2013/14 SEASON
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2
Main Club Sponsor:
Premier Division 24 August 2013 – 3.00pm
v Congleton Town
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: John 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
Physios Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley 07788 112909
Community Development Davy Iredale
‘A’ Team Manager Danny Iredale 07939 392828
Youth Team Manager
Publicity and Web John Churchman 07720 508082
Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397
THE
Rachel Wood and Paddy Murphy
200 CLUB
Ian Depeiaza 07838 232401
Junior Football Co-ordinator Mark Rogers 07841 112903
Vets Managers Chris Smith 07867 171815 Steve Fisher 07956 678937
The 200 club is a vital source of income and is open to anyone. A monthly standing order payment of £2 entitles one entry into the monthly £200 of prizes to be won. If you are interested in joining please contact Brian, Rob or Monica or ask for a form in the club house.
The sooner you complete a form and enter the draw the sooner you could win.
CLUB INFO… To contact the club please use the club website
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FF
Editorial
24th August 2013 – Congleton Town
WELCOME TO THE RECREATION GROUND This is another first as we welcome Congleton Town for this afternoon’s NWCFL Premier Division fixture. The intensity of fixtures has been relentless since 3rd August and by next weekend we will have completed 9 league and cup fixtures in just 28 days. The end result has been more injuries than we would have liked meaning Andy has been unable to start the same team in two successive games. Despite this the morale of the squad is high despite some harsh results when we deserved the points and last Saturday’s well deserved FA Cup win was a timely boost in the midst of a further 3 league games in 7 days. The guys were really buoyed by the great support in that game and fully deserved the standing ovation when leaving the field after that first FA Cup victory. OUR VISITORS – CONGLETON TOWN This afternoon it is our pleasure to welcome everyone associated with Congleton Town, another historic and long standing Cheshire club, for our first ever encounter at any level. Congleton know all about what it takes to compete at this level and higher having been in the Premier Division of the NWCFL for the past twelve years and prior to that having been members of the Unibond Northern Premier League. This season so far ‘The Bears’ have had a better start than WEST with an opening day home win 4-2 against AFC Blackpool followed by a 2-3 defeat at Stockport Sports, a 1-1 draw at Bacup and another 0-2 defeat at pace setters Bootle. Last weekend, like ourselves they had the boost of a good FA Cup win so today’s game is set up nicely as both sides are on the search for more points to get away from the lower reaches of the table. OUR NEXT HOME FIXTURE – THE FA CUP v. BURSCOUGH Next Saturday, 31st August, sees the next round of the FA Cup when we have a cracking game in prospect against Burscough FC from the Evo Stik League North here at Brookburn Road at 3pm. The cup victory over Abbey Hey was well deserved and the next round brings a club who has already experienced Wembley success some years back when they won the FA Trophy for senior non league clubs. Our own result last weekend was featured on the BBC non league show on the following Sunday morning which included an interview with Alan Oliver who is planning to follow the winning team in every round through to the final at Wembley next May. More of that in next week’s programme but let’s hope for another good day and another good crowd. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT We regularly say ‘thank you’ to our supporters via the match programme, and we do so again without apology as all our home games so far this season have seen attendances of just over 100. This is very pleasing when we think back to those lean years when we did well to get a few people down to watch. We have now applied for planning permission for some more covered seating and a new covered standing area at the car park end of the ground and an extension to the clubhouse. We will keep you advised of progress during the next couple of months and as ever if you have any suggestions on how we might improve the match day experience then please speak to any of the Committee. You can also get in touch and leave suggestions via: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
ENJOY THIS TODAY’S GAME Rob Turley The front cover picture: Tre Baldwin-Willis our leading scorer! Our thanks to Mike Fryer for providing photos again this season for the web and programme.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
