West Didsbury & Chorlton v Abbey Hey

Main Club Sponsor:

2013/14 SEASON

MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2

Premier Division 22 March 2014 – 3.00pm

Abbey Hey

WELCOME to WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC CLUB CONTACTS

FOOTBALL CONTACTS

Club President

First Team

Brian Cripps

Glyn Meacher 07905 431526

Manager: Andy Nelson 07952 567240 Asst Mgr: Steve Settle (coach) Asst Mgr: Steve Eckersley (admin) Kit Manager: Jon Barton

Club Secretary

Reserve Team

Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891 298441

Manager: Robert Madden 07730 655446 Asst Manager: Jim Hines

Membership Secretary

Club Coaches

Chairman

Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Treasurer

Kris Mahon – First Team Tony Holmes – Goalkeepers Joel Hudson – Reserves

Dave Cooper 07961 063195

Physio Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Community Development Davy Iredale

Publicity and Web John Churchman 07720 508082

Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397

Paddy Murphy

‘A’ Team Manager Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Youth Team Manager Ian Depeiaza 07838 232401

Junior Football Co-ordinator Mark Rogers 07841 112903

Vets Managers Chris Smith 07867 171815 Steve Fisher 07595 678937

Ownership: In accordance with THE Football Association Rule 2.13 Publication of ownership in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 clubs in the Football Pyramid we hereby confirm that the legal status of WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB is as not for profit private members club. Any gain arising from the carrying on of the Club shall be applied for the benefit of the Club or for some charitable or benevolent purpose or purposes approved by resolution at a general meeting of the Club.

CLUB INFO… To contact the club please use the club website

http://www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FF

Editorial

Abbey Hey

WELCOME This afternoon we are pleased to welcome Abbey Hey to The Recreation Ground for this return fixture in the Premier Division. This is the 3 rd game between our two clubs for the second successive season as we were both Division 1 sides last season when each club enjoyed home league victories and WEST narrowly squeezed past Abbey Hey 1-0 in the Division 1 Cup Final to lift silverware in our first season in the NW Counties.

Earlier this season Abbey Hey were here as our first ever opponents in the FA Cup. We won that game 2-0 to kick start our season, but then Abbey Hey came out on top 2-1 in the League fixture in early December scoring in the first and last minutes of the second half to take all 3 points.

Like ourselves Abbey Hey have found life challenging at times this season, and they currently sit several places below us in the table, maybe a bit too close to the relegation zone for comfort but they are certainly a hard team to beat as we found out in December and will be in determined mood to add to their points tally today and be aiming to get clear of trouble.

Our recent ‘consistent’ win one lose one form which started mid December, continued over the past week with a creditable performance and 1-0 away win at Bacup last Saturday. Then we went down 0-2 at home on Tuesday night to league leaders and promotion favourites Runcorn Linnets when it is fair to say we were not at our best apart from Ben Simpson who was everyone’s man of the match for some breathtaking saves. With just 8 games left to the end of the season Andy and the lads will be determined to finish strongly and boost our points total to ensure a mid table finish.

UPCOMING FIXTURES The next game here is on Wednesday evening 26TH March at 7pm when the Manchester League take on the Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur League in the second leg of the FA Inter League cup competition.

The FA Inter-League Cup (formerly known as the FA National League System Cup or FA NLS Cup) is a competition run by The FA which was created in the 2003-04 season to provide an English representative team in the UEFA Regions Cup. The cup is contested by representative sides from leagues at Step 7 of the National League System with a few other leagues permitted by the FA. This looks like being an intriguing tie with the L+C enjoying a one goal lead from the first game, and we also look forward to welcoming back many friends from our days in each of those leagues.

SPONSOR A SEAT – A BIG THANK YOU …

To everyone who has agreed to help us raise funds for the new stand. We have now more than 20 seats sponsored which means that there are now less than 30 seats remaining to be sponsored, ideally before the end of the season. With only 5 home games left we would encourage you to sign up if you are able to help. Don’t forget we will give you a season ticket for next season so please pick up a leaflet and/or speak to Rob McKay or Rob Turley.

ENJOY TODAYS GAME and we’ll look forward to seeing you again next Saturday when we host Ashton Athletic here at 3pm.

