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Issue 11

Vs HEBBURN TOWN PITCHING-IN NPL EAST DIVISION SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER – 3PM

Today’s Match Sponsors: MY Breast Cancer Support

OSSETT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB INGFIELD, PROSPECT ROAD, OSSETT, WF5 9HL

CLUB PRESIDENT: NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH CHAIRMAN: PHIL SMITH VICE-CHAIRMAN: NEIL SPOFFORTH SECRETARY: NEIL SPOFFORTH TREASURER: PAUL BILLING BOARD MEMBERS: LEE BROADBENT, STUART GARSIDE, JOE HANKS, STEVE HANKS, KATE HENNIGHAN, DAWN ROGERS, JAMES ROGERS MANAGER: GRANT BLACK ASSISTANT MANAGER: DAVID BROWN COACH: MICK NORBURY, RYAN PUGH, SCOUT: GARY DEVENPORT MEDICAL TEAM: EMILY CRISPIN MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING OFFICER: KATE HENNIGHAN MEDIA TEAM: CRAIG BIDDLESTONE, MATT BLACKBURN, CHRIS CASSIDY, HARRISON CARPENTER, OWEN GERRARD, JAMES GOTHARD, KEITH WOOD PROGRAMME DESIGN: JOSEPH WILLIAMSON

CLUB HONOURS (OSSETT UNITED, OSSETT TOWN, OSSETT ALBION ) WEST RIDING COUNTY SENIOR CUP WINNERS: 1949/50 WEST RIDING COUNTY CUP WINNERS: 1958/59, 1964/65, 1965/66, 1967/68, 1981/82, 1998/99, 2018/19 RUNNERS UP: 2000/01 NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION RUNNERS UP: 2001/02 PLAY-OFF RUNNERS UP: 2016/17 NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST PREMIER DIVISION WINNERS: 1998/99, 2003/04 RUNNERS UP: 1998/99, 2000/01 NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST FIRST DIVISION WINNERS: 1986/87 NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST SECOND DIVISION WINNERS: 1988/89 OSSETT UNITED IS A TRADING NAME OF OSSETT UNITED LIMITED, A PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES. IT IS A COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES. IT IS REGISTERED AT COMPANIES HOUSE, COMPANY NUMBER 11162425. THERE ARE TWO PEOPLE WITH SIGNIFICANT CONTROL. J. ROGERS (30.4%) AND D. ROGERS (30.4%)

WELCOME TO INGFIELD PHIL SMITH, CHAIRMAN results match those on the road and this is all down to consistency and that is something we all strive to achieve in every walk of life.

Just over a week ago there was over 2500 people here at Ingfield for the annual bonfire and fireworks event we run, organised so professionally by Nick Smith, with a lot of support from many other people to prepare the various stalls we have in place to make the evening so very popular and successful, it is fantastic to read comments in the following days from people saying how much they enjoy the evening. We already have a date for your diary for next year, Friday 1 November.

We are also looking at hosting an event at the end of the football season that will rival Bonfire night, we’ll have more info on this in the new year. Today we host league leaders Hebburn Town, as Grant said himself our home record is not where we want it to be, and today will be another tough challenge. On the road our results have been, overall, excellent. It is time that our home

Prior to the start of this season, we have never travelled to the North East and returned with more than a point. Already this year we have collected nine points from nine at Ashington, Newton Aycliffe and Consett. Players do not feel any additional pressure playing at Ingfield, certainly not consciously as discussions have taken place. The squad as a whole want to be part of a successful club and continue to strive to be the best they can be and produce the results at home that are achieved on the road. Kate Hennighan, our Mental Health & Wellbeing Officer, has pulled together an article that touches on the mental side of the game which is well worth a read. Enjoy the game.

Phil

PERFORMANCE MATTERS - MIND KATE HENNIGAN – MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING OFFICER Everyone has mental health which like physical health can change throughout our lives. 1 in 4 people in the UK will be affected by mental illness in a year. The most common being depression and anxiety, so it should come as no surprise that our players may face these issues too, something many of us aren’t aware of. The experiences of Frank Bruno, Dame Kelly Homes and Marcus Trescothick show that mental health is relevant to everyone in sport, even at the elite level. By voicing their opinions, they have helped to tackle the stigma attached to mental health. Pressures Sportspeople experience unique pressures from participation in their games, from scoring goals and winning trophies to facing scrutiny on social media and meeting the high expectations from adoring fans.

While these issues make for an out of the ordinary workplace, in essence they are all linked to employment. The managers, coaches and club officials have a role in supporting their players mental wellbeing.

Struggling in Silence Many sportspeople who have spoken up about their difficulties with mental health have encouraged others to do the same, however for some this isn’t an option and they then suffer in silence, often alone, the number of people suffering in silence is unknown. This alone is a reason to support your team even on the bad days when the results aren’t in our favour. Your single act of kindness could be the reason a player speaks up about their mental health issues and reach out for help. On World Mental Health Day Ossett United shared a post on social media about starting a conversation with someone about your own mental health or even

speaking to someone you have concerns about. I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase, “its okay to not be okay” Radio DJ Roman Kemp wrote a book titled its okay not to be okay about his own mental health issues following the suicide of his friend and colleague. Roman has struggled with his mental health from a very young age and was able to speak up to his family before it was too late. It is okay to not be okay, what’s important Is that you don’t suffer in silence. Here at Ossett United we always welcome players, coaches, volunteers, and fans to speak to us. Role of Fans in Football If there were ever any doubts about just how important supporters are to making football the best sport in the world, then those 18 months played in front of empty stadiums extinguished them. This is true for non league supporter’s too! Not only do fans add to the value of football, but fan engagement is good for player performance too. Players thrive when feeding off the energy from a crowd, empty stands have a huge impact psychologically, denying players the

connection with their supporter’s that usually improves performance levels. The roar from fans when a team are fatigued can distract them from the physical tiredness and the mental aspect of the game comes into effect. They can ignore the pain and exhaustion they feel and instead focus on the crowds’ cheers and words of encouragement, this can often be the difference between a victory and a defeat.

