 1996 Another photograph from our ‘Blast from the Past’ series. Lots of familiar faces including a youthful Brian Hatton, Gary Bickerstaffe and Steve Pennington. Other players include Neil Byron, John O’Neill, Gary Lowe, Glenn Walker, Neil Shaw, Ste King plus manager Jim McBride and staff Bob Howard and John Neary.

If you have any old Town photos or programmes you’d be willing to loan to the club please contact me at any home or away game or give John McKiernan a call on 079676 059404

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Town in Photos . . .

Action from the Liverpool County Premier League Division Two North Reserves v Clubmoor Farmers Saturday 27th March

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Vodkat League News GLOSSOP ANNOUNCE GROUND DEVELOPMENT PLANS Glossop North End AFC have announced the establishment of a project team to develop their Surrey Street Ground. The formal statement is reproduced below:Following a meeting between the GNE Board of Directors and the Supporters Club, a team has been formed to drive the development of the clubs Surrey Street facilities.

The team's objective is to provide Surrey Street with safe, accessible facilities that meet the Football Associations National Grade D standards (Step 4). The team is responsible for all aspects of the development from design and planning through to funding and implementation.

The development has a completion due date of 31st March 2011.

This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the football club.

The challenge, as outlined above, is to complete what is a large Project within a fixed timescale. Significant funding will be required and the Surrey Street Development Fund has been established to act as the vehicle for this. The first contribution to this development fund is £30,000 which has come from the existing resources of the football club. Grants are being applied for and other fundraising activities will be announced shortly. The opportunity relates to the Dental Surgery potential of the 2009 FA Vase finalists to Junction Lane Dental Surgery is now move up the football pyramid. With a accepting new NHS patients to the practice. good young team capable of challenging ...but there are limited spaces available With two fully computerised, brand new for honours at the existing level, the surgeries, we are able to offer a wide successful completion of this project will variety of NHS options to our patients: allow for the team to progress should the • Friendly staff • All forms of NHS and Private treatment offered. results on the field warrant that.

JUNCTION LANE

•

Further details of the progress of the Project will be issued as the development unfolds. Glossop North End Chairman and Development Team member Dave Atkinson commented "this initiative represents an opportunity for the local business community and all interested individuals to get involved and show their support for our local football team".

• • • • • •

Cosmetic treatment available which includes laser tooth whitening, white fillings etc on a private basis.

Flexible appointments Short waiting list.

New patient examination.

Cleaning and polishing of teeth and gums.

Crowns, Bridges and Dentures.

Referral service available.

Appointments - we are open Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm and 1.45pm to 5pm If you would like to join the practice and make an appointment call 01744 813659 40 Junction Lane, St. Helens WA9 3JN

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Whiteheads Ad Whiteheads Solicitors Ltd • • • • •

Housing law & anti-social behaviour Residential Property Commercial Property Disrepair Training

T: 01257 266008 E: info@whiteheadsols.co.uk Web: www.whiteheadsols.co.uk

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Vodkat Leagueline Ad

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

• Quality Guaranteed • Free Quotations SHARED DELIVERY: • Planning months ahead as part of a shared delivery.

• Your leaflet delivered with a maximum of 3 or 4 non competitor leaflets.

• Your leaflet delivered as part of a scheduled bimonthly or quarterly delivery plan.

• Supervised team delivery.

SOLUS DELIVERY: • Supervised and targeted delivery.

• All postcodes, Local Authority boundaries and Constituency boundaries covered.

• Your leaflet/promotion will be delivered on it's own.

• Delivered to a time and date of your choosing.

St Helens News Distribution limited Unit 5 The Barge Industrial Estate Merton Bank Road St. Helens WA9 1HZ Tel: 01744 613339 Fax: 01744 613365 Email: sales@sthelensnewsltd.com Web: www.sthelensnewsltd.com

• No Obligations A-TEC SECURITY Intruder Alarms Fire Alarms CCTV Access Control All Aspects of Security

A-TEC JOINERY Fascias and Gutters Architraves, Skirting Boards Doors, Flooring and Ceilings All other aspects of Joinery

A-TEC Tel: 0151 289 9496 www.a-tecsecurity.co.uk mail@a-tecsecurity.co.uk

J TAGGART DECORATING Domestic & Commercial Interior & Exterior

‘Reduce your Utility Costs’

Highest standards of Preparation and Workmanship At Realistic Prices FREE QUOTES 20 Years Experience Tel: 01744 631648 Mob: 07966 168923

31 Balfour Street St. Helens Merseyside WA10 4BQ

Energy Consultancy Energy Training Energy Surveys Energy Monitoring Energy Management Systems Energy Solutions Limited Henrietta Building, North Mersey Business Centre, Woodward Road, Liverpool L33 7UY Telephone: 0845 310 2407 Fax: 0151 546 6654 www.energysolutions.ltd.uk info@energysolutions.ltd.uk

Energy Solutions Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL Prevention rather than cure . . .

60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Around The Grounds Seddon Street - Middlewich Town As St Helens Town not having a game and an arranged visit to the Crewe area, I was informed the other half that she intended making use of the leisure facilities in our hotel for an hour and a half beauty treatment, I started my research on which local ground to visit. Cheshire League Division 1 side Middlewich’s ground was around 10 minutes from my hotel and with a little local interest as Garswood United were the visitors my decision was made. After eventually finding the ground hidden in the back of a residential estate, which I toured having missed the entrance to the ground on my first attempt, I was pleasantly surprised. I paid my £2 entry fee to the helpful gateman who advised me on the best exit route for after the game and drove into the ground parking the car and having a wander around the ground.

The pitch was enclosed by post and rail around the complete length of the pitch, and this was matched by hard standing of paving stones two deep around the ground. In front of me as I entered the ground at the Seddon Street side was a raised main stand which housed around 80 seats and gave a good view of the action if you stood up, my only issue with this stand was in you sat in the front row of seats you had to crane your neck to see over the front of the wall. The main stand rather ingeniously housed a set of dugouts which the home side occupied, built into the front of the stand. Further down the same touchline saw a modern building which housed the dressing rooms, public toilet facilities, a canteen and clubhouse that would put some in the Vodkat League to shame.

Behind the goal at the far end of the ground was an Astroturf pitch and on the opposite touch line was situated a small covered stand.

The ground is tidy and well presented, the Middlewich Town committee obviously taking pride in their Seddon Street home. The game itself was quite a one sided contest with Garswood struggling at the foot of the table a mistake by the visiting goalkeeper saw the hosts take the lead with around 10 minutes to the break and the lead was doubled before the interval. The hosts added a third in the late stages with Garswood pushing forward trying to get back into the game. All around it was a good visit with a decent match in good surroundings.

Overall Score 8/10 Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

St Helens Town AFC . . .

Re-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.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

. . . A Brief History 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 Prisoner-ofWar Bert Trautmann, 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, who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United.