View from the Dugout It was great to finally register the first win of the season against Abbey Hey in the FA Cup last weekend and the fact that it came on a huge day for the club was very pleasing indeed. The result finally matched some of the performances we’d been putting in and on the day I thought we were excellent, playing the game with the fluency and creativity that we are used to and in the end it could have been a much more comprehensive victory. We are quite lucky to have such good competition for places with both a good core of a team and some good young players coming through especially considering the structure of our club and the fact that we are going up against sides with big budgets. It was disappointing to lose the Winsford game as I thought we dominated for long spells of the game, but in the absence of Lee Malkin who is a big miss, we couldn’t score. It was similar to the Bootle game where we continued to ask questions of them but the game got away from us. However we’ve faced three sides who will be expected to finish in the top six and we should be pleased that our performances have meant that we’ve been disappointed not to collect anything for each game. Today’s programme includes a feature about Ben Simpson who has been part of the club for a number of years and is a local lad. With each level we step up new questions and challenges are asked of him and each time Ben has answered them with aplomb, Ben is very much a fighter who always gives 100% and, although we made the decision to give young Ross Booth his debut against Winsford, you can be certain that Ben will push him all the way for his place. In no small part thanks to goalkeeping coach Tony Holmes (pictured below). Although we’ve had a tough start to the season the level of support for the first three games, with consecutive three figure crowds, has been terrific to see and I would like to thank everyone for getting behind the team. Finally I’d like to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Congleton Town. Enjoy the game Andy Nelson STOP PRESS – A REPORT OF THE MIDWEEK GAME GLOSSOP NORTH END 1 WESTS 0 WILL BE IN THE NEXT PROGRAMME. 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.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
CLUB NEWS… CLUB MERCHANDISE Available in the clubhouse… Mugs at £5, Key rings at £1, Club badges at £3 Club Ties at £12.50 NEW for this season at £6 - Bennie hats and newly designed scarves (£5 for club members)
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.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton Or contact the secretary, Rob Turley on 07891 298441 or e-mail to: rob.turley@btinternet.com
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook Our username is WD_CFC (picture of club badge) http://www.facebook.com/WestDidsburyChorlton
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
First Team Match Report Saturday 3rd August - WEST 2 Abbey Hey 0 Scorers: Tre Baldwin Willis 3, Anthony Potts 46.
THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY STARTS IN CHORLTON West were fastest off the mark in this historic FA Cup opener as Tommy Walsh and Tre Baldwin Willis hassled the visitors defence into an error after 3 minutes. Tre robbed a dithering Abbey Hey midfielder and moved the ball to Tommy who returned the favour and was able to play Tre through in the centre of the box to crack home the opener. After that the rest of the first half was a scrappy affair as the strong wind caused problems for both teams but the West defence held firm with Mark Rogers commanding and assured at the heart of defence. West could have gone further ahead on 28 minutes when Tre forced the keeper to pull off a full length save and on the stroke of half time he beat the keeper again only to see the ball hit the foot of the post and go behind for a goal kick. Various pundits mused at half time whether one goal would be enough as West turned round to play into the swirling wind. They need not have worried. West steamed into Abbey Hey after the break keen to ensure they did not allow the visitors time or space and a minute after the break it was 2-0. The second came from an inswinging Lewis Schofield corner just beyond the penalty spot from where Anthony Potts buried a firm header back across goal and the past the bemused keeper into the top corner – a quality header. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Abbey Hey and gave them a mountain to climb to get back in the game and for the bulk of the remainder of the game they huffed and puffed as they tried to get a foothold in the game. There was little end product and Ben Simpson and the back line ably dealt with anything fired in their direction. Callum Schofield got a knock on the hour mark and Steve Brockley slotted in well showing all his experience and awareness in making several timely interceptions. Tre went close again as did Danny Summers and Lewis Schofield and as the game became stretched West looked more likely to add a third rather than Abbey Hey hitting the target. Further substitutes followed for West as Mark Woodcock replaced Alex Baird and Chris Monaghan came on to give the irrepressible Tommy Walsh a rest. When the game ended another great crowd, our third in succession of over 100, gave the lads a great reception as they left the field and everyone was left to reflect on a huge result and a historic first FA Cup victory for the club. When you think of where we were a few seasons back the result and performance today was something to be proud of. Rob Turley
