43 Ramsbottom United v West Didsbury

prammynewsv WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON11-11-14

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Welcome to the Harry Williams

Riverside Stadium, and a special welcome

to our match officials and our visitors

from West Didsbury and Chorlton. e

south Manchester club has had it’s

struggles to gain a foothold on the

pyramid, but now that they have finally

managed to overcome the red tape, they

have acclimatised themselves well and

are currently members of the NWCFL

Premier Division, a league we know

plenty about!

It is perhaps a good job that the next

two matches offer us an alternative to the

stresses of league competition. Having

had a superb October, winning the Evo-

Stik Premier Division Club of the Month

award, any thoughts of complacency

have certainly been replaced with a

knowledge that football at this level still

requires some adjusting to. We were

fortunate to salvage a point against a

Workington side that, in my opinion,

looked the most organised that we have

come across to date. We then followed

that with a performance at Halesowen

that was described to me in terms that I

cannot repeat here!

e next two games offer us an

opportunity to go in search

of some silverwear, with the

final of the Lancashire

FA Trophy being played

at the home of Bolton Wanderers, whilst

the FA Trophy climaxes at Wembley. Not

bad incentives for the lads to go all out

for a sharp turnaround in this sudden dip.

We will, of course, not take West

Didsbury and Chorlton lightly. If we do,

we may finish up a little like Exeter City

last Friday!

HELPING HAND

It’s good to see the Supporters Club

encouraging anyone who can, to come

down to the ground to help out with the

many tasks that need to be taken on an

on-going basis.

It’s opened my eyes, since becoming

Secretary, as to just how much needs to

be done behind the scenes to run a

football club at this level. e amount of

work that Harry puts in, along with his

trusted helpers, is amazing, and a burden

much too large for just a handful of

volunteers. I enjoy the administration

side of things, which I mainly do in my

“spare time” in the evenings, although I

must state that even if I had time during

the day, I doubt I would be much use in

the practical side of things. I once offered

to keep a relation’s garden tidy whilst

they were away for some time, but when

they returned they were aghast to see

plenty of weeds but not as many flowers

as when they had left.

tony cunninghamand the wonderful world of

non-league football

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At one of my former clubs, I volunteered to

paint the dressing room doors, only to be met

by the quizzical remarks from the secretary

wanting to know who had left a painting of

South Africa on one of the doors!

So whilst I am quite at home at a desk,

painting and gardening (indeed any kind of

DIY) is definitely not my strong point.

But for those who feel they can spare a little

time, it really would be appreciated, as it

would help reduce the ridiculous work-load

currently valiantly undertaken by those

previously referred to. On top of that, the

feeling of “belonging” to the Rams would be

even greater. A win-win situation then!

NON-LEAGUE

Richard commented in the last programme

about the word “Non-League” and why it is a

term used for so many clubs and leagues.

I am able to answer the query, and whilst

accepting that it does seem rather strange to

call clubs who play in leagues “non-league”,

that’s not quite the reasoning.

ere is a word missing in the description,

and that word is “Football”. Non-League

actually refers to all clubs who are not

members of the “Football League” – hence in

the fuller term “Non-Football League”. It was

used quite simply to differentiate between

clubs playing within the Football League and

all those playing outside, in the various

leagues up and down the country.

Which actually has me thinking. As the

Football League now begins with the

Championship, and extends through Leagues

One and Two, we could make a case out for

all clubs playing in the Premier League to also

be referred to as “Non-League”. Wonder how

the Man U’s, Chelseas and Arsenals would feel

about that?!

Enjoy your non-league football!

The Workington defence being very well organised

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Late Sunday evening we were surprised and

disappointed to learn that after fifteen years in

professional and non-league football, Joel Pilkington has

decided to hang up his boots.

Back at the start of the 2009 season Joel joined the

Rams as Johnno and Bernard’s first signing, and he has

since played over 220 matches for the club. I’m sure we

speak for everyone when we say that his skill,

commitment and professionalism will be sorely missed.

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glenn

Good evening and welcome to the Harry

Williams Riverside Stadium for this

evening’s Lancashire County Cup game

against West Didsbury & Chorlton. We

welcome everybody involved with our

visitors -hope you all enjoy your visit to

Rammy and have a safe journey home

later.

is evening gives us the opportunity to

get back on the horse, as the saying goes,

after what was both a dissapointing result

and performance with our first defeat in

eight games at the hands of a very hard-

working Halesowen side on Saturday.

After our recent run we hope Saturday

was just a bad day at the office. At this

level if one or two lads have an off day

then you really struggle, so when six or

seven don’t reach the levels they regularly

achieve then you really are up against it,

and to be fair it doesn't happen that often.

