39 Ramsbottom United v Belper Town

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prammynewsv BELPER TOWN11-10-14

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glenn

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Good afternoon and welcome to the

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for

this afternoon’s clash. We’d like to

extend a warm welcome to Belper

town - we hope you all had a good

journey, enjoy your visit to Rammy,

and have a safe journey home.

Since our last home game we have

had two away trips with starkly

contrasting outcomes. First of all we

travelled over to Frickley. I think those

of you who made the trip will agree it

was that old cliche of ‘a game of two

halves’. To go in 2-0 up at halftime was

pleasing, but then we had a collective

nightmare in the second 45. Nobody

had to tell any of us that what

happened in that 45 minutes simply

wasn’t good enough, and to say that

we were disappointed would be an

real understatement. All I will say is

that we learn a heck of a lot from

these type of situations, not just the

lads but us as a unit. What’s most

important is that we all take on board

those lessons and make sure that we

look to put what went wrong right.

After what can only be described as

a tough week training-wise we made

the short trip over to Trafford

knowing we needed to put in a

decent performance. Although it

wasn’t a classic, as in a free-flowing

end to end Rammy performance, we

were delighted with the three points

and, just as importantly, the clean

sheet. I think it showed another side

to us. Maybe you could point to a

maturity in the way we went about

our work, and the mood in the camp

was a good one.

is week has been another hard

one, training-wise, in particular the

Tuesday night session, but it’s all trying

to help us collect another three points

today. If hard work is anything to go

by then the lads have done all they

can.

Just a quick observation: only

Buxton are above us in the form table

for the last 8 games.. Our return of 5W

1D 2L, bringing us 16 points, is

something we are all really pleased

with and will be looking to improve

upon in the run of three home games

we now face.

anks again for your outstanding

support, we hope you all enjoy the

game today, particularly any

youngsters who might be

experiencing Rammy for the very first

time.

Come On You Rams!

- Glenn

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Welcome to the Harry Williams

Riverside Stadium. A special welcome to

our match officials and, of course,

everyone involved with our opposition

Belper Town, who are the latest in a

number of clubs to be visiting the Harry

Williams Riverside Stadium for the first

time. We hope you enjoy your visit –

result apart, of course – and have a safe

journey home afterwards.

UPS AND DOWNS

It’s certainly been a learning curve so

far this season, with a dreadful second

half at Frickley – which I fortunately

missed – followed by an excellent

defensive performance at Trafford, where

we kept our first clean sheet of the

season.

Talking to the officials of Trafford last

week, they were saying that as they were

promoted via the play-offs last year, they

took some time finding their feet at this

level, with some equally inconsistent

performances, before eventually settling

down and having a comparative steady

second half to the campaign.

It looks as though we are about to

follow suit, although it is

something we have seen in

the past. Recent history

would suggest that as

the season wears on, we become more

accustomed to the opposition and our

form seems to improve, hence our recent

two promotions. Certainly, from what I

have seen so far, we are more than

comfortable at this level, and as the

season progresses I am sure we are in for

more of what we have enjoyed over the

last five years.

Notable from last week’s game, is the

increased support the Rams are enjoying.

Certainly results help, but there is a

superb camaraderie amongst the

supporters, with most of us being on at

least nodding terms with each other. e

noise generated has increased

significantly, and there must have been at

least 100 Rammy fans there last Saturday.

At one time that would have been our

average home attendance, so a massive

thank you to all those of you who have

either been with us for many years, or

have become recent converts to the

wonderful world of non-league football.

I was enjoying the NRL rugby league

play-off final last Sunday between the

victorious South Sydney Rabbitohs and

Canterbury Bulldogs. Over 80,000 people

in attendance, yet supporters of each side

were mingling amongst each other with

not a hint of trouble. I’ve been to many

rugby league games in this country where

tony cunninghamand the wonderful world of

non-league football

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the same respect applies, which had me

thinking that with football, this could never

happen. en I corrected myself. Oh yes it

can. It’s called non-league football! e sense

of belonging at this level is unique in our

sport. It’s great going in the bar after the game

when supporters of both sides can discuss the

match irrespective of who has won.

Last week I was chatting to Trafford’s

Secretary Graham Foxall who was telling me

that the game last Tuesday at Whitby, which

he was looking forward to, would be his

1,000th consecutive Trafford FC match that

he had attended. Indeed, he has only missed

one match, back at the beginning of his

tenure since the club was formed in 1990.

Superb achievement and congratulations to

him. Mind you, he has some catching up to

do with our Harry!

ENJOY

Today the Supporters Club has backed the

idea of “Kid a Quid”, which will hopefully see

a large number of youngsters attending with

their parents. Enjoy the day, kids, and

hopefully you will be encouraged to persuade

Mum or Dad to bring you back again on a

regular basis. It is these youngsters, of course,

who will form the next generation of Rammy

supporters – so important for the future

prospects of any football club.

Enjoy your non-league football!

“there is superb camaraderieamongst the supporters”

The kind of camaraderiethat lashing rain bringsto huddled footie fanseverywhere

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“Robbo for Print-Minister,”as ‘Hackers’ can soeloquently be heardshouting on the rammy.tvhighlights video

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Less is more! is result summoned a deep throated

growl of defiance from players, management and

visiting fans alike - who contributed at least a third to

the attendance of 294. It was not the prettiest win but

the first clean sheet of the season could amount to the

most satisfying performance so far- not least because

the Rams seemed to be battling as much against the

erratic and irrational decision making by the officials

as against the opposition.

e match and result turned on a moment of

instinctive brilliance from Jon Robinson, on as a 72

minute substitute. Where others had dillied and dallied

when presented with clear openings he did not

hesitate to lash in from 10 yards when Trafford failed

to clear a corner, to score his 98th goal for the club.

Until then it had been a story of two teams contriving

not to score. Apart from a brace of good saves neither

keeper, both secure and solid, was much troubled up

to the point of Robinson's intervention . Grant Shelton

did well in the first half to palm away a close range

header from Trafford's Will Ahern which should have

given him no chance, and shortly after the break Scott

Burton forced enough space 25 yards out and exploded

a shot that Andy Robertson in the Trafford goal did

well to tip over.

e preceding t 45 minutes had been as tedious as

traffic on the M60. Nelson Mota playing in an adjusted

role closer to Jordan Hulme combined efficiently with

the centre forward but the openings that were carved

out were frustrated by delays in and under hit final

passes and crosses .

0 - 1Shawe View

4th October 2014

Att: 294

Rammy Goals: Robinson (79)

Trafford Goals:

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e closest they came to scoring was Grant

Spencer shooting in on a long throw that eluded

the Trafford defence but was unable to put

sufficient direction on a shot that hit the outside

of the post. For their part Trafford found some

space down a somewhat lethargic Rams left flank

producing the opportunity that led to the

Shenton save and a great clearance by Steve

Howson under pressure from a low cross.

ere was a clear sense of some half time direct

managerial encouragement in the Rams second

half display. Gary Stopforth became increasingly

influential pushing higher up the pitch, breaking

up possession. eTrafford threat became

increasingly sporadic as the Rams dominated

although Chris Palmer should at least have

directed a free header on goal when both Rams

centre halves were drawn to the near post.