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
NWCFL 2013-2014 Fixtures 24th August Premier League Abbey Hey v Silsden AFC Blackpool v Runcorn Linnets AFC Liverpool v Barnoldswick Town Alsager Town v Bootle Rossendale Borough v Ashton Athletic Colne v Winsford United Glossop North End v Wigan Robin Park Norton United v Squires Gate Runcorn United v Stockport Sports St Helens Town v Maine Road West Didsbury & Chorlton v Congleton Town
Reserves AFC Darwen v Padiham Barnoldswick Town v West Didsbury & Chorlton Cheadle Town v Glossop North End New Mills v Irlam
‘A’ Team The ‘A’ Team under new Manger Danny Iredale, started the new season with a 1-0 away win at Moorlands lat Saturday. Their next game is on Saturday 31st August away again to Wendover AFC in the Altrincham District League.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Our visitors… Congleton Town Events which led to the formation of Congleton Town Football Club, began in the 1890’s, the St James’ North Street School amalgamated with another local club, the Messrs Pointons Joiners Shop. They played on West Heath before housing was built in that area, and then became Congleton Hornets Football Club. The Hornets played at the Willow Street ground famed in Congleton, and competed in the South Cheshire League and recorded its’ record league win, 10-0 against Audley in the 1897/98 season. Congleton Town Football Club succeeded the Hornets in 1901, playing in the Crewe and District League for four years, the first three of which saw the club lift the League Championship. The Club then moved into the North Staffordshire League in 1905, and won the League Championship in the 1919/20 season. The following year they joined the Cheshire County League, regarded at the time as the best League outside the Football League. The following season they finished runners-up and won the coveted Cheshire Senior Cup in their first appearance in the Final. The Club then suffered a barren spell until the Senior Cup was won again in 1938. Success after the War did not descend on Booth Street until the 1971/72 season when the Club, now playing in the Mid-Cheshire League, won the League Cup after being runners-up in the League both that season and in the previous season. Three Mid-Cheshire League Championships then came to Booth Street in the 1973/74, 1975/76 and 1977/78 seasons, together with the League Cup and the Cheshire Saturday Cup. Although this was the most successful period of the Club’s history as regards silverware, the truly successful period began in the 1981/82 campaign, when the Second Division of the Cheshire County League was gained on the last game of the season, and Town were narrowly beaten to the Cup by Macclesfield Town. That was the last season of the Cheshire County League before the North West Counties League came into existence. As founder members of this new League, Congleton finished the first three campaigns in mid-table and then were narrowly beaten to the Championship by Clitheroe on goal difference in the 1985/86 season. The Club then had its, application to join the Northern Premier League rejected, but joined the higher league when the First Division of the NFL was formed in 1987. The highlight of the 1989/90 season was to reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in the Club’s history. Although beaten 2-0 by Crewe Alexandra, that achievement re-kindled local interest in the Club upon which its management hoped to build. The Final of the NPL’s First Division Cup was also reached in this season, but the “Bears” were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Harrogate Town. The “Bears” enjoyed exciting times in the First Division, initially finishing in mid-table but then, playing to avoid relegation as the seasons come to a close. Between 1993 and 1997 a new Board of Directors brought financial and managerial stability to the Club, whilst the present Directors aim to continue this work and improve the Club’s fortunes in the years ahead. The club had a good season in 1999/2000 but fell away badly the following year. Despite reaching a best ever 4th Round of the FA Trophy before defeat by Worksop Town, they struggled badly in the league. The club appointed Sean Connor as manger in February 2001 but he could not prevent them finishing bottom of the UniBond League and relegation became a reality. The early season of 2001/02 saw the club take just 9 points from 17 league matches and early exit from FA Cup and FA Vase. Sean Connor was replaced as manager by Kevin Langley, ex Everton and Man City. The club made a fine revival and had reached virtual safety before Langley’s shock move to Kidsgrove Athletic. Bryan Griffiths took over as manager and gained the points to make safety a certainty and stake a strong claim to keep the manager’s job. He was formally appointed at the end of the season. Gary Bickerstaffe joined him as assistant and in September 2002 he invited Kevin Langley to return as a player and to help with coaching. When Griffiths left to join Rossendale Utd, Kevin Langley was re-appointed as manager and Mark Cox joined to complete an experienced management team.
