Main Club Sponsor:
2013/14 SEASON
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2
Premier Division 5 April 2014 – 3.00pm
Colne FC
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
COLNE FC
WELCOME Today we welcome our final first time visitors of the season from Colne [as our remaining visitors from Norton and Maine Road have been here before]. Colne are a club with a long and proud history and this season they have been in the top eight places for most of the season. We had an excellent away win at Colne earlier this season, in a game completed in horrendous conditions complete with hail storms and a brief floodlight failure causing the game to be delayed for a short while. We are pleased to welcome Colne and their officials and supporters today and trust they enjoy their visit and have a safe return journey back up the M66 after the game. Our performance last Saturday against Ashton Athletic showed a lot of fight and spirit in refusing to give way to a team which is one of the best on current form. In the second half we really came back very strongly and had the chances to win the game with one or two efforts qualifying for miss of the season. Ashton showed their strength again last Tuesday night when they beat top of the table Norton United 2-0 to keep the title race interesting. Meanwhile on the same evening our midweek travelling woes continued with a very disappointing second half display away at Barnoldswick. This time a combination of two injuries to key players, some interesting decisions coupled with defensive complacency and errors resulted in a rare lack of composure and concentration which cost us dear. Fortunately that is the end of our midweek away games so we can now focus on getting some further points from the 5 games remaining and try and finish in the top half of the table. FEEDBACK. Last weekend we introduced a couple of new features which we intend to repeat in future. Firstly we had a mascot for the game against Ashton Athletic when 7 year old Olivia Shaw led out the teams and you can read more from her dad inside. We also had an entertaining half time game when youngsters from nearby St John’s FC played across the pitch during the interval. The players and parents all enjoyed their visit to WEST including the refreshments after their exertions and the club mementoes they took away. Our thanks must go to reserve team manager Rob Madden for organising this and to all the children and parents who supported the initiative. We want to make WEST a family friendly club and as the new grass pitches come to fruition over the next few months we will see a bigger emphasis on junior football with our enlarged club from next season. OTHER NEWS Last Saturday we reported that due to lack of support the NWCFL Reserve Division will be disbanded as at the end of the current season. The Committee decided to apply for membership of the Cheshire League for our reserve and A teams for next season and an application has now been submitted to that competition. The next steps will involve a visit from Cheshire League representatives to see our facilities and we will then hear their decision probably in May. COMING NEXT Easter weekend sees the end of our home fixtures when we host high flying Norton United and Maine Road. Norton are the visitors on Saturday 20th April and then we play near neighbours Maine Road on Easter Monday at 3pm. In the meantime ENJOY THE GAME TODAY and why not bring a friend to these final two games as we aim to end the season in style.THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT Rob Turley Cover: Callum Jones 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 today’s game for the visit of Colne. I would like to start by welcoming the players, supporters and officials of Colne on their first visit to Brookburn Road. Although the form guide suggests we come into this game with a poor run of form with two wins, a draw and two losses in the last five games it actually doesn’t tell the full story. We grounded out a tough win against Bacup & Rossendale Borough led by Bas Massey and scored thanks to a bit of quality from Matty Kay when then came up against an excellent Runcorn Linnets side who may have to break the 100 points barrier to win the league and by no means disgraced ourselves. Runcorn were backed by a huge following and it will surely be only a matter of time before they are climbing the pyramid. We bounced back from that defeat with a good win against Abbey Hey in difficult conditions and thanks to Steve Eckersley and Jon Barton for forking the pitch to ensure that the