West Didsbury & Chorlton v AFC Liverpool

2013/14 SEASON

MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2

Main Club Sponsor:

League Challenge Cup 26 October 2013 – 3.00pm

AFC Liverpool

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

Editorial

AFC Liverpool

WELCOME TO ANOTHER CUP TIE Today we start our fourth cup competition of the season following two FA Cup games, two more in the FA Vase and a midweek trip to Darwen. So far only one of these has been at home and that was our first ever FA Cup tie when we managed a 2-0 victory over Abbey Hey. All that was a long time ago and today we face another stern test against an AFC Liverpool side which has been going very well so far this season. This is our second season in the NWC Challenge Trophy and it’s time to get back to the cup form of last season when we lifted the First Division Trophy. We will not be defending that trophy due to our elevation to the Premier Division and given our difficulties in the league, it would be nice to have a decent run in this competition, so fingers crossed for a positive result in our favour today.

WECLOME BACK TO AFC LIVERPOOL Today’s visitors are here for the second time this season following the opening game of the season way back on the first weekend in August. That was a contest which swung one way and then the other as West recovered from a shaky start and a goal down to equalise early in the second half and then miss a few gilt edged chances to go ahead. [Where have you read that before during this season!] AFC Liverpool clinched victory with a memorable long range strike and added a third for good measure in the closing stages of that game, and since then they have been challenging at the top end of the league all season.

It is a pleasure to also welcome back the friendly AFC Liverpool travelling fans who have always been good value for some banter during previous games, boosted the refreshment takings and always gone away happy having seen their team win. We always hope our visitors enjoy their visit to The Recreation Ground and that today is no exception; apart from a result in our favour for a change.

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT Today we update you with one aspect of our future development plans. Last summer we advertised 2 appointments of a Youth Team Manager and Youth Co-ordinator. and appointed Ian Depeiaza to the role of Youth Team Manager to build a squad of good local talent which could be developed into the first team players of the future. We established an under 17’s team playing in the Tameside Youth League and also entered the team in the Lancashire FA Youth Cup which is an under 18’s competition.

The progress so far has been extremely encouraging as Ian’s young team are so far unbeaten in the league and have progressed to the last 16 of the LFA Youth Cup after 2 exceptional results away against under 18 sides. Last Sunday I had the privilege of travelling to Southport and watching this exciting squad knock out the holders, Southport FC’s under 18’s team. After a close first half when they played some great flowing football they put on a 5 star second half performance to blow away the opposition including a couple who had been working with Southport FC first team squad.

There is still a long way to go this season but we are delighted to welcome Ian, his players and their parents as our guests today and we’ll be introducing then to you at half time.

They play the right way, conduct themselves the right way and show great potential. They are at home in the next round of the LFA Cup on Sunday 10th November and, weather permitting, we hope to stage that game here at The Recreation Ground. Don’t miss it!

Until then ENJOY THE GAME TODAY and DON’T FORGET WE ARE AT HOME AGAIN NEXT TUESDAY 22nd at 7.45pm v ASHTON ATHLETIC. Rob Turley The front cover picture: Tommy Walsh 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 For the second time this season we welcome AFC Liverpool to Brookburn Road for the second round of League Challenge Cup. We previously met Liverpool on the opening day of the season when we acquitted ourselves very well, got ourselves back into the game after they had taken the lead but clinical finishing on their part saw them leave with the points and it is not difficult to see why they have been pushing Maine Road for top spot all season.

For West this is our second venture into the League Challenge Cup and we have had a good run in the competition last season defeating Eccleshall 4-0 in the first round and upsetting Norton United 3-1 in the second round before giving a good account of ourselves at Bootle in the Quarter Final. This is the last cup competition we have to play for so I’m sure all the lads will want to make the most of the opportunity and give ourselves a chance at some silverware come the end of the season.

We welcomed Glossop North End on Tuesday night and although the scoreline wasn’t reflective we gave a very good account of ourselves against a side put together on a big budget. Glossop had most of the play early on but once Tre Baldwin-Willis put us in front with a great finish we dominated the first half and were unlucky to go into the break with just a 1-0 lead. The second half was a challenge as we immediately conceded from a free kick and a wonder strike gave them the lead. After that it was always going to be an uphill struggle to chase the game against a side that rarely conceded but considering the difference between where the two sides are expected to be come the end of the season there was little other than the goals between the two sides.

