Newton Aycliffe - NPL East - 03.02.24

Issue 19

Vs NEWTON AYCLIFFE PITCHING-IN NPL EAST DIVISION SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY – 3PM

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 INTERIM MANAGER: DAVID BROWN COACH: PADDY MILLER, RYAN PUGH MEDICAL TEAM: LILY HESKETT MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING OFFICER: KATE HENNIGHAN HEAD OF MEDIA: JOE HANKS MEDIA TEAM: MATT BLACKBURN, CHRIS CASSIDY, HARRISON CARPENTER, OWEN GERRARD, JAMES GOTHARD, GEORGE NORTHOVER, 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 Club President Neville Wigglesworth today.

Today we welcome Newton Aycliffe, promoted at the end of last season, to Ossett United for the first time. We recorded a 3-1 victory in the first meeting of the season back in September thanks to a brace from Diego Edwards and one from Desmond Amponsah as well as an inspired defensive performance on the day.

The hospitality we received on the day was excellent and I hope the visiting officials from the Northeast enjoy the offerings provided by

Last Tuesday saw the side build on the excellent victory at Brighouse Town with another clean sheet as we faced Stocksbridge Park Steels.

As the league table shows we have conceded far too many goals this season so its great to see things improving at that end of the pitch and while we also drew a blank it was encouraging to see the attacking play, especially in the opening 45 minutes, with new players integrating into the squad and getting to know each other it is only natural that it takes a little time to get to understand how each other play.

But let’s not hide the fact. Points are needed. Let’s get behind the team.

Phil

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

Last Tuesday evening I felt we were partly indebted to our goalkeeper Matt Bancroft’s performance in managing to get a goalless draw in the crucial league fixture against Stocksbridge Park Steels. Matt must have been close to receiving the ‘Man of the Match’ award having made a number of vital saves and his handling, and at times bravery, were exemplary throughout the proceedings.

Thinking about it we have been well served in the goalkeeping department in the recent past. Edd Hall was a favourite with the Ossett United faithful for a good while until Paul Cooper, on loan from Barnsley, stepped into the breach after Edd moved on to Sheffield FC towards the later stages of last season. During the current campaign we started with Joe Green between the posts until he took time out from football for personal reasons and Joe’s outstanding display of goalkeeping away at Ashington was instrumental in us coming away with all three points. Darryl Ombang was then recruited on loan from Leeds United

to replace Joe and what an impact he made from day one. His agility and physical presence was a feature of his game and he was another to serve Ossett United well. Darryl to me seemed to be a player destined to go onto bigger and better thing and we certainly wish him all the best in his future career wherever that might be. Now we have Matt Bancroft on loan from Scarborough Athletic and again he has settled in quickly and is proving his qualities at this level.

The player who was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ accolade against Stocksbridge was Lewis Turner and he has shown his class from the moment he stepped onto the pitch in our colours. Hopefully we can keep hold of Lewis until the end of this season at least as he is another player manager David Brown introduced when he secured his loan period from parent club Farsley Celtic. Keeping clean sheets will undoubtedly do our cause no harm as we continue the drive to maintain our Northern Premier League status between now and the end of the season.

I read an interesting article a short while ago about Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Club who have recently appointed a new owner/chairman in businessman Matt Ellis. In one of his first interviews to the media he said that, “ If a club has experienced some years of

struggle and lack of success you’re going to lose a lot of supporters or you’ve got a lot of ‘dormant’ supporters because it is hard and costly coming to every match when results aren’t going your way.

Eventually you come down to the real hardcore.” He goes on to say, “You have to improve the whole matchday experience for the fans starting with the improvement of facilities and the introduction of new initiatives etc.” I feel sure his assumptions are correct.

There’s no getting away from the fact that our attendances are down this season but I am of the opinion that many Ossett United supporters fall into that ‘dormant’ capacity. I strongly believe that our gates which not long ago averaged over 500 can be replicated if we take

on board the views of the Wakefield Trinity boss. Off the field we have worked hard to improve our facilities (so far successfully I think) and we will continue to do so. Obviously costs are the major stumbling block but there are other really positive plans in the pipeline so patience has to be the name of the game in that respect but I am confident we will get there! On the field of play things are looking a bit brighter lately and hopefully will improve still further especially at home games!

We need to start building up our fan base again but it’s all down to results and performances but it is possible.

Neville

Kathryn Wood would like to thank the board and supporters for their concern, good wishes and offers of help following her recent stroke.

This club is a family and we are truly Stronger, Together.

