2013/14 SEASON
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2
Main Club Sponsor:
Premier Division 7 September 2013 – 3.00pm
v AFC Blackpool
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
Publicity and Web John Churchman 07720 508082
Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397
Rachel Wood and 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 07956 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.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FF
Sat 7th September 2013
Editorial NWCFL Premier Division
WEST v AFC Blackpool
WELCOME TO NON LEAGUE DAY Today we welcome everyone to NON LEAGUE DAY, a rather special day in the football calendar. This is a day to celebrate non league football at all levels with the absence of Premier League fixtures and Championship football because of the England international against Moldova on Friday night. Non League Day was the brainchild of James Doe and started in 2010 as a social media experiment. It has now become a key part of the football calendar and a chance for grass roots football to get some much deserved exposure in the national press and media, including television. Clubs have also used the day to come up with some wacky ideas to get publicity including Anglian combination Division Two side Bungay Town who today are paying fans 5p to come and watch! Happily we have seen a continuing steady increase in our local support base and this season’s crowds have averaged just over 100 for every home game. Inside today’s programme you will see a feature on what it costs to be a football fan in various parts of Europe. If you read that you will see that you can get entry to today’s game here at WEST together with a match programme, a pint and a pie and a half time draw ticket, and still pay less than you would for a portion of fish and chips at a certain premier league ground! WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS FROM BLACKPOOL Today we entertain AFC Blackpool, their officials and supporters for the first time in a competitive game between our two clubs and we extend a warm welcome to all our visitors and trust they enjoy their visit to The Recreation Ground. AFC Blackpool has also had a difficult start to this season but their results in the past two weeks have shown an improvement as they lost narrowly by the odd goal 1-2 to pace setters Bootle and then won 2-1 away at Barnoldswick last weekend. Today’s game is important for both clubs in trying to move up to a more mid table position in the league table. FIXTURE CHANGES Please note the September fixtures schedule has been changed due to County Cup competitions. Next Saturday 14th we are away at Wigan Robin Park and then on Tuesday 17th September we are at home to Stockport Sports, and not away as advertised in last weeks’ programme. The home game against Abbey Hey scheduled for 24th will now need to be rearranged and we will be away in mid October at Darwen in the first round of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy. FA VASE and AWAY TRAVEL Then on Sat 21st we are away again in the FA Vase when we play either Pennistone Church from Sheffield or Maltby Main from near Doncaster, who are playing each other today. We will be running a coach to this game so keep an eye out for details. Departure will be from near The Bowling Green on Brookburn Road and as soon as opponents are confirmed these will be posted along with travel details at: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ Rob Turley PLEASE NOTE THAT ALCOHOLIC DRINKS MUST BE CONSUMED AT THE CLUBHOUSE ONLY. Thanks you for your co-operation. The front cover picture: Today’s Programme Feature Scott Jones in action Our thanks to Mike Fryer for providing photos again this season for the web and programme.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
View from the Dugout It has certainly been a testing first month of the season, having played 9 games already I can say that I have learnt a lot about the team. The most pleasing aspect has been the resilience we’ve shown after the first defeats in the opening weeks. The Winsford and Alsager defeats were particularly disappointing, not for the way we played, but because we were camped in their halves the entire match and came away with nothing to show for it. That is the difference at this level, against sides with the ability to spend, is that the smallest mistake will be punished. It was a similar story at Ashton Athletic as we had looked comfortable and more than in the game but seconds before half time we switched off and gave away goal due to naivety. However we battled back, and if it were not for a disputable penalty, we might have been coming away with all three points. That followed an excellent home victory against Congleton where we played well first half and dominated the entire game but ironically we have probably played better and lost. However it was no less than we deserved and between Tom Walsh, who took his goal well, and Tre Baldwin-Willis they ran them ragged and never gave them a moment’s peace. Finishing the month with wins against a very good Abbey Hey side, Congleton and a hard earned point at Ashton Athletic shows me that we are getting to grips with the demands of the NWCFL Premier Division and I still feel that there is a lot more to come from this group of players. We faced Burscough in the FA Cup last week and personally I thought it was an exciting day for the club being able to welcome former FA Trophy winners to the club. Naturally it was always going to be a tough test for us against a side of that pedigree and I thought we acquitted ourselves well considering our circumstance, and full credit to Burscough who took their goals well, I thought 0-3 was harsh on us as the second and third goals came as we chased the game in the final minutes. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we are welcoming another big name to Brookburn Road, Today is Non-League Day which is a great opportunity to expose our club to new support as we continue to break new ground and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the supporters that have come to watch us. Andy Nelson
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
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 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.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton 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
Follow News Updates on West via Twitter and Facebook! Can’t make it to the game and want live match updates? Wanting the very latest news from the club on the move? Make sure that you log onto our Facebook page for all the latest news, views and updates on all things West Didsbury & Chorlton by clicking on www.facebook.com/WestDidsburyChorlton Alternatively you can follow on the very latest goings on the club with exclusive content by logging onto Twitter and following us @WD_CFC (picture of club badge)
Ground Safety In the interest of spectator comfort and safety, the following conditions apply at the clubs Brookburn Road ground and must be observed at all times.