I must mention the traveling support

which again on Saturday was fantastic. It

truly is a massive lift for everyone to hear

our fans in fine voice. Its a shame we

couldn't get the right result for you but

your reputation is growing - even the

Halesowen twitter feed commented on

how good our following is.

Saturday sees us travel over to Nantwich

in another massive F.A. Trophy game. As a

squad we really want to progress in this

competition so hopefully there will be

another big following and you can cheer

us onto victory.

So onto tonight. We are expecting a

keenly fought contest in what should be

an entertaining fixture against decent

opposition - I’m sure you'll all enjoy the

game and hopefully a victory which puts

into the next round.

Enjoy the game

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First things first - Lee Gaskell got a nasty

knock on the head at Halesowen. Was it

as bad as it seemed, and do you know

how he is?

Lee took an elbow to the head which

resulted in him getting a nasty gash. He

went to hospital after the game to get it

treated. Just a couple of stitches I would

think, nothing too serious to worry

about.

It was a really tough game against a

strong team. How did it feel to you?

I think the conditions were a leveller

and the playing surface perhaps didn't

suit us as a team, but we won a league

playing on pitches like that in the

counties so we can't put too much blame

on that. ey seemed to want it that

little bit more than us from the kick off -

maybe it was down to the lack of

warming up facilities but we didn't quite

get started quick enough. Now we move

on as it’s a long season.

A bit of a change of formation, with the

wide players being sacrificed in favour of

some more strength. It's hard to tell

if it was working, as Gaskell went

off so early - what were your

thoughts on the starting

lineup, what we were trying to

achieve, and whether it

seemed to be working.

e gaffer decided to make changes

due to the size and condition of the

pitch. Every player in the changing room

knows the lads brought in have as high a

quality as those they were replacing. I

think the gaffers made the changes to

battle a notoriously physical team and if

Gaskell would have stayed on then who

knows what would have happened. As a

player I have 100% confidence in both

mangers’ decisions. I don't think we

would be competing in this league with

out tough decisions made by them. And

I speak for all the lads in the changing

room on that.

Workington last Tuesday were also a

strong and organised side, albeit with

little flare or creativity. ese are the

kinds of teams that we always used to

struggle against and face less often

nowadays. Do you think this week's blip

is simply down to that?

You could be right, but I think the

reason we remember the games like

Tuesday and Saturday is because of the

high standard we have set as a team and

as a club -we can live up to that because

we have the talent. In August if we would

have been offered 4th in league come

November we would have taken it. I'm

confident we can rough it with these

types of teams so I don't fear we lack the

ability to beat those who play that way.

grant shentonshouting from between the sticks

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With the pressure mounting on us

to maintain our position in the league

is it nice, or just a distraction to have

a couple of cup games on the

bounce?

Playing games is good

whether it's cup or league.

winning becomes a habit so two

cup wins will be good to takes

us into the next league game.

So I hoping for a couple of good

cup runs.

Personally I think that

tonight's opposition will prove

tougher than Nantwich on

Saturday, due to the different styles

of football and the likelihood that

West Didsbury and Chorlton will

be out to prove themselves. What

do you reckon will be the tougher tie?

It's an element of the unknown

tonight so could prove to be a difficult

game whereas on Saturday we knew

what they were about and how to

approach that game. ere aren't

many easy games in the cup so we will

treat both games with the same level

of professionalism.

If either game goes to penalties, are

you allowed to take all five?

If it goes to pens my hand will be

raised high. But all five? I wish I'd

back my self every time but all lads

will just roll their eyes as they are

getting bored of my “I'm best

striker in changing room” story.

at being said I'd much

prefer to save a few rather

than scoring one.

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Even Robbo struggled to find a way through

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At the final whistle the home crowd drafted away

content with the thought that this was very much a

point gained rather than two lost against a team who

gave by far the most classy ,compact and complete

performance that the Rams have come up against so far

this season. e Rams were not at their best. Like Les

Dawson at the piano playing all the right notes but in

the wrong order they struggled from first to last to bring

any harmony or cohesion to their game but it is to their

immense credit that where has in times past once

behind they might have capitulated to a team of this

quality hey battled to grab the point in the dying

moments.