I have been asked to write a few words with regards to today’s player feature Mark Rogers.

Mark agreed to come to the club as the youth development co-ordinator and we quickly moved to get him involved in the first team. It is considered a coup for the club to attract a player of Marks qualities as his on the field performances put him up there with the best players in the league and off the field his leadership has earned him the captain’s armband.

His commitment shows exactly the sort of player we want pulling on a West shirt week in week out.

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

Report from The FA VASE… Saturday 19th October: Staveley Miner Welfare 2 West 0 Andy Nelson rang the changes for the trip to last year’s Vase semi-finalists, introducing Tyler Ferguson for his first start in an attacking formation including Callum Jones and Richmond Botchey playing in more advanced positions with Lee Malkin returning up top.

The home side started the better and after 4 minutes Potts had to be alert with a towering header to clear a dangerous free kick and soon after Staveley had another chance from a free kick which was headed high over the bar. West began to settle and on 15 minutes a good low drive from Botchey was well saved by the home keeper before Staveley began to look uncomfortable and resorted to a few late tackles to disrupt the flow of West’s play. Pat Lindley the Staveley no4 found his way into the refs notebook after 20 minutes and after 23 minutes the home goal had a let off when the defender sliced a clearance over the bar for a West corner. Staveley’s Matt Thorpe looked lively and went close after 27 minutes with a header just wide after a break and cross from their left flank.

Ten minutes before the break Staveley went close again as Thorpe raced clear and cut inside from the left only for a combination of Simpson, Rogers and Botchey to smother the danger and keep the scores level at the interval.

West were caught cold straight from the restart when danger man Thorpe switched side, broke clear down the right and cut inside to give Simpson no chance with a low drive into the bottom corner of the goal. Straight from the kick off Botchey went racing clear to send in a superb cross which the unmarked Ferguson headed wide of the open goal. Sam Mitten came on for Tyler Ferguson shortly afterwards as West searched for the equaliser with a Settle free kick well held by the keeper on 55 minutes and then seconds later a superb Botchey volley acrobatically tipped over the bar by keeper Dewsbury. On the hour a combined advance by Callum Jones, Danny Summers and Steve Settle put Settle through 6 yards out only for another effort to be sliced just wide. Tommy Walsh and Tre Baldwin Willis replaced Alex Baird and Lee Malkin after 70 minutes and for the last 20 minutes it was a question of whether Staveley would hold out as West threw everything at them. Further last ditch tackles and a couple of very cynical Staveley challenges followed with Tre going close, Tommy Walsh cracking a shot on the turn straight at the keeper, a Scott Jones effort cleared off the line and another Botchey effort well saved. Just when it looked like an equaliser was inevitable, Staveley broke clear on the counter attack and inevitably it was Lindley who went past Ben Simpson to score a second for the home side.

There were a lot of positives to take from this spirited performance and the most telling comment was from a ground hopper from Merseyside who had travelled to watch us having visited West during pre-season. ‘ I came to watch your team because you try to play the right way and your performance today deserved at least a replay. I’ll be coming to watch you again at home!’

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

‘A’ Team Match Report…

Saturday 12th October 2013 West A Team 9 Juno United 0

The A team will feel like they are on cloud nine this week after putting last week’s disappointing late loss to Wythenshawe Amateurs behind us and recording a 9-0 victory at home to current mid table rivals Juno United.

Trialling a Coach Peza inspired attacking 4-3-1-2 now forever to be known as the “’avago” formation the A team showed our intent to ‘have a go’ from the off as we began putting Juno under pressure, showing a confidence which has so often been missing from the early stages of our previous games.

We were soon one up with Gary Lilley winning a penalty which Andrew Farren duly tucked into the corner sending the keeper the wrong way. This proved to be the only goal which I can clearly remember thanks in part to my total focus on trying to keep what eventually turned out to be only the second clean sheet of a season, in which defensive lapses have cost us dear and possibly and perhaps more likely the post game celebrations watching the reserves complete a good win at Brookburn Road.