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Congleton Town History continued…
Off the field the club continued to enjoy growing support from sponsors and steady improvements in its facilities, culminating with the signing of a two-year deal with Macclesfield based SSG Group of Companies during the summer of 2003. During the summer of 2002, the clubhouse underwent major refurbishment and is seen by the club as a major step towards increasing its revenue potential. The changing facilities were redesigned and upgraded. The team reached the fifth Round of the FA Vase, beat three higher league sides in reaching the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, the semi-finals of the Cheshire Senior Cup and the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup. In all cup competitions other than the FA Cup, only the eventual finalists beat the Bears. With promotion missed, a number of players left the club in the summer of 2004 leaving Kevin Langley with the task of rebuilding the side for the 2004/05 campaign. After a poor start and early exits from all major cup competitions, Karl Wilcox replaced Kevin Langley after he resigned in November 2005. In a further twist in an already difficult season, Karl Wilcox resigned after 11 defeats in 12 games. Paul Moore was appointed for the remainder of the season and he guided the team to safety before confirmation of his appointment signalled the start of rebuilding of a side aiming to challenge for honours. 2005/06 started brightly with SSG adding a third year to its already valuable sponsorship, but swift exits from cup competitions were a disappointment. After many changes in personnel, the team settled to end the season with a creditable run in that held promise for 2006/07. The start of a football academy for 6-15 year olds and the introduction of a reserve side were positive steps to help build the teams of the future. 2006/07 saw new sponsors STD Limited, part of the Pallex network, entering a 2year deal which they then extended a further year. The supporters trust provided kit for the reserve team. After a steady start to the 2006/07 campaign, Paul Moore left to manage Leek Town and Andy Lee took over the managerial reins as the club strived to maintain continuity. The Bears lifted their first piece of silverware for some time when they won the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup after defeating Witton Albion 3-0 at Wincham Park. At the end of the season Andy Lee stepped down as he announced a proposed move to Blackpool and Anthony Buckle and Darren Twigg were appointed with the task of rekindling the on-field performances. Off the field new floodlights were installed and the stand behind the bottom goal was re-roofed. After a reasonable season, despite a poor final run in, both Anthony and Darren stayed with the club and continued to build a side with promotion the target within the next couple of years. That plan was maintained in 2008/09 as the Bears ended a creditable 4th, just 1 point away from a 3rd place finish. A final run in of just 1 league defeat in the last 20 matches encouraged everyone. With two new key local businessmen, Nick Shatwell and Martin Lenton teaming up to add impetus to the club’s ambition, significant development of the clubs facilities were started. A redesigned entrance, turnstiles and car park were the first step. Refurbishment of the club house followed and tarmac has been laid in the car park. For the start of 20010/11 the club now has a hospitality suite for sponsors and a new boardroom. With Ant and Twiggy remaining at the helm, they have been busy strengthening the squad for a serious attempt to lift some silverware and to complete the ambition for a return to Northern Premier League football. However, after an indifferent season in 2010/11 the pair tendered their resignation. 