Both teams set up in similar ways and quick into the

tackle all around the pitch so it is not surprising that the

flow of the game was sporadic and chances few and far

between at either end. e nearest either team came to

scoring in a largely uneventful first half was when a snap

shot on to the bar caught Grant Shenton unawares and

he was fortunate to see the rebound put wide. Apart

from that with both sets of fullbacks dominant neither

team was able to get behind the defence or runners

beyond the front men and while the Rams had the

majority of the possession little came of it.

at pattern continued in to the second half and what

few illusions remained that ultimately this might be

another comfortable evening in the Riverside armchair

were blown away on the hour when Scott Allison

ghosted in on a header back and pushed the ball past a

stranded Shenton into the corner of the net.

1 - 1e Harry Williams Riverside Stadium

4th November2014

Att: 250

Rammy Goals: Hulme (82)

Workington Goals: Allison (57)

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Cedric politely asks Lee Pugh for the ball

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e managerial reponse from the Rams was immediate

with Lee Gaskell and Jon Robinson on to see if they

could muster a repeat of the Whitby heroics.

Workington however stiffened their resolve, pushed up

into an even higher defensive line and marshaled and

lead superbly by player manager Gavin Skelton

prevented the Rams from building any sustained

momentum. Jordan Hulme cutting in from the left saw

his strong shot beaten away by Jonny Jameson but the

Workington keeper was otherwise rarely troubled and

looking assured apart from some hairy moments

caused by his own poor clearances.

Sheer willpower from the Rams eventually forced the

visitors on to the back foot. With 7 minutes remaining

Jordan Hulme met a Lee Gaskell header from a Tom

Williams corner at the far post and slid the ball in from

close range but at the most acute of angles for the

equaliser. ere were thoughts of an improbable win

but with the visitors looking just as likely to score again

on the break the final whistle brought a sense of

relief.Come the end of the season and with the Rams

now up to third this result if not the performance may

well be seen of not inconsiderable importance.

1 - 1e Harry Williams Riverside Stadium

4th November2014

Att: 250

Rammy Goals: Hulme (82)

Workington Goals: Allison (57)

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A lesson in how to defend - Workington put ten men behind the ball

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west didsbury & chorltonwho are ya?

West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC have

come a long way in their 105 years since 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. e club was placed in

Divisions 1 and A, staying in the top flight for

25 seasons. e first honours were double

runners up in Div One and Rhodes Cup in

1922/23, and the club remained in the L+C

League until 2006, winning many honours and

providing four League Presidents along the

way.

e club changed its name in 2003 to reflect

the new location in Chorlton and the was

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 the centenary year. at 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.

With a new management team led by Andy

Nelson, 2009/10 was very successful and

honours spread throughout the club. e first

team won the Murray Shield (the third

consecutive year in the final) and was league

runners-up.

In 2010/2011 the first team won the

Manchester League First Division title in style

with a fantastic 65 points out of 72 possible.

is ranks as one of the highest points totals

per game in Manchester League history dating

back over a century.

Further improvements 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 seven club.

Election to the NWCFL followed in June 2012

and the club had an incredible first season

winning the Division One Trophy, finishing in

3rd position after an amazing run in during

March and April to secure promotion and

also winning a guaranteed FA Cup place.

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.

e first few months of the season have

been ‘full on’ with two games a week most

weeks since mid July and the same intensity

and frequency of games in the NWCFL

Premier Division since 3rd August. Another

historic milestone was the 2-0 victory over

Abbey Hey in the club’s first ever appearance

in the FA Cup followed by a 2-1 first ever FA

Vase victory at NCEL Rossington in mid

September.

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RICK GLEAVE (Midfield) - A 25 year old

Electrical Engineer who began his career at

Manchester City, and has since played at

Blackburn Rovers, Rochdale, Formby, Leigh

Genesis and most recently Curzon Ashton. For

Liverpool he plays Futsal, which is very much

like five-a-side but with a smaller ball. is

makes him a tricky midfielder who is very

capable in tight play situations.

CHRIS McDONAGH (Forward) - Rammy fans

will remember Chris McDonagh from his time

at Curzon Ashton. It’s almost exactly a year

since his jaw was broked in a collision with the

Salford City keeper, requiring surgery and a

metal plate to be inserted into his face. His

former clubs include Bolton Wanderers, Leigh

RMI, Woodley Sports and Mossley. He’s

currently banging in a decent number of goals

for West Didsbury & Chorlton, and is a big

threat.

SCOTT MASON (Midfield) - A teacher now in

his second season for the club after starting out

at Bolton Wanderers and playing for Leigh,

Cammell Laids and Irlam after a short break

from the game. Normally a defender, Mason

was asked to play in midfield for West Didsbury

and Chorlton, and has really made the position

his own.