The 12th Man is true at any level of the game, we are all working towards that common goal, to win, to score, to celebrate! To coin a popular phrase once more, Football is nothing without fans and Ossett United would be nothing without its Sheepicorns, as Harry asks every week in his programme notes, lets all get behind the lads, lets help to push them over that line and lets break this negative cycle we have unfortunately found ourselves in! Not a single player wants to be booed, none of the management team want to be booed, they are all out there week in week out giving their all! Lets be the 12th Man on the pitch, lets cheer them on, lets sing, lets celebrate together in the bar after the game!

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

Having previously experienced some problems with a large group of youngsters at our home games it is pleasing to be able to report some positive news regarding the younger element of our support base. For a recent home match it was noticeable that the Peter Mountain Stand was again being used by a group of young Ossett United fans who created a really good atmosphere with their partisan support for the team throughout the proceedings. Heavy handed stewarding was never a concern and their presence, though boisterous and loud, was in no way offensive and actually enhanced the match day experience. At half time even the visiting club’s Chairman went out of his way to articulate how impressed he was with the behaviour of our young supporters who, in his words, were ‘a credit to Ossett United Football Club’. Hopefully these remarks help to balance out previous adverse comments and it’s fair to say the enthusiastic support of our young fans, when channelled in this fashion, is much appreciated by the players in particular and the Club in general.

While on the subject of youth being portrayed in a positive fashion I

would like to bring to your attention the efforts of a young man now in Year 11 at Ossett Academy who will shortly begin sitting his GCSE exams. Finlay Runagill who likes to be known simply as Fin came to the attention of Ossett United initially through his parents who often attend our games. Fin was working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Award and needed to show evidence of voluntary work carried out in the community. His parents asked the club if he might offer his services voluntarily in any way possible in order to be of help. Fin soon got into his stride dealing with the kit on match days and other jobs around the ground etc. and this despite the fact that he doesn’t have a great deal of interest in football! Once he successfully obtained his Duke of Edinburgh Award he then volunteered to carry on in the same vein and is now a regular on Saturday mornings doing anything asked of him. The Club is appreciative of his involvement and the work he is doing. On behalf of all at Ossett United we extend grateful thanks to Fin for his efforts. We also received this correspondence within the last few days in response to the supporters Of Ossett United FC. “This is Barry Wilkinson, the father of Daniel Wilkinson and a trustee of the Daniel Wilkinson Foundation. I am writing to say thank you so much for the cheque for £42 we recently

received from yourselves as a result of collection boxes on your social club bars. The donation is very much appreciated. Like all charities we cannot do what we do without donations but equally important to us is the fact that our son Daniel is not forgotten and by the Club doing what you have done we know he is very much remembered by Ossett United and I cannot express enough our appreciation for that. It is seven years since that tragic evening and not a day goes by that we do not think of him but knowing Daniel is remembered and the Daniel Wilkinson Foundation is known about and supported by people like the Ossett United supporters. This really is a big help to us. Once again our sincere thanks for your donation and support.” For those who don’t know Daniel was a player with Shaw Lane when, in a Northern Premier League fixture, he collapsed on the field during the game and subsequently died. Sadly it was a night in Northern Premier League history that will not be forgotten but for all the wrong reasons.

Finally a massive thanks to Nick Smith for once again shouldering the responsibility and organising, along with the interference of Nick Farmer, our Annual Community Bonfire and Fireworks Display. This event has become, both from a financial and social aspect, an absolutely vital part of the Club’s calendar and gets bigger and better every year, This time well over 2,000 people enjoyed a great night out and this doesn’t happen without a tremendous deal of pre-planning and a huge amount of work on the day. To all those who volunteered their services in making the event such a huge success the Club are grateful and your efforts are not taken for granted. Finally a date for your diary: on Saturday December 9th when we entertain Winterton Rangers we will be holding the first of our two Ossett Foodbank collections. Please contribute if you are able.

THE DUGOUT GRANT BLACK - MANAGER Ingfield. At this stage of the season a team is top of the league for a reason and Hebburn have been impressive in the dozen games so far.

Good Afternoon and welcome back to Ingfield, after what feels like an age since our last home game. The postponement of the Brighouse Town fixture wasn’t ideal, with a big crowd expected and the lads well up for the game. But we’ll be ready for them on 21st November when the rearranged fixture will take place.

Myself, the backroom team and the players are all well up for the challenge of taking a scalp this afternoon and going someway to rectifying our home record that we know needs to improve. Enjoy today’s game, get behind the lads and thank you as ever for the backing and support.

Blackie.

On to today, as we welcome league leaders Hebburn Town to

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CAPTAIN’S COLUMN HARRY COATES - CAPTAIN and prepared to take as many as possible. Hopefully starting this weekend!

Consistency has been the problem so far this season. We have shown on numerous occasions we can go toe to toe with any team in this league. It’s time now as a group we kick on and put a run of point’s together. We have some tough fixtures coming up but the lads are ready

Unfortunately, I won’t be on the pitch today but I’ll be there, in the stands alongside you, supporting the lads. Keep up the support, it’s always appreciated and most importantly enjoy the game.

Harry

Thank you to today’s Match Sponsors: MY Breast Cancer Support Providing information, support and shared experiences for those going through breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Contact: 07842140381 mybreastcancersuppgroup@gmail.com

Adults - £40

Juniors - £35

Order yours today! Email: clubshop@ossettutd.com

Juice Personnel are an independent recruitment agency based in Wakefield. We were founded in 2003 in Huddersfield with the knowledge that things could be done differently. This led us to adopt what we called our ‘refreshingly different’ approach. This radical new approach to recruitment was based around our core values of mutual understanding, honesty, integrity and quality. From day one we had a policy to constantly review how we worked. Because of this dedication to self-improvement and our refreshing, personal approach to recruitment we saw a client and candidate loyalty that we’ve never experienced before and quickly outgrew our small office. Skip forward a few years and we still hold fast to the same morals we started with: mutual understanding, honesty, integrity and quality. Because of our unwavering dedication to client and candidate satisfaction Juice Personnel are now seen as one of the leading independent recruiters in Wakefield.