Despite a very good start to the season the

collective belief which so exemplified their

promotion run last season has not materialised

consistently so far for the Rams, but as the game

petered out that belief grew by the minute in

both team and supporters sending all home

happy - except for the M60!.

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Jordan takes on, and beats, thewhole of the Trafford defence

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It required a couple of magnificent

saves yet again, but Saturday at TraTord

saw us maintain our first clean sheet of

the season. Is this a sign of things to

come?

Well it's always good to make a save

but I'd like a game this season where all

I'm doing is shouting - I could really do

with one of them. We worked very hard

as a team at Trafford so it was good to

not concede, and it was three points

again which is the main thing. Hopefully

there are more clean sheets to come.

Bernard mentioned in the Free Press that

the defence might need some changes if

things don't tighten up at the back. Is this

what he's saying in the changing room,

and are people responding positively?

Johnno and Bern are two of the most

honest men you could meet and that's a

trait that comes trough in the changing

room. ey say it as they see it and it's

our job as players to respond. If

they say we're bringing in new

defenders then it's only gonna

make the lads here already

work harder. Which means we

get better as a team and if we

can get better, teams are

going to fear playing us.

Can you talk us through what happened

at Frickley in the second half. Do you

know why things seemed to change so

catastrophically?

e second half was probably the worst

we've played this season. ey stopped

putting balls into my box second half, so

it was hard to come and claim the long

ball as I did in first half. As a result they

won a lot of the first balls, and they did

their jobs really well. We just move on

and forget the mistakes though. It's a

long season, and we knew that in this

league there will be more downs than in

previous seasons. It's all in how we

bounce back from it, and I think we did

that perfectly at Trafford with a good 1-

0 win.

It's good to have Gary Stopforth back in

the side, do you know how Dan

Warrender and Lee Gaskell are getting

on?

We all know how big a player Gaz is - he

could walk into any team in this league.

He brings so much energy and leadership

in the middle and he makes us better. Lee

has been back training but only straight

line running at the moment and Dan is

still struggling with his leg, so is probably

afew weeks off yet.

grant shentonshouting from between the sticks

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Are you enjoying being captain, and

how has it aTected you on and oT

the pitch?

I'm very happy to be given the

captaincy and it means a lot that the

gaffers have chosen me to lead their

team. On the field I've had to calm

my temper towards the officials as

I've had a few run-ins with them. I'm

just trying to lead by example - do

my job right, give orders when

needed and keep everyone's heads

up high. I try to give advice to lads

that need it for whatever reason.

Everyone has shown a respect that

I'm very grateful for, so I hope I can

lead Rammy onwards and upwards.

“As captain I’vehad to calm mytemper and lead

by example“

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Ramsbottom United was founded in

1966, and one of the founders, Harry

Williams, is still, to this day, Chairman,

almost 50 years later!

Harry has overseen the club progress

from a parks pitch on the outskirts to a

well-appointed stadium in the centre of

Rammy, capable of holding 2,000

supporters.

Early days were spent in the local Bury

Amateur League, before the move to the

Bolton Combination in 1969 and the

Manchester League in 1989.

In 1991, the double of Champions and

Cup Winners in Division One was

achieved, and with it promotion to the

top division.

In 1995 an application to join the

football pyramid at North West Counties

League level was approved, and after

much hard work on the ground, a

grading was received to allow access to

the second tier of the regional league.

Despite finishing 12th in the inaugural

season, the Rams lifted the Divisional

Trophy beating Cheadle Town at

Darwen’s Anchor Ground –

the first of a number of

successes at semi-

professional level.

Tragedy struck in 2001,

as successful manager Ken

Bridge collapsed and died

following a home game

against Cheadle Town, but he is

remembered with the gates at the

entrance of the ground being named in

his honour.

e Chairman took the bold step of

appointing joint-managers in players

Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson at

the beginning of the 2009/10 campaign.

Supporters questioned the appointment

after the first game! A 5-0 drubbing at the

hands of Newcastle Town, although no-

one was to know that Town were to

embark on a 30 game unbeaten run as

they sailed towards the championship.

On the whole, the campaign was a

success. A ten-year best total of 81 points

and a club-record 14 away victories, along

with the April Manager-of-the-Month

award, and, for forward Andy Sensale, the

Player-of-the-Month acclaim for October.

e first season in charge for the two

local lads was merely an indication of

what was to come.

2010/11 proved to be even better as

the crowds began turning up in

increasing numbers at the newly named

“Harry Williams Riverside Stadium” (the

sign going up without the Chairman’s

knowledge!). Finishing runners-up to

New Mills (only one team promoted

from the NWCFL), the team scored over

100 goals winning more league games

than ever before. e managers won two

“Manager-of-the-Month” awards, with

monthly player accolades going to Phil

Dean and Jon Robinson.

rammy united49 years of football under harry williams

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But even better was to come! e 2011/12 season

finally saw the Rams move up again after 17 years in

the North West Counties League.

More goals, more points, more home wins and

more supporters (the club’s current attendance

record of 1653 was achieved against FC United of

Manchester) culminated in the team edging out

Runcorn Town with a magnificent end-of-season

unbeaten run. e Championship trophy was raised

after a 5-2 home win over Winsford United in front

of over 500 fans, and the club could now look

forward to renewing acquaintances with many

former opponents in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier

League.

e Main stand was extended, a new covered

stand erected behind the Railway end, and a

Sponsor’s Lounge arrived at the ground, as

improvements continued to enhance what used to

be a plot of waste land aside the cricket pitch.

e new challenge hardly saw the club falter after

three years of entertaining and successful football.

But for a winning goal scored by the champions

Skelmersdale United in time added on in the last

game of the season in west Lancashire, the Rams

would have competed in the play-offs at the end of

a great first season which saw them agonisingly miss

out in sixth spot.

2013/14 will go down in folklore in the town.

After a dreadful start which saw the club bottom

of the league after the early rounds of games, steady

progression saw a gradual push up the table.

More Player and Manager-of-the-Month awards

were achieved as the race between up to a dozen

clubs for the play-off spots (Curzon Ashton ran

away with the top spot) continued to the very last

week of the season.

A last day home draw with Bamber Bridge saw

both teams qualify, but it meant that the Rams had

to travel up to Durham to meet the re-incarnation

of former Football League side, Darlington.

e home side were expecting to progress, but

having already achieved the double over them, a trip

to Darlo’s temporary home at Bishop Auckland held

no fears. Despite the vociferous and partisan crowd

of almost 2,000, the hundred or so who had made

the journey up from Lancashire were treated to a

performance that silenced the home fans and

deservedly saw a return home with plans afoot for

the short trip to meet Bamber Bridge again at

Irongate four days later.

e play-off final attracted over 1,200 people, and

whilst it was a tight affair with a last kick penalty

squaring the game for the home side, the Rams

notched another in extra time to deservedly win the

game and with it a remarkable second promotion in

three seasons.