STEVE SETTLE (Defender) - Steve is 31-year-old

assistant manager and utility player with

experience of playing at a number of Evostik

clubs, including Witton, Mossley, Curzon

Ashton and Bamber Bridge, as well as time at

Leigh. Since joining the club last season, Steve

has been learning the managerial ropes and is

looking to ultimately further his career off the

pitch. On the pitch he is a ‘jack of all trades’

who is comfortable in just about any position.

fou

r to

wat

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Photos courtesy of John Churchman

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back in 2009rammy v nelson in the

Lancashire Cup

Richard has kindly loaned us a stack of

Rammy United programmes going back

through his award-winning reign as

programme editor. While flicking through

these we came across the Lancashire Cup

programme for Rammy v Nelson back on

22nd September 2009. We’d just beaten Bacup

3-0 in front of a bumper 93 crowd up at Cow

Toot Lane, and were a month on from the

infamous 5-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle

Town - the first game for new young

management duo Bernard Morley and

Anthony Johnson (a defeat which still reigns

supreme as our worst under their

stewardship!). e team-sheet lists among its

number the recent signings of Joel Pilkington,

Phil Dean, Jon Robinson and Andy Dawson as

well as club stalwarts such as Barry

Shuttleworth and John Blackley. Someone

called Anthony Johnson was top scorer, with

40-year-old non-league legend Barry Massey

still limping his way through matches for the

Rams.

I’ve never been a fan of those ‘25 years

ago today’ features that you get in

football programmes up and

down the country - mainly

because I’ve never heard of any

of the players - but this

programme is a real gem, and

I’d like to take the liberty of

reproducing some bits of it here.

I hope you find it interesting.

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1. Before changing to Cantilever park, what was the name of

Warrington Town’s ground?

2. Whch team knocked Morecambe out of the FA Cup?

3. What is the suffix of Norton & Stockton?

4. Who has been named as the new top man at the Football

Conference?

5. Name the manager placed on “gardening leave” by Lincoln City

6. What colours do Chelmsford City play in?

7. Which club plays at Queensgate?

8. What is so unusual about Q7’s answer?

9. Who is the manager of Goole AFC?

10. Which Welsh club plays at e Rock?

ANSWERS: 1. Loushers lane 2. Dover Athletic 3. Ancients 4. Brian Barwick 5. Gary Simpson 6. Maroon and white

7. Scarborough 8. It’s in Bridlington not Scarborough! 9. Curtis Woodhouse 10. Cefn Druids

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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 TOWN 4-2 371 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Stopforth Howson KrouSat 18th Oct H BUXTON 2-0 470 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Stopforth Howson KrouTues 21st Oct H WHITBY TOWN 4-0 237 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Stopforth Howson KrouSat 25th Oct A Marine 3-1 366 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson 2 RobinsonSat 1st Nov A Whitby Town FAT 1Q 2-1 233 Shenton Smalley * Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouTues 4th Nov H WORKINGTON 1-1 250 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouSat 8th Nov A Halesowen Town 0-2 358 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouTues 11th Nov H WEST DIDS Lancs CupSat 15th Nov A Nantwich FAT 2QTues 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 UNITEDSun 28th Dec H SKELMERSDALEThu 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

Tonight’s Lancashire Trophy Fixtures:

Bamber Bridge v Kendal

Clitheroe v Nelson

Radcliffe v AthertonCollieries

Doodson Cup (with NPL Premier teams involved):

Ashton v Salford

Belper v Grantham

Blyth v Frickley

Coalville v Stamford

Droylsden v Trafford

Kings Lynn v Lincoln

Matlock v Ilkeston

Nantwich v Stourbridge

Newcastle v Halesowen

Norton/Tividale v Stafford

Prescot v Buxton

Rushall v Chasetown

Witton v Kidsgrove

Workington v Skelmersdale

fixtures & results 2014/15

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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 *Abadaki 1 * Burton Hulme # Spencer + Dean 2 Williams * Mota Slaven Robinson 1+ Gaskell #Abadaki 1 * Burton Hulme Spencer # Dean 1 + Williams + Mota * Slaven Robinson # PughAbadaki + Burton Hulme 1# Spencer * Dean 1 Williams * Mota Gaskell + Robinson #1 PughAbadaki 1 Pilkington * Hulme Spencer # Dean + Williams + Mota # Gaskell Slaven * PiacentileAbadaki # Burton Hulme + Spencer 1 Dean Williams Mota Gaskell # Robinson + Pilkington *Abadaki + Burton Hulme 1 Spencer * Dean # Pilkington Williams # Mota Gaskell + Robinson *Robinson # Burton Hulme Gaskell * Pilkington + Dean + Abadaki # Spencer * Mota Piacentile

fixtures & results 2014/15

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If your face is featured then congratulations, you’ve just won yourself a cup of

tea and a Mars Bar courtesy of Rammy United Supporters Club. Visit the tea

bar now to claim your magnificent prize!

