Saints vs Stourbridge FC

The Official Matchday Magazine

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Saturday 28th December 2013 Kick-Off 3pm

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WELCOME

Welcome to Rowley Park - The Cozy Stadium and to the latest edition of the Saints Matchday Magazine, enjoy great football, great hospitality and a great read.

Club Honours

Inside This Issue 03 Management Notes

27

Fan Feature

04 Action Replay

28

Football Funnies

05 Uhlsport Feature

30/31

Mascot Feature

08/09 Match Reports

32

Game For A Laugh

10/11 Player Profile

33

Fixtures Matrix

12 Greenies Greetings

35

Fixtures Information

14 Greatest Matches Ever

37

The Non-League Paper

16 A Blast From The Past

39

Non-League Club News

17 Chairmans’ Views

40/41

Season Statistics

18/21 Opponent Feature

42

League Table

22/23 Pull Out Poster

44

The Teams

24

The Beautiful Game

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Division One champions, 1 time United Counties League Premier Division champions, 2 times Division One champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 2 times Metropolitan League Champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 1 time Professional Cup winners, 1 time South Midlands League Champions, 1 time Huntingdonshire League Champions, 4 times

Club Officials

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Southern Football League

Owner Mike Kearns Chairman Mike Kearns Managing Director Lee Kearns Director Iain Parr Joint First Team Managers Gary King / Zema Abbey Assistant First Team Manager Nathan Abbey Club Secretary Gary Wilson Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard Treasurer Keith Gotch Life President John Walker Life Vice-Presidents Ena Kester Jack Blyth

Huntingdonshire Senior Cup Mel Hancock Ken Harris David Mackian Terry Reedman Stuart Walters Team Officials Ben Watts (Assistant Coach) Richard King (Goalkeeping Coach) Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt Physio Carol Holland St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley Club Merchandise Linda Walters Programme Editor Mark Davies Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark

Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas

Winners, 37 times

Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green

Winners, 2 times

Club Photographer Claire Howes Assistant Photographer Paulo Soares

Hinchingbrooke Cup

Club Information

Programme Sales Charlie Green

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Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson

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MANAGEMENT NOTES All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

An Opportunity Relished Gary King Good afternoon everybody and welcome to our opponents today Stourbridge FC. Congratulations to Stourbridge on what was a tremendous achievement in reaching the FA Cup Second Round Proper; well done.

Of course, this season was always going to be a tricky one. Being involved at the wrong end of the table is frustrating for everyone involved and I appreciate how frustrating it is for the supporters but I will say you are a spirited bunch who really have got behind us. As you will have seen

This really is a fantastic football club we are all looking forward to achieving success here for all of you. over the past three or four weeks we have brought in players who we feel will make the squad stronger and have reduced the number of loan players (we felt when you are in a relegation battle its sensible to surround yourself with players who are in it for the long term). Attracting players at this time of the season is difficult but I’m pleased at how and who we attracted in such a short timescale. It has probably taken from our first game against Hemel on the 9th November until now to be able to say we feel we don’t need to bring any more players in. That isn’t to say there wont be any more changes as we look to build into next season but we certainly feel the players we have

here right now are more than capable of competing at the right end of the table so the job in earnest now becomes working with a squad of approximately eighteen, getting them settled down in order to get the best from them. Moving away from the bottom three is obviously our main focus and the sooner we can achieve this the sooner we will be able to approach games without having the pressure being in the bottom four brings.

I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Onwards and Upwards..

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Reflecting on what has happened to me so far this season, I have to say it is true what they say, football is a funny old game. As you probably know I wasn’t involved with any club at the beginning of this season and had chosen to have a season out of football; that was until I spoke to Mike who offered me the opportunity to get involved with the club which eventually evolved to myself, Zema and Nathan coming together as a management team again. I am so pleased that I came on board, this really is a fantastic football club and I know I can speak on behalf of Zema and Nathan aswell as myself when I say we are all looking forward to achieving success here for all of you. I’d like to thank Mike for the opportunity he has presented us with; it really is something the three of us relish and I’d also like to thank Lee, Iain, Mick, Gary, Carol and everybody else involved at the club for their support every week, it really is appreciated.

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I am writing these notes before the Totton game due to the Christmas period but speaking to you today I hope you have all enjoyed your Christmas and are looking forward to a happy new year.

‘Kingy’

03

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ACTION REPLAY

04

UCL Premier Division: 28th November 2009 Deeping 1

St Neots Town 1

St Neots run of five straight league victories was ended

by Deeping Rangers who had also shared the points in a 0-0 draw when the two sides had met at Rowley Park.

Overall a draw was probably the fairest result because the two very evenly matches sides exchanged attacking moves in an end to end encounter that saw both sides probably miss far more chances than they should have. St Neots were ahead for 75 minutes and there were only four minutes of normal time remaining when Deeping joyfully grabbed their equaliser after a wave of attacking moves had been repelled by the visiting defence. The visitors will probably therefore think they were hard done by but Deeping should have been level far earlier but for missed chances and a solid display by visiting keeper Luke McShane. Deeping picked up four bookings and St Neots boss Steve Lomas was also yellow carded late in the game for what appeared to be a show of dissent. The latest signing at Rowley Park, Daniel French was named as a substitute and made a debut ten minutes appearance replacing Tony Scully.

Deeping could have been in front after just three minutes when Sam Bettinson found himself six yards out with the ball at his feet but a last ditch tackle by Nick Hurst saved the day. St Neots then created two chances at the other end with Rob Hughes volleying over the

bar from a Paul Garrett cross and then a cross from the opposite flank by Scully was headed into the keepers’ arms

by Liam Harrold. The St Neots goal came after 11 minutes when Harrold was fouled by Dan Holyoak and Rob Hughes’ low shot took a deflection off a defender to creep in at the near post. Ashley Stevens then had two chances for the home side heading wide with the first and dithering on the ball to be robbed by Lomas. The physical battle between Holyoak and Harrold produced a first half yellow card for the Deeping defender and then two half chances for the visitors saw Scully bring a good save from Danny Bircham and a close range effort by Michael Hyem blocked by a defender with his goalkeeper stranded.

