Non league issue 20

NONLEAGUEMAGAZINE ISSUE 20 - R.R.P. £3.95

COVERSTORY

PAGE 40

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EDITORIAL AND DESIGN Contributing Editor Phil Brennan

Chief Writer

James Burch

Art Director

Nick Williams

Designer

Simon Jakes

Articles

Alan Burge Alex Bullions Dan Davison Dave Stringer James Burch Will Burch Ian Flannery Jack Wheelhouse

Photography Front Cover – NLC Alan Burge Alex Bullions Chris Tuck Dave Stringer David Tinkler Groundhopper23 Ian Flannery 767 black / shocking orange / shocking orange

Jack Wheelhouse/HUFC Jay Hart John Hopkins/Warrington Worldwide Mark Comer/YCFC Mark Lee Peter Talbot Reynardshuntinggrounds Blogspot Will Burch

Illustration Paul Mitchell

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NONLEAGUEMAGAZINE

Welcome to issue 20 of TheNonLeague, the

Frank Turner and former England cricket

football magazine for supporters of non-league

captain Alec Stewart whose family have a

football.

long association with Corinthian Casuals. We

Once again, the printed version of the last issue sold out very quickly whilst the ‘digital’ issue was read by a record audience. Our thanks go to all that read the magazine.

Our cover story features the fantastic work our partners MarathonBet continue to carry out in promoting the non-league game via their #NonLeagueChallenge. Returning for a third consecutive season, and exclusive to non-league football, The Marathonbet #NonLeagueChallenge is the chance to earn your football club a huge cash prize, a plethora

have an in-depth chat with former West Ham United youngster Ryan Briggs who these days is providing much needed help to the young players of today, plus we have a quick catch up on how Jamie Vardy’s V9 Academy has provided a pathway into the professional game for several non-league footballers.

As ever I offer my thanks to everyone that helps us to produce our magazine, without their help we would not be able to continue providing TheNonLeague magazine at such a high standard.

of media coverage and a place in the history

Should you wish to join in the fun and write,

books – all for coming up with a unique goal

or send in photos, we are always happy to

celebration. Read all about it on pages 39 to 43.

receive articles and photographs from new

Also inside Issue 20 we have features on the England national Futsal team, who are

contributors, email your details to editor@ thenonleague.com

celebrating their first ever win in the ‘four

Finally, our thanks to each and every

nations’ championship. We cover the recent

person that has purchased or read a copy

decline in the fortunes of York City, and send a

of TheNonLeague, whether it be one copy

junior reporter to League One Fleetwood Town,

or every issue, we really

a recent non-league team themselves, to cover

appreciate your support.

the FA Cup exploits of Hereford FC.

Phil Brennan - Editor

Amongst our many full length features we have an interview with popular musician If you have any ideas for articles or just want to have your say on this issue you can find us on TWITTER AND FACEBOOK

Otherwise you can contact us at: editor@thenonleague.com

@TheNonLeagueMag

@TheNonLeagueMag

Subscribe to our magazine: www.THENONLEAGUE.com The views and comments expressed inside this magazine are the personal views and comments of the individual writers and not necessarily those of Thefootballleague Magazine.

Every effort has been made to trace the source of information/illustrations and to ensure that copyright has not been infringed. We offer our sincere apologies to anyone whose name that has been inadvertently omitted. *articles and/or photos are subject to amendment and can only be used if they do not violate any copyright or personal boundaries.

cover story

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Tuesday 28th November saw over eighty guests packed into the Sponsor’s Lounge at Bower Fold for the official launch of the Stalybridge Celtic Foundation (Charity number: 1173057), along with players from the club’s over 50’s walking football team, Vintage Celtic, and also Celtic’s adult PAN-disability team.

TheNonLeague magazine joined the celebrations amongst the many delegates there, including representatives from Greater Manchester Police, Tameside MBC, The Prince’s Trust, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, Bohle Ltd, West Hill School, It’s Not Okay Tameside, People First Tameside, Celtic Juniors, Stalybridge Celtic FC, The Believe and Achieve Trust, New Charter Housing, Works 4U, Stalybridge Correspondent, Tameside Reporter, The Community Scheme, Tameside College, Brother UK, Active Tameside, Back the Bridge and Local Community Matters.

Community Development Officer, Mike Smith, delivered a presentation on the work the Foundation does in the local community, which included a speech from Dave Broxton, whose company Bohle Ltd are the foundations sponsors.

Broxton, a West Bromwich Albion supporter, was fulsome in his praise for the work that Smith has done to

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bring ‘foundation’ status to Bower Fold: “I first attended a Stalybridge Celtic game on ‘Non-league Day’ a couple of seasons ago and I was really impressed with the way the club made us feel welcome and also the family feel around the place. As a local company we are always looking at ways we can help out with sponsorship in local sport, I left my business card with a view to possibly putting some money into any community charity work that may be needed.

“Mike gave me a call but rather than just accept my cheque he insisted on us meeting up so that he could explain everything that he had in mind for the clubs ‘community’ growth.

Mike is such a passionate man that he very quickly had me on board, we are more than happy to not only put money in but to provide any other help that we can offer. We as a company are definitely in for the long haul as we believe that Mike Smith and Stalybridge Celtic are providing

the local community with something that we can all be proud of” Sue O’Brien, Project Manager at The National League Trust gave an in-depth presentation on what the Trust does nationally and how it is funded. O’Brien explained that she had approached Celtic regarding a community foundation project, and when they decided to press ahead with their plans they employed Smith, who she had already had dealings with during his years in a similar position at Stockport County: “When a club takes its first steps into this territory it helps considerably when the person they have in place has some

knowledge of what is involved, in all honesty when I discovered that Celtic had employed Mike I knew that we would not be starting from scratch as he already has a great skill set for the journey ahead” All the days delegates were invited out into the main stand to watch a demonstration of walking football by the ‘Vintage Celtic’ over 50’s walking football team. This was followed by a group photo, before all returned indoors for a question and answer session where Smith explained further, the implications of the club receiving charity status.

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#UPTHEBRIDGE Cheque Presentation Photo (from L to R) Derek Drabble (Vintage Celtic), Gerald Crossley (Trustee), Sue O’Brien (The National League Trust), Mike Smith (Community Development Officer), Mary Gibbons (Trustee) and Brian Coll (Trustee).

After the presentations, the Foundation was presented with a cheque for £40,000 from The National League Trust. This is for a twoyear period, which was awarded in March 2017 and runs until February 2019.

Smith commented ‘It was great to see so many people attend the launch of the Foundation, we are looking forward to working with them going forward as a charity. Gaining charitable status is a great achievement and will enable us to apply for pots of funding outside of the football family, giving us the opportunity to deliver more community based projects to a wider audience, the future looks good!’

All in all, a very successful morning for all concerned with Stalybridge Celtic Football Club!

For more information on the Foundation visit our website www.stalybridgecelticfoundation.uk

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G DOU D E E R

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S I L A S T FU TO E R E H … Y A ST

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Futsal is growing in popularity in the UK slowly but surely, and with The England national team winning their first ever ‘four nations’ trophy recently, TheNonLeague caught up with longtime international player Doug Reed to ask him more about the game…

With England winning the ‘Four Nations’ recently, for the first time in their history, will it be good for the growth of the game in this country?

I don’t think there will be much impact on the growth of the game as there wasn’t much coverage of the tournament. The national team is a key promotional tool for the sport and helps encourage children take up the game. There are already many youth players who are committing to the sport with the ambition to play for England.

With the friendly rivalry between the Home Nations I think it is an excellent event that people would be interested in following.

How did you first become involved in futsal?

I first discovered futsal back in 2006. I had been playing a lot of the traditional 5-a-side version played in the UK and enjoyed it. When I heard about futsal I thought I would give it a try. The intensity and speed of the

game took my enjoyment to another level and I haven’t played 11-a-side or the old 5-a-side since.

What was your football background before futsal?

I had played football my whole life and I was playing for The University of Manchester 1st Team, which included QPR’s Matt Smith, when I discovered futsal. Many of the players I grew up playing alongside are playing non-league football, but I decided to make a career in futsal.

As a futsal player you have played for clubs in several countries – how has this helped your game?

After a couple years of playing in England I realised I needed to go abroad where there is a wellestablished professional game to challenge myself. Luckily, I managed to go straight to the strongest country in the world for futsal alongside Brazil which is Spain.

My time abroad has completely changed me as a player as I learnt the tactical and technical intricacies of the sport.

Has every country been an enjoyable experience?

I have played professional in Spain, Cyprus, Croatia, Serbia and even England. Every experience has been so rewarding even though, like in any playing career, there has been ups and downs. Being in different cultures with different languages taught me a lot about myself and our culture which really helped me develop on a personal level as well.

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How long have you been an England international?

I first played for England in 2008. A new coach came in and with the recent introduction at the time of the FA National Futsal Super League decided to select players that played regular futsal whereas before they were all players taken from non-league football. At the more competitive level the tactics and techniques are quite different between the sports and it is impossible to play both.

Career highlight and low points?

Just traveling the world representing your country is an incredible experience. You visit places you never would otherwise and from it I developed an interest in traveling and other cultures that I never had before. It will be something I look back on with a smile for the rest of my life. At times, it has been frustrating because we are less developed than other nations and we had some disappointing results. However, that is starting to change, and we are improving all the time and I am really excited about what the team can achieve in the near future.

Several non-league players, play futsal as well as 11 a side, what are the benefits to both games?

I think the less time and space you have in futsal can help improve the decision making of 11-a-side players, improve their fitness and just be something enjoyable to play. Some players may find that they are more suited to futsal, enjoy it more and that the opportunities in the sport are very attractive. It can offer an alternative pathway to players but requires dedication and commitment to get to a good level even if you are a very good 11-a-side player.

Best player you’ve played with and/or against?

The best player was a Spanish guy called Marcelo who won the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

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He played as a target man and his technique and movement were another level. As a defensive player I used to mark him, and I used to go into training buzzing about the challenge I was going to face marking him. With regard to playing with, I am currently studying for a UEFA Masters and my classmates include Kolo Toure, Luis Garcia, Youri Djorkaeff, Gilberto Silva and Gaizka Mendieta. We always play a game of football or futsal for fun and Djorkaeff even at 49 years of age is very impressive.

You have been the ‘tournament director’ for several tournaments including The World Futsal Cup – how did you become involved and what does it entail?

As a pro player you have lots of free time and futsal was not only a career for me but a passion. I used this time to get involved in lots of futsal projects including that one. Being Tournament Director involves taking care of the whole event from organising the competition itself, logistics, speaking with sponsors and much more. I learnt so much and because of this experience I ended up organising a tournament in India that was televised worldwide (BT Sport in UK) that featured the likes of Ronaldinho, Giggs and Scholes.

You have been instrumental in helping grow the game in other countries, this must be a proud achievement?

I have had so many amazing experiences from futsal and my aim is to enable many more people to have the same opportunities. I want to do this by growing the game, but I have only made a very small contribution. There are lots of people around the world, some I have worked with, which are doing excellent work to spread this incredible sport.

You recently returned to play your club football in Manchester, how does that feel and how much has changed since you first played there?

Manchester Futsal Club is unrecognisable from when I left in 2011. Then it was more or less just a senior men’s team ran by the two founders. Now, just over 10 years since it was created, there is a whole workforce with women’s team, youth academy for every age, hosting of tournaments and leagues as well as lots of other projects with the local council, universities and private organisations. They are making Manchester the home of futsal in the UK and the club’s growth will only continue.

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Having previously worked on TV, you now also have a coaching role at Manchester, does this signal a move away from playing?

I will continue playing for as long as I can! I decided to return to England where the sport is still not professional because I was getting so many opportunities with different futsal projects that as a full-time player I had to turn down. Now I have more flexibility and I love being involved in the sport outside the court even if there is nothing as exhilarating as playing futsal.

How do youngsters get involved in futsal?

Fortunately, there are now lots of futsal clubs all around the country. I would recommend they search for a local club online or contact their Country FA. I strongly recommend they give it a go as I am sure they will only find it a positive experience and who knows where it may lead for them as I never expected any of the experiences I have had. There is nothing to lose!

For further information on Futsal in the UK, Doug writes a blog on the game at www.DougReedFutsal. com he also posts lots of futsal content on his Twitter feed @DougReedFutsal.

Photos: Peter Talbot/GentSide Sport

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T N E W T A WH ?

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H T R O N W S O ’ E H D R E I D H N S E K B R YO ST CLU NAL E O I G T G A I B N E H T N I UP UE NORTH LEAG 16 - THENONLEAGUE.COM

Cast your minds back to mid-May 2014. Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea had just won the Premier League again. David Cameron was the Prime Minister. The nation was preparing for another hysterical build-up to a World Cup, and another embarrassing Three Lions exit. And York City were in the League Two play-offs.

Having been hovering just one point above the relegation zone at the turn of the year, York City managed to pull off the second-half-of-the-season of dreams. Under the management of ex-Premier League boss Nigel Worthington, the Minstermen went on a 17-match unbeaten run from February until the end of the season. Most impressive of all was the defensive record, with City conceding just two goals in a fifteen-game period. The man-mountain Keith Lowe, now of Macclesfield Town, was particularly solid at the back.

Sadly, the run ended in those play-offs for City.

Despite dominating a strong Fleetwood Town side over two legs, City couldn’t convert any of their numerous chances. Eventually the deciding goal in a tightly-contested 1-0 aggregate loss came from (of all people) Matty Blair – the man who scored York’s winning goals in both the FA Trophy and Conference Play-off Final at Wembley.

That’s the last time that York City and Fleetwood Town have been at a comparable level. Last season Fleetwood came extremely close, under former Leeds United manager Uwe Rosler, to a first ever promotion to the Championship from League One. Meanwhile, York City were relegated from the National League to the National League North - for the first ever time. The question is: how did this happen? How did a team go from the verge of promotion to League One to regional football in just three years?

The Nigel Worthington story ended just two months into the new season, with the ex-Norwich City manager resigning in October stating that he’d taken the club “as far as he could.”

Chairman Jason McGill acted swiftly to appoint a replacement – former Scunthorpe United manager Russ Wilcox. Wilcox had enjoyed a similarly incredible unbeaten run at Scunny before

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eventually being sacked, harshly in the eyes of many. A proud Yorkshireman with League Two experience, Wilcox seemed like the perfect replacement for the outgoing Worthington.

With Wilcox having steadied the ship in his first season with City finishing 18th, murmurs of unrest at his uninspiring style of football amplified at the start of the following season with results not going the way of the Minstermen. Nine games without a win is hard for any manager to survive and, just over a year after his appointment, Russ Wilcox’s contract as York City manager was terminated on the 25th October 2015.

What followed was, considered by many City supporters, the worst decision in the recent history of York City Football Club as Chairman Jason McGill chose ex-Scotland international Jackie McNamara as the new manager to take the club forwards.