Rob Turley Cover: Matty Kay in action. Thanks to Mike Fryer for match pictures used in the programme & website.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

View from the Dugout Good Afternoon and welcome to Brookburn Road for today’s game. I would like to start by welcoming the players, officials and supporters of Abbey Hey who have travelled today for the sixth meeting between our teams in two years.

It is fair to say that we have been evenly matched in the previous five meetings with ourselves edging it slightly with three wins to two but each game has been tightly contested and four of those five goals settled by a single goal.

We head into today’s game on the back of a hard fought victory over Bacup last Saturday where we had to contend with a strong wind first half pitch and a pitch that sloped across as well as missing several players including our influential team captain Mark Rogers. In his absence new club captain Anthony Potts took the armband and lead the team and capped off an accomplished display with the man of the match award. ‘Pottsy’ has often been an unsung hero this season but has become an indispensible member of the side since he joined at the beginning of last season.

On Tuesday night we welcomed Runcorn Linnets to Brookburn Road and it is a testament to how far we have come in such a short space of time that we faced a club of such stature on equal terms. They are obviously a very good side and it will take some stopping for them not to win the league but I don’t think we showed them how good of a side we could be. We made some un-characteristic mistakes, didn’t press them or impose ourselves on the game.

We have asked the lads to learn from their mistakes in big games as the better teams will punish us starting today as Abbey Hey will be tough opponents.

We have eight games remaining, of which five are at home where we have been a difficult side to beat, but we face some tough games against the likes of Norton United, Maine Road, Ashton Athletic and Barnoldswick Town and I have told the lads that they must play to their best if they want to secure results against those sides. As we’ve often seen there are no easy fixtures in this division and on the day any side can beat anyone else. We have a chance to complete a very impressive first season in the top division and it would be a shame if we underachieved through lack of application in the final stretch of the season.

Finally it was terrific to see so many familiar faces at Brookburn Road on Tuesday night and your support did not go un-noticed by myself or the rest of the management team. Your support is both necessary and greatly appreciated and it’s great to know that what we are trying to do here is getting your backing.

Thanks you for your support and enjoy the game Andy Nelson

Our next first team home game kicking off at 3pm…

Ashton Athletic Saturday 29th March WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

OUR SPONSORS We would like to express our sincere thanks to our current pitch side board sponsors for their support. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today.

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

First Team Match Reports‌ Saturday 15 March: Bacup & Rossendale Borough 0 West 1 WEST were on the road to Bacup last Saturday, apparently the highest ground above sea level in England, and the team responded in fine style, bouncing back from the disappointment of the Congleton game, to return with 3 points after a gritty 1-0 win.

The first half was one of few clear cut chances and although West had good possession and movement throughout the final ball was often lacking.

The home side had only one decent chance which Ben Simpson did well to save with his feet after 10 minutes. West had the best chance on 20 minutes when Tre Baldwin Willis picked the ball up on the touchline on half way to cut down the flank and then inside past 3 men before firing just wide of the target. A couple of good flowing moves followed with West passing and moving well into the spaces as Bacup struggled to keep shape, and at the end of the best of these Tommy Walsh held the ball up well to lay off to Matty Kay who then played in Scott Jones on the left, only for the final effort to be blazed high and wide of the target. Tommy was at it again a couple of minutes later but this time his effort was held on the line by the home keeper and the first half then ended scoreless.

Bacup were better in the early stages of the second half with an early effort turned behind for a corner

by Simpson. This came to nothing and then 10 minutes in West went ahead with a goal of great quality. Callum Jones made a great run down the right wing passing inside to Tommy Walsh who in turn held the ball up to play in Matty Kay who hammered a great left footed shot high into the top corner past a bemused goalkeeper. West were playing well through centre midfield as well as down the flanks and great work by Summers and Tre nearly produced a second for Kay only for the ball to bobble wide.

On the hour mark Tommy Walsh was sent clear in an inside left position and with Kay unmarked and screaming for the killer pass Tommy elected instead to try one turn too many and the opportunity went begging. Tommy Hendley and Tom Webb came on for Scott Jones and Tommy Walsh for the final 25 minutes and both showed some nice touches and confidence slotting well into the team shape and system as West comfortably saw out the rest of the game to return with all 3 points.

STOP PRESS>>> Tuesday 18 March: West 0 Runcorn Linnets 2 On Tuesday night in front of a good crowd boosted by a large following from Runcorn we went down to the league leaders and promotion favourites Runcorn Linnets. A goal in each half was enough for Runcorn to take the points. A full report will be in the next programme v Ashton Athletic.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

CLUB MERCHANDISE…NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!!!

