West Didsbury & Chorlton v St Helens Town Matchday Programme

2013/14 SEASON

MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2

Main Club Sponsor:

Premier Division 30 November 2013 – 3.00pm

St Helens Town

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

Physio Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Community Development Davy Iredale

Publicity and Web John Churchman 07720 508082

Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397

Paddy Murphy

‘A’ Team Manager Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Youth Team Manager Ian Depeiaza 07838 232401

Junior Football Co-ordinator Mark Rogers 07841 112903

Vets Managers Chris Smith 07867 171815 Steve Fisher 07595 678937

Ownership: In accordance with THE Football Association Rule 2.13 Publication of ownership in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 clubs in the Football Pyramid we hereby confirm that the legal status of WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB is as not for profit private members club. Any gain arising from the carrying on of the Club shall be applied for the benefit of the Club or for some charitable or benevolent purpose or purposes approved by resolution at a general meeting of the Club.

CLUB INFO… To contact the club please use the club website

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FF

Editorial

St Helens Town

WELCOME Our visitors today are another club with a famous non league pedigree and profile which has just been raised again when the club held a game in memory of their former player Bert Trautman, who went on to become a Manchester City legend. St. Helens Town are another club who have been very supportive and extremely helpful to ourselves through the encouragement of their Chairman John McKiernan who I met a dinner with Bert Trautman about 4 years ago and then when he readily agreed to sending a St Helens team to West for a pre-season friendly. We had a repeat of that friendly again last summer before we started our first season in NWCFL so today is St Helens third visit but the first time for a league fixture. The two clubs are currently poised on level points in mid table and we will need to play to our strengths today if we are to avenge the defeat we suffered in the away league fixture in October. More on St Helens Town elsewhere in today’s programme but the team and their officials and supporters are very welcome visitors here this afternoon.

Last week we mentioned the good results of the first team so far in November and last Saturday was yet another occasion when you felt very proud to be part of the club and think back on just what West has achieved over recent years. We continue to punch above our weight with a fantastic attitude in the squad and management team and the battling performance to beat Runcorn Town which showed the potential of the exciting squad we are developing. The spirit of the team when we had to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men was terrific with gutsy performances all over the park as we more than matched a Runcorn side who were then top and 5 points clear of anyone else.

MONTH BY MONTH RESULTS We have had some banter about our ‘month by month’ results with… no wins in August, no defeats in September, no goals in October and to date no defeats in November. It would be great to get another win today but our 11th place at the start of today’s game, at the half way mark of the league programme, is a great achievement. However, there is still a lot of football to be played in the second half of the season but our recent form and attitude has been first class and shows the quality and resilience needed to compete at this level. Full credit to Andy and the coaching team for the way they have turned round our run of poor results, but even then we were playing well in many games and just not getting much luck. It is at times like these everyone has to dig in and show the will to win and this has shone through our recent performances as we have fought tooth and nail for every point possible.

Let’s keep that going for the next 21 games and show just how good a Premier Division side we can be.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE - THE YOUTH TEAM PLAY HERE TOMORROW Tomorrow is a big game for our youth team with a home quarter final in the Lancashire FA u-18 youth cup. Manager Ian Depeiaza has put together a really exciting young squad and in addition to the cup run, they’ve reached the half way mark of the u-17’s Division of the Tameside league unbeaten. They currently sit top of that league with a goal difference of +24.

Getting to the u-18’s cup quarter finals with an u-17’s team is a terrific achievement and the lads will be really encouraged if they see a good number down to support them tomorrow as they take on Westbury Tigers from Bury.

See inside for latest news on kick off time and please get behind these lads who are very much the future of our club. ADMISSION IS FREE. AND FINALLY…Thanks again for your support and we’ll look forward to seeing you again on 21st December for the last home game of this year.

ENJOY TODAY’S GAME AND HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY HOME AFTERWARDS. Don’t forget you can keep in touch with all our news at: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ Rob Turley The front cover picture: Callum Jones in action Our thanks to Mike Fryer for providing club photos for the web and programme.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

View from the Dugout Good Afternoon and welcome to everyone to today’s game against St Helens Town.