OSSETT UNITED OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX CRAIG BIDDLESTONE though, he’s brought so many refreshing ideas to how we do things as a club, and while I relied on my media training from nearly 30 years ago, Joe is more than half my age and if I’m honest is probably better suited to the day to day stuff like ‘socials’ and graphics.

Hi folks, hope you’re all well? It’s been a while since my last programme notes, and for those of you that haven’t seen or heard I stood down from my role as Head of Media in early September. It was a very difficult personal choice, I’d been in the role for 3 years and over that time worked with some fantastic people, starting with Tom and Dan, then the Chris’s, Matt and Harrison, Keith and Jon, James and George, Joe, and many others.

When I told the board that I was standing down I did offer the choice of stepping away completely, or remaining as a volunteer and continuing with my matchday PA duties, and thankfully they accepted the latter, I absolutely love being on the mic on matchdays, and yes, I do make mistakes every now and then, but I will put that down to nothing else than struggling to see who scores at the bonfire end - congested penalty areas, white numbers on sky blue shirts etc, but that’s down to where the PA box is, lovely facility but in an awful place!

The role had grown so much over the years that trying to balance that with a full-time job, a DJ job, and family, and my own personal time simply became impossible, and those that know me personally also know that I often struggle with my mental health so I didn’t want to risk falling down a slippery slope.

Joe has asked if I’ll continue to write these programme notes, which I’m more than happy to do, and the programme editor, the other Joe (Williamson) them has more content to work with, I will say though that if any of you fantastic supporters are interested in contributing to the programme please do so, any written pieces please send to media@ossettutd.com

I’m pleased that Joe Hanks has fallen seamlessly in to the role

One final thing on my decision is that in no way is anything the club

has done been a factor, I was 100% behind the merger when it was first announced in February 2018, and I remain 100% behind the merger and the club, a club that’s become part of my family. Today’s half time playlist year chosen by season ticket holder Mikey is 1994, I’ll be picking 5 bangers from that year, all the songs chosen will have been in the top 40 biggest selling singles from that year so there’ll be no random obscureness!

Enjoy the tunes, and more importantly, enjoy the game.

Craig

Player’s Number

Sponsor

Number 1

Stanley Kelly

Number 2

The Scottish Supporters Club

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24 BACKROOM STAFF GRANT BLACK – MANAGER

2023/24 WILL BE GRANT’S FIRST FULL SEASON AS OSSETT UNITED MANAGER HAVING JOINED IN OCTOBER 2022 AND OVER SEEING A RE-BUILD OF THE FIRST TEAM SQUAD. GRANT HAS SEEN SUCCESS AT OSSETT TOWN IN HIS FIRST MANAGERIAL ROLE BEFORE ENHANCING HIS REPUTATION BELPER TOWN WHERE HELED THE SIDE TO PROMOTION TO STEP THREE AND AN FA CUP FIRST ROUND MEETING WITH NOTTS COUNTY.

DAVID BROWN – PLAYER/ASSISTANT MANAGER

BROWNIE HAS STEPPED UP FROM A COACHING ROLE TO BECOME ASSISTANT MANAGER THIS SEASON AS HIS OFF-FIELD REPUTATION CONTINUES TO GROW WITH A VARIETY OF INNOVATIVE TRAINING SESSIONS KEEP THE PLAYERS ON THEIR TOES. A REGULAR GOAL SCORER THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER, HE WILL LOOK TO ENHANCE THE SIDE ON THE FIELD WHEN CALLED UPON TOO.

RYAN PUGH – GOALKEEPING COACH

RYAN’S PLAYING CAREER SAW HIM FEATURE FOR GOOLE, NEW MILLS, MATLOCK TOWN AND A FAMOUS SPELL AT OSSETT ALBION FONDLY REMEMBERED BY OSSETT TOWN FANS AFTER ONE PARTICULAR OSSETT DERBY (ASK HIM, HE LOVES TALKING ABOUT IT…) PUGHY JOINED GRANT’S BACK-ROOM STAFF AT BELPER TOWN AND HAS PROVEN POPULAR WITH GOALKEEPERS HE HAS WORKED WITH, PUSHING THEM TO BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE.

MICK NORBURY– COACH Norbs is no stranger to Ossett having played for both Ossett Albion and Town, his playing career saw him make almost 100 league appearances for Cambridge United, Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers. After retiring from playing he has managed in the NCEL as well as working with Grant Black at Ossett Town and Belper Town before moving to Ossett United in October 2022. Norbs left at the end of the 22/23 season to take up a role at a Dearne & District in the Central Midlands League before returning to the Ingfield coaching staff in September 2023

EMILY CRISPIN – SPORTS THERAPIST

EMILY IS NOW IN HER FOURTH SEASON WITH THE CLUB AND WORKING UNDER A THIRD MANAGEMENT TEAM SHOWS HOW VALUED SHE IS IN THE DRESSING ROOM ENSURING THE SIDE ARE FULLY PREPARED FOR THE GAME AHEAD.

GARY DEVENPORT - SCOUT

DEV WILL SPEND HIS TIME ASSESSING UPCOMING OPPONENTS AND POTENTIAL NEW SIGNINGS THIS SEASON. A KEY ROLE TO THE MANAGEMENT TEAM AS THEY PREPARE THE SIDE AHEAD OF GAMES AS WELL AS ANALYSING VIDEOS OF GAMES. HE WILL BE KNOWN TO MANY SUPPORTERS AS A HOST OF THE FORMER LEEDS UNITED PODCAST ‘TALKING SHUTT’

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24 PLAYERS JOE GREEN - GOALKEEPER

FORMER GUISELEY, NEWPORT COUNTY AND HYDE UNITED GOALKEEPER, JOE IS STRONG IN STATURE, AN EXCELLENT SHOT STOPPER AND HIS DISTRIBUTION OF THE BALL WILL BE A HUGE ASSET THIS SEASON. JOE MADE HIS PROFESSIONAL DEBUT FOR NEWPORT COUNTY IN THE FA CUP 3RD ROUND AGAINST BLACKBURN ROVERS. SPONSORED BY THE HANKS FAMILY