Ramsbottom United are now members of Evo-Stik

NPL Premier – the third tier of non-league football,

after a remarkable and enjoyable five year ride.

e Chairman, Harry Williams, who began it all

back in 1966 is still at the helm and still at the ground

most days! He is now looking forward to completing

50 years in charge. Could another promotion still

come his way?!

p

After a fantastic season that saw

Rammy yet again seal promotion, many

were surprised to see team captain

Danny Warrender head off to fresh

pastures with the ‘Class of 92’ down at

Salford City. With a number of other

players turning down the extravagent

advances made by Scholes, Giggs and, in

Gaskell’s case England coach Gary

Neville, accusations of “Warrender’s just

chasing the money” were mumbled on

the terraces, and so this is the first thing

we asked Danny about when we chatted

with him recently.

“e money was good at Salford, I

can’t deny it, and there’s a brilliant

atmosphere with the lads down there,

but the main reason I went was the

travelling that Rammy would have to

face in the Premier Division.

“Before the season even ended I’d

spoken to Bernard and Johnno about

the difficulties I’d have with

travelling if Rammy got

promoted, though it was

nothing but a distant

possibility back

then. We’ve got

little Lily and new baby George as well as

two full-time jobs so the thought of

training as well as long journeys to so

many distant away games looked like it

would be a bit much. As it turned out

though, with the training they do at

Salford, I ended up spending more time

there than I would have

spent travelling with

Rammy. Bernard and

Johnno understand my

situation with the kids and

that players have got other

commitments, so they’re

really decent with me. Salford

just weren’t accommodating

like that - for them the

football always comes first,

but when you’ve got a

young family with two

small children, it

doesn’t matter how

much you love the

football, your family

will always come first.

Anyone who says

otherwise would be

lying to you!

return of the wodgewill the prodigal full-back

prove to be rammy’s saviour?

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“ it doesn’t matter how muchyou love the football, your

family will always come irst.“

Winning promotiona second time withRammy, how couldDanny resist areturn to theRiverside?

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So, it didn’t take long for me to realise

that I was better off at Rammy, even with

the longer travelling distances.

“ey have got a great thing going on

at Salford though. ere are some really

brilliant players there with lots of

commitment, and they’re all up for a

night out together so it’s a good laugh.

“It does feel a little bit strange there

because I don’t think the owners have

quite grasped what league they’re in, and

how football works at that level. I’m sure

they will get promoted, because of the

huge backing and the squad they’ve put

together, and it feels like they won’t stop

until they achieve World Domination!

at’s definitely their aim.

“It is good to be back at Rammy

though. We’re starting to get the points

on the board now, and we’ve got a

brilliant squad of players that we know

can hold our own against big teams like

FC United, Stamford and so on. Some of

the results have gone the wrong way, but

we’re not worried - we’ve got the ability

to compete at this level, and we’ll do

alright. I suppose that the biggest

difference this season is that we’re

facing a lot of unknowns - last

year we knew what we were

getting, and we were

expecting to get the

results every match.

is time we don’t

know what we’re getting, and they don’t

know what to expect from us - we’re

definitely giving a few clubs a bit of a

fright!

“e big thing for me about the

promotion is that we’re now playing a

good side every week. e bottom of the

Division below has a few teams who

probably belong at Northwest Counties

level, but for one reason and another

they’ve managed to avoid going down. In

the Premier you don’t get that - you don’t

get your teams like Prescot, Wakefield

and Ossett that you know are going to be

struggling to stay above water. And so

every week feels like a cup final. We turn

on our style of football, and hit them with

a goal or two, but these teams will

ultimately work their way back into the

game because they’re good sides. at’s

what the step up means, but at the end

of the day I think we can more than

match the teams in this division.

“So far this season we’ve been

struggling with the set pieces, and some

really flukey goals that we’ve conceded. It

looks to be a massive part of this league,

but we’re no mugs with our set pieces

either, particularly with Howson the Man

Mountain, and Cedric Krou doing the

job.

“Rammy will do alright overall this

season, don’t worry about that!”

“ at the end of the day I think we can morethan match the teams in this division“

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Warrender testshis 5’11” againstWayne Welbeckof Mossley

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Aaron Cole in action for Belper against Witton AlbionPhotos courtesy of Tim Harrison

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JORDAN BALL (Forward) Jordan re-joined

the Nailers for his second spell at the club in

July 2014 after the former Doncaster Rovers

striker opted for a move back to Belper from

Derbyshire neighbours, Mickleover Sports.

Jordan joined Doncaster Rovers Centre of

Excellence in 2008 and he was offered a one-

year professional contract in April 2012. In

August of that year he arrived on loan to

Belper Town where he scored on his debut

against Coalville Town. He returned to

Doncaster and scored for them in his first

senior game for them against Chesterfield in

the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Following his

release by Doncaster Rovers at the end of the

2012/13 football season, Jordan had a very

brief spell at FC Halifax Town but then

decided to join his local side Rainworth

Miners Welfare. An offer from Mickleover

Sports FC tempted him to the Station Road

club in December 2013 and in his first start

for Sports he scored twice in a 3-2 win

against Loughborough Dynamo.

IAN ROSS (Midfield) A goal scoring midfield

player, Ian started his career as a trainee with

Sheffield United and spent five years in total

at the Bramall Lane club, during which he

had loan spells with Boston United and Bury

during the 2005/06 season. Whilst at Boston

he was named League Two's Player of the

Month. He joined Notts County on a loan

deal in 2006, which saw him play 31 games

for the Magpies. Another loan the following

year saw him move to Rotherham United

where he clocked up his 73rd Football

League appearance. Since then, Ian has

played for Gainsborough Trinity, Alfreton

Town, Harrogate Town and more recently at

Boston United for whom he made 55

appearances and scored six goals. He joined

the Nailers in June 2014.two

to

wat

ch

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Belper Town's unusual nickname, 'e Nailers', came

about because the craft of nail making began In Belper

in the middle ages when it was the site of a hunting

lodge for John of Gaunt. e huntsmen needed nails

for the shoes of their horses and the trade in nails

eventually grew. Like the nail making industry, Belper

Town FC has faded away in the past. Originally formed

in 1883, the Nailers went out of existence three times

through lack of finance.

In recent seasons the club has enjoyed tremendous

success in the FA Vase, reaching the 5th Round twice

and also a semi-final appearance in which they

lost 2-3 on aggregate to Oxford City, having won

the first leg 1-0 at home, in front of nearly 2,000

spectators.

Having achieved the runners-up position in the

Northern Counties League in 1996/97 under the

stewardship of Martin Rowe, the Club took its place

in the Northern Premier League 12 years after the first

opportunity had been spurned due to tight finances.

Initially the club did well in the NPL but then

struggled in subsequent seasons. Ernie Moss and his

assistant, Sean O’Neil, kept the club safely away from

the relegation positions during their time in charge

at Christchurch Meadow but the club did not really

challenge for honours.