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Lee P

ughLee P

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rammy in exilesky sports statto richard isaacs

Good evening one and all - hope you are

all well, as ever.

It maybe with a sigh of relief to know

that I am not at tonight's game! I am

beginning to wonder whether I am

becoming some kind of Jonah to the

Ramsbottom United cause and maybe I

will be better served peering over the

fence to watch the team rather than

standing on the terraces.

Having won the previous six games and

been crowned Club of the Month, I decide

to rock up for the Workington game for

my birthday and see us preside over a

difficult 1-1 draw and then, en route back

to Southampton on Saturday afternoon,

peeled off at junction 3 of the M5 to

ensure a very tough 90 minutes at

Halesowen. So, is it me? If we go on to

win tonight's game, maybe I should

postpone my next planned excursion up

north - which is going to be Saturday at

Nantwich in the FA Trophy.

However, this was the first time that I

have had a chance to sample the delights

that are a Rammy away day. And

what a cracking day it was too

(result apart). We drove down and got

to the outskirts of Halesowen for

about 2pm. I called Little Katie to find

out where everyone was and was

directed in by a lovely local lady who

was sat with the Rammy crowd.

ank you very much for your help

getting us there.

What a brilliant pub! e Waggon &

Horses, an extremely rustic pub which you

would fully expect to be full of local folk

suddenly became Rammy Ultras HQ. It

was such a brilliant pub that it actually

sloped down with the hill that it was on

in the confines of the establishment.

Superb ... you are actually trying to stand

up at the bar without sliding down!!!

en the short drive to the ground and

the match itself. I loved it - the

atmosphere at away games is fantastic

although, given the situation of the game

and in an atmosphere that reminded me

so much of a match we played at New

Mills a number of years ago (I think it was

the one we got smashed 5-1 in), it was still

terrific fun singing, shouting, chanting and

swearing alongside Darren, Carlsberg,

Paul, Joanne, Katie and Andy and

everyone else whose names escape me.

It is such a delight to see our fan base

growing like it is. Back in the dark old days

of crowds of Bacup size, the only person

shouting would be me. Now, there is a

real family atmosphere, lots of singing, lots

of songs (Sheep said No Rammy, sheep

said noooooooooo etc) and a great, fun,

enjoyable time to be had. Even Harry gets

involved (ere's only one Harry Williams

... followed normally by ank **** for

that!!!!!!).

And then home afterwards. In fact, I

was home from the game before the

Rammy fun bus (which I am guessing

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wasn't a huge amount of fun on Saturday

night) got back to Rammy. But, I had an

amazing day of it and am looking

forward to the next one, on Saturday - if

I am allowed to come.

And so it is back to work at home,

watching the India v Sri Lanka one-day

international on the TV and listening to

the bands playing for Rememberance

Sunday just about 400 yards away from

my flat in Watts Park, where

Southampton's Cenetaph is situated.

Had a really enjoyable trip north once

again - my second home! Pleasant dinner

on Wednesday in Derby then the sadness

of the funeral for Alan West, the

Lancashire County Cricket Club scorer,

on ursday which was fantastically

attended by a great many people,

including Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff and

the tv and radio commentator John

Gwynne amongst many others from the

world of cricket, both county and

Lancashire League.

Friday was a little day of shopping,

including visiting Bury Market and

Oswaldtwistle Mills (for their brilliant

'Slimmers Choice' sausages) and then

down to the superb fireworks display

across the other side of the fence. What

a superb occasion that was, with a good

number of people attending and

enjoying the rockets and whizz-bangs!

I just don't know what it is about the

place but as soon as you see the sign at

junction 1 of the M66 and you see the

town from high on the hill as you drive

down towards it, there is a certain sense

of pride, of happiness that it feels like you

are coming 'home'.

Because Ramsbottom is home. My

football home!

ose heady Northwest Counties days - when

even e Bacup Fan wouldn’t pay to get in!

p

p

p

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

my

unite

dm

eet t

he la

ds

p

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

p

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

p

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

p

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 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.

Nelson MOTA Alex PIACENTILE

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.

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

p

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.

Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY

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.