DARYL OMBANG – GOALKEEPER SIGNED ON LOAN FROM LEEDS UNITED IN OCTOBER. HAS MADE AN IMPRESSIVE START TO LIFE BETWEEN THE STICKS FOR THE SHEEPICORNS. IMPRESSING IN A RESOLUTE WIN AWAY AT STOCKSBRIDGE. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

JACOB MCLOUGHLIN – DEFENDER SIGNED IN THE SUMMER OF 2023 HAVING IMPRESSED IN THE FRIENDLIES. STRONG AT THE BACK AND HAS THE ABILITY TO STEP INTO THE MIDFIELD WITH THE BALL TO START ATTACKS, HE WAS MOST RECENTLY AT YORK CITY. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

HARRY COATES - DEFENDER

A KEY SIGNING LAST SEASON FROM ASHTON UNITED DESPITE BEING CHASED BY NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH AND NPL PREMIER DIVISION SIDES. APPOINTED CLUB CAPTAIN THIS SUMMER. HARRY IS A COMMANDING CENTRAL DEFENDER AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE BALL AT HIS FEET AND MORE THAN CAPABLE TO STEP INTO MIDFIELD.

SPONSORED BY SPOFF & KATE

THE OPPOSITION Hebburn Town FC – Club History Hebburn was very different back in 1912. The collieries that had changed it from a small agricultural hamlet to a cosmopolitan but pretty grimy industrial town were nearing peak employment of 1,864 men. The shipyards launched by Andrew Leslie were in full vigour. The town 11 years earlier had welcomed a diminutive Frenchman called Alphonse Reyrolle. Reyrolle opened an engineering works, initially employing just 50 men, in the former dye factory next to St Aloysius's church. At its peak, Reyrolles would employ 12,000 men from a wide range of backgrounds, religions and cultures, becoming familiar worldwide due to exporting to 70 countries. The company also started a football team, encouraged by industrialist and mine owner Sir Ralph Carr-Ellison, another famous name in Hebburn history who provided the sports ground on which the team still play on. Football has played a major part in the life of the town - a cornerstone of its history. It helped the population forget the harshness of day-to-day life. When the last pit closed in 1931, it claimed the lives of almost 200 men and boys. Of course, there'd been plenty of teams before 1912, most notably Hebburn Argyle - kicked off in 1882 by Father Toner, the priest of St Aloysius's. The town had so many Scots, they became known as the Tyneside Highlanders. PreWorld War One, derbies with Jarrow would attract crowds of 8,000. The Geordie town also had Shinty and Curling Clubs, and even an annual Highland games, organised by the Hebburn Celtic Society. Alphonse Reyrolle had actively encouraged his workers to take part in sport, including barefoot football, and formed the Employees' Benevolent Association. The team formed in 1912, elected to the second division of the Jarrow and District Junior League, was suitably booted however. They progressed, flourished in the 1930s, had a wartime season in the North Eastern League, won the Durham Challenge Cup in 1943, and returned to the Northern Combination where they stayed until 1958. In 1959/60, Reyrolles had another season in the terminally ailing North Eastern League but finished bottom with just eight points. The club then had 28 seasons in the Wearside League, before winning the league in 1966 and Monkwearmouth Cup in 1968. In 1988, following the demise of the iconic engineering company A. Reyrolle, the name was changed to Hebburn and an application was made to join

THE OPPOSITION the Northern League - though it was before the days of automatic promotion and relegation, and there wasn't a vacancy. The ground was improved andother clubs canvassed. The break, however, came when North Shields created a vacancy by deciding to play elsewhere. The team played its first Northern League game on August 19 1989, winning 2-1 at Shotton Comrades. They won promotion and the Durham Challenge Cup in 1992 but were relegated continuously for failing to meet ground criteria. Hebburn won the Craven Cup in 2000. In 2011/12, Hebburn reached the FA Cup fourth round qualifying - facing Gateshead away, who were 125 league places above the club - and secured promotion to Northern League Division One, having finished third. The following campaign, The Hornets met their target of avoiding relegation, however the management team and squad moved to Jarrow Roofing in the summer. Two ex-Hebburn players, Scott Oliver and Davy Bell, started from scratch. Unfortunately, the youthful squad were unable to beat the drop, but glimpses of promise definitely appeared. In the 2017/18 season, a magnificent run from January to May that saw The Hornets lose just twice, claiming a second place position and promotion back to tier nine. After having financial struggles the year before promotion with an average attendance of around 50 and launching a campaign to save the club, it looked like the tides had changed. Scott Oliver's side finished as runners-up in their return to Division One, with Michael Richardson notching 25 goals. The club enjoyed a run in the FA Vase, beating City of Liverpool 4-0 in front of 1,302 people. The fifth round would see the attendance record broken again as 1,310 packed Hebburn Sports Ground, though the day finished in favour of West Auckland Town. In May 2019, manager Scott Oliver stepped down. Kevin Bolam, who had become the club's reserve manager a year beforehand and guided them to the Wearside League title, took the reigns. Bolam and assistant Mick Mulhern enjoyed a strong debut campaign on South Tyneside, challenging near the top of the table before the COVID-19 outbreak meant the season was voided. They also reached the FA Vase Final, beating Corinthian in the semi-final on penalties, but would have to wait until May 3 2021 to grace the Wembley turf.