What is still clear is that we had doubled our lead after twenty minutes just prior to the away team goalkeeper taking exception to the referees decision to award us a corner and being shown a straight red card for dissent. This made things all the more difficult for Juno in a game which I felt that we were already in total control of.

Two more goals followed to see us 4-0 up at half time. The start of the second half saw us, perhaps inevitably, take our foot off the gas slightly and fail to add to our lead for twenty minutes in which Juno tried hard to get some kind of consolation. On the rare occasions that they managed to force an attack the defence including the youth team’s keeper Sam Moore and left back Amarni Coleman stood tall (sorry Amarni – no pun intended but at least I didn’t mention your shot!).

Second half substitutions saw Morley, Madden and Harkis come on for Ashcroft, Garcia and Farren, a late flurry of goals and a nasty injury to the young Juno winger compounded the away team’s misery. The game finished 9-0 with Gary Lilley being given the opposition’s man of the match award for the second game running. Goals came from Cusick, Garcia, Clarke, Lilley, Morley and two each for Madden and Farren which further emphasises the quality and competition for places throughout the team.

I’d like to make special mention of the attitude shown by the two unused subs and the three players omitted from the match day squad. These decisions are never easy to make but we are a team and the competition that this creates along with the options that it gives us should hold us in good stead for the rest of the season. ...I had better tear up the sick note and Ledley King-esque training regime to ensure that I keep my spot in this A team squad which has quickly become a group full of quality, humour and great support for each other.

Nick Grimshaw WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

History… AFC Liverpool AFC Liverpool was formed in 2008, by Liverpool FC fans, who had becoming increasingly frustrated at the cost and difficulty in obtaining tickets for the Premiership. The supposed ‘39th game’ in which Premier League fixtures would be played in different parts of the world proved to be the final straw, highlighting that top flight football is now more concerned about money than its fans.

A website was created and, with the response being positive, work began to move to the next stage and create a steering group to make the club a reality.

At the beginning of March 2008 AFC Liverpool was officially formed and it was made clear that the club was not in any way a response to the ownership issue at Anfield or a protest against Liverpool Football Club, more a reaction to issues at the top end of football in general.

By May, AFC Liverpool had appointed its first manager in Derek Goulding. The following month the club arranged a groundshare with Prescot Cables and had been accepted into the North West Counties Football League.

The club’s first game was a 1-1 draw in a friendly with St Helens Town on 16th July 2008 and they began their inaugural league season extremely well, beating Darwen 5-0 in their first competitive game and going on a run of ten wins in the first eleven games.

However they failed to keep this momentum going, and the club eventually finished fourth in the league. The season did prove fruitful though as a victory in the final of the First Division Trophy over Padiham at Ashton Athletic provided the club’s first piece of silverware.

2009/10 began with three successive victories but after this the season became very indifferent. After a 5-2 home defeat to Atherton Collieries on Easter Monday, Derek Goulding left the club and ex assistant and goalkeeping coach Paul Moore was appointed caretaker Manager.

Under Moore’s stewardship AFC had a strong end to the 2009/10 campaign, winning five out of their last seven league games to climb to fifth in the league and also retaining the First Division Trophy, coming from behind to beat Cheadle Town 2-1 in the final at Flixton. In doing so, AFC Liverpool became the first club not only to win the Trophy twice but also successfully defend it.

2010/11 also began in promising fashion with the Reds going on a ten game unbeaten run after an opening day loss at AFC Darwen. However despite amassing their highest ever points total promotion never looked probable due to the form of would be Champions AFC Blackpool and second placed Runcorn Town, resulting in a fourth placed finish, missing out on third by goal difference.

There was disappointment too in the First Division Trophy when they reached the final for a third consecutive time only to lose to Atherton Collieries 3-2 in extra time. In the FA Vase, steady progress was made to the third round, where their dreams of Wembley were dashed by a defeat at Whitley Bay, who would go on to claim a third successive triumph.

However at the League AGM in July 2011 there was a surprise when Rossendale were expelled from the league and Formby were demoted to the First Division. Holker Old Boys, who finished third on goal difference, declined an invitation to take up a place in the Premier Division, meaning that AFC Liverpool were invited to take the place and the club accepted the chance that was offered to them.