Last Saturday we completed our second league double of the season beating league leaders Runcorn Town 1-0. It was an excellent game that was a great advert for the league and I thought we thoroughly deserved the three points. It was a game of few chances but our play in midfield and defence was excellent. Some will say the goal was fortuitous when the centre back passed the ball past his own goalkeeper but it was down to our pressure of the man in possession and hard work off the ball that forced him into making the error.

We’ve reached the half way stage and to be in the top half at this stage is a real achievement for our club. We have had some impressive results throughout the season and achieved plenty of milestones to be proud of but we need to ensure that we keep our concentration to ensure that we are celebrating at the end of the season.

Our recent form has been excellent and I’m delighted with the way the players have rallied together and bounced back during this period. Today we welcome St Helens Town and look to address the 30 defeat they handed to us at their ground in October. On the day I felt there was very little between the two sides but they showed their quality in front of goal and ran out deserved winners and we know we will be in for a tough game again today. I have every confidence in the team that we will be doing all we can to ensure another three points today.

As always I am asked to comment on the player profile in the programme. Rick Gleave joined us at the end of August and has been a terrific addition to the squad.

Rick was concentrating on his futsal career with Liverpool when he came to us and has shown immense quality since his arrival. He has linked well in midfield, where we’ve asked him to do several jobs and really gelled within the team. His goals have been invaluable and we are very lucky to have him.

Enjoy the game.

Andy Nelson

Steve Eck preparing the players before the Runcorn game

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

We are now putting our match programmes online to increase the visibility of the club and to give our sponsors extra exposure. Please see attached link to Bootle programme. http://issuu.com/westdidsburychorlton/docs/west_v_bootle_programme 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 Programme Back Issues

Follow News Updates on West via Twitter and Facebook!

Can’t make it to the game and want live match updates? Wanting the very latest news from the club on the move? Make sure that you log onto our Facebook page for all the latest news, views and updates on all things West Didsbury & Chorlton by clicking on www.facebook.com/WestDidsburyChorlton Alternatively you can follow on the very latest goings on the club with exclusive content by logging onto Twitter and following us @WD_CFC (picture of club badge)

Ground Safety In the interest of spectator comfort and safety, the following conditions apply at the clubs Brookburn Road ground and must be observed at all times.        

In case of fire or other emergency that requires the clubhouse or ground to be evacuated instructions will be given over the public address system, and we ask that you comply with those instructions immediately.

The chanting of racist or obscene chanting is strictly forbidden.

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

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

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

Encroachment onto the playing area is forbidden at all times.

Standing is not allowed in front of the seated areas.

All forms of transport on the clubs car park is at the owners’ risk.

The club reserves the right to remove any person from the ground who is in breach of these rules or whose presence is a source of danger or annoyance to others. We hope you understand the reasons for the above are in order for the game to be enjoyed in safe and pleasant conditions.

Thank you, West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC Committee

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Match Report…

Saturday 23 November: West 1 Runcorn Town 0 League leaders Runcorn Town arrived at Brookburn Road 5 points clear of the chasing pack but went home empty handed as another spirited display saw West out think Runcorn for the second time this season to record another 1-0 win.

Runcorn were first to threaten when in the opening minute Ben Simpson was quick off his line to block a good through ball and this was followed by a few minutes pressure from the visitors and a couple of corners which were cleared by the home defence. West replied when Callum Jones surged forward but his shot was straight at the keeper who saved comfortably. For the next few minutes West harried the visitors every time they got the ball and after 13 minutes a defensive mix up saw the centre back turn the ball past his own keeper [under pressure from Callum Jones] leaving Steve Settle to apply the finishing touch. Runcorn tried hard to get back on level terms with prolific scorers Carey, McShane and Shanley all denied by some stout defending and an excellent save by Ben Simpson after 28 minutes. West had their own moments in an exciting high tempo first half with Rick Gleave shooting straight at the keeper on 33 minutes and ten minutes later a great flowing move down the right saw Settle cutting in past his marker to fire a great effort just inches wide with the keeper nowhere.