McNamara had recently been fired as manager of Scottish Premiership outfit Dundee United, having endured a disastrous start to a season that eventually saw The Arabs relegated.

The Scotsman’s reign was a disaster from the very start. Cup defeats to Accrington Stanley and Barnsley were followed by several defeats in the league. If McNamara had come down from top-flight football thinking League Two would be a breeze, he was quickly shown that it wasn’t. Injuries began to pile up too, with coach Jonathan Greening forced to register as a player to provide cover for the first-team. Keith Lowe, that stalwart of the play-off season under Nigel Worthington, immediately fell out of favour with the Scotsman, and left the club by ‘mutual consent’ in December.

If the McNamara reign had started badly, it was about to get much worse.

By the midway point of the season, City had dropped to the bottom of the

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table. McNamara tried to put a stop to the alarming slide by signing a host of players on short-term loan deals. Players were signed from Premier League and Championship clubs, but with little appetite to compete in a League Two relegation dogfight, City were struggling for commanding dressing room characters in what was sure to be a defining period for the direction of the club. After beating Exeter City in mid-February, City won just one more game until the end of the season.

Relegated from League Two, York City found themselves a non-league team again much sooner than they would have liked.

As with most teams relegated from the EFL, what followed was a summer of widespread changes for City. Despite starting life as a National League team with a vastly different playing staff, the manager Jackie McNamara remained. First up was a game against Maidstone United, newly promoted from the National League South, live on BT Sport.

An artificial surface, a small ground – these were the types of things City were going to have to get used to on their return to nonleague.

But the woes continued for The Minstermen.

Initially one of the favourites for promotion due to reportedly having the league’s third biggest budget, City showed themselves to be completely unworthy of this tag right from the off. After two draws and a win in the opening three games, City were hammered 6-1 by Gateshead.

If thing had started badly, they were about to get even worse for The Minstermen. Four consecutive defeats in Autumn culminated in another 6-1 thrashing, this time at the hands of Yorkshire rivals Guiseley – a semiprofessional team. The season was quickly turning into an even bigger embarrassment than the previous one. In an interview that with hindsight shed some light on some of the current goings-on at the club,

McNamara announced that he would be stepping down as manager but staying on as caretaker until a replacement was found.

Executive, entrusted to deal with all football proceeding, including having a major say in who his replacement would be.

Earlier in the year, in May, chairman Jason McGill’s sister Sophie had stepped down from her role as ‘Community and Communications Director’ after thirteen years in the job amidst speculation of a fallout with her brother. Sophie had been a key figure behind the scenes at City, and a major link between the board and the fans.

A link that is now sorely missed.

In the end, the replacement was a familiar face. Gary Mills, the man who had gotten City promoted into the Football League a few years previously, had recently been sacked by fellow National League club Wrexham and was said to be “delighted” to get the call to return to Bootham Crescent.

Mills immediately set about making widescale changes, both to the playing staff and to the losing mentality that had well and truly infected the club. York City FC were the same club he had left in name only.

It emerged during the hiring process for his replacement as manager that the exCeltic man was to stay at the club as Chief

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The impact was a positive one, if not immediate. After a disappointing defeat at home to fellow strugglers North Ferriby on New Year’s Day, City only lost four games in the rest of the season, but the damage had been done, and City went into the final game of the season requiring other results to go in their favour to stay in the National League. Remembering this day is extremely painful for all City fans so there’s no need to go into too much detail.

Despite Jon Parkin scoring twice against eventually-promoted Forest Green, Omar Bugiel got two first-half goals of his own for Green. The unthinkable had happened, York City had been relegated for the second consecutive season.

A victory in the FA Trophy final against Macclesfield later that month did something to raise the spirit amongst City fans. Despite probably not deserving to win, City scored three goals, and proved that they can compete with the best sides in Non-League. Gary Mills announced he was staying on as manager despite the relegation, and there was now some positivity going into the summer.

That positivity has all but been extinguished. Having been hailed as joint-favourites to win the league alongside Salford City, York lost their opener at home to Telford – one of the pre-season favourites for relegation. Any positivity there had been going into the season evaporated – York were woeful.

Consecutive defeats a month later to FC United of Manchester and Chorley saw Gary Mills start to come under real pressure. By 30th September, after a disgraceful FA Cup exit to last season’s FA Vase winners South Shields had followed a North Yorkshire derby defeat to Harrogate Town, Mills’ time had run out. For the second time, York City FC sacked Gary Mills.

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Martin Gray, the long-serving Darlington manager, was appointed as a replacement – charged with doing a similar recovery job that he had done with Darlo. Some improvements have been made, but consecutive 3-2 defeats to Salford and Tamworth in October showed that there is still a lot of work to be done. A further loss to relegation candidates Boston Utd in the first game of December, and the fans really started to show their frustration. Nothing appears to be changing.

So, what now for City? Well, a new stadium for a start. That seems to finally be a reality after a scandalous number of postponements. Another example of the worrying lack of transparency between board and fans at the club currently, most fans must rely on the local newspaper ‘The Press’ for the latest updates on the new stadium saga.

But issues within this club run far deeper than planning permission disputes.

Chairman Jason McGill did a lot to save the club when it was on the brink of extinction, but his decisions in recent years have been questionable to say the least. Seventeen managers in as many years tells its own story and the feeling amongst many fans is that Chief Executive Jackie McNamara has no place being at York City FC. The truth is, the best football clubs are built on stability. Look at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. A great manager and a great chairman with mostly the same group of players, performing year after year. Stability is key, and longevity is something that has been severely lacking at City for a long time- both with players and managers. But it is also time for change at York City FC. Managers have come and gone, as have a ridiculous number of players of varying degrees of quality. Perhaps, the problems aren’t just on the pitch.

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One of the most feared forwards in the Non-League game, Jon Parkin doesn’t struggle to stand out from the crowd, with his 6ft4 frame and ‘Beast’ chant, famous throughout the English game over the past 18 years.

Having played in every division from the Championship to the sixth tier, Parkin’s 551 career appearances have seen him win a plethora of accolades, including most recently the FA Trophy with York City in mid-May. A second-tier player as recently as five years ago with Doncaster Rovers, the ex-Hull City man has slowly slipped down the divisions, however there seems to be no signs that the robust front man is any nearer retirement, as he gears up to celebrate his 36th birthday on the 30th December.

Famed for his hold up play and aerial prowess as a youngster, spells at Stoke City, Preston North End and Barnsley never brought the amount of goals that Parkin rightfully deserved. Nevertheless, he is certainly making up for lost time now, with 62 goals coming from his last 122 appearances at Forest Green Rovers and most recently York City, a club who he has already reached double figures for this term.

the campaign back in the summer months under previous boss Gary Mills.

Currently battling it out for a spot in the play-off places, catching league leaders Salford City already looks a difficult task.

Yet, with more than half of the season still to go, there is still plenty to play for, with a number of mouth-watering clashes coming up throughout the festive period.

No stranger to playing for sides pushing for silverware, Parkin believes that the best is yet to come for York City this season, and despite sitting in a strong position in the top seven, he has stated that much more needs to be done if the club are to climb back into the fifth tier for the 2018-19 campaign “We’re doing okay so far, but in all honesty, we should and could be doing better! We need to up our performances and with so much football still to be played, nothing is a certainty, especially in what I believe is one of the tightest divisions in the country.

With the play-offs opened up to the top seven now and only one club going up automatically, there will be at least 10 clubs who fancy their chances going into the New Year, and we know we are in for a fight to hold onto our play-off spot, if we don’t continue to win matches.”

Opening the scoring for the Minstermen at Wembley, as they defeated Macclesfield Town in the aforementioned FA Trophy final, Parkin’s 13 league goals weren’t enough to prevent York City from dropping out of the fifth tier for the first time in their history.

Winning promotion to the Premier League while at Stoke City, Parkin failed to ever make a start in the top flight, eventually moving on to join Preston North End, in which he enjoyed a fruitful three years at Deepdale. Arguably one of the best forwards to never grace the Premier League, the Yorkshireman would have every right to feel aggrieved that his ‘big chance’ at the Britannia Stadium never came, but having played for 14 illustrious clubs since 1998, he doesn’t regret a thing.

As Martin Gray’s men look for an immediate return to the National League, there is a new-found air of optimism around Bootham Crescent, despite a slow start to

With cult-hero status at many of his clubs and nicknamed the ‘Beast’ wherever he plays, Parkin has described his fans favourite tag as an honour, with his performances and

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JON N I K R PA TY

CI K R O Y –

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professionalism so highly regarded by his ex-employers, as well as many opposition supporters.

Backed by a vocal and partisan following at York City, Parkin has also praised those who have stayed so loyal to the Minstermen since their slump from the Football League to the National League North, as he told TheNonLeague “York City is different to any other club I have ever been at!

This is officially my fourth spell here and it’s a very good club to be at, with fantastic fans and real plans to push on and grow from the bottom upwards. It is obviously nice to hear the fans sing my name at York City and it’s always a proud moment for me whenever I hear my name mentioned in a positive manner. When I get plaudits, it means that I must be doing something right on the pitch, which at the end of the day is what I am here to do!”

Playing under an array of top British managers including Malky Mackay, Tony Pulis and Phil Brown over the years; Parkin has also had the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade from the other side of the white line, while on the training field and in the dressing room. Scoring for fun in the National League North and constantly causing havoc for opposition defenders, Parkin’s eventual retirement would see plenty of Non-League centre-halves and goalkeepers breathing a sigh of relief.

With only Stockport County’s Jason Oswell and Blyth Spartans Daniel Maguire hitting the net with more regularity than Parkin this season, the front man has high hopes of beating his best ever tally of 25 goals in a campaign this term, and it doesn’t look like

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anyone can stop him. However, with one eye on life after the game, he has admitted that the prospect of following in the footsteps of Messrs. Pulis and Mackay is an exciting one, as he stated that he firstly wants to end his career at Bootham Crescent, and secondly has dreams of becoming a top manager in the future “I can see myself playing for York City for as long as the manager wants me here, it is a great club and I have no ambitions whatsoever of leaving! I’m learning a lot from Martin Gray and long may that continue. In terms of one day stepping into the dug-out, I would love to pit my wits from the other side of the white line and after I hang my boots up, I will definitely be looking into staying in football and testing myself as a manager.”

Having picked up a number of impressive victories in recent weeks, ex-Darlington FC boss Gray has seemingly stamped his authority on the Minstermen, with Parkin and co playing some of their best football in years. Winning 8 of their first 19 league matches, home form will be crucial and with everyone now pushing in the right direction, Parkin has finished by boldly stating that nothing, but promotion will do this time around, after back-to-back relegations previously “Promotion is the aim, if we don’t go up this season then everyone at the club will be extremely disappointed and for a club of York City’s side, we should be confident of battling with the big boys at the top of the table. We’re all getting to grips with the new manager after a few months of instability and thing are clicking into place. Hopefully we can go on a big run over Christmas and with this division as tight as it is, a string of five wins could see us in touching distance of top spot, when the pressure really builds after December and January.”

Photos: David Tinkler/Mark Comer/YCFC

WE F I , M I A E H T S I N E N O H I T T N O O M AS E S “PRO S I H E T B P L U L I O G W T B ’ U L C DON E H T T .

A . .

E D N E O T Y N I R PO EVE P A S I D Y L EXTREME 25 - THENONLEAGUE.COM

JAM MCD IE ONA LD

-W AR

RIN

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GTO N

TOW N

“I ALWAYS WANTED TO IMPROVE AND GROWING UP AS A CHILD, I WANTED TO PLAY AT THE VERY TOP...

No stranger to winning silverware, after helping City of Liverpool to a historic treble last season, Jamie McDonald has high hopes that he will be adding to his burgeoning trophy cabinet this season at Warrington Town. In the Purples first ever season, McDonald led the line with real presence, as he scored and assisted more than most in the North West Counties. At 24-years of age, McDonald flourished in the 10th tier last term and before the Yellows moved in, the forward had begun to make waves in his new surroundings, with 8 goals in August and early-September for Simon Burton’s men.

With Warrington Town desperate to strengthen their strike force after injuries to top scorer Tony Gray and the departed Ruben Jerome, McDonald has been a revelation at Cantilever Park, with many now tipping the hitman to follow in the footsteps of Jamie Vardy in the future. Scoring a brace in the play-off final last season, the Liverpudlian is desperate to reach the top, and with the Yellows vying for position in the Evo-Stik Premier League alongside Altrincham, Grantham Town and Shaw Lane, back-to-back promotions definitely aren’t out of the question.

Playing in front of huge crowds at City of Liverpool last season both home and away, McDonald has revealed that it did take a lot of thought when he was approached by Carden and the Yellows boardroom.

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However, with plenty of ambition to reach the National League and with an experience manager at the helm, McDonald revealed that joining the Yellows was an offer that he just couldn’t turn down

Nonetheless, when given the chance to be in touching distance of the National League North, McDonald has stated that joining a cohort of fellow-Scousers in the Warrington Town team has also helped his progression.

Winning the Evo-Stik league club of the month award for November and going from strength to strength in the FA Trophy, McDonald believes the best is yet to come for his new team, as he spoke about his first two months as a Yellow: “It has been great being a Warrington Town player so far!

Everyone at the club has been excellent with me and the fans have made me feel so welcome, as have the players and the chairman.

I have always had the desire to step up through the divisions and develop as a player and here, I believe that I have the perfect opportunity to learn and grow at a club who have real goals to grow going forward.”

Teaming up with Liverpool-born midfielder Sean Williams, the ex-Purples goal scorer has not only become ‘addicted’ to winning football matches either, as he exclusively told TheNonLeague: “It is always difficult to leave a team that is doing well with good people and good fans involved! At City of Liverpool I built up a relationship which became like a family and even now I feel proud to have been involved in such a historic season: “When people ask me why Warrington Town? It’s easy really, they are a club with great traditions, they have drive and ambition that matches mine and the chairman and the manager are second to none in the Non-League game. Being with fellow Scousers also made the decision easier too...saying that though I think I have got myself into the wrong car school. Sean Williams has got me addicted to coffee!”

After winning the Reusch Cup, the Macron Cup, the play-off final and the Coral NonLeague team of the year award, some eyebrows were raised when McDonald did depart from the TDP Solicitors Stadium.

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Playing alongside big characters and proven Non-League stars at City of Liverpool including Danny Dalton, Declan Gregson and Kevin McEllin, McDonald had his eyes opened to the affect that a united dressing room could have on a team. At Warrington Town, things have been no different, as the Yellows new fans favourite continued by saying: “The dressing room here is great, since playing Non-League football I have realised that the social side of the game is massively important and that is very important here at the club as we win and lose together. We want three points in every game we play and every single player in the dressing room wants that too!”