In 2008/09, the Nailers finished the league

campaign in second place, having secured 81 points

and equalling their record points score of 1984/85

when the club won the Northern Counties East

League championship. A heartbreaking home defeat

in the play-off final against Stocksbridge Park Steels

was a bitter pill to swallow.

e end of the 2009/10 season saw the resignation

of manager Andy Carney after a six-year stint at the

club and the appointment in the close season of

Belper TownNailing stuff since 1350

Rob Stevensoncelebrates bagging agoal against WittonAlbion

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former West Ham and England International

defender, Tommy Taylor, as the club’s new

manager assisted by Jon Froggatt, the club’s

leading goal scorer in the 2010/11 season.

But, the early season expectations failed to

materialise and Taylor resigned his position

after just nine games in charge, leaving the

Nailers with only two wins to their credit.

e Belper board acted quickly to appoint

former Retford United manager, Peter

Duffield into the hot seat, supported by

Mick Godber as his assistant and Shaun Hird

as first team coach.

Results in their first season at Christchurch

Meadow were quite remarkable with the

team winning 44 points out of possible 48 in

the final run-in to the campaign, but the club

just missed out on the play-offs by a single

goal.

Despite a poor start to the 2012/13 season

and lying in bottom place in mid-October,

the Nailers embarked on a 25-match

unbeaten league sequence that saw them

gain an automatic play-off position.

But heartbreak was to repeat itself at the

end of the season when a home defeat

against eventual promotion club Stamford in

the first play-off match, consigned the

Nailers to another season in the First

Division.

e club finally made it into the NPL

Premier Division at the end of a hard fought

2013/14 League campaign in which they

finished the regular season in fourth place.

A 2-0 semi-final play-off win at Leek Town

set up a home tie against Derbyshire rivals

Mickleover Sports and a 1-0 success in that

final game earned the Nailers the promotion

they had been craving after 17 seasons in the

League’s lower tier.

Sharing the love!

p

1. Who is the manager of Torquay United?

2. Brett Ormerod has signed for which Evo-Stik League side?

3. What is the nickname of Barrow?

4. Over which club did Altrincham achieve an unexpected win last weekend?

5. Where do Gateshead play their home games?

6. Former Ram Chris Wilcock is manager of which NWCFL club?

7. Name the manager of Matlock Town who resigned last week?

8. Which club knocked barnoldswick Town out of the FA Vase last Saturday?

9. In which league do Blackpool Wren Rovers play?

10. DJ Campbell recently signed for which non-league club?

ANSWERS: 1. Chris Hargreaves 2. Padiham 3. e Bluebirds 4. FC Halifax Town 5. International Stadium 6 Glossop North End

7. Mark Atkins 8. Ryhope CW 9. Bay Radio West Lancs League 10. Maidenhead United

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SERIOUSLYSTRONGSERIOUSLYVERSATILE

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Sat 16th Aug H KING’S LYNN TOWN 2-3 322 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer Howson PriestleyTues 19th Aug A Workington 0-1 415 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer * Howson PriestleySat 23rd Aug A Rushall Olympic 4-2 161 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer * Howson PriestleyMon 25th Aug H NANTWICH TOWN 1-4 365 Shenton Smalley Abadaki * Spencer + Howson PriestleySat 30th Aug A FC United of Manchester 1-3 1917 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer Howson WarrenderTues 2nd Sept H MARINE 3-2 250 Shenton Smalley + Pilkington Spencer Howson 1 KrouSat 6th Sept H STAMFORD 3-1 357 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer + Howson 1 WarrenderWed 10th Sept A Whitby Town 0-2 265 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer Howson WarrenderSat 13th Sept A Buxton FAC 1Q 2-3 261 Shenton Smalley Pilkington # Spencer Howson Warrender +Tues 16th Sept H WITTON ALBION 3-2 231 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer * Howson Krou 1Sat 20th Sept A Ilkeston 4-2 422 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer * Howson Krou 1Tues 23rd Sept H CURZON ASHTON 1-1 309 Shenton Grayson * Pugh Spencer 1 Howson KrouSat 27th Sept A Frickley Athletic 2-4 215 Shenton Pilkington Grayson + Stopforth Howson KrouSat 4th Oct A Trafford 1-0 294 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouSat 11th Oct H BELPER TOWNSat 18th Oct H BUXTONTues 21st Oct H WHITBY TOWNSat 25th Oct A Blyth SpartansTues 28th Oct A MarineSat 1st Nov A Whitby Town FAT 1QTues 4th Nov H WORKINGTONSat 8th Nov A Halesowen TownTues 11th Nov H WEST DIDS Lancs CupTues 18th Nov A Witton AlbionSat 22nd Nov H GRANTHAM TOWNTues 25th Nov H BURSCOUGH Lg CupSat 29th Nov H BARWELLSat 6th Dec A Matlock TownSat 13th Dec H RUSHALL OLYMPICSat 20th Dec A King’s Lynn TownFri 26th Dec H ASHTON UNITEDThu 1st Jan A Nantwich TownSat 3rd Jan A Curzon AshtonSat 10th Jan H TRAFFORDSat 17th Jan A Belper TownSat 24th Jan H FRICKLEY ATHLETICSat 31st Jan A BuxtonSat 7th Feb H BLYTH SPARTANSSat 14th Feb A StamfordSat 21st Feb A StourbridgeSat 28th Feb H ILKESTONSat 7th March A Skelmersdale UnitedSat 14th March H STOURBRIDGESat 28th March A Grantham TownSat 4th April H FC UNITED OF MCRMon 6th April A Ashton UnitedSat 11th April H HALESOWEN TOWNSat 18th April A BarwellSat 25th April H MATLOCK TOWN

fixtures & results 2014/15

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Hulme 1 Burton Gaskell Robinson 1* Dean + Pilkington Slaven Abadaki + Ahmadi * CookHulme Burton Gaskell Robinson + Dean # Pilkington * Slaven + Abadaki Ahmadi # CookHulme 1+ Burton Robinson 1# Pilkington Dean 2 Abadaki * Slaven + Ahmadi # Cook WilliamsHulme Burton Robinson 1 Pilkington Dean Williams Slaven Cook * Krou + Morley

Warrender Abadaki + Slaven Robinson * Hulme 1# Dean Williams + Krou * Cook # Morley JohnsonAbadaki Burton * Slaven 1 Hulme 1 Dean # Williams # Robinson * Cook + Morley Johnson

Warrender Abadaki Burton Slaven * Hulme 1# Dean 1 Williams + Robinson # Cook Morley Krou *Warrender Abadaki Burton Slaven + Krou Dean Mota + Cook Williams Johnson MorleyWarrender + Abadaki Burton Krou Hulme Dean * Mota * Williams + Pugh # Johnson Morley

Abadaki Burton Mota # Hulme 2 Dean + Pugh Williams # Irwin Slaven * Cook +Abadaki + Burton 1 Pilkington Hulme 1 Williams 1# Dean + Mota # Irwin Slaven * CookAbadaki # Stopforth Pilkington Hulme Williams + Burton + Dean * Mota Robinson # CookMota 1* Burton Spencer Hulme Robinson 1# Williams * Cook + Dean # Morley AbadakiAbadaki * Burton Mota + Hulme Spencer # Robinson 1# Williams + Slaven Pilkington Dean *