Right on the stroke of half time Carey won a very dubious free kick 25 yards out and Shanley’s hit a superb direct effort inches wide of the goal.

The second half opened with another Runcorn attack an effort from 20 yards which went well wide.

Tre Baldwin Willis then cut in from the left, turned his man and shot low forcing the keeper to save and then Runcorn attacked again with another long range effort sailing high over the bar. It was end to end stuff with both defences standing firm and allowing few clear cut openings and then on 70 minutes Tre picked up the ball on the left flank just outside the West area, sprinted clear of one desperate tackle, past another man before stretching forward as a third player, right back Toone, tried to stop him. Both collided leaving Tre on the floor with a nine inch gash down his shin and as he lay on the pitch Mr. Toone jumped up to attack Tre as he lay prostrate. This sparked a brawl as Runcorn’s frustrations boiled over and then, when this has subsided, incredibly referee Sarsfield showed Tre a red card as incredibly Toone escaped with a yellow, despite hitting out at someone lying on the ground. Runcorn substitute Smith then followed into the refs notebook as West set about seeing out the last 20 minutes with 10 men and Runcorn began to run out of ideas.

The application and discipline of the home team was superb in the face of some incessant pressure but again Ben Simpson stood firm to frustrate the scoring talent of Runcorn. At the other end West still looked very dangerous on the break and there was still time for Tommy Walsh to turn his marker and hit a great left foot drive inches wide and for Rick Gleave to be denied by a block form a combination of visiting defenders.

The game ended with Runcorn still bemused as to how to unlock the West midfield and defence and their supporters generously accepting that they had been beaten again by the better team on the day.

No way through!

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

Reserve Team Match Report…

Saturday 23 November: Cheadle Town 3 West 2 West reserves went to Cheadle Town looking to get back onto winning ways following the defeat by AFC Darwen last week. West started well creating an early chance when Joel Hudson crossed the ball from the right straight onto the head of Chris Smith who headed the ball down only to see the Cheadle keeper dive to his right to push the ball away from goal. In the 5th minute Cheadle played the ball into the West box, the ball took a sharp deflection as Ross Booth went down to make the save, it was all he could do to push the ball away unfortunately straight to a Cheadle striker who has an easy job to strike the ball into the net.

Cheadle with their tails up put continued pressure on the West defence, forcing 3 corners in a row which West struggled to clear, followed by 2 free kicks which West defended well, one forcing Ross to make an excellent save. After soaking up the pressure West started to get more of the game and had several shots which were either saved by the Cheadle keeper of went wide of the post.

5 minutes before half time with West in the ascendancy West took a quick short corner which went to Kyle Hendley who laid the ball to his cousin Tommy Hendley, instead of floating the ball into the Cheadle box, Tommy looked up and curled the ball into the top right hand corner of the Cheadle net from 30 yards and West were deservedly back in the game at 1-1.

The score did not remain 1-1 for long when just before half time Cheadle were awarded a free kick halfway in the West half. The ball was swung into the far post and with the defence loosing concentration for a split second allowed the ball to reach an incoming Cheadle player who had a free header, beating an advancing Ross Booth.

With the score 2-1 West came out in the second half and played some excellent one touch football but could not find that killer pass to beat a resilient Cheadle defence. Neither side creating many clean cut chances. With the introduction of Kieren Brocklehurst, Carl Worthington and Theo Warmington, West through everything into getting something out of the game. With 7 minutes to go West were awarded a free kick in a similar position to the Cheadle free kick in the first half which resulted in their second goal. Carl Worthington curled the ball into the far post which beat everyone and the ball ended up in the Cheadle net. Then the controversy started. The referee blew for a goal and pointed to the centre circle. With everyone lining up for the restart a spectator shouted that the free kick was indirect, although the referee did not seem to indicate this when the free kick was being taken. After some minutes delay caused by the Cheadle players remonstrating with the referee, he blew his whistle and pointed to the Cheadle goal indicating a goal kick.