THE DUGOUT DAVID BROWN – INTERIM MANAGER Taking that into account it made it very pleasing to go on and put together back to back clean sheets this week for the first time this season. Building a solid foundation to work from and rewarding all the lads for their hard work in recent weeks.

Good Afternoon to both sets of supporters. Another busy week sees our 3rd game in 7 days as we look to go 3 games unbeaten this afternoon against an in form Newton Aycliffe.

The injury curse continued to beam down on us on Tuesday night with the unfortunate injury to Sam, which meant he had to be withdrawn at half time resulting in a shuffle in the shape for the second half.

The upcoming fixture list doesn’t look too kind with just 1 home game coming across the next 7 fixtures, so we know this afternoon it’s very important to put on a performance the fans can be proud of at home.

We look forward to continuing our upturn in performances and can’t wait to see you all at the game.

Stronger Together

Brownie

Next Home Fixture: 24th February 3pm vs Consett Pitching-In NPL East

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN HARRY COATES - CAPTAIN here at Ingfield supporting the lads. Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.

Another game back in the legs and another clean sheet was pleasing from midweek. As a group the lads have been working hard on our defensive shape and it was well deserved keeping back to back clean sheets for the first time this season.

On Tuesday night, it was great to see our loan signing Chris Dawson

On to today, it’s all about trying to back up previous performances and continue our uptick against an in-form team in Newton Aycliffe.

As always get behind the lads and hopefully we come away with three well-earned points.

All the best

Harry

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

Player’s Number

Sponsor

Number 1

Stanley Kelly

Number 2

The Scottish Supporters Club

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24 BACKROOM STAFF DAVID BROWN – INTERIM 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. HE HAS RECENTLY STEPPED INTO THE ROLE OF INTERIM MANAGER FOLLOWING GRANT BLACK’S DEPARTURE.

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.

PADDY MILLER – DEFENDER/COACH

PADDY SURPRISED THE NON-LEAGUE WORLD AS HE CAME OUT OF RETIREMENT LAST SEASON TO RETURN TO THE FIELD RE-IGNITING A DEFENSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH HARRY COATES WHICH PROVED SUCCESSFUL AT BOTH HYDE UNITED AND TADCASTER ALBION. PADDY ADDS EXPERIENCE AND A SENSE OF CALM TO ANY SIDE HE IS PART OF. HE HAS STEPPED INTO A COACHING CAPACITY AS A MEMBER OF DAVID BROWN’S BACKROOM TEAM. SPONSORED BY JP NUGENT LTD PLUMBING AND HEATING

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

MATTHEW BANCROFT - GOALKEEPER

A JANUARY SIGNING FOR UNITED JOINING ON A DUAL-REGISTRATION DEAL FROM SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC. HAS MADE A GOOD EARLY IMPRESSION, PERFORMING BRILLIANTLY TO HELP THE BLUES SECURE A POINT AT HOME TO STOCKSBRIDGE. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24 PLAYERS 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 JAMES & DAWN ROGERS

JIMMY BURKE - DEFENDER

BURKEY MADE 46 APPEARANCES FOR THE CLUB BETWEEN 2018 – 2020 AND IS A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE SQUAD. AS WELL AS A SUCCESSFUL FIRST SPELL AT THE CLUB HE PLAYED A KEY ROLE FOR HYDE UNITED AS THEY REACHED THE FIRST ROUND OF THE FA CUP. JIMMY STARTED HIS CAREER AT HUDDERSFIELD TOWN AND MADE HIS EFL DEBUT AFTER TRANSFERRING TO BURY. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

SHANE KILLOCK – DEFENDER AN EXPERIENCED CENTRE HALF , BROTHER OF FORMER OUFC FAVOURITE ROSS, SHANE JOINED IN NOVEMBER 2023 FROM NPL WEST SIDE MOSSLEY. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE DERRY ROBSON – DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

TALENTED AND VERSATILE, DEZ IS AS COMFORTABLE IN MIDFIELD AS HE IN AT FULL-BACK. DERRY HAS EXPERIENCE OF PROMOTION FROM STEP FOUR AND WILL ADD DRIVE AND EXPERIENCE TO THE SIDE. DEZ JOINED THE CLUB IN 2022 FROM NPL EAST SIDE CLEETHORPES TOWN.