In case of fire or other emergency that requires the clubhouse or ground to be evacuated instructions will be given over the public address system, and we ask that you comply with those instructions immediately. The chanting of racist or obscene chanting is strictly forbidden. Glasses, bottles, gas canisters, knives, darts, tools, flag poles or any other articles likely to cause injury are not permitted into the ground. Alcohol may be purchased and consumed in the bar area only. Children are not allowed in the Club House unless accompanied by an adult. Encroachment onto the playing area is forbidden at all times. Standing is not allowed in front of the seated areas. All forms of transport on the clubs car park is at the owners’ risk.
The club reserves the right to remove any person from the ground who is in breach of these rules or whose presence is a source of danger or annoyance to others. We hope you understand the reasons for the above are in order for the game to be enjoyed in safe and pleasant conditions. Thank you, West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC Committee
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
First Team… Match Reports… Tuesday 27th August: Ashton Athletic 2 West 2 A 90th minute birthday goal from Scott Jones gave West a well deserved and hard fought point at Ashton Athletic. West had fallen behind on the stroke of half time as Anthony Potts was disposed on the left hand side, Ashton immediately raced down the right and the cross was met at the far post by the unmarked Dean Callaway.In the second half West rallied and were back on level terms after Danny Summers netted the rebound after a Steve Settle header was saved from a magnificent Lewis Schofield free kick. West had a great chance to take the lead as Ashton goalkeeper Novak made a great double save first from Gleave then from Walsh. However it was Ashton who got the next goal as the referee awarded the penalty for an alleged handball and Ryan Small duly sent Ben Simpson the wrong way. However it was Scott Jones who grabbed the equaliser, lashing in the rebound after debutant Rick Gleave's header had struck the post. Saturday 31st August: West 0 Burscough 3 West welcomed Burscough to Brookburn Road for the first time and a crowd of about 140 saw the former FA Trophy winners ran out 3-0 winners with a score line which flattered the visitors due to a brace in the last 10 minutes. The early stages were fairly even with a half chance at either end with Tre Baldwin Willis firing wide and an immediate response from Burscough saw a deep cross just deflected for a corner. The stalemate continued for the first half an hour but then the visitors got the break as the ball deflected into the path of Jordan Williams who ran between Pottsy and Dave Conlon to slot home clinically for the opening goal. West responded with another half chance cleared for a corner and the interval came with that solitary goal advantage to Burscough. In the second half West had another half chance on 49 minutes when Summers went close but the visitors countered with a break which saw Potts clear off the line. Clear cut chances were few and far between and the game was evenly poised with 15 minutes left as West made changes to try and secure an equaliser. On 75 minutes a Burscough corner hit the bar and went behind but West hit back as Tommy Walsh sent Tre Baldwin Willis clear only for his rising shot to be tipped over the bar for another corner. Five minutes later and it was 2-0 as substitute Collins headed in Burscough’s second. Even then West kept trying hard and threw men forward with nothing to lose. Ironically this was the home sides best spell of sustained pressure as first the returning Lee Malkin headed wide, then Steve Settle saw his low cross hit the keepers heel and just past the post for a corner, Tommy Walsh turned and volleyed over the bar and Rick Gleave also shot wide. Burscough finished things off with a third from their other substitute Beesley in the 87th minute to secure a home game in the next round against Atherton Collieries or Radcliffe Borough. This was a good overall performance as we held our own until very late in the game and although Burscough showed more quality when it mattered we can take many positives from this game into our forthcoming league fixtures. It was also good to see Lee Malkin back after his long absence through injury and we hope his return will we soon see our goal and points tally and league position improving.
