Main Club Sponsor:
2013/14 SEASON
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2
Premier Division 22 April 2014 – 3.00pm
Maine Road
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
Maine Road FC
This afternoon we welcome our near neighbours MAINE ROAD for our final home league fixture of the 2013-14 season. In recent years we have played each other a few times in friendlies as we tested ourselves in preparation for life in the Counties and during this time we have been very grateful for the advice and encouragement from the management and committee at Maine Road as we made our plans to join the NWCFL. Maine Road are a club with an ethos similar to ourselves and for many years now they have developed young players to a level where they can compete amongst the best at this level. This season they have been in the top 4 most of the season and have also reached the League Challenge Cup Final after two convincing wins against league newcomers 1874 Northwich in the semi-final. This is an all Premier Division affair against Ashton Athletic at the Tameside Stadium, home of Curzon Ashton on Thursday 1st May. The only previous meeting between our two clubs was Maine Road’s home fixture on Boxing Day 2013 when we were leading 1-0 approaching half time, only to concede an equaliser right on the break and then to be punished for some defensive lapses late on. Maine Road were worthy winners in the end but today is a chance to put in another good home performance and try and even the record as we aim to finish in the top half of the table. We then complete the season’s League programme next Saturday with an away game at Silsden. OTHER UPCOMING GAMES Tomorrow evening the youth team are at home in a Tameside League semi final so why not come down and support the lads. They have had an excellent season and already clinched the under 17’s divisional league title and still going strong in the hunt for more silverware. We are hosting 2 further finals for the Manchester Saturday Morning League; one on Wednesday evening at 7pm and then the Manchester Evening News Final on Saturday 3rd May at 10.30am. You will be very welcome at any of these games. THANK YOU As this is our last home game it’s time to say thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to support the club’s various activities this season. Firstly, to Andy and the coaches, physio, management team and players who commit huge time and effort on at least 3 days every week. This season has been the biggest step change of recent years and it is a fantastic achievement to secure a mid table finish. Looking back on how far we have progressed in the past 5 years on and off the field is quite staggering. An equally big thank you to all the team managers and players who contribute to making the club so vibrant and to Glyn for his leadership as Chairman through another year of significant changes both on and off the field. The match day catering squad led by Monica has faced increased match day pressure but passed every test with a cheery attitude which has been appreciated and commented on by many of our visitors. Our match programme is the envy of many and our thanks to the production team for their hard work in producing this. The generosity of our sponsors and advertisers has again been essential to our viability and we are indebted to them all. Thank you to all our supporters who have been with us week in week out through rain and shine during this long season and to Rob McKay for his efforts in developing the supporters club. Your support is really crucial to us and we’re delighted to have seen a big increase in our average attendance this season. That’s about it for another season but keep hitting the website for news during the summer, ENJOY TODAY’S GAME and remember: NEXT SEASON’S NWCFL FIXTURES START ON SATURDAY 2nd AUGUST but we’ll have some quality pre-season games from mid July. Rob Turley Cover: Anthony Potts in action. Thanks to Mike Fryer for match pictures used in the programme & website and additionally to James Lobley who has also provided the club with some pictures this season.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
View from the Dugout Good Afternoon and welcome to today’s first ever home South Manchester Derby against Maine Road. When we faced them at Brantingtam Road on Boxing Day we got a first-hand look at the quality our opponents possess when having been unfortunate to go into half time only level they came out for the second half, stepped it up a level and ran out, eventually, comfortable 5-1 winners. Today is our final home game of the season and we can reflect back on what has been overall a successful debut season at this level. Naturally, as with anything, there have been set backs and mistakes have been made, but we have a great group of players and an excellent coaching staff and they’ve given there all to achieve what they have this season and I would like to thank them for that. It’s been a long season and considering that on September 1st we had no points to have reached the 50 point target is even more of an achievement. At Stockport Sports we demonstrated this against a side who has had more ups and downs than a couple of teams combined this season and can count their own mid table finish as a success. Finally I would like to thank each and every one of our supporters who have followed us this season; there have been a lot of familiar faces knocking around the ground this season and a lot of new ones too. As a club like ours is new to this level the support we have received has been humbling, especially when we have taken support on our travels, and real validation of what we are trying to achieve. There are not too many clubs with Manchester United on their doorstep to contend with! Whilst the players will head off this summer with instructions to keep their weight down and look after ourselves whilst they rest and return to their day jobs It’s no such luck for managers as the hard work for next season begins as soon as the season ends. Unfortunately I won’t be conducting any scouting at the World Cup! Hopefully the reward for our efforts will be evident for all to see in pre-season which is just around the corner. Enjoy the summer, thank you for your support and enjoy the game 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