Unbeaten throughout November, the Yellows played just two league matches against Sutton Coldfield Town and Mickleover Sports, with the FA Trophy

taking precedence. Defeating Ashton United and sixth tier Tamworth, McDonald and his team will be hopeful that their excursions in the cup will not distract them from their quest for Evo-Stik Premier League glory, as he said: “The main aim is to get promoted and if we win this league then we obviously will want to win the next league after that.

The manager told me a lot of things when we first met and to be honest he has delivered on those promises. We’ve got a really good relationship on and off the field and he is really bringing the best out of me at the moment.”

Younger than the aforementioned Vardy when he made his Football League debut for Leicester City, McDonald is currently living the dream and he knows that the best is yet to come. Quickly becoming the first name on Paul Carden’s team-sheet, the Scouse scoring sensation has set his sights on making football his full-time job in the not so distant future, as he finished by saying: “I always want to grow and growing up as a child, I wanted to play at the very top. That dream hasn’t gone and hopefully this dream will be achieved as a Warrington Town player. My ambitions don’t stop at the National League either and personally I don’t think the clubs does either, which means we have an exciting future ahead of us.”

Photos: John Hopkins/Warrington Worldwide

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CLUB CAPTAIN

THE SKIP L R A C Y A N MAG ITED

L UN O O P E L – HART

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PER

Right-back Carl Magnay was appointed as Club Captain of Hartlepool United at the start of this current campaign and took on the role of trying to lead the team back to the Football League.

However, it wasn’t plain sailing at the start of the season with a run of defeats and two points gained out of the first six games. However, things started to pick up and the National League newcomers looked to have found their feet with a string of results which included seven wins and four draws from twelve league games, before another poor run of results saw Pools’ record two wins out of a possible six in all competitions.

The talented defender joined the club from Grimsby Town after playing just one season at Blundell Park, making 45 appearances and scoring one goal.

Magnay started his senior career at Chelsea after being signed from Leeds United where he played in his youth, and spent five years at the London-based club.

There are numerous characteristics that a player needs to be a candidate for the role of captain and Magnay has these. He’s a leader on the pitch, a solid defender with natural attacking capabilities, with the potential to unleash an unstoppable shot and the ability to put in classy balls for anyone attacking to get on the end of. He also has an assuring effect on the starting eleven and is someone who the younger members of the squad will want to listen too as he can pass on his experience and knowledge.

Carl is also full of passion for the club and he genuinely cares about where the team is in the football pyramid, and after speaking to him myself, I can assure you he believes the team should be back in the Football League quickly with the quality within the current squad and already a good handful of experienced pros who know how to play in this league, himself being one of them.

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I spoke to Phil Dunn, one of Pools’ bestknown fans, to get his thoughts on the Magnay and his selection as club captain.

He explained: “I can actually trace the moment that I wanted Carl Magnay to be captain of Hartlepool United FC… For the final game of last season, we were (unusually for us) over in the Cyril Knowles Stand. At the final whistle, Carl was only about 15 metres away from me and I had him in my sights as soon as the whistle blew.

Dunn concluded “Honestly, I’m filling up just thinking about it now. He looked as bad as we felt... and that meant a lot in a very dark hour indeed.”

Phil explained that last season’s Pools team were a worse side without Magnay in it.

“For some reason, we just looked far more structured, had a far better shape, and seemed less panicked with him around,” he continued. “I’d go so far as to say that had he not spent large chunks of the campaign out of the side through injury, we would have stayed up.”

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This has been reflected in the teams’ performances this season with Magnay, only missing two games this season and he is clearly having an assuring effect on the team with the back line seeming more organised and keeping their shape when he is on the field of play. Also, a leader of his team he knows when he has to give the players a dose of encouragement and motivation and this has been reflected in the recent run of form with Pools putting in gritty and determined performances to grind out results and coming out on top on a few occasions in the dying minutes including a 97th minute winner against Barrow earlier this month.

He has been calm and assertive in the defence so far, this season and although he picked up an injury against Tranmere which will rule him out for a while he will still be a big influence on the squad from the side-lines and this is something that a team vying for promotion back to the EFL needs.

The results since he has been injured have personified the effect he has on the squad with the team keeping just two clean sheets from a possible five, shipping eight goals along the way, showing how much of an influence Carl Magnay has on the squad as a leader and a key player for Hartlepool United.

Article: Jack Wheelhouse Photos: Jack Wheelhouse/HUFC

“I CAN A MOMEN CTUALLY TRACE T MAGNAY THAT I WANTE THE HARTLEP TO BE CAPTAIN D CARL O OOL UNI TED FC… F 33 - THENONLEAGUE.COM

The feeling was unreal, I had been given the opportunity to be in the press box for an FA Cup tie at a game between an EFL League One club and Hereford FC, who three years ago were on a downwards spiral having almost disappeared from the football spectrum. This season The Bulls had reached the second round of the FA Cup against League One side Fleetwood Town, who are currently placed 10th in their respective division.

I could not sleep the night before the game, with the adrenaline already pumping through my veins and I could not wait to get the day under way, as I continued to watch my clock, as 3:00 came closer, 18 hours..17hours…16 hours.

moment was amazing and at times almost deafening.

Having signed in at reception and donning our ‘press pass’ my dad and I were placed in the press area in the main stand, next to BBC Radio 5Live and the Hereford FC media team, all were vigorously writing and talking ready for the big match to kick off.

Looking at the packed away end, I took a moment to let the fact that there are four divisions and 89 places between Hereford and their hosts sink in.

Herefords manager Peter Beadle pre-match talk had apparently been very simple, telling his players to go out on the pitch with no fear and play to their full potential, in my opinion he couldn’t really ask much more of them. His parting words had been “just imagine getting into the hat for the 3rd round of the FA Cup”. Now if this wasn’t enough to spur the players, and indeed the travelling fans, then I don’t know what else could to be totally honest.

I woke nice and early on the day of the game so that my Dad and I could leave in time for us take in the state-of-the-art stadium and facilities at Fleetwood’s Highbury Stadium.

There was a pre-match knockback for Hereford as Rob Purdie, a man who is Hereford through and through, felt a niggle in the warm up and was withdrawn from the starting squad, however Calvin Dinsley, who himself had only had one training session since recovering from a pulled hamstring, was thrown in as his replacement with just half an hour till kick off. Billy Murphy, recently released by Bath City FC and quickly snapped up by Peter Beadle, was put straight into the starting eleven. Murphy had played for Hereford some years earlier, when they were still Hereford United Football Club.

Having met up with several Bulls fans at a service station en-route, we arrived in Lancashire in time to see the Hereford FC team coach pull up outside the stadium.

By around two o’clock when the Hereford fans came pouring into the away end, the atmosphere they created from the first

The Hereford fans were unbelievably loud, and it was hard to hear yourself think, it was clear that the majority of the away fans, and most certainly the players and staff, were thinking and hoping for a cup upset that would see The Bulls progress into the 3rd round.

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“JUST IMAGINE GETTING INTO THE HAT FOR THE 3RD ROUND OF THE FA CUP”

The FA Cup and Hereford are of course a famous ‘double act’ as footage of The Bulls famous defeat of top flight Newcastle United, when the one and only Ronnie Radford fired in a superb 35-yard effort to win the game in extra time, a goal which is shown every year on television.

The travelling fans at Highbury were willing one of todays heroes to write their name in the cup history of the club…

Early on in the match, the volume, if at all possible, was raised in The Percy Ronson Stand, as Keyon Reffell showed some neat footwork to create himself some space before laying the ball into the path of Dinsley, who curled it delightfully passed Chris Neal in the home goal to give Beadle’s men the lead.

The striker, who earlier in the day didn’t even know if he would be on the bench, had sent the travelling support into absolute delirium in the stand behind the goal, fans, like myself, that had dreamt of such a moment, were celebrating as if The Bulls had won the cup, it was certainly a moment to savour.

Unfortunately, too soon after the hosts were level, a sweet ball was whipped from the right flank and Devante Cole; son of Andy Cole got a body part to it and it rolled in past Martin Horsell to level the tie.

Both sides had clear-cut chances to win the tie, but with a bit of good defending and misplaced shots, the final score at the end of the game finished all square, meaning another chance of FA Cup glory at Edgar Street for Beadle’s men.

My day’s experience had not been disappointing, because despite the equaliser the Hereford fans who had out sung the opposition fans throughout, creating a superb atmosphere which no doubt helped their team to put in a great performance, almost causing a massive cup upset for Uwe Rosler’s side.

The feeling I had on the long drive home was something I hadn’t as yet felt before, Hereford,

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who would have disappeared if it wasn’t for their supporters’ belief in keeping the club alive, were going to be in the hat for the 3rd round of The FA Cup with the likes of Manchester City, Spurs, Arsenal and last year’s Premier League winners Chelsea. I couldn’t really believe it, I pinched myself because it felt surreal.

When the players were asked which team, they would like to face, before the draw for the next round, which took place on the 4th of December, they all said they would love the chance to face a Premier League side. Following the draw, their wishes will come true because if The Bulls can manage to overcome Fleetwood Town in the replay they will face 2016 Premier League Champions, Leicester City at Edgar Street.

These last few seasons have been unbelievable for the supporters of Hereford FC, from watching their beloved club disintegrate, reform thanks to the efforts of everyone around the club, playing at Wembley in The FA Vase Final to moving up the non-league pyramid and now within 90 minutes of facing a topflight team at home.

If the players continue to show the passion and fight that has been instilled in the club since those not too distant dark days, they just might get the result against Fleetwood Town and then maybe one of them can emulate that magical ‘Ronnie Radford moment’ and write their name into Bulls folklore.

In summary, I had a most enjoyable day at Fleetwood, the club showed us superb hospitality behind the scenes, the result was great for my club, and the fact that Hereford FC can go to a League One club and feel some disappointment at coming away with a draw, in my opinion the sky is their limit.

Article: Will Burch (aged 15) Photos: Will Burch & Hereford FC

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E U G A E L N E O G N # HALLEN C Marathonbet recently collected a major award for their innovative marketing campaign #NonLeagueChallenge Now in its fourth year of rewarding and celebrating the very best in sports betting, The SBC Awards presented MarathonBet with its ‘SBC Marketing Campaign of the Year’, to beat off the challenge of William Hill, BetBright, Racing Post, BetVictor and Betfred.

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COVER STORY

E U G A E L N E O G N # HALLEN C PERFORM THE BEST GOAL CELEBRATION

WIN £20,000 AND A MATCH AGAINST PREMIER LEAGUE LEGENDS 40 - THENONLEAGUE.COM

Returning for a third consecutive season, and exclusive to nonleague football, The Marathonbet #NonLeagueChallenge is the chance to earn your football club a huge cash prize, a plethora of media coverage and a place in the history books – all for coming up with a unique goal celebration.

In a nutshell, Marathonbet is searching the length and breadth of the country to find the best goal celebration in non-league football. It’s as simple as that.

Marathonbet’s mission with #NonLeagueChallenge is to raise awareness of life outside Europe’s biggest and brightest football leagues. That’s because in England we’re blessed with some of the best lower-tier football the continent has to offer.

It’s a concept that engages clubs, players and supporters from the lower echelons of the Beautiful Game… and Marathonbet would love your club to be part of it.

2015/16 #NonLeagueChallenge The winners of Marathonbet’s first #NonLeagueChallenge would scoop a £10,000 cash prize and the chance to play a match against a team of Premier League Legends. After sifting through all the entries Marathonbet staff decided on a final shortlist of celebrations: https://www.nlc.marathonbet. co.uk/shortlist-2015-16 The winners were declared as National League South side Wealdstone FC won the first ever #NonLeagueChallenge thanks to the Wealdstone Raider’s Paul Gascoigneinspired celebration.

The club walked away with a huge £10,000 cash prize that funded the purchase of a new player and stadium improvements. #NonLeagueChallenge 2015/16 match In its opening season, the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Dion Dublin, Nigel Winterburn, Lauren, Ruel Fox, Trevor Sinclair, Kevin Davies and more were all involved in the NLC. Match highlights: https://www.nlc. marathonbet.co.uk/2015-16

2016/17 #NonLeagueChallenge Last year saw a record number of entries for the best goal celebration in non-league football, with Arsenal legends Ray Parlour and Nigel Winterburn given the task of whittling the list down to a shortlist of just 10: https://www.nlc.marathonbet. co.uk/shortlist-2016-17 The Marathonbet #NonLeagueChallenge of 2016/17 really caught the imagination of the national press and went viral on social media – Marathonbet are very proud to have given non-league football in Britain another gentle nudge into the spotlight.

Corby Town were triumphant with Jason Lee’s hilarious pint-swigging antics and for that, we awarded the club a very wellearned £10,000 prize.

The club also took the gate receipts from a hugely-anticipated and publicised match against a Premier League Legends side organised by Marathonbet, featuring the likes of William Gallas, Chris Waddle, Emile Heskey and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

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2017/18 - #NonLeagueChallenge The Marathonbet #NonLeagueChallenge is back for the 2017/18 season – and this time with double the prize money!

The winners of the 2017/18 #NonLeagueChallenge will claim a huge £20,000 along with a once in a lifetime game against our NLC legends.

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This Season’s Prize Here’s the part that’ll get your club’s finance department rubbing their hands with glee. The winners of Marathonbet’s 2017/18 #NonLeagueChallenge will scoop a £20,000 cash prize and the chance to play a match against a team of Premier League Legends.

Corby Town, last year’s winners, welcomed some 2,000 supporters to their Steel Park stadium in July for a clash against expros with Champions League and Premier League credentials.

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HOW TO ENTER Perform the best most original and 1 inspired goal celebration in a first team match. the celebration on video and 2 Record send it to Marathonbet via the link by attaching 3 Upload or WeTransfer now – send to

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T S E B E H T S ’ E H E “ H T N I R E G A N A M ” E U G LEA 44 - THENONLEAGUE.COM

Macclesfield Town goalkeeper Shwan Jalal has opened up about life under manager John Askey and thinks he is ‘the best manager in the league’.

Askey has been in charge at Moss Rose since 2013 and in that time, he’s taken Macclesfield to an FA Trophy final, the FA Cup fourth round and pushed for the playoffs with one of the lowest budgets in the National League.

Building almost a whole new squad in the summer, his clever recruitment has coincided with Macclesfield’s promotion push and one of his first signings of the summer Jalal has praised his work.

“He’s been a massive influence on me, it’s no secret I think he’s the best manager in the league,” Said Jalal. With the budget he hast available to him, I’m very surprised that a team higher up the pyramid haven’t taken him away from Macclesfield.

“I have a huge amount of respect for him and I think all the players do as well, I think one of the main reasons players come to play for Macclesfield is because of him.”