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
History‌ AFC Blackpool AFC Blackpool was formed in 1947 under the name of Blackpool Metal Mechanics and played at Stanley Park for two years before moving to the current Jepson Way ground. They played in local leagues before taking the step up to join the West Lancashire League. During this period in local league football they won many awards, taking the Division Two title of the Fylde District League in 1950/51 and in Division One were champions twice and runners-up three times in five consecutive years between 1953/54 and 1957/58. Numerous local cup competitions were also won, including the Lancashire Junior Shield in 1957/58, a competition they were to win again in 1960/61. As the 50's drew to a close, Blackpool Mechanics decided to take the next step up and join the West Lancashire League. They were an almost immediate success, being runners-up in 1959/60 and champions for the next two seasons. Various cups and trophies from local competitions still regularly found their way to Jepson Way. The club then took another step up the football ladder by joining the Lancashire Combination. The jump in standard meant the cups and honours that had poured into the trophy room dried up and it was not until the turn of the decade before many more honours were to come their way. In 1972/73 they won the Lancashire Combination Bridge Shield and in 1974/75 they finished runners-up in the league, just one point behind champions Darwen. They remained a strong team throughout the 70's although towards the end they suffered some poor results. With the advent of the North West Counties League, Blackpool Mechanics were placed in Division Three and in 1985/86 were promoted to Division Two. At the end on 1991/92 they were promoted to Division One, but it was not a happy experience and the club returned to Division Two. After a few seasons of struggle, the club is now financially stable and looking forward to developing the club's potential both on and off the pitch. In the summer of 2005 Blackpool Mechanics FC merged with Lytham St. Annes FC who had just won the West Lancashire League Division One title. Lytham St. Annes resigned from their own league and brought their resources and manpower to Jepson Way in a bid to launch the new look Mechanics in their push up the non-league football pyramid. The club was re-named AFC Blackpool in May 2008 when Blackpool Mechanics FC and Squires Gate Junior FC got together to form one club. It was decided to mark the start of a new era by re-naming the club and the name 'AFC Blackpool' was chosen. The club leased a further piece of land adjacent to the ground in Jepson Way to accommodate the enlarged club and investment to improve the facilities was begun. The club ground in Jepson Way retains its name 'The Mechanics' to maintain a link with the past. Season 2010/11 saw the club have probably its best season ever. The first team were promoted to the Premier Divison as Div.1 champions with a record breaking 28 wins and three draws in 34 league matches. They also reached the semi finals in both the 1st Divison Trophy and the League Cup. There were notable sucesses in the Junior section too with the under 16s doing the league and cup double, the under 10's and 11's winning their respective Divisions and the under 14s also winning promotion. With the club now providing football from under 6 through to open age the future is looking secure.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Reserve Team Match Report… Saturday 31st August: AFC Darwen 2 WESTS 1 West Reserves played their third away game in a row at AFC Darwen. The game didn't start well with West conceding an early goal when a long ball was played to the Darwen left, the Darwen midfielder went round the West full back, putting the ball across the West 6 yard box, the Darwen centre forward was the quickest to react, slotting the ball into the net. After the early setback West started to compete with the much quicker and stronger Darwen team with shots from the West strikers forcing the Darwen keeper to make several good saves. Darwen however continued to press high up the pitch and Mike Kennedy playing at centre half made a number of excellent tackles to stop the Darwen forwards from getting a shot on goal. In the 44th minute Tommy Hendley played a lovely ball out of defence to Tyler Ferguson who in turn played the ball to Chris Smith making his West debut took the shot early, the ball just going over the Darwen crossbar. The second half continued in a similar vain as the first with Darwen continuing to press the West defence and in the 60th minute got their reward when a close range shot hit the back of the net to make the score 2-0. With such a young side West could easily have let their heads go down, but this was not the case, they began to compete more and put Darwen on the back foot. In the 65th minute West got a corner which was taken