2011/12 saw the club jointly managed by Joe Paladino and Adriano Rigoglioso. Assisted by Joe Gibiliru, the playing side were completely reformed but indifferent results led to Dean Sibson placed in temporary charge in early November before Jim Vince was appointed in February 2012. His was tasked with rebuilding the side ready for a real push for promotion in 2012/13. He was initially assisted by Neil Gill and Steve Hardy before Neil left the club mid season. With the addition of Gateley Solicitors and PKF Accountants forming new partnerships with the club, the erection of a new spectator covered standing area and strengthening off field organisation, the club starts the new season with a new found enthusiasm and optimism for 2012/13. That was not borne out completely, so strengthening was needed for 2013/14. Having been awarded grade E for their ground in March 2013, ready for the next tier in the pyramid, strengthening of the playing squad was a priority and over the close season some additional players were brought in to complement the majority that were staying. Both Jim and Steve Hardy, now with Andy Alston on the coaching staff, look to improve on last year’s achievements with promotion still the obvious goal.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances - goalscorers Date
Opponent
H/A
Score
Crowd
1
2
3
4
5
6
1-3 0-2 0-5 1-2 2-0 0-1
124 72 180 100 122 130
Simpson Simpson Simpson Booth Simpson Booth
C.Jones C.Jones C.Jones C.Jones C.Jones Settle
S.Jones S.Jones S.Jones Botchey Botchey Botchey
Rogers Potts Potts Potts Potts Potts
Kilbride Rogers Rogers Rogers Rogers Baird
Baird C.Schofield Brockley C.Schofield C.Schofield Brockley
Aug 3rd Aug 6th Aug 10th Aug 13th Aug 17th Aug 20th Aug 24th Aug 27th
AFC Livepool Alsager Town Bootle Winsford United Abbey Hey (FA Cup) Glossop North End Congleton Town Ashton Athletic
H A A H H A H A
Sep 7th Sep 14th Sep 17th
H A H
Sep 24th Sep 28th Oct 1st Oct 5th Oct 8th Oct 12th Oct 15th Oct 19th Oct 22nd Oct 26th Oct 29th Nov 2nd Nov 6th Nov 9th Nov 16th Nov 23rd Nov 30th Dec 7th Dec 14th Dec 21st Dec 26th Jan 4th Jan 11th Jan 18th
AFC Blackpool Wigan Robin Park Stockport Sports Pennistone Church or Rossington Main – FA V Abbey Hey Runcorn Town Norton United Bacup & Rossendale Boro Alsager Town St Helens Town Winsford United Runcorn Linnets Glossop North End AFC Liverool (LCC) Ashton Athletic Colne AFC Liverpool Bootle AFC Blackpool Runcorn Town St Helens Town Abbey Hey Congleton Town Barnoldswick Town Maine Road Wigan Robin Park Bacup & Rossendale Boro Silsden
Jan 25th Feb 1st Feb 8th Mar 5th Mar 22nd April 12th April 19th April 21st April 26th
Runcorn Linnets Barnoldswick Town Squires Gate Colne Squires Gate Stockport Sports Norton United Maine Road Silsden
H A A H H A H H A
Aug 31st
Sep 21st
FA Cup Prelim Round
H A A H H A A A H H H A A H A A H A A H A H A H
A big thank you to our Abbey Hey match sponsor Rob Turley (left) passing the match ball to Steve Eck.