There is a real spirit of optimism at Knowsley Road these days and, under the guidance of Gary Bickerstaffe’s ambitious management team and with a new reserve side entered in the Liverpool County League, the club is looking forward with justifiable hope for a successful future.

GLYN JONES

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Introduction to the . . .

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.

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.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

St. Helens Town squad 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 Fargher: 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.

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.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Show your support for St. Helens Town AFC

NEW £250 Special Offer Sponsorship Package:

1 x Newsletter Colour Advert (‘Town Newsletter’ 3 x 20,000 door-step drops throughout the season - September, December & February)

1 x Match Sponsorship Package (8 Match Tickets, Free Programmes, Half Time Refreshments, seats in the Director’s Box at Knowlsey Road, Company details in the match programme, announced over PA during the match and referenced in match reports)

1/8 Page Programme Advert (Advert included in all match day programmes produced during the 2009-10 season and can include artwork production)

Contact John McKiernan On 07976059404 for further details A range of other packages are available and include: Individual player sponsorship £50; Programme Adverts from £50, Man of the Match Sponsorship from £50, Player the Month Awards from £100 Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 of JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Town in Photos . . .

Action from the Liverpool County Premier League Division Two North Reserves v Clubmoor Farmers Saturday 27th March

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Forthcoming Fixtures Monday, 29 March 2010 Vodkat League Challenge Cup Quarter Final St Helens Town v Wigan Robin Park First Division Chadderton v Stone Dominoes Tuesday, 30 March 2010 Vodkat League Challenge Cup Quarter Final Bootle v Newcastle Town Premier Division Alsager Town v Runcorn Linnets Atherton LR v Glossop North End Colne v New Mills Formby v Abbey Hey Ramsbottom United v Ashton Athletic First Division AFC Blackpool v Daisy Hill Holker Old Boys v Wigan Robin Park Oldham Boro v Irlam Reserve Division Ashton Town v Bootle Wednesday, 31 March 2010 Premier Division Bacup Borough First Division AFC Liverpool Cheadle Town Reserve Division Glossop North End

v Padiham v Norton United v Leek CSOB v Cheadle Town

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Forthcoming Fixtures Saturday, 3 April 2010 Premier Division Abbey Hey

v Padiham

Alsager Town

v New Mills

Ashton Athletic

v Maine Road

Colne

v Squires Gate

Flixton

v Runcorn

Newcastle Town

v Glossop North End

Ramsbottom United

v St Helens Town

Silsden

v Atherton LR

Winsford United

v Bacup Borough

First Division Atherton Collieries

v Rochdale Town

Eccleshall

v Irlam

Holker Old Boys

v Ashton Town

Leek CSOB

v Chadderton

Norton United

v Barnoldswick Town

Stone Dominoes

v Daisy Hill

Wigan Robin Park

v Cheadle Town

We are always on the look out for new sponsors!

If you can help please contact John McKiernan on 07976 059 404 for further details.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

St. Helens Town AFC Main Sponsor: Care Assured Limited Away Kit Sponsor: Haygarth Jones Solicitors Reserve Team Sponsor: Muni-Serv Specialist Vehicle Soultions Executive Programme Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Playing Kit & Leisurewear Partner: Elite Industrial Supplies Limited Training and Warm Up Kit Sponsor: Riley’s Recruitment Honorary President: Bert Trautmann and Bill Foulkes Honorary Vice President: Jim Barrett Chairman: John McKiernan (07976 059404) Secretary: Jeff Voller (07843 692695) Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Gordon McDonald, Ste Ball, Lisa Ball, Steve Leather, Andy Langley, Matthew Martin and Glyn Jones.

Co-opted Committee Members: Gary Bickerstaffe, Iain Dyson and Joe Ferguson Limited Company Directors: Jim Barrett and Gordon McDonald Programme Editor: Jeff Voller Programme Contributors: Glyn Jones and Matthew Martin Club Manager: Gary Bickerstaffe Assistant Manager: Lee Riley Player Coach: Iain Dyson Reserve Team Manager: Mike Simmons Reserve Team Assistant Manager: Anthony Burgess Club Coaches: Mike Walker and Steve Pennington Player Development Officer: Joe Ferguson Sports Therapists: Amanda Young and Gemma Stanley Head of Youth Section: Steve Leather Mini Soccer Secretary: Ian Duke 11 a Side Secretary: Steve Leather Executive Committee Member: Barry Meadows Child Protection Officer: Karen Molloy 0151 431 0235 or 07831 605364 Reception & Under 6 Head Coach: Barry Meadows – 07949 161460 Girls Head Coach: Katie Chedotal – 07790 056670 Under 7 Head Coach: Stuart Barrow – 07799 364677 Under 8 Rangers Head Coach: Chris Meadows – 07716 303445 Under 8 Celtic Head Coach: Jon Adamson – 07729219329 Under 8 Villa Head Coach: Liam Williams – 07809 764449 Under 9 Rangers Head Coach: Ian Duke – 07855 746140 Under 9 Celtics Head Coach: Alex Jackson -07944 118808 Under 10 Rangers Head Coach: Nick Robinson - 07738959903 Under 10 Celtics Head Coach: Jamie Dickson – 07900 581435 Under 11 ‘Saturday’ Head Coach: Gary Molloy – 07805 701645 Under 11 ‘Sunday’ Head Coach: Chris Murphy – 07704 625072 Under 12 ‘A’ Head Coach: Paul Muil - 07891661839 Under 12 ‘B’ Head Coach: Darren Young – 07877 658095 Under 13 ‘A’ Head Coach: Karl Singleton – 07894 716828 Under 13 ‘B’ Head Coach: Mike Potter – 07812 094592 Under 14 Head Coach: Steve Leather – 07788 762336 Under 16 Head Coach: Stephen Spencer – 07957 596255

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season Opponents

Match Sponsor

Match ball Sponsor

Abbey Hey

G R Taylor & Co Accountants

St Helens College

Alsager Town

Toyota Liverpool

Whiteheads Solicitors

Ashton Athletic

Toyota Liverpool

Lanes Trophies

Atherton LR

Riley’s Recruitment Specialist

Muni-Serv

Bacup Borough

St Helens News Distribution Limited

Toyota Liverpool

Bootle

Toyota Liverpool

438 Marketing Limited

Colne

Lanes Trophies

Sidewalk Menswear

Congleton Town

Flexible Business Interiors

Howdens Joinery Co.

Flixton

Centrix Asset Finance

Formby

Toyota Liverpool

Energy Solutions Ltd

Glossop North End

St Helens News Distribution Limited

St Helens News Distribution Limited

Maine Road

Sidewalk Menswear

A-TEC Security Systems

Nelson

Toyota Liverpool

438 Marketing Limited

Newcastle Town

Q R Filling Services Ltd

Scully’s Fish

New Mills

Imperial Bar

Toyota Liverpool

Padiham

Toyota Liverpool

Applied Fusion Ltd

Ramsbottom Utd

Junction Lane Dental Surgery

John Burns Auto Body Repairs

Runcorn Linnets

O’Neills Irish Bar

Taggart Painting Contractors

Silsden

Walton Car Centre

438 Marketing Limited

Squires Gate

John Burns Auto Body Repairs

438 Marketing Limited

Winsford United

Sound Vision Security Ltd

Match Sponsor £100-£150 (depending on opponents and competition) - includes 8 match tickets, complimentary programmes, seats in the Director’s Box at Knowsley Road, half time refreshments, company details in all match reports to local press and club website.