West, clearly frustrated at the referees decision and still expressing their dissatisfaction, the goal kick was taken, the ball was played up field and into the West penalty area, to rub salt into the wounds Chealde managed to fumble the ball over the line to make the score 3-1. West to their credit got their shape back and in the dying seconds of the game scored another excellent goal, this time from Kieren Brocklehurst who put the ball into the Cheadle net from the edge of the box.

Whilst West only played well in patches and not as well as they had been doing earlier in the season they were very unlucky to come away from the game without a point and still wondering why their goal that would probably have earned them a point was disallowed.

Report by: Rob Madden

October 200 Club Winners This month the three winners are: £100 winner: Dave Conlon £60 winner: M Starczewski £40 winner: Frazer Childs The 200 Club is a key source of revenue for club, would you like the chance to be winner.

Why wait? For a monthly subscription of just £2 you will be in the next draw.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

‘A’ Team Match Reports…

Saturday 16 November: West 4 APFC 3 The A Team were at home again looking to distance themselves from teams at the foot of the table and to stay within touching distance of the pace setters as the mid way point of the season was looming. But as is so often the way with the best laid plans this looked to be going to waste as a slow reaction to a short APFC corner led to a scramble in the home teams box and the visitors took the lead. West continued pressing and deservedly equalised, only to fall behind to a long range shot.

West weren’t prepared to be downhearted, not only equalising but roaring ahead to take a 4-2 lead.

Fans however, were left to endure an edgy finale as APFC reduced the deficit to 4-3. Pleasingly that’s how it stayed. (A Team picture below was taken before this game).

Saturday 23 November: Winton JFC 0 West 9 At the half way point of their season the A team climbed to fourth in the table with a convincing nine nil victory away against Winton at Salford Sports Village. A slow start to their campaign has been largely rectified after four wins on the bounce but with teams around them still having games in hand there is still all to play for going into the new year.

A man of the match display from Miguel Garcia and four goals from the smiling assassin Andrew Farren, two from Luke Morley, one each from Jamie Harkis and Landan Clarke and a fantastic own goal finish from the opposition centre half condemned the inaccurately named Winton to their ninth defeat out of nine.

Report by: Nick Grimshaw

Monica wins acclaim on Facebook (after last Saturday’s game v Runcorn Town) We often go on about who serves the best pies in this league.... well today I think I witnessed the runaway winners of the easiest to eat pies in the league. Just the right size and temperature to pick up in one hand and none of this crumbling to the floor on the first bite either...well done West Didsbury Chorlton :) Yum, Yum Martin Stewart A big thank you to Monica for her tireless work catering for supporters and visiting teams’ week in week out.

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

History…St Helens Town The original Town club was in existence from 1901 to 1928, but George Fryer and a number of local businessmen decided to re-form the club in 1946. They obtained a lease on the Hoghton Road ground in Sutton, adjacent to St. Helens Junction station on the Liverpool to Manchester railway line, took over a local St. Helens Combination team, Derbyshire Hill Rovers, signing a number of players from other clubs and entered the Liverpool County Combination in the 1947/48 season, playing against Everton “A” and Liverpool “A” and several reserve sides from the leading non-league clubs in the Merseyside area.

Success was first attained in May 1949 when Runcorn were defeated in the final of the George Mahon Cup, played at the Prescot Cables ground. The following season, 1949/50, Town were elevated to the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination and they were promoted as Champions in only their second season to the First Division, where they ran up against teams such as Ashton United, Nelson and New Brighton, newly relegated from the Football League. Sadly, Town were themselves relegated in their first season and although promoted briefly again in 1955/56, they spent most of their early years in the Second Division. Improvements were quickly made to the facilities at Hoghton Road in the early years, but in November 1952 the decision was taken to re-locate to the former St. Helens Recs’ rugby league ground at City Road in order to further their ambitions of reaching the Football League. Initially, the move resulted in some encouraging crowds, but the club had a change of heart and returned to Sutton in the October 1953. The ground was purchased and further developed and a social club and floodlights were added in later years.

Town were Champions of the Lancashire Combination in 1971/72 season, losing only one game, finishing 6 points clear of Accrington Stanley. 1975 brought a switch to the Cheshire League, where they remained until the formation of the North West Counties League in 1982 and St. Helens Town is the only club to feature in the top division of that league throughout its existence although, after a very good start, they very nearly lost that proud record last season. The club’s major achievement was victory in the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987. After a stuttering start in the Preliminary Round with a 5-4 extra-time win over Colne Dynamoes, further home successes over General Chemicals, Wren Rovers, Guisborough Town and Wythenshawe Amateurs, led to wins at Wisbech Town, at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare, away to Falmouth Town (after a replay) and in the away leg at Emley when, following a 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg, a 2-0 win in Yorkshire secured a Wembley Final against local rivals Warrington Town, who were dispatched 3-2 with goals from Phil Layhe (2) and Brian Rigby.

St. Helens Town boast an impressive “Hall of Fame”, including legendary goalkeeper and former German Prisoner-of-War Bert Trautmann, who signed for Manchester City over 60 years ago and who went on to play the game of his life in the 1956 FA Cup Final, despite breaking his neck in the latter stages. Bill Foulkes was transferred to Manchester United, where he had a glittering career, surviving the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, in which he bravely rescued some of his stricken teammates. John Connelly, an England squad member in the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign, was sold to Burnley and he later moved to join Foulkes at Old Trafford. Other future stars, groomed at St. Helens Town, included John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday), Geoff Nulty (Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton) and, most recently, ace goalscorer Dave Bamber, who began and ended his league career at Blackpool and who played in all four divisions of the Football League. Captain of the FA Vase winning team was Tommy O’Neil, who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United.

Town sold their Hoghton Road ground in 2000 to move in with St. Helens Rugby League Club at their Knowsley Road base.

Their farewell appearance at Sutton produced a 1-0 win over Champions Vauxhall Motors and the initial campaign at Knowsley Road got off to a cracking start, with Town leading the table for most of the season, before finishing in a rather disappointing fourth place. Recent seasons have been more of a struggle, ninth place in 2009/10 being the best finish since.

Season 2010-11 saw Town slide to 16th and next to bottom in 2011-12, when they would have been relegated, but for Flixton’s decision to resign from the league.

Town began the 2012-13 season under new manager Ian Granite, who brought in a new team and coaching set-up who battled well to avoid relegation. Though the club have the benefit of an 80-year ground-sharing agreement with Saints, they have been unable to re-locate to the new stadium at Langtree Park and having spent over two seasons sharing Ashton Town’s ground at Edge Green Street a new ground share agreement has been brokered with fellow Premier Division side Ashton Athletic to cover their immediate future as plans for a return to St Helens continue.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances - goalscorers

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

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Unused substitutes: 5 Bailey-Morton, 9 New brooke, C.Jones

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Be the last one to help the ground development‌ by sponsoring the last remaining shirt number for £20!

Please sign up on the poster in the clubhouse http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

NWCFL Premier Division Table Table correct as of 26/11/2013

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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Player interview meet… Richard Gleave Age: 25 From: Moston, Manchester Position: Midfield Occupation: Electrical Engineer Supports: Manchester United Previous Clubs: Manchester City, Manchester Boys, Blackburn Rovers, Rochdale, Leigh RMI, Formby, England Universities, Leigh Genesis, Cefn Druids, Curzon Ashton, Liverpool Futsal Joined West: 2013 You started out at Manchester City. How did that come about? What are your memories of your time there?

Being a born and bred Manchester United fan, City wasn’t a club I was looking to attract but beggars can’t be choosers.