THE OPPOSITION Again, the 2020/21 campaign was full of life for Hebburn Town prior to curtailment, but having applied for promotion at the end of the season, they joined tier eight - the highest level in the club’s history. Kevin Bolam's outfit also reached the FA Vase quarter-final for a second time, but lost 1-0 to eventual winners Warrington Rylands. In the midst of all this, the 2020 FA Vase Final was still up for grabs. Consett were the opponents in a tense and historic battle behind-closed-doors. The Hornets went behind twice in a frantic, four-goal first half at Wembley. However Hebburn-born Olly Martin came off the bench to score the winner on 83 minutes, rounding off a special season in the North East. Hebburn's first season in the Pitching In Northern Premier League concluded in a 13th-placed finish. The South Tynesiders did enjoy an FA Cup run after upsetting Ashton United and facing York City away, but Kevin Bolam was dismissed in February 2022. Shildon boss Daniel Moore was appointed at the end of the campaign after reaching the play-offs with his former side. Moore's first season at Hebburn was a memorable one. Hebburn finished 2022/23 in third place, the highest league finish in their history. The final week of the season saw Hebburn welcome Long Eaton United in the play-offs, which The Hornets lost on penalties. Days later, Hebburn won the Durham Challenge Cup for the first time in 31 years after a penalty shootout victory over Spennymoor Town at the Stadium of Light Previous Meetings

Date

Comp

Venue

Score

Scorers

28.08.21

League

H (377)

2-1

Connolly (2)

16.04.22

League

A (484)

1-2

Haswell

15.10.22

League

H (361)

0-1

18.02.23

League

A (199)

1-1

South

THE OPPOSITION Shaun Newbrook – Goalkeeper Hailing from South Tyneside, Newbrook became Daniel Moore's first signing as Hebburn Town manager in May 2022. The experienced shot-stopper spent a number of years at Seaham Redstar before enjoying the 2017/18 campaign with Jarrow Roofing. Moore signed Newbrook at Shildon in 2018, where he won the Durham Challenge Cup and promotion to the Pitching In Northern Premier League in over 150 appearances. Andy Coulson – Goalkeeper Coulson spent the 2020/21 campaign with The Hornets, making three appearances in the Durham Challenge Cup. The shot-stopper carries a wealth of experience with spells at West Auckland, Shildon, Northallerton and Esh Winning. After spending a portion of 2022/23 with West Auckland and Tow Law Town, he returned to Hebburn in September 2022. Tom Devitt - Defender Devitt agreed a one-year deal on South Tyneside in July 2021 after impressing on trial. The centre-back plied his trade for Lionsbridge in USA, before linking up with Gateshead in time for the 2018/19 campaign. After 20 National League appearances, he joined Blyth Spartans for a single season, prior to a year battling upper mid-table in the Scottish League Two with Stranraer. Jack Donaghy - Defender The 25-year-old centre-back is a product of Hebburn Town's youth system, making his senior debut in August 2017. He would win the Player of the Year award in 2017/18, as The Hornets finished runners-up in Northern League Division Two. Donaghy has since been ever-present for his local side, accumulating 100 starts in September 2020 and earning a trial at Wolves. Matthew Elsdon - Defender A product of Middlesbrough, Elsdon joined Hebburn fresh off keeping Blyth Spartans in the National League North during the 2022/23 season. The centreback, who played for England at youth level, had loan spells with Inverness and Whitby as a youngster. He helped Barrow into the Football League in 2020 before making 50 appearances across two spells as Blyth, as well as enjoying a year in Scotland with Clyde. Dan Groves - Defender

Hailing from Darlington, Scott Oliver brought Groves to the club in June 2018. The right-back is a product of The Quakers, and would make 16 appearances in League Two before Darlo were relegated. After over 50 appearances for Blyth Spartans, he made the switch to Spennymoor Town in 2012. The Moors won the 2013 FA Vase, despite Groves not playing in the final due to illness, before clinching the Northern League title one year later. Groves joined Shildon in 2015, and won the Northern League for a second time during his debut season.

THE OPPOSITION Aidan Heywood - Defender Hebburn-born Heywood became our first signing of the 2023/24 season after spending five years with Shildon, where he played under current manager Daniel Moore. Before playing at Shildon, the full-back had spells in the Northern League with Easington Colliery and Team Northumbria. Heywood is also a coach for Hebburn Town Juniors and previously played at the club as a child. Dean Briggs - Midfielder Experienced playmaker Briggs joined Hebburn Town in May 2023 fresh off helping Ashington gain promotion to the Pitching In Northern Premier League. The attacking midfielder played at Newcastle United and Gateshead as a youngster before a spell in Australia. Upon returning to the North East, Briggs pulled on the shirt for Consett and Ashington. Chay Liddle - Midfielder Defensive midfielder Liddle signed for Hebburn in June 2023 after a four-year spell with Shildon, where he played under current manager Daniel Moore. As a youngster he impressed at Billingham Synthonia before spells at Guisborough and Spennymoor Town, lifting the Northern League title with the latter. He moved to Marske United and again won the Northern League in 2018, and joined Shildon the following year. Will McCalmley - Midfielder The young winger came through South Shields Academy, sealing a move to Huddersfield Town in May 2019. He was loaned to Hyde United and South Shields, making seven first-team appearances for the latter in 2020/21 which included an Emirates FA Cup tie at Cheltenham Town. McCamley impressed on trial at Shildon the following season, earning a deal and playing 36 times before Daniel Moore brought him to Hebburn Town in June 2022. Liam Murray - Midfielder Murray joined Hebburn at the age of four and worked his way into the firstteam at the back end of last season, scoring against Lincoln United. He also spent time in Newcastle United's academy, and earned senior experience in the Northern League with Jarrow. Murray signed his first contract with Hebburn in October 2022 after impressing under new manager Daniel Moore. Robbie Spence - Midfielder From Doncaster, Spence joined Hebburn Town in the summer of 2018. The central midfielder, once of Scunthorpe United's academy, spent a few seasons with Team Northumbria in the Northern League before making the move to The Hornets. He made the most appearances for Hebburn last season, and was named as the 2021/22 Players' Player of the Year.