Key: Goalscorers in Bold - Substitutes used in italics - Red cards highlighted in red
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
7
8
9
10
11
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
Thomas Summers Summers Thomas Summers Thomas
Summers Baird Baird Baird Baird Summers
Walsh Walsh Settle Lawrence Walsh Walsh
Shillito Thomas Thomas L.Schofield Baldwin-Willis Luke
L.Schofield L.Schofield L.Schofield Summers L.Schofield L.Schofield
Baldwin-Willis Chisambo Taylor Baldwin-Willis Woodcock S. Jones
Chisambo Shillito Baldwin-Willis Woodcock Monaghan Monaghan
Aston Taylor Lawrence Monaghan Brockley
Botchey Botchey Walsh Walsh Settle
Kennedy
Chisambo
Ashcroft Settle Booth Brockley Booth Simpson
Abbreviations: FA V = FA Vase FA C = FA Cup LCC = League Challenge Cup LCT = Lancashire Challenge Trophy
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Player interview‌meet Ben Simpson Age: 28 From: Chorlton Position: Goalkeeper Occupation: Teacher Previous Clubs: Oswald Road Joined West: 2008 As West Didsbury & Chorlton begin to lay the first foundations of the new grasses pitches and integrate a new youth set up to provide facilities for youth level football in South Manchester, goalkeeper Ben Simpson can be very much held up as a someone in which future junior players will be able to aspire to having come through the ranks of local junior football and into the first team at West. You started your playing career at Brookburn Primary School, just around the corner from the ground, what are your memories of those days? To be completely honest with you not that many as we were a relatively average primary school team. We didn’t entertain, reach any finals and most of the goals I do remember seem to be comical own goals. Although one good memory was for away matches you would be allowed to leave school early. In order to save time we would also get changed at lunch time and therefore sit in an itchy wool kit and smelly shin pads for the afternoon lessons waiting to leave. I also remember when I first started playing for the school we would train on what is now our home pitch at Brookburn Road. I remember you as an outfield player at primary how did the transition to playing in goal come about? That came during the end of Primary School, I had always enjoyed playing in goal but towards a particularly barren season of no goals and playing up top, I volunteered to play in goal and it kind of stuck since then, a couple of months later I went to high school and just automatically trialled as a keeper rather than anything else. You were selected for Manchester Boys, how well did you do? have you got any good memories of this? Playing for Manchester Boys was a great experience. We got to several finals in the two years I played for them but we always seemed to come up against Liverpool, who had a great team at the time and narrowly beat us on both occasions. I was also fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in the Isle of Wight tournament. The national tournament was run over three days and involved school boy teams from across the country. I remember we did quite well beating a team from Newcastle and one from Coventry whilst we were there. As a local player, how did you get involved with West Didsbury & Chorlton? Both myself and Danny Summers had quite close ties with West Didsbury and Chorlton having played for Oswald Road and playing against West in the end of year presentation event for Oswald Road. When we came back to Manchester from University, West were our local team and we bumped into Danny Iredale, who was the manager at the time, during a Beech Road festival and he had us down at training the following week. It was great to see some of the people that had been part of the Oswald Road set up involved with West like Monica Creer, who still enjoys embarrassing us occasionally by digging out random old photos of us from our Oswald Road days.
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
As a club it’s been a sprint through the leagues, having joined the club in 2008 how much has the club changed in this time? In nearly all aspects the club has changed since joining, none more so than the transition from an amateur to a semi-professional outfit. The development of training has seen an array of qualified coaches coming in to run a variety of sessions. The focus of the training sessions are not just on running and playing 8 aside but they are structured to look at different areas of the game like shape, movement, transitions and phases of play. It is a reflection of the professional and technical approach of the management team to each match. A lot of this is down to the manager (Andy Nelson) and the knowledge and experience that he brings. He has both played and managed at a high level so he knows what is required to be successful at this level (and he has the t-shirt as well!) The squad as a whole has improved with every year which given the progression through the leagues has been a necessity, but the attitude and the togetherness of the squad has always been a constant. We have a very good group of lads. There were a couple of real stand out moments for me last season, an early save at Formby when they threw the kitchen sink at us early on, a saved penalty at Ashton Town when if they had scored they might have got back into it; Is there any particular save or performance that stands out for you? I think the Ashton Town game was a massive team performance. We knew that Ashton were a good side and in the running for that third spot so knew the importance of starting well. We set a great tempo and showed a hunger to win the ball high up the pitch from the kick off. This high press worked well for us I think we were 3 – 0 up within the first 20 minutes. I think the penalty save helped us stay in a dominate position going in at half time but the lads had already inflicted most of the damage higher up the pitch. The result and performance was significant as it knocked one of the four teams in contention for the third spot out of the race and gave us the boost of confidence to go into the final few games and, later, the cup final. The last game of the season at home to Irlam was also a significant moment, Callum Jones scoring a screamer in injury time to secure promotion was fantastic. What kind of influence has Tony Holmes had on you? Tony has been fantastic, his knowledge and experience has really brought my game on. His analysis is invaluable and having him at the games has allowed us to evaluate parts of the game and work on them in the training sessions. The training sessions are always varied and a good mix of hard work and fun. He works incredibly hard, at times during preseason he has had to work with up seven goalkeepers at a time. A lot of the clubs success must be attributed to the likes of Tony and the other backroom staff, and not to forget all of the volunteers at the club, who have sacrificed so much of their time and effort. You became something of a penalty saver towards the end, is that something that happens regularly in training or is it simply defeating your opponent mentally before the kick is taken? To be honest it isn’t anything we have practised in training for a while. I think it was only the second penalty I had saved in the five seasons of being at West, but I would like to think that maybe a little mind games helped Abbey Hey miss there penalty in last season’s cup final victory. Finally, It’s clear to everyone that you’re an organiser and a talker, a shout of ‘SUMMERS!” is heard regularly around Brookburn Road, do you think Danny Summers hears you in his sleep? You will have to ask his missus!