Support your local club and show your support with our latest official club merchandise!

New for this season at £6 (£5 for club members and supporters’ club members) we have beanie hats and a club crest scarf. There are now more ways than ever to buy club merchandise as in addition to being able to purchase on match days our new online club shop is open. Simply log on to www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk today to purchase what you want and have it delivered straight to your front door!

Wrist bands £1, Mugs at £5, Key rings at £1, Club badges at £3 Club Ties at £12.50 Programme Back Issues

Follow News Updates on West via Twitter and Facebook!

Can’t make it to the game and want live match updates? Wanting the very latest news from the club on the move? Make sure that you log onto our Facebook page for all the latest news, views and updates on all things West Didsbury & Chorlton by clicking on www.facebook.com/WestDidsburyChorlton Alternatively you can follow on the very latest goings on the club with exclusive content by logging onto Twitter and following us @WD_CFC (picture of club badge)

Ground Safety In the interest of spectator comfort and safety, the following conditions apply at the clubs Brookburn Road ground and must be observed at all times.        

In case of fire or other emergency that requires the clubhouse or ground to be evacuated instructions will be given over the public address system, and we ask that you comply with those instructions immediately.

The chanting of racist or obscene chanting is strictly forbidden.

Glasses, bottles, gas canisters, knives, darts, tools, flag poles or any other articles likely to cause injury are not permitted into the ground.

Alcohol may be purchased and consumed in the bar area only.

Children are not allowed in the Club House unless accompanied by an adult.

Encroachment onto the playing area is forbidden at all times.

Standing is not allowed in front of the seated areas.

All forms of transport on the clubs car park is at the owners’ risk.

The club reserves the right to remove any person from the ground who is in breach of these rules or whose presence is a source of danger or annoyance to others. We hope you understand the reasons for the above are in order for the game to be enjoyed in safe and pleasant conditions.

Thank you, West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC Committee

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

History‌ Abbey Hey Formed in 1902 as Abbey Hey W.M.C Early Years - During the formative years and during the two World Wars the Club was disbanded and reformed on a number of occasions. The Club played in a number of leagues during the intervening years but really came into its own in the 1960s taking in the players of the Admiralty Gunnery Engineering Department.

Alf Gentry was manager of Abbey at the time but decided with the influx of the new players he would step down in favour of the manager of AGED, Danny Danson. Danny went on to have great success with the team. Alf stayed on in a senior position within the Club for many years to share in the success of the Club during the following years. The new players and manager made up the backbone the club during the 1960s with some of staying on for years after their playing careers had ended, notably Allan Vaughan who occupied the positions of treasurer, and secretary as well as running the Vets team for many years. Ken Brown also stayed on as manager after Danny retired with some great years winning numerous honours.

In 1978 the Club decided to apply for a position in the Manchester League. The application was successful and the Club began playing in 2nd Division, winning promotion in their first season. This meant that the Club had to find an enclosed ground suitable for playing their home games. The nearest ground available at this time was in fact miles away in Chorlton on St. Werburghs Road. The ground was owned by a car dealership and was being used by a local school. This was to be the start of many successful years in this League winning the Premiership title five time as well as coming runners up on numerous occasions together with winning many cups. After two years Lookers reneged on the deal and the club was once again compelled to move, this time to a ground much nearer home named after a prominent Council luminary Godfrey Erman who donated the Ground to the local populous of Abbey Hey in perpetuity for their use as a recreational area. The next 18 years were fairly successful with the Club winning the Gilgryst Cup under manager Jim Whittaker and the League title and the Gilgryst Cup under Dave Denby.

After many years on Godfrey's, Abbey were told that from the start of the new season they would not be playing on the ground, so once again the Club was forced to move or fold. A new home at the old English Steel ground was arranged on a season to season basis with the owners Clayton Analine.

After only two years the ground was sold to a large local builder. However, during the two years the Club had been on the ground they were also in negotiations with Crossley Motors Ltd to buy a disused ground they owned in Goredale Avenue, Gorton. Matters had reached an impasse between the Club and Crossleys when Manchester City Council intervened; this seemed to tip the scales in favour of the Club who were asked to make an offer for the ground which they did and which was promtly accepted.

