Oswald Road Junior FC is our partner club, players move to West Didsbury & Chorlton after Under 17 level. Oswald Road JFC have been in existence since the 1989/1990 season and began with four parents in the local park with their children. The children started playing in soccer skills at 7 and the inaugural team joined their first league, The Tameside League, when they were 11. Oswald Road JFC now run a soccer skills school at Chorlton Park every Saturday morning as well as teams from under 8’s to under 16’s.
WELCOME I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our visitors and guests for what promises to be another challenging series of pre-season games as we prepare for another season. We are delighted to welcome back Maine Road and Winsford United, both of whom we played last season, we renew acquaintance with New Mills [who we last played several decades back when we were both in the Lancashire and Cheshire League] and Irlam [previously members of the Manchester League] and finally we welcome Lostock Gralam from the Cheshire League for their first visit to Brookburn Road.
They also have two girls teams and play in the Tameside and Timperley Leagues. Oswald Road JFC is still run by parents and couldn’t have survived without their invaluable support past and present. www.oswaldroadfootball.org.uk
Looking back on last season we must congratulate Andy Nelson, the management and coaching teams and all the players throughout the club for their consistent performances which saw every team in contention for silverware right to the end of the season.
How the Season ended…
The First Team results were excellent with a fine unbeaten league run [which actually stretched back to March 2009] continuing through the entire season before coming to an end in the final game of the season in May 2011. We won the Division by an impressive 9 points securing 65 points out of a possible 72 and with 2 draws and only 1 defeat were worthy Champions.
Timperley and District – Youth Division 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Broadheath Central West Didsbury & Chorlton New Mills AFC North Trafford Athletic Moorside Rangers Breaks147 Unicorn Athletic Wilmslow Town
P 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 0
W 9 7 7 7 4 3 0 0
D 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0
L 1 3 3 3 7 8 12 0
GD 30 22 18 5 -10 -6 -59 0
PTS 29 23 23 23 12 9 0 0
Cheshire Vets League Division 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Flint Town West Didsbury & Chorlton Bollington Grappenhall Sports Cheadle Star Old Boys Warrington Grange Bedians High Lane
P 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
W 10 8 7 6 5 5 4 4
D 2 2 3 1 2 1 3 0
L 2 4 4 7 7 8 7 10
GD 23 18 3 7 -8 1 -17 -27
PTS 32 26 24 19 17 16 15 12
The Reserves were also hard to beat with a long unbeaten run stretching from August into February before a few draws and just 2 defeats resulted in them finishing 1 point behind the winners. We were narrowly defeated in the Final of the Bridgewater Trophy but at least Promotion has been secured. The A Team showed a marked improvement on recent years finishing joint second on points but in 3rd place on goal difference and demonstrating the strength in depth we now enjoy throughout the club. Our veterans were also determined to be in the hunt for silverware and finished runners up in the Premier Division of the ever expanding Cheshire Veterans League and also reached the cup final. The club was awarded the Manchester League Sportmanship Trophy for the second time in the past 3 years which is testimony to our approach to the game and winning with both style and respect. The first team and A team also won their respective divisional awards resulting in a nice bonus for club funds. The youth team had another impressive year and reached the Cup Final against a strong New Mills youth team who won 2-1 in a very close encounter. Over the close season our facilities have been improved further with the installation of new floodlights and we look forward to competing in the FA Carlsberg Vase competition for the first time in our history. Our 3 year plan to reach the North West Counties League is now within reach as we pursue our long held ambition to play at the highest level possible and maintain a vibrant not for profit club which is financially viable and debt free.
Thank you for supporting the game today - enjoy the match day experience of grass roots football and clubhouse refreshments and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Brian Cripps - Chairman
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
LOOKING BACK ON LAST SEASON
WEST DENIED BY WOODLEY LATE SHOW
Obviously I am delighted with our performances last season and we now have real strength in depth and competition for places as our first team and reserve team squads face the new challenges resulting from promotion of both teams.