Message from the Chairman On behalf of the club I would like to offer a warm welcome to Officials and players of our neighbours Maine Road FC, fans of both clubs and to those who simply follow football at this level to the Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road for our final home match of our first ever season playing the NWCFL Premier Division Looking back over the season it is clear that we have continued our significant progress of the last few years, both on and off the pitch and can consider the last 12 months to be an unqualified success. Highlights are:
Delivering a mid table position in our first season in the Premier Division Winning matches in both the FA Cup and FA Vase for the first time Developed the ground further adding two new stands Progressing our plans to merge with Oswald Road Junior Football Club Our under 17’s team reaching a Lancashire FA final for the first time in our history, and winning the Tameside League. Progressing our plans for Hardy Farm, so all our teams can play at home.
Delivering these achievements is down to the support given to the club by a significant number of people and as this is the final programme of the season, I would like to give particular thanks to:
Andy Nelson and all his coaching, support staff; and players whose skill, commitment and professionalism has enabled us to make this first season playing at Step 5 to be so successful Ian Depeiaza and his support staff and the Under 17’s squad for their significant achievements Rob Madden, Danny Iredale, Chris Smith, Steve Fisher and the other coaches, volunteers and players from our Reserves, A and Veterans Teams The Clubs Committee for providing the drive to see us to continue to progress as a club year on year Our additional helpers for 1st team match days especially Simon O’Neill and Paul Settle Our ever growing band of spectators.
Hope you all enjoy the match and have a great Summer.
Glyn Meacher
Our Match Sponsor…Didsbury Blues We are very grateful to Didsbury Blues for sponsoring today’s match against Maine Road FC. The Didsbury Blues Official Supporters Club was established in July 2008 and now has around 300 members, they welcome new members from anywhere in the world. You can join Didsbury Blues in the following ways:
By attending our monthly branch meetings in Didsbury By visiting the Nelson Inn or Royal Oak any home match day. Please arrive at least an hour before kick-off though
Email: INFO@DIDSBURYBLUES.COM WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
First Team Match Report… Saturday 12th April: Stockport Sport 2 West 3 Despite missing several key players West recorded a deserved win in a thoroughly entertaining game away to Stockport Sports. The Saxons, the divisions form team with four wins in their last five games, started the brighter as West got used to the 3G pitch and zippy conditions. The home side had the first chance as a long range effort was fired wide after Callum Schofield had given the ball away at edge of the area. West adapted to the conditions and started to take control of the game with Tre Baldwin-Willis creating the visitors first chance when he fired just wide after a run from the half way line. Next it was Mark Rogers who was put through with a quality pass from Danny Summers but he also failed to find the target shooting into the stand. This was followed by Rick Gleave hitting the outside of the post after he had robbed the Sports centre back off possession at the edge of the penalty area. Tre would go close again when he raced through one-on-one onto a ball launched over the top, his first touch rounded the goalkeeper but he couldn’t apply the second touch to tap it into an empty net. Moments later the Sports cross bar was rattled when a Danny Summers cross was headed away by the defender but cannoned off Rick Gleave and onto the bar and with the goal at his mercy Alex Baird couldn’t apply the finish to give West the lead. Steve Settle was withdrawn just before half time due to a hamstring injury but his replacement Tommy Hendley was immediately involved in the action releasing Sam Mitten, who had an excellent game, down the right hand side with a pass into the area and was subsequently hauled down for a penalty on the stroke of half time. Rick Gleave stepped up and gave West a 1-0 lead on the stroke of half time, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a shot high into the right of the goal. In the second half West immediately doubled their lead when the Stockport’s kick found Sam Mitten on the half way line who took a touch and played in Rick Gleave who finished coolly under the keeper for his 14th goal of the season. Stockport responded by pushing men forward leaving themselves open at the back for West to hit on the break with Tre, Mitten and Rick Gleave all going close with Gleave audaciously lopping the on rushing goalkeeper but the ball bounced just wide. However it was Stockport who got their reward when Callum Schofield’s pass found Ben Helfacre at the edge of the area and he finished low in the bottom corner to half the deficit. West immediately restored their two goal lead when Tre Baldwin-Willis finally got his goal and fired in a beauty from distance. West were again punished for slack defending at the back when Mark Rogers, who was influential in midfield, lost possession and Jason Walley curled a shot into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area to set up a nervy last 12 minutes. West responded with changes, bringing on Tom Webb and Mark Woodock for Alex Baird and Sam Mitten, and it was Tom Webb who could have sealed the win at the death when he was played through but the goalkeeper could only parry his shot. In the end it was not necessary as West saw out the final minutes to secure three points and lift them into 10th place.