quickly, the ball was played into the Darwen box and Captain, Kyle Hendley forcing the ball over the line to make the score 2-1. This gave West some heart and within 5 minutes substitute Callum Williams received the ball on the left, beat the advancing Darwen right back cut inside and shot from 10 yards only to see the ball hit the upright and cleared by the defence. The game continued to go from end to end but the final score remained the same and West lost their first game of the season 2-1. Whilst the result was a setback for the reserves, the performances put in by this new team over the last month in the league should not be forgotten, there has been a number of excellent performances in the games played and some very promising young players who if they continue to perform and progress as they have been doing over the last few months will get their chance in the first team squad. Rob Madden
‘A’ Team the season so far… It’s been a season of great change for the A team with Danny Iredale taking over as Manager, his dad Davy as Assistant and an almost entirely new team comprised of long standing club members and new talent. The twin aims of the new A team are firstly to be successful but also as importantly to provide a stepping stone for players emerging from the newly formed Youth Team towards open age football. We are to access our new home pitch at Chorlton High, a site that will not only enhance the reputation of Wests as a local club but one that we think will benefit the development of the style of our team and the younger players progressing through us as we will play on the same 3G Astroturf surface that we will train together on. The two teams begin to train together this week in order to further forge links that will benefit the entire club over the seasons to come. Our first game was away at Salford Sports Village to Moorlands, a tough, well drilled and experienced team which was to give us a fair taste of things to come in this division. A good battling performance settled by a first half penalty gave us a 1-0 win and a great sense of optimism for the season ahead. The following week due to a lack of league fixture saw us decamp to Skelmersdale for a friendly in an attempt to maintain our momentum and on the journey home again hopes were high after a comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Ashton Town who play in what is regarded as a superior league to ourselves. Our second league fixture against Wendover again saw enforced changes to the team and this combined with a lack of concentration resulted in us conceding an early goal. The team, despite not playing our usual passing game, battled back admirably and created the chances to get the draw which we would’ve deserved. This however wasn’t to be and we left Timperley with nothing but a 1-0 loss and a ringing in our ears from the management reminding us of what it takes to compete at this level. Follow the ‘A’ Team via our web page and in regular programme updates. Nick Grimshaw
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances - goalscorers Date
Opponent
H/A
Score
Crowd
1
2
3
4
5
6
H A A H H A H A H H A H
1-3 0-2 0-5 1-2 2-0 0-1 0-1 2-2 0-3
124 72 180 100 122 130 112 43 136
Simpson Simpson Simpson Booth Simpson Booth Simpson Simpson Simpson
C.Jones C.Jones C.Jones C.Jones C.Jones Settle Settle Settle Settle
S.Jones S.Jones S.Jones Botchey Botchey Botchey Botchey S.Jones S.Jones
Rogers Potts Potts Potts Potts Potts Thomas Thomas Thomas
Kilbride Rogers Rogers Rogers Rogers Baird Potts Potts Potts
Baird C.Schofield Brockley C.Schofield C.Schofield Brockley Conlon Conlon Conlon
Sep 24th Sep 28th Oct 1st Oct 5th Oct 8th Oct 12th Oct 15/16 Oct 19th Oct 22nd Oct 26th Oct 29th Nov 2nd Nov 6th Nov 9th Nov 16th Nov 23rd Nov 30th Dec 7th Dec 14th Dec 21st Dec 26th Jan 4th Jan 11th Jan 18th
AFC Livepool Alsager Town Bootle Winsford United Abbey Hey (FA Cup) Glossop North End Congleton Town Ashton Athletic Burscough (FA CUP) AFC Blackpool Wigan Robin Park Stockport Sports Pennistone Church or Rossington Main – FA V Abbey Hey- to be changed Runcorn Town Norton United Bacup & Rossendale Boro Alsager Town St Helens Town AFC Darwen (LCT) Runcorn Linnets Glossop North End AFC Liverpool (LCC) Ashton Athletic Colne AFC Liverpool Bootle AFC Blackpool Runcorn Town St Helens Town Abbey Hey Congleton Town Barnoldswick Town Maine Road Wigan Robin Park Bacup & Rossendale Boro Silsden
Jan 25th Feb 1st Feb 8th Mar 5th Mar 22nd April 12th April 19th April 21st April 26th
Runcorn Linnets Barnoldswick Town Squires Gate Colne Squires Gate Stockport Sports Norton United Maine Road Silsden
H A A H H A H H A
Aug 3rd Aug 6th Aug 10th Aug 13th Aug 17th Aug 20th Aug 24th Aug 27th Aug 31st Sep 7th Sep 14th Sep 17th Sep 21st
H A A H H A A A H H H A A H A A H A A H A H A H Our thanks to Eckersley’s Plumbers & Locksmiths for sponsoring our FA Cup game, picture shows Steve Eckersley passing the match ball Rob Turley.