Match ball Sponsor £50-£100 (depending on opponents and competition) - similar to above with 4 match tickets.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

‘Scully’s Fish’ OF ECCLESTON ST. HELENS

HOWDENS JOINERY CO. MAKING SPACE MORE VALUABLE

Howdens Joinery 1b Delphwood Drive St. Helens WA9 5JE

Tel: 01744 615275

muni serv Specialist Vehicle Solutions Providing Equipment, Products & Services to users of specialist vehicles.

• • • • • • •

Refuse Collection Vehicles, RCV, FEL, REL, Bulk Disposal Vehicles

Suppliers of the finest quality fish and seafood TUESDAY Ashton Market 9am - 2pm WED Eccleston, Walmesley Rd Shops 9am - 4pm THURSDAY Sutton Chester Lane Shops 9am - 12pm Reeve Court Retirement Village 12pm - 2pm FRIDAY Earlestown Market (all day) SATURDAY Eccleston 9am - 12pm

10 Gunning Close, Eccleston, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 5DP Telephone: 01744 452639 Mobile: 07968 687977 www.scullysfish.co.uk

FOOTBALL & RUGBY LEAGUE Programmes Collector will purchase single items or collections, especially:

Recycling Vehicles Tippers, Sweepers, Gully Suckers Side Loaders, Hook Loaders Lorry Loading Cranes Plus many other Municipal and Highway equipments

muni-serv

• St. Helens Town • Everton • Runcorn • Widnes RL • Liverpool City/Liverpool Stanley RL • Wigan Highfield RL

Head Office Unit 2 Broughton Way Halebank Widnes Contact glynjones1@sky.com Cheshire2009-10 WA8 8YX Executive Programme Sponsors JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL or telephone 07764 655460 60 Rimrose Road, BootleTel: L200151 4TX 420 Tel: 9810 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Vodkat League News TOWN’S GOOD SAMARITANS Players and officials from Newcastle Town will be visiting a local hospital this week to spread some Easter goodwill among some sick children. The good Samaritans from Town will visit Cheetham's Ward at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, which is near the Lyme Valley Stadium, to distribute Easter eggs and footballing memorabilia to children being treated for cancer. Town's John Cotton, who of course is currently undergoing cancer treatment himself, explained how it all came about.

"We've gone to the hospital in the past to give out gifts, usually at Christmas, and we thought it would be a good idea to do something with Easter coming up. On the coach going to Squires Gate last Saturday, myself and manager Greg Clowes went around all the players and officials to collect money from them, and fair play to them, everyone put their hand in their pocket.

"We collected enough money to buy a load of Easter eggs and chocolates, and we've got a load of other merchandise to take in as well. We've got signed footballs from Stoke City and Port Vale, club merchandise such as mugs, badges and other memorabilia, and we will also be presenting a cash sum to go towards equipment for the ward.

"We're scheduled to go in next Thursday, and at the moment we've got a load of volunteers who want to go down. But we will probably have to whittle it down to about half a dozen people, who will go in and offer some tlc to some very sick children".

VODKAT LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP SEMI FINAL DRAW The draw for the Semi Finals of the Vodkat League Challenge Cup was made after the quarter final between Abbey Hey and New Mills.

The draw is: Abbey Hey v Bootle or Newcastle Town Winsford United v St Helens Town or Wigan Robin Park New Mills have been expelled from the Vodkat League Challenge Cup for playing an ineligible player in their quarter final win at Abbey Hey. The club were charged on Monday once the discrepancy had been highlighted, and the decision to remove them from the competition was taken by the League Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday evening. Abbey Hey have been reinstated into the competition, and will now host the winners of the quarter final tie between Bootle and Newcastle Town in the semi final.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Vodkat League News Season 1982-1983 1983-1984 1984-1985 1985-1986 1986-1987 1987-1988 1988-1989 1989-1990 1990-1991 1991-1992 1992-1993 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009

Vodkat Football League Challenge Cup Champions Finalists Darwen Skelmersdale United Ellesmere Port & Neston Stalybridge Celtic Leek Town Radcliffe Borough Warrington Town Clitheroe Colne Dynamoes Leyland Motors Warrington Town Colwyn Bay Colwyn Bay Warrington Town Knowsley United Warrington Town Vauxhall GM Darwen Ashton United Burscough Burscough Nantwich Town Rossendale United St Helens Town Nantwich Town Trafford Burscough Flixton Newcastle Town Trafford Kidsgrove Athletic Vauxhall GM Vauxhall GM Prescot Cables Skelmersdale United Newcastle Town Formby Curzon Ashton FC Prescot Cables Atherton Collieries Mossley Clitheroe Bacup Borough Newcastle Town Cammell Laird Skelmersdale United Salford City Cammell Laird FC United of Manchester Curzon Ashton Maine Road Bootle New Mills Runcorn Linnets CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACRO SS 1.NYATANGA 5.SYED 9.MADAN 10.AMORUSO 11.THE GERS 12.AGGER 13.STRATFORD 18.LORAM 20.LEHMANN 22.HIGNETT 23.NIALL 24.MAYO 25.McNAMARA DOW N 1.NEMETH 2ANDREW S 3.ARNIE 4.GRAYS ATHLETIC 6.YOUNG 7.DOOSRA 8.SOLANO 14.RAMSEY 15.DIAW ARA 16.OLDHAM 17.ANELKA 19.RUGBY 21.HANSA

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

muni-serv

Iain Dyson

Head Office Unit 2 Broughton Way Halebank Widnes Cheshire WA8 8YX Tel: 0151 420 9810

Midfield

John Elias Snr and Family

John Elias Defender

Johnsons

Rob Hanley

Toyota Liverpool

Striker

60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX

Tel: 0151 515 9738

johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

Brian Hatton Tel: 01744 613339 Email: sales@sthelensnewsltd.com Web: www.sthelensnewsltd.com

Chris Burke Defender

Midfield

Lynsey & Kirsty’s Tanning & Beauty Centre 45 Junction Lane St Helens WA9 3JN

Tel: 01744 810677

JUNCTION LANE Laundry Service

Nick McLoughlin

Tel: 01744 813861

Defender

Mark Evans

HOWDENS Joinery

1b Delphwood Drive, St Helens WA9 5JE Defender Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL Tel: 01744 615275 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Scuffs n Scratches We offer a full range of vehicle repairs including Alloy Wheel Repairs, Paint Chips, Bumper Scuffs, Key Scratches / Vandal Damage, Windscreen Repairs, Interior Dashboard and Upholstery repairs.