Mitchell Griffiths was prominent for Deeping early in the second half twice going past defenders to shoot over the bar and David Cobb was also too high with another effort. Luke McShane produced two good saves to deny Ashley Stevens and Scott Musgrove and St Neots were reduced to using counter attacking moves with Deeping now enjoying the better of the possession. A Michael Hyem cross was deflected and twice Jon Mitchell looked clear but was driven wide and the chances went begging. St Neots introduced Josh Sozzo for Harrold but it added little to their attack and with twelve minutes left a pile driving volley

by Tony Scully went past the

home keeper but Griffiths was perfectly placed to clear the ball off the line. Had this gone in St Neots could well have gone on to pick up all three points. The debut of Daniel French was almost immediately significant because with his firast touch he set up Jon Mitchell again but his shot was blocked and then with four minutes remaining and Deeping fully committed to attack defender Dan Holyoak got on the end of a long cross to force the Ball home from close range for the equaliser.

Within thirty seconds Sozzo could have stolen the points for St Neots but he stabbed the ball wide from close range and the sides had to settle for a second inconclusive result against each other this season.

St Neots: McShane, Lomas, Lodge, Hyem (M), Fuff, Hurst, Scully, Hughes, Harrold, Mitchell, Garrett.

Subs: Sozzo (for Harrold 66 mins), French (for Scully 83 mins), Gent (for Hurst 89 mins), Hyem (C) & Docker.

Man of the Match: Luke McShane

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MATCH REPORT

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Hunts Senior Cup Semi Final Rowley Park - The Cozy Stadium (Att 182) Tuesday 10th December 2013 - Kick Off 19:45 Referee Neil Hair (Peterborough)

St Neots Town Felix 2 (69 & 78 mins), Thomas (49 mins), Woolley (82 mins) n n None Conroy, Duckett, Ann, Ford, Hibbert, Hoyte, Felix, Farrell, Thomas, Wilson, Hilliard Subs: Lee (for Ann 64 mins), Sear (for Farrell 66 mins), Woolley (for Wilson 70 mins), Frew and Abbey.

4:1

Huntingdon Town Rogers (18 mins - penalty) n n None Trebes, Bexfield, Irso-Coombs, Torres, De’ath, Medwynter, Rogers, Hyem, Joyce, Seymour-Shove, Savalnieks Subs: Fulcher (for Medwynter 71 mins), Eason (for Savalnieks 77 mins), Yeomans, Dear and Owens.

Trophy holders St Neots won their way through to their fourth Hunts Senior Cup Final in the past five years with a routine victory over neighbours Huntingdon in a repeat of last season’s Final which had gone to penalty kicks.

Huntingdon who had led at the break will feel hard done by having seen two ‘goals’ ruled out in an eight minutes spell early in the second half but they finished tired and dispirited as St Neots’ clinical second half finishing saw them through.St Neots Manager Gary King determined that this was a chance to give his squad players some time on the pitch making six changes from the side that had beaten Frome the previous Saturday and he will have been delighted with both the performance and result although it did take his side some time to get going. Teenager Kaine Felix made only his second senior start for the side and scored twice and might have claimed a hat trick but for a wild off target finish just before the final whistle and popular midfielder Adrian Sear missing for the last ten matches through injury made a half hour substitute appearance after the break.

There was a quiet start with Pat Bexfield sending Huntingdon’s first chance over the bar and at the other end both Lewis Hilliard and skipper Gavin Hoyte saw efforts from set pieces blocked by defenders. Felix made an impressive start going past his marker with ease and two of his crosses were headed wide of target

by Lewis Wilson. There was shock for St Neots after 18 minutes when well placed Referee Neil Hair judged Alasan Ann to have fouled Niks Savalnieks and awarded a penalty neatly tucked away by former Saint Declan Rogers to put the visitors in front. St Neots response was not very positive although Hilliard might have been given a penalty at the other end and Ben Ford twice tested Tim Trebes from distance.

Making his first St Neots start Simon Thomas will have been disappointed to fluff a free headed chance from a Hilliard cross but Huntingdon also spurned chances – one either side of the break. Seymour-Shove was left unmarked atr the far post on the stroke of half time but sliced his shot wide and then making some amends Seymour-Shove picked out the unmarked Jacob Joyce at the far post but he headed weakly wide.

The second half saw St Neots dominant after that early let off and just four minutes in Simon Thomas took advantage of shoddy defending to level the scores. Rogers then got the ball in the net but was clearly offside but Huntington felt hard done by when they got the ball in the net again on the hour but the effort was disallowed because of a foul on the St Neots keeper. Then after 65 minutes a cross by Mark Duckett to the far post was not cleared and the speedy Felix cut in from the right to beat Trebes with a low angled shot to put St Neots in front. At that point visiting heads seemed to drop and St Neots with three substitutes on began to run the game. After 78 minutes from the third of three quick corners Felix rose above the defence to head in a Ford cross as the Huntingdon defence appeared to be concentrating on the taller St Neots attacking players and four minutes later substitute Jake Woolley picked up the ball in his own half and went around the only Huntingdon defender to finally clinch the victory with a clinical finish. St Neots now meet St Ives in the May Cup Final.

John Walker

MATCH REPORT

The Gore (Att 124) Saturday 14th December 2013 - Kick Off 15:00 Referee Jonathan Creswick (Addlestone,)

Burnham Kebamba (81 min) Togwell (n 61) Watkins, Smith (A), John, Page, Baddeley (T), Togwell, Webb, Upward, Blake, Smith (M), Couch Subs: Kebamba (for Webb 65 mins), Maloney (for Couch 71 mins), Malloy (for Smith (M) 85 mins) and Baddelly (H)

1:0

St Neots Town n n None Abbey, Deeney, Lee, Ford, Frater, Hoyte, Woolley, Farrell, Nolan, Thomas, Frew Subs: Hilliard (for Woolley 75 mins), Wilson (for Ford 82 mins), Felix (for Nolan 82 mins), Hibbert and Conroy.

An early shpot from Michael Frew drifted wide and then after seven minutes Nathan Abbey did well to produce a one handed save to deny Marc Smith his sides’ first chance. The keeper also did well to push away a snap shot from Ryan Blake on the half hour as in the early stages the play and chances were shared equally. Looking lively

up front four minutes later Simon Thomas produced neat play to leave his defender in his wake but then volleyed disappointingly over the bar and Ben Ford had a shot from distance well saved by Watkins at the second attempt. Six minutes before half time Aaron Couch cut in from the left and saw a stinging low shot pushed for a corner by Abbey and the first half ended with Dave Deeney crossing from the right to find the head of Matt Nolan at the far post but his effort was just too high.