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
Pictures: James Lobley
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
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
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
History… MAINE ROAD FC The club was formed in 1955 as City Supporters Rusholme, when our past Chairman Frank Thompson and a few friends formed a team and after playing a few friendlies joined the local Rusholme Sunday League. In the late sixties the club changed to the Manchester Amateur Sunday League and also moved it’s headquarters to the newly built Maine Road Social Club and hence the new name Maine Road FC was born. Ronnie Meredith was now running the club and in 1971-72 we won the Manchester County Sunday Cup and both the club’s sides won their respective leagues. This prompted Ron to look for a new challenge and he changed the whole future of the club by moving to Saturday football in the form of the Manchester League. Success followed success on the field and after several years of moving grounds we settled on our present home at Brantingham Road in 1980. After a lean spell one of Ron’s ambitions was realised in Season 1983-84 when we won the Manchester League Premier Division. In fact we won the league four years running. Derek Barber took over the managerial reins in 1986 and the clubs progress continued so much so that when the Manchester County FA’s new complex at Brantingham Road was built Ron’s other ambition was achieved. Entry to the Bass North West Counties League. In only our second season (1989) we finished runners up to Vauxhall Motors but regrettably we denied promotion due to ground grading, so in 1980 we went one better to win the Second Division Championship and take our rightful place in Division One. In Season 1987-88 we beat Irlam Town 1-0 at Maine Road (home of Manchester City) in the Manchester Premier Cup to complete a unique record in the Manchester County Competitions by winning all five County Cups. The five Manchester County Cups are Premier Cup (1), Amateur Cup (4), Sunday Amateur Cup (1), Intermediate Cup (2), Challenge Cup (4). At the end of Season 2001-02 after twelve seasons in the top division Maine Road were relegated to the 2nd division. This was the first time a Maine Road side had ever been relegated and we hope it will be the last. Two seasons in the 2nd division when our very young side finished 3rd and runners up resulted in a return to the top division. Under the guidance of Chris Simms the club finished 8th and 10th in the following two seasons. The arrival of Ian Walker as Manager saw the club achieve it’s highest ever league finish with a 6th place swiftly followed by a magnificent 4th place. On top of that the team lifted the prestigious Vodkat League Cup for the first time. After a difficult early campaign in 2000-09, the team finished in a respectable 13th position. Season 2009-2010 could have been one of our most testing when, by the end of October, we had lost several influential players who had all gone to try out their considerable talents at a higher level. How would we cope without them? Well, pretty well as it happens! The young replacements took on the challenge and we ended up in a very respectable 6th position. 2012-13 season saw the arrival of a new management team in John Morrey and Chris Thomas. Their first season in charge saw he club achieve its highest ever league position finishing runners up by just one point to Padiham. Maine Road has a long and proud reputation for introducing young players into the club. This began with the introduction of a Youth Team run by Derek in the late 1980’s, which brought a succession of fine young players to the club. This success in spotting and nurturing the best young talent has continued over the last decade with Maine Road’s domination of the Umbro International Football Tournament at Under 19 level. Over the last 11 seasons our Under 19’s have taken on and regularly outplayed talented youngsters from around the world. They have won the competition an amazing 6 times and been runners up 3 times. The record set by the team of 2003 may never be surpassed when 8 of the squad regularly played 1st team football in the same season. Another factor in the continued success of the club is the outstanding loyalty shown by many players, the best examples are our Former 1st Team Managers Ian Walker who amassed 631 appearances, Chris Simms 556 appearances, Gordon Woods 465 appearances and Mark Mitchell 325 appearances. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Reserve Team Season Review‌ As the season comes to a close on the 2013/2014 season it is fair to say that the Reserves have had a season on two halves. The Reserve team squad is, in the main a new squad which has come together this season. From the beginning of the season to the Christmas break the Reserves had more than held their own in the league with some excellent results over teams such as Padiham and New Mills who were until recently both challenging for the league title together with a narrow defeat a the hands of Glossop North End who are currently the league leaders with two games left. The team were playing some fast fluent football and with some excellent performances that saw players like Ryse Bailey-Morton, Tyler Ferguson, Tom Webb, Kyle Hendley, Tommy Hendley and Josh Chisambo all getting their chance in the first team squad. Since Christmas the season has turned upside down and the Reserves have not managed a win in any games in the three competitions they were involved in. A number of factors have contributed to the poor form, a number of games were cancelled over January and February due to the weather. With there only being a small number of teams in the Reserve league this has also resulted in a number of weeks where there hasn't been a game. The results would suggest that the team as a whole have not been playing well but this has not been the case in most games, the Reserves have had more than enough chances to win games but have not been able to convert the chances and other teams have. The positives we should take from the season are that the average age of the team is in the early 20's and the lads are still learning their trade and another season playing together and the experience the lads have gained playing for the first team will improve the team as a whole next season. There are also a number of the youth players who hopefully will come through next season which will improve the squad. As the Northern Counties Reserve League is folding at the end of the season the Reserves are looking to go into a revamped Cheshire League which will again bring with it new challenges for the squad and give the team more games throughout the season which will in turn help them improve as a unit which can only be good for the club as a whole. Rob Madden
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
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
NWCFL Premier and Reserve Division Tables Table correct as of 15/04/2014
We are on the lookout for Club Helpers next season‌ 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
‘A’ Team Season Review… This season has seen more ups and downs than *insert your own innuendo here* clearly demonstrated in our stats showing no draws. False dawns and soul searching Saturday nights littered with bottles of Krombacher were punctuated with moments of real class, determination and sometime hilarity unfortunately these qualities were rarely seen on the pitch. The main source of optimism has been the sometimes literal blooding of youth as they make their first forays into the wizened world of open age football with special mentions for Amarni Coleman and James McClenaghan. Space restrictions and word counts mean that I can’t mention everybody here, but it would be remiss of me not to mention Chris Stevens for being the only regular player who hasn’t scored all season although he does have two more games to break that hoodoo. Victories in our final two fixtures can see us finish as high as fourth which although disappointing would represent a solid first showing in this league in what has been in my opinion a hugely enjoyable season mainly due to the dedication and humour of all of the players involved this year. The A team would also particularly like to thank all those volunteering their time to the club which enable this team to exist, especially the committee and the management team of Daniel and Davy Iredale. Nick Grimshaw Remaining fixtures L 23/04/14 L 26/04/14
JUNO UNITED Vs WEST A Team WEST A Team Vs WYTHENSHAW AMATEURS
March 200 Club Winners This month the three winners are: £100 winner: N Cusack £60 winner: D Scanlon £40 winner: L Renforth
The 200 Club is a key source of revenue for club, would you like the chance to be winner. Why wait? For a monthly subscription of just £2 you will be in the next draw.