THE OPPOSITION Aaron Thompson - Midfielder Thompson signed for The Hornets for an undisclosed fee in September 2022 from West Auckland Town. The box-to-box midfielder came through South Shields Academy and played 19 times for the first-team before departing last year. Thompson signed for West Auckland after two previous loan spells, making over 50 appearances for the Northern League side. The 22-year-old helped West win the Durham Challenge Cup, as well as featuring against Hebburn in the JR Cleator Cup. Joe Walton - Midfielder The versatile right winger became Daniel Moore's second signing at Hebburn, having played together during Spennymoor Town's FA Vase and Northern League success. Walton, formerly of Sunderland RCA, left The Moors in 2014 and joined Washington for two years before Morpeth Town came calling. He spent a number of seasons with The Highwaymen, including a scintillating 2019/20 campaign which ended in four end of season awards. James Harrison - Attacker The 18-year-old joined The Hornets in August 2022, becoming Daniel Moore's seventh signing. Adept on either wing, Harrison spent two years with Blackpool and helped The Tangerines reach the FA Youth Cup quarter final away to Chelsea. Olly Martin - Attacker Martin wrote his name into Hebburn history after coming off the bench to score the winner at Wembley in the 2020 FA Vase final. The quick attacker, formerly of Newcastle United and Sunderland's youth set-ups, spent time with Gateshead U18s, Jarrow Roofing and South Shields Reserves. Martin enjoyed a prolific season at Whitley Bay, notching 12 goals, before moving to The Hornets in June 2019. Amar Purewal - Attacker The tall striker joined The Hornets in June 2020 from Northern League rivals, West Auckland Town. Purewal, an international with Panjab, came through the ranks of Newcastle United before stints with Newcastle Benfield and Bishop Auckland. He was Durham City's top scorer in the eighth tier in 2010/11, prior to joining Darlington in 2012 and again finishing top of the charts. Purewal accumulated a total of 61 goals in 115 appearances for The Quakers, but moved to Shildon for a stint in 2016. The forward, who notched Hebburn's first at Wembley in May 2021, made headlines after facing off against his twin brother Arjun in the Consett backline.

THE OPPOSITION Daniel Moore - Manager A four-time Northern League winner, Moore was appointed as Hebburn Town manager ahead of the 2022/23 campaign after leading Shildon to the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division play-off places. A product of Mansfield Town, Moore donned the shirt for Shildon and Celtic Nation after proudly giving eight years' service to the army. The defender captained Spennymoor Town to FA Vase triumph in 2013, despite not appearing at Wembley due to injury, before returning to Shildon as skipper. After lifting the Northern League Cup and Division One title, he was named player-manager in January 2017 and claimed the JR Cleator and Durham Challenge Cup. Hitting around 500 appearances at Dean Street, Moore achieved promotion alongside Hebburn in 2020/21 - with his tenure ending in a 59% win ratio from 223 games. Mark Hudson – Asst. Manager Hudson followed Daniel Moore to South Tyneside in April 2022 as assistant manager, following a successful spell with Shildon. The 41-year-old from Bishop Auckland came through Middlesbrough's youth ranks, making four Premier League appearances for Boro. The midfielder then enjoyed lengthy spells with Chesterfield, Hudddersfield Town and Rotherham United across the Football League. After stints with Grimsby and Worksop Town, Hudson returned to the North East with West Auckland Town, Ashington and Sunderland RCA. He found his way to Shildon in 2012, enjoying four years as player at The Railwaymen before joining the backroom team in October 2017. Simon Harris – First Team Coach A coach at Consett during 2014/15, he joined Hebburn Town's backroom staff in October 2021 having spent two years in the hot seat at Gosforth Bohemians. Harris, who helped Blyth Town to the Northern Alliance title in 2016, also enjoyed time at Newcastle United Foundation. He was appointed joint caretaker manager at the end of the 2021/22 campaign at Hebburn, winning 13 points from a possible 27. Carl Morris – Goalkeeping Coach Morris was brought to Hebburn Town by Daniel Moore from Shildon, having spent two years at Dean Street as goalkeeping coach. A veteran Northern League shot-shopper, Morris lists Darlington, Brandon United, Sunderland RCA and Billingham Town among his previous clubs. He spent time as goalkeeping coach at the latter two, and moved to Shildon in May 2020.

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THE UNTOLD GAME MARTYN GREEN Records, Wrecks but No Regrets. When, in the summer of 1992, Milan broke the world transfer record, it wasn’t the number or the club that caused everyone to draw breath. Alan Shearer became the most expensive player to move between English clubs, costing a cool £3.2m when he joined Blackburn Rovers, but that was a drop in the ocean compared to the bonanza that was found in Italy. Milan broke the £10m barrier to bring in Jean-Pierre Papin from Marseille, and Juventus responded with the £12m signing of Sampdoria’s Gianluca Vialli. Both proven names, both with international reputations. But then Milan went again, and made a signing that, outside of Italy at least, made little sense. £13m, for Gianluigi Lentini. Lentini had, by that stage, made over 100 appearances for a Torino side that was challenging the old order. Fifth in 1991, third in the following season, and an array of talent unbecoming of Turin’s poor neighbours. For Lentini, this would be the apex of an underwhelming career. Torino had been relegated in 1989, and while he had been phenomenal in Serie B, it hadn’t earned him a call up to the 1990 World Cup squad. Italy had failed to qualify for Euro 1992, so he had no chance to explode onto the world stage as people had expected. But

in Italy, he had earned a reputation as a left back’s worst nightmare, and Milan added him to their unbeaten, title-winning side. His moved sparked riots in Turin. In Milan, Lentini struggled. Flashes of brilliance were offset by his nocturnal activities. His lack of professionalism was tolerated, even celebrated, at Torino, but Fabio Capello was not a manager for whom one could do as they pleased. He picked up a Scudetto and a Coppa Italia, but disappeared in the Champions League final, which they lost. By that summer, he was more fond of the local discos than the training ground, and was engaged in a torrid affair with the wife of Juventus striker Toto Schillacci. Speeding from Milan to Turin to meet his amore in his yellow Porche 911, Lentini blew a tire. He replaced it with the spare and set off again, career.