Ramsbottom United Football ClubPresident: John SmithChairman: Harry WilliamsVice Chairman: Chris WoolfallSecretary: Tony Cunningham Matchday Secretary: Andy Edmunson Treasurers: H Williams, C WoolfallCommittee: Harry Williams, Chris Woolfall, Andy Edmund-son, Kevin HitchenCatering Manager: Sophie FletcherThe Harry Williams Riverside, Acre Bottom, Ramsbottom, Lancashire,Tel: 01706 822799

Recent Senior Honours: Bolton Comination Div 1 Champions: 1972/73Bolton Comb. Premier Champions 1976/77: Bolton Comb. Div2 cup runners up: 1979/80,1982/83Bolton Comb. Div2 runners up: 1982/83Bolton Comb. Cup winners: 1976/77, 1979/80, 1983/84Bolton Comb. Div1 runners up: 1984/85Bolton Comb. Cup runners up: 1985/86, 1987/88Manchester League Cup Winners: 1990/91Manchester League Champions: 1990/91Yorkshire Cup runners up: 1993/94Northwest Counties Div2 Champions: 1996/97Northwest Counties Div2 Trophy: 1995/96Bolton Hospital Cup winners: 1974/75, 05/06. 06/07, 07/08Northwest Counties Premier runners Up 2010/11Northwest Counties Premier Champions: 2011/12Northern Premier League Div1 playoff winners: 2013/14

Today’s other fixtures:

League:

Nantwich v FC United

Rushall v Workington

Skelmersdale v Frickley

Whitby v Trafford

Witton v Matlock

F.A. Cup:

Fylde v Buxton

Barwell v Curzon Ashton

Gainsborough v Marine

King’s Lynn v Lancaster

Mickleover v Blyth

North Ferriby v Grantham

Shildon v Stourbridge

Spennymoore v Ashton United

Stockport v Ilkeston

fixtures & results 2014/15

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rammy in exilesky sports statto richard isaacs

Good afternoon everyone, welcome to

another Rammy Saturday, and it’s a warm

welcome to all those who have made the trip

over the Peaks to join us today. Having made

that very trip only a few weeks ago to attend a

wedding reception at Makeney Hall, I know it's

not an easy one to undertake if you come

across 'the top'! Sadly, I won't be in evidence

today as its my first weekend back home

following a very enjoyable holiday in the United

States, having arrived home on Sunday

lunchtime. It's been a real adventure visiting

probably three of the busiest cities in the world

- Las Vegas, Los Angeles and the busiest of all,

New York, from where this column is currently

being written.

e eight-hour time difference was something

of a challenge when I wanted to be up to watch

the twitter feed from the games at 7am,

although given one of the games I watched via

Andy and Katie's endeavours started with me

laughing my head off at the misfortune of those

who had travelled on the minibus to Frickley,

made me very happy at 7.45am when we were

2-0 to the good but by 8.40am, I was ready to

'put it all on red' with a vengeance as we threw

it all away. I don't believe there was anyone else

cursing like me in Vegas that morning ... well,

actually there probably was ... someone who

had indeed put it all on red and it floated onto

black.

Casinos, casinos, casinos. Absolutely

everywhere! You simply couldn't enter any

building without seeing an outlet to gamble

your hard-earned dollar. Even in pharmacies,

petrol (gas) stations and any variety of shops,

there stood a handful of machines flashing

away, tempting you in. Las Vegas is completely

LaLa land, it's an adult playground which had

me shaking my head in total disbelief most of

the time. A city in the middle of a desert, with

nothing else around it, just sand, mountains

and canyons. A city really like no other that I

have ever visited but here it stood, a light show,

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a haven for gambling and the high life and an

total heaven for lads or lasses on tour. I was

with Cath so was very well behaved, as you

would expect of me, of course! Although I was

propositioned by a rather attractive young lady

whilst walking through the casino on my own

in the hotel who called me 'Big Red', purely

because I was wearing a red shirt. It was a good

job I wasn't wearing my Ramsbottom one ...

who knows where that could have led!

e previous Tuesday night game against

Curzon was watched at lunchtime, sat by the

pool in 36 degrees heat at the hotel. Naturally

my Rammy scarf came with me and was

perched on the back of my lounger ... it did

attract a few inquisitive glances, which it would

I guess in 36 degree heat! A quick dip in the

pool replaced the half time pie and peas but I

was back in full watching mode for the second

half. A draw - ah well, disappointing but still a

draw and a point and from what I can make

out, maybe not a bad point either.

e scarf has come with me quite a bit over

the course of the break and you will see where

Rammy have been. It's even met some

'celebrities' ... all bar one are now fully fledged

Rammy fans. I say all but one - one of them

received it with disdain and even threw it on

the floor! You will see who in due course.

I will do a bit more of the trip in later editions

of the programme along with a few pictures as

well but you can be assured that our football

club has been made slightly more famous and

recognised across the pond thanks to this

bizarre chap standing in certain places with his

scarf aloft. at'll be me then!!!

Enjoy the match today, I'll be watching as

always, probably from a rugby touchline

somewhere in Hampshire. Come on Youuuuu

Raaaaaaams!!!

- Richard

sky sports statto richard isaacs

Las Vegas - just like Bacup but without the ‘famous pie’Photo courtesy of Justin Taylor

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ere cannot be many more evocative

names in the sporting world than Blyth

Spartans, and e Rams’ next away day

sees us travelling up to the North-East

coast to take on this famous, old football

club.

Founded in 1899, it did not take long for

them to make their mark on the

footballing world by winning the

Northumberland League just two years

later.

Although they have amassed many

trophies in their history they have never

really been too high up the football

pyramid. One of their most successful

periods came during the 2000’s when they

won promotion to the Conference North

after becoming Northern Premier League

champions in 2006. ey remained there

until 2012 when they were relegated back

to our division.

Blyth Spartans are probably best known

for their F.A. Cup exploits and have

reached the 1st Round on 31 occasions.

eir most famous run in the F.A. Cup is

one that sticks in

my memory and I

clearly remember

watching it on

Match of the Day in

my early teens. In

1978 they reached

the Fifth Round, after

victories against the likes of

Chesterfield and Stoke City, and were

drawn against Wrexham, with a place in

the Quarter Finals at stake. e game

ended in a 1-1 draw after Wrexham

scored a last minute equaliser, so the

game went to a replay at St James Park,

Newcastle, in front of a crowd of over

40,000. Wrexham ended up winning 2-1

to end Blyths run, although some of their

older supporters will still argue to this day

about some rather dodgy refereeing

decisions.

Recently, they have kept up their F.A.

Cup tradition and went to our

neighbours, Bury and won 2-0 in the 1996,

1st round. ey also had their 2009 home

game against Blackburn Rovers beamed

live to a television audience, although they

ended up losing that day, 1-0.