WOODLEY SPORTS 1 … WEST DIDSBURY + CHORLTON 1 [Scorer – Ryan Stewart]
It has also been really satisfying to receive so many kind remarks and compliments about the quality of our football which we will need to maintain as the bar is raised and we compete at the next level. We are really delighted that we are able to host so many good quality pre-season games which all add to our profile and reputation as a welcoming and friendly club as our local support and fan base grows. The ongoing improvements to our facilities are an essential part of club development and looking back over the past 2 years the ground improvements completed have been really impressive. Our dressing rooms, male and female referees changing rooms and medical room are top quality and the envy of many others and the support from the League, FA and Football authorities for our new floodlights has been a real encouragement to everyone involved with the club. Having said that we need to work a little harder on the awareness of a couple of the first team squad who returned for pre-season training but didn’t notice the floodlight columns as they walked past them! Finally can I add my welcome to visiting clubs players and management, officials and fans and say a big thank you for agreeing to come to us for today’s game. Our players all enjoy testing themselves against quality opposition and we look forward to an enjoyable and entertaining game. Andy Nelson
THANK YOU… Andy unfortunately missed our Presentations Day following the last game of the season as he suffered an insect bite at Heywood and ended up in hospital for a couple of days with a bad infection. Happily he is fully recovered and at the recent registration evening he was presented with a framed shirt signed by all the squad in recognition of all his hard work during the season. A nice touch and well deserved. PS – The condition of the insect which decided to feed off Mr. Nelson’s bloodstream is unknown .
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
WEST made an impressive start to the series of pre-season games with a well deserved draw away at Woodley Sports last Thursday evening. Woodley are a strong outfit but there was nothing to separate the teams at the break with the nearest to a goal a Tommy Walsh effort which went narrowly wide. WEST started the 2nd half well and Tommy again went close, this time hitting the inside of the post and watching the ball rebound to safety. West then took the lead shortly afterwards when Ryan Stewart calmly slotted home after good work by Lee Hendley and Gary Lilley. At this stage West were in control with Woodley restricted to occasional breaks and we should have increased the advantage. Stewart and Lilley both went close and Tommy Walsh knew it wasn’t going to be his night when on 82 minutes he again beat his marker only this time to hit the bar. The home side had a few half chances and then equalized completely against the run of play when their tricky winger got behind his marker to equalize in the closing minutes. Overall this was an excellent and most encouraging start to the pre-season programme as WEST played with a lot of composure and retained the ball exceptionally well against quality opposition.
ON THE ROAD TO …HOLKER Our final pre-season games involve a double header for first team and reserves away at Holker Old Boys from the NWCFL on 30th July. We are running a 50 seater coach to Rakesmoor Lane, Barrow in Furness, for the game leaving Manchester at 11am and returning by 9pm. There are a few spare places for anyone wanting to come and have a day out in Cumbria and support the teams and the cost will be a maximum of £10 return, or less if we can fill the coach Holker Old Boys finished in 3rd position in the North West Counties last season and with various changes in the constitution of that league after promotion and relegation issues had been settled, were offered a place in the Premier Division for next season. However, Holker declined and so the remaining place was filled by AFC Liverpool who finished fourth. These will be our last pre-season games before the Manchester League season commences and will be a good chance for a day out in the southern Lakes and some team building.