THE UNTOLD GAME MARTYN GREEN apparently unaware that he was now limited to 50 miles per hour, not the 125 he had been doing. He lost control and veered across the carriageway, smashing into the barriers. A truck driver witnessed the incident and pulled him from the wreckage moments before it caught alight, saving his life. But not his career. Lentini was put into an induced coma, and was never the player he had been. He barely played in the following three years, and scored just six goals. He did find time to marry a Swedish supermodel, but when his contract was up Milan were glad to get him, and his astronomical wages, off the books. He moved to Atalanta, where he linked up with his former Torino boss Emiliano Mondonico. In Bergamo, he found something like his old form. Linking up with an emerging Filippo Inzaghi he helped Atalanta to a mid-table finish, far above their usual relegation dogfight. But his time at the club would be short-lived, and he moved again, back to his spiritual home in Turin. It was an emotional return to Torino, whose wild spending had caught up with them and seen them relegated into Serie B. Mired for a few seasons, Lentini gave them hope once more, although Torino lost the promotion playoff on penalties in his first season. Mondonico returned that summer,

and in 1998 they finally returned to Serie A. This time, without the reckless purchasing power, they struggled. Relegated in 1999, Mondonico was sacked and wound up at fellow Serie B side Cosenza. Lentini followed him. Cosenza were another side with financial difficulties, and were eventually relegated to Serie D. Lentini stayed, because they were nice people and because he was coming to the end of a career of unbelievable highs and destructive lows. When he finally returned home, supposedly retired, a friend asked him to turn out for local amateur side Canelli. He called in a favour and another former Italy player, Diego Fuser, joined him. They played for the side until well into the 40s, and lifted them as far as Serie D. Ironically for a player who had been beloved at Torino, and won the league title and a Champions League medal with Milan, Lentini was perhaps never more contented than after his fall from grace with Cosenza. Asked what it was like to go from the world’s most expensive player to crowds of just 3000, in less than a decade, Lentini gave the answer every fan wants to hear. Football was football, he said, regardless of where you played, and who it was against. Perhaps some of the world’s most expensive players today could learn a thing or two from him.

CLUB HISTORY THE FORMATION Ossett United was created on 1 June 2018 following the merger of Ossett Town AFC (est. 1936) and Ossett Albion AFC (est. 1944). Both Ossett Town and Ossett Albion had managed to gain Northern Premier League status and maintain that level of football for a remarkable period of time.

The two clubs merged under the leadership of a new board brought together from the two previous clubs. The Club made its new home Ingfield, the previous home of Ossett Town, and used Dimple Wells, the previous home of Ossett Albion, as its Ladies and Academy Team base.

EARLY CHANGES Despite a successful first season on the pitch, off field things were not as successful with a number of board resignations and some challenging financial issues to deal with following the merger. By the end of the 2018/19 season, Phil Smith had taken on the mantle of club chairman with Stuart Garside, Steve Hanks, Paul Billing, Neil Spofforth and Joe Hanks joining the board. There were more troubles for Ossett United in November 2019 as a significant and unprecedented court case, dating back to a tackle in 2015 when Ossett Town were playing Radcliffe Borough, was lost with United facing legal and damages costs amounting to £135,000. Fortunately, the club received a generous loan from two of its closest supporters to avoid the club going into liquidation (at worst) or selling the Ingfield ground (at best).

CLUB HISTORY Despite a successful first season on the pitch, off field things were not as successful with a number of board resignations and some challenging financial issues to deal with following the merger. By the end of the 2018/19 season, Phil Smith had taken on the mantle of club chairman with Stuart Garside, Steve Hanks, Paul Billing, Neil Spofforth and Joe Hanks joining the board. There were more troubles for Ossett United in November 2019 as a significant and unprecedented court case, dating back to a tackle in 2015 when Ossett Town were playing Radcliffe Borough, was lost with United facing legal and damages costs amounting to £135,000. Fortunately, the club received a generous loan from two of its closest supporters to avoid the club going into liquidation (at worst) or selling the Ingfield ground (at best). James Rogers and Phil Smith swapped roles due to Smith’s work commitments with Rogers taking on the role as Chairman, a role he had previously held at Ossett Town. 2020 also saw the club declare Dimple Wells as surplus to requirements and made arrangements to surrender the lease making Ingfield the single home of the united club.

GROUND IMPROVEMENTS With the off-field rollercoaster settling down the Board progressed numerous ground improvements at Ingfield with the replacement of the pitch side barrier and installation of LED floodlights being completed in 2021 before attention turned to improving the changing room facilities which took shape in the summer of 2023 thanks to further grants from the Football Foundation. The extension includes an additional match official room, two offices and a medical room as well as a larger, modern changing room that will become fully operational by the summer of 2024.

The Boardroom has also been strengthened in the summer of 2023 with Dawn Rogers and Kate Hennighan taking their place alongside the eight members already in place.

CLUB HISTORY UP TO NOW... On the pitch, the first year (2018/19) was a remarkable success with attendances significantly increased from what either club had experienced previously, coupled with success on the pitch reaching the play-off semi-final and winning the County Cup, under the guidance of manager Andy Welsh. Following the departure of Andy Welsh a couple of months in to the 2019/20 season Wayne Benn, assisted by Chick Hayward, oversaw two covid hit seasons. Hopes were high after a positive pre-season in 2021/22 with Benn reshaping the squad. The season started well with Ossett United in the top half of the table but a run of only one win in three months saw a change in the dugout at Christmas with Jas Collvier and Mark Ward taking a joint managerial role. The season ended well with the pair unbeaten at Ingfield with seven wins and two draws but away from home inconsistent performances and results saw a ninth placed finish in only the clubs second completed season. Colliver and Ward strengthened the squad throughout pre-season, and despite on paper the squad looking as strong as it ever had, results did not match expectations. Mark Ward resigned in September with Colliver taking sole charge before leaving the club by mutual consent the following month. Grant Black became the clubs fourth permanent manager in October 2022, winning his first game in charge, 2-0 at the eventual play-off champions Long Eaton United and only tasting defeat twice in his first 16 games. Results tailed off as the season ended with the club finishing in 15th place but the management team had a clear plan in place for the type of player they wanted to bring in ahead of the 2023/24 season with their and the clubs ambition being a much higher finish than recently experienced.