SPONSORED BY PAUL COOPER

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24 LEWIS TURNER - DEFENDER

ANOTHER MID-SEASON SIGNING FOR THE BLUES. JOINED ON AN INITIAL 28-DAY LOAN FROM FARSLEY CELTIC. CALM AND ASSURED IN POSSESSION AND A HARD-WORKER OUT OF IT HE HAS BUILT ON HIS IMPRESSIVE START WITH A MAN OF THE MATCH PERFORMANCE AGAINST STOCKSBRIDGE. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

FABIAN BAILEY – DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

SIGNED FROM PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES WHERE HE SPENT FOUR SEASONS. FAB IS ABLE TO TURN HIS HAND TO A NUMBER OF POSITIONS AS REQUIRED, HE STARTED HIS CAREER AT ROTHERHAM UNITED AND HAS ALSO HAD SPELLS AT FRICKLEY ATHLETIC AND OSSETT TOWN. SPONSORED BY RICH CALLAGHAN COREY GREGORY – MIDFIELDER

CULTURED MIDFIELDER, COREY RETURNS TO INGFIELD AFTER A SPELL AT BRIGHOUSE TOWN. NO STRANGER TO GRANT BLACK WHO HAS SIGNED HIM FOR A THIRD TIME HAVING WORKED WITH HIM AT OSSETT TOWN AND BELPER TOWN. COREY WILL BE A DRIVING FORCE IN THE HEART OF THE PITCH.

SPONSORED BY THE ADAMSON FAMILY Tom Claisse - Midfield

Claisse brings a wealth of experience to Ingfield having played for Whitby Town, Farsley Celtic, Ossett Albion and Town, Bradford Park Avenue, Tadcaster Albion and most recently North Ferriby after starting his career at Bradford City.

Claisse has also captained the RAF Football side and was given the honour of carrying the FA Cup to the Royal Box, handing it to Prince William, ahead of the 2018 final between Manchester United and Chelsea.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

JANNI LIPKA - MIDFIELDER

A KEY PLAYER IN THE SUCCESSFUL HYDE UNITED SIDE WHO PLAYED MK DON’S IN THE FA CUP, LIPKA HAS GREAT EXPERIENCE AND HAS PLAYED A CENTRAL ROLE FOR THE CLUB SINCE SIGNING LAST SEASON. HAVING HAD AN INJURY INTERRUPTED SEASON LAST YEAR, WITH A FULL PRE-SEASON BEHIND HIM JANNI IS EXPECTED TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH THIS SEASON.

SPONSORED BY PAUL COOPER

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24 KELAN SWALES - FORWARD

YOUNG SIGNED ON DUAL-REGISTRATION FORMS WITH NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH SIDE ALFRETON TOWN. KELAN HAS SPENT SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL YEARS PLAYING IN AMERICA AND IS NOW LOOKING TO ESTABLISH HIMSELF BACK IN ENGLAND. KELAN SPENT TIME IN THE HALIFAX TOWN ACADEMY BEFORE HIS MOVE TO AMERICA. SPONSORED BY SPOFF & KATE

DESMOND AMPONSAH – FORWARD

QUICK AND TRICKY FROM EITHER FOOT, DESMOND IS SURE TO GET THE FANS EXCITED, A REAL DEFENDERS NIGHTMARE. DESMOND SPENT LAST SEASON WITH LIVERSEDGE AND TADCASTER ALBION GAINING NPL EXPERIENCE. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

SAM KELLY - FORWARD

ANOTHER SUMMER SIGNING AND ONE THAT WILL UNDOUBTABLY EXCITE THE INGFIELD FAITHFUL. TALL, STRONG AND QUICK, SAM WILL ADD A NEW OPTION UPFRONT FOR THE SIDE HAVING SPENT TIME IN AMERICA WHERE HE EARNED A PLACE IN THE TEAM OF THE YEAR THANKS TO HIS PROWESS IN FRONT OF GOAL SCORING 22 GOALS IN 31 APPEARANCES FOR FAULKNER UNIVERSITY EAGLES.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE TJ IBRAHIM – FORWARD

A DYNAMIC WINGER WITH AN EYE FOR GOAL, TJ WAS THE FIRST SUMMER SIGNING JOINING THE CLUB FROM BRIGHOUSE TOWN WHERE HE HAS SPENT THE PAST FIVE SEASONS. TJ HAS GIVEN FULL BACK’S SLEEPLESS NIGHTS OVER RECENT YEARS AND KNOW HOW THEY THINK AS HE IS MORE THAN CAPABLE OF FULFILLING THAT POSITION HIMSELF IF REQUIRED. SPONSORED BY KEITH & KATH WOOD

ALEX PETERSON - FORWARD

A KEY MEMBER OF THE SIDE, ALEX’S WORK RATE IS SECOND TO NONE AND HE IS A HANDFUL FOR ANY DEFENDER THAT HE COMES UP AGAINST. STRONG AND EXCELLENT IN THE AIR HE IS A FOCAL POINT OF THE OSSETT SIDE BRINGING PLAYERS AROUND HIM INTO THE GAME WHILST ALSO FINISHING ANY CHANCES CREATED. SPONSORED BY MOZ & MARZ