With numerous managerial departures in the Football League already this season, Askey has been linked with jobs at Port Vale and Leyton Orient, but Jalal has admitted that he’s not surprised about the links and thinks that it reflects well on himself and the squad.

“This season isn’t a one off, he’s done well in all the years he’s been here, and he’s been at the club through all the levels Macclesfield have been at, so it doesn’t surprise me at all when he’s getting linked with other clubs. It reflects well on the players and what they do well on the pitch and I’m not naïve to think that the manager doesn’t have a certain influence on that.

“The rumours do affect you though, it’s no secret Macclesfield haven’t got an array of riches and we know the manager does so well on such a small budget and I don’t think anybody would argue if he did take his chance at a higher level but we’re all enjoying playing under him and we’re enjoying the run we’re on.”

Article/Photos: Andrew Gate

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GETTING READY FOR A NEW SEASON

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Regarded as one of the greatest folk singers of the past decade, Frank Turner has wowed festivals, sold-out arenas and intimate venues with his soulful lyrics and unique tones, alongside his current band ‘The Sleeping Souls. Inspired by the greats including Iron Maiden and Bruce Springsteen, Turner burst onto the scene in 2005 with his debut album and from then on realise a lifelong dream of playing at Glastonbury in front of thousands of expectant fans.

An intriguing character and an ever-present on the music scene, the 2010 Kerrang Awards winner has already written six solo albums in less than two decades, with many more expected to come in the future.

At the age of just 35, Turner is arguably yet to reach his peak and with his current tour a real hit, it surely won’t be long before the Hampshire-born singer is back in the studio for album number seven.

With gigs at the 02 Institute in Birmingham, the Academy in Manchester and King Tut’s in Glasgow lined up for January, to name just a few, Turner has plenty to look forward too, before he visits the United States of America in 2018.

Spending half of his life in the recording studio and the other half on the road, Turner can be forgiven for not having any time to watch live football, with music his life and little time for much else. Having never pledged his allegiances to a football club before, it was with much surprise on the

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12th November 2016, that Turner tweeted to his 163,000 that he was attending Clapton FC vs Barkingside at the Old Spotted Dog in the Essex Senior League.

A David Laird strike just after half-time gave Barkingside the victory that day, however what happened throughout the 90 minutes was something that Turner will never forget, with Non-League football now held very highly in his thoughts. Over the years, Clapton FC has been a hotbed for musicians and stars, with Kasabian’s Serge Pizzorno also attending a game in March, as the Tons drew 1-1 with West Essex in front of 356 supporters.

Attending the Old Spotted Dog Ground as part of his friend’s stag do, Turner described his first taste of Non-League football as a ‘great day’, as he spoke eloquently about what football means to him: “My dad is an Arsenal fan, but I’ve never really taken much interest in them! Football has never really done anything for me, but I must admit Non-League football intrigued me before

my visit to Clapton FC. I wasn’t entirely sure what constituted as Non-League football, but when I went to the Old Spotted Dog Ground I had a great time and although I’ve not been to a game since, I really did enjoy it!”

Turner may not know who Jamie Vardy is, he may not have any interest in who is top of the National League and he may not

understand the offside rule, however what he does realise is the heart and passion in Non-League football. With equal passion for his music, the musician has stated that he sees similarities between his love for strumming the guitar and footballers love for winning matches, as he waxed lyrical about what writing and performing his songs means to him.

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“MY DAD IS AN ARSENAL FAN, BUT I’VE NEVER REALLY TAKEN MUCH INTEREST IN THEM!

Reminiscing about what got him into music and why he first decided to pick up an instrument, Turner exclusively revealed to TheNonLeague what it takes to become a musician in the modernera: “Music just kind of hit me like a tidal wave. When I first found sounds that appealed to me I was interested and as soon as I stumbled across rock ‘n’ roll the rest was history! Nothing has ever really affected me in the same way, day to day as rock ‘n’ roll has.

“I don’t really know much about young footballers or what they go through, however I would imagine that the sense of all-consuming passion I have for music is similar to how they would have felt the first time they scored a goal or won a match. My advice for youngster is always the same response, work hard, be your own harshest critic and make your own luck!”

At most clubs, house music, Oasis, Drake and even Coldplay are the primary genres, bands and artists booming from dressing rooms, with most footballers into the same chart

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music. That said, some players both in the Non-League and professional game have musical talents themselves, with the likes of Barwell forward Kyle Perry in his own band playing gigs throughout the Midlands and the North West.

If Turner was a footballer, he would definitely be the bohemian of the dressing room, with his musical taste featuring some of greats from the world of punk, rather than r’n’b, hip-hop and the top 40.

Joining post-hardcore band Million Dead before going solo, Turner has always been inspired by the diverse array of ideologies, fashion and other forms of expressions surrounding punk music, as he revealed his favourite bands from the past three decades: “I grew up listening to a lot of punk rock records via Nirvana! These days my taste expands to cover the likes of Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, The Weakerthans and so on.”

As with Non-League graduates such as Jamie Vardy, Michail Antonio and Charlie Austin, Turner did once doubt whether he would be able to climb up from the depths of the music world to the main spotlight. With the aforementioned trio playing in the lower leagues before making their England debuts, Turner has also enjoyed an extraordinary career that has seen him go from performing in front of hundreds to being on the bill for some of the worlds biggest and best festivals.

After making waves in 2017, Turner has revealed that he will be back with new material for 2018, as the one-time Clapton FC watcher, finished by saying: “I can’t really pick a career highlight as such, there have been a lot of great things that have happened to me and it would be unfair to pick just one. I have to say that the fact I’m still here, making a full-time living as a touring and recording musician is something I am very proud of. Everyone, myself included, was pretty sceptical about whether or not it would work out for me when I was younger but I’m still here and in 2018 I have a new album coming out in the Spring and a bunch of touring to go with that!”

Photos: Frank Turner/lookatthesescenes.files.wordpress.com

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The BIG Interview

PAST

N A Y R S G G I BR

As a former player who was forced to quit the professional game due to injury, Ryan Briggs fully understands that it is vital for today’s players to consider a life outside of football from an early age. These days Briggs works as a ‘financial planner’ and ‘wealth manager’ working in business, sport, music and entertainment, helping many young players prepare for their future outside of the game. As a schoolboy Briggs joined West Ham United, progressing through the infamous ‘academy’ system aged 14, leaving school at 16 to become a YTS Trainee and then signing full professional terms at 18, as well as being part of an incredibly successful youth team at West Ham that included the likes of Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Jermaine Defoe.

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PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

As with many young players, Briggs felt pressure to succeed from a very early age

“If I’m honest there was an element of expectation growing up as a young player. Playing for the local district and county teams, being linked to various professional clubs and then joining West Ham I think people just assumed I was going to go on to be a full-time professional and have a career in the game. In some ways I hadn’t given any thought to any other outcome although I knew I needed to work hard. I still have a video of me signing on the pitch at 14 years of age with my family at halftime against Liverpool.

“West Ham had arranged for me to meet Jamie Redknapp after the game as he was my favourite player at the time and was obviously the manager, Harry Redknapp’s son. And that was it. I was part of a world that almost wasn’t real from the start. As a younger player, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else and had no understanding of life outside of football. It was just a case of when was I going to break into the first team, and then after that, when would I get a chance with England. It was the typical young boy’s dream, be a professional football player and play for your country. I remember having the chance to play for the Republic of Ireland but couldn’t imagine not being selected for England at some stage such was my confidence at that time. But that confidence and belief wouldn’t be with me forever and I would find myself in the same situation as so many young players, trying to establish myself and make a career within the game” That West Ham Youth team won various tournaments including the Milk Cup in Ireland where Cole was named player of the tournament, Briggs remembers his team mate with fondness: “Joe was almost a freak of nature and his talent was insane.

The attention he got from such a young age was incredible

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and this meant that there would regularly be hundreds of people watching our youth games, many of which almost became exhibition games at times” Under Coach Tony Carr the young Hammers went on to win the FA Premier Youth League in its first year as well as the prestigious FA Youth Cup, feats that Briggs has bittersweet memories of: “I was a centre midfield player and had enjoyed a good run of games playing together alongside Joe and Michael. I think it was a training session before the quarter final that I went in for a block tackle with fellow player Tyrell Forbes and knew instantly that something was seriously wrong. I had to get treatment immediately and it turned out I had severely strained the medial ligament in my right knee. The physio had said that it may have been better if it had snapped completely as it would have had the time to heal properly.

It turned out that I came back to early and made the injury worse meaning I would miss out on the final which was played over two legs against Coventry City and ultimately not play for nine months.

“JOE WAS ALMOST A FREAK OF NATURE AND HIS TALENT WAS INSANE...

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“It was a real taste of the big time and was also live on Sky Sports, with the return leg being in-front of a full-house at Upton Park. Looking back, it was a great experience for everyone involved but also a real learning curve for those who played and an excellent shop window for managers to see the talent on show. I’ve heard that it may have been the first time that Sir Alex Ferguson saw Michael Carrick play and would lead to him joining United later in his career. Who knows what could have happened if I had played in that game?”

Briggs has more good memories than bad from his time at The Boleyn Ground and is quick to say that he wouldn’t have changed his time with The Hammers at all: “I’ve always said that if I had the chance to do it all again knowing I wasn’t going to make it then I would jump at the chance. I have so many good memories and believe that things happen for a reason with those experiences shaping a lot of what I do today. I remember taking it in turns to drive into training each morning with Jimmy Bullard. We’d meet in the Black Prince pub in Bexleyheath and he’d be there with his huge gold Granada that he’d get absolutely ribbed for by the lads. They used to call it the golden hearse, although it was all water off a ducks back for Jimmy and he could give twice as much as he got. It’s mad to look back but was before all the science and nutrition had come in. I remember

we’d both have a double Sausage and Egg McMuffin every morning on route without fail. Jimmy had an incredible metabolism and his energy levels were one of his strongest attributes, so he could run it off.

“I also remember the challenges the senior pro’s including Neil Ruddock and John Moncur used to give some of my team mates who were more than happy with attention. One included seeing how long they could put their head in the ice bucket for, I think the record was held by Bertie Brayley who was a great character and talented player. All the trainees had certain duties and responsibilities back then which is something I think is a shame that’s not still in place today. I remember cleaning boots for the first team players including Rio Ferdinand, John Hartson and Paulo

Di Canio. Paulo had the first pair of white boots I had ever seen and gave me a special Italian polish to get them to his very high standards. He was an incredible player and person to be around, a very dedicated professional, a great example and always willing to spend time helping the younger lads” After his disappointment at missing out on the Youth Cup Final, the saddest day of Briggs’ time at the club came when it was contract renewal time: “I remember the meeting I had with the gaffer, Harry Redknapp, as my contract was up for renewal. I was absolutely petrified and having been injured for a long while, all I was hoping for was an extra year or two to prove myself. I remember it as if it was yesterday. Harry explained to me that what

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with the competition for places in midfield, it would simply take too long for me to get a chance in the first team and that I’d be better off trying my luck at one of the lower league clubs. Our midfield at the time included myself, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick. Only a few years older was Frank Lampard and there were also other players who went on to have careers in the game such as Grant McCann (now Peterborough manager), Adam Newton and Richard Garcia wo went on to play for Australia in a World Cup” From being at one of the best-known clubs in the game, Briggs was suddenly out on his own with no definite future in the game. He was soon to realise the harsh reality of life outside of the top tier.

His experiences of that period have stayed with him to this day and help him in his current role with young players that are in a similar situation today: “I travelled all over the country going on trials with clubs and the final straw came for me at Carlisle United. I remember travelling up for a week’s trial having got the money together for the petrol and hotel. It was pre-season and the first two days was just fitness training and the manager didn’t turn up, so it was hard for me to show what I could do. The third day the manager (who will remain nameless) did turn up and we did a pattern of play session for the first team. I wasn’t even picked to be one of the opposition and instead was watching from the side and it was absolutely freezing. At the end of training he called everyone in and explained that he was really happy with the session and giving everyone the next two days off which would be the end of my trial period. I couldn’t believe it. I asked to have a word with him and explained I had travelled a long way and he hadn’t even taken the time to see what I could do. He frustratingly said that I was free to travel up again whenever I wanted. I was close to hitting him and remember thinking to myself on the six-hour journey home that enough was enough. I heard they got relegated that season and it turned out he had been sacked for going on drinking benders and giving players time off to cover it up”

PRESENT Following several years working in ‘recruitment’ Briggs is now working with both professional and semi-professional players, thanks in part to his old team mate Michael Carrick: “My father had been a Financial Adviser for over thirty years and he’d always recommended getting my qualifications behind me at some point. I thought that there may be a way I could become a Financial Adviser and help players within football and other sports.

It wasn’t until Michael Carrick was kind enough to introduce me to his personal financial adviser that I realised this could be a reality.

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Through chatting to Michael and finding out what he had done from an early age I realised how important it was for young players to surround themselves with the right advice and get into good financial habits. After getting qualified and initially helping clients though the family business, I was in a fortunate position to focus more of my time back in professional sport.

“I’m now helping players at both a professional and semiprofessional level through my ‘Good Habits’ initiative.

I’m working with players across the country via Skype appointments, and enjoy meeting the next generation of talent and explain the basics of financial planning, how it can protect their families and help set them up for later life. It’s been very rewarding helping more and more players in the lower leagues as it’s not just the 100k per week players that need suitable advice. I’ll also be working with various agents and clubs in the new year organising free financial work-shops for their first team and academy players. I think it helps that I’ve played the game at a high level myself, I’m still relatively young so hopefully relatable and also have first hand experience from players who have been very successful”

FUTURE Briggs feels that with his experience of starting at a top club, failing to win another professional contract, then spending many years playing in the non-league game whilst building a career now gives him the opportunity to help young players that are finding their way up the ladder: “I’ve enjoyed 15 years playing non-league football and have experienced promotions and relegations as well as personal successes and failures which I believe has helped me realise what life is all about. Although I’ve played at many of the semi-professional leagues I’ve enjoyed my best times at lower level clubs including Folkestone, Dartford, Ashford and Redhill making long-term relationships with friends who I’m still in touch with. I’ve also enjoyed getting involved with my

“I REMEMBER THE MEETING I HAD WITH THE GAFFER, HARRY REDKNAPP, AS MY CONTRACT WAS UP FOR RENEWAL...

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local club Kings Hill FC helping set up a first team for the younger teams to aspire to and progress up the football pyramid. It’s great to be working with a number of players I’ve met through my time in football and actually make a positive impact on the game. This includes Francis Duku who I met while at Gravesend & Northfleet (now Ebbsfleet) and is offering great benefits for NonLeague players through his ‘Our Game Football’ initiative.