My mate persuaded me to go to a City training camp during the school holidays where I was scouted by Steve Eyre. It was Steve who set the foundations for my football story. I believe Steve is working for Huddersfield Town now. The only memory that stands out for me is when I met Linford Christie and had my photograph taken with him. Unfortunately, it was just after training and I was still wearing my blues kit. Regrettably, it is a photograph that has never been on display in the Gleave family household for obvious reasons.

You joined Leigh RMI from Rochdale. How did you come to join Leigh?

Believe it or not but Andy Nelson was my football psychology teacher at Rochdale. My manager was Chris Wilcock and for the later stages of my time at Dale, Chris was working with the current Salford City College football coach Andy Thorp. Keith Hill was appointed the new youth team manager and it was Keith who decided to release me, nevertheless Andy Thorp then got me to sign for Leigh RMI whilst I studied my A-levels. This was when Steve Eckersley became my coach and infamous Scotty ‘Midfield-Maestro’ Mason came into my life!

You were nominated as FA Cup 1st qualifying player of the round after you came of the bench to score a last minute winner away at Rossendale United to win 4-3. Tim Lovejoy was the nominee for the award; how did he come to know who you were?

Tim was one of a six-man selection panel who nominate the players whose performances are then voted for by supporters on the FA’s official website. The FA panel comprised of FA Cup hero Ricky George, EON’s Executive Director Graham Bartlett, BBC Radio 5 live presenter Mark Chapman, The Daily Star’s Sports Editor Howard Wheatcroft and TV personality and FATV presenter Tim Lovejoy, who picked me for the title. Unfortunately I came second on the votes losing out to a goalkeeper that scored a bicycle kick.

I’m guessing your move to Formby coincided with your move to the University of Liverpool. What was your experience your like with the squirrels?

My degree is a BEng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering and Electronics. During my second year at University a new first team coach was appointed- Mark ‘Mad-dog’ Maddox. Mark is a top guy! Even though I was a Mancunian and Mark was a Scouser we hit it off straight away, Mark was the Formby manager at the time and so... I signed for the squirrels.

At Uni you were first team captain running four teams and 65 players. How did you get that gig? What were you studying that allowed the time to do that?

Each year there is an AGM for each sport where the University Sport Liverpool staff and players attend, here the players vote for and new Club Captain/President along with his supporting staff, Vice-Club President, Web-designer, and Treasurer Etc. I was nominated for President in my 3rd year but I had to decline due to work load, however in my final year I was nominated again and even though work load increased I couldn’t resist. My love for football took over. We got the 1st team promoted in to the highest league in the University’s history, along with 2nd team promotion, the 3rd team reaching playoffs, and the 4th reaching mid-table after the previous year’s promotion. It was a great achievement by the entire club; I believe it was down to a great work ethic and close friendships.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Richard Gleave continued…

You represented England Universities, is this similar to the team that players at the world student games? Do you have any good memories from playing in that side?

Each year up to 6 players are nominated from each university to go for England University trials. The trials are held in the three regions of the country Northern, Midlands & Southern. 20 players are selected to represent each region in a 3 day tournament held at Warwick Sport Centre in Coventry. This is then when England University squad is selected. Even throughout the trials you are looked after like a pro and I must admit it was a surreal experience putting on an England shirt.

Again I’m guessing that your graduation led to your glorious return to Leigh Genesis. How well did you do second time around?

My return to Leigh Genesis was down to Mark Maddox, he moved from Formby to Leigh and I was one of the players fortunate to go with him. One of my favourite memories second time round was my injury time equaliser in front of a 2,100+ crowd against high flying Chester FC at the Exacta Stadium. I travelled up with 3 other players and we got lost en-route, only to arrive 20mins before kick off. Mark had the hairdryer treatment ready for our fashionably late arrival. I started on the bench stuffing my face with sweets along with Steve Brockley. Whilst sat in the dug-out Steve leaned over grabbed some sweets and said ‘I reckon you’ll snatch something for us today Ricky’.