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
2013/14 Statistics‌
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
2013/14 Roll Call‌ Most Appearances: Anthony Potts/Tre BaldwinWillis - 40
Most Goals Rick Gleave - 14
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
Youth Team Season Review‌ West Didsbury & Chorlton Under 17s continued their astonishing first season by capturing the Tameside League with more than four games to spare collecting a staggering 47 points out of 51 available. Coach Ian Depeiaza’s side also set records by being the first West side to reach a Lancashire FA final reaching the Youth cup final against AFC Fylde at the County Ground in Leyland. Despite losing the game 51 to a side a year their senior the Youth team represented the club proudly have the opportunity for further silverware having also reached the Semi Final of the Tameside League Cup.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www. westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
From the Terrace… Are we really in April already? It doesn’t seem so long ago that the fixtures were announced and we were toasting a League Challenge Cup tie at home to AFC Liverpool and the announcement of our first Premier Division fixture at home to…err…AFC Liverpool. For most clubs to be winding down the season with a couple of games to go would scream of a forgettable season of mediocrity but for a club like ours through the tireless work of Andy Nelson and his staff to turn us into something resembling a North West Counties outfit and the committee off the field for trying to establish links within the community and a base with which the club can build a solid foundation a mid-table finish is a huge achievement. Not forgetting our uniquely brilliant bunch of players who have dazzled, defied, infuriated, stressed, worried and delighted all within the same games have provided so much entertainment throughout the year. It’s a far cry from watching my Dad being forced into reaching for back passes from Dave Cooper like the ghost of Lev Yashin on Manchester University playing fields on a cold and wet, always windy, Saturday afternoon. As they famously said in Fever Pitch; “I’d love play in a place with a tea bar!” For most supporters summer means returning to those winter jobs that have been put off for nine months, Saturday’s spent in B&Q, Homebase and the Trafford Centre as penance for a winter of football. Some lucky few will escape to a rare day at the Cricket, although at Old Trafford it has mostly been reduced to wet Friday nights of Twenty20, Kaltenberg Hell and never seeing a ball bowled. Fortunately this is an even numbered year meaning we have an international tournament to dominate the summer, well in England’s case its 10 days, as wall-to-wall coverage disrupts showings of Coronation Street and Eastenders up and down the country, people drape their houses in St George’s flags and pray that the world’s best players boycott the tournament and at least give England a chance. I’ve already purchased my World Cup sticker album, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta have already been secured although I’m yet to get an Iranian player and worried about a repeat of France ’98 when Panini forgot to print any and Watchdog had to get involved! Costa Rican international Jose Campbell allegedly purchased 500 packets to find a sticker of himself and is yet to do so! In the NWCFL the final game begins the countdown to next season, the first work day to get the ground ready, pre-season fixture announcements and facing rare opponents you otherwise get to face and grounds you otherwise wouldn’t get to visit (Airbus UK away please!). There is the quirk of the fixtures being announced in three stages, opening day, August and then at some point in September the remainder of the season. There are the local FA affiliation cup draws, the League Cup draws, the FA Cup and FA Vase draws (fingers crossed for Hallam!) and before you know it we are back for a new season all ready and raring to go. It’s like you’ve never been away! Have a great summer! Rob McKay WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Images from this season look forward to seeing you next season
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 Monday 22nd April 2014 – Today’s Squads
Maine Road
West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC
Ben Simpson (GK)
Sky Blue Shirts, Sky Blue Shorts and Sky Blue Socks and Pale Blue Socks Ryan Livesey (GK)
Callum Jones
John Mason
Scott Jones
James Rothel
Anthony Potts
Richard Gresty
Mark Rogers (Capt)
Mike Shenton
Graham Kay
Neil Chappell
Callum Schofield
Martin Hill
Tre Baldwin Willis
Paul Connor
Rick Gleave
Richard Williams
Tommy Walsh
Tom Bentham
Steve Settle
Eddie Moran
Richmond Botchey
Jack Langford
Sam Mitten
Dan Doherty
Scott Mason
Matty Beadle
Danny Summers
Rory Breslin
Matty Kay
Connor Hughes
White Shirts, Black Shorts and Black Socks
Mark Woodcock
Tommy Hendley
Manager: Andy Nelson
Manager: John Morrey/Chris Thomas
Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle
Assistant: Jeff Newman
OFFICIALS Referee: Mark Astley
Assistants: Paul Connett & Paul Wilcox
NEXT EVENT Saturday 3rd May 2014 Presentation Day