“I personally think the quality, facilities and all-round professionalism has improved a lot within non-league and it’s encouraging to hear the stories of players being signed by professional clubs. This is particularly positive when players drop into non-league having played at a professional level and then use that experience to bounce back up. I think non-league football is a great learning ground for young players playing competitive men’s football and is full of people who put their time, heart and soul into supporting and progressing their local clubs. It would be great to see a few more players moving into the professional game and if they can maintain the right attitude, work ethic and belief then I don’t see why that can’t happen.

“I experienced myself what so many young players face, which is to go on trials at clubs up and down the country trying to earn that illusive contract. Unfortunately, through some bad luck, bad timing and perhaps fate meant that I would ultimately have to look at getting a ‘real’ job outside professional football while playing at a non-league level.

“I do feel for young lads today. It’s a tough thing being let go at that level when all you’ve ever dreamed about was playing football. The reality is that there’s an annual conveyor-belt of players all looking to get a contract in the lower leagues. Most clubs are willing to give you a trial but unless you’re ready to go straight into their first team, most don’t have the finances to take the chance and cover even minimal wages.

“I think a lot of work can be done to help semi-pro and young professional players to ensure they have the support and experience around them to deal with the challenges they may face. I’m also delighted to be working with an organisation called Full Potential who are passionate about helping players, parents, guardians and clubs in this area. It’s about giving them access to everything they need to reach their potential whether it be in their chosen sport a different career all together” Qualify for a free financial heath check with Ryan and learn more about the “Good Habits” initiative with by visiting www.ashmax.co.uk/sport and www.fullpotentialsport.com Photos: Ryan Briggs

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“I WAS A CENTRE MIDFIELD PLAYER AND HAD ENJOYED A GOOD RUN OF GAMES PLAYING TOGETHER ALONGSIDE JOE AND MICHAEL...

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22 years behind the stumps at Surrey, 13 years as a star performer for the three lions and four years and counting as the director of cricket at the Oval, Alec Stewart is a man whose loyalty and commitment can never be questioned. Bursting onto the scene as a fresh-faced teenager at Surrey and regarded as one of the finest wicketkeeper-batsman to ever play the game, cricket aficionados will never forget the ‘Gaffers’ agile catches, mammoth knocks and 14 centuries for his country.

The second most capped English cricketer of all-time in test cricket, the Merton Park born cricketer has been truly missed since hanging up his gloves for the last time in 2003 against South Africa.

With England currently in Australia for the Ashes series, and Root’s men 1-0 in the five-match series, Stewart has been a keen observer from the UK and despite losing the first test at the Gabba, he believes that the three lions will still be roaring come January.

Not in Australia for the series, Stewart has been combining his love of cricket, with his ferocious appetite for football, as he is regularly spotted on the terraces at Stamford Bridge, having been a season ticket holder at Chelsea for many years. Not only is the 1993 Wisden Cricket of the Year winner an avid Chelsea fan, he has also followed Non-League football for the last five years, with his father Michael ‘Micky’ Stewart a player, manager and now president at Isthmian League Southern Division outfit Corinthian Casuals.

Playing outside-right for the Casuals in the 1950’s, the Surrey and England batsman combined his time at the Oval in the summer, with terrorising opposing defenses in the winter, as the local club reached the final of the FA amateur cup at Wembley Stadium. A sportsman of immense talent both on

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“WHEN MY DAD WAS MANAGER, I’D BE A BALL BOY AT THE HOME GAMES ON THE OVAL ...

ALEC RT A W STE ALS U S A C HIAN

T

- CORIN

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the football and cricket field, Michael moved onto to play professionally for Charlton Athletic, however his heart was always with the Casuals and it was no surprise that he returned to manage the team after his retirement between 1970 and 1975, before being elected as Club President in 2016.

Born in 1963, Michael’s son Alex was a seven-year-old when he was first introduced to the Non-League game and having watched as an excitable child from the terraces as his father dictated play from the dug-out, a life-long bond between father, son and Non-League football was formed.

After losing agonisingly on penalties in the play-off final last season, the Stewart family have seen their fair share of highs and lows at the Casuals, but with such a proud history

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and an exciting future ahead, Alec believes that current manager James Bracken holds the keys to success.

Looking back on his early years as a supporter of the Non-League club in the 70’s and the famous sides of years gone by, the Surrey legend has waxed lyrical about the men who are currently plying their trade at King George’s Field, as he said: “Corinthian Casuals are and always have been my Non-League team, for as long as I can remember I have been a huge fan of theirs and despite being a Chelsea supporter too, the Casuals have always been in my heart! I love football in general and I take great interest in seeing how various sides in Surrey do, as it’s always nice to see local clubs progress. However, with the

Casuals it is different as they have been a part of my life for over 40 years now.

“When my Dad was manager, I’d be a ball boy at the home games on the Oval and at Totting & Mitcham’s ground, and on the away games I’d be a fan and really mix in with the supporters. As a young child I would go down to the training sessions and it is something I have amazing memories of. With my Dad playing for the club before I was born, he was always well known and that community spirit that comes with Corinthian Casuals and the Non-League game in general is what makes it so special to me.”

Having watched both Chelsea and Corinthian Casuals go from obscurity to the

top of their respective divisions over the years, Stewart has not been perturbed by the Blues slow start to the 2017-18 Premier League campaign, or the Casuals gutwrenching near miss in the Isthmian League last term. Having donned the famous brown and pink strip since retiring, Stewart has lived out a childhood memory of playing for the Casuals, in the form of their veteran’s team. With work commitments only allowing him the occasional visit to King George’s Field, the proud MBE/OBE holder added: “When you follow a club you stick with them through thick and then. Going back to when I was 7 years old, I actually fell in love with the club before I even played cricket, so when I retired it was incredible to actually play a game for the club against a number of school sides in the area. I’ve seen the

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Casuals three times this season and on average I probably get to the club about five to six times a year! My Dad travels with the club home and away, even at the age of 85 and he lives and breathes the club, which is fantastic to see. With social media now a huge part of the modern society, I am able to follow every game on twitter and even when I’m not at the ground, I still feel like I’m totally immersed with the 90 minutes of action.”

Attending Tiffin School in Kingston-Upon-Thames just 3.6 miles away from the Casuals current home ground, Stewart’s passage way into cricket was always a simple one, with his talent evident from a very young age. This however is not always the case for many sportsman, and with many top cricketers and footballers now gaining their apprenticeships in the lower leagues before being found, scouting is now more important than ever.

Using Jamie Vardy as the poster boy for late developers, Stewart is under no illusions that more stars of his ilk will be found in the years to come, as he drew comparisons to those who have started at Corinthian Casuals and gone on to greater things in the past: “Scouts are unbelievable now, with so many players picked up at academies at a very young age. There will always be late developers though and you can never say never in sport, as you never know who will be watching you perform. Alan Pardew played for Corinthian Casuals in 80’s, as did ex-England player Andy Gray, so it just shows that there are plenty of players in the lower leagues who have the ability to play higher up the pyramid.

“Corinthian Casuals are an amateur club and that’s what they pride themselves on. They are competing against sides with huge wage budgets, so attracting the best local talent is important. Are there more Vardy’s out there? Yes, there is, and for clubs like ourselves, these gems could be the difference between success and failure, with promotion and relegation sometimes determined by one or two special players.”

With Corinthian Casuals currently sitting pretty towards the top of the eight tier, Lewes, Carshalton Athletic and Bracken’s men look like the teams to beat this time around, with half of the campaign already played. Winning 13 of their first 20 league matches, the Casuals are again overcoming all the odds to challenge for promotion and with a youthful

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“CORINTHIAN CASUALS ARE AN AMATEUR CLUB AND THAT’S WHAT THEY PRIDE THEMSELVES ON...

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squad at the helm, Stewart is hopeful that the demons of the penalty shoot-out defeat in the play-off final in April are long gone.

Losing league top scorer Shaun Okojie to Aldershot Town in the summer, the newlook Casuals team aren’t struggling to find the net, and with one of the best defenses in the league, Stewart is confident that this season will be the year of the underdog: “Winning promotion would mean so much to everyone at this club, just to be in the play-off final last season was a massive, massive achievement for us, but after that disappointment, we now have a taste of what could have been. Playing against wealthy clubs is hard, but the manager knows how to win matches and after losing 9 key players in pre-season, we have gone from strength to strength and long may it continue!”

With a clear pathway from the lower echelons of the Non-League game to the Football League, it is easy to set out a long-term plan for success as a chairman, if the finances are there. This however is not the case in cricket, with central contracts preventing the creme de la creme from playing for their counties on a regular basis, and the minor cricketing counties unable to ever gain promotion to the county championship.

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With finances holding cricket back, Stewart is saddened by the fact that there are few similarities between grassroots football and cricket, as he stated that money and money alone is stopping cricket from rubbing shoulders with its footballing compatriots: “In Non-League football you can pay players quite well, yet in cricket that isn’t possible as you aren’t really winning money when you win a championship. You may pick up a flag or a trophy, but at the bottom there is very little financial gain, is that right? Possibly not, but that is the way it is unfortunately.”

Mr. Surrey, Stewart is regarded as one of the greatest players to ever wear the brown cap. Amassing over 26,000 runs and taking over 721 catches for his homecounty, the 19-time county championship winners will still be dreaming of having their star wicket keeper behind the stumps when the new season commences in April.

With the county season on a break and the Ashes in full swing, Stewart has high hopes that his nation can do something he never managed to do...win a series in Australia! As he finished by saying: “Making my debut for Surrey was something I will never forget, captaining them and winning trophies with them was a dream come true and it is something I will never forget. Playing for my country was also something that I’d wanted to do all of my life, and I’m proud to say I have done that.

“In my opinion England can still turn it around in Australia and I will be cheering them on every step of the way. We’re only 1-0 down at the moment with four games to play, so there’s plenty of time. It will be tough, but if they can put in a big performance in the second test, then it can easily go to 1-1 and then it is all to play for in the final three games of the series!”

Photos: Andy Nunn/Alec Stewart

“WINNIN SO MUC G PROMOTION W H JUST TO TO EVERYONE A OULD MEAN SEASON BE IN THE PLAY- T THIS CLUB, O ACHIEVE WAS A MASSIVE FF FINAL LAST , MASSI MENT VE 67 - THENONLEAGUE.COM

Blair Turgott

E T A D UP Jamie Vardy’s V9 Academy has come a long way in the 18 months since the former non-league star turned Premier league winner launched it.

The England international famously fired Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016 with 24 goals after making his way to the top flight via non-league outfits Stocksbridge Park Steels, Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town. His story to the top is well documented but the striker has gone back to his roots to offer the opportunity to current non-league players to find a pathway into the professional game.

Last summer The V9 Academy showcased 42 hopefuls in front of over 50 scouts at Manchester City academy’s first team campus. The players were split into three teams of 14

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players, working with coaches Chris Ramsey, Alan Stubbs and Robbie Stockdale.

In addition, there were guest lectures with Norwich City Sporting Director Stuart Webber, Sport Psychologist Professor Jim McKenna and a masterclass with Champions League winner René Meulensteen.

Following the showcase the first four graduates from the academy to make the move were defender Alex Penny and forwards Blair Turgott, Danny Newton and Lamar Reynolds.

Alex Penny – joined League One Peterborough in a £50,000 move from Non-League - Penny, a tall, athletic and powerful right-back, is the first to make the jump into He started his career in the youth ranks at Hull before being released and moving into non-league via Hinckley, Stourbridge and Nuneaton.

Danny Newton

Both Blair Turgott and Danny Newton joined Stevenage

BOREHAM WOOD FOOTBALL CLUB ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE CAPTURE OF FORMER WEST HAM WINGER BLAIR TURGOTT ON A 93-DAY LOAN FROM STEVENAGE. The 23-year-old from Bromley, will link up with the squad tomorrow morning and will be available for selection against his previous side Leyton Orient.

Turgott began his career in the academy at West Ham and made his Hammers debut in January 2014 against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. The winger enjoyed a series of loan spells with the likes of Bradford City, Rotherham United and Colchester United.

He scored his first ever professional goal against his current club Stevenage in December 2013, while on-loan at Colchester.

Lamar Reynolds.

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Upon signing, the 23-year-old told the official club website: “I am looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get started. I am excited to play some games and help the team to push forward.

“I have been at Stevenage this season, but I needed to get some games under my belt and I needed to be playing football.

“Luke Garrard got in contact with me and sold everything to me; the way that he wants to play, where he sees the team going and where he sees me in the team.”

Turgott has represented England up to Under 19 level, including 14 appearances for the Under 17s. During his spell with the Under 17s, he helped them to top their group in the FIFA U17 World Cup, with a vital goal against Canada.

A short spell with Coventry followed his time at West Ham, before he was snapped up by Leyton Orient in 2015. The 23-yearold again opened his account against current side Stevenage, volleying in a “stunning” effort from 20-yards for the O’s.

He had a year-long spell with hometown side Bromley in 2016, netting an impressive 16 times from midfield in all competitions.

His spell with Bromley earnt him a move to his current side Stevenage.

Turgott continued: “I am an attacking threat, I like to score and make goals, I showed that last season and I want to show that again here, I just want to show what I can do and help the team really.

Garrard stated: “He played at this level with Bromley last year and he was very successful; he has got goals in his game and I think that he can hurt defenders because of his pace and his trickery, so it is very exciting.

“I know that he is going to be a success, he brings added quality to what we’ve already got in the squad and he will boost competition at the top end of the pitch.”

The ‘Boost the Budget’ Function Hire initiative was announced by the Chairman at the start of September. The Chairman promised that any increase in the club’s function suite income would go straight into Manager Luke Garrard’s first team budget.

On the effect of the initiative, Garrard continued: “The minute that I said of his availability to the Chairman, he got on the phone to the Chairman at Stevenage and got the deal done. So, fair play to Boost the Budget and fair play to the Chairman for backing myself to get him on-board.”

Dan Holman’s late goal saw National League club Boreham Wood knock League One side Blackpool out of the FA Cup. Danny Philliskirk latched on to Nathan Delfouneso’s through-ball to fire the Seasiders into a second-half lead.

Substitute Blair Turgott converted Kane Smith’s cross from eight yards to make it 1-1 soon after.

“I know that I can play at this level and I just want to crack on and help the team.”

Fellow substitute Holman struck from close range with just two minutes remaining as the hosts produced one of the biggest shocks of the first round.

Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard spoke of his delight at capturing the winger, praising the club’s recent “Boost the Budget” Function Hire initiative.

The 23-year-old has represented England up to Under 19 level, including 14 appearances for the Under 17s. During his spell with the Under 17s, he helped them to top their

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group in the FIFA U17 World Cup, with a vital goal against Canada.

enjoying a terrific campaign in Conference North with the Lamb.

A short spell with Coventry followed his time at West Ham, before he was snapped up by Leyton Orient in 2015. The 23-yearold again opened his account against current side Stevenage, volleying in a “stunning” effort from 20-yards.