game went ahead. This has been Jon’s first season with us and his contribution has been massive and has gone far above and beyond in his kit man duties. We are thoroughly lucky to have him. Next we had the visit of Ashton Athletic who boasted a miserly defence and had quietly gone about being one of the most impressive teams in the division boasting real quality in their side. Although they were probably the better side in the first half we absolutely battered them in the second and had we been more clinical in front of goal then we might have had more than a point to show for our efforts. The goal we scored was as good as you’ll see anywhere this season and I was thoroughly impressed with the performance. Unfortunately we lost Tommy Walsh to a fractured cheekbone in that game, he will miss the rest of the season and with Lee Malkin’s departure for Glossop North End, it left us with only one recognised striker for the trip to Barnoldswick Town. At ‘Barlick’ we didn’t get out of the traps quick enough and found ourselves a goal down early on. The goal seemed to spur us on and we should have had a penalty when Tre Baldwin-Willis was clumsily brought down by the Barnoldswick goalkeeper. However the referee deemed it outside of the area and a free kick, we got our just rewards with an excellent team goal finished off by Steve Settle and should have been ahead going into half time but we failed to take our chances. Unfortunately the injury sustained to Tre as a result of the challenge and a pre-existing knock to Scott Mason forced the two of them off at half time. We were forced to change the system and before we could get settled found ourselves four-one down. The final score wasn’t a true reflection of our attacking play but mistakes cost us badly in our own half. We have five games left and I am determined to cross the 50 points threshold and, although we have a tough run in with no easy games, I have told the lads that I want them to post a high a league position as possible. Enjoy today’s game and I hope you will join us again over Easter Bank Holiday for the visits of title chasing Norton United and local rivals Maine Road. Thanks you for your support. Andy Nelson 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 29 April: West 1 Ashton Athletic 1 WEST recovered from an early set back and scrappy first half to dominate proceedings in the second half and gain a hard earned point against a strong Ashton side. Indeed, but for some wayward finishing it could and should have been another 3 points rather than 1. The visitors went ahead after 8 minutes when the left winger was allowed time and space to fire the ball low across the face of goal where the close range finish was emphatic and clinical. WEST had a great chance to get back on level terms after 20 minutes when Tre Baldwin Willis poked the ball past the advancing keeper who misjudged things but the recovering defender got to the ball before Tre and just in time to clear off the line. WEST lost Tommy Walsh to a fractured cheekbone injury just before the break with Steve Settle coming on for the final few minutes of the first period. Both Settle and Gleave went close with a couple of late first half chances but it was 1-0 to Ashton at the interval. Ashton nearly increased their advantage in the opening minutes of the second half but Simpson saved well as WEST appealed in vain for offside. After 50 minutes a Mason free kick found Woodcock 6 yards out but a miscued effort was scrambled clear. On the hour the best chance again fell to Woody as a smart shot on the turn from Tre Baldwin Willis wrong footed everyone only to rebound off the post. Unfortunately the first time effort was blasted high over the bar into the stop netting rather than bringing the scored level. WEST were undaunted and in the ascendency and after 67 minutes Botchey went clear into the penalty area and felled by a sideways challenge but claims for a penalty were waived away. Then a Gleave effort was blocked and Scott Mason fired over the bar as WEST pressed to get level. They were not to be denied and after 74 minutes a quick throw caught Ashton off guard with Tre heading the ball behind the defence to set Rick Gleave clear and as he cut in from the right side he slotted home to the right of the advancing keeper to bring the scores level. The final few minutes saw further half chances with the final excitement coming from a great free kick from Ashton which crashed against the bar before being cleared to safety. A stirring comeback from WEST when the only thing lacking was composure in front of goal.