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

AFC Liverpool History continued

The 2011/12 season started badly in terms of results but not performances for AFC Liverpool as they had to wait until November for their first League victory, which came about in the form of a 7-0 demolition of Winsford United.

From that point, AFC Liverpool, who had been rooted to the foot of the table, began the steady climb out of danger, ultimately finishing in nineteenth place, sixteen points clear of the relegation places.

Last season saw AFC Liverpool consolidate their position in the North West Counties Premier Division with an eleventh placed finish, accumulating sixty points in the process. As the season progressed, manager Paul Moore built a core squad of players, which played some of the most exciting, attractive football in the league and post Christmas, won fifteen and drew five of twenty eight games, including a defeat of eventual Premier Division champions Padiham on their home patch.

The performances were rewarded in the final game of the season as the Reds beat recently crowned champions of the Evo-Stik NPL First Division North, Skelmersdale United, 3-0 in the Liverpool Senior Cup semi final to book an all North West Counties clash with Bootle in the final.

Don’t forget our Community Bonfire Night Saturday 2nd November Volunteers needed to help with:  Stewarding on the night  Setting up stalls  Manning stalls  Sponsors for prizes on the stalls are also needed

Please Contact: Rob Madden with any offers of help on: 07730655446

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances - goalscorers

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

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances - goalscorers

Substitute Notes: Match 5 – unused substitute – Rhys Bailey-Morton Match 9 – unused substitutes – Callum Jones, Dale Newbrooke

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/

NWCFL Premier Division Table Table correct as of 19/10/2013

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

Player interview meet Mark Rodgers Name: Mark Rogers Position: Defender Age: 28 From: Manchester Supports: Manchester United Previous Clubs: Manchester United, Sheffield Uni, Salford City, Maine Road, Chorley, ECU Joondalup (Perth, Australia), Mossley, Ashton Athletic

Do you have any specific memories of your time as a Flixton player?

I think I first started playing for Flixton juniors when I was 6, I went down on my own with the usual nerves kids have when they first start at a club but I was made to feel welcome straight away. The club created a fantastic atmosphere with great emphasis placed on developing youngsters in a positive learning environment so I absolutely loved it. It had a rich history of producing and developing good players at the time so my dad had obviously done his research! I still remember winning the well renowned Lytham St Annes youth tournament when I was 8, it was my first taste of success and you remember days like that forever. I’ve still got the trophy now. It’s scary to think that it was 20 years ago! We won 2-1 after going a goal behind. I scored the winner in extra time against a team from Grimsby so we did the North West proud! Incidentally, it was at Flixton that I first met our manager Andy Nelson as I played alongside his son Terry. Gaz Thomas was also in the same side.

You were then spotted by United, how did that come about?

We had a fantastic team at Flixton, the best around for our age group by some distance and we dominated for a number of years so it was no surprise that clubs were watching us. I was originally with Manchester City from when I was about 7 years old but when Manchester United came calling there was only one place I was going! I was playing for Flixton in a local tournament in Swinton when a scout from United approached my dad. He didn’t tell me until I was in the car on the way home and as you can you imagine, I was absolutely buzzing when I heard the news. My brother Stephen was in the car too so it was a great family moment.

Have you any stand out memories from playing at United?

The whole experience was something I will always cherish and look back on with great pride. The coaches were superb and they always took an interest in you as a person, not just as a player. You remember things like that as you get older. Even though I was still young, I learnt so much about the game from a technical and tactical point of view. Some of the coaches, such as Paul McGuiness and Tony Whelan, are still there now and it’s that continuity and quality of coaching that sets United apart from other clubs. I played with some really good players and some like Phil Bardsley (Sunderland), Alex Bruce (Hull) and David Jones (Blackburn) who were fortunate enough to go on to make it professional. Although I obviously never made the grade, to say I represented the club I love for a number of years really was a dream come true. Not many people get the opportunity to do that so I feel extremely privileged and honoured.

What happened at the end of your spell with United? Did you have offers of a professional contract?