Tel: 0151 493 2600

Kevin Woods Goalkeeper

Graeme Mitchell

JUNCTION LANE Dental Surgery

Striker

Tel: 01744 813659 Marc Stevens

This sponsorship space is

Midfield

Mike Scully Striker

A M Paving & Waste Removal Tel: 01744 755772

This sponsorship space is

Dougie Pitts Defender

David Burns

John Burns Auto Body Repairs

Striker

Cansfield Street, St Helens WA10 1LL

DENT MAGIC Mobile Alloy Wheel & Paint Repair Specialists

Telephone: 01744 24967 Ian Frazer

Midfield Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL Tel:Road, 07970 404 60 Rimrose Bootle542 L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Graeme McCall Tel: 01744 613339 Email: sales@sthelensnewsltd.com Web: www.sthelensnewsltd.com

Iain Dyson Midfield

Goalkeeper

John Burns Auto Body Repairs Cansfield Street, St Helens WA10 1LL

Telephone: 01744 24967 Lee Riley

This sponsorship space is

Defender

Paul Monteith

This sponsorship space is

Midfield

ELITE

Stephen ‘Ben’ Kay

VALETING SERVICES Tel: 07966 377 443 Gary Bickerstaffe Manager

Cargo Tec Holding UK Ltd

Defender

This sponsorship space is

Iain Dyson

Cargo Tec Industrial Park, Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 9JW JOHNSONS Midfield Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 TOYOTA LIVERPOOL www.hiab.com/uk 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town AFC 2009-10 (taken 18 August 2009) Back Row (L to R) Gary Bickerstaffe (Manager), Neil Jones, Ian Frazer, Mike Fargher, Mark Evans, Paul Anders, Kevin Woods, Karl Ledsham, Paul Monteith, Marc Stephens, Lee Riley (Asst. Manager), Mike Walker (Coach).

Seated (L to R) Phil Mitchell, Rob Hanley, Jamie Foster, David Burns, Iain Dyson, Nick McLoughlin, Ben Kay, John Elias.

Main Sponsor

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Tea Break Teasers Q1. Newcastle United were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of last season on which ground?

Q2. Which three former Scunthorpe United players have captained England?

Q3. Which Scottish Premier League side play in Red & White Hoops?

Q4.

From which club did Everton sign Mike Milligan?

Q5.

Which Blue Square Premier club play at Aggborough Stadium?

Q6.

Which club did Everton sign James McFadden from?

Q7.

Jamie Redknapp finished his playing career with which club?

Q8. Which player was the Premier League’s top goalscorer last season?

Q9. Which Scouser captained Aston Villa to the European Cup in 1982?

Q10. Which club does former Spurs manager Martin Jol now manage?

Q11. Which English team play their matches at Edgar Street?

Q12. For which six clubs has Nicky Barmby scored Premier League goals?

Q13. Norway coach Egil Olsen once managed which Premier League team?

Q14. Which club has maintained their top flight status for the longest period?

Q15. Which team were runners-up in the Championship last season?

1) Villa Park 2) Ray Clemence, Kevin Keegan & Ian Botham 3) Hamilton Academicals 4) Oldham Athletic 5) Kidderminster Harriers 6) Motherwell 7) Southampton 8) Nicolas Anelka 9) Dennis Mortimer 10) Ajax 11) Hereford United 12) Spurs, Middlesboro, Everton, Liverpool, Leeds & Hull 13) Wimbledon 14) Arsenal 15) Birmingham City Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

St Helens Town FC

OPEN GOLF DAY Sunday 11th July 2010 @ Mersey Valley Golf Club Bold Heath Road, Nr Widnes Meet at 9.30am for Coffee and Bacon Butties Tee Off Times 10.30am and then Every 7 Minutes • • • • •

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Teams of 4 Prizes for nearest the Pin (15th Hole) 18 Holes Golf Buffet on arrival back in the Clubhouse Presentation to the Winning Team Rules: Smart Casual Only - No Jeans, No Football Shirts Golf Shoes Only to be worn - No trainers or boots You must have your own set of Golf Clubs - No sharing bags Mersey Valley reserves the right to refuse your entrance if none of the above are adhered to. £30 per player Entry Fee (non-refunable if you don’t turn up) All entries must be paid for 14 days prior to the event, cheques payable to ‘St Helens Town JFC’ Email your team entry to steveleather@sthelenstownjfc.co.uk Or call him on 07788 762336

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Tonight’s Match Ball Sponsors

Scuffs ‘n’ Scratches We offer a full range of vehicle repairs including Alloy Wheel Repairs, Paint Chips, Bumper Scuffs, Key Scratches / Vandal Damage, Windscreen Repairs, Interior Dashboard and Upholstery repairs.

Tel: 0151 493 2600

MASTER VALET Tel: 07966 377 443

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

The Safe Hands Award Is sponsored by

...we keep your promises www.sameday.plc.uk

URGENT DELIVERIES IN OUR SAFE HANDS

Freephone 0800 338888

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 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 (pictured above) 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 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.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Half Time Teaser 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16 18

17 19

20

22

24

21

23

25

ACROSS 1 Then Derby defender who became Wales youngest international in 2006 (8) 5 Matthew ____, 3 time Commonwealth TT gold for this Times sports journalist (4) 9 _____ Lal, Indian all rounder (5) 10 Italian winner of 2002 Scottish PFA Player of the Year (7) 11 Rangers nickname (3,4) 12 Liverpool’s 2007 Danish Footballer of the Year (5) 13 South Midland’s jumps only track (9) 18 Mark ____, last British speedway World Champ in 2000 (5) 20 VfB Stuttgart’s veteran keeper (7) 22 Ex Barnsley goalscoring midfielder who scored the first ever goal at The Riverside (7) 23 Sunderland’s Quinn or Celtic’s McGinn (5) 24 WBA’s 70s striker ‘Big Joe’ or Brighton’s Kerry (4) 25 Former Celtic skipper who had a spell at Wolves under Glenn Hoddle (8) DOW N 1 Slovakian striker who played for Middlesbrough 2001-5 (6) 2 Ince signed him for Rovers from MK Dons (7) 3 Cricketer Ryan’s dad who played for Man Utd and Yorkshire (5) 4 Blue Sq Prem strugglers managed by Julian Dicks (5,8) 6 Villa and England wideman (5) 7 Saqlain Mushtaq re-invented off spinners with this delivery (6) 8 Popular Peruvian who has returned to English soccer with Leicester (6) 14 Suffered a badly broken leg for Arsenal at Stoke (6) 15 Dowie paid big money for this Senegalese centre back when at Charlton (7) 16 This Athletic play at Boundary Park (6) 17 Part of Chelsea’s French strike partnership (6) 19 They were Vase winners in the 80s as VS ____ (5) 21 Former East German side from Rostock (5)

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Another Bloody Tuesday!

Last Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Winsford United was our fifth draw of the current Vodkat League season. All five draws have come at Knowsley Road and all five on a Tuesday night!