Tuesday 1 April: Barnoldswick 5 West 2 The early stages of this game saw greater intensity and desire from Barnoldswick as they played down the slope. West had a good chance after 8 minutes when a combination of Steve Settle and Tre Baldwin Willis provided an inviting low cross which Matty Kay chipped just wide. Barnoldswick went ahead after 15 minutes when West failed to clear their lines and as the ball was played back in through the back four two home forwards were in the clear to give Simpson no chance and make it 10. Things could have been worse a few minutes later but fortunately a low cross shot went wide of the West goal. WEST then began to get a grip and Summers sent Mason through only for a left foot effort to go wide and then after 26 minutes Tre Baldwin Willis raced clear only to be taken out in crude fashion by the home keeper on the edge of the area. The linesman flagged vigorously and as we all waited for the red card and penalty the referee waived yellow instead and gave a free kick on the 18 yard line. From this a Matty Kay effort was deflected over the bar for a corner which came to nothing. Another good move saw Kay denied by the keeper but on 30 minutes WEST were back in business. Tommy Hendley made an incisive run down the left flank to play in Steve Settle who went past the keeper and scored with a low cross shot from an acute angle. H-T 1-1. Half time was the last action for Tre and Scott Mason as a result of their first half bruises with debutants Matt Zajac and Derek Ubah coming on for the 2 nd half. Right from the off West had a decent chance when Settle had time and space in a central position but fired wide from 20 yards. West looked very comfortable, bordering on complacency and 10 minutes later Schofield was dispossessed near the corner flag and from the resultant low cross it was 2-1. On 63 minutes Zajac played in Settle who was unlucky not to equalise, but then things got worse with another mix up on the left of the West defence resulting in a fierce left foot finding the top corner for 3-1. West were reeling and 4 minutes later a free kick from near the corner flag was misjudged by the entire defence leaving the home centre back completely alone and unmarked to head home for 4-1. After 78 minutes it was 4-2 after Settle played in Botchey whose pull back to the penalty spot was eventually converted by Zajac after what seemed like an eternity. The West rally was short lived and a minute later an unnecessary challenge, with the ball in the air beating both players, saw the ref award a penalty. This resulted in a final score of 5-2 which flattered the home side and was no reflection of the balance of play, chances and possession. This was another long hard away trip with further lessons to learn on matching the intensity of our opponents. 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… COLNE FC Colne FC were formed in January 1996, by a group of like-minded people under the wing of now Chairman Dave Blacklock. The enthusiasts combined their strengths and knowledge of non league football, and arrangements were made for a new club to use the vacant Holt House Stadium, once used by the Dynamoes in the North West Counties Football League Division Two. Colne FC’s first ever competitive game was on the 17th August 1996 against Middlewich and the result ended in a 1 – 0 defeat. The team was then managed by Keith Mason, but after his resignation soon after, Denzil Hart was appointed to the hot seat. His first game was a 6 – 0 defeat away at Ashton Town, but just two games later Colne FC recorded their first ever victory thumping Bacup Borough 5 – 2. The highlight of the season, coming when the reserves won the BEP Cup at Clitheroe’s Shawbridge ground. The clubs fourth season was eagerly awaited, but in September 2000 manager Hart left the club by mutual agreement. Player John Lister was placed in temporary charge and his appointment was made permanent a month later. Lister learned lessons from this campaign and in 2001/02 finished 14 th . In the summer of 2002 James Webster took control of the club, to become the youngest chairman in the league at the age of 24. James was a player at the club with plenty of experience and along with his father who was vice chairman, had a strong desire to see the current side emulate the success of its predecessors. Season 2002/03 started well enough, but in December 2002 John Lister resigned as Manager. Paul Lynch took over as manager and the improvements continued, but in August 2003, Paul was offered the position of manager at Unibond side Rossendale United and subsequently left. Webster responded immediately by appointing Nigel Coates as the new manager as well as player Gary Rishton as his number 2. Nigel had played for the Dynamoes, being in the FA Vase winning team and had experience of management at local rivals Nelson. Season 2003/04 brought back the glory days to Colne with a string of successes. In the League Colne had to play catch up after a successful cup run, but ended the season 10 points clear in Division two, scoring 102 goals in their 38 games. We completed the double by winning the Division Two Trophy 1 – 0 over Great Harwood. The season was capped by an amazing run in the FA Vase for a North West Counties Football League Division Two club, they progressed all the way to the semi-finals, (via an incredible 1 – 2 away win at AFC Wimbledon) before being defeated over two legs 4 – 3 on aggregate to AFC Sudbury. As the season progressed attendances started to rise as the local population realised we were no longer the whipping boys of the league, and the infamous RED ARMY was formed. Colne took little time in adjusting to life in the First Division, another FA Vase run and a creditable 10 th place was secured in 2004 /05. Consolidation has followed and Colne FC’s highest league positions to date have been 5th in season 2007-08 and the same again in 2010-11. At the beginning of season 2005/6 the senior sides at Colne were officially amalgamated with what was Foulridge Minors Football teams. This adds the junior section to the resources of the club and the following season was awarded Charter Standard status. In November 2013 Colne’s manager for the past 10 years stepped down from the hot seat and former Colne player Steve Cunningham was appointed manager, with another former Colne favourite Ted Cockett as his No.2 and Coach. Steve and Ted have ambitious plans for the club and wasted no time in bringing in a few new faces to boost the playing squad, consolidating for the rest of the season but with big hopes and plans for the following seasons. With all this going on, due to the fantastic efforts of a strong and loyal band of followers and officials including the resurrected ‘Red Army’ and the continued support from our Main Sponsor ‘XLCR Vehicle Management’ there is a bright future on the horizon for Colne FC.