Coventry City had watched Newton on occasion, who scored 29 goals for Tamworth, managed by former Sky Blues favourite Andy Morrell, last season.

He had a year-long spell with hometown side Bromley in 2016, netting an impressive 12 times from midfield. His spell with Bromley earnt him a move to his current side Stevenage.

But the prolific striker has been snapped up by Stevenage on a two-year deal, after recently completing a week with Jamie Vardy’s V9 Academy - a high profile shop window for non-league players looking to step up to the Football League.

Former Tamworth striker Danny Newton says he opted to sign for League Two Stevenage despite other clubs sending him messages.

Speaking to the Boro’s official club website, Newton said: “I had other teams messaging me, but I first heard about Stevenage being interested last Friday, and I wanted to speak with the manager.

The 26-year-old forward caught the attention of Football League clubs after

“I signed up, and here I am today. It’s a massive opportunity for me now.

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“Last season playing in the Conference North I did well, and now I’m really grateful to have been given a chance to show what I can do in the Football League.”

Newton’s move to Broadhall Way will be his first taste of professional football, and means he will have to take time out from his his current line of work as a maintenance engineer.

He added: “It has been a busy year but I’m ready to go now.

“Just looking around it’s a different level to what I’m used to. The stadium and the training ground are topnotch and I cannot wait to get started.

“What I do at the minute takes it toll and trying to balance it with football is hard.

“The company I work for have been brilliant with me, but I don’t think you can compare the job itself to living out my dream and playing football every day.

“It’s going to be surreal for me, coming in every day to kick a football, but it’ll be nice to meet the lads and go from there.”

LAMAR REYNOLDS JOINED NEWPORT COUNTY In June, Lamar Reynolds was one of 42 non-league players to arrive at the Jamie Vardy V9 Academy, training and living at Manchester City’s training complex for a week under the watchful eye of scouts from more than 65 professional clubs.

The 21-year-old is one of three graduates to have so far signed terms with Football League clubs since, and he is already making an impression at the Exiles in their preseason campaign.

“I like to get goals,” says Reynolds, who last year bagged 27 in 36 games for Brentwood Town in the Isthmian League Division One North, tier eight of the English football pyramid.

“I just want to quickly make an impact and show that there’s talent in the non-league which is where I came from, that’s the main target for me.”

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Danny Newton

‘FROM NOWHERE’

The title of his 2016 autobiography ‘From Nowhere’ is a fitting title for a remarkable few years.

Jamie Vardy’s goalscoring exploits at nonleague Fleetwood Town earned him a move to Leicester City

“He’s been a big idol for a lot of players in non-league,” adds Reynolds.

At a time when transfer fees and wages at the top level are reaching enormous figures, the whole idea of the V9 Academy is to show clubs that there are hidden gems lower down the food chain if you look hard enough.

After being released by Sheffield Wednesday aged 16, Vardy found himself working in a carbon-fibre splint factory before going on to play for Stocksbridge Park Steels, FC Halifax and Fleetwood, where Leicester then snapped him up for £1m.

At the age of 25, Vardy was only earning £850 a week; within three years he would set a new Premier League record by scoring in 11 consecutive matches.

“We saw him twice in the week I think. We did a few Q & As with him and heard him speak about his time when he was in the non-league.

“I learnt a lot from him so that was all positive. Never give up was the main point he was trying to get across.

“He was letting us know that sometimes it’s hard to keep focused and not lose your head, know what your target is and work hard and never give up.

“I’ve taken that advice on board and obviously I’m doing well so far.

“I think it’s helped me a lot because I was with quite a lot of players that have been in the [Football] League before, in and out of it and are quality players.”

Photos: V9/David Tinkler

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E U G A E L R E N P NO NDHOP U O GR

KINGS LYNN F.C .

Another Saturday and another trip this time to Kings Lynn in Norfolk to see them take on Kings Langley in the Evo-Stik Premier.

As Lynn are doing so well l left home a little earlier to secure a parking spot on the road.

Not early enough though it would seem, as l had to use the small triangular car park connected to the ground where they cram the cars in nose to tail ensuring a wait before l could drive home afterwards.

office first, a pound extra if you plan to go in the stand. Inside are the usual programme and ticket sellers and at one end of the stand is a tea room. Inside is a very small area set aside for the club shop where there were just a limited supply of club wares but nothing else, a bit disappointing. One nice touch though was the programme sellers each gave out team sheets as the kick off approached - it was first come first served.

To enter the ground strangely named “The Walks� you have to buy your ticket from the

On to the rest of the ground, the main stand is very impressive and elegantly painted in

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EAST THURRO C

K F.C.

yellow and blue, it wouldn’t be out of place at a league ground. The view from here is superb and well worth the extra pound. An unusual feature is a separate walkway at the front of the seats that goes from one end to the other via steps up and around the directors’ box. In front of the stand it was nice to see they have not added any more seats, as a lot of clubs have, and it just remains the traditional terrace as it used to be with all clubs. Behind both goals there is plenty of room with open standing on numerous steps. Along the side is a covered terrace, where at one end there is what looks like a disused tea hut that hasn’t been used for years, this enclosure runs for the entire length of the pitch. There’s plenty of room with a good view, as with the stand l would think this is good enough for a league ground. The game was a very entertaining 3-2 victory for Kings Lynn. The ground is of a high quality maybe let down by each end, while there’s plenty of room there isn’t really enough terracing to accommodate a big crowd comfortably.

For my next game l set out in an opposite direction, this time l aimed for Essex to watch East Thurrock take on Hemel Hempstead in the Vanarama National South.

Rookery Hill is located in a small village named Corringham and is a stone’s throw from the River Thames. The ground is hidden behind trees and bushes, and could be easily missed if it wasn’t for the tops of the floodlights just visible. There is a small car park in front of the old wooden social club this time l was lucky and managed to find a space. Outside the ground had a rather rural almost ramshackle feel to it sited just over the road from a small church.

Inside it was clear there had been quite a lot of work done to keep up with their climb up the leagues, strangely all buildings and stands were green. Maybe this is so it blends in with all the surroundings as the club colours are yellow and black.

Just inside the turnstile was the smallest club shop I’ve seen there was room in it for two or three people at a push. I had to

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wait till half time to have a look in it though because the lady operating the turnstile also ran it. Past this were two portacabins one on top of the other which are probably the offices, the refreshments nearby were also inside a portacabin. Either side of the halfway line is the original main stand adorning the club name and “Home of the Rocks” on the roof frontage, this offered a decent view.

Behind the far goal was flat standing with wild scrubland behind the fence, if the ball went in here you almost needed a machete to go and find it! Along the far side was a rather curious arrangement where there are two good sized seated stands in each corner one of which had “Welcome to East Thurrock United F.C. Home of the Rocks” displayed on it, and the dug outs are on the halfway line, the stands both gave good views, albeit they were in the corners. The dug outs were both remarkably clean and looked like they had been supplied by a double-glazing company! The remaining end

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was another unusual arrangement. Either side of the goal were small covered standing enclosures, these only had backs half way up with the wire boundary fence doing the rest, the open standing either side had what looked like a new step added, there was also a new turnstile built into the fence obviously to please the ground inspectors. A visit to the now open club shop was possible and everything inside was spotlessly tidy.

All the old programmes were neatly put in boxes and a pleasure to look through.

Although very small it was well stocked and looked after. The game was won 1-0

by Hemel Hempstead but the enjoyment was hampered by the non-stop drumming from the first to final whistle by the away supporters. The ground is very interesting, and the club house is very welcoming if you want pint before the game.

Next, I thought I’d write a few notes about my recent return visit to Ram Meadow the lovely old home of Bury Town in Suffolk.

They were playing Bowers & Pitsea in the

BURY TOWN F.C. Evo-Stik North. The ground sits next to a large pay and display car park in the small town of Bury St Edmunds, so parking was no problem. Just inside the turnstile was the newly built club shop in the same light blue cladding as the nearby social club. It was well stocked with club merchandise and it was nice to see there are now a few boxes of old programmes and magazines to rummage through. Trevor, the chap who runs it, is always ready for a chat and is a mine of information about Bury Town. The ground was much the same as last time l visited - one welcome addition though was a new Tea Hut on the far side of the ground. It was run by an elderly lady selling

hot drinks and confectionary and most importantly some lovely home-made cake. It proved to be very popular!

The large clock in the centre of the stand was actually working for the first time in many a season and had “This is Ram Meadow Home of Bury Town” smartly displayed round it. The match was a goalless encounter, but l would think a fair result as neither side deserved the three points. Ram Meadow is a very friendly place to go to and one if you haven’t been to is worth adding to your list of grounds to visit.

Article & Photos: Alan Burge

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“In terms of our supporters, we are in the top two or three in the league.” Those the words of Chester FC Chief Executive Mark Maguire when I met him in September.

These words he speaks with passion and meaning, as fans we’ve truly seen it all.

Born out of the ashes of their predecessors, Chester City, Chester FC have made significant strides as a football club in the seven years of their existence. A club completely owned by the supporters, it recorded three successive league titles between 2010 and 2013 and now sits in the final division that Chester City played in before its liquidation, the National League. Just one promotion away from the Football League, the club has always been fan-owned, with the money from gate receipts, crowd funders and memberships for its main supporters’ body, City Fans United, all contributing and being used to help run the football club.

Upon the liquidation of City, the supporters rallied in order to bring a football club back to the City. Deciding upon a name and badge, City Fans United eventually announced that the city’s new club would be ‘Chester FC’, taking the original name of the side from 1885 to 1983. The Blues were back and, with the overwhelming support of its loyal supporters, were about to experience the best three years that its fans, owners and players could possibly have dreamed of.

Chester’s first home league match came on September 8, 2010. A crowd

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of 2,734 watched history as the club defeated Trafford 6-0, at the Deva Stadium, a Michael Wilde hattrick the pick of the performances. The Blues welcomed, far and away, the most supporters to the Deva in every season until reaching the National League. The support of the fans was evident, whilst they could have been watching huge local clubs such as Liverpool and Everton, they stuck to their roots and remained loyal, despite the folding of City. It didn’t matter what position we found ourselves, Non-League football was winning.

Following consistent gates of above the two-thousand mark and fantastic performances from club heroes, such as Michael Wilde and George Horan, the Blues successfully achieved three consecutive league titles and found themselves in England’s fifth tier and Non-League’s premier, for the upcoming 2013-14 season. “The supporters are Football League standard, and the size and history of the club demands Football League status”, Chief Executive Maguire told me. Its predecessors had spent a large portion of its time hovering about Divisions Three and Four, now Leagues One and Two. With this history comes demand, and Chester FC’s supporters are dreaming of a return to England’s fourth tier.

However, despite the joyous celebrations and unbelievable performances, the running of a fanowned club involves issues with the budget available. Ahead of Chester FC’s maiden voyage in the Conference, it was clear that the limited budget that the club possessed could result in a very negative campaign in front of them. Despite staying in the National League due to Hereford’s liquidation, the fans still came out in

WE AR E CHES TER!!!

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their numbers during the following season, a season that saw the club eventually finish 12th.

Following this, it was clear that the club needed extra support from the fans in order to exceed expectations and make a push for the Football League. For the 2015-16 season, and the final of Steve Burr’s reign, the club began to truly ask for the help of the fans,

introducing the ‘Steve Burr had a dream’ crowd funder. Asking for donations, the crowd funder was introduced to improve Steve Burr’s transfer kitty for the upcoming season. The supporters once again showed their dedication to the fan-owned club, helping the crowd funder to smash it’s £20,000 target, which allowed Burr to bring in a new batch of fresh faces for the remainder of the season.

“THE SUPPORTERS ARE FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDARD, AND THE SIZE AND HISTORY OF THE CLUB DEMANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE STATUS” 80 - THENONLEAGUE.COM

“I communicate with the players regularly, and they tell me how positive the fans’ impact is on them.” These words from Mr. Maguire come about the superb efforts launched

by Chester’s supporters themselves to improve the atmosphere, elevate the players and attract fans back to the Deva Stadium. It was clear from the beginning that the club needed it’s faithful to consistently journey to the Deva, in their numbers, and sing their hearts out for the Blues.

“The support for the club is truly humbling”, CEO Maguire explained. The efforts from the supporters have been truly

phenomenal, from their work during the week to help run the club, the volunteers that prepare the ground for the seasons ahead, but also the hundreds that line Chester’s stands week in and week out. These people make this club what it is, and the efforts of a group of Chester’s finest supporters were about to prove this.

Following on from the success of the transfers crowd funder the year before, a Chester FC supporters group, known as Cestrians 1885, decided to introduce a crowd funder of their own, in order to be able to buy drums, banners and more to bring the feelgood atmosphere back to the Deva. The page was opened in February 2017, asking supporters to accumulate a total of £500 in order to fund the project to bring the atmosphere back. Just 56 days later, the crowd funder had reached £535.

Danny McNally, the Chester supporter behind Cestrians 1885 and the crowd funder, told me in April that he was “quite amazed at the response”. “In my head I only saw this as me and a few mates throwing a bit of money into a pot, but the reception we received from Chester fans was quite phenomenal.”

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After a disastrous end to the 2016/17 season, which almost saw the club relegated, the supporters group came together in the Harry McNally terrace and began to put the crowd funder into effect. During pre-season and on the opening day of the National League campaign against AFC Fylde, a brand new ‘WE ARE CHESTER’ banner was debuted, alongside flags and the recognisable noise of the drum, as the fans created a memorable display to kickstart the season. As little as a month and a half later, Marcus Bignot became manager of the Cheshire club, which sparked the supporters group to welcome him in the best way possible; a blue and white display featuring the result of the crowd funder and an atmosphere strong enough to guide the team to a home win over Maidenhead United, Chester’s first of 2017.

It’s clear to see how fan-ownership has risen in the lower leagues of English game and the power of said fans is also clear to see through Chester’s efforts to improve their club’s functionality through crowd funders.

They’re actually not the only fan-owned club at National League level to receive strong support from their fan base in such a way.

Local rivals Wrexham have also been using crowd funders to increase the budget at their club, as well as Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North, who raised over £6,000 in a ‘Build the Budget’ crowd funder. Although Harriers aren’t owned by its supporters, it still shows the power of the football community at non-league level, when brought together to help their club.

The Chester story, from having no team, manager or equipment in 2010 to being in the National League in 2017, shows just how much football clubs need their fans because without the loyal support of its audience, the club wouldn’t be in the secure position it finds itself in, seven years on from reformation.

Article & Photos: Alex Bullions/Chester FC

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Michael Wilde

In December 2016 the FDA Academy was launched with the aim of providing exscholarship and ex-first year professional footballers with a second opportunity to seek full-time football or gain valuable experience within the semiprofessional game having been released from their respective club.