Jim Clark was to join the Club during these turbulent times as manager of the first team a position he was to occupy for the next eighteen years with fantastic success. Jim managed to win the Manchester League Premier League Championships Five times as well as numerous cups and honours for the Club.

In 1997 the Club successfully applied for membership of the North West Counties and started life in the second division. In the first season Jim Clark managed to clinch the runners up spot after a fantastic finishing day of the season when a win had to be secured! Promotion meant that the Club had to install floodlights and true to form these were designed and installed within a couple of months.

The biggest job during the ground improvements was the building of the new clubhouse and dressing rooms which were required as the old ones were constantly being damaged by the local vandals a curse that still continues to this present date. Planning permission was obtained and the work was started once again the vast majority of it being carried out by our own club members.

In 2004 ten members of the committee were awarded long service awards for their 25 Years in the service of Grass Roots Football by Manchester County FA.

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Today’s Match Sponsor: Mrs Anne Cooper Today’s sponsor is Mrs Anne Cooper, the long suffering wife of our treasurer. She is sponsoring today’s game on the understanding that the club will take care of him most Saturday afternoons whilst she gets some peace and quiet.

Anne has helped out at the club occasionally including setting up the Tombola on Bonfire Night.

One pre-season she was asked how she could help with preparation for the new season. Rob T asked her to clean the goal posts which were covered in mud with ball marks.

Anne asked why they didn’t shoot the ball into the net rather than against the posts (Tommy and Tre please note). Now retired, Anne helps out with ‘Didsbury in Bloom’ and at ‘The Parsonage’ in Didsbury and is taking an OU course in Medicine/Surgery in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries (how weird is that).

The photo was taken at WDaCAFC centenary celebrations.

Thank you…

Our thanks to Pennant who were our match sponsors for the game on Tuesday night against Runcorn Linnets.

Pennant has been a partner and supports us with a lot of our publicity material.For further information contact: John Churchman on 0161 947 6942

Remaining home games and sponsors list: There are three games left this season where a sponsor is needed, if you can help in anyway please discuss this with a committee member.

March 29: Ashton Athletic: available April 5: Colne: Dave Cooper April 19: Norton United: available April 21: Maine Road: available

Thank you…

Our thanks to Mark Bennett who was our match ball sponsor for the game against Silsden.

First mascot…

We have our first mascot for the home game against Ashton Athletic on 29th March.

The club is keen to explore any way of increasing interest and if anyone else would like to lead the team out please talk to a Committee Member. There is a minimal charge and the mascot will receive a goodie bag.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances - goalscorers

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Unused substitutes in the FA Cup:

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

NWCFL Premier and Reserve Division Tables Table correct as of 19/03/2014

We are on the lookout for Club Helpers. CAN YOU HELP? Our club is dependent on the time and effort of volunteer helpers who act as club officials, manage and staff the bar and clubhouse on match days, produce the match day programme and undertake a host of other tasks around the clubhouse and grounds. Every little helps so if you are interested in getting involved please contact us at www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk Or contact the secretary, Rob Turley on 07891 298441 or e-mail to: rob.turley@btinternet.com

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Reserve Team Update…

Following the narrow defeat by Glossop in the League Cup West Reserves dip in form has continued.

Two defeats in the League, a 3-0 away to league leaders Glossop and a 7-1 trashing at the hands of New Mills, together with a further 1-4 defeat at home in the League Trophy against Irlam has completed a poor fortnight for the Reserves.

The commitment from the squad has been good with everyone working well looking to turn the results around and in fairness to the squad some of the results flatter the opposition. Unfortunately at this level of football mistakes at crucial times in games often result in goals being conceded.

Despite the results there has been some excellent performances from individuals with Tommy Hendley, Tom Webb and Mat Zajac all being called up to the first team squad for last weeks game away to Bacup. Captain Kyle Hendley has had two man of the match performances in the last two games and is setting the example and leading from the front in our attempts to turn the results around.

In the last game, seventeen year old Zeeshan Hussain has come back into the team following a long layoff from injury and his performance was excellent and showed a lot of maturity for such a young man.

The squad are showing great attitude and desire to improve their performances and with seven games left are looking to finish the season on a high.