RAFA FERREIRA – FORWARD

A FLAIR PLAYER WHO IMPRESSED IN PRE-SEASON AND EARNT HIMSELF A DEAL AT THE CLUB, RAFA HAS SPENT TIME AT GUISELEY, PICKERING TOWN AND TADCASTER ALBION AHEAD OF JOINING OSSETT UNITED THIS SUMMER.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24 JOAO SILVA - FORWARD

JOINED THE BLUES IN JANUARY ON A 28-DAY LOAN DEAL. A PACEY STRIKER, WHO IS GOOD WITH THE BALL AT HIS FEET. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

ADAM PRIESTLEY - FORWARD

THE BLUES FAN-FAVOURITE REJOINED THE CLUB IN JANUARY AND MADE AN EXCELLENT SECOND DEBUT WITH A GOAL AGAINST ASHINGTON. THE EXPERIENCED STRIKER WILL BE HOPING TO HELP UNITED AWAY FROM THE WRONG END OF THE TABLE. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

THE OPPOSITION Newton Aycliffe FC – A History It is difficult to find the definitive date when Newton Aycliffe Football Club was formed. There is evidence of a Newton Aycliffe Rangers in 1951 playing in the Darlington and District League. In 1954-57 there was a NAFC playing in the Auckland and District League, firstly at Sugar Hill sports ground and then Burn Lane sports ground. There then appears to be a gap. There is a report in the Newtonian in 1965 setting out the Newton Rangers Club was formed in 1961/2 and playing home games in Darlington. A further team, Newton Aycliffe AFC was formed in 1964 as a soccer section of the NA sports club, playing its first season in 1964/5 in the Darlington Weekend League, playing home matches at Simpasture playing fields.

Newton Aycliffe Rangers later played on a pitch near Aycliffe Stock Car Stadium. In 1967/68 The Rangers won the Auckland and District League Div 2 Championship (playing home games at Croxdale Welfare). By 1968-69 they had moved to Moore Lane as part of Newton Aycliffe Sports Club and had a reserve team in the Auckland and District league Division 2. 1969 saw Aycliffe Rangers reach the Semi Final of the Durham Challenge Cup, losing to Ferryhill Athletic after beating another Northern League side Stanley United on a very heavy Moore Lane pitch!

In 1969-70 a team named Newton Aycliffe SC played in the Auckland and District League Div 1 and a reserve team played in Div 2. This team won the League Challenge Cup in both 1969-70 and 70-71.

As Newton Aycliffe FC the team later moved to the Teesside League and joined the Wearside League in 1984 before folding from it during the 1993-94 season. And although the current club was re-formed a number of years ago, competing successfully in the Darlington & District League its reemergence from 2007-08 was nothing short of phenomenal.

Having smashed their way into the Start To Learn Northern League in emphatic fashion – winning back-to-back league titles; Durham Alliance (2007-08) and the Wearside League (2008-09) – Allan Oliver’s side built on their inaugural campaign at Northern League level by topping the table for a huge eight months as they finished seven points clear of their nearest rivals in the 2010-11 title race.

The club’s development off the field has been as rapid as that on it, as Moore Lane Park gradually transformed into a ground befitting a club at Step 5 of the National League “pyramid” System – the club averaged 191

THE OPPOSITION attendance in 2009-10, the fifth highest average crowd in the Northern League and 222 in 2010-11, again bettered by just four teams!

Of course, the club owes a lot to Sedgefield Council’s Local Improvement Programme and the Football Foundation for providing grants to afford the facilities but the football club are also indebted to the support received from Newton Aycliffe Sports Club who continue to be a massive backer and supporter of the club’s transformation.

Seated accommodation was delivered in the spring of 2010 and after the assistance from local firm Finlay Structures and a team of volunteers dedicated to the club, standing accommodation for over 100 persons was installed in February 2011, ready for the club’s transition into a top-flight outfit.

Under the management of Peter Dixon the highlight of 2015/2016 was winning the Durham Challenge Cup, but added to that we had our best ever runs in the FA Cup (2nd Qualifying Round Replay) & FA Vase (5th Round-last 16). We also had our highest finish (at the time) in the Ebac Northern League (6th).

In December 2016 Deano Browne & a returning Danny Mellanby joined as joint manager, steering the Club 9th in Division One, following that with a 14th place finish in 2017/2018. For 2018/2019 Danny elected to move to a new role on the club’s committee concentrating on youth development.