Whilst Town have excelled themselves on their league travels, winning ten and losing only five games all season, their home league form is enigmatic to say the least. Of eighteen league games played, only 7 games have been won, 5 drawn and 6 lost. Ground sharing with the Saints has meant an inordinate number of Tuesday evening matches. Indeed, only six home league games have taken place on Saturdays, producing 4 wins (against Nelson, Abbey Hey, Congleton and Bacup) and just two defeats (Colne and Glossop). The remaining 12 have all been on Tuesdays, with only 3 games being won (2-0 against Ashton Athletic, 1-0 against Formby and, enigmatically, by 6-3 over Runcorn Linnets, the best league performance of the season).

Older followers will probably remember the 1980 television documentary about the perennial Rugby League strugglers, Doncaster, entitled “Another bloody Sunday.” Town’s inconsistent form on Tuesday evenings at home has provoked many questions about an inexplicable lack of success. Perhaps we should change to Wednesdays. Tonight’s shift to a Monday will hopefully get Town out of a bit of a rut.

The lack of success at home, especially on Tuesdays, is in stark contrast to the performances away from Knowsley Road.

No draws and ten victories from fifteen games is promotion form!

Twelve of those matches have taken place on Saturdays (nine wins, three defeats) and three Tuesday night away games have yielded, strangely, only one victory (at Atherton LR).

With only three home league games left this season (all Tuesdays – against Maine Road, Silsden and Flixton), let us hope that these produce three solid wins. Our remaining away games are all winnable, but include tricky encounters at Ramsbottom and Bootle.

The draw against Alsager recently lifted Town to the same points total as the whole of last season, with 15 matches still to go. Since then, we’ve enjoyed three away successes on the bounce and, despite not seeking promotion, a top four or five finish could still be on the cards, not to mention further progress in the Vodkat League Cup if we can beat Wigan Robin Park tonight – remember lads, it’s Monday, not Tuesday!

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

GLYN JONES

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Recent Results Tuesday, 23 March 2010 Premier Division Atherton LR 3-3 Runcorn Linnets Stephenson(7), Socha(40) Clarkson(49), Atherton(87) Bullough(50) Case(88) Congleton Town A-A Bootle Abandoned on 55 mins due to power failure Formby 2-4 Colne Gleaves(7) Cruz(5), Threlfall(40) Cairns(20) Heyes(65), Priestly(70) Newcastle Town 3-1 Bacup Borough Nagington(10), Morton(51) Laurenco(32) Johnson(56) St Helens Town 0-0 Winsford United Wednesday, 24 March 2010 Premier Division Glossop North End 3-1 Abbey Hey Hurst(24), Kay(42) Evans(55) Kharas(44) Padiham 1-1 Squires Gate Grimes(5) Bartlett(90) Saturday, 27 March 2010 The VODKAT First Division Trophy Semi Final Cheadle Town 1-2 Stone Dominoes Riley(23), McDonough(90) Lowndes(80) Premier Division Alsager Town 2-0 Atherton LR Warburton(32), o.g(55) Bacup Borough 2-1 Abbey Hey Laurenco(66p), Luker(90p) Cocks(54p)

HT:2-0 Att:130 HT:1-1 Att:91 HT:2-2 Att:32 HT:1-1 Att:109 HT:0-0 Att:97

HT:3-0 Att:142 HT:1-0 Att:85

HT:1-0 Att:65 HT:1-0 Att:35 HT:0-0 Att:35

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Recent Results Congleton Town Heath(13), Reid(34,79) Beigus(52,75), Fitton(82) Glossop North End Kharas(16), Hurst(72) Bailey(89) Maine Road Ford(2) New Mills Baguley(28p,59p) Swarbrick(43) Ramsbottom United

6-0 Ashton Athletic

HT:2-0 Att:112

3-1 Silsden Longley(61)

HT:1-0 Att:223

1-2 Colne Cruz(57), Heyes(83) 3-2 Bootle Loughlin(6,12)

HT:1-0 Att:76 HT:2-2 Att:164

0-4 Newcastle Town Skelton(20), Budrys(24) Johnson(35), Mellor(43) 1-0 Formby

HT:0-4 Att:172

Runcorn Linnets Whyte(19) Squires Gate 1-2 Nelson Matthews(47) Hartley(15), Calvert(46) Winsford United 3-0 Padiham Brandon(60,69), Hancock(64) First Division AFC Liverpool 0-2 Eccleshall Sidebe(52), Wood(84p) Atherton Collieries 0-1 Irlam Williams(36) Chadderton 0-2 Ashton Town Edwards(8), Harrison(42) Leek CSOB 2-2 AFC Blackpool Machin(33,36) Baird(21), Donnelly(80) Norton United 3-1 Rochdale Town Marron(48), Barrass(65) Freakes(89) Hill(80)

HT:1-0 Att:150 HT:0-1 Att:48 HT:0-0 Att:88 HT:0-0 Att:135 HT:0-1 Att:40 HT:0-2 Att:45 HT:2-1 Att:25 HT:0-0 Att:61

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Match Report Tue 23rd March Vodkat League Premier Division St Helens Town 0-0 Winsford Utd On a rainy night in St Helens the slick surface and the heavy pitch colluded to make conditions difficult for both teams and ruin the game as a spectacle for the brave souls who ventured to Knowsley Road. An early chance fell to the hosts in the 6th minutes when a right wing corner broke to Graeme Mitchell but his effort was blocked by a defender and the chance was lost. Moments later Mitchell was again involved when he beat a defender on the right wing before crossing into the box, the visiting stopper fumbled the cross and the ball broke to Mike Scully who looked certain to score but for a well timed block challenge. The home supporters were unimpressed in the 12th minute when Mitchell found Hanley and he shrugged off his defender getting into the box and had his heels clipped as he was through on goal the referee deemed this not to be a foul and play continued. Kevin Woods had to be alert on 13 minutes when Lee Duckworth delivered a ball into the box from the left wing and Craig Hoyland rose to direct it goalwards only for Woods to tip over the bar. Another Winsford chance came in the 18th minute when a loose ball was collected

by Andy Kinsey on the edge of the box and he shot wide of the left hand post. Further Town pressure saw a spot of pinball in the Winsford box after 20 minutes, Mitchell sent a ball into the box and Iain Dyson attempted to meet it at the far post, he was nudged but play continued and the ball broke to Scully whose header was spilt by Jason Astbury in the Winsford goal and just evaded Hanley who was loitering with intent. Just before the half hour mark Mitchell got into the box and his initial shot was blocked the rebound broke kindly to him and his second effort suffered the same fate as the first with the loose ball being cleared. Visiting stopper Astbury was again in the action on 35 minutes when a left wing cross from Scully looked to be an easy take but his dropped the cross and the loose ball just evaded the slide of Hanley. With the half drawing to a close Hanley had a header held by Astbury and Winsford drew a save from Woods when Kinsey connected with a free kick from Josh Hancock. In the final stages John Elias started a counter attack and played a one-two Mitchell before sending a cross into the box which broke to Hanley and it required an excellent save from Astbury to stop the striker opening the scoring.