Then came a move to Curzon Ashton. (I cannot find any statistics on their website so I’m guessing they’ve either deleted them or you did not make the first team). How did a move into futsal come about?

I joined Curzon Ashton when I returned home to Manchester from University.

At the time I was on the graduate scheme for the North West Electricity Board, unfortunately the day after I signed for Curzon I was sent to work in the Lake District for 6 months so I never got any game time with Curzon.

You’ve also played for Liverpool Futsal club, how do the necessary skills differ between the full and small sided game?

I still play for Liverpool Futsal in the National League; League matches are played on Sundays so it doesn’t affect me playing 11-a-side. With the smaller playing field and reduced team size, each player has more involvement in the game and touches on the ball. It is played with a smaller/heavier reduced bounce ball that requires fast foot movement. I think Futsal helps develop ball control, quick thinking, passing as well as dribbling, balance and concentration.

You joined West in September, I believe it was Steve Brockley who brought you to the club. How did that happen?

I had stopped playing 11-a-side football really and was focussing on Futsal but when that text came from Steve, after discussing it with my better half I decided to dig out my boots and have a dabble. I haven’t looked back since. I’m enjoying my time at WD&C. You have eight goals from 13 appearances in midfield so far, would you say that is the key aspect of your game?

I don’t really know if I have a key aspect of my game. I’m not afraid to try something new on the pitch and I always give 100%. My role model is Paul Scholes on and off the field but since I found out we pay our own fines, I’ve toned down my tackling.

Have any games stood out for you so far?

I really enjoyed playing away against AFC Liverpool; we needed some points on the board and we showed great character to come back away from home. Every point is crucial in the league.

Finally what has been your favourite moment in your time at the club so far?

It has to be the ‘Pottsy’ song after the game. His pitch and ability to move easily from low notes to high without struggling is sublime. It is a master class on vocal tone, control, power, resonance, stamina, confidence and range that would give Susan Boyle a run for her money.

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

Statistics…as of 26/11/2013

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

Youth Team update…

Sunday 24th November: West Youth v Swinton U17s The Youth Team game last Sunday was awarded to West as Swinton failed to play the fixture.

However, action is resumed tomorrow (Sunday 1st Dec.) as our Youth Team play in the Quarter Finals for the Lancashire FA U-18s Youth Cup. We are hoping that the great form shown show in the league where we have a 100% record and cup continues as we aim to progress to the semi final stage.

Ian Depeiaza Remember: The game will be played at Brookburn Road weather permitting with a 12 noon KO.

First Team…Reserves…A Team…Youth Team…Vets Teams For match reports, player profiles, league tables, fixtures, results and information please visit the different Team pages on the club website.

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 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.

NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 30th November 2013 – Today’s Squads

West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

St Helens Town

White Shirts, Black Shorts and Black Socks

Red & White Striped Shirts, White Shorts, Red & White Socks

Ben Simpson (GK)

Ciaran Gibson (GK)

Callum Jones

Sam Pullinger

Scott Jones

Shaun Judge

Anthony Potts

Andy Mawdsley (Capt)

Mark Rogers (Capt)

Lewis Coyle

Graham Kay

Nathan Parish

Tre Baldwin Willis

Mike Sykes-Wright

Rick Gleave

Danny Owens

Tommy Walsh

Adam Storey

Steve Settle

Andy Gillespie

Richmond Botchey

Connor Sanderson

Sam Mitten Scott Mason

Ste Milne

Danny Summers

Lee Crompton

Mark Woodcock

Dan Wright

Lee Malkin

Mark Bailey

Dave Conlon

Edward Richardson

Manager: Andy Nelson

Manager: Ian Granite

Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle

Assistant: Ian Price

OFFICIALS Referee: Aaron Jackson

Assistants: Neil Badger & Gary Dinsmore

NEXT HOME GAME Saturday 21st Dec 2013, KO 3.00pm WEST v Barnoldswick Town