Andrew Jinks & former skipper Sean Tarling came in as Assistant Managers.

A poor start to the 2018/2019 season brought a change of management with former Team Northumbria manager Colin Stromsoy joining in early 2019.

His input led to an improvement in form which resulted in a 12th place finish in the league. This was developed further with the team sitting 5th in Division One when Covid-19 brought the season to a premature end.

Further works to the ground took place over the summer of 2020. New drains were laid to help reduce the number of postponements due to waterlogging. At the same time a grant from the Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership allowed for the resurfacing of the path leading to the ground & the construction of a turnstile. A further grant from GAMP in 2021 allowed the floodlights to be replaced with LED lanterns.

Colin Stromsoy left the club late in 2021 with former Sunderland player Brian Atkinson returning to manage his hometown club. Under Brian’s leadership

THE OPPOSITION the Club finished the season in 4th place in Division One, its highest ever league position at that time.

Season 2022-2023 was the best in the Club’s history as Atkinson produced a team which won the Ebac Northern League Division One. In the process the team went unbeaten at home, dropping just two points at the SecuriCorp Stadium.

THE OPPOSITION Nathan Fisher – Goalkeeper Talented young keeper who is part of Middlesbrough’s academy. Nathan joined Aycliffe in November 2023 making his debut against Bridlington Town.

Adam Pickford– Goalkeeper Adam returns to Aycliffe for the 2023-2024 season having had a year away.

He was the regular number 1 for two seasons prior to that.

Jack Naylor – Defender Jack Naylor joined the club from rivals Shildon in the summer of 2021. Naylor spent two seasons at Dean Street have been picked up from Hartlepool United’s set-up. Naylor is comfortable at the heart of the defence or at right back and the youngster brings added talent to Aycliffe’s defensive line. An unfortunate leg injury brought an early end to his 2021/2022 season but he returned to add value to the League winning side.

Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth – Defender A promising central defender, Oscar returned to Aycliffe in 2022 after a spell with Crook Town.

Ethan Ord – Defender 20 year old defender Ethan played for Easington Colliery in Northern League Division Two last season, joining Aycliffe in summer 2023.

Toby Pascoe – Defender Defender who started with Crook Town winning Young Player of the Year before a spell with Shildon. Joined Aycliffe in autumn 2023.

Ryan-Lincoln Barrow – Defender Ryan-Lincoln is an attacking full-back who spent the early part of the season with Whickham, having joined from Easington Colliery.

Dale Elgie – Defender Imposing centre-half who has had spells with Crook Town, Northallerton Town, Darlington RA, Bishop Auckland and Thornaby.

Ethan Wood - Midfielder Ethan Wood signed from Easington Colliery in 2018. The 24-year-old has developed into a key component in the Aycliffe team and one of the better midfielders in the Northern League; neat and tidy on the ball with an impressive set piece delivery and a fierce strike from range. Wood contributes goals and Man of the Match displays to his game making him a good all-rounder.

THE OPPOSITION Marc Costello - Midfielder One of the most experienced players in the Newton Aycliffe squad, Marc has been with the club for a number of seasons having signed from Washington. Costello has a wealth of knowledge at this level including with Hebburn Town and is an important figure in the dressing room, winning the Players’ Player of the Year Award in 2021/22. Costello is the engine room in the heart of midfield and good in the air.

Jake Petitjean - Midfielder Jake Petitjean signed for the club in late autumn 2019 after impressing for Crook Town in Northern League Division Two. Petitjean made the step up to Division One comfortably and is fast becoming a standout player. The former Stockton Town youth prospect is a technically gifted player, comfortable with the ball at his feet and can contribute goals to the team.

Jack Clarkson - Midfielder Promising young midfielder made his debut in the 2021/2022 season having made the step up from the Club’s Juniors, contributing 3 goals last season.

Jack Raper - Midfielder Promising young midfielder made his debut in the 2021/2022 season having made the step up from the Club’s Juniors, contributing 3 goals last season.

Wayne Whitfield - Midfielder Versatile midfielder who joined Aycliffe in October 2023 having had spells with both Auckland clubs.

Jack Blackford - Midfielder Left-sided midfielder who started his career with Hartlepool Utd before joining Shildon, Marske Utd& latterly Guisborough Town. Jack signed for Aycliffe in December 2023.

Kyle Davis - Forward Strong traditional centre forward who joined the club late in 2022-2023 season having previously impressed with the two Ryhope clubs in the Northern League. Away from football Kyle is a talented batsman with Hartlepool CC. Liam Adamson - Forward Signed for Aycliffe in September 2022 after five seasons at Easington Colliery.