Key: Goalscorers in Bold - Substitutes used in italics - Red cards highlighted in red
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
7
8
9
10
11
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
Thomas Summers Summers Thomas Summers Thomas Summers Summers Summers
Summers Baird Baird Baird Baird Summers Woodcock Woodcock Woodcock
Walsh Walsh Settle Lawrence Walsh Walsh Walsh Walsh Gleave
Shillito Thomas Thomas L.Schofield Baldwin-Willis Luke Baldwin-Willis Baldwin-Willis Baldwin-Willis
L.Schofield L.Schofield L.Schofield Summers L.Schofield L.Schofield L.Schofield L.Schofield L.Schofield
Baldwin-Willis Chisambo Taylor Baldwin-Willis Woodcock S. Jones
Chisambo Shillito Baldwin-Willis Woodcock Monaghan Monaghan
Aston Taylor Lawrence Monaghan
Botchey Botchey Walsh Walsh Settle
Baird
Brockley
Baird
Gleave Walsh
Ashcroft Settle Booth Brockley Booth Simpson Smith Botchey
Baird
Brockley
Kennedy Botchey Brockley
Mason
Chisambo Newbrooke
Rogers Botchey
Abbreviations: FA V = FA Vase FA C = FA Cup LCC = League Challenge Cup LCT = Lancashire Challenge Trophy
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Malkin
No League without Non-League A.E.Greb Twitter: @putajumperon I’ve watched them all, the adverts that is; the ones extolling the virtues of this glorious season ahead. Every year they appear; all gilt and flash. Star names in celebrated poses with invisible crowds cheering their wonderful dexterity; ninety seconds of such hypnotic brilliance, we’re titillated by the promise of unparalleled experiences that only their respective coverage can bring. Really, what more could any sports fan want? This multi-million pound industry would probably have us believe the answer is nothing. “If you love great sport, step this way. Prepare to be amazed.” affirms one of the big two, whilst the other – to whom every goal mattered – now tugs at the heart-strings with “dream after dream, tear after tear”. Undoubtedly it’s vital to give supporters aspirational images but, thismainstream view promotes but the tip of our sporting iceberg. Down below it, a much more familiar world exists. There’s probably not a single one of us who cannot remember taking part in sport; the joy in activity, the fresh air, camaraderie, the coaches that voluntarily helped us. In truth we probably all yearn for a little of that grass roots innocence again; the time when we could imitate and daydream. Whilst our playing days might sadly be on the wane, the celebration of sporting achievement should never diminish. This season, whilst only a few hundred games will be showed live on TV; probably a great deal more than that number will be played (live) in Steps 1 to 6 every single Saturday. The squad and pitches sizes will be exactly the same as those in the top leagues; the standard of games won’t necessarily be any worse. Supporters will sing encouragement, players will commit to thunderous tackles and, incredible goals will still be plentiful. Really, whatever your level, football is an equally beautiful game. As Graham Taylor, once of Grimsby Town and Lincoln City reminds us: “The importance of non-league and grassroots football should never be underestimated. We all start in the latter, and hundreds of us need the former, simply because it is such a small percentage of players who can attain and succeed at full time professional level.” In celebration of the unheralded majority, Non-League Day returns on 7th September. Once again supported by a host of top names the message is clear; the football pyramid is very much connected, from bottom to top, and back again. Careers are built through the pyramid levels and, experience also comes down to assist and guide those below. From the Wessex League, QPR’s Charlie Austin has risen through the ranks. US International Jay Demerit started out at Southall; Stuart Pearce at Wealdstone, and Chris Smalling at Maidstone. The examples really are just too numerous to mention. Developing managerial careers lower down, former internationals Marcus Gayle is at Staines Town whilst Phil Babb manages Hayes & Yeading United. For all these footballing heroes, and many more, non-league football is vital. Over looked by the media it might be but, it is equally important to the continuation of football in this country. Remembering that fantastic footballing triumphs can be found in every town and village, it’s appropriate to show thanks and support to those who keep this part of the pyramid alive. On Non-League Day, with England having played on Friday night, there will be no Premier League or Championship football to bring to our living rooms. To find your nearest footballing fix, check out www.nonleagueday.co.uk Whatever match you attend, the feelings will be just as those you experienced on local commons with jumpers for goalposts. There will be great sport, action close-up, camaraderie, excitement and, without the pyrotechnics, all the goals that really matter.