Manchester Football League – INVITATION TROPHY GAME West Didsbury & Chorlton [Div 1 Champions] V
Rochdale Sacred Heart [Murray Trophy Winners] to be played at The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, on Saturday 6th August 2011, Kick off - 2pm.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Lostock Gralam our visitors on Wed 27th July, 7pm Founded in 1892, Lostock Gralam FC is not only one of the oldest teams in Cheshire, but also in England. The Grey Lambs have always been at the forefront of promoting amateur football in Cheshire and were founder members helping to establish the Mid Cheshire League in 1948. Playing their home games at The Park Stadium on Manchester Road, Lostock, behind the Slow & Easy Hotel near Northwich, this ground has seen football played on it for over 100 years. Since becoming founder members of the Mid-Cheshire League in 1948-49 season the club were crowned League Champions 7 times and also finished runners up on 2 further occasions in the period to 1975 when they left the League. During that same period Lostock Gralam were regular competitors in the FA Cup and played continuously in that competition between their debut season in 1947-48 when they played against Ellesmere Port Town, and 1970-71 when the last FA Cup adventure was a home defeat to Stalybridge Celtic. In between The Grey Lambs played many famous non-league Cheshire clubs including Buxton 3 times, Macclesfield Town in 1955, Altrincham in 1957, Congleton in successive seasons in 1960-61 and 1961-62, Northwich Victoria 5 times and also Witton Albion and Winsford United. After the final FA Cup appearance the club entered the FA Vase competition in 1974-75 and defeated Stork FC before a narrow 0-1 defeat at the hands of Middlewich Athletic. The resurgence of the club started in 1993-94 when they rejoined the Mid Cheshire League Division 2 and in 1996-97 they became Division 2 Champions and were promoted to Division 1. Relegation followed in 1999 and the club continued in Div 2 for a decade until 2010 when Div 1 status was regained. The Grey Lambs have developed impressive new facilities at their ground in the past couple of years as a look at their website pictures will show with the aim of developing local youngsters and maintain the tradition which for so long has been associated with Lostock Gralam F.C. [ www.lostockgralamfootballclub.co.uk ] . The introduction of a reserve team in July 2006 in to the Crewe & District League strengthened the club and plans were drawn up for ground improvements new changing facilities and a new clubhouse. Work then commenced just over 2 years ago in March 2009 and was completed a year later as the Grey Lambs returned to the top flight of the Cheshire League promoted as Div Two Champions in 2010 at the end of last season. This is down to the hard work and efforts of the club committee and members who deserve enormous credit for what has been achieved in a short space of time. The new pitch and clubhouse were officially opened on Sat 9th October 2010 when Middlewich Athletic again provided the opposition. This is the first time West have played Lostock Gralam and The Grey Lambs are very welcome visitors to Brookburn Road. Fortunately a colour clash seems unlikely as we have finally managed to say goodbye to that old West kit which started life as brilliant white before succumbing to a high temperature kit wash and West appearing as the grey sheep on a few choice occasions! Enjoy the game.
THE VITAL STATISTICS – how the season ended‌ First Team - Manchester League Division 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
West Didsbury & Chorlton Heywood St James AFC Monton Amateurs Wythenshawe T Beechfield United Chapel Town Wilmslow Albion Rochdale Sacred Heart Pennington Breightmet United Salford Victoria Fives Athletic Elton Vale
P 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24
W 21 18 17 17 13 12 7 6 5 5 5 5 4
D 2 2 2 1 4 6 5 4 3 3 3 2 5
L 1 4 5 6 7 6 12 14 16 16 16 17 15
GD 43 53 48 31 14 11 -8 -20 -29 -32 -45 -33 -33
PTS 65 56 53 52 43 42 26 22 18 18 18 17 17
Reserves - Manchester League Division 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Manchester Gregorians A Dukinfield Town A West Didsbury & Chorlton Res Wythenshawe Ams Res Hollinwood A Wythenshawe T Res Royton T Res Beechfield United Res Stockport Geo A Chapel Town Res Bury Amateurs Res Breightmet Utd Res
P 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22
W 15 15 14 11 11 9 8 6 7 6 5 3
D 4 4 6 6 3 4 6 4 1 1 3 2
L 3 3 2 5 8 9 8 12 14 15 14 17
GD 56 29 32 6 -7 -6 -2 -7 -25 -23 -18 -35
PTS 49 49 48 39 35 * 31 30 22 22 19 18 11
P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
W 13 10 10 9 8 8 6 4 3 2
D 2 3 3 5 4 4 6 3 2 2
L 3 5 5 4 6 6 6 11 13 14
GD 41 15 7 25 17 -8 -7 -20 -37 -33
PTS 41 33 33 32 28 28 24 15 11 8
A Team - Manchester League Division 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Irlam A Atherton Town Res West Didsbury & Chorlton A Walshaw SC A Wilmslow Alb Res Bury Amateurs A Pennington Res Leigh Ath A Salford Vic Res Manchester Gregorians B
Note the Youth Team and the Vets Tables are under the Oswald Road article at the back
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
FA CARLSBERG VASE 2011-2012
Irlam FC our visitors on Sat 23rd July, 3pm
We are delighted to have been accepted into the FA Carlsberg Vase competition for the first time in the club’s 103 year history, we have not been drawn in the first round, but and have been drawn away against Ashville FC from Wallasey from the West Cheshire League in the FA Vase 2nd qualifying round to be played on Saturday 24th September. This promises to be a challenging game as Ashville won Division 1 of the West Cheshire League last season to gain promotion and secured a very impressive 66 points out of a possible 78 points, losing only twice in the league last season.