If the first half goalless score line had fairly accurately mirrored the play then the second half was a different story. St Neots camped in the Burnham half for much of the first twenty five minutes but frustratingly despite enjoying almost non stop possession they seemed unable to carve out any clear scoring chances. Burnham retreated further and further back towards their own goal soaking up the pressure and leaving just one player up front and after a while St Neots’ frustration began to show as they became careless and the home side with two substitutes on began to get more adventurous. St Neots did sent on Lewis Hilliard for Woolley but apart from one lengthy shot he did little to

change the pattern and the nearest St Neots came to breaking through was when Thomas seemed to be brought down in the area but the Referee only awarded a corner kick.

Then with nine minutes left against the pattern of play on loan Burnham substitute Joseph Maloney picked up a Lee Togwell pass and threaded a delightful pass through on the right and another of the substitutes Nicke Kebamba netted with a low shot.

St Neots tried hard to retaliate with more substitutions but Thomas had a shot blocked on the line following a Hilliard corner and in added time the striker outjumped Watkins to win the ball and head goalwards but Diak John somehow got back to clear acrobatically off the line as an equaliser seemed certain.

It would have been no less than St Neots deserved but there was some consolation with Bashley losing and the other two sides below then Bedford and Totton both having a Saturday off.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

St Neots Manager Gary King named a line up with just one change from that which had beaten Frome in their last league match with Simon Thomas replacing Lewis Wilson in attack. On a very bumpy pitch free flowing football was at a premium but for St Neots to return home empty handed was a travesty of justice. The bottom line was that they failed to convert possession into goal scoring chances and paid the price when the visitors snatched a goal in one of only two second half attacks. It was only the second time in ten matches under Gary King that the side had failed to score and it was rough on the St Neots defence that had played so well in taming an attack that had scored freely in recent matches. The final insult came in time added when the ball was cleared off the Burnham line with goalkeeper Michael Watkins beaten.

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St Neots four match unbeaten run ground to a halt at Burnham where the last two sides to lift the Calor Southern League Central Division title clashed for the first time at Premier Division level.

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Calor Southern League Premier Division

09

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PLAYER PROFILE

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Lewis Wilson The talented youngster began his career at Rushden and Diamonds before moving on to Newport Pagnell Town and then Northampton Town. He then spend time out on loan at Kettering Town and Bishop’s Stortford before signing for Kettering in a permanent deal before moving on to Whitehawk in the summer of 2013.

PLAYER PROFILE

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GREENIES GREETINGS

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Rise To The Challenge Mike Green Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Rowley Park – The Cozy Stadium, for today’s Calor League Premier Division game.

Today’s game will be another stern test for us but I’m sure the lads will rise to the challenge. Remember Hemel Hempstead’s visit? Say no more.

Today we extend a very warm welcome to the players, officials and of course, the travelling supporters of Stourbridge Football Club and we trust you have an enjoyable, if brief stay with us before travelling home safely this evening.

Firstly, apologies from myself and all our other contributors as our notes were compiled prior to the AFC Totton game due to editing and printing demands but rest assured, all our up to date news and reports will return when we entertain Poole Town on January 11th 2014.

Well, Christmas has come and gone in the blink of an eye but I hope you all enjoyed the special day with your families and loved ones and the man in the red suit brought everything you asked for. Hopefully, he obliged

with one of my wishes and brought us the three points on Boxing Day as we faced Cambridge City, following a convincing win over AFC Totton on the 21st. All speculation of course but at the same time, all very possible with recent performances put in by the lads and the more games they play together, results will follow I’m sure. I must also give a belated welcome to Lorenzo Ferrari who joins us from neighbours and fellow Calor Premier Division side Bedford Town.

For those that were here when the two sides met in November, Lorenzo needs no introduction to you as he opened the scoring for the Eagles in the entertaining 2-2 draw. Here’s to a successful stay with the Saints Lorenzo.

Off the pitch news prior to Christmas saw the Club conclude lengthy

negotiations with The St Neots Learning Partnership (the federation formed between Ernulf and Longsands Academies) allowing us to offer programmes of further study within our Apprenticeship Scheme.

Fantastic news for both the Football Club and for any young person interested football or sport in general.

Well done to everyone involved in the building of this exciting link up.

Today’s game will be another stern test for us against a side which has reached the Second Round Proper of this season’s FA Cup, eventually losing 4-0 at Broadhall Way, home of Stevenage Borough but I’m sure the lads will rise to the challenge.

Remember Hemel Hempstead’s visit? Say no more......

Ok then on with the game and at this point I would like to wish you all a very happy, safe and prosperous New Year and look forward to seeing you all here on New Year’s Day when we entertain Arlesey Town.

SEASONS GREETINGS ‘Greenie’

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italy 4 west germany 3 #01 GREATEST FOOTBALL MATCHES EVER PLAYED! Voted for by over 1,000 supporters. Each programme we will run from 10 right down to the greatest ever football match played.

World Cup Semi-Final, Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, June 17, 1970 When World Soccer told Franz Beckenbauer that the 1970 World Cup semi-final between Italy and West Germany had been voted the greatest match, he was not surprised.

area. But West Germany came back once again, Muller flinging himself at a corner.

Italy scored the winner with nine minutes left. Boninsegna pulled clear on the left, went to the byline, and crossed for Rivera to thump the ball past keeper Sepp Maier.

”It was the same when we voted in Germany,” he said. “But what people forget is how ordinary the first 90 minutes were. It was the 30 minutes of extra-time that were so extraordinary.”

Indeed. Five goals were struck in 16 minutes in the additional period, as the lead fluctuated.

Italy would eventually triumph, but the sight of Beckenbauer, his arm strapped to his side as a result of a brutal foul and forced to play on because the Germans had used their two substitutes, is the enduring image of a mesmerising match.

Italy had taken an early lead through Roberto Boninsegna and had then taken off Sandro Mazzola at half-time, replacing him with Gianni Rivera. The Azzurri fell back into cautious, defensive ways, allowing West Germany, through the midfield surges of Beckenbauer and Wolfgang Overath, to press forward. The Germans, spurred on by their attacking substitutions, had chance after chance to equalise, but it was only in the third minute of added

time that sweeper Karl-Heinz Schnellinger materialised in the Italy area to bang home Jurgen Grabowski’s cross.

Beckenbauer played on through the pain during extra-time. He had damaged his shoulder after being tripped just outside the Italian penalty area. There have been few more cynical fouls, before or since, but the Italians escaped punishment as West Germany wasted the resulting free-kick.

The scoring sequence in extra-time was compared to basketball by one Italian journalist. First, Gerd Muller put the Germans 2-1 up, then Tarcisio Burgnich replied, scoring from Rivera’s free-kick.

The Italians took the upper hand when Gigi Riva scored with a low drive from outside the

The match report in the July 1970 edition of World Soccer concluded that the extraordinary sequence of events nearly did not happen: “But for the generous injury-time the match would have closed with the result 1-0 to Italy – not an unfamiliar scoreline.”