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
NWCFL Premier Division Table Table correct as of 01/09/2013
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Premier Division Maine Road Runcorn Linnets AFC Liverpool Bootle Colne Norton United Abbey Hey Glossop North End Winsford United Runcorn Town Stockport Sports Alsager Town Ashton Athletic Bacup & Rossendale Borough Silsden Congleton Town St Helens Town Squires Gate AFC Blackpool West Didsbury & Chorlton Barnoldswick
22 Wigan Robin Park
P W D L F A GD PTS 8 6 1 0 20 7 13 20 7 6 0 1 17 13 4 18 7 5 1 1 21 5 16 16 7 5 1 1 19 6 13 16 7 5 0 2 17 12 5 15 7 4 2 1 23 13 10 14 7 3 2 2 11 12 -1 11 7 3 1 3 11 5 6 10 7 3 1 3 10 14 -4 10 6 3 0 3 11 12 -1 9 7 2 3 2 9 10 -1 9 7 3 0 4 14 16 -2 9 6 2 2 2 8 7 1 8 7 2 2 3 7 8 -1 8 8 2 2 4 9 15 -6 8 6 2 1 3 11 11 0 7 7 2 1 4 10 18 -8 5 7 1 2 4 8 13 -5 5 7 1 1 5 7 14 -7 4 7 1 1 5 5 15 -10 4 5 1 0 4 7 9 -2 3 8
1
0
7
7 27
-20
3
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
Recent Action‌
Steve Settle focussing on his defensive duties last Saturday (above) and Ross Booth saving a penalty against Winsford United (below).
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Player interview‌meet Scott Jones Age: 27 From: Salford Position: Left Wingback Occupation: Physical Education Teacher Supports: Manchester United Previous Clubs: Salford Boys, Salford Victoria, Fives Athletic . I have visions of a young you and Callum terrorising the neighbours with a football. How did you start playing? What position did you start out at? (Laughs) We have been known as the Gruesome Twosome, the Chuckle Brothers, Pinky and Perky just to name a few. My first kick of anything was Callum in the womb, hence the fact I was born first, because he just wasn't ready! I only started playing football when I was about 14 years old for a local team as I played rugby in my younger years for a local team and county. When I started playing football I was a midfielder, as I have a good engine but lack quality and ability on the ball, abit like Park Ji-Sung, now I'm getting older I play wing back and running up and down the wing but not actually touching the ball. Especially if Lewis Schofield is on the left; and If Dave Conlon is at centre half then I have to baby sit and look after him for 90 mins to compensate for his lack of speed. Have you and Callum always played together? How competitive are you? Yes we have always been on the same team, anyone that knows us both it's a case of wherever I go Callum will always follow. We are both very competitive with each other in anything that we do or strive to achieve, it brings out the best in us and promotes healthy competition and adds that extra spice in what we hope to achieve, we always turn it into a competition with the person losing making the winner a brew, things like G.C.S.E's, weights in the gym or most goals scored in a season. Have you got any fond memories of playing for Salford Boys? Did you ever face anyone you know from West? When I played for fives athletic, I do remember playing against Daniel Summers and Gaz Lilley against West. Summers still has not got with the times of a new hair cut and looks like a student on a accountant wage. Where did you play your junior football? Have you any particular memories? Playing for Salford Victoria was good as we reached the county cup final very much as the underdogs which was good as nobody expected us to do so at the time. Your previous clubs state just Salford Victoria of the Manchester League? How long did you spend at the club? Do you have any particular memories of your time at the club?