With the rain worsening the game became end to end and Town start the goalbound action when Scully’s turn and shot on the edge of the box was held by the keeper. At the other end a poor delivery from a corner almost set up a goal when it broke to Chris Melia and his effort had to be cleared off the line by Elias. A slick Town counter attack after 70 minutes saw Hanley and Dyson link with the latter finding Mitchell on the edge of the box.

Mitchell’s subsequent effort failed to trouble the keeper and went just over the bar. Woods was called into action twice in less than a minute as he had to be quick to react to two one on one’s. First a counter attack saw Hancock get into the box and look certain to score but Woods was quick to close him down and extended himself well to block the effort. This was quickly followed by Melia’s chance which again saw Woods deny an excellent opening to the visitor. In added on time at the end of the match Scully had a shot blocked and a couple of Town corners came to nothing and saw the game end in St Helens second 0-0 scoreline of the season.

St Helens Town: Woods, Elias (Cunningham 86), Evans, Pitts (c), Kay, Fargher, G.Mitchell, Stephens, Hanley, Dyson (P.Mitchell 76), Scully (Hatton 90). Subs Not Used: Cross, McCall.

Winsford United: Astbury, McKay, Duckworth, Bayley (c), Jardine, Parkinson, Hancock, Melia, Hoyland (Hope 57), Kisney, Brandon. Subs Not Used: Goddard, McNicholl, Burns.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

For your Contract Filling & Packaging in F.M.C.G. try

Q R Filling Services Ltd Unit 8 Constance Industrial Estate, Waterloo Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 0QR

Telephone: 0151 510 1711

Fax: 0151 5101709

We excel in Filling, Capping, Labelling, Coding, Cello Wrap, Shrink Wrap, Cartoning, etc, etc.

Nail Care, Foot Care, Hand Care, Hygiene, Auto, DIY, Aromatherapy Lamp Oils, Aromatherapy Burner Oils.

‘Quality at your Fingertips’ Call our Sales Team Now Ask for Brian or Tony Lewis

on 0151 510 1711

Applied Fusion Ltd “Centrix Asset Finance Ltd is a specialist van finance provider, we can arrange finance for any type of business whether you are sole trader or a Ltd Company.

With a wide panel of funders we can get the very best rate possible no matter what your financials circumstances are” Need to find a van? No Problem, check out www.northwestvans.co.uk for 100’s of new and used vans all based here in the Northwest.

Quote “St Helens Town AFC” when calling.

Designers and Manufacturers Process Plant Process Control & Automation Systems Pressure Vessels Constructional Engineers Electrical Engineers & Contractors Pipework Installation

Applied Fusion Limited Prescot Road, St. Helens,

Centrix Asset Finance Ltd Merseyside WA10 3BZ Tel: 01925 299284 Telephone: 01744 611661 Fax: 01744 451423 North West Vans: Email: admin@appliedfusion.co.uk 0844 335 0343 Executive ProgrammeTel:Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL www.applied-fusion-ltd.co.uk Email: info@northwestvans.co.uk 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Vodkat Advert

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

In Other News......

FC United Ground Plans FC United of Manchester have announced plans to develop a football ground in Newton Heath, Manchester - the birthplace of Manchester United.

The supporter-owned club, established when the Glazer family took over Manchester United in May 2005, is proposing to include new and renovated community sports facilities and a multi-function community space at the 5,000-capacity stadium.

The club wants to provide state of the art facilities that will create new investment in the area and opportunities for local people in sports participation and physical activity, youth inclusion, education, health, employment and a range of other services.

The site for the development is the existing Ten Acres Lane sports centre, which is owned by Manchester City Council.

FC United, New East Manchester and Manchester City Council have been working closely over the past two years to develop the plans and consultation will now progress with local residents, community groups and FC United members who own the club.

FC United is working to secure the finance for the £3.5m development, which will include a public appeal for donations, a Community Shares issue and grant funding.

Club General Manager Andy Walsh said: “We are delighted to be able to make this announcement and discussions with the council have been very positive to date. The significance of this location is historical while it will also showcase a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement.”

Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Mike Amesbury, said: “We have been supportive of this development to date and we are pleased to now take it to the next stage. While there is a way to go yet we feel that this will have significant local community benefits and bring an iconic supporter-owned club to Manchester.”

Eddie Smith, chief executive of urban regeneration company New East Manchester said: "We are working closely with FC United to help achieve their aspirations of acquiring land in Newton Heath for a new football ground. This is still very early stages but we are supportive of their proposals which would bring further regeneration benefits to east Manchester."

FC United hopes the development will be completed in the next two to three years, subject to consultation, funding and planning.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Vodkat League News Wigan Robin Park Chairman and Manager John Neafcy is rueing a bad run of injuries that he feels has had a major impact on his side's form in recent weeks. The Robins had been handily placed in the promotion chase before Christmas, but a run of poor results has seen them drop into mid table, a position which John readily admits is not where he hoped or expected to be as the season heads towards its climax.

"We've underachieved this season, as we wanted promotion this year. The way we set our stall out last year, we thought if we finished in the top seven we would have done well, so we were made up to finish fifth, although we went out of the cup competitions early. This season it's been the other way round really, we've done well in cups but not so well in the league. The main reason for that coming back after the enforced winter break we've had horrendous luck with injuries, and that's been hard to deal with and it's why we have struggled a bit in recent weeks.”

"We've had seven or eight players out and when you haven't got strength in depth, you'll struggle. That was proved in the games against Ashton Town and Barnoldswick, as they wouldn't have beaten us by those scores if we had been at full strength. As a result we are underachieving in the league, and it will be about here or four weeks before we've got everyone back. The strength in depth of the squad is something we've got to look at now, and we are doing".

None the less, for a club that was only formed in 2005, to be established where they are in only their second season in the Vodkat League is good going, and John admits that everyone at the club is generally happy with the way the club has developed so far. "We've exceeded our expectations to be honest. Starting out in 2005 and then within the first five years going through the Manchester League and achieving Vodkat League status has been fantastic for us, it's beyond what we would have dreamed of.”

"It's been hard work to get there, although it's not been a struggle because we've been well organised and confident in what we've been doing. Robin Park Arena have been great with us, although we don't get any special treatment and have to keep paying our way.

"We train here at the all weather pitch on Mondays and Wednesdays, and obviously can use the facilities for Sportsmans Dinners and the like which is great, but we still have to generate the finance to pay for it all. The pitch here is a good one, and Wigan Athletic's reserves play on it too, so you'd expect it to be good. It's great for us as we like to play football, but sometimes it does backfire on us, because at times we've played teams that played a long ball game when we played them at their place and then they played a bit differently when they came here.”

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season "The facilities do help us to attract players though. Once they come down and see the facilities they often decide that they want to stay here and play for us. There are a number of teams in this area who we are competing with for players, but there is a big enough pool of players in this area to go round. It's all about people coming down to have a look at us, because when they come down they don't often go away. They come down and train with the lads, and when they have done that and met the staff and had a look at the facilities, they want to sign".