Darren GREEN

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

p

2 - 0e Grove

8th November 2014

Att: 358

Rammy Goals:

Halesowen Goals: Christie (13), Turner (42)

p

is was a bad day in the depths of the

Black Country for the Rams who saw their

unbeaten run going back to the balmy

days of September brought to a pretty

unceremonious end. Any suggestion that

they are punching above their weight in

terms of league position would be

subjected to no little and quite justified

dispute. However what is beyond doubt is

that in practical as distinct from allegorical

terms there is no doubt that they are not

a physically imposing teams, and it is

significant that all of their less impressive

performances to date have been against

bigger and stronger opponents, such as

Halesown.

Perhaps sensing the nature of the

challenge in front of them on a heavy pitch

the Rams adopted a different approach

from previous matches favouring the

triple strike force of Hulme Robinson and

Gaskell, which had served them well in the

closing stages of the previous two

matches, rather than the wide threat of

Abadaki and Dean, and bringing in the

relatively more muscular Pilkington in

place of Spencer. Whether that strategy

might have worked over 90 minutes will

never now be known due to Lee Gaskell

receiving a nasty head wound and having

to be substituted after 20 minutes. e

question might be open to debate as by

then the Rams were already a goal down,

Iseyden Christie, the vastly experienced

Halesowen number 9, having seized on an

under hit back pass from Jon Robinson

which stuck on the heavy surface and

calmly slotting past Grant Shenton.

e home team were adept at denying

the Rams mid field any time or space,

often double stacking markers on Gary

Stopforth and Scott Burton, hurrying and

harrying them in rare moments of

possession and preventing the full backs

from making any forward progress beyond

the half way line to provide attacks with

width. e closest and indeed only time

the Rams came to scoring in the first

period was a firm shot from Jordan Hulme,

well tipped over by Matt Sargeant but any

hope that would mark the first buds of a

renaissance were snuffed out moments

later when Christie found space on the left

against an isolated Lee Pugh and put in a

low cross turned in at close range by Elliott

Turner.

e situation was as bleak as the

surroundings but the Rams are as

indefatigable as their boisterous hard core

group of travelling fans. ere was a spark

of hope at a revival just short of the hour

when Grant Spencer drilled home from

close range but his sheepish glance at the

linesman served only to confirm the flag

for offside. Halesowen continued to

exploit the Rams weakness to strong

running onto long diagonal balls - Grant

Shenton doing well to twice deny Christie,

first dropping on a close range effort and

then saving a firm shot with his feet. By

this stage the Rams had reverted to the

wide approach and with the home team

looking to be running out of steam and

resorting to hoofed kicks out of the

ground as their prime defensive move it

looked that if they could grab a goal a

second might follow. e ball simply

refused to fall or bounce kindly in the box

and Sargeant was safe and secure on the

few occasions they managed to get a firm

shot on target and the threat petered out.

After the match there was comment that

it was men against boys. It was certainly

all a bit like Marciano against opponents

several stone heavier - brave but ultimately

bloodied.

p

“Giant soullessplastic stadiumwith a crap pitch”

p

e giant corporate box that is Wembley came under fire again

this week, with Roy Hodgson raising the issue of the pitch having

to face an NFL match just six days before England play a crucial

Euro 2016 qualifier. Sunday's match between Jacksonville Jaguars

and Dallas Cowboys was the third NFL match at Wembley this

year and yet another money-raiser to help pay for the “Giant,

soulless plastic stadium with a crap pitch,” as one tweeter so

eloquently put it before spending three hours queueing for a tube

train to ferry him back into central London.

"I don't really think you could expect me to say 'excellent,

delighted, well done'," said Hodgson. "If I was asked if it was a

good thing or not, I would have to say not."

e pitch was repeatedly re-laid during Fabio Capello’s reign, at

a cost of £90,000 a time, after Capello gave the F.A. a piece of his

mind regarding its condition, and things haven’t improved since

then. In fact, as well as an NFL game five days before England play

their last Euro 2006 qualifier next year, the pitch will have faced

two Rugby World Cup ties as well as the Rugby League Challenge

Cup final.

ere’s no doubting that rugby takes its toll on a football pitch,

but at least Wembley has incredible drainage as well as a team of

highly-trained groundsmen. In the photo on this page you can

see that before the teams have even left the pitch (though

admittedly, the corporate suits are already tucking into their

prawn sandwiches) - you can count no fewer than thirteen

groundsmen going at the far penalty area with forks.

After last Tuesday’s game again Workington, Harry and his band

of loyal Men With Forks, spent virtually all day on the pitch, and

only managed to replace the divots on about a quarter of it. A

heck of a lot of work goes into keeping our pitch in better shape

than Wembley’s, and Harry, Trevor, Jack etc do an incredible job.