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
I played at Salford Victoria for 5 years, I had a great time there all local lads and when I started we were in the Lancashire and Cheshire league, having won back to back league titles, we decided to move into the Manchester league. You joined West in 2009, who brought you, and what made you come to West? The side finished 2nd that season, do any memories stand out for you? Having previously worked with Andy Nelson at Buile Hill High School, he mentioned to me that he would be taking over as manager at West Didsbury, and invited me down, probably a decision that he regrets now as he can't get rid of me now. Andy explained that they had a long term vision of getting into the North West Counties League, it was a chance that I thought I would relish. Missing out on promotion was frustrating though and delayed our ambition of achieving our long term goal. The best memories has to be winning the league but not going through the whole season unbeaten, as we were beaten on the last day of the season by our bogey team Heywood. It was partly my fault as I was on holiday for that game and I've never forgiven myself for attending a stag do during the season. The following season West were crowned 1st Division Champions, was this the beginning you and Callum as a pair of all action goal scoring wing back dynamos I think the wingback role suited mine and Callums style of play because as a team we were fitter than most others and the formation allowed us to get forward and cause problems. As mine and Callum’s fitness is good I don't think teams in the Manchester League knew how to combat and counteract that formation. I helped us out by scoring 8 goals which for a wing back is good going. I think professional teams having been watching us and taken a note out of Andy's coaching manual and used this approach of attaching full back in the modern game. In 2012/13 West were promoted to the North West Counties League finishing third and winning the 1st Division Trophy and the league first witnessed the Jones’ prozone breaking runs. In addition you just edged out Callum with 6 goals to his 5. It must have been a pretty satisfying season both personally and as a team? Yeah it was good to achieve our long term goal from when we joined of gaining semi professional status in the NWCFL. As for prozone, I think sometimes think I've joined "West Didsbury Harriers" with that amount of running I have done in a game. I think it shows that hard work and dedication does pay off, I'll be the first to say I'm not the best player technically but I do look after myself and have good fitness levels which does help me to compete with players better than me technically. I do like to pop up with a goal just to know I've contributed to the team. It’s good when some of the 80 yard runs do pay off and I get on the score sheet or help set up a goal. I know Callum will be upset that I scored more than him and he still owes me a brew for that. The Jone’s monopoly of wing back play has been broken this season by the arrival of Richmond Botchey and the emergence of Steve Settle. That is a lot of competition, are you enjoying the challenge? I think you do need competition for a place is healthy and brings out the best in players. If you don't have competition then I think players can get complacent. Players need to be under pressure to produce a good performance week after week. I do enjoy the challenge of knowing if you don't play well then the week after you may be sat on the bench.. You scored the vital equaliser at Ashton Athletic. Not a bad way to celebrate your birthday? Ashton was my first full 90 mins after my holiday and it felt good to be starting again and scoringit on my birthday made it sweeter. I just didn't think I would so I need to think of a celebration now, maybe taking my top off. Finally have you got a printable story about the Isle of Man? The Isle of Man was a class trip, there are a few stories but my lips are sealed! Although I'm still in shock at Andy Nelson in shorts in the Jacuzzi, looking like a milk bottle and scaring all the players
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/
Supporters Club…September Update It has been a rollercoaster and whirlwind first month of the season with the step up to the NWCFL Premier League having been a huge eye opener. However despite losing the first five games, more than one controversially, West have quickly adapted to life at the next level with victories over Abbey Hey and Congleton and a creditable draw at Ashton Athletic. The highlight of the month was undisputably victory in the first ever FA Cup tie against Abbey Hey. The response we’ve had from supporters wishing to join the supporters club has been magnificent and i would personally like to thank everyone who has taken the time to join...even the ones who I pushed into it! For those who still wish to join the supporters club it is still possible with membership available in the clubhouse, just ask behind the bar, via paypal with the address below and through our club website on our brand new club shop. SUPPORTERS CLUB NOTE: If anyone is looking for a lift to away game or can offer a lift to away games please let me know and I can make arrangements. Contact me through the clubs facebook or twitter pages or alternately text me on 07706320397 Rob McKay How to join: Simply fill out the membership form in the club house with £10 pound or send £12.50 to: westdidsburychorltonsc@gmail.com via paypal What are the benefits of joining the supporters club:
Limited edition pin badge exclusive to members Official West Didsbury & Chorlton wristband Membership card and fixture list Monthly newsletter sent direct to your email Support a volunteer led, community club and their vision of offering youth football and being a community club for Chorlton and South Manchester Plus much more throughout the season.
For more information please contact Rob McKay.
Test your knowledge against the best, come and join the fun at out Quiz night. 26th October Starting after our cup game against AFC Liverpool WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
WHAT’S OUR
STORY?
West Didsbury and Chorlton FC, have come a long way in their 105 year history which began back in 1908 when the club was founded as Christ Church A.F.C. by Mr R F Hartley, a Sunday School Superintendent at the church on Princess Parkway, West Didsbury.