The FDA Academy competes in the Lancashire FA U21’s Football League (Based in the Northwest) & we provide a professional environment whereby players can continue to access UEFA coaching & regular competitive football whilst also participating in trial matches verse professional football club U18’s, U21’s & development squads. Through our extensive contacts within the football world it is our aim to help players once they are released from a professional football club. The FDA Academy provides a platform for players to showcase their abilities whilst accessing a pathway into the semi-professional or professional game.

Since launching the FDA Academy, we have successfully assisted several ex professional & ex scholarship players to find appropriate football clubs within the non-league pyramid. We specifically identify clubs for each individual with the priority being focused on providing game time, opportunities and a platform to continue to develop as this can often be difficult for young players to find. To date we have placed players from the NWCFL up to the Vanarama Conference North and having been given the opportunity they are making the most of it.

Andreas Bianga

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Robert Bourne

Jack Bannister

Some of the success stores to date include Ex-Burnley FC scholar Andreas Bianga who left the FDA Academy to join Curzon Ashton FC in the Conference North, Ex-Bury FC professional Robert Bourne who joined the Evo-Stik League with Skelmersdale United FC alongside another FDA Academy graduate Arnold Baxendale (Ex-Wigan Athletic FC professional). Ex-Morecambe FC professional Charlie Bailey who joined Lancaster City FC whilst Reece McNally, another ex-Wigan Athletic FC professional, joined fellow EvoStik club Prescot Cables FC. Finally, and most recently, FDA assisted Jack Banister in joining Widnes FC in the NWCFL. The FDA Academy are always looking for players whilst equally building links with new clubs/managers who are keen to give young players an opportunity within men’s football.

For more information on the Football Development Agency, or specifically the FDA Academy please check out our website at www.fdagency.co.uk. Alternatively, why not follow us on Twitter for regular updates: @FDA_Football or contact us directly on 07477910510 for more information.’ Ian Flannery Football Development Agency Website: www.fdagency.co.uk Twitter: @FDA_Football

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Reece McNally

Arnold Baxendale

PHOTOS: Reece McNally – Ex Wigan Athletic now Prescot Cables, Jack Bannister now at Widnes FC, Ian Flannery, FDA Academy Squad, Andreas Bianga – Ex Burnley scholar now Curzon Ashton, Arnold Baxendale – Ex Wigan Athletic now Skelmersdale Utd,

Ian Flannery

Robert Bourne – Ex Bury now Skelmersdale Utd 85 - THENONLEAGUE.COM

Who are @NonLeagueProgs ?

We’re a non-profit making online community operating predominantly through the twitter account @ NonLgeProgs (now on Flickr too!) The site, founded in May 2017, celebrates and promotes non-league and the humble match day programme. We connect programme editors, design and print companies, fans, players, collectors and those who enjoy the slightly eclectic and random interactions that can follow!

The site stirs memories, shares programme pictures and gives previews of upcoming publications. With nearly 3k followers in just over 6 months, the site has connected people from all four corners of the globe.

How long have you been watching non-league football?

My first game would have been watching my dad play for Salcombe Marines in South Devon around 1980. I watched my home town team Barnstaple Town on occasions through my childhood and then Grays Athletic when my family moved to Essex. My non-league groundhopping probably started around 2009 with a trip to Stockbridge in Hampshire.

Most memorable game?

I enjoyed watching a few of Sholing FC’s FA Vase cup run in 2014, a 4-2 away win at Eastbourne United in the semifinal was an excellent occasion 2-4) Favourite player?

I’ve admired a few of the local goal scorers in the south, Andy Forbes, Paul Sales and Lee Wort all excellent players.

Where did the idea for @NonLgeProgs come from?

I had some time off work and was about to catalogue my programmes but wanted to use

Bridgwater v Barnstaple one of Chris’s favourite programmes

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photos rather than typing everything onto a spreadsheet. I then just thought I’d tweet a few of the programme cover pics and it went from there!

Why do you think non-league programmes are special?

All programmes are special mainly because of the memories they evoke. Non-league programmes are even more special as they’ve been put together and edited by volunteers. The workload involved is huge and the deadlines keep coming, programme editors are the unsung heroes of non-league (In my humble opinion!)

As a supporter of Southampton, what drove you to return to non-league football?

The clue may be in the question...! but really it’s a ‘both/ and’ rather than one or the other. I still get to around 5 home games and five away a season but there aren’t many new league grounds to visit these days which is a shame (I’ve completed 81/92 so far). Non-League is far less stressful than watching saints! It’s also cheaper!

Do you have a favourite cover?

I like this 60s cover from Bridgwater v Barnstaple. This year there have been some great FA Cup covers too.

Recently our followers have been extolling the virtues of ‘Sideburn Bob’ one half of a cartoon duo that has appeared on hundreds of non-league programme covers!

How do you feel about the onset of ‘online programmes? do you fear for the printed programme?

Online programmes are great for fans who can’t make the game, I’m all for them as long as they print some too! It’s when its ‘online only’ that i begin to sweat a little... Before @NonLgeProgs i was fearful printed programmes would become a thing of the past but firstly the passion I’ve seen on the site shows me there is still a market. Secondly, we have loads of young followers, lots of young people are involved in putting programmes together whether from an editing perspective, graphic design, or photographers.

Finally, Frickley Athletic and a few others recently adding augmented reality to their programmes shows there is room for the past and the future within the printed programme - The future is bright!

You have recently launched a ‘Programme of the Year award’ how is that going?

A collaboration of our followers have put a few quid in

Eastbourne Utd v Sholing FA Vase Semi 2nd leg 2014 one of Chris’s favourite matches

Dukla Praha and New Milton Ladies, the site also shares overseas and Ladies programmes

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FA Amateur Cup Final 1951 one of Chris’s oldest non-league programmes

so we can sponsor and judge the Wessex league’s ‘programme of the year’ award. It’s a way of using the expertise and experience of our followers but mainly a chance to contribute positively to non-League football one of our main aims.

Anything else in the pipeline?

Lots! We’ve started giving away small bundles of programmes for kids, to try and

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get the next generation interested in the printed programme. We have regular free football book and magazine giveaways that are popular. We’re sponsoring a player at New Marske Lakes Utd up in Redcar and I’d like to link with an overseas charity at some point, maybe using old programmes to help teach English.

Interview with Chris Tuck

The Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) is the democratic organisation representing the rights of fans and arguing the views of football supporters in England and Wales.

The FSF is totally free to join as well so the question is, if you’re not a member, why not?

Strength comes in number and you’ll be joining more than 500,000 of your fellow fans in the fight for safe standing, lower ticket prices and the protection of our clubs. Our members are made up of individual fans and members of local supporters’ organisations throughout the professional structure and many more from further down the football pyramid.

www.fsf.org.uk

Back on August 8th of this year I attended an FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replay between two teams from the North-West Counties League. The odd thing about the clash is that both teams are named after the same town but neither have a home ground within the town. And twenty years ago, the visitors were dining at non-league’s top table while their opponents weren’t even a twinkle in a supporters’ trust eyes.

The sides in question were 1874 Northwich and Northwich Victoria and the tale of the latter’s fall from grace makes for gruesome reading with the key factor in the downfall being the much-missed Drill Field.

The Vics began life as Northwich Hare and Hounds and Football club in 1874 with the original matches being played at Stumper’s Field. Twelve months later the club was renamed after the Queen and the home ground was moved to a piece of ground next to the Headquarters of the 3rd Battalion Cheshire Rifle Volunteers. The ground was originally called Drill Hall Field and the first recorded match was a 0-1 defeat to a side from Manchester.

The original Vics was disbanded in 1890 but was quickly reformed following amalgamation with Hartford and Davenham United and the club set out on what has always been an innovative path. Founder members of the second tier of the Football League they quickly realised that their town was unable to sustain professional football.

After two years they dropped back into the semi-professional ranks and would go on to become founding members of both the

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Northern Premier and Alliance Premier Leagues- the latter being the forerunner of the current National League.

The Drill Field was gradually developed with changing rooms added and the iconic Dane Bank Stand, named after the River Dane, was constructed in 1912. The ground was bought outright with the help of three local benefactors in 1914 for the princely sum of £1000 and all interests were paid off by 1921.

By the mid-1990s the Drill Field was beginning to show its age and the dreaded ground grading regulations were about to cause problems. In 1993 Supporters rallied round to raise £167,000 to fight off developers and in 1996, it was announced that the Dane Bank would be refurbished

to preserve Conference status. The reconstruction cost £450,000 with £250,000 being provided by the Sports Ground Initiative. The new stand was officially opened in 1998 by Joe Royle before a match against a Manchester United XI. The rebuild provided merely a stay of execution. In 2002 the Conference decreed that all grounds within the League should have a minimum capacity of 6,000 with the ability to increase to 10,000. This was an impossible ask for Northwich. The Drill Field created an atmospheric experience for the visitor especially on a floodlit night and could, at a pinch, squeeze in 5-6,000 on potential giant-killing FA Cup nights but there was certainly no chance of increasing that capacity. After all it was a town-centre

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stadium of the old school, hemmed in by housing at one end and a Kwik Save supermarket at the other.

Fearful of losing their hard-won status, the Directors realised they had little option but to relocate. The sensible choice would have been to share with local rivals Witton Albion but there is such animosity between the two clubs that when that option was put before the shareholders it received only one vote in support. Instead the Board decided to sell to Bryant Homes, share with Witton for 12 months and then move to a new ground on Wincham Business Park. The £3million pounds bill for reconstruction was to come from the £2.4m from the sale of the land plus £500k from the Football Foundation.

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The building company set about building the first of the 102 homes with almost indecent haste after the final game on the famous old pitch, a Cheshire Senior Cup tie against Congleton Town, that brought an end to 125 years of football. Within weeks the buildings were demolished, and the turf ripped up.

The sadness felt by supporters was not matched by the construction company.

Bryant Homes sales representatives were unable to show on plans where significant parts of the ground had been located.

There is no plaque or reference to the football club. There isn’t even a nod to one of football’s first legends Billy Meredith who had woven his magic down the wing

with trademark toothpick jutting from his jaw. How ironic that the Conference amended its regulation on ground capacity to a more manageable 4.000 just weeks after Northwich had signed away their asset.

Not everyone was sad at the passing. Groundsman Joe Biddle was quoted as being delighted that a new stadium was in the offing. But those like Joe who were optimistic for the future were to come to earth with a bump.

There were problems from the start. Attendances plummeted at home games with some supporters being quite happy to travel hundreds of miles to away matches but refusing to cross the threshold at Witton. Vics were reported as paying a rent of £1000 per game to Witton and with legal costs spiraling through a tortuous planning process and the wage bill increasing as the Conference included more and more full-time clubs. It didn’t take long to recognise that the money had run out. Work on the new stadium was halted and Vics entered administration with debts of over £250k. They hold the dubious record of becoming the first club to incur a ten-point penalty and thus lose its top-flight status.

Manchester night-club owner Mike Connett was the knight who rode to the rescue. He oversaw the completion of the Victoria Stadium and also a promotion back to the Conference. All seemed rosy for the new club, but it was soon seen that the club was reliant on a business plan that was doomed to failure.

The Victoria Stadium was a magnificent stadium to watch football. Open at both ends, the restored Dane Bank Stand stood opposite a new stand with great sight lines, two restaurants and executive boxes.

Like many modern buildings the interior was a little flimsy. I remember interviewing Manager Steve Burr whose office shared a wall with the visitors’ changing room. Tempers became frayed in the post-match inquest next door and Steve was pushed in his chair as the plasterboard wall almost gave way!!

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Connett had hoped to increase income by building a marina on the nearby canal and by attracting customers to the sumptuous restaurant. Unfortunately, the marina project failed to gain the backing of the Planning Authority and the Stadium was too far out of town to make the restaurant a viable proposition. Clear evidence of the financial instability was seen at the FA Cup tie with Telford United. With mains electricity not available a diesel generator was hired. All was fine until the referee asked for the floodlights to be turned on. Within a minute there was a minor explosion and the generator was wreathed in fumes. The power was gone, and the game abandoned.

The knight’s shining armour proved to be an illusion as financial difficulty hit home in October 2008 and Connett sold the football club, but not the ground, to go-kart track owner and property developer Jim Rushe.

Rushe and his partner Nick Bone ploughed in £650,000 but that was not enough as HMRC issued a winding-up order for approaching £450,000 in unpaid taxes.

Rushe was forced to put the club into administration for a second time. Even worse was to come as Connett himself had hit serious financial problems. The ground

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was repossessed by Clydesdale Bank and the gates were locked.

The playing side of the club limped on thanks to clubs allowing the Vics to play on grounds across the North-West and also to a midnight raid on the Stadium to remove the playing kit from under the noses of the night security. Rushe was allowed to return to the Victoria Stadium on a temporary basis while he attempted to set up a finance deal to purchase the ground but was forced to dip into his own pocket when it was found that Connett had removed all of the ground’s safety equipment.

Unfortunately, Jim Rushe was unable to raise the money to purchase and Northwich finally became homeless in 2012. Mike Connett had by now been declared bankrupt and Deloitte “reluctantly” sold the ground to Thor, a company specialising in water preservatives, for £600,000.

A breakaway club, 1874 Northwich, was formed but the parent club soldiered on playing at Stafford and Flixton before returning to Witton.

Surprisingly throughout the turmoil Vics kept their heads above water on the pitch with all of the demotions and relegations being the result of financial irregularities.

...NORTHWICH VICTORIA SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION WHO RUN THE CLUB, DESERVE THE CHANCE TO FIGHT THEIR WAY BACK TO THE TOP...

However, their fractious relationship with the Northern Premier League came to an end in 2017 when administration was entered for the third time. By now Jim had been declared bankrupt and jailed for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs so it was up to his son and solitary shareholder Martyn to admit that the Rushe family no longer had the funds to support football.

The ten points deducted saw Northwich relegated but a combination of donations from supporters and a crowd-funding appeal saw the raising of the £16,000 required to take the club out of administration by the FA’s deadline date in March and set up a groundshare with Barnton

One can only hope that the fifteen or so years of turmoil that has caused two bankruptcies, three periods of administration in which scarcely a penny has been paid back to the creditors, a slide from Step 1 to Step 5 and the loss of two football grounds has finally come to an end. Most of the football community would realise that Vics’ long-suffering supporters, and especially the Northwich Victoria Supporters’ Association who run the club, deserve the chance to fight their way back to the top.

Article: Dave Stringer Photos: www.reynardshuntinggrounds.blogspot.co.uk & Groundhopper23

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N O S JA Y E L W CO

RTING O P S E V MSGRO

- BRO

Compared to Argentinian great Lionel Messi, Bromsgrove Sporting’s Jason Cowley has a lot to live up to when he lines up in the Midlands League every Saturday. Watched, man-marked and often kicked into submission by his opposition, the diminutive figure of Cowley is rarely beaten, as he ended the 2016-17 campaign as the clubs leading marksman.