Irlam FC [not to be confused with the defunct Irlam Town] was formerly known as Mitchell Shackleton Football Club and founded in October 1969 by a group of employees working for Mitchell, Shackleton and Company Limited, a well established engineering company based in Patricroft, Eccles, which manufactures marine and diesel crankshafts.
They also won the Cheshire Amateur Cup defeating our friends at Old Alts from the Manchester League 2-1 in the final of that competition. This is the first time we have competed in a national competition and is another sign of our progress. The full draw is on www.TheFA.com and the winners of our tie face a trip to Formby or Chadderton or Alsager in the First Round Proper. The Carlsberg FA Vase replaced the former FA Amateur Cup competition some years ago and is open to clubs from Steps 5, 6 and 7 of the National League System with facilities of the appropriate standard. Our predecessors and previous owners, East Chorlton FC, played in the FA Amateur Cup for several seasons over 30 years ago between 1974-75 and 1979-80 and during that period 3 home ties were played here against Prescott, Kidsgrove and Stork FC. East Chorlton FC’s full record in the FA Amateur Cup during that period was as follows: 1974-75 v Liversedge [A] 0-1 1975-76 v Northern Nomads [A] 3-2, v Little Lever [A] 3-5 1976-77 v Prescot [H] 1-5 1977-78 v Wooley Miners Welfare [A] 2-1, v Warrington Town [A] 0-2 1978-79 v Kidsgrove [H] 1-3
1979-80 v Stork [H] 0-3
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
The founding members of Mitchell Shackleton Football Club were Bob Cowlishaw (Chairman), Bill Russell (Secretary) and Charlie Flynn (Treasurer, who served the Club also served as Secretary with distinction from 1981 until his death in 1994). Initially, the Football Club was financially supported through the Company's active Sports and Social Club, however the recession of the late 1970's led to the Company restructuring it's business interests, and unfortunately a reduction in the workforce. These events inevitably led to the dissolution of the Sports and Social Club. The Football Section based its headquarters at the Oddfellows Arms, Patricroft, before moving to St Michaels Community Centre, Peel Green in 1973, which was to become the Club's permanent base for the next 29 years. Mitchell Shackleton FC entered the Eccles and District Amateur Football League in 1970, after a two-year association with the Eccles League, the Club sought pastures new by joining the Manchester Amateur League in season 1972-73. It was in the Manchester Amateur League that the Club's reputation began to grow, winning the Third Division (1973-74) and Second Division (1974-75) Championships in successive seasons, and in 1975 a reserve team was formed. Between 1976 and 1978, the Club went through a transitional phase with younger players being introduced to the first team. During this period, a re-structuring of the League saw Mitchells competing in the Industrial 'B' Division, in which the Club was runners-up in 1979-80, then in 198384, Mitchells finished ‘A’ Division runners-up, and won the Gosling Cup. Industrial 'A' Division runners-up once again in season 1985-86, and defeated finalists in the Gosling Cup of 1988-89 signalled the end of the Club's 17 year association with the Manchester Amateur League with Mitchells again looking for a new challenge by joining the Manchester League in 1989. Mitchells gained promotion to the Premier Division at the second attempt, finishing as First Division runners-up in 1991.The Club was rocked prior to the commencement of 1997-98 season when Kenny Davies walked out, taking with him several first team players to local rivals Monton Amateurs. The start of 2001-02 season saw the Club change its title to Irlam MS in anticipation of a proposed move to Irlam, Major changes followed in 2002 when Mitchells were informed that Salteye Park, their existing ground was to be purchased and developed for what will soon be completed as the new Salford Reds Rugby League stadium. The hunt was on for a new ground and with compensation from their move plus Football Foundation assistance, Silver St in Irlam , once home to the former Irlam Town became an obvious choice. The new ground at Silver St was officially opened in 2003 with a visit from Brian McLairs Milk Cup winning, Manchester United youth team. Irlam MS then become Irlam FC, and the appointment of Warren Dodd as secretary of the Club, from Irlam Rangers Junior Club saw development increase at the ground. The club began its 2008/2009 campaign in the North West Counties and over the past 3 seasons has become established as a solid 1st Division side. They have shown what it takes to reach this standard and our own aspiration is to be able to soon join them in the NW Counties for many years to come.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