Line-ups Italy: Italy: Albertosi - Cera, Burgnich, Bertini, Rosato (Poletti 94), Facchetti - Domenghini, Mazzola (Rivera 46), De Sisti Boninsegna, Riva.

Goals: Boninsegna 7, Burgnich 98, Riva 104, Rivera 111.

W Germany: Maier Schnellinger, Vogts, Patzke (Held 66), Schulz - Beckenbauer, Overath, Seeler - Grabowski, Muller, Lohr (Libuda 52).

Goals: Schnellinger 90, Muller 95, 110.

Referee: Yamasaki (Peru).

Att: 80,000.

SIMON THOMAS

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A BLAST FROM ZIE PAST

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Gerd Muller Full name: Gerhard Müller Date of birth: 03/11/1945 Gerd Muller was born in Nordlingen, Germany on November 3rd 1945.

He grew up playing football locally, despite never being the tallest or most obviously sporting boy on his team. His sheer determination and extremely fast acceleration continued to put him ahead of his contemporaries however, a trademark which remained a key part of his game for his entire career.

He was given the nickname “The Bomber” and “Short, fat Muller” for his skills and stature. He is now revered as one of the most important goalscorers of all time, and was certainly one of the most eminent European players of his generation.

The first team Muller was signed to was TSV 1861 Nordlingen, his local team. He played one season, 1963/64, where he scored 51 goals over 32 appearances. The next season he moved up to the Regional South League to play with Bayern Munich, alongside Franz Beckenbauer and Sepp Maier. This strong partnership allowed the team to move into the Bundesliga, and the team went on to win a great string of successes throughout the next decade. The team won the German Championship and German Cup four times each, European Champion’s Cup and International Cup three times each and the European Cup Winner’s Cup once. His scoring rate, 365 goals in 425 games in the Bundesliga, is reflected by his host of scoring record titles. He also notably scored four goals in a mere fifteen minutes in 1972 against the then USSR. His international career really saw him shine, particularly in the extremely important matches. His first set of successes on this stage came

in the 1970 Mexico World Cup. He scored 10 goals in 6 matches, which included two successive hat tricks. England’s reign as World Cup Champions was put to an end by a goal from Muller 12 minutes before the end of extra time. Germany then went out 4-3 in the semi-final to Italy, a game which went into extra time and saw two goals from Muller. He scored 14 goals in the tournament and was the all time highest World Cup goalscorer until 2006. The following World Cup was hosted by Germany, and the Bomber came into his element and received huge praise for his performance in the cup.

He narrowly missed out on the top scorer award, but scored the winning goal in the final against Holland which ended 2-1. This was to be his final international appearance.

He left Bayern Munich in 1979 and moved across the Atlantic to play in the North American Soccer League with Fort Lauderdale Strikers. His success in the German league was not repeated in his time in the United States. He scored a respectable 38 goals across 3 seasons but the team lost the league final in 1980 and it seemed his football career was coming to a close by then. He finally ducked out of football in 1982.

After a turbulent decade in his personal life, Muller returned to football at his old club, Bayern Munich, where he continues to work as an amateur coach. Adidas have re-released a line of special limited edition retro clothing under Muller’s name that is highly sought after by football enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.

Owing to his amazing goalscoring achievements, Muller is often cited as someone that young, determined players aspire to emulate. Van Nistelrooy, the Dutch international, for example has often been compared

to Muller in his persistence and determination. Muller seemed to score goals which mattered, and could often have massive outcomes.

His West Germany manager, Helmut Schoen, once referred to him as his “scorer of little goals”, emphasising the importance of his goals with regard to the 1974 World Cup Final and 1967 Cup Winner’s Cup final.

This phrase could also be interpreted as a sly hint to the fact that some regarded Muller as somewhat of a “poacher” of goals, although this is a rather harsh judgement. It is probably born out of the fact that Muller’s goals were scored almost entirely from inside the penalty box, and often generated from nothing.

His strong physical presence (he weighed around 80kgs and stood at 5’9”) made his agility and sharp turns even more devastating. His low centre of gravity allowed him to be far more agile within the box and this was also useful in his short, sharp runs which would burst out of nowhere in the most important situations. Despite not being a greatly wide-thinking player in terms of his ball placement around the pitch and making complex passing plays, his instinct on the ball was second to none in his generation.

Career Appearances: 565 Goals: 489 International Caps: 62 Goals: 68 Career Highlight: European footballer of the year 1970

CHAIRMAN’S VIEWS

Mike Kearns Welcome to the Officials, players and supporters of Stourbridge FC, I hope you enjoy your day with us.

I remember well our last meeting earlier in the season when we lost to a last minute goal. Something that happened a few times early in the season. Since then Stourbridge have enjoyed a great FA cup run finally falling at Round Two to Stevenage. It was a great run and they carried our league flag with pride.

I looked at the team that started against Burnham and the only player that was on the pitch who started the season with us was our captain Gavin

Going into the club just before Christmas and looking at the great work Lee and Iain have done with the development and apprentices it really does have the feel of a real football club. Many people have said to me lately that St Neots Town is a proper football club, so I hope that means we are doing the right things.

I had quite a spooky thing happen to me a couple of weeks ago when I was away in Florida. I was sitting by the pool reading Harry Redknapps biography, I was reading a passage about a little run in Harry had with Barry Fry many years ago about a

player that Barry had playing for him and thought that the player was on contract with Barry’s club and hoping to do a decent transfer deal as a few clubs were in for the player. Harry found out that the player concerned was not actually on contract and “Stole” him from Barry that night.

Harry’s account was that Barry was not happy at all (understatement) with what Harry did.

Just then my phone rang, “Hello Mike Barry Fry here” well I nearly fell into the pool I thought the sun must have been getting to me. Anyway Barry wanted to discuss the possibility of loaning a player to us.

And yes I got the full story from Barry on that little episode, all I would say is that Barry and his Chairman went down to see Harry at Bournemouth the next day and saw Harry doing a runner over the fence and into the fields. Barry told me he was rather upset, anyway he said something like that as I could not possibly repeat his actual words. No wonder Harry did a runner.

So onto todays match and hopefully we will get a good result against a very good team. Thank you all for your support not just this year but also your continued support and I wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year. Lets see what this year brings from our football lives, I have a funny feeling it will be a very good year for us.

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Lastly a special welcome back to Shane Tolley, and thank you to the management on their work in selling him our ambition. Shane gave us many goals in his time here and scoring 76 goals in 76 starts really does emphasize his quality in front of goal.