Rob Madden

‘A’ Team Match Report…

Saturday 8 February: West 8 George 2 A further 8 goals were added on Saturday against tenth placed George taking our tally to 18 goals in the last three games and maintaining our unbeaten record since the turn of the year.

The league table now makes more pleasant reading as the A team sit in second place as we wait on results to find out our next opponents in the cup. As in the previous 2 fixtures of 2014 early goals ensured that victory was never in doubt. The George keeper was at fault for the opener as he tamely parried Morley’s shot into the path of Harkis who tapped home from a few yards out.

Morley opened his account for the match not long afterwards, finishing well after good approach play from Garcia to create the opening. The biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for captain Grimshaw, bedecked in the dazzling Warrior boots who celebrated his 36 th birthday by heading home at the far post after a testing deep cross from player-manager Iredale. With the swirling wind causing problems for George defensively, the bulk of the half was spent on the front foot, with Ashcrofts corner kicks posing all sorts of problems to the visitors defence. Morley again capitalised on some slack defending to grab his second of the afternoon before the interval.

Again the focus on half time was to start quickly and not allow the struggling opposition any respite. A neat finish from Gary Lilley and a header from a corner by Leahy ensured that West were in cruise control. George pulled one back after Iredale goaded the man standing over the free kick whilst in the defensive wall only for the ball to fly over his head into the top corner and the full back was also at fault for vacating his front post for the visitors 2nd converted from a corner kick.

The goals were academic by that stage of the game however as Morley completed his hat trick with a tap in after another keeper fumble and Armani Coleman, since switched from full-back into central midfield was on hand to poke home (with the assist of a defender) from close range to complete the scoring.

All in all a pleasing and comprehensive victory, with further challenges ahead as we enter the final 6 league fixtures of the season. With many teams having played fewer games than West, we can only seek to continue the winning run and hope that teams around us drop points to stand a chance of instant promotion to the top division.

Jamie Harkis WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Statistics…Correct as of 19/03/2014

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Youth Team Update…

LANCASHIRE FA YOUTH CUP FINAL Action from Sunday 16 March

AFC Fylde u18s 5 West u17s 1 WEST Chairman Glyn Meacher commented ‘We are all very proud of what the lads have achieved this season and with several key games left they are still in pole position to win their league and are also still in the cup.’

Watch this space for more news of this talented squad.

Match report in previous programme, some are still available in the clubhouse.

A MESSAGE FOR THE COMMITTEE (From the clubs website) Hello, I would like to congratulate you all on a very well run football club. I have recently made contact with Mark Rogers who has been absolutely first class in his approach in giving my son an opportunity to trial for the youth team. He has also gone way beyond in making my son and by default my family welcome. Tonight was his first taste of training at Chorlton high school, playing with lads a couple of years older, he was nervous but soon settled in. Coach Peza ably assisted by Coach Bruce laid on a very professional session for the lads.

To put this in to perspective, not only was it well thought out it was run on a very tight deadline in appalling weather conditions. The enthusiasm these two Coaches give out is nothing short of extraordinary. My son trains on a regular basis at Finch farm the home of Everton FC and under Billy Stewart the England Youth keeper coach on school holidays at his international academy near Wigan, not forgetting J4K at Burnage. He has also trained at Oldham and Bury.

The session tonight was on a par with what I witness at the academy at Everton. Similar drills, intensity and importantly an emphasis on getting the correct message across to the players. Managing twenty or so young talented players is not the easiest of jobs. The only criticism would be it would have been more effective if slightly longer, but I guess hands are tied by the school. For the record, Everton youth sessions are generally done over an hour and a half. The session was superior to what I have seen at Oldham and Bury.

Credit where due, if everyone of influence at WD&C has the same passion as Mark, Ian (Peza) and Bruce the club will not just do well, it will rise up the leagues for sure. I am in no doubt that the Committee recognizes the core skills of the people mentioned which in itself is shrewd and wise leadership. I feel it is important to give credit where due and recognize high standards of excellence.

Great Club indeed ! Very impressive! Thank you, Dave Wright

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

WHAT’S OUR

STORY?

West Didsbury and Chorlton FC, have come a long way in their 105 year history which began back in 1908 when the club was founded as Christ Church A.F.C. by Mr R F Hartley, a Sunday School Superintendent at the church on Princess Parkway, West Didsbury.