OUR SPONSORS
OUR SPONSORS
We would like to express our sincere thanks to our current sponsors for their support. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to our current sponsors for their support. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today.
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
IMPROVING OUR FACILITIES A few weeks back we started the final phase of our ground improvements by installing the new foodlight system which was granted planning permission last July. Abacus Lighting Ltd. were chosen as contractors for the new floodlights and contracted our own grounds man Nick Brearley to ensure the works involved minimum disruption to our playing pitch and surrounds. Our roving photographer John C has been following progress of the work and here are some photographs as the installation work took place.
All the lighting columns and fittings have been erected and the system successfully tested. At the same time we have taken the opportunity to install some new pipe work to allow us to use a mobile sprinkler system to water the pitch when necessary which will enable us to maintain a top quality playing surface.
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
New Mills our visitors on Wed. 20th July, 7.15pm Formed in 1886, New Mills quickly progressed through the local leagues in its early days and even had a spell in the Manchester League. However, the club disbanded and a new team was formed, New Mills St Georges, who in the period up to the First World War, 1914-1918, won a number of titles, including the Derbyshire Minor Cup. In 1919 New Mills resumed and dropped the St Georges from their name. They re- joined the Manchester League and finished top in 1924, runners-up the following season, and then lifted the championship once again in 1926. As well as winning the league, New Mills also won the Derbyshire Cup three seasons out of four. The club was extremely well supported and had regular gates of around 3000. The club record attendance was for a Manchester Junior Cup game in 1922 when some 4,500 spectators crammed into Church Lane for the game with Hyde United. The club was once again disbanded due to World War II but reformed again afterwards, this time entering the Manchester Amateur League before progressing once again to the Manchester League, taking the title in 1956. In 1959 Joe Martin took charge as manager which started a great run of success for the club, winning the league seven times together with plenty of trophies before he retired in 1972. The club eventually moved up to the Cheshire League and later the North West Counties League. Unfortunately, the club began to suffer financially and in the summer of 1983 ceased playing in that competition. Birch Vale and Thornsett F.C. were playing nearby in the Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur League but looking for a new ground. Our current Committee members Brian Cripps, Dave Cooper and Rob Turley all have some interesting memories of both getting to and playing at Birch Vale in the 70’s and can provide graphic descriptions of the straw filled railway wagon which doubled as changing rooms alongside the rather agricultural playing surface which was their home ground before Birch Vale became tenants at Church Lane. Eventually, they took over running of the club and became New Mills Football Club. They rejoined the Manchester League and in 1977, thanks to a fund-raising appeal along with a grant from the Lottery, began the process of redeveloping the Church Lane ground to what it is today. The ground at Church Lane has been used continuously for about 120 years and is one of the most picturesque settings in the North West and adjoins St George’s church from which the club took its original name. It is unrecognizable today from what it was when WEST played there in the Lancashire and Cheshire League in the 70’s. The last 5 years have see New Mills win the North West Counties League Division Two title in the 2007-08 season. New Mills then followed up their Division Two title with a record breaking 2008-09 season when they set a new league and club record by winning 21 consecutive games. In 2009-10 they finished as runners up for the 2nd year running, and during the close season manager Tony Hancock resigned but then had a change of heart and was back in control of leading the Millers before Ally Pickering became manager. Last season 2010-2011 was another fantastic season when the Millers won the North West Counties Premier Division in some style gaining 102 points from 42 games to finish 10 points ahead of nearest rivals Ramsbottom United and 19 points ahead of 3rd placed Winsford United.