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Coming back from my break and going to last Saturdays match at Burnham I am beginning to think I may be a little bit of a jinx on the team, having done so well whilst I was away we lost to yes another very late goal and of course I got some stick on the coach coming home.

“I’m leaving on a jet plane was the rabble chorus line”. Not to worry lads hopefully I will be away again soon.

Hoyte. Just goes to show how things have turned around in players since then. Our new management team have been working very hard trying to get us into a comfortable position in the league and they have already taken us out of the last relegation place. That’s not to say we won’t try and improve our position in the league but as I have said before if you finish 6th or 16th it is still the same you stay in this division.

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

A Proper Football Club

All for one and one for all.

Mike

17

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OPPONENT SPOTLIGHT

18

Stourbridge The Glassboys Stourbridge have had a memorable season with that fine FA cup run that took them to Stevenage in the second round proper still fresh in the memory.

Previous meetings of our clubs 2012/13 Season: St Neots Town 0-0 Stourbridge

Year Founded: 1876

Chairman: Andy Pountney

Stourbridge 0-1 St Neots Town

Club Website: www.stourbridgefc.com

Welcome to our visitors this afternoon for our next engagement in the Calor Southern League Premier Division.

Welcome to our visitors this afternoon for our next engagement in the Calor Southern League Premier Division. They are the players, Directors and supporters of Stourbridge and we extend to them our usual warm Cozy Stadium welcome. That FA Cup run saw them dispose of Evesham United (A), Sutton Coldfield Town (H), Curzon Ashton (H), Workington (A) and Biggleswade Town (H) prior to their Stevenage defeat but that was not the extent of their Cup exploits this season. In the FA Trophy they beat Banbury United (H) and Mickleover Sports (A) before losing to North

Ferriby United (A) in a replay after a home draw so that was TEN matches in National competition this season. Then just three days after their trip to Stevenage they defeated a Wolverhampton Wanderers team in the Second Round of the Birmingham Charity Cup. Those stats mean that the Glassboys have some four league fixtures to catch up on and now their focus in a very busy start to 2014 will be to build up their challenge for at least a play off place at the end of the season. Last season after finishing runners up in the Premier Division they were clear favourites to accompany Leamington

up to Step Two but they stumbled to a surprise play off defeat to Gosport Borough. We wish them every success in the remainder of this season (starting at 4.50pm this afternoon).

Club History “The Glassboys� were founded in 1876 and were originally known as Stourbridge Standard. Top honours eluded the club until the 1887/88 season when they won the Kidderminster Cup and the Worcester Charity Cup. By that time, it is known that that

Jamie Oliver of Stourbridge FC scores a goal but it is dissallowed during the FA Cup second round match between Stevenage FC and Stourbridge FC.

OPPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Adult:

£10

Concession:

£5

Juniors (12-16 yrs):

£5

War Memorial Athletic Ground Capacity: 2,519 Disabled Access: Yes

In front of a crowd of 2,014 at the War Memorial Athletic Ground the Saddlers ran out narrow 1- 0 winners on a momentous day for the club. Some excellent results in the second half of the campaign also saw Stourbridge finish in 9th place in the league.

2010/11 saw the Glassboys taste cup final success as we defeated Blue Square Bet North outfit Worcester City 2 - 0 to lift the Worcestershire Senior Cup at Kidderminster Harriers.

Another solid Premier Division campaign ended with Stourbridge finishing 8th.

Did you know?..

The Nickname The “Glassboys” comes from the towns connection with the Cut Glass industry at the time

Did you know?...

In 1973/74 the glassboys played in the Welsh Cup, in which they disposed of both Swansea and Wrexham on their own grounds and then faced Cardiff in a two leg final. A record crowd of 5,726 saw the Glassboys lose the home leg 1-0 and they also lost 1-0 at Ninian Park.

Did you know?...

Over the last 3 seasons Stourbridge have reached the first and second round proper of the FA Cup on both occasions they lost to Stevenage 0-3 and 0-4

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

In our first season back in the Southern League Midlands Division in 2006/07 a respectable 7th place finish was achieved.

We also reached the final of the Worcestershire Senior Cup, but following a goal-less draw at Amblecote in the first leg of the final against Evesham United, we were somewhat unluckily beaten 2 - 1 aet away in the second leg. The 2007/08 season however will live long in the memory. An excellent run of results during March and April saw us seal a third place finish in the Midlands Division to reach the play-offs. A narrow 1 - 0 win at

home to Sutton Coldfield took us through to the Final away at second placed Leamington and in front of a crowd of 1.634, a stunning goal from Leon Broadhurst four minutes from the end of extra-time sealed a 2 - 1 victory to earn us a second promotion in three seasons and a return to the Premier Division of the Southern League after a gap of 24 years! After a difficult start to our return to the Premier Division which saw us lie in and around the foot of the table, we eventually acclimatized to life at the higher level and we secured another season in the Premier Division with a final placing of 16th. We also reached our third senior cup final in four seasons with a fine run in the Birmingham Senior Cup, however we once again suffered heartbreak in the final as Hednesford Town defeated us 2 - 0 at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium.

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they had changed the name to “Stourbridge” and competed in the Birmingham and District League, where reasonable success was achieved without actually gaining the league title. After the Second World War, “The Glassboys” (reflecting the town’s connection with the Cut Glass industry) enjoyed their greatest period of success in non-league football, as they carried off the Birmingham Combination Championship in 1952 and also won the Birmingham, Worcestershire and Herefordshire Senior Cup’s too during this particular era.The club returned to the Birmingham League in 1954 on the disbanding of the Birmingham Combination and they were runners-up in 1955-56. The Birmingham Senior Cup was won for a second time in 1958-59 and later, the 1967/68 season saw the club achieve their own ‘double’ in lifting both the Worcestershire and Birmingham Senior Cups.

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Admission Prices

19

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WHO’S WHO

20

Who calls the shots?...

Gary Hackett Manager Stourbridge born, Gary began his playing career at Lye Town before moving to Bromsgrove Rovers. He was spotted by Shrewsbury Town and joined the Shropshire side in 1983. After clocking up over 170 appearances in four years, he moved to Aberdeen and later played for Stoke City, WBA, Peterborough and Chester City. Having guided the club to two promotions in three seasons (2005-06 and 2007-08), he also became the first manager to lead Stourbridge into the First Round Proper of the FA Cup in 2009-10.