With Sporting winning the Midlands League at a canter last season, with 104 points, Cowley played a key role in helping the

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club amass 132 goals scored, with one in particular hitting the national headlines.

Beating Pelsall Villa 10-0 on the 1st April at Sporting’s Victoria Ground, Cowley scored a goal that will never be forgotten, especially by those who were in attendance that day, which saw Paul Smith’s men take a step closer to the league title.

Taking the ball down on his chest with his back to goal, Cowley shrugged off his marker 30 yards out before taking on a mazy run that saw him beat three players, including the goal keeper before walking the ball into the open net. In true Messi style, it was not long before the media sat up and took notice and on the following Saturday, Soccer AM posted a video of Cowley’s goal, nicknaming him ‘the Non-League Messi.’

Already a history maker being the only Sporting player to ever sign a contract, the 23-year-old isn’t getting excited by having the spotlight on himself, as he stated that the club are determined on working quietly to achieve their ambition of reaching the Evo-Stik League next season. Watched by crowds in excess of 700 on a weekly basis, Cowley has admitted that he was not aware of Sporting’s proud history and partisan fan base before joining from local rivals Redditch United.

However, a fans favourite himself and the club’s top scorer for a second year running, the front man has stated that he has plenty to thank the supporters who have treated him so well for the past 12 months, as he said: “Of course Bromsgrove Rovers were a big club in the area and very famous, however I did not fully realise that Bromsgrove Sporting were just as well supported, and it is an honour to play here, with so much history involved behind the scenes!

The ambition and infrastructure is here for us to kick on through the divisions, the fans have been great with me since day one and when our backs are against the wall and when we are feeling fatigued, it makes a massive difference and the support does not go unnoticed.”

‘THE NON

After Worcester City’s demise, Bromsgrove Sporting are now breathing down the necks of Alvechurch and Redditch United to become the pride of Worcestershire, with both outfits currently in the division above Smith’s side. With Worcestershire having no professional football club, the support of the Non-League sides is ferocious, and Cowley knows that with that comes plenty of pressure to win silverware.

-LEAGUE

MESSI.’

Treated like a celebrity off the field and a true great on the field, the forward is currently in his element, as he reiterated the point that scoring in front of thousands of fans, most notably during last season’s FA Vase run has given him a taste for what could follow in the future: “The fans support has been a big part in me signing a contract here and there is no coincidence that my performances and the sides as a whole have flourished at the Victoria Ground. There’s a few goals that I could class as my favourite, however the one that sticks in my mind is the one against Cleethorpes Town in the FA Vase last season. To score in front of 3,000 supporters in a semi-final was a dream come

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true and it has made me hungry to help the team go one step further this time around.”

Having recently turned 23, Cowley has again played like a player with great maturity in his new surroundings in the eighth tier, with Sporting currently battling it out alongside Sporting Khalsa and Coleshill Town for promotion. With a gap already created between the top three and fourth spot, Cowley is desperate to win back-to-back promotions come late-April and with a number of big games coming up over the festive period, he knows that the picture could look a lot clearer come January.

Just one kick away from Wembley Stadium last season in the FA Vase, the forward also reiterated the point that his side are gearing up for a push to the final this time around, with the demons from Cleethorpes Town still fresh in his mind: “Our main aim this season is to win the league, or at least get promotion. After the successes of the FA Vase run from 12 months ago and the positive feeling it brought to the whole town, we’d love to be walking up those steps at Wembley come May.”

“VARDY HAS HELPED SPREAD THE WORD AND MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER ARE NOW WATCHING THE NON-LEAGUE GAME...

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Nicknamed the Lionel Messi of the Midlands League, Cowley has been flattered by the comparisons reported between him and the Argentinian Ballon D’or winner.

Despite being flattered, he has stated that his real idol in the game is Jamie Vardy, as he revealed that he has aimed to mirror his rags to riches story on the aforementioned Premier League front man, as he finished by saying: “Vardy has helped spread the word and more people than ever are now watching the Non-League game. Teams higher up the pyramid are now looking for the ‘next Vardy’ and that can only be a good thing for clubs, players and fans at this level. Personally, I just want to keep scoring goals and winning things at Bromsgrove Sporting. If I can do that and get noticed by a club in the Football League, then I would certainly back myself to take my chances at the highest level.”

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There aren’t many ‘one-club’ men in the Non-League game, with work commitments, a lack of funds and new opportunities preventing footballers from amassing hundreds of games at the same ground. The National League sees a mixture of young prospect pushing for their big chance in the Football League, alongside experience ex-pros who still have the ability to make the step back into the fourth tier and above.

With attendances constantly on the rise in the fifth, sixth and seventh tiers and more money trickling down the pyramid, the Non-League game is quickly growing, meaning the top clubs below the Football League can now offer some of their star assets lucrative longterm contracts.

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However, this is still not the case in the depths of NonLeague football, and with dual-registrations and the infamous ‘7-day’ deal, a player can quite easily play for several clubs during a season. Without being ideal, this can suit players in leagues such as the North West Counties, Essex County and Midlands League’s, and many have made a good career for themselves from ‘club hopping.’

One of these players is Jay Hart, who on his day is regarded as one of the most feared forwards in the aforementioned North West Counties, having hit the net with regularity at the likes of Colne and Padiham.

Dropping out of the Evo-Stik league in 2015, the 25-yearold has had a rollercoaster 18 months, but now at his third club of the season, he is finally feeling at ‘home’.

Beginning the summer playing under Steven Cunningham at Colne, everything was looking rosy for the prolific number 9. However, a lack of game time and a number of niggling injuries saw his chances limited, and it wasn’t long before the vultures began to circle. With Colne’s assistant managers Liam Smith and Dixon Lambert taking the Padiham managers role in September, the duo acquired a number of familiar faces from the XLCR Stadium, one of which was Hart.

Playing in a division that has suited him so well, many expected Hart to fire the Storks to glory, but with competition for places fierce, game time was limited, and it wasn’t long before the ex-Blackburn Rovers trainee was on the move again, after being told that he could move on with no guarantee of a starting position.

Hart is a player who needs to feel loved, and one manager who has always looked after him is Steve Wilkes, who previously brought out the best in the forward, both at Ramsbottom United two seasons ago, and at Padiham as a youngster. With Wilkes relieved of his duties at Padiham and moving to league rivals Northwich Victoria, it seemed right that Hart would move to the Cheshire-based club, and since doing so two months ago, there has been signs that the diminutive front man is enjoying his football again.

Registering 12 goals already, Hart has now set his sights on hitting 30 plus come late-April, and with the Vics well placed to push for the coveted promotion spot in the New

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Year, the forward has revealed why he is finally feeling settled after six moves in under two years: “Things just didn’t work for me unfortunately at Padiham, there were a few changes that hindered me and with the managers bringing in so many quality players, it was hard to guarantee a starting spot.

“With my eagerness to play football and my determination to play at the highest level possible, it was right to leave the club and it was right to move on for a fresh challenge. I had a few options after leaving, but after speaking with the management team at Northwich Victoria, I decided to team up with Steve again and sign for the Vics!”

...WITH MY EAGERNESS TO PLAY FOOTBALL AND MY DETERMINATION TO PLAY AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL POSSIBLE...

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With finances thwarting the Vics over the last decade, Wilkes and the board at Townfield have brought stability and currently sitting pretty at the top of the North West Counties form table, the good times are seemingly returning. After ex-boss Paul Moore stepped down earlier in the season, Wilkes acquisitions and exuberant approach has galvanised the club, with four wins coming from a possible five in November, scoring 16 in the process.

A huge club with aspirations to get into the National League in the future, Hart has described just how special the Cheshire based outfit are having walked through the gates at Townfield for the first time in the Autumn, as he said: “It has been an awful football year for me but I’m now hoping that I can finally settle down and push on with Northwich Victoria. I’m happy to be here and it is probably the best dressing room that I have ever been involved in. The lads here are incredible and everyone involved at the club from the backroom staff, to the players and the boardroom are second to none.”

A former pro at Preston North End in the late 80’s, Wilkes is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the business. Also starring for Southport, Morecambe and Bamber Bridge, the retired midfielder now wants to make a name for himself in the dug-out. One of the most experienced managers in the North West Counties, having run the rule over Darwen, Padiham, Runcorn Linnets and the Vics in the 9th tier, Hart may hold the key to getting Wilkes has big break in the higher echelons of the NonLeague game.

Working together like a well-oiled machine, Hart is desperate to repay his managers faith in him after failing to impress at his recent employers, as he exclusively told TheNonLeague: “Steve knows what I am about and he’s already getting the best out of me. I’m enjoying my football and I am now hoping that I can repay him with goals and good performances on the field. Moving to the Vics was the best move for me to make and after my first full month here, I certainly feel like I have made the right choice...”

Scoring two in two to end November on a high, including in the cup away at Hanley Town, Hart is confident that his side can battle on all fronts for the remainder of the 2017-18 campaign. With the Vics desperate

to regain their crown as Cheshire’s elite and with Hart keen to move back into the Evo-Stik leagues and above, the club has every chance of challenging Runcorn Town and Runcorn Linnets for the North West Counties title, as he finished by saying: “I’m now settled and that has shown as I’ve been scoring plenty of goals! As a club we want to finish as high as possible and I personally think we could win silverware in the cups too. I don’t know what the future holds for me in terms of playing higher, however all I can say is that I’m very happy here and I want to help Northwich Victoria move through the divisions and back to where they once were.”

Photos: Jay Hart

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Renowned for being the innovators of culture, music and fashion; the world has a lot to thank Liverpool for, and now nearly a decade on from being named the capital of culture, the prestigious award is now inspiring the future generation of musicians, artists and fashionistas, with the likes of Circa Waves and the Wombats bursting onto the scene in recent years.

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In terms of fashion, an ex-Non-League player turned entrepreneur from the city is beginning to turn heads too, with his new brand Moda Bandidos being donned in night clubs, venues and on the terraces throughout the city and beyond in recent months.

Launched in July of this year, former Cammell Laird, Conwy Borough, Litherland REMYCA and City of Liverpool midfielder Todd Blayney has worked tirelessly to perfect his new brand, which combines high-end quality materials, with fresh creative designs.

NON-LEAGUE PLAYER TO FASHIONISTA Bursting onto the scene in the summer with the Watch, Cobra, G-Wagen and Lion designs, Moda Bandidos has grown from strength to strength, as it aims to become one of Liverpool’s premier independent clothing brands.

Selling out their products on a weekly basis and building up a cult following of local lads, footballers, boxers and musicians, the dream seems to be becoming a reality, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Sam Vokes, Jay Spearing, John Welsh, Max Power, Lee Trundle and David Nugent seen wearing the t-shirts in recent months.

At the age of 26, Todd still has ambitions to get his football boots out in the future; however, for the time being he is determined to make a name for himself as a designer and an entrepreneur as he told TheNonLeague that he has loved every minute of his new career path, since launching his tee’s and hoodies five months ago.

“I have always been interested in fashion since a young age, and it was always something that I wanted to do growing up, despite initially going down the root of football coaching. Moda Bandidos launched in the summer and it has been fantastic so far. My brother and I came up with the idea during a trip to Europe and we haven’t looked back since, with Moda Bandidos translating to bandit’s fashion.

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“HOPEFULLY I CAN ALSO GET BACK TO PLAYING NEXT SEASON AND I AM DEFINITELY KEEN TO GET BACK INVOLVED WITH THE NON-LEAGUE GAME...

“I’ve always had aspirations of owning my own clothing brand. We are now looking to grow the brand and explore the possibilities of supplying retail outlets. We have already been approached by one well known local retailer, however we have decided to put this on hold for a while, as we continue to grow and learn more about the industry.

“From leaving school at 16, I have always worked in football but it is nice to be trying my hand at fashion as well now. I have my UEFA B badge and I am looking towards my UEFA A in the very near future.

Playing in the Evo-Stik North with Cammell Laird from aged 17 and then onto the Welsh Alliance with Conwy Borough, as well as in the North West Counties, Todd will be a familiar name to many Non-League aficionados in the North West and Wales, thanks to his pin-point passing and creativity.

Now aiming to ‘tackle’ the mass market with his clothing brand, Todd has revealed that there have been discussions with retailers to one day stock his t-shirts and hoodies, as he described his joy at seeing everyone from multimillionaire footballers to NonLeague stars wearing his clothes on a daily basis.

“The brand has really taken off in the space of five to six months and we have gone from selling tops to friends and family, to selling to customers all over the country and further afield, as well as some big name stars from the sporting and music world.

Todd continued by talking about his brands fan base of footballers from across the countries many divisions, saying; “The best part about this journey so far has been seeing lads from the Premier League right down to the NonLeague game wearing our clothes.

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The price point is extremely affordable, but it also doesn’t compromise on quality, meaning the brand suits everyone in that sense!”

Following City of Liverpool from the terraces and featuring for the club in their first ever game away at Prestatyn Town, Blayney is no stranger to the Non-League game, as he watches and plays the beautiful game whenever time allows.

With big plans for 2018 and a potential return to the field when his reoccurring back problems are over, the box-tobox midfielder turned fashion designer has lofty ambitions both on and off the field next year, as he said buoyantly.

“Sending our clothes across the country and worldwide is something I could have only ever dreamed of 12 months ago, and it has really given me motivation to go bigger and better next year, with plenty of exciting ideas in the pipeline. In 2018 you can expect more lines and even more stand out designs, as well as more products which will cater for the mass market. We’re also planning to bring out a woman’s and children’s range and that will only help us going forward, with Moda Bandidos appealing to so many people both young and old!

“Hopefully I can also get back to playing next season and I am definitely keen to get back involved with the Non-League game on a regular basis, as although I’m still getting my fix through coaching, it isn’t the same as being on the pitch and being in the thick of the action.”

A member of the Knowsley side that won the prestigious Dallas Cup in 2011, Blayney has already cracked America as a player, and with Moda Bandidos taking over Liverpool this year, he may just do the same in the states as a designer in the future.

With a big future ahead of him and with the backing of some of the world’s best sportsman, keep a look out for Moda Bandidos next time you are out, with Blayney surely destined for an exciting career both on and off the field, with 2018 set to be ‘his year!’

For more information on Moda Bandidos and to catch up on the latest designs visit the website: www.modabandidos.co.uk or Instagram: Instagram: moda_bandidos

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The Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) is the democratic organisation representing the rights of fans and arguing the views of football supporters in England and Wales.

The FSF is totally free to join as well so the question is, if you’re not a member, why not?

Strength comes in number and you’ll be joining more than 500,000 of your fellow fans in the fight for safe standing, lower ticket prices and the protection of our clubs. Our members are made up of individual fans and members of local supporters’ organisations throughout the professional structure and many more from further down the football pyramid.

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