...and so, the appeal goes out... if you can spare even as little as

an hour of your time to help Harry look after our fantastic ground

then please get yourself down with a fork any day of the week

from 11am and help give him a lift.

Meanwhile, enjoy tonight’s match, played in a characterful, soul-

filled stadium with a fantastic pitch!

p

e Halloween weekend saw e Rams

drawn to play away in the Goth Capital of

the World against Whitby Town, and after

a suggestion by Peter ‘Captain’ Tayloron the

forum, it was designated as Wizard Hat Day

for the travelling Ultras. As the lovely, little

town of Whitby was also hosting the Goth

Weekend we had decided we would join in

the spooky shenanigans and the week

before saw the fans forum full of posts with

people trying to work out what others

would be wearing.

It was an early start for the coach trip up

to North Yorkshire, with the fans keeping

their outfits out of sight until we reached

our destination. It was an unusually sunny,

warm day for the time of year and the

atmosphere on the coach reflected the

weather with everyone in good spirits (pun

intended). Like our previous trip to Whitby

earlier in the season, the 2 ½ hour trip

passed quickly and we arrived at the

ground not long

after midday, which

was the green light

for people to

change into their

Halloween outfits.

So, as we started to

make the short

walk into the

centre we had the

sight of Andy

‘Gandalf’ Massey and his better half, Hilary

‘e Ice Queen’ Massey and Steve ‘e

Scream’ Heard, in amongst the Wizard Hat

Brigade. I had opted for a grotesque, rubber

rams head and soon we were fitting in

nicely with the thousands in the town

centre.

Our first port of call was down by the

harbour where we found a chippy to

sample some of the world famous Whitby

fish and chips. After queueing for quite a

while we were sat outside tucking into our

fayre and watching a whole host of ghosts,

ghouls and goths walk by which created a

wonderful atmosphere in the town. After

finishing our food we made our way to a

little pub nearby which was serving the

local Samuel Smiths beers at a more than

value for money £1.80 a pint which meant

that it was a very, merry group of Rammy

Ultras who made their way back to ground

a hour or so later. e highlight of our visit

to this nice, little pub (apart from the price

of the beer) was when a group of

Darlington supporters (on their way to

Scarborough for their game) came in and

immediately went back out due to it being

“full of bloody Ramsbottom fans” (Darlo,

we know you are a MASSIVE club who

should be in the Premier League and

Champions League, but you really do have

to get over that play-off defeat to our ‘tiny’

team)

from the darksidedarren comer reports on the latest

rammy ultras adventures

p

from the darkside

We got on the ground in time to cheer

the lads out onto the pitch and we all

gathered together down the side that

Rammy were attacking in the 1st half. e

players seemed to be really up for the

game and set about the Whitby defence

from the opening minute and it was no

surprise when Spenner opened the scoring

after 15 minutes. I would like to describe

the goal, but I was in the toilet at the time

and completely missed it (damn you,

Samuel Smith and your £1.80 pints)

Despite the early goal and almost total

dominance by the Rams they could not

build on the lead, mainly due to the 19

year old, Shane Bland in the Whitby goal

and don’t be surprised if you see him

playing much higher up the football

pyramid pretty soon. Blands heroics and a

Whitby equaliser on one of their rare

attacks meant that we had plenty to

ponder over in the club house at half time.

It was a much improved Whitby who

came out for the 2nd half and the game

could have gone either way. e various

spooks in the travelling support had made

their way to other end of the ground and

were still making plenty of noise and

willing the lads to get that winning goal in

match that was really on a knife-edge. at

is until 20 minutes from time when a

stroke of genius by Jonno and Bernard saw

Rammy change formation with Gassy and

Robbo coming on to join Jordan in a 3

pronged attack. After this it was all attack

from the lads and again only Bland in the

Whitby goal keeping us from snatching a

winning goal.

Still got a cob on! - Darlington fans blaming everyone but themselves six months ago

p

en, just as we were planning for a replay

the following Tuesday, Robbo managed to

get through to snatch an injury time winner.

is was the cue for pandemonium on the

terraces from the Ultras and many

complaints from the Whitby support about

an offside decision that never came.

Back in the Whitby club bar after the game

the mood was excellent with players, staff

and support celebrating a much deserved

progression into the next round and

dreaming of silverware down at e

Riverside by the season’s end. e Whitby

sponsors gave out their Man of the Match

awards and although there were a few

contenders from the Rammy team, it was a

well-deserved choice of Gaz Stopforth,

which was quite ironic as the Whitby

manager had accused him of cheating to get

a player sent off in our recent league clash

with them. As Gaz went up to collect his

award the Rammy supporters started a

chant of “cheat…

cheat…..cheat”

and justice was

clearly seen to be

done.