West played friendlies at first and then in the Manchester Alliance League until the First World War 1914. After the War the club joined the Lancashire and Cheshire League for the 1920/21 season and had to change its name to West Didsbury AFC, as that League did not permit a name suggesting association with any other body.

The club was placed in Divisions 1 and A, staying in the top flight for 25 seasons. The first honours were double runners up in Div 1 and Rhodes Cup in 1922/23, and the club remained in the L+C League until 2006, winning many honours and providing 4 League Presidents along the way.

The home ground from before 1914 until the mid 1980’s was Christie Playing Fields, and then the owners, Manchester and Salford Playing Fields Society, gave the club notice to quit having decided to sell off the land for commercial development – now ironically called ‘Christie Fields’ office park.

After several years’ nomadic existence searching for a new home, the club acquired the redundant and overgrown Recreation Ground at Brookburn Road in 1996, and began to restore this to active use and develop a vision for a community club.

This was down to the hard work of a core of players and Committee who refused to let the club fold. Work was completed in time to start the 1997-98 season using excellent new changing rooms and clubhouse facilities aided by a Lottery grant, new sponsors and members’ fundraising, but without a penny from the Playing Fields Society sale proceeds.

Further name change followed in 2003 to reflect the new location in Chorlton and the club was then elected to the Manchester League in 2006. In 2007/8 West won its first Manchester League silverware lifting the Murray Shield in the last game of our centenary year. That team was the nucleus of the previously successful junior team and the following season 2008/09 West just missed promotion to the Premier Division and again reached the Murray Shield Final. won their League.

With a new management team led by Andy Nelson, 2009/10 was very successful and honours spread throughout the club. The 1st team won the Murray Shield (the third consecutive year in the final) and was league runners-up. The reserves won the Bridgewater League Cup and the U17 Youth team won their League.

In 2010/2011 the 1st team won the Manchester League First Division title in style with a fantastic 65 points out of 72 possible. This ranks as one of the highest points totals per game in Manchester League history dating back over a century. The clubs reserve team and youth teams also had terrific seasons, resulting in promotion and for the second year reaching the Bridgewater Cup Final.

The Youth team reached yet another final where they were just pipped to the trophy by New Mills.

The Veterans were runners up in the Premier Division of the Cheshire Veterans League and then started a second veterans team such was the interest in the club. Plans were also made to formally integrate junior football as the club Vision is to be a FA Charter Standard Community Club, playing at the highest possible level it can whilst remaining financially viable.

Further improved saw floodlights erected in 2011 to meet FA requirements and West competed in the FA Vase for the first time in 2011-2012 as a Step 7 club. Election to the NWCFL followed in June 2012 and the club had an incredible first season winning the Div1 Trophy, finishing in 3 rd position after an amazing run in during March and April to secure promotion and also winning a guaranteed FA Cup place. The over 45’s team again chipped in with Cheshire Veterans league silverware.

2013-14 promises to be another testing season as the club adjusts to life in the NWCFL Premier Division, improves its spectator facilities, adds new grass pitches and youth teams as part of its development plan, and aims for long term consolidation and stability at this level whilst remaining as a volunteer run, ‘not for profit’ club.

NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 22nd March 2014 – Today’s Squads

Abbey Hey

West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Ben Simpson (GK)

Red Shirts, White Shorts and Red Socks and Pale Blue Socks John Mcilwaine (GK)

Callum Jones

Liam Murray

Scott Jones

Josh Morrell

Anthony Potts

Luke Gibson

Mark Rogers (Capt)

Matthew Harrop

Graham Kay

Scott Hardy (Capt)

Callum Schofield

Justin Pickering

Tre Baldwin Willis

Tom Murray

Rick Gleave

Sam Jones

Tommy Walsh

Wesley Harney

Steve Settle

John Hardy

Richmond Botchey

Kieron Burywood

Sam Mitten

Carl Borrell

Scott Mason

Sam Riley

Danny Summers

Adam Lawrence

Matty Kay

Christian Travaglini

White Shirts, Black Shorts and Black Socks

Mark Woodcock Lee Malkin Dale Newbrook (GK)

Manager: Andy Nelson

Managers: Luke Gibson

Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle

Assistant: Andy Harris

OFFICIALS Referee: Aaron Jackson

Assistants: Philip Howard and James Thorburn

NEXT HOME GAME Saturday 29th March 2014, KO 3.00pm WEST v Ashton Athletic