DEAN COLEMAN Goalkeeper who joined the club in January 2013. He came through up through the youth system at Walsall, playing in two first team games during the 2004-05 season and spending the 2005-06 season on loan at Halesowen Town before being released by the Saddlers in May 2006. Spells at Bromsgrove Rovers and Willenhall Town followed before he joined Kidderminster Harriers in July 2007, making 38 appearances for them over the course of the next three seasons.

Season 2010-11 saw him have spells at Halesowen Town, Redditch United and Worcester City before he re-joined Redditch for the start of season 2011-12. After leaving Redditch in the summer of 2012 he signed for Evesham United, but he later featured for Banbury United and Halesowen (for a 3rd spell) before linking up with the Glassboys.

PAUL LLOYD A steady and reliable defender or midfielder for us whenever called upon, Paul was signed from Bromsgrove Rovers in March 2010.

He spent two spells with Rovers and has also played for Halesowen Town and Oldbury United. He has now made over 100 appearances for The Glassboys.

ANDRE FRANCIS A right-sided defender or midfielder who joined us in February 2013 from Solihull Moors. He has previously also played for Rushall Olympic, Stafford Rangers (twice), Halesowen Town and Romulus. He returned to

Stafford Rangers for a second spell during the 2008-09 season and was named Manager’s and Supporters Player of the Year for 2010-11 before signing for Solihull Moors in May 2011.

NATHAN BENNETT Highly regarded, towering defender who was signed in the summer of 2005 from near neighbours Cradley Town and he has since become the kingpin in our defence with his presence and assurance.

Nathan made his 400th Stourbridge appearance at Biggleswade Town in November 2013, having won the Players player of the year award for 2011-12. He is always a threat on set pieces too when he goes forward.

AARON DRAKE A versatile defender or midfielder who can play on the left or right flank and is capable of chipping in with his fair share of goals. He had to sit out the entire 2012-13 season through injury, but after a good preseason, he is now featuring regularly in the side once more! He joined the Glassboys in November 2008 from Malvern Town and has since made over 150 appearances for the club.

BEN BILLINGHAM A talented midfielder or supporting front player who initially featured for us on a handful of occasions five years ago, but he spent much of this time with West Midlands League side Lye Town gaining valuable experience. He linked up with us on a more permanent

basis at the start of the 2009/10 campaign and quickly established a regular place in the side with some fine performances. He was the joint Committee player of the year winner, along with Paul McCone for 2010/11 and was the Supporters Player of the Year last season.

Ben has now made 200 Stourbridge appearances.

DREW CANAVAN A capable midfielder who was signed in July 2008 after he impressed in pre-season trials.

Comfortable on the ball and a good passer, Drew can operate in the centre or in wide areas. He was previously with Oldbury Athletic and was on the books of Wolves and WBA as a teenager. He has now made over 200 appearances for the club.

LEON BROADHURST A highly regarded and versatile player. He re-joined us for a third spell in October 2009 after a brief stint with Leamington and he is now closing in on his 500th appearance.

He has also notched over 100 goals for the Glassboys. He is capable of getting forward from midfield to score goals, but has also at times featured at left-back for us and has even played in the centre of defence on a couple of occasions to underline his value to the squad. He was the Players Player of the Year for 2012-13.

SEAN GEDDES A talented, fiery young midfield player who is a good rangy passer of the ball. He joined Stourbridge in

WHO’S WHO

JAMIE OLIVER

Joined the club in the summer of 2013 from Redditch United and has already proved his versatility with important contributions for us whether used up-front or as a centre-half. Previously regarded as a strong defender or midfield player who is good in the air, he was pushed forward into the attack by former Reds boss Simon Redhead for the last three months of last season to good effect as the Worcestershire outfit successfully staved off the threat of relegation. He hit 6 goals from his more advanced position, catching the eye too in the process with his performances.

A central defender or left-back, he began his Stourbridge FC career in our youth team some ten or eleven years ago. Some fine displays for Dudley Town four seasons ago saw him earn a move to Redditch United.

He then started the 2009-10 season at Redditch before spending a short spell at Kings Lynn, however Jamie soon returned to the Worcestershire outfit and then he linked up with the Glassboys again in December 2009. He has featured on a regular basis for us since his return but he missed a large part of the 2011/12 campaign through injury, finally returning to action for Stourbridge in February 2012 after a loan spell with Gornal Athletic. Another of our players to have made over 100 appearances for the club.

WILL RICHARDS

GEORGE WASHBOURNE

JORDAN FITZPATRICK

RYAN ROWE

Stourbridge born midfielder signed from Rushall Olympic in November 2012. Jordan began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers, progressing through their academy to play for the reserve team. He signed for Redditch at the start of the 2010-11 season, but moved to Corby Town early in 2011. He

‘Rowey’ has returned this season in a loan deal from Kidderminster Harriers for his third spell with the Glassboys The popular frontman scored 73 goals in 146 appearances for Stourbridge before moving to Kidderminster in February 2012 for a five-figure fee. He returned to us for the 2009-10 campaign and

LUKE BENBOW

ROLY AGBOR Pacey winger or attacker signed in August 2013. He ended the 2012-13 campaign with Hinckley United, but played for Chasetown during this pre-season. He also lists Halesowen Town, Shepshed Dynamo, Evesham United and Stone Dominoes amongst his former clubs.

KAYELDEN BROWN Signed early in the 2013-14 season from Market Drayton Town. A strong and athletic 6ft 2in striker who was forced out of the professional game with a serious knee complaint, but is now looking to make his mark in non-league football. He began his career with West Bromwich Albion and in January 2010 he had a loan spell with Barrow AFC before spending a month with Icelandic club Keflavik at the start of their season. In 2010-11 he had loan stints with Tranmere Rovers, Dagenham & Redbridge and Port Vale.

KYLE HAYNES Wolverhampton born right-back who made his debut for us in November 2013 after signing from Rushall Olympic. He returned on-loan to the Pitmen early in the 2011-12 campaign and this move was made permanent in November 2011 after he left Cheltenham. He subsequently joined Rushall in the summer of 2012.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Signed in the summer of 2012, Luke went on to enjoy an excellent first season with us, ending as our top goalscorer with 23 goals to his credit. He is a strong and pacey frontrunner who also holds the ball up well. At 16 he joined the football education programme at Birmingham City. He later had spells with Bromsgrove Rovers and Weymouth before being selected to join Glenn Hoddle’s Football Academy in Spain.