Easington’s top scorer for each of the past four seasons and scored 29 goals in the 2021-2022 season. Liam tends to play on the wing, but he scores more goals than the majority of centre forwards.

THE OPPOSITION Cole Kiernan - Forward 21 year old centre forward signed from Guisborough Town in September 2023.

Cieran Jackson - Forward A skilful striker Cieran had spells with Spennymoor Town & Stockton Town. He joined Aycliffe from West Auckland in September 2023.

Brian Atkinson - Manager Former Sunderland midfielder Brian returned to manage his hometown Club in 2021. Brian had spells as assistant manager at Darlington, Spennymoor & West Auckland before returning to Aycliffe where he had been assistant manager to Allan Oliver, now Chairman. While with Sunderland Brian played in the 1992 FA Cup Final & also had spells with Darlington & Carlisle United.

Mark Wood – Assistant Manager Mark is a former captain of Newton Aycliffe and experienced Northern League player. He served as assistant to previous Aycliffe manager Colin Stromsoy & stayed on when Col departed.

Danny Mellanby - Coach Danny played for Darlington between 2001-2004 scoring 9 goals. He played in the Northern League for Bishop Auckland & Newton Aycliffe before moving into coaching & management, including a spell as manager of Northallerton Town.

Adults - £40

Juniors - £35

Order yours today! Email: clubshop@ossettutd.com

MOVE ON UP DAVID POTTINGER Billy Sullivan: Paper Dreams- A Review...

For those of you who've been reading the site for years now you'll know that The Spitfires were a band I was always fully behind and last year's final gig was one that will go down in folklore for some years to come. A band who weren't fully appreciated by those in "The Biz" but who were the most hardworking group of lads I've ever met. They toured relentlessly, up and down the U.K. and even across the continent.

Their output for a largely unsigned band was phenomenal, five studio albums in just under seven years is a feat that even the most experienced of musicians will not manage across their careers let alone in under ten years! The Spits were constantly spearheaded by charismatic frontman Billy Sullivan a forward thinking, pioneer who strives for the

best and nothing but! The ashes had barley settled on The Spitfires's departure when news of Sullivan's solo career began to spread across the socials. I had an inkling that something was brewing from just knowing Bill over the best part of ten years. From the ashes of The Spitfires "Paper Dreams" Billy's debut solo record was born and once again it's propelled the Watford wordsmith into a whole new direction...

"Paper Dreams" doesn't hold back, it throws it all at you with album opener, "Running Out Of Time" almost a metaphor for Sullivan's desire and urgency to get his solo career off to a flyer, this tune wallops you from the off with its surging chords, keys and sharp vocal. It's a stomper that isn’t messing about! The production is boss here and compliments the musicianship of the set of talented geezers Bill has backing him on this venture. The record is a kaleidoscope of sound and influence and "Don't Look Back" is a real groover that keeps the pace of the record moving forward nicely.

"You find it far too hard to say, but no-one's listening anyway.." echoes across the choruses and has you foot-tapping in solidarity against the clueless puppets of the music biz and the A & R men who don't know their backsides from their elbows.

"Overcome" takes the record in another direction and sheds a light of positivity that shows a side to

MOVE ON UP DAVID POTTINGER Sullivan that may wouldn't have heard before. "Hold my hand just start to run, disappear into the setting sun, coz there is nothing we can't overcome.." this really hits you and makes you want to drop everything and join Billy and co on their voyage, you'd go anywhere with them after hearing this!

Tracks like, "The Fear" and "Carry On Like This" take you on a supersonic, psych pop journey which shows another side to Sullivan and just how many influences he's piled into this incredibly diverse, yet incredibly listenable record. "Paper Dreams" is a joy from the first note to the last and is vastly becoming one of my favourite releases along with last year's "Play For Today". "I Will Follow" is the love song most mature artists couldn't write but is expertly crafted and executed by Sullivan in the form of his life. Songs like, "I Don't Wanna Hear" are prime examples of that the guitar wielding commanding frontman you all know and love is still in there just in a new era, pushing it all forward. Billy's taken this record by the scruff of the neck and made it one that you just have to hear! It's only March and this is giving me record of the year vibes just as Sir Mick Head did with last year's, "Dear Scott" "Paper Dreams" is a record you have to hear, Sullivan and co have smashed it out the park and beyond the gates.

David Pottinger is a writer, interviewer and teacher from Middlesbrough. He has written his own blog – Move On Up - since 2013. The blog is inspired

by Modernist culture and covers Music, Fashion, Football and everything in between. From now until the end of the season, we will be featuring a selection of his articles from the last decade. To find more visit moveonupblog.co.uk

Next Week: Consett Shoes of the people.

MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY FROM £250 SPONSOR A MATCH OF YOUR CHOICE FOR UP TO 8 PEOPLE (£30 PER HEAD FOR ADDITIONAL GUESTS)

PACKAGE INCLUDES: - GROUND ENTRY, ACCESS TO HOSPITALITY SUITE WITH PANORAMIC PITCH VIEWS (2PM5PM) - SELECT THE OFFICIAL PLAYER OF THE MATCH - ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME AND PA ANNOUNCER - GOURMET BUFFET - SIX BEERS, WINE OR SOFT DRINKS PER PERSON

ENQUIRIES TO: COMMERCIAL@OSSETTUTD.COM

THE UNTOLD GAME MARTYN GREEN The Vagabond Italian football has a history of systematic dogmatism. Since Helenio Herrera introduced the catenaccio to Inter in the 1960s, we expect Italian sides to be solid and defensive, making the best use of a few chances while restricting opposition goals. And it has worked to great effect - two World Cups have been won on those principles, multiple European Cups, and at various stages in the last 60 years, Serie A has been the strongest league in the world. But it doesn’t leave much room for the mercurial rebel. Those who don’t quite fit the mould. Those who play by their own rules. Teams win titles, but when one of them comes along, they capture the imagination. Such was the case of perpetual vagabond, Gianfranco Zigoni.

Born into an Italy that was coming out of war, Zigoni was a prodigious natural talent. Left with his numerous siblings to fend for themselves while their father worked long hours at a factory in his hometown of Oderzo, Zigoni would while away the days hunting with his slingshot, or demonstrating his sullen brilliance with the local youth side. It was enough for Juventus to give the elegant forward a contract at just 16, but the move to Turin was always going to be a problem for Zigoni.

‘I did not feel free’, Zigo would later

complain. Where most teenagers would see an opportunity to fulfil their dreams, he just saw a prison. ‘They forced me to go to bed early, to train every day’. For the rebellious genius, this wasn’t a lifestyle that interested him. And for the winning machine that was the Old Lady, this wasn’t an attitude that interested them. They farmed him out to Genoa on loan in 1964, at the age of 19.

It was with italy’s oldest club that Zigoni found his first, temporary home. He gave the Genoa fans moments of brilliance, scoring exceptional, imagination-inspiring goals that belied the teams position.

But he was a luxury, and Genoa were in a dogfight. His eight goals couldn’t save the side from relegation. But, fearing a return to what he saw as the ‘concentration camp’ of the Stadio Delle Alpi, he arranged to stay with the club for another season, in Serie B, but was unable to guide them back to the top flight.

THE UNTOLD GAME MARTYN GREEN Returning to Juventus, he played regularly and scored a handful of goals over the following few years, even winning the Scudetto. But he didn’t get on with his manager, the pair at one stage having to be pulled apart to prevent a fight, and by 1970, when Roma made a bid for his services, Juventus were only too glad to accept.

In the capital, Zigo only got worse.

Seduced by the nightlife of Rome, rumours began circulating almost immediately that he was sleeping with his new manager’s wife.

Certainly he was a great womaniser, a great drinker, and smoked 40 a day. When none of those things were entertaining him, he would shoot out street lights with a pistol; he was a great lover of guns. On the pitch, he was as temperamental as ever. Not that it dented his confidence. ‘I should not only have played in the world championships, but… in another planet!’ He would later claim that were it not for wine, women and smoking, he would have been better than Pele. When an ambitious Hellas Verona came calling, Roma packed him off as quickly as they could.

Any concerns Zigo had about the move were dismissed as soon as he realised how important he could be for the provincial club. The fans adored him from the first moment he stepped onto the pitch, and his talent was so astounding that his antics were left unchecked.

Sleeping in until midday while the rest of his team trained it set the tone for what was to follow. A suspension and a six-week fine for telling a linesman to shove his flag where the sun doesn’t shine was more like it. When his contract came up for renewal, Zigo pulled out a gun and refused to leave until he got what he wanted.

It all rose to a head when manager Ferruccio Valcareggi informed him that he would be dropped for a game against Fiorentina. Zigo, taking it as you might expect, turned up on the substitutes bench as demanded.

In a white stetson, and a white fur coat. The game itself was largely forgotten, but the picture went around the country.

Zigo ended his career at the age of 43, after bouncing around the lower leagues, and announced that he had dreamed of dying in a Verona shirt, on the field, and that the stadium would be named after him.