The remaining work to the grounds will include a new boundary fence with the adjoining playing fields at Hardy Farm to provide a similar margin to the boundary on the opposite side of the ground. The concrete post and panel fence will be reduced in height or removed and the dug outs repositioned. This will greatly improve the appearance of that side of the ground and make retrieving the ball from the brambles and thistles on the playing fields side a thing of the past.
The Millers attracted some ‘big’ players including Liam Coyne who moved from us at West Didsbury + Chorlton in time to slot into a very solid defense for the title run in. We are delighted to renew acquaintance on the pitch with New Mills as part of our pre-season fixtures and we know this will be a good benchmark for us in our progress over the past few years. We look forward to another entertaining game.
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Maine Road FC our visitors on Wed 13th July, 7pm
Winsford Town our visitors on Sat. 16th July, 3pm
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.
Winsford United have a long and proud history dating back to 1883 when the club was called Over Wanderers and competed in the Welsh Combination Football League. After a few seasons, the club changed to its present name and its present ground - Barton Stadium – originally called Great Western Playing Field. The club brought on many good players during this period and after losing several players to Football League clubs, they experienced a somewhat unsuccessful spell that resulted in the club folding.
In the late sixties the club changed to the Manchester Amateur Sunday League and also moved its 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. 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 Season 1987-88 the now defunct Irlam Town were defeated 1-0 at Maine Road (former 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, namely The Premier Cup (1), Amateur Cup (4), Sunday Amateur Cup (1), Intermediate Cup (2) and 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. 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. 2010-2011 could have been one of the most testing seasons when, by the end of October, several influential players had all gone. How would the club cope without them? Well, pretty well as it happens! The young replacements rose to the challenge and ended up in a very respectable 6th position. 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 as the 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. Last season Maine Road finished in mid-table in the NW Counties Premier Division and we enjoyed 2 very competitive friendly fixtures as part of pre-season last year and also in early January as we both recovered from the big freeze. We look forward to another enjoyable game.