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
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WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
News from around the League… Alsager Town - the club have received a donation of an I Pad Heart defibrillator, which has been given to them by a club member who wishes to remain anonymous. Press Officer John Shenton said: "The club thanks them for their kind donation. We all know the benefits of having such equipment for use at the ground following the Fabrice Muamba affair. "Several of the club's staff are to be given a training session on the equipment and should it be needed, which we hope will never happen, there will be someone present at the ground who may be able to save a life". Ashton Athletic – youth team youngsters Ellot Dainty and Wes Benjamin have been selected to represent Lancashire at under18s level. Wigan Robin Park - the club have organised a family fun day at the Park Hotel, Wigan Road, Bryn on Sunday 25th August, starting at 10 am. There will be a bouncy castle, car wash, disco karaoke, face painting, penalty shoot out, hit the crossbar, hook a duck, name the teddy and other assorted stalls. The event finishes off with a BBQ and evening entertainment from 8 pm. Colne - visitors to the XLCR Stadium this season will notice the newly surfaced car park, which Pendle Borough Council have revamped over the summer and will make life a lot easier for visitors when gaining access to the ground. St Helens Town - the club have organised a “Question Of Sport” quiz night at Windleshaw Sports Club in St Helens. Teams of three can enter at £3 per person, which includes a hpt pot supper, and there will be cash prizes and auction on the night. Atherton Collieries - there will be plenty of sibling rivalry at Colls this season with three sets of brothers in the first team squad. Daryl and Jake Patton have arrived from Ashton Athletic’s Development squad, Josh Peet has returned alongside brother Gareth, and the newcomers will join up with twin brothers Paul and Karl Atherton, who have been established players at Colls for the past few years.
Callum Jones pointing the way to the subs bench against Winsford United.