I had a few offers when I left United, I had opportunities at a few clubs like Macclesfield, Bury and Stockport but it just wasn’t the same. It was United or nothing for me. The playing philosophy and coaching environment was a huge contrast to what I was used to at United and I didn’t enjoy it. For the few weeks I was at Stockport all we seemed to do was running which just wasn’t for me! I completely fell out of love with the game for a long while after leaving United and it took me quite a few years to start enjoying it again.

Is this the time that you moved from centre forward to centre back? Or was this a gradual progression backwards?

Well I originally started my career as a striker as I was actually quite small as a kid but I think every player starts out as striker anyway! When I went to United I did eventually play centre back but they teach you how to be a better footballer and not just a better position so it gives you an excellent grounding and education. They followed a similar model to what Ajax introduced where everyone would play in every other position to improve your thinking and technical ability. You also get to understand the role of your teammates more. It benefited me extremely well because at various times throughout my career I’ve literally played in every position. I was a centre mid for much of my career since leaving United because I could just sit in there and spray the ball around but it doesn’t really suit my style at non-league level as there is too much running and closing down! My body is not built for that! In the back of my mind I knew I would return to centre back at some stage as I got older because I can read the game well and anticipate danger.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Mark Rodgers interview continued…

Two Years in the first team at Sheffield University (as well as being captain) you must have been a cut above the rest? What did you study?

I studied Economics but that certainly took a back seat! I was lucky in a way that we had a fantastic team during my time at Sheffield University and it was probably only then when I really started to love football again. As you’d expect from lads at university, are fitness levels weren’t at their peak during those years but the quality of football we played was first class and we travelled all over the country playing against some top universities. The highlight was an end of season derby against our local rivals Sheffield Hallam at Bramhall Lane in front of a few thousand and it was a great atmosphere. After winning 1-0 to claim the trophy and the bragging rights, we went out after the game on the Wednesday and didn’t stop celebrating until the Friday!

After university you joined Salford City before joining Maine Road, a side famous for its junior set up and attempting to play the game in the right way. As a club, what was it like to play for?

Yes, I had heard about the reputation of Maine Road and I knew straightaway that it was something that I wanted to be part of. Despite its connection with Man City, the club had a history and tradition of playing the right away so it suited my game perfectly. Ian Walker and Derek Barber were great to play for because they gave us so much freedom to go out and express ourselves. The highlight was in 2008 when we won the Vodkat League Cup and finished 4th in the league, which was a club record at the time. We played a lot of games that season, I think it was about 56 competitive games in total, but we were playing such good football and enjoying ourselves that it didn’t matter. It is not by luck that they are favourites to go up this year. They are proving now that if you have stability, a philosophy and strong foundations you can achieve your ambitions and make it last. They are a superb club who I still hold in high regard and the parallels between them and West Didsbury & Chorlton are very apparent. Both clubs have stability and a good tradition of playing the right way, as well as looking at the long term rather than throwing money about for a short term fix. I have absolutely no doubt in mind that West Didsbury & Chorlton will be competing at a higher level in the next couple of years.

You stepped up a division in 2009/10 and signed for Chorley in the Evo Stik North Division? Did you enjoy the step up and the challenge that comes with it?

Yes, I was happy at Maine Road and playing well so I was reluctant to leave in many ways but I’ve always wanted to push myself with new challenges. The fitness levels were higher as you’d expect and there was a bit of a step up in terms of quality, but I enjoyed the step up and more than held my own. I was awarded the Man of the match in 2 of my first 4 games but my personal highlights were actually during pre-season playing against Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers. We got beat 3 nil by Preston but it was a full strength side that included Darren Carter, Callum Davidson, Ross Wallace, Keith Treacy, Karl Hawley, Andy Lonergan and Billy Jones who is the fittest player I have ever played against so I’m not surprised he’s now playing in the Premier League for West Brom. We lost 3-2 to a good Bolton side but from a personal point of view I was pretty happy because I scored! Their team included Danny Shittu, Nicky Hunt, Ricardo Gardner, Riga Mustapha, Adam Bogdan, Chris Basham and Mark Davies who is the best player I’ve ever played against by some distance - I was up against him in centre mid and I couldn’t get near him, the only time I got close to him was in the clubhouse afterwards! He was just so quick, agile, clever and technically superb - playing one and two touch football with great thought and purpose.