When his final club, Brescia, played Verona, he simply refused to take the field.

Unbelievably talented, and unbelievably frustrating, Zigo captured hearts and imagination in his career. His attitude certainly got in the way of what could have been a spectacular career, but without it he simply wouldn’t have been Gianfranco Zigoni. Perhaps football could use more talented rebels.

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 preseason, 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 15 th place and only avoiding a relegation play-off place on the last day of the season. The management team oversaw a major overhaul of the first team squad ahead of the 23/24 season and despite glimpses of positivity an inconsistency in results saw United sitting in 15th place when Black and Ossett United went their separate ways on 24 December.

Assistant Manager David Brown was asked to become interim manager supported by Ryan Pugh and senior player Paddy Miller as the club looks to have a positive 2024.

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 11/11/23 20/10/23 25/11/23 28/11/23

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST COUNTY CUP

09/12/23 (H) WINTERTON RANGERS 16/12/23 (A) DUNSTON FC 22/12/23 (H) SHEFFIELD FC 30/12/23 (H) PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES 06/01/24 (A) STOCKTON TOWN 10/01/24 (A) CLEETHORPES TOWN 13/01/24 (H) ASHINGTON 27/01/24 (A) BRIGHOUSE TOWN 30/01/24 (H) STOCKSBRIDGE P.S

(A) NORTH FERRIBY (H) HEBBURN TOWN (H) BRIGHOUSE TOWN (H) BRIDLINGTON TOWN (A) BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

MOM

ATT 450

JOHN ROBSON, ONWUBIKO WOODCOCK MILLER

MILLER EDWARDS (2), AMPONSAH

212 PETERSON WOODCOCK BURKE GREEN COATES

392 321 271 327 553 323 432

MILLER GREEN PLATER MCLOUGHLIN

321 472 158 357

PLATER IBRAHIM, LIPKA REANEY, LIPKA

REANEY

PETERSON

ROBSON

168 377 744 346 202

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

PETERSON LIPKA, GREGORY (2), FERREIRA AMPONSAH MILLER PLATER (3), PETERSON

OMBANG OMBANG MILAMBO PLATER

521 283 255 335 111

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

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

SWALES (2), PLATER, PETERSON

PETERSON LIPKA PLATER LIPKA

218 204 326 453

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

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

DAWSON MCLOUGHLIN PRIESTLEY COATES TURNER

555 325 282 311 234

PETERSON

PRIESTLEY PETERSON

2023/2024 DATE

OPPONENT

COMP. RES. SCORERS

03/02/24 06/02/24 10/02/24 17/02/24 24/02/23

(H) NEWTON AYCLIFFE (A) GUISLEY (A) BELPER TOWN (A) GRIMSBY BOROUGH (H) CONSETT

NPL EAST COUNTY CUP 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

Man In The Middle Name: Steven Taylor Refereeing Journey: I started refereeing about 10 years ago as I had just finished playing myself due to taking longer to recover from the knocks you get while playing. I still went to watch local football so thought what better view than to be on the pitch. I did my course and since then I have moved up from level 7 doing Sunday morning football to where I am now. Refereeing in the Northern Prem and assistant refereeing in the National League.

TALE OF THE TAPE LEAGUE TABLE

FOOTBALL WEB PAGES

TALE OF THE TAPE SEASON STATS

CLUB STATISTICIAN – GEOFFERY PYKE

TALE OF THE TAPE SEASON STATS

CLUB STATISTICIAN – GEOFFERY PYKE

Joe GREEN Matthew BANCROFT Fabian BAILEY Jimmy BURKE Harry COATES Jacob McLOUGHLIN Lewis TURNER Shane KILLOCK Corey GREGORY Joel SPENCE Rafa FERREIRA Sam TINGLE Derry ROBSON Janni LIPKA Tom CLAISSE TJ IBRAHIM Desmond AMPONSAH Kelan SWALES Joao SILVA Edney CASTRO Sam KELLY Alex PETERSON Adam PRIESTLEY

Cieran JACKSON Cole KIERNAN Dale ELGIE Ethan ORD Ethan WOOD Jack BLACKFORD Jack CLARKSON Jack NAYLOR Jack RAPER Jake PETITJEAN Kyle DAVIS Liam ADAMSON Marc COSTELLO Nathan FISHER Oscar ECKLEY-ALDSWORTH Ryan-Lincoln BARROW Toby PASCOE Wayne WHITFIELD

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

MATCH OFFICIALS AR1 MATTHEW COLLINS

REFEREE STEVEN TAYLOR

AR2 DUNCAN CARRATT