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
Meeting our Match Sponsor…Dave Cooper We are very grateful to Dave for sponsoring today’s match against Colne FC. Dave is a West man through and through; he joined West Didsbury, as it was then called, in late 1979 just after his 29th birthday. Dave got his big chance as a substitute for the second team at Christie’s playing field. Fortunately the left back was injured and Dave took his place and made it his own. Later that season, he broke into the first team. The next season, West took on a new first team manager who had played with Dave in the past and as a consequence his games for the first team were few and far between. So for most of the next ten seasons, Dave played left back for the seconds. However, players were short one weekend and the second team manager pushed Dave into midfield, on his birthday no less, and he scored two magnificent goals. The second team manager was a certain R.Turley and apparently he doesn’t like people outscoring him so Dave was back to left back the next game. Dave won second team player of the year award. It was presented to him by a new Manchester Utd manager; A. Ferguson. One of the highlights of Dave’s career was winning the Clubman of the year and having it presented by Bobby Charlton at Old Trafford. Dave left the club in 1999 after it had relocated and established itself at Brookburn Road but after a few years watching Burnley, decided to return to the now called ‘West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC’ and help out on committee. However, Dave would like to thank all the friends he has made at West for all the enjoyable times he has had with them mainly on Saturday afternoon. Remaining home games and sponsors list: There is one game left this season where a sponsor is needed, if you can help in anyway please discuss this with a committee member. April 19: Norton United: available April 21: Maine Road: Didsbury Blues
Our first mascot…Olivia Shaw Message from Frank Shaw … I wanted to pass my personal thanks to the club for allowing Olivia to be mascot for the day at your club. Olivia had a lovely day and it was an incredible experience for her. I was an extremely proud Dad to see Olivia lead the team onto the pitch. I thought West Didsbury and Chorlton FC have an extremely dedicated and passionate number of individuals associated with the club who will clearly ensure the club will go from strength to strength. A special mention to both Andy Nelson and Anthony Potts for welcoming Olivia and putting her at ease at the outset. The picture shows Olivia, aged 7 with Pottsy before the Ashton Athletic game. 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.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
West host the Manchester Saturday Morning League West are pleased to host the Manchester Saturday Morning League Cup Finals for the fourth year running, the three divisional finals will be played on Wednesday evenings with a 7.00 pm kick-off and the main MEN Cup Final is being played on Saturday morning with a 10.15am kick-off.
The finalists are: Wednesday 9th April - Presidents Shield: Cassidys v Alkrington Dynamos FC Wednesday 16th April - CCFL Shield: North End FC v AFC Middleton Wednesday 23rd April - Steeles Shield: Torpedo Chorlton v North Manchester FC Saturday 3rd May - MEN Cup Final: AFC Middleton V Brushes Rangers Spartak FC
Our next first team home game kicking off at 3pm‌ Saturday 19th April v Norton United
Rick Gleave in action http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances - goalscorers
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers
Unused substitutes in the FA Cup:
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
NWCFL Premier and Reserve Division Tables Table correct as of 25/03/2014
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
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Reserve Team Report… Tuesday 1 April: Glossop North End 3 West 1 West Reserves went to Glossop North End for the fourth meeting of the two teams this season. West started the better of the two, moving the ball round well and getting the ball out wide for Theo Wormington and Ryse Bailey-Morton to run onto. West continued to match Glossop attack for attack and with 15 minutes gone Kyle Hendley picked Nduoma Chilaka out with a lovely through ball, Endo took the ball in his stride and struck it well rattling the underneath of the crossbar, only to see the ball bounce the wrong side of the goal line. West continued to compete only to go behind in the 25 minute when the Glossop centre forward beat the offside trap to put the ball past Paul Hughes in the West goal. West heads did not go