United reformed in 1913, thanks in the main to the then secretary, Mr W H Burning, but it was short lived as World War One broke out. After the war, United became a Limited company and the 1950’s saw the Blues win the Cheshire League Cup three times and a Cheshire Senior Cup victory. In the 60’s and early 70’s the Blues returned to struggling ways with only a rare FA Cup First Round appearance at Peterborough to shout about. United lost the game 4-1 but it acted as a springboard and, under John Williams, Winsford United hit the glory trail. Between 1976 and 1980, the Blues won the Cheshire League title in 1976/77, were runners-up in 1979/80 and set a new record (which still stands) by winning the League Cup four seasons out of five, including a hat-trick of wins (1977/79/80/81). They won the Cheshire Senior Cup in 1980 and made an appearance in the quarterfinals of the FA Trophy in 1978. It was in John Williams’ final season that Everton and Wales’s goalkeeper Neville Southall was sold to Bury for £6,000 but a sell on clause later netted United c£30,000 when he moved to Goodison Park. After that halcyon period, United’s fortunes again nose-dived. The Cheshire League changed its name to the North West Counties and the Northern Premier League formed a first division in 1987/8. In January 1991 Winsford were bottom of the NPL First Division and facing a drop back down to the NWCFL. The club then pulled a masterstroke by appointing Mike McKenzie as team manager. The following season, 1991/92, they gained promotion to the Premier Division, finishing as runners up and reaching the First Round of the FA Cup for only the third time in the club’s history. Season 1992/93 will go down in United’s folklore as ‘Macca’s’ men won an astonishing five trophies - the NPL Challenge Cup, NPL President’s Cup, Cheshire Senior Cup, Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup and NPL Runners Up Cup. The Blues finished second to Southport and their points total is a record for the most points accrued without winning the title. Sadly the team then broke up in the summer of 1993 when Mike McKenzie was lured into Conference football. Under the management of Dalton Steele United finished seventh in the league and lifted the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup before 1998/1999 saw Dalton leave for Chorley mid season taking nearly all the team with him. The club received another tremendous boost early in 1999 when keeper Andy Oakes signed for Hull City for a modest fee before moving to Derby Co for £480,000 giving Winsford a record sell on fee. The worst run of results in the club’s history and relegation for the first time came in 1999-2000 and, despite performing well during 2000-01 in UniBond Division 1, administrative errors resulted in 6 points deduction and relegation to North West Counties League Div 1. By 2004 Winsford were in NWC 2 and decided to concentrate on recruiting and developing local talent. Chris Willcock and John Flanagan took over for promotion to Division One as Champions but surprisingly then left at the end of the season for Woodley Sports, taking the best players with them. Further changes saw 3 seasons of relegation battles and cup final defeat by Northwich Victoria in the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup Final and Abbey Hey in the NWC Challenge Cup final. Former Manager Chris Willcock returned for a period before his assistant Ian Street was handed the reins. Ian is now at the helm and once again there is an air of optimism at the Barton Stadium.
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Our Visitors Rochdale Sacred Heart
Fixtures West First Team - released fixtures to date are as below: Aug 2011
Opposition
Type
Kick Off
Sat 06
H
Rochdale Sacred Heart
Cup
14:00
Sat 13
A
Prestwich Heys
League
14:00
Tue 16
A
Walshaw Sports
League
18:15
Sat 20
H
Manchester Gregorians
League
14:00
Tue 23
H
AVRO
League
18:15
Sat 27
A
Springhead
League
14:00
Tue 30
A
Old Alts
League
18:15
Sep 2011
Opposition
Type
Kick Off
Sat 03
A
Wyre Villa
LFA Cup
14:00
Sat 10
H
Prestwich Heys
League
14:00
Sat 17
H
Wythenshawe Ams
League
14:00
Sat 24
A
Heywood St James
League
14:00
Friendly Results Woodley Sports Maine Road Winsford United New Mills Irlam FC Lostock Gralam Holker Old Boys
(A) (H) (H) (H) (H) (H) (A)
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
1-1 0-2 0-2 2-0 3-2
Ryan Stewart
Dave Kilbride, Dave Conlon John Chrimes, Lee Hendley 2