2023/2024 DATE

OPPONENT

COMP. RES. SCORERS

04/07/23 07/07/23 11/07/23 14/07/23 18/07/23 22/07/23 25/07/23 29/07/23

(A) HORBURY TOWN (A) ARMTHORPE TOWN (A) WORKSOP TOWN (A) TADCASTER ALBION (A) HEMSWORTH M.W (A) GOOLE (A) GARFORTH TOWN (H) WIDNES FC

FRIENDLY FRIENDLY FRIENDLY FRIENDLY

3-1 3-2 0-1 1-0 S.KELLY TROPHY 2-0 FRIENDLY 1-4 FRIENDLY 0-3 FRIENDLY 1-0

IBRAHIM, ONWUBIKO, TRIALIST D ONWUBIKO, KELLY, REANEY

05/08/23 12/08/23 15/08/23 19/08/23 22/08/23 26/08/23 28/08/23

(H) 1874 NORTHWICH (A) SHEFFIELD FC (H) DUNSTON FC (H) WYTHENSHAWE (A) ASHINGTON (H) STOCKTON TOWN (A) PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES

FA CUP NPL EAST NPL EAST FA CUP NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

2-0 1-3 2-4 2-0 1-0 0-1 0-4

PETERSON (2) OWN GOAL IBRAHIM, AMPONSAH BURKE, REANEY SWALES

02/09/23 (H) MARSKE UNITED 09/09/23 (A) NORTH FERRIBY 16/09/23 (A) NEWTON AYCLIFFE 30/09/23 (H) GRIMSBY BOROUGH

FA CUP FA TROPHY NPL EAST NPL EAST

0-3 1-2 3-1 0-2

03/10/23 (H) GRANTHAM TOWN 07/10/23 (A) CONSETT 10/10/23 (H) HORBURY TOWN 14/10/23 (H) CARLTON TOWN 28/10/23 (A) STOCKSBRIDGE P.S

NPL EAST NPL EAST COUNTY CUP NPL EAST NPL EAST

0-0 2-1 2-0 0-2 1-0

04/11/23 (A) NORTH FERRIBY 11/11/23 (H) HEBBURN TOWN 18/11/23 (A) CLEETHORPES TOWN 21/11/23 (H) BRIGHOUSE TOWN 25/11/23 (H) BRIDLINGTON TOWN

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

1-3

02/12/23 (A) BELPER TOWN 09/12/23 (H) WINTERTON RANGERS 16/12/23 (A) DUNSTON FC 22/12/23 (H) SHEFFIELD FC 26/12/23 (A) LIVERSEDGE

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

01/01/24 (H) PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES 06/01/24 (A) STOCKTON TOWN 13/01/24 (H) ASHINGTON 20/01/24 (H) STOCKSBRIDGE P.S 27/01/24 (A) BRIGHOUSE TOWN

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

MOM

ATT 450

JOHN ROBSON, ONWUBIKO WOODCOCK MILLER

MILLER EDWARDS (2), AMPONSAH

IBRAHIM, LIPKA REANEY, LIPKA PETERSON PETERSON

212 PETERSON WOODCOCK BURKE GREEN COATES

392 321 271 327 553 323 432

MILLER GREEN PLATER MCLOUGHLIN

321 472 158 357

PLATER CLAISSE REANEY COATES ROBSON

168 377 744 346 202 521

2023/2024 DATE

OPPONENT

COMP. RES. SCORERS

03/02/24 (H) NEWTON AYCLIFFE 17/02/24 (A) GRIMSBY BOROUGH 24/02/23 (H) CONSETT

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

02/03/24 16/03/24 23/03/24 30/03/24

(A) CARLTON TOWN (A) WINTERTON RANGERS (H) BELPER TOWN (A) GRANTHAM TOWN

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

01/04/24 (H) LIVERSEDGE 06/04/24 (A) HEBBURN TOWN 13/04/24 (H) NORTH FERRIBY 20/04/24 (A) BRIDLINGTON TOWN 27/04/24 (H) CLEETHORPES TOWN

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

MOM

ATT

The Man In The Middle West Riding County Cup – 2nd Round Barnoldswick Town – Away 28th November – 7:45pm Taylor Metcalf

TALE OF THE TAPE PITCHING-IN NPL EAST Pos

Club

Played

Won

Draw

Loss

Goal S

Goal A

Pts

Hebburn Town

+11

Belper Town

+15

Stockton Town

+12

Consett AFC

Pontefract Collieries

Carlton Town

North Ferriby

Cleethorpes Town

Liversedge

Dunston

Bridlington Town

-4

Brighouse Town

-5

Ashington AFC

-3

Grimsby Borough

-5

Grantham Town

-6

Ossett United

-10

Newton Aycliffe

-14

Winterton Rangers

-19

StocksbrIdge P.S

-4

Sheffield FC

-7

TALE OF THE TAPE SEASON STATS

CLUB STATISTICIAN – GEOFFERY PYKE Man of the Match Awards

Player

League

Cup

Total

Harry Coates

Rhys Plater

Joe Green

Josh Woodcock

Jacob McLoughlin

Tom Claisse

Derry Robson

Alex Peterson

Jimmy Burke

Paddy Miller

Charlie Reaney

Leading Goalscorers Player

League

Cup

Total

Alex Peterson

Desmond Amponsah

Diego Edwards

TJ Ibrahim

Janni Lipka

Charlie Reaney

Kelan Swales

Jimmy Burke

Paddy Miller

Joe GREEN Darryl OMBANG Fabian BAILEY Jimmy BURKE Harry COATES Paddy MILLER Jacob McLOUGHLIN Jeremie MILAMBO Corey GREGORY Rhys PLATER Rafa FERREIRA Derry ROBSON Tom CLAISSE Janni LIPKA TJ IBRAHIM Desmond AMPONSAH Kelan SWALES Sam KELLY Alex PETERSON

Shaun NEWBROOK Andy COULSON Tom DEVITT Jack DONAGHY Matthew ELSDON Dan GROVES Aidan HEYWOOD Dean BRIGGS Chay LIDDLE Will McCALMLEY Liam MURRAY Robbie SPENCE Aaron THOMPSON Joe WALTON James HARRISON Olly MARTIN Amar PUREWAL

SHIRTS: SKY BLUE SHORTS: NAVY SOCKS: NAVY GK: ALL PINK

MATCH OFFICIALS AR1 EMMA TAYLOR

REFEREE TAYLOR METCALF

AR2 THOMAS JOHNSON