It's pretty unusual at any level of football to find someone combining the role of Chairman and Manager like John does, and while he doesn't have to worry about getting a vote of confidence from the Chairman after the recent poor run of results, he does admit that combining the two jobs is difficult at times.

"There are times when combining the two does give me massive problems. I've got a fantastic wife who knows I love my football and she is very understanding. But she does get cheesed off at times because she is not a football lover and it's difficult for her to take on board, but she gives me all the support I need. I can combine the two jobs but I want to take the pressure off myself. I really wish I could get another three or four committee members, if I could that would make my life a lot more comfortable. But we can't seem to get people interested which I can't understand. We're a young club going forward, but we just can't get more people on board".

Putting the manager's hat back on, John is still upbeat about his team's prospects for the rest of the season. "I still think we're capable of upsetting teams who are pushing for a promotion place. It's a good league this season, and I love competing in it because you just can't underestimate anybody. You'd never have thought before Christmas for example that AFC Blackpool would be where they are now. When you see teams going on runs like that or losing a few, you begin to wonder who have they got playing for them, or what players have they lost.

"I think if we could finish in the top five again and get further in one of the cup competitions, especially the Division One Trophy, which I think we are capable of winning, that would be a good season for us and I'd be happy with that. The cup ties we have are good ones to look forward to. The lads are buzzing about the game on Tuesday against St Helens Town (in the Challenge Cup Quarter Final), it's a bit of a local derby and they have a few players who used to play for us, so we're really looking forward to that. “ "In the Division One Trophy we've got a home tie against AFC Liverpool and that is going to be interesting too. Every time we've played them they have been good games, they have been close. We were the first team to beat them at their place last season, which was fantastic for us in front of a big crowd, and they came here and won in the return game. This season they beat us here again, but if we can get a few of our missing players back for that quarter final tie, I think we've got a real chance of progressing further in the competition and who knows, maybe going on to win it".

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season From our refurbished coach house offices in Didsbury, South Manchester, FBI's mission is to offer high standards of build, detailing and communication and building long term relationships that consistently deliver exceptional work.

FLEXIBLE BUSINESS INTERIORS LTD The Old Coach House, 820 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2RN tel: 0161 445 1661 fax: 0161 445 1771 email: enquire@flexiblebusinessinteriors.co.uk

Do you want to study at one of the largest further education colleges in the country? We have a massive range of programmes plus a wide variety of qualifications including NVQs, National Awards, National Certificates, National Diplomas, City and Guilds Qualifications and other professional entry level qualifications.

Whether you want to go onto Higher Education, or study a programme which will improve your career prospects and help you find a job, St Helens College can help you turn your ambitions into reality!

St Helens College Water Street, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 1PP Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL tel: 01744 733766 fax: 01744 623400 web: www.sthelens.ac.uk 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Town Stats ‘09-10 23/03/2010

League

Player

App

Sub

Cups Gls

App

Sub

Total Gls

App

Sub

Gls 0

Anders

Paul

3

1

0

1

0

0

4

1

Birch

Peter

9

5

0

3

0

0

12

5

0

Burke

Chris

7

1

1

4

0

0

11

1

1

Burns

Dave

1

1

0

0

3

1

1

4

1

Clarke

Danny

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

Craig

2

3

0

0

0

0

2

3

0

Iain Stephen

25 1

5 0

13 0

6 0

1 0

3 0

31 1

6 0

16 0

Elias

John

32

0

1

2

0

0

34

0

1

Evans

Mark

18

3

1

4

1

0

22

4

1

Fargher

Mike

19

2

3

3

0

1

22

2

4

Faulkner

Luke

12

0

0

1

1

0

13

1

0

Foster

Chris

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

Foster

Jamie

0

4

0

0

0

0

0

4

0

Frazer

Ian

15

11

0

1

4

0

16

15

0

Adam

1

1

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

Cunningham Dyson Edwards

Gilchrist Gillespie

Andy

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

Hanley

Robert

27

3

12

7

0

6

34

3

18

Hatton

Brian

1

6

0

0

1

0

1

7

0

Jones

Neil

6

7

0

3

1

0

9

8

0

Kay

Ben

32

0

3

7

0

0

39

0

3

Ledsham

Karl

6

0

3

4

0

2

10

0

5

Graeme

22

0

0

4

0

0

26

0

0

Nick

9

2

0

1

0

0

10

2

0

McCall McLoughlin Mitchell

Graeme

14

6

6

4

2

1

18

8

7

Mitchell

Phil

21

2

4

6

0

0

27

2

4

Monteith Pitts

Paul

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

Dougie

26

1

0

6

0

0

32

1

0

Riley

Lee

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

Scully

Mike

15

4

10

3

1

2

18

5

12

Stephens Thomas Woods

Marc

27

6

3

4

2

0

31

8

3

Gareth

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

Kevin

11

1

0

3

0

0

14

1

Own Goals Totals

1 363

83

61

2 77

18

18

0 3

440

101

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

79

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Stat Attack at St Helens Town