Jack Duffy founded Rochdale Sacred Heart FC in 1955. The first league Hearts entered was the Rochdale Sunday schools League and throughout their 12 year membership Hearts dominated the league winning all its major trophies. Hearts then sought new challenges and in 1968 applied for a place in the in the Southeast Lancashire League. This time they were under the guidance of Jimmy Hernon. Jimmy managed a team which soon became a force to be reckoned with as Hearts won the league championships as well as the Lancashire Shield on three occasions. In 1982 Sacred Heart gained entry into the Manchester League and in 1985 changed their name to RSH85. This was due to the merger with Robinson Football & Cricket club and this venture enabled Hearts to own their own ground (Fox Park). However the club changed its name back to Sacred Heart in 1988. Hearts have won promotion to the premier league on two occasions including as Div 1 Champions in 1999/2000. The club also enjoyed cup success in the early 1990’s under the management of Kenny Gill when Hearts won the Murray Trophy twice in 1991/92 and 1993/94 and gained promotion to the Premier League. Off the field Hearts have built a new club house with the help of the National lottery and all the hard work Terry Allen did during his time with the club. Hearts played their first Gilchrist Cup Final in 2001 against Stockport Georgians and have also been a club that is constantly looking forward. The pre- season of 2001/2002 saw Hearts making further ground improvements with new pitch drains laid together with some levelling work but the following season 2002/2003 was mixed one as the 1st team was relegated to Division 1 but the 2nd Team won Division 3. Season 2003/2004 brought a new challenge for Sacred Heart when Tony Kershaw & Steve Kelly where given an opportunity to manage the first team. They got off to a good start but inconsistency resulted in a league position of 7th. John Worsley & Mick Sidebottom maintained the reserve spot in a new division. Season 2004/2005 brought in some more change with Lee Kelly & Steve Kelly looking after the 1st team whilst Tony Kershaw & Dave Perryman were looking after reserve team matters. Season 2005/2006 achieved the objective of manager Lee Kelly when in securing promotion and runners-up in the Murray trophy proved that Sacred Heart deserved their place in the Premier league. The following season was always going to prove difficult given the promotion of the 1st team and the youthful look to the reserves. However the 1st team held their nerve in the premier league finishing a creditable 6th place and in addition reaching the Semi final of the Gilchrist cup. The Reserve team always knew that they had a challenge on their hands due to the policy of blooding new young talent from the youth
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
team but finished a creditable 4th. Further ground improvements followed in 2006/2007 when a tarmac car park was laid and although 2007/2008 promised to bring even more challenges, the youth teams of 2005 were now progressing through the ranks and proving a real asset to the club Season 2008/2009 proved to be a mixed season for Hearts as they finished 3rd from bottom in the league but by contrast had a great run in the Lancashire Amateur Trophy losing out in the final on penalties to Stockport Gregorian’s. Hearts reserves had a good year finishing mid table. 2009/2010 season saw Hearts undergo a massive re structure in the club with Lee Kelly stepping down after his successful reign and Tony Kershaw taking up the role of 1st team manager. Last season 2010/2011 saw Heart’s collecting silverware again when they defeated Heywood St James in a thrilling game decided on penalties, before collecting the Murray rd Trophy for the 3 time in the club’s history.
The Manchester Football League, currently known under terms of sponsorship as Bridgewater Office Supplies Football League, is one of the oldest Leagues in England covering a 20-mile radius from Manchester Town Hall. In the years following the League’s formation in 1893, the Honours List shows some interesting names of clubs who have long since ceased and others who have changed their names. The first Champions in 1893-94 were Stretford followed by Talbot and Tonge who shared the title between them over a period of 7 seasons although they were interrupted by one NEWTON HEATH in 1898-99, who have since moved on to greater things. The period between 1900 and the 1930’s also saw many now famous non-league clubs winning the title in their formative years. Champions included Northwich Victoria, Altrincham, Macclesfield, Hyde United, Droylsden and indeed Buxton, although there was no competition between 1912 and 1920 including the war years. During the 1930’s and 40’s the Championship was dominated by industrial teams such as Goslings [4 times], ICI Alkali [3 times], Goslings and Mossley Com. with 2 titles also for Manchester United A who went on to win the League on a further 4 occasions in the 1950’s. Other clubs such as Cheadle Rovers [now Cheadle Town], New Mills, Leek Town, Salford Amateurs [now Salford City], Curzon Ashton, Abbey Hey, Maine Road, Stand Athletic and Wigan Robin Park have also been crowned Manchester League Champions before progressing to the North West Counties and Northern Premier Leagues. The league now consists of five divisions: the Premier Division and Division One are exclusively for first teams, while Divisions Two and Three consist of reserve teams and Div 4 of A teams of clubs in the higher divisions.
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WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
There is a comprehensive website covering all the Divisions and teams playing in the League and you can find this at www.manchester-league.co.uk
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC