West Didsbury & Chorlton v Abbey Hey

2013/14 SEASON

MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2

Main Club Sponsor:

FA Cup - Extra Prelim Rd 17 August 2013 – 3.00pm

v Abbey Hey

WELCOME to WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC CLUB CONTACTS

FOOTBALL CONTACTS

Club President

First Team

Brian Cripps

Glyn Meacher 07905 431526

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

17th August 2013 – Abbey Hey

WELCOME TO OUR FIRST FA CUP GAME Today is a great occasion for everyone at West as we host our friends and rivals from Abbey Hey in our first ever FA Cup fixture.

It is also a break from the frantic start to the NWC Premier Division for both sides as today the romance of the cup has well and truly arrived at Brookburn Road for the first time in our 105 year history.

To qualify for this season’s competition was one of last season’s targets and this time last year achieving that looked challenging when FA guidelines stated that only the top 4 clubs from Division 1 would be guaranteed a place. When we made our application we were in 6th place before the tremendous late run in saw us finish 3rd and get promotion. In fact we were sure of the FA Cup place before promotion was confirmed and I’m sure Andy and all the squad will be looking forward to this afternoon and this new challenge with great excitement.

OUR VISITORS – ABBEY HEY Everyone from Abbey Hey is very welcome back to West today. We enjoyed 3 cracking games against each other last season in the NWCFL Division 1 when Abbey Hey were runners up and promoted ahead of ourselves in 3rd place. League honours were even as we managed a very good 21 home win in November which kick started our long period of consistency and, despite Abbey Hey reversing that score in February; we just nicked a 1-0 result in a very close and compelling Cup Final at Runcorn Linnets.

Abbey Hey pushed Formby all the way for the title last season and we congratulate them on their success in gaining promotion back to the Premier Division. We are also grateful to their Committee for a few ‘bar’ tips passed on over a pint at the end of the game in February.

Abbey Hey have an impressive recent FA Cup pedigree and an enviable record from last season when they progressed through 2 rounds of the qualifying competition to enjoy a great day out at FC Halifax Town, who are now in the Football Conference.

Today there is everything to play for as today’s winners will have the advantage of a home tie in the next round when the visitors will be Burscough FC from the Evo Stik league.

REPLAY ARRANGEMENTS – TUESDAY 20th AUGUST – 7.45PM There will be no extra time in today’s game so if a replay is necessary this will be held at The Abbey Stadium, Goredale Avenue, Gorton, next Tuesday evening, kick off at 7.45pm.

NEXT WEEKS FIXTURES If we’re not involved in a replay next Tuesday then we will be away at Glossop North End in the NWCFL Premier Division, kick off 7.45pm Next Saturday it is back to the bread and butter of league action when we are at home again, and the next first time visitors then will be Congleton Town. Kick off will be 3pm. .

COVER STORY Seeing WEST progress to be able to play in the FA Cup has been a long held personal ambition, because of our own club’s long 105 year history, so when the FA Cup came to The Didsbury Festival in June 2011 the temptation for a photo opportunity was just too great. It was on with the club track suit, into the park where a donation to charity ensured that I had a photo if we ever needed one for an FA Cup programme. The decision about where to put it is the programme editors and not mine!

Thanks for your support today and don’t forget you can keep in touch with all our news at: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ ENJOY THE THRILLS AND SPILLS AND EXCITEMENT OF THE FA CUP! Rob Turley The front cover picture: Rob celebrating City winning the Cup in 2011, just a few more rounds to go for WESTS!!

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 This is the first FA Cup tie in the clubs 105 year history. Is this a special day for you personally when you think of how far the club has come?

Naturally I am proud to be the manager as the club takes its first step in the competition. This is a very historic event for everyone concerned at the club and everyone who has worked so hard to get the club into this position should feel very proud to be involved in it.

For many of the players, this will be their 1st FA Cup tie as well, is there anything specific that you will say to them?

I would be very surprised if I needed to lift anyone for a game like this. This is a special group of players and everyone single one of them has earned the right to represent the club in the FA Cup. What are some of your favourite memories of the FA Cup? My first experience as player in the FA Cup was playing for Bury in the mid-70s at Chester and in their starting eleven they had Gary Owen, Ron and Paul Futcher, and would you believe Ian Rush. I remember my first FA Cup tie as a non-league player; it was for Altrincham v South Liverpool a team that now no longer exists. My first ever FA Cup tie as the manager was at Leigh RMI when we travelled to Chester-Le-Street and won 3-1 but the best experience was when I was at Witton Albion and we stayed the night a top hotel the night before a televised game against Witton Albion.

Like many other people my favourite memory of the FA Cup was my very first FA Cup tie that I played in. I can still remember the buzz around the ground how it meant so much to so many people.

How important is the FA Cup to you this season?

The FA Cup is of great importance to our club as a means of raising the clubs profile and any prize money will go a long way into the club development fund in achieving our vision for West Didsbury & Chorlton Football Club. I only want to pick people who want to play for the club; the FA Cup is no exception and I would be devastated to think if our players didn’t believe we would win the game.

We couldn’t have had more familiar opponents in Abbey Hey, will there be an added incentive to the game after the closeness of the sides in the league last season as well as facing them in the 1st Division Trophy final?

Not especially, Abbey Hey are a fantastic side and it’s a compliment to us to be mentioned alongside them. However whoever we meet from now on in the future should not be of great importance to us as we want to win every game regardless of previous encounters.

In this weeks preview there is an interview with Alex Baird and I would like to add that I have a lot of admiration for him. Last season he was putting a lot of personal pressure on himself to succeed. We had a discussion and he took some time away from the club before coming back and taking what we discussed on board. He has come back fitter than ever after his injuries, displays a terrific attitude, has become someone you can ‘hang your hat on’ and has won the respect of the players.

I would like to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Abbey Hey FC to Brookburn Road.

Please 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.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… Bennie hats and newly designed scarves

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.

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The chanting of racist or obscene chanting is strictly forbidden.

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

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

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

Encroachment onto the playing area is forbidden at all times.

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Standing is not allowed in front of the seated areas.

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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

Action from Tuesday night’s game against Winsford…

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

First Team Match Reports…

Saturday 10th August – Bootle 5 WEST 0 A tough start to life in the NWCFL Premier Division continued for West as five goals were thumped past them on Merseyside. West travelled to Bootle still looking for their first points of the season with manager Andy Nelson continuing to experiment with the selection of his squad in light of injury to last season’s top goalscorer Lee Malkin, key midfielder Mark Woodcock still serving a suspension and Captain Mike Aston’s departure to Salford City.

It was Bootle who started the game quicker having the games early chances but West had chances to take the lead when an Alex Baird header was looped onto the roof of the net from an excellent Callum Jones cross. Bootle then took the lead on 29 minutes when a deep corner cleared everyone but a far post header was knocked back into the six yard box and hammered home by Michael Boyle at close range. West finished the half stronger and should have been awarded a penalty when Steve Settle was fouled a yard inside the area but the referee deemed it outside and Gareth Thomas forced the Bootle goalkeeper into a top class save, tipping a curling shot over the wall around the post before Scott Jones headed another excellent Callum Jones cross over from a yard out.

The decisive moment came four minutes after half time when West goalkeeper Ben Simpson misjudged a corner and Sean Miller headed home. The floodgates opened as West tried to chase the game with Neil Prince scoring unmarked and from close range on 67 minutes from a deep cross down the right quickly followed two minutes later by Daniel O’Connor making it four when his shot cannoned off the cross bar and the linesman adjudged it had crossed the line despite Simpson’s follow up.

West still continued to press and Captain for the day Mark Rogers went close twice from corners, turning sharply in the box but his shot both times just past the post. Gareth Thomas continued to be a threat from free kicks going close several times and Lewis Schofield missing West’s best chance of the game from just outside the area putting it wide with his weaker foot.

A wretched afternoon was sealed when the West goalkeeper came out of his goal to reach for a low cross, misjudged the pace of the ball and spilled it to Sam Corlett whose initial shot was brilliantly blocked on the line by Anthony Potts but could do nothing about the rebound.

Tuesday 13th August – WEST 1 Winsford United 2 A game of three goals in three minutes ultimately decided the game for West as they went down 2-1 at home to Winsford United. A strong crowd of 100 witnessed an even first half which sprung into life on 11 minutes as Winsford striker Andy Crompton’s penalty was brilliantly saved by debutant West goalkeeper Ross Booth. Winsford eventually took the lead on thirty minutes thanks to a brilliant strike from James Rothwell but West fought back immediately when Gareth Thomas converted a penalty after Alex Baird was fouled inside the area. However the referee wasn’t finished as he harshly awarded Winsford a penalty moments later which Andy Crompton just about saw home despite Booth getting a hand to the ball.

In the second half West sought to take the game to Winsford and pinned them inside their half for the majority of the game but despite going close from James Lawrence, making his full debut, and gilt edged chances from Lewis Schofield as well as hitting the outside of the post with a terrific header. The referee completed a complex evening by denying West the seemingly most blantant penalty of the evening and Winsford managed to hold on.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

WHAT’S THE STORY – A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FA CUP At a meeting held in the offices of The Sportsman in London on 20th July 1871, a proposal by FA Honorary Secretary Charles Alcock "that it is desirable that a Challenge Cup should be established in connection with the Association, for which all clubs belonging to the Association should be invited to compete" met with favour and was finally approved three months later.

The first FA Cup competition in season 1871-72 had fifteen entries. Wanderers, a team formed by ex-public school and university players, won the first final 1-0 against Royal Engineers at Kennington Oval. A crowd of 2,000 attended the match and they each paid one shilling for the privilege. The first Cup Final goal was scored by Morton Betts, playing under the assumed name of 'A.H. Chequer'. He was an Old Harrovian who had once played for Harrow Chequers.

The original trophy, much smaller than the present one, was made by Messrs Martin, Hall & Co. and cost £20. In 1895, after Aston Villa had won the competition, the cup was stolen from the window of a firm of football outfitters in Birmingham where it had been placed on display.

It was never recovered.

The present trophy, played for since 1992, is the competition's fourth and an exact replica of the third. Manchester United have won the Cup the most times (11), followed by Arsenal (10) and Tottenham Hotspur (eight). Forty-three different clubs have won it.

In January 1922 the Duke of York, later to become King George VI, cut the first turf to mark the beginning of the building of Wembley Stadium and it was completed in under a year at a cost of £750,000. The 1923 FA Cup Final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United (pictured) was the first football match at the new stadium and it drew an estimated crowd of 200,000, vastly exceeding the official capacity. It was only due to the good nature of the spectators and the efforts of the police, notably PC George Scorey on his white horse 'Billie', that the match took place at all.

The Cup Final was played at Wembley in every year, excluding the war years, until 2000.

The FA Cup has become established as one of the country's great sporting institutions. It is now over 130 years old and yet, season by season, it generates tremendous interest not only in the country of its birth but all over the world. The history and tradition of the competition, and the pageantry of the Cup Final, is familiar to millions.

The new Wembley hosted its first Final in 2007. Sir Bobby Robson, a Cup winner as Ipswich Town's manager, once said: "The FA Cup Final is the greatest single match outside the World Cup Final - and it's ours".

Today the FA Cup competiton arrives at Brookburn Road for the first time and this is one of 185 matches in the extra preliminary round featuring clubs from Steps 5 and 6 of the National League System throughout England.

The draw is made regionally in the early rounds, with the incentive of a home fixture against Burscough FC for today’s winners along with a small payment from the FA’s prize fund of £1,500. http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY STARTS… IN CHORLTON This Saturday sees the road to Wembley begin as the FA Cup starts at Brookburn Road and West Didsbury & Chorlton enter the competition for the first time in their 105 year history taking on NWCFL rivals Abbey Hey. West qualified for the competition following a dramatic rise through the leagues after three promotions in the last three seasons, rising from the 1st Division of the Manchester League to the Premier Division of the North West Counties, culminating in a third place finish in the 1st division last season and promotion behind cup opponents Abbey Hey. In addition to an historic first FA Cup tie for West, grassroots football fan Alan Oliver, along with his daughter Jordan and fellow supporters, will begin his own Wembley dream journey following the winner of Saturday’s game and every subsequent round up to and including the Final in May 2014 with the aim of raising funds for Christies Hospital in memory of his mother in law Pat Boyling.

This also isn’t Alan’s first time at West as he also visited the club in the Manchester League era a few years ago, so we extend a warm welcome to The Recreation Ground to both Alan and his friends for this, our inaugural FA Cup game. Here’s hoping he’ll be back again soon!

More information is at www.casualhopper.com where there is also a donate tab to contribute to the charity appeal. Rob McKay

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

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

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

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

After only two years the ground was sold to a large local builder. However, during the two years the Club had been on the ground they were also in negotiations with Crossley Motors Ltd to buy a disused ground they owned in Goredale Avenue, Gorton. Matters had reached an impasse between the Club and Crossleys when Manchester City Council intervened, this seemed to tip the scales in favour of the Club who were asked to make an offer for the ground which they did and which was promtly accepted. Jim Clark was to join the Club during these turbulent times as manager of the first team a position he was to occupy for the next eighteen years with fantastic success. Jim managed to win the Manchester League Premier League Championships Five times as well as numerous cups and honours for the Club.

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

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

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

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

Promising start for Reserve Team The first game of the season for the reserves saw West fielding a very young side with an average age of just over 20. West took the game to Silsden from the very beginning and had a number of early chances. Long range shots from Ryse Bailey-Morton, Shackeel DePeiaza and Tom Webb all being saved by the Silsden keeper.

Silsden weathered the storm and began to get into the game and had a goal disallowed when the ball appeared to cross the line only for the West defence to clear. Does West Didsbury need goal line technology? West however continued to push forward but were unable to find the back of the Silsden net and went in at half time 0-0.

The second half continued in a similar vain as the first with West pressing and forcing the Silsden defence into last ditch tackles.

Silsden however got a corner in the 63 minute following a shot which was heading into the top right hand corner of the net until Conrad Betton in the West goal pushed the ball over the bar. From the corner the 6'9" Silsden striker managed to get his head onto the cross and put the ball into the West net, making the score 0-1.

The goal seemed to spur West on and in the subsequent 20 minutes West hit the bar three times and the post once. West introduced Carl Worthington into the game in the 75th minute following an injury to Evril Brooks, Carl playing behind the main strikers finally managed to equilise with a shot from the 6 yard box.

West continued to push forward for the winning goal and again hit the crossbar and had further shots by Tyler Ferguson and Ryse Bailey-Morton go inches wide. The game eventually finished 1-1.

An encouraging start to the season with 7 of the squad making their West debut, this team played very well and will improve with the more games they play together.

Rob Madden – Reserve Team Manager

ADVANCE NOTICE…

Club RACE NIGHT incorporating…play your cards right DATE: 7th of September WHERE: In the clubhouse after the AFC Blackpool home game COST: £5 to enter with half the money raised going as prize money FOOD: Free Curry… drinks on sale in the clubhouse.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Today’s Match Sponsor:

We are an independent planning and development consultancy providing specialist advice on how to obtain planning permission for various forms of new development, including facilities for sport and recreation and football clubs.

Rob Turley has over 35 years experience in both local government and private sector planning consultancy having previously built a market leading consultancy from scratch.

Experience in sport and leisure includes permissions for the City of Manchester stadium and Velodrome, alterations to MFCF training complex at Carrington, permissions for a new stadium in Stanley Park for Liverpool FC and currently advising Old Trafford SC on a new hotel and supporters club facility immediately adjoining Old Trafford. The firm is also advising non league football clubs from conference and Evo-Stik to Step 6 and 7 clubs.

For initial advice without any obligation please call 0161 448 1838 or Rob Turley on 07891 298441.

Interested in sponsoring one of our matches?

Then please speak to Rob, Steve or John, for contact details please refer to details inside the front cover.

Our next homes games for you to consider sponsoring are: Sat 24th Aug v Congleton Town Sat 7th Sept v AFC Blackpool Tues 17th Sept v Stockport Sports Alternatively to celebrate a special event you can check the fixture list in this programme for suitable dates.

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

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.

Action from the Bootle game, Gareth Thomas’s free kick whistles past the post.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Player interview…meet Alex Baird Age: 28 From: Macclesfield Position: centre midfield/centre back Occupation: Regional Team Leader at NFU Mutual Insurance Supports: Liverpool Previous Clubs: Leek Town, Congleton Town, Abbey Hey, Atherton LR, Stone Dominoes, Leek CSOB, Winsford United & West Didsbury & Chorlton Joined West: 2011 For Alex Baird West’s 2012/13 promotion and 1st Division Trophy winning season won’t be remembered as well for him as for others as he spent the majority of the season side-lined by injury. However after missing the incredible run in last season, Alex returned to the starting line up on the opening day of the season at home to AFC Liverpool. He took the time to discuss it.

Since you joined West in 2011 how has the club transformed (both on and off the field? The club are trying to do things differently, with the vision being sustainable football for all and to develop a long term youth strategy. Is this something that has registered with the players?

The club has developed fantastically; we have had the clubhouse extension and new changing rooms as well as developments in the squad. Andy has brought in players that have played at the top levels of non-league players like Lee Shillito, Steve Settle and Gareth Thomas. Add that with the young players coming through we have a great squad. It has registered with us we have a great setup and the work that Andy has done by bringing young players to the squad and utilising the reserve team can only strengthen us going forward and by blending the young players with the experienced lads it can only bode well for the future of the club.

You have an impressive resume of clubs having previously played at Leek CSOB, Winsford United, Congleton Town and Stone Dominoes. How does the setup at West compare to those clubs?

Stone dominoes had a fantastic setup with a full time groundsman the pitch was like a bowling green which is unheard of at this level of football. They had a strong affiliation with Stoke City and Port Vale so we benefited greatly. West Didsbury are going in that direction by buying land next door for the youth development and also planning to build another stand on the main pitch we are moving forward and the lads can see that we are part of something good.

We have great banter and we all work together which was shown by our run in last season when we were beating teams who have budgets for paying players. As players we get looked after well and to have the opportunity to go and play the IOM national team as a group was fantastic.

West developed a close rivalry with Abbey Hey last season and are our FA Cup opponents?

Do you have any special memories from your time at Abbey Hey? I enjoyed my time at Abbey Hey we had a group of players similar to the West Didsbury squad and we caused a few upsets because we were difficult to beat.

Have you any fond memories of playing in the FA Cup? Yeah we did quite well in the FA Cup and FA Vase one season at Stone Dominoes and in the Vase we were 3 games away from Wembley. The fondest FA cup memory for me was scoring the winning goal for Stone in the 2nd qualifying round.

Last season; you were injured early on the year, came back, got yourself fit and back in the team before being carried off at Formby. Tell us about your injury? It must have been a frustrating time having just played your way back into the side and playing so well?

I’d been injured the previous season with ligament damage to my right ankle and I came back too soon last season and I wasn’t at my best with a few things going on in my life.

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I was frustrated by my own performances early last season which led to me speaking with Andy and making the decision to take a few months out and get sorted both physically and mentally. I then came back around New Year with a clear understanding of my role in the squad not necessarily the starting 11. I worked hard to get fit I kept my head down and listened. I changed my mindset and I came back stronger in all aspects.

I had to wait until late Feb to get back into the team against Holker away I played well in centre midfield and stayed in the team for the Formby game. That game was bitter sweet for me we were fantastic that night. I landed funnily from a headed challenge and I broke a bone in my left ankle aswell as damaging the medial and lateral ligaments at the same time. The specialist told me in the summer that I would need an operation on the ankle at some point in the future but at present I’m working with the physio and I can keep playing.

What was spending a Monday night in Southport hospital with Winston like?

I’d love to be able to tell you but the gas and air was brilliant. However, Winston was great he spoke with the Dr whom must have got his qualification from the back of a Frosties box as they wanted to operate that night then didn’t then they said I may not play again and after much too-ing and fro-ing I was on my crutches in nothing but my Under Armour on my way home.

Professional footballers get time off to put their feet up, rest and heal but you were back in work after a couple of days.

Work were great I worked from home for the 1st 2 days then I got trains to and from work which was a 3.5 hour round trip but they did give me time off for specialists appointments and physio. Like you say we aren’t pro’s so we have to combine playing and training with our jobs and injuries do happen.

I’ve seen you on the end of some particularly gruelling looking massages. How have the club physios helped you with your recovery?

All the club physiotherapists have been great they helped me get back to full fitness by with structured rehab and working other muscle groups too. Andy was great also by not pushing me too hard and allowing me to recover at my own pace. Some managers would rush you back but Andy talked with the physios and took a steer from them.

I worked hard in the close season and started running in late May. I went away for a week to my see my mum and dad in the South of France and started gradually stepping up my distance and pace. I didn’t try and rush back I’m not 18 anymore and there were a few frustrating times on the way. Then when we came back in Andy, Steve Settle and Lee Robinson had prepared a great set of sessions for us and we have all reaped the rewards. I feel the fittest I have in a long time.

The hard work paid off as, despite the competition for places during preseason, you were in the starting line up at centre back for the season opener against AFC Liverpool.

I had done OK in pre-season and I was happy to be in the team as it felt all the work I had done had paid off. We are a squad rather than just a team so I know that I have to work hard to keep my shirt as we have some great players all wanting to play. I know that some matches I will miss out but we are a squad and if the management team think I add something then great.

You were awarded man of the match on the day; did Andy Nelson say anything to you after the game?

Yes Andy came up to me and told me well done! I was pleased to get the award from the management team but we were all disappointed at the result after playing so well as a team in the 2nd half. I would have preferred the win for the team over the MOM but I was happy with my performance.

Finally, have you got a printable Isle of Man story?

I’d have to say Anthony Potts starting all the lads singing the home and away theme tune after a few beers on the bus on the way to Douglas for a night out after the national team game. I don’t think the locals knew what to make of us and that’s saying something!

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team fixtures Date

KO

H/A

Opposition

Score

Scorers

Sat Aug 3 Tues Aug 6 Sat Aug 10 Tues Aug 13 Sat Aug 17 Tues Aug 20 Sat Aug 24 Tues Aug 27 Sat Sept 7 Sat Sept 14 Tues Sept 17 Sat Sept 21

3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00

H A A H H A H A H A H A

1-3 0-2 0-5 1–2

Baldwin Willis

H A A H H A A A H H H A A H A H H A A H A

AFC Liverpool Alsager Town Bootle Winsford United Abbey Hey FA Cup Glossop North End Congleton Town Ashton Athletic AFC Blackpool Wigan Robin Park Stockport Sports Pennistone Church/Rossington Main – FA Vase Abbey Hey Runcorn Town Norton United Bacup & Rossendale Borough Alsager Town St Helens Town Winsford United Runcorn Linnets Glossop North End AFC Liverpool LCC 2nd Rd Ashton Athletic Colne AFC Liverpool Bootle AFC Blackpool Runcorn Town St Helens Town Abbey Hey Congleton Town Barnoldswick Town Maine Road

Tues Sept 24 Sat Sept 28 Tues 1 Oct Sat 5 Oct Tues 8 Oct Sat 12 Oct Tues 15 Oct Sat 19 Oct Tues 22 Oct Sat 26 Oct Tues 29 Oct Sat 2 Nov Wed 6 Nov Sat 9 Nov Sat 16 Nov Sat 23 Nov Sat 30 Nov Sat 7 Dec Sat 14 Dec Sat 21 Dec Thur 26 Dec

7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

H A H H H A H H A H H A

Wigan Robin Park Bacup & Rossendale Borough Silsden Runcorn Linnets Barnoldswick Town Squires Gate Colne Squires Gate Stockport Sports Norton United Maine Road Silsden

2013

Thomas (p)

2014 Sat 4 Jan Sat 11 Jan Sat 18 Jan Sat 25 Jan Sat 1 Feb Sat 8 Feb Weds 5 Mar Sat 22 Mar Sat 12 Apr Sat 19 Apr Mon 21 Apr Sat 26 Apr

FA V = FA Vase FA C = FA Cup LCC = League Challenge Cup LCT = Lancashire Challenge Trophy

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

Reserve Team fixtures The league management committee have confirmed the format for the NWCFL 2013/14 Reserve Division and have confirmed that all sides will play a minimum 23 games throughout the season.

This will be broken down as follows: 1. All clubs will play the league programme as usual (16 games) 2. All club will play the Reserve Division Cup as usual (1 game at least) 3. All clubs will play for the Reserve Division Trophy (6 games at least) The Reserve Division Trophy would split the league into 2 groups of 4 teams in the north and 5 teams in the south.

North: South:

Barnoldswick Town, Silsden, Padiham and AFC Darwen.

Irlam, New Mills, Cheadle Town, WESTs and Glossop North End

Each club would play each other club in the group home and away.

The top 2 of each group would take part in the semi-finals with the north group winner v south runner up and south group winner v north runner up and the 2 winning teams meeting in the final.

This programme would give every club a minimum of 23 games in the season. The final stages of the league programme and the start of the Trophy games may overlap, so that clubs have not got a break in fixtures for as we all know the number of reserve games played on a Saturday depends on the number of grounds available, and some of our reserve teams are involved in County Cup competitions.

YOUTH Team LOTS OF PROMISE AS YOUTH SQUAD ASSEMBLES We recently saw the first youth team friendly game at Brookburn Road when Ian Depeiaza and Mark Rogers ran the eye over a very talented squad in a free flowing high scoring game against an equally impressive 'Bridge FC' team from Rochdale.

The players were introduced to the club and club manager Andy Nelson after the game and we look forward to following their progress over the coming season, 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

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. 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 3 rd position after an amazing run in during March and April to secure promotion and also winning a guaranteed FA Cup place. The over 45’s team again chipped in with Cheshire Veterans league silverware.

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

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Saturday 17th August 2013 – Today’s Squads

West Didsbury & Chorlton FC United

Abbey Hey

White Shirts, Black Shorts and Socks

Blue Shirts, Shorts and Shorts

Ben Simpson (GK)

Ross Heywood (GK)

Ross Booth (GK)

Keiron Berrywood

Callum Jones

James Moss

Scott Jones

Carl Borrell

Callum Schofield

Desmond Flanagan

Anthony Potts

Paul Smith (Capt)

Steve Brockley

Liam Murray

Danny Summers

Thomas Smith

Mark Woodcock

Sam Jones

Alex Baird

Thomas Murray

Gareth Thomas

Jonathon Hardy

Steve Settle Lee Malkin

Richard Chetcuti

James Lawrence

Jamie Allen

Lewis Schofield

Wesley Harney

Tommy Walsh

Adam Bezzina

Tre Baldwin Willis Mark Rogers Richmond Botchey

Joshua Chisambo Manager: Andy Nelson

Manager: Barrie Walker

Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle

Assistant: Andy Harris

OFFICIALS Referee: Ian Hurdle

Assistants: Ali Ebrahimi and David Bryning

NEXT HOME GAME Saturday 24th August 2013 KO 3.00pm

WEST v Congleton Town