down and continued to go forward looking for an equalizer. Unfortunately they went further behind when a Glossop player took a shop from 25 yards which flew into the top corner of the West goal. After the break Glossop put a considerable amount of pressure on the West Goal with Paul Hughes making a number of excellent saves to keep West in the game. West looking to get back into the game pressed forward and when Theo was brought down 20 yards from goal Endo stepped up to curl the ball round the Glossop wall and put the ball into the Glossop net, the first goal Glossop had conceded in over 6 hours of football. The goal gave West encouragement that they could get something out of the game and pressed forward looking for a second goal. Unfortunately the next goal come from a Glossop corner which West failed to clear and the ball was tapped in from a yard out. The game ended 3-1 in favour of Glossop however West should take something from the game, they played very well in possession and worked much more as a unit than they have since before Christmas. With four games left in the season the reserves need to build on this good performance. Rob Madden
‘A’ Team Update… Saturday 15 March: West 2 FC Woodford 5 West entertained the league's form team in the shape of the unbeaten FC Woodford knowing that anything less than a vastly improved performance would see them receive a hammering. West’s actually began brightly but the all too familiar momentary lapse of concentration saw Woodford take the lead. Perhaps due to the frequency that this has happened this season West galvanised themselves and begun to win personal battles right across the park whilst implementing the relaxed passing game which has been rarely seen in recent weeks. An equaliser duly came, albeit from the most unlikely of sources as Danny Iredale playing in a more advanced right midfield position received the ball in the middle of his own half, carrying it deep into Woodford territory he released it to the left before continuing his run. The ball fell to him in the Woodford area and time seemed to slow as he coolly scuffed it into the bottom right of the goal giving the keeper no chance...Game on! Despite West continuing to give everything a combination of missed chances from West allied to clinical finishing from Woodford saw West go behind again. Man of the match Bobby Ashcroft remedied this by finishing perhaps his toughest chance of the day smashing the ball past a bewildered Woodford keeper. Unfortunately things didn't go West’s way as more missed chances were inevitably punished by a Woodford side clearly used to free scoring victories and a 5-2 loss perhaps didn't accurately reflect the closeness of the game. Two away games at Unicorn in the next two weeks, the latter of which being a cup Quarter Final, represent the A teams last chance for some glory in this season of rebuilding and this will very much depend on whether or not they match the effort of today or turn up expecting to be gifted a result as happened in the previous two games Nick Grimshaw
Youth Team Update… Sunday 30 March: Heyside JFC 1 West 1 West’s Youth Team continued their great league form grounding out a draw against a very competitive Heyside team. On another day this could have been a convincing victory but with only four more points needed for the League title they are experiencing different sorts of games from free scoring to having to dig deep, as they strive to get over the finishing line.
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Statistics‌Correct as of 01/04/2014
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
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 3rd 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 5th April 2014 – Today’s Squads
Colne FC
West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC
Ben Simpson (GK)
Red Shirts, Red Shorts and Red Socks and Pale Blue Socks Chris Thompson (GK)
Callum Jones
Adam Stockdale
Scott Jones
Ed Williams
Anthony Potts
Jonathon Hodgkinson
Mark Rogers (Capt)
Marc Young
Graham Kay
Christopher Anderson
Callum Schofield
Jimmy Crorken
Tre Baldwin Willis
Mark Coyne
Rick Gleave
Jason Hart
Tommy Walsh
Nathan Bond
Steve Settle
Thomas Berwick
Richmond Botchey
Kieran Demaine
Sam Mitten
Alex Grice
Scott Mason
Michael Woodvine
Danny Summers
Ben Whittaker
Matty Kay
Ted Cockett
Mark Woodcock
Paul Cruz
White Shirts, Black Shorts and Black Socks
Neil Stansfield
Manager: Andy Nelson
Manager: Steven Cunningham
Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle
Assistant: Ted Cockett
OFFICIALS Referee: Ross Crawford
Assistants: Jonathan Maskrey & Scott Simpson
NEXT HOME GAME Saturday 19th April 2014, KO 3.00pm WEST v Norton United