Blyth have had one of the most

(in)famous footballers of recent times in

their ranks in 1996. If the name Ali Dia

does not ring any bells with you, if I tell

you he was the player who told, the then

Southampton manager, Graham Souness

he was George Weah’s cousin and blagged

himself 55 minutes in the Premier League,

before Souness realised he had been

duped and substituted him (I’m sure

Richard will remember it well) Dia was on

the books of Blyth Spartans in 1996 and

made….wait for it……1 appearance for

the team, before moving on.

the boogie buson the road with rammy

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e team play at Crofts Park which dates

back to 1909 and the ground seems to be

steeped in history. e Rams paid a visit

last season in the cup and came away

with a 1-0 victory.

Crofts Park is a traditional ground with

terracing on 3 sides and a main stand

running down one side of the pitch.

ere is a club bar situated just outside

the ground, so make sure you get a ticket

for re-entry if you go for a half time pint.

ey have a rather good system in the bar

where you can pay for your half time

drinks before the game and not waste

valuable drinking time stood in a half

time queue.

It is one of the longer journeys we have to

make this season and it should take

around 3 hours to get there.

Harry is running a coach, which I intend

to take, and anyone who recently went

on the Ilkeston charabanc will know what

fun we have on these trips, so I would

advise booking early. Despite the long

journey, I predict we will have large

contingent of Rammy Ultras there to

back the lads and hopefully, get the same

outcome as last season.

COME ON YOU RAMS !!!!!!!!!!!!

“ Blyth Spartans - former stompingground of Newcastle folk-hero Ali Dia“

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Born in January 1991, this 6ft 2” goalkeeper

joined Rammy from FC United at the end of

August 2010. He was number two at FC

United, but a superb season in 2010/11 saw

him win Player of the Year for the Rams. He

Signed full-time with the club at the start of

2011/12.

Signed for the club after impressing the

managers when he played against the Rams

for Atherton LR. Adds a whole new

dimension to the Riversiders’ squad, and

equally at home on the right side as either a

defender or attacking winger.. Brother of

Plymouth Argyle’s Deane Smalley.

Battling midfield who signed for the club in

2011 following the demise of Rossendale

United, for whom he scored a hat-trick in the

ridiculous 7-5 Rammy win the previous

season. Won the NWCFL title with the club

and was offered terms with Conference

Premier side Hyde but returned to the club

on loan, eventually signing full terms.

Dominic SMALLEY

Grant SHENTON Grant SPENCER

ram

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ds

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Signed from local rivals Radcliffe Borough

after a spell playing in Australia, the big man

is equally at home in the heart of the

defence, or up front poaching goals.

Wing man Tom came on as a sub in the play-

off game for our opponents Bamber Bridge.

e Rams management team acted swiftly

in the summer to bring him down to

Ramsbottom

Former Burnley professional player who is a

model of consistency, wherever he is picked.

A previous Player of the Year award-winner,

Joel is a firm favourite with the fans at the

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, and has

played over 200 games for the club.

It has taken some two years for the

management to finally get Scott to join the

Rams. Bernard and Jonno have followed

Scott’s career with Runcorn Town and he

finally joined the club in late January 2014.

A hard-working midfielder, similar in style to

Gary Stopforth, and an integral part of the

promotion winning team.

Steve HOWSON Joel PILKINGTON

Scott BURTONTom WILLIAMS

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Experienced striker Jon was signed from New

Mills and despite plentiful interest from

other clubs has remained loyal to the Rams

for a number of seasons now, and always

finishes near the top of the goal-scoring

charts. Regarded as a “Rammy legend” in

east Lancashire..

A constant threat in attack, a solid

performer in defence. Awarded Clubman of

the Year award in 2011. Continues to cause

plentiful problems to defences around the

leagues.

Signed at the end of August 2011 from

Manchester League side Walshaw Sports and

has taken his opportunity with some relish.

Last season the 29 year old won the Golden

Boot accolade for being the highest scorer in

the Division One North.

Joined the club in December 2011 from

Clitheroe via Padiham. Son of a former

1990s Rammy favourite Martin, midfielder

Jordan is highly rated and scored 8 goals for

the Storks before going to Clitheroe. A

versatile player – he can play anywhere from

defence to striker.

Jon ROBINSON Lee GASKELL

Phil DEAN Jordan HULME

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Having spent time at University, the

youngster spent last season with Shepshed

Dynamo before moving back to the north-

west, where joint-managers Bernard Morley

and Anthony Johnson snapped him up for

the Rams.

e speedy wingman joined the Rams at the

beginning of the 2014/15 season, having

spent the previous campaign at fellow Evo-

Stik Premier club Nantwich Town.

Joined the Rams in the summer of 2014, this

midfield player spent last season as a

member of the struggling Droylsden side

which changed places with e Rams at the

end of the campaign.

Cedric joined the club in January 2014

having impressed the management team

during his time with rivals Trafford FC.

Essentially a defender, Cedric has the ability

to fit in other positions for the team.

Sam COOK Malachi SLAVEN

Osebi ABADAKI Cedric KROU

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Previously club captain of the Rams, who

famously lifted the play-off trophy at

Bamber Bridge in May 2014, Danny moved

to Salford City in the summer, but soon

returned. His consistent displays at the back

and in midfield have seen him become a

firm favourite with the fans.

A 24-year old forward player who signed for

the Rams in the middle of September.

Previously with FC United of Manchester

and Salford City. Prior to that he had spells

at Niort, Lilas, DH Saint-Maur and Paris DC

in France, as well as Tercera in Spain.

A skilful battling midfielder who signed full

time with the Rams during the summer of

2012 after coming on loan from AFC Fylde

the previous season and dominating the

midfield. In his third season with the club he

was a vital member of the promotion set-up

last term.

A left-back who signed for the Rams in the

middle of September. Previously with

C.E.Principado De Andorra, a second

division Andorran team with whom he

experienced Champions League football.

Dan WARRENDER Gary STOPFORTH

Nelson MOTA Alex PIACENTILE

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Son of Manchester United player Dennis

Irwin, Liam signed for the Rams in the

middle of September. Previously with

Stockport Sports, Altrincham and Bolton

Wanderers. He played at international level

for Republic of Ireland youth.

Appointed joint manager at the start of the

2009/2010 season and took the club to the

NWCFL title in 2011/12 season, despite

missing much of the season through injury.

He has helped guide the club through

another promotion via the play-offs into the

Evo-Stik Premier League in May 2014.

Re-joined the club in January 2009 and

became joint manager at the start of

2009/2010. A Rammy man to his core, a

combative and hard-working midfelder who

has occasionally taken over with some

prowess in goal. Successful in guiding the

Rams to two promotions in three seasons.

Liam IRWIN

Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY

e talented left full-back rejoined the club

from Chester during the 2013/14 season

having had a short spell here a couple of

years earlier. His long throw-in is always a

dangerous piece of his armory.

Lee PUGH

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A highly respected coach who has

experience at all levels of the game, from

local football with Walshaw to League One

time at Bury. Highly respected coach and a

coup for the club to have secured him. Also

a holder of a UEFA B Coaches badge.

A 20 year old player who joined from

Conference side Tamworth early in the

2014/15 season. George is a highly rated full-

back capable of playing on either flank,

giving the Rams additional defensive

flexibility.