Previous Meetings

at Wigan Robin Park

NWC-D1

1994-95

N/A

NWC-D1

1995-96

N/A

NWC-D1

1996-97

N/A

NWC-D1

1997-98

N/A

NWC-D1

1998-99

N/A

NWC-D1

1999-00

N/A

NWC-D1

2000-01

N/A

NWC-D1

2001-02

N/A

NWC-D1

2002-03

N/A

NWC-D1

2003-04

N/A

NWC-D1

2004-05

N/A

NWC-D1

2005-06

MANC-1

NWC-D1

2006-07

NWC-D1

Vodkat League Premier Division Average Attendances 27/03/2010 Rank Team

Pld Ave

1

Glossop NE

17

217

2

New Mills

16

172

3

Congleton Town

17

147

4

Newcastle Town

17

147

5

Ramsbottom Utd

15

146

6

Runcorn Linnets

16

138

7

St Helens Town

18

120

8

Bootle

15

118

9

Padiham

15

111

10

Winsford United

17

100

MANC-1

11

Silsden

16

88

2007-08

MANC-P

12

Colne

15

77

NWC-PD

2008-09

NWC-D1

13

Formby

13

69

NWC-PD

2009-10

NWC-D1

14

Nelson

17

68

15

Bacup Borough

9

66

St Helens Town Scores First Games Played

0

16

Maine Road

17

64

St Helens Town Wins

0

17

Squires Gate

17

59

Draws

0

18

Abbey Hey

16

56

Wigan Robin Park Wins

0

19

Atherton LR

16

48

St Helens Town Goals

0

20

Alsager Town

16

47

Wigan Robin Park Goals

0

21

Ashton Athletic

17

37

0.00

22

Flixton

17

36

Percentage Town Wins

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

League Standings Vodkat League Premier Division Table - 27/03/2010

Pos Team

P

W

D

L

1 Newcastle Town

35

33

1

2 New Mills

30

22

3 Congleton Town

34

4 Maine Road

F

A

GD Pts

1

105 16

89 100

5

3

87

29

58

71

20

6

8

68

30

38

66

34

17

5

12

68

51

17

56

5 St Helens Town

33

17

5

11

61

58

3

56

6 Bootle

28

17

4

7

60

25

35

55

7 Ramsbottom United

32

16

7

9

66

58

8

55

8 Glossop North End

29

15

8

6

58

34

24

53

9 Colne

33

15

6

12

56

55

1

51

10 Runcorn Linnets

32

14

4

14

59

60

-1

46

11 Padiham

31

13

5

13

53

52

1

44

12 Squires Gate

34

11

7

16

53

62

-9

40

13 Flixton

35

11

7

17

48

71 -23 40

14 Silsden

32

11

4

17

44

60 -16 37

15 Nelson

31

10

7

14

39

58 -19 37

16 Bacup Borough

26

9

6

11

40

49

17 Alsager Town

35

9

5

21

49

65 -16 32

18 Winsford United

31

8

5

18

42

67 -25 29

19 Formby

30

9

1

20

34

58 -24 28

20 Atherton LR

33

6

6

21

42

79 -37 24

21 Abbey Hey

33

7

3

23

40

87 -47 24

22 Ashton Athletic

33

6

5

22

40

88 -48 23

-9

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

33

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

League Standings Vodkat League Division One Table –27/03/2010

Pos Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD Pts

1 Barnoldswick Town

22

13

6

3

47

18

29

45

2 Stone Dominoes

22

12

6

4

55

28

27

42

3 Leek CSOB

22

11

7

4

34

23

11

40

4 Irlam

24

11

6

7

45

33

12

39

5 Holker Old Boys

24

11

6

7

41

38

3

39

6 Atherton Collieries

24

11

3

10

44

47

-3

36

7 Norton United

22

10

5

7

30

27

3

35

8 Ashton Town

27

9

7

11

50

60 -10 34

9 AFC Liverpool

24

10

3

11

45

35

10

33

10 Eccleshall

25

9

5

11

32

41

-9

32

11 Wigan Robin Park

22

9

4

9

40

36

4

31

12 AFC Blackpool

25

8

4

13

39

42

-3

28

13 Oldham Boro

24

7

7

10

32

39

-7

28

14 Chadderton

22

7

6

9

33

34

-1

27

15 Daisy Hill

20

7

5

8

31

32

-1

26

16 Cheadle Town (-3)

24

4

9

11

25

43 -18 18

17 Rochdale Town

25

3

5

17

26

73 -47 14

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Reserves Round Up Liverpool County F.A. Premier League, Results 27/03/2010 Division Two North St Helens Town Res 4 v 1 Clubmoor Farmers Division Two North Table; 27/03/2010

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Team P W D L F A GD Pts Croxteth 7 5 1 1 22 14 8 16 St Helens Town Res 10 5 1 4 19 20 -1 16 Bootle FC 'A' 10 4 2 4 15 15 0 14 Pinewoods 7 4 1 2 23 12 11 13 Warbreck Reserves 7 4 0 3 19 14 5 12 Walton Players 7 3 2 2 16 15 1 11 Clubmoor Farmers 9 3 2 4 19 19 0 11 Blueline 9 1 3 5 16 25 -9 6 Redgate Rovers 8 2 0 6 12 27 -15 6 31/10/09: Croxteth v Clubmoor Farmers - Home Win 06/02/10: St Helens Town Res v Bootle FC 'A' - Home Win

John Gregson Memorial Trophy Table; 27/03/2010

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6

Team P W D L F A GD Pts St Helens Town Res (Q) 10 7 0 3 28 14 14 21 Warbreck Res (+2) 10 5 1 4 20 19 1 18 Alder 10 5 0 5 26 23 3 15 NELTC Res 9 4 2 3 16 13 3 14 Redgate Rovers 9 3 2 4 15 20 -5 11 Unity FC (-1) 8 1 1 6 10 26 -16 3 26/09/09: St Helens Town Res v NELTC Res - Home Win Fixtures 03/03/2010 Division Two North Blueline v Warbreck Res Bootle FC “A” v Redgate Rovers Croxteth v St Helens Town Res Walton Players v Pinewoods

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Saint’s Alive . . .

A man goes to see his doctor with pains in his leg. “My leg hurts something shocking,” he says. The doctor takes his stethoscope, presses it on the man’s thigh and hears the thigh say, “Doctor, doctor, lend us eighty quid to pay me phone bill.” The doctor looks up at the man with a puzzled expression, then places the stethoscope on his knee and hears the knee say, “Doctor, doctor, lend us seventy quid to pay me electricity bill.” The doctor again looks up in silence, then places the stethoscope on the man’s ankle and hears the ankle say, “Doctor, doctor, lend us five hundred quid to pay me council tax demand.” The doctor looks up and smiles. “Well, the problem appears to be self-evident,” he says. “So, what’s up?” demands the man. “Your leg’s broke in three places,” replies the doctor.

A few days after performing an operation, a surgeon calls at the patient’s bedside and explains, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but when I operated on you I accidentally left one of my rubber gloves inside your abdomen. We’ll have to open you up again to get it out.” The patient seems quite unconcerned and replies, cheerily, “There’s no need to go to all that trouble, doctor. Here’s a couple of quid – go out and buy yourself a new pair.”

Bob is a very slow worker and finds it difficult to hold down any job, but after a number of visits to the Job Centre, he is offered a position at the local zoo.

When he arrives for his first day, the head keeper, aware of Bob’s reputation, assigns him to take care of the tortoise section. Later in the day, the keeper drops by to see how Bob is getting on, only to find him standing in an empty enclosure. “Where are the tortoises?” demands the keeper, angrily. “I can’t believe it,” says Bob. “I just opened the door and ..… whoosh!”

A baby camel turns to his father, who is the middle of eating some delicious vegetation, and asks, “Daddy, why do we have such big humps?” “Well, Son,” replies his dad. “They are full of fat to sustain us for long periods out in the desert.” The baby camel then asks, “Why do we have such long eyelashes?”

His father explains they are to keep the swirling sand out of their eyes. “And why do we have such large, padded feet?” persists the baby camel, so his father patiently explains they are to stop them sinking into the soft desert sand. Hoping he has satisfied the youngster’s curiosity, the father resumes his meal. “So, Dad,” enquires his son. “What the hell are we all doing in London Zoo?” Compiled and edited by John Shepherd (Sheffield FC) with cartoon by Paula Shepherd. If you have any printable jokes you would like to share with your fellow supporters, please e-mail them to me on john@behindtheflag.co.uk go on, let’s all have a laugh.

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk

St. Helens Town Matchday Programme 2009-10 Season

Executive Programme Sponsors 2009-10 JOHNSONS TOYOTA LIVERPOOL 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle L20 4TX Tel: 0151 515 9738 johnsonsliverpool.toyota.co.uk