West played friendlies at first and then in the Manchester Alliance League until the First World War 1914. After the War the club joined the Lancashire and Cheshire League for the 1920/21 season and had to change its name to West Didsbury AFC, as that League did not permit a name suggesting association with any other body. The club was placed in Divisions 1 and A, staying in the top flight for 25 seasons. The first honours were double runners up in Div 1 and Rhodes Cup in 1922/23, and the club remained in the L+C League until 2006, winning many honours and providing 4 League Presidents along the way. The home ground from before 1914 until the mid 1980’s was Christie Playing Fields, and then the owners, Manchester and Salford Playing Fields Society, gave the club notice to quit having decided to sell off the land for commercial development – now ironically called ‘Christie Fields’ office park. After several years’ nomadic existence searching for a new home, the club acquired the redundant and overgrown Recreation Ground at Brookburn Road in 1996, and began to restore this to active use and develop a vision for a community club. This was down to the hard work of a core of players and Committee who refused to let the club fold. Work was completed in time to start the 1997-98 season using excellent new changing rooms and clubhouse facilities aided by a Lottery grant, new sponsors and members’ fundraising, but without a penny from the Playing Fields Society sale proceeds. Further name change followed in 2003 to reflect the new location in Chorlton and the club was then elected to the Manchester League in 2006. In 2007/8 West won its first Manchester League silverware lifting the Murray Shield in the last game of our centenary year. That team was the nucleus of the previously successful junior team and the following season 2008/09 West just missed promotion to the Premier Division and again reached the Murray Shield Final. won their League.
With a new management team led by Andy Nelson, 2009/10 was very successful and honours spread throughout the club. The 1st team won the Murray Shield (the third consecutive year in the final) and was league runners-up. The reserves won the Bridgewater League Cup and the U17 Youth team won their League. In 2010/2011 the 1st team won the Manchester League First Division title in style with a fantastic 65 points out of 72 possible. This ranks as one of the highest points totals per game in Manchester League history dating back over a century. The clubs reserve team and youth teams also had terrific seasons, resulting in promotion and for the second year reaching the Bridgewater Cup Final. The Youth team reached yet another final where they were just pipped to the trophy by New Mills. The Veterans were runners up in the Premier Division of the Cheshire Veterans League and then started a second veterans team such was the interest in the club. Plans were also made to formally integrate junior football as the club Vision is to be a FA Charter Standard Community Club, playing at the highest possible level it can whilst remaining financially viable. Further improved saw floodlights erected in 2011 to meet FA requirements and West competed in the FA Vase for the first time in 2011-2012 as a Step 7 club. Election to the NWCFL followed in June 2012 and the club had an incredible first season winning the Div1 Trophy, finishing in 3rd position after an amazing run in during March and April to secure promotion and also winning a guaranteed FA Cup place. The over 45’s team again chipped in with Cheshire Veterans league silverware. 2013-14 promises to be another testing season as the club adjusts to life in the NWCFL Premier Division, improves its spectator facilities, adds new grass pitches and youth teams as part of its development plan, and aims for long term consolidation and stability at this level whilst remaining as a volunteer run, ‘not for profit’ club.
NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 7th September 2013 – Today’s Squads
West Didsbury & Chorlton FC United
AFC Blackpool
White Shirts, Black Shorts and White Socks
Tangerine Shirts, White Shorts and Tangerine Socks
Ben Simpson (GK)
Jamie Scott
Ross Booth (GK)
James Walker
Callum Jones
Kevan Ford
Scott Jones
Marc Taylor
Callum Schofield
Martin Baird
Anthony Potts
Andrew Richards
Mark Rogers
Paul Carroll
Danny Summers
Peter Taberner
Mark Woodcock
Tom Ashworth
Alex Baird
Kieran Rimmington
Gareth Thomas
Ben Singleton
Steve Settle
Stephen Pickup
Lee Malkin
Stephen Betteridge
James Lawrence
Grant Dell
Lewis Schofield
Lloyd Balazs (Capt)
Tommy Walsh
Adam Stammers
Tre Baldwin Willis
Shane Hall
Steve Brockley
Ryan Vaughan
Richmond Botchey
Daniel Green
Joshua Chisambo
Andrew Heaney
Manager: Andy Nelson
Manager: Stuart Parker
Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle
Assistant: Ian McGarry
OFFICIALS Referee: Darren Strain
Assistants: Daniel Evans and Owen Williams
NEXT HOME GAME Saturday 14th Sept 2013 KO 3.00pm
WEST RES v Glossop North End Res