Darren GREEN

John is the goalkeeping coach at

Ramsbottom, and was formerly manager at

NWCFL side Maine Road, where he

constantly had them pushing for promotion.

George GRAYSONJohn MORREY

Former manager of Atherton LR, leading

them to 10th place in the NWCL in 2010/11.

Resigned from his post with the Crilly Park

club and joins Ramsbottom United as a

highly rated coach.

Glenn MOSES

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IT EVENWORKSUNDERWATER

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All winning teams have a good shape; each team without

shape will find a way of losing. So it proved in the depths of

the South Yorkshire coalfields on Saturday.

ere were few signs of the frightening deterioration that was

to follow as the Rams compact and quick on the break swam

serenely into a two goal lead by half time although in

surroundings of Wuthering Hights bleakness the brooding

menace of Danny South leading the line for the home team

was all too apparent. For 45 minutes e Rams looked assured

and confident has first Grant Spencer playing a sharp one-two

on the edge of the box drew a penalty from the otherwise

excellent John Cyrus neatly converted by Jon Robinson and

then Phil Dean, on for the injured Robinson, broke clear to

cross for an unmarked Nelson Mota to head home.

Frickley were quick to respond with tactical changes

following the break with their back four playing much deeper

to frustrate the Rams, who restarted too slowly.. Danny South

together with his partner Gavin Allott was a commanding

presence finding it too easy to pull away from their markers

and quicker onto the second ball getting behind the back four.

Once Danny South found space on the penalty spot with a

matadors drop of the hips to shoot low into the corner there

was no need for writing on the wall to see what was to come.

South was denied a second only by a brilliant save but then

scored again 70 minutes poking home from close range after

the Rams declined several chances to clear. By this time the

Frickley front two were running riot , terrorising at will a Rams

defence that was increasingly slow and hesitant to the ball. 3

minutes later it was all up Cyrus rising unmarked to head

home from another needlessly conceded free kick

After that it was just a question of how many. e Rams

constantly caught in possession failed to muster a shot on goal

in the second half and were as all at sea as the group of

supporters who had somehow managed to book a one way

coach to the game. South pounced on a weak header back

,rounded Grant Shelton, and walked the ball into the net for

a well deserved hat trick As dispiriting the result and

performance was it only goes to prove that there are simply

no easy games in this division and there will be few harder

places to visit than Frickley. For all that the Rams will have to

find a way to match physically strong direct teams on surfaces

that do not aid their quick short passing game.

p

4 - 2Westfield Lane

27th September 2014

Att: 215

Rammy Goals: Robinson (22), Mota (39)

Frickley Goals: South (57, 70, 81), Cyrus (73)

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Back in blue and sporting

his new hairstyle - Gary

Stopforth returns to the

team

p

With a record of five wins and defeats from their

first ten matches so far this season the Rams have

been slower to the draw than Gary Cooper at the

OK Corral but will have come away from this

fiercely contested match content with a point that

puts them up into 5th position.

For long periods Curzon dominated possession

without ever being able to muster any concerted

pressure against a well organised Rams team

benefiting from the welcome return of Gary

Stopforth and an increasingly confident central

partnership of Steve Howson and Cedric Krou.

e only clear cut chance in the first 45 minuted

fell to Jordan Hulme who was released in to the

box following an exchange of slick passes with

Tom Williams only to slice his shot wide. Apart

from that neither goal was threatened until Grant

Shenton was forced into smart save from Niall

Cummins on the stroke of half time.

A flurry of substitutions shortly after half time

gave the Rams some control. Scott Burton on for

Tom Williams managed to force the Rams higher

up the pitch and they were rewarded with a goal

after 62 minutes Jordan Hulme taking advantage

of indecision on the part of Hakan Burton in the

Curzon goal to nick the ball away and square it

back to Grant Spencer who slid the ball into an

empty net. Osebi Abadki who generally found

possession hard to come by almost doubled the

lead 4 minuted later carving out space on the edge

of the box to get away a shot destined for the top

corner until palmed away by the goalkeeper. e

superiority was shot lived. All too often this season

the Rams have gifted goals from careless

distribution in their defensive third and free kicks

conceded around the box and general

vulnerability from set pieces. Tonight was no

different and after 71 minutes a combination of

the two resulted in Matthew Warburton 's well

crafted free kick curled in around the wall from

from 25 yards or so.

On 73 minutes Lee Pugh was sent off on two

yellows following a rash challenge on the half way

line. It was inevitable that Curzon would press

strongly after that but resolute resistance by the

Rams to a prolonged aerial assault kept Curzon at

bay and and the nearest either team came to a

winner was when Jordan Hulme skipped in from

the left and beat the keeper from 18 yards only to

see his shot spin wide off the post.

Beaten only once in the last six league games the

Rams are looking comfortable in a division in

which anybody can be beat anybody on any given

day. Playing Jordan Hulme alone up front came

out of necessity and has worked well but for once

for all his hard work and endeavour he too often

found himself isolated and crowded out of

possession . For all that the balance of the team

does not yet feel quite right nobody could argue

that this result represents anything other than an

impressive start for a newly promoted team now

almost a quarter of the way into the season.

1 - 1Harry Williams Riverside Stadium

23rd September 2014

Att: 309

Rammy Goals: Spencer (61)

Curzon Ashton Goals: Warburton (71)

p

Every now and then we get an away day

where everything falls into place, both on

and off the pitch, and our recent trip to

Ilkeston certainly fell into that category.

Me and Mrs Darkside had booked the

coach for this journey and at 11.30 we were

fighting our way through the designer

wellie-wearers who were making their way

down to the Ramsbottom Festival which

was taking place at the cricket club. On

boarding the coach I was pleased to see it

was pretty much full with the players at the

back and us Ultras taking our seats up the

front. As the coach set off I stashed my

beers, for later consumption, and started to

tuck into my bacon and sausage buttie

(with a smidgen of tomato sauce) that Mrs

Darkside had bought me from Mannings

(that must be a free steak pie they owe me

for advertising). I sat myself next to

Carlsberg, as I knew he would not help

himself to my Morrisons own brand, cheap

lagers, unlike some

others on the

coach.

I had Callum and

Olla from Rammy

TV sat behind me

as we headed up

the M62 into West

Yorkshire and

Callum was soon

filming for a ‘fly on

the wall’ film he was making about the day

(available on YouTube). Despite the never

ending 50 mph restrictions on the M62, we

made good progress and not long after

12.00 we were on the M1 (S). As it was gone

mid-day I decided to crack open a beer (no

one can accuse me of being a morning

drinker) and shared a couple out with Paul

Whizz and Uncle Dave. I thought I had

brought the cheapest beers along on the

journey, but then noticed Martin was

tucking into a discount price, St Etienne,

like he was 8 Ace from the Viz comics.

Despite getting stuck in traffic on the M1

we arrived in deepest, darkest Derbyshire

before 2.00 and I went with Olla and

Callum to pick up their press passes and get

them set up on the rather impressive

gantry they have at Ilkeston. After ensuring

they were OK, I made my way to the bar,

stopping only to purchase a programme.