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
Reserves Report… Saturday 3rd August – Irlam 2 WEST 2 Scorers: Tyler Ferguson 20, Joss Chisambo 55
The first away game of the season for the reserves was away to Irlam who have a highly rated young reserve team. West started on the back foot with Irlam winning the early exchanges and creating several early chances all either going wide of the West goal or being saved by Conrad Betton in the goal. West weathered the storm and began to play some very nice one touch football. In the 20th minute much against the run of play Tommy Hendley floated a ball over the two Irlam centre backs, the ball bounced in front of the Irlam keeper and before he had time to collect the ball Tyler Ferguson ran in and lobbed the ball over the keepers head to put West 0-1 in front. The goal seemed to spur West on and they had shots from Tyler Ferguson, Tom Webb and Kyle Hendley all just wide. West began to dominate the game keeping and passing the ball well but went in at half time with only the one goal to show for their efforts. The second half began with both teams looking for an opening and in the 55th minute West increased their lead when Tommy Hendley came out of defence with the ball played, a lovely ball to Tyler Ferguson on the West left who cut inside and played a through ball to Joss Chisambo who placed the ball past the Irlam keeper. Irlam continued to look for a goal and it came in the 64th minute when they played the ball into the west penalty area, the Irlam centre forward seemed to trip over his own feet and the referee awarded a very dubious penalty much to the vigorous complaints from the West players. It would also be fair to say that not one Irlam player or official appealed for the penalty. The penalty converted and the game remained in the balance. West continued to press forward and Carl Worthington, a second half substitute, came close with a shot which was well saved by the Irlam keeper. With the game going into injury time and the score still 1-2, Irlam were awarded a free kick for offside. The Irlam keeper punted the ball forward which, helped by the wind, went into the West penalty area, West failed to clear the ball and Irlam scrambled the ball over the line to make the score 2-2. West hardly had time to restart before the referee blow his whistle for full time. A good result overall against an Irlam side who will be there or there abouts at the end of the season. Rob Madden
YOUTH Team Play their first league game is on Sunday 25th August -10.30am away to Waterloo in Tameside Football League – Paul Hett U17s Division. Don’t forget to check the Youth Team page on the club website for more information. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Supporters Club The future of West Didsbury & Chorlton is changing as the club sets to embark on a historic debut season in the NWCFL Premier Division and will compete in the FA Cup for the first time in its history. We want people who wish to join together to support West and to help the club in any way possible, big or small, and therefore have decided now is the time to form a supporters club. Records were made last season as West registered their highest placed finish in the clubs history and were rewarded with promotion to the Premier Division. In addition they also collected the 1st Division Trophy thanks to a 1-0 victory of new rivals Abbey Hey. Our aim is to increase the number of regular followers on a match day home or away, get behind the team and have fun doing so. The 2013/14 season is sure be memorable with visits of FC United, Runcorn Linnets, Prescot Cables and Curzon Ashton in pre-season alone as well two derbies against neighbours Maine Road. The supporters club is open to all who love non-league and wish to come down on a Saturday to a welcoming club and be part of something special. How to join: Simply fill out the membership form in the club house with £10 pound or send £12.50 to: westdidsburychorltonsc@gmail.com via paypal What are the benefits of joining the supporters club:
Limited edition pin badge exclusive to members Official West Didsbury & Chorlton wristband Membership card and fixture list Monthly newsletter sent direct to your email Support a volunteer led, community club and their vision of offering youth football and being a community club for Chorlton and South Manchester Plus much more throughout the season.
For more details contact Rob McKay. Action from the Abbey Hey game…
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
Can YOU help the ground development… by sponsoring a shirt number for £20? Please sign up on the poster in the clubhouse or talk to a committee member for more information. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
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 24th August 2013 – Today’s Squads
West Didsbury & Chorlton FC United
Congleton Town
White Shirts, Black Shorts and Socks
Yellow/black Shirts, Yellow Shorts and Socks
Ben Simpson (GK)
Martin Pearson (GK)
Ross Booth (GK)
Adam Bayley
Callum Jones
Louis James
Scott Jones
Christopher Middleton
Callum Schofield
George Whiteoak
Anthony Potts
Ian Willis (Capt)
Mark Rogers
Scott Sephton
Danny Summers
Kurtis Gill
Mark Woodcock
Griffith Jones
Alex Baird
Michael Koral
Gareth Thomas
Jack Graham
Steve Settle Lee Malkin
Matthew Worrall
James Lawrence
Andrew Brown
Lewis Schofield
Andrew Alston
Tommy Walsh
Matthew Woolley
Tre Baldwin Willis
Christopher Smith
Steve Brockley Richmond Botchey
Joshua Chisambo Manager: Andy Nelson
Manager: Jim Vince
Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle
Assistant: Steve Hardy
OFFICIALS Referee: Mark Powell
Assistants: Henry Naylor and Nigel Haycock
NEXT HOME GAME Saturday 31st August 2013 KO 3.00pm
WEST v Burscough FA Cup