A talented left-sided midfielder signed in August 2013 who began his career with Nuneaton Town’s youth team and he also played some games at a senior level for Atherstone Town in the Midland Alliance during the 2011-12 season. In the summer of 2012, he signed for Forest Green Rovers, but spent most of last season out on loan, gaining further senior experience with stints at Gloucester City, Cirencester Town and then Redditch United. He initially linked up with Worcester City this summer before making the switch to trial for Stourbridge at the end of July.

settled in quickly hitting 30 goals.

He followed that up with 27 goals in 2010-11 to be our top goal scorer for a second season. His significant role in our memorable F A Cup run in late 2011 attracted interest from clubs in higher divisions and he eventually signed for Kidderminster Harriers. In his time with Harriers to date, the 25-year old has made 19 starts and 37 sub appearances, scoring 14 goals for the Conference club.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

signed for Solihull Moors in the summer of 2011 where he made over 50 appearances before playing one game ‘on loan’ at Redditch early in the 2012-13 campaign and he then signed for Rushall Olympic at the start of October 2012 before joining the Glassboys the following month.

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

July 2011 after impressing on trial following his release from Walsall.

He had also previously had a spell on loan at Redditch United towards the end of 2010-11. He finished the 2011-12 season as the Glassboys top goalscorer with 18 goals to be named as the Committee player of the year and he then hit a further 17 goals in 2012-13.

21

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THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

24

Fair Play Ade Roberts In 1990, the legendary Gary Lineker was awarded the FIFA Fair Play award for having never been cautioned by a referee for foul play during a career spanning 16 years and 567 competitive games.

An amazing accomplishment I’m sure you’ll agree and something he must be very proud of. Can you imagine how he must feel nowadays when players intentionally get booked or sent off for cash in the recent matchfixing allegations! Lineker spent his career avoiding yellow and red cards as a true fair-play ambassador and these guys accused of the rigging actually go out of their way to get cautioned in exchange for cash.

They’re not just making a mockery of the game, they are dishonouring their team mates, their club the fans and also the integrity of the game of football.

These guys don’t care about anything other than lining their own pockets. They have no integrity or even a hint of fair-play. The real worrying aspect is that although the news mostly relates to players outside the football league who are allegedly more susceptible be involved; higher profile players are also alleged to be involved!

The undercover secret filming by the Sun of Sam Sodje was a real eyeopener. Having represented Nigeria internationally as well as a number of football league sides, Sodje allegedly claimed that he could assist in influencing the outcome of games during the 2014 World Cup. As the African players receive much less than other International players, they could be more open to the possibility of match-fixing. This allegation alone could ruin the viewing pleasure for us and have supporters wondering if any foul, booking or sending off is a legitimate one during any game involving an African nation during the 2014 tournament?

On the news recently, it was claimed that the bookies had more money placed on the outcome of a Billericay Town game than on a game involving Barcelona during the same week – now that has to raise an eyebrow of concern surely, how could that be?

It has been rumoured that football betting on games outside the football league may be banned as a result of the recent scandal, perhaps this should be extended to World Cup games too if they’re at risk of match-fixing? Football has created a rod for its own back in my opinion during the last few years. So many clubs now have sponsorship deals with Bookmakers and Online Betting Companies; it’s now big business within football. We see enough of it on TV, Bingo this and that, online poker sites etc., and then we blast out these gambling sites logo’s on the front of our football shirts! What message does this send out to the younger fans? Are we saying it’s totally acceptable now to gamble because our beloved football clubs endorse it on their shirts? If you look

at the Premiership shirt sponsors this season, most are either Betting sites or money loaning companies, what does that say about today’s society?

Match-fixing is wrong on every level and those who are proved to be involved should be dealt with severely as they are making a mockery of everyone involved in the game, especially us lot as we’re the ones who pay out our hard-earned money to attend games.

Perhaps the FA should adopt the approach of the Ugandan Army representative team which back in 2002 issued the warning that anyone involved in match fixing of games would face the death penalty. A little extreme perhaps but a great deterrent don’t you think?

Enjoy the game today and scream for the team!!

Ade

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FEATURE ADVERTISING

26

FAN FEATURE

Alan Palmer Welcome to our feature “one minute with” you, our supporters.

A simple question and answer to give us all a chance to get to know each other. Put a name to a face, and get that face “yours” into our match day magazine. If you would like to take part in this feature then contact Louise Sales on misslouisesales@yahoo.co.uk

Wine or beer?

None

Beer

Who wears the trousers in your house Alan?

How long have you followed the Saints?

What changes would you make?

My wife of course

None

Fish and chips or curry?

4 years

Have you passed out through drinking too much alcohol?

Fish and chips

No, but once had to sleep outside in the snow

Developing Altzeimers Disease

Do you have a favourite player?

Lewis Hilliard What is your occupation?

Are you scared of anything?

Growing old my way, formally a pipe fitter and welder

Do you have a favourite film?

Where do you see us in the next three years?

Day of the Jackel

Consolidation in this division

What’s your favourite colour?

Most memorable goal?

Your catchphrase?

Blue

Dan Jacob away to Kings Lynn (his celebration after the goal)

None

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Do you have a nick name?

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

I played local club football until I was 35 years old, then for various reasons only occasionally watched until 1970, I found the Saints and now enjoy every minute and all the ups and downs.

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

One Minute With...

27

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

FOOTBALL FUNNIES

ITS A FUNNY

OLD GAME!

There’s never a dull moment supporting your favourite team, the beautiful game has been kicking around for years but will always throw up some lunacy! Check this beauty out!

Patrice Evra Makes Fun of Luis Suarez

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The fact that there’s still no love lost between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez is clear in times like this.

28

While the Uruguayan striker continues to tarnish his reputation, whatever’s left of it anyway, and Liverpool’s as well, Evra found time to make fun of him.

Image credit: Medical Art

Amidst Manchester United’s Premier League celebrations, Evra was tossed a fake arm and proceeded to fake bite it to mock the Liverpool forward (via the Metro).

It’s a good bit of cheek there from the Frenchman, and one funny football story for this week.

NATHAN ABBEY

MASCOT FEATURE

The Saints thrashed their opponents 6-0 on a wet afternoon which saw Shane Tolley make a scoring return!

Jacob had a great day and got to lead his team out and get some great souvenir photos to remember the experience.

• Free entry for mascot and parents • Use of our hospitality room • Signed match day programme by your favourite player, which you will also appear in • Meet your favourite player and have your photo taken • Tour of the stadium • Have a kick about on the main pitch • Lead the Saints on to the pitch • Free portion of chips and drink for the mascot

To apply to be a Matchday Mascot contact Louise Spark on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk

Sponsored by Steve Ridley

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To

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Vi EE ew n R !