Now, I’m not one to criticise another clubs

programme and realise not every one can

include the high quality journalism you are

currently reading, but this one had a

particularly poor amount of content.

Before I get accused of moaning too much,

I later bought some of the home made

curry and chips which was available inside

the ground and was well worth the £3.00 it

cost me. Despite Mrs Darkside claiming my

last chip, it was a thoroughly enjoyable

meal and set me up nicely for a couple of

from the darksidedarren comer reports on the latest

rammy ultras adventures

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from the darksidepints in the Ilkeston club bar. In the bar, I

opted for a Mansfield Dark Ale which went

down a little too easy, but was a very tasty

beer and I easily managed another couple

before making my way onto the terraces

for the kick off.

I spent the 1st half down the side of the

pitch with our beloved Chairman Harry

and despite a goalless first 45 minutes,

nobody was complaining about the

quality of entertainment we had been

offered. Well, that’s everyone apart from a

lone Ilkeston fan who seemed to think the

best way of supporting his team was to

abuse the opposition players. Luckily, this

did not last too long and he was soon

shouted down by Mick and Andy Massey

and to quote Mick, “every village has an

idiot”.

If the 1st half had been goalless, the 2nd

half more than made up for it as the goals

started to fly in. Rammy always seemed to

be in control once we had taken the lead

and with 10 minutes to go we were cruising

at 4-2 and threatening to score even more

goals. e Ultras, who had been in fine

voice all afternoon, started their

celebrations behind the goal that Rammy

were attacking with a rendition of ‘Sheep

Said No, Rammy’ with myself, Mick and

Carlsberg helped out by Young Jack and

Young Jake who were in fine voice. We even

managed quite a few choruses of the

‘Jonno/Bernard’ song and dance routine

which should have cemented our places on

the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

When the whistle went for full time the

team got a well-deserved, rousing applause

from the large away following, which they

reciprocated fully. One of the great things

about following this club is that you know

the players and management genuinely

appreciate the time and money we spend

on following them, unlike higher up the

leagues when it seems the players are

sometimes just paying lip service to their

travelling fans.

At the final whistle we made our way

back to the bar as very happy Rams,

although this took longer than it should, as

it seemed every Ilkeston supporter wanted

to shake our hands and congratulate us on

winning a very entertaining game. Another

wonderful aspect to watching football at

this level is that we often meet like-minded,

opposition supporters and the Ilkeston

support really were a different class. e

atmosphere in the club bar after the game

was buzzing with many of the travelling

Ultras staying back to wait for the players

and get the coach back to Lancashire. e

atmosphere only improved when we got

back on the coach and found out Bernard

had asked the coach driver to go to a local

supermarket during the game to get some

beers for the journey home. (a special

thanks to our coach driver who regularly

takes us on our away journeys, you are a

legend, Sir). So, as we set off home we were

faced with £150 worth of booze which

really got the party going and the trip

home was one of much singing, drinking

and general merriment from all the

supporters and players.

We arrived back in Rammy about 8.00

(time had stopped becoming an issue at

this point) and managed to get free entry

into the Rammy Festival. We went in the

back door of the cricket club, got ourselves

a drink, and went out the front door to

make our way to the tent where our very

own UkePunk was due on stage. e

atmosphere was electric in the tent with a

mass of Ultras and Paul did a great set,

finishing with ‘Message to you Rudy’ which

made for a perfect end to a perfect day.

p

From reading the articles elsewhere in

this week’s programme, I can see that it

struck a number of people who travelled

to Trafford just how the Rammy Family is

expanding. It’s always brilliant to go to

away games and see the same faces, but

the scale of the support which braved

that awful Trafford Centre traffic to watch

the Rams was absolutely incredible, and

it felt like a home game.

In one respect I’m a little disappointed

that we didn’t spend another season or

two in the division below - not because I

don’t appreciate the quality of football

we’re now experiencing, or the immense

achievement of the lads in attaining

promotion, but because the away games

are now such an ordeal, and are

inaccessible to a good number of our

supporters. It’s no mean feat getting

yourself to Whitby on a Tuesday night,

and this has affected our travelling

numbers a little, in contrast with the 100+

at the relatively local derby of Trafford.

What I also find encouraging when I

look around the Rammy Faithful is the

number of women who have hopped

onto the charabanc with us - not just

footy wives who come along cos their

fella is here, but real supporters who really

know their stuff about footy. I think it

shows that Rammy are doing something

supporters clubon the terraces of rammy

Gary Stopforth’s

folks proudly

supporting the

humble midfielder

p

right and are playing the kind of football

that people appreciate. e same has to be

said about the kids and teenagers that are

more than happy to come and watch the

Rams when their first choice teams of

Rochdale or Bury are away. With both

teams doing extremely well in their

respective divisions, I think it’s a real

compliment that these fans enjoy

watching the way we play football.

I suppose that one of the most

important things about Rammy is the

‘Rammy Family’ atmosphere that we all

play such a huge part in creating and

enjoying. ere are so many families of

players, and even ex-players, that come to

our games, and there is a warm and

welcoming feeling about Rammy that

seems to be the case at many non-league

clubs.

It was lovely to see Katie and Craig at

Trafford, with Niamh already picking up

Jordan’s bad habit of sticking out the

tongue when concentrating. Gary

Stopforth’s mum was rumbled giving him

tongue-in-cheek hair-care advice for his

interview after the game, so we couldn’t

resist getting a photo of her too!

Another thing that struck me at Trafford

was the grumblings amongst their fans,

even before they were chasing the game. I

always find this a bit off-putting, and have

a habit of telling these people to support

their team or keep their gobs shut, but my

mouth has a habit of getting me in trouble

so I managed to button-it for once. We

have really encouraging and

supportive fans at Rammy -

fans who keep it positive,

and remain where they are

until the final whistle. I

hope this great support

continues long into the

future. May the

Rammy Family go from

strength to strength!

Katie the Physio

with husband

Craig and baby

Niamh

p

Grant SHENTON

Dominic SMALLEY

George GRAYSON

Gary STOPFORTH

Steve HOWSON

Dan WARRENDER

Tom WILLIAMS

Scott BURTON

Jon ROBINSON

Jordan HULME

Phil DEAN

Osebi ABADAKI

Malachi SLAVEN

Cedric KROU

Lee PUGH

Grant SPENCER

Lee GASKELL

Sam COOK

James MARTIN

Aaron PRIDE

Jordan NADAT

Ian ROSS

Matt VARLEY

Tom BURGIN

Aaron COLE

Steve WARNE

Jon FROGGATT

Rob STEVENSON

Kieran WALKER

Scott LOW

Bruno HOLDEN

Regan EDRIDGE

Evan GARNETT

Glyn COTTON

Managers: Anthony Johnson,

Bernard Morley

Managers: Jon Froggatt,

Mark Ward

Referee: Barry Lamb (Eccles)

Referee’s Assistants: Terry Ratcliffe (Stockport), Ian Jones (Preston)

Next home game: Saturday 18th October 3pm, Rammy v Buxton

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39 Ramsbottom United v Belper Town