Unfortunately he's very injury prone since but I’m pretty sure he would have gone on to play for England if he hadn’t of been, he’s the type of player they have missed since Scholes retired. I couldn’t walk for about a week after that game but I suppose it was worth it to score against players of that calibre. I know Stevie Settle is a big Bolton fan so I’ll dedicate that goal to him now!

In 2011 you joined Australian 2nd division side ECU Joondalup SC; how did a man playing for Chorley come to marking Grafite? What was the standard of the football like?

Yes, I had always wanted to test myself in a different country and experience something different so I really enjoyed my season in Australia. I know a lot of people who have been to other places like America but I wanted to do something different. I got in touch with a few people in Australia and I was offered the chance to do some coaching in Perth so I just went for it. Perth is a fantastic place and I loved the lifestyle there; it was so relaxed and laid back so it suited me perfectly.

The 40 degree heat also helped me top up my bronze tanned skin! It was a great environment to coach in too because the facilities were outstanding and the kids were so sporty. They invest a lot of money and time into sport for kids and it has definitely paid off. We could learn a lot from countries like Australia. They play so many different sports but football is getting more and more popular. I ended up setting up my own coaching company with my friend which proved to be very successful.

I was also fortunate enough to play at a really high level, one tier below the full time A-League. It was a really great feeling knowing that I was playing in front of thousands of people each week. The standard of football was really high and extremely competitive; it was probably the best level I have played at. Australia has a good influx of different nationalities so to play against players from Mexico, Greece, Italy and Serbia was very testing.

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

Mark Rodgers interview continued…

I also played against Al Ahli (based in Dubai but were on tour) in which I was up against former Brazilian and Wolfsburg striker Grafite who was a handful to say the least! I was playing centre back so I was directly up against him but he didn’t score until near the end - when I was off the field incidentally! He was the German league’s top scorer a year before after moving to them for £5million and he also played in the Champions league against Man United so it was tough test but I had in my pocket!!

You returned to England playing for Mossley. Were you part of the side that won the Manchester Premier Cup? Yes that’s right. My season in Australia finished in October 2011 after starting in February so, after a long season, I had a bit of a break back in England and only joined Mossley in January 2012. I then had to wait 6 weeks for International clearance so it was a very frustrating time. I was doing a lot of fitness work and training hard with Mossley but as any footballer will tell you, with no games to look forward to it was mentally quite tough. I was short on match practice but when my clearance eventually came through, I played a few games and did okay but the season was in its final stages. It was a bit surreal winning the Manchester Premier Cup despite us not actually playing in a final! The final was meant to be played on the Monday evening so we were actually preparing for the game at training on the Thursday night when the manager got a call to say that Droylsden couldn’t “field an eligible team”. They were fighting relegation in the Conference North at the time so apparently they didn’t want to risk getting players injured but it definitely left a bit of a bitter taste as we all wanted to play the final. They actually went down anyway so they might have regretted the decision in hindsight!

Last season you went to Captain Ashton Athletic and finished 20th in the NWCFL Premier Division. What prompted the move?

As daft as it sounds, it was actually seen as a success! The club was rock bottom of the league when I joined so the task was pretty clear – to avoid relegation. I joined around November 2012 after work commitments had kept me out of the start of the season. I was actually still at Mossley but Ian Street (who was previously part of the West Didsbury & Chorlton set up for a brief period) convinced me to sign to help them stay up and it was a challenge I readily accepted. 2 games later, he left and I was in a bit of a limbo but Jimmy McBribe made me captain so I was even more determined to fight for the cause. It was a different experience to what I have been used to so it was tough at times but I learnt a lot about captaining a young and inexperienced team.

What or who brought you to West Didsbury & Chorlton? You joined West in the summer as Junior Football Coordinator and have found yourself as Captain of the 1st team. Did you come with the intention of doing both?

Well I originally got in contact with the club about the role as the Junior Football co-ordinator. I grew up in Chorlton so when the club offered me the coaching role I couldn’t wait to get started. The plans that the club have in place really are fantastic.