We were back on

the coach by 6.00,

and after a quick

beer and snacks

stop at the local

Costcutter, we

were soon making our way back to

Lancashire.

e journey home saw the debut of

Darkside’s Big Quiz where yours truly took

to the microphone to ask a range of

questions to determine who the

Mastermind of Rammy United was. As it

turned out this was Jonno and Glenn,

closely followed by Shents and Whizz, and

Tim and Steve ‘e Scream’ Heard, and I

don’t think Jonno will let any of us forget

who won for a long

time yet. A special

mention for poor

Sophie who was

partnered by

Chairman Harry for

the quiz as he had

fallen asleep before

the first round had

even finished. e

quiz helped the

journey home go by

quickly and the

usual suspects were

soon back at the

Cricket Club for a

couple more pints

before making our

weary, but merry

way home.

COYR!

from the darksidedarren comer reports on the latest

rammy ultras adventures

p

from the darkside

A big smile from Harry and Sophie as Robbo plants his face in Spencer’s Mercurial bosum

p

Nothing brings home to me just how

far Rammy has come in the last few years

than looking down some of the names,

and particularly attendances, in the

Northwest Counties League. I spent a

little while researching West Didsbury

and Chorlton for this programme as, to

be completely frank, I’ve never heard of

them, and have certainly never been to

their ground. (I hope that any West

Didsbury & Chorlton fans reading this will

forgive me my ignorance).at’s when I

got onto a bit of a trip down memory lane

- remembering that great day down at

Barnoldswick when we had the team with

watching the game from the touchline,

or the horrendous Christmas visit to

Squires Gate when ‘Beast’ had to take the

field, and Gaskell was at home watching

a dvd with his girlfriend!

ose days don’t seem so long ago - the

days when Barnoldswick was a tough

place to go, and when Glossop North End

outnumbered the Rammy fans massively.

Now, as I’m looking down the

attendances of 85, 26, and the

enormous 153 at Bacup v

the might of Runcorn

Linnets, I get more than

a little bit dizzy. at

was us three seasons

ago. We’re now getting

between 400 and 500

crowds at the Riverside,

and we’re holding our own at

places like Ilkeston and Workington.

We’ve left Runcorn Linnets, Warrington

Town, Salford City, Burscough and

Darlington behind, and are even ahead of

FC United in the table - who are

desperately trying to nick our players and

management!

Now that I’m not so ignorant of the

history of West Didsbury & Chorlton, I

can see a club that is probably feeling a

little like we are - looking back on a

history in the Manchester League and

thinking, “Blimey, we’re doing it fellas!” I

can see a club that has the makings of

something special and could just find

themselves clawing out of the Northwest

Counties League (which is the only way to

do it, I’m afraid), before going on like us,

Salford, Trafford, Mossley, New Mills and

the rest, to begin the climb up the

pyramid. From reading the stuff that

they’re getting up to, it looks like they’re

a club with their heads screwed on, and

maybe just have the ambition and

wherewithall to do it.

In my opinion, tonight is not a nice

game for us. We have a lot going on in the

league that really needs our focus, and I’m

just hoping that tonight is entertaining,

without any unnecessary aggravation or

injuries.

I hope everyone enjoys tonight’s match,

and that we get to see an entertaining

game with a hatful of goals.

supporters clubon the terraces of rammy

p

Cow Toot Lane back when

Gaskell’s shorts didn’t fit and

he wore a headband

p

Grant SHENTON

Dominic SMALLEY

Joel PILKINGTON

Gary STOPFORTH

Steve HOWSON

Cedric KROU

Osebi ABADAKI

Scott BURTON

Jordan HULME

Grant SPENCER

Phil DEAN

Jon ROBINSON

Malachi SLAVEN

Tom WILLIAMS

Lee GASKELL

Lee PUGH

Sam COOK

George GRAYSON

Jordan HITCHEN

Callum JONES

Scott JONES

Matthew ECKERSLEY

Alex BAIRD

Anthony POTTS

Adam HILTON

Rick GLEAVE

Danny SUMMERS

Chris McDONAGH

Scott MASON

Lewis SCHOFIELD

Steve SETTLE

Frasier CHILD

Sam DEE

Luke LUNDY

Managers: Anthony Johnson,

Bernard Morley

Manager: Andy Nelson

Referee: Craig Buxton

Referee’s Assistants: David Mason, Ian Walsh

Next home game: Saturday 22nd November 3pm, Rammy v Grantham Town

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Documents

43 Ramsbottom United v West Didsbury