There is so much hard work being put in behind the scenes by the board and committee members so it is an exciting time for everyone connected to the club. When it became apparent that the club were getting promoted, both Andy Nelson and Rob Turley called me in for a meeting and they were keen to get me involved in the playing side, too. I did have a number of offers to play in the Evo-Stik league again this season but the clubs ambition certainly matches mine so I had no hesitation in agreeing to play, too. I have loved it since joining and I feel like I am part of something very special. Some of my best friends are also part of the club, Luke Morley and Neil Cusick play for the A team while John Sheehan is an avid supporter so the club certainly has a family feel to it.

Finally, as the first player we’ve interviewed who did not travel to the Isle of Man, so can’t ask you about it, have you got a favourite/funny story of the season so far?

Mark Woodcock – one of the funniest guy you will ever meet and he doesn’t even have to open his mouth! Sometimes we just look at him and laugh. He comes out with some absolute pearlers without even knowing it. We were waiting for the second half to kick off against Wigan Robin Park, he turned to me and said with the straightest face, “Mark, is 9% strong for a beer because I had one last week and I think it was”. He also asked Rick Gleave if he rides horses. So random but so typically Woody! He’s a great lad to have in the dressing room.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Youth Team…Lancashire Youth County Cup Southport U18’s 0 West Youth 5 West travelled away to face Southport FC U18 in the Lancashire FA Youth cup and a superb and disciplined team display saw West U17 score 5 quality second half goals without reply and progress to a home fixture in the next round, the last 16.

The conditions at Southport were wet and windy and not helped by the fact that another game had just finished on the same pitch just before this cup game started.

However, the team squad showed commendable discipline and composure during a tight first half and despite the disruption of having to make two substitutions due to injury. West looked the better team throughout the first period but neither keeper was seriously tested and it was 0-0 at the interval.

In the second half West upped the tempo and despite playing into the gusting wind, deservedly went through to the next round scoring 5 real quality goals in the process.

By the end of the game the Southport team seemed shell shocked at what had just hit them during a second half master class in finishing.

Coach Peza was very pleased with his team's perfomance which was also much appreciated by the visiting West contingent of parents and friends who made the journey to support the team.

Quote…

Coach Peza:

"This was a huge victory for us. We learned from our previous away game in the county cup and about how to play when our temperament and disciple is tested to the limit. Anxiety, emotions and frustration can creep in, especially when you don’t get decisions, your football is honest and you are working hard all over the pitch. But we found solutions to breaking the opposition down in the first and second half with our sharp, quick, neat and tidy pass and move game.

We were absolutely sure the way we were playing that we would win. Today we achieved two things: we played very well and won in style. We must continue to keep the good attacking aspects of our game and our concentration when defending. That was SPOT ON today.

It was a very mature performance and I was SO PROUD OF THE PLAYERS. Again considering the weather/pitch conditions, venue & crowd and level of the opposition" Action from the game…

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

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 League Challenge Cup Saturday 26th October 2013 – Today’s Squads

West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

AFC Liverpool

White Shirts, Black Shorts and Black Socks

Red Shirts, Red Shorts and Red Socks

Ben Simpson (GK)

Steve Longrigg

Steve Settle

Dean Pye

Richmond Botchey

Anthony Brown

Anthony Potts

Ionut Curiorva

Mark Rogers (Capt)

Shaun Harris

Callum Jones

Joel Kerwin

Scott Jones

Jack Sinnott

Mark Woodcock

Darren Torpey

Rick Gleave

Jay Wynne

Scott Mason

James Buckley

Lee Malkin

Steve Corris

Tre Baldwin Willis

John Coulter

Sam Mitten

Liam Loughlin

Alex Baird

Nevil Picton

Tommy Walsh

Steven WIlliams

Danny Summers

Paul Brown

Dave Conlon

Ryan Cox

Ross Booth (GK)

Steve Jones John Lawless Ronnie Morgan

Manager: Andy Nelson

Manager: Paul Moore

Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle

Assistant: Jay Forshaw

OFFICIALS Referee: Craig Hainsworth

Assistants: Martin Saville and Paul Secker

NEXT HOME GAME Tuesday 29th October 2013, KO 7.45pm

WEST v Ashton Athletic