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Extended Match Highlights Post-Match Analysis and Interviews All the Goals, Outtakes and Behind the Scenes Coverage

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Official TV Channel

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The Saints Matchday Mascot Experience

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8 year old Jacob Watling was our mascot for the day at last Saturdays’ home game versus AFC Totton.

Tune in to your club... www.stneotstownfc.co.uk 31

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GAME FOR A LAUGH

ES!

COMMENTATORS FOOTBALL GAFF

You can always rely on the good old football commentator to come out with a classic during the big match! Here are a few howlers!

David Beckham “It was really difficult for us, playing in the midday sun with that three o’clock kick-off.”

“Celtic manager Davie Hay still has a fresh pair of legs up his sleeve.”

JOHN GREIG

Ron Greenwood “Playing with wingers is more effective against European sides like Brazil, than English sides

Murdo Macleod.

Ian Wright

like Wales”

“That was only a yard away from being an inch-perfect pass.”

“Without being too harsh on David Beckham, he cost us the match.”

Jimmy Greaves

Alan McInally

“I’d be surprised if all 22 players are on the field at the end of the game - one’s already been sent off.”

Ugo Ehiogu

“Hearts are now playing with a five-man back four.”

“I’m as happy as I can be - but I have been happier.”

Peter Scmeichel

Jonathan Woodgate

“Solskjaer never misses the target.

That time he hit the post.”

“Leeds is a great club and it’s been my home for years, even though I live in Middlesborough.”

Steve Mclaren “I don’t read the papers, I don’t gamble, I don’t even know what day it is.!”

Derek Rae “It’s headed away by John Clark, using his head.”

Kevin Keegan “I came to Nantes two years ago and it’s much the same today, except that it’s totally different.”

Frank Stapleton “He’s got a knock on his shin there, just above the knee.”

Steve Bruce “If you are in the six-yard box, standing in an offside position, then you are offside.”

Stuart Pearce “I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel.”

Phil Neville “The Brazilians were South American, the Ukrainians will be more European.”

Heard a howler? Pass it on and we will look to feature it in a future issue. Email saintsmag@stneotstownfc.co.uk

32

Image credit: TalkFootball

FIXTURES MATRIX

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

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and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

33

BEN FORD

Everything you need for the next two away fixtures

Calor League Premier Division

Red Insure Cup 3rd Round

Chippenham Town v St Neots Town

Dunstable Town v St Neots Town

Saturday 4th January 2014 – K.O. 15:00pm

Tuesday 7th January 2014 – K.O. 19:45pm Away Ticket Prices: Information not made available

Opponent Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/chippenhamtown

Opponent Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/dunstabletownfc

Team Coach Departs: TBC

Team Coach will not be running

Sat Nav Postcode Reference: SN14 6LR

Sat Nav Postcode Reference: LU6 1BB

Round Trip (from St Neots): 192 miles

Round Trip (from St Neots): 65 miles

Travel in style on the Team Coach for only £10pp return Advance bookings (recommended) can be made at the Club Bars, email enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk for more information and to check availabilty. Don’t leave it late as spaces are limited to 25 for each game.

Upcoming Fixtures - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk for the latest updates 28.12.13 Calor League Premier Division

01.01.14 Calor League Premier Division

v Bideford

15:00

AFC Totton

v Burnham

15:00

Banbury United

v Burnham

15:00

Banbury United

v Stourbridge

15:00

Biggleswade Town v Cambridge City

15:00

Biggleswade Town v St Albans City

Chesham United

v Arlesey Town

15:00

Chesham United

v Hemel Hemp’ Town 13:00

Corby Town

v Hemel Hemp’ Town 15:00

Corby Town

v Cambridge City

15:00

Frome Town

v Weymouth

15:00

Frome Town

v Bideford

15:00

Hungerford Town

v St Albans City

15:00

Hitchin Town

v Bedford Town

15:00

Redditch United

v Bedford Town

15:00

Hungerford Town

v Chippenham Town 15:00

St Neots Town

v Stourbridge

15:00

Poole Town

v Bashley

15:00

Truro City

v Bashley

15:00

St Neots Town

v Arlesey Town

15:00

Truro City

v Weymouth

15:00

15:00

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

AFC Totton

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Away Ticket Prices: Adults £9, Concessions £5, Under 16 Yrs £3

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Away Days

35

THE NLP All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

WHAT’S IN a name? Not a lot if you’re one of the myriad of NonLeague and lower Football League players who share the same christian and surnames, but it can get confusing.

These lads’ stats have all probably merged into one on the internet – and there are others, like the two Mike Greens who both play for Gloucester City, or the father-son, manager-player combinations we’ve seen over the years with the Craig Edwards at Grays, Chelmsford and Billericay, and Chris Kinnears at Dover. There are the two Steve Browns who have both managed or coached at Dover, and it must be

something about the name Danny, because boy, just like with the Greens I’ve had trouble with the two Danny Rowes up north. It doesn’t help that these same-namers tend to frequent the same part of the country, and often the same clubs.

So one Danny Rowe has played up front for Barrow and Stockport - and so has the other! Oh what fun it was to try and decipher which was which when they were both at County and going by the names of Danny L Rowe and Danny M Rowe.

One is now at Lincoln City, and I think it was the one I once interviewed in the middle of a purple patch at Edgeley Park about his formative years at Manchester United. The other, last Sunday’s copy of The NLP informed me, came on as sub in Macclesfield’s 1-0 win over Salisbury.

But who the ‘L’ is who I have not really got a clue!

THE OTHER name game I like are the famous names – or ones very similar – in the Non-League ranks.

I was impressed by Stourbridge left-back Jamie Oliver at Stevenage recently. Thankfully he kept his

clothes on, but couldn’t come up with a recipe for 15 minutes of FA Cup fame.

Another one who starred in this year’s qualifying rounds is Brighouse Town’s Nick Jaggar, while Jason Bourne has reigned supreme during Tunbridge Wells’ recent FA Vase efforts. At Chester we used to have the original Mark Wright and David Cameron, as manager and striker respectively, while the various NonLeague versions of Michael Jackson and Robbie Williams have provided plenty of entertaining headlines over the years. See how many grassroots celebs you spot over the festive period and let me know at stuarthammonds@gmail.com or @ stuhammonds_NLP Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Stuart Hammonds Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Or is it the ‘other’ Danny Green who went from Billericay to Dagenham a year later, and who also played on the right flank, and had been at Bishop’s Stortford previously.

No, because the first is now at Charlton Athletic, the second is back at Stortford and a local reporter informs me that this one came from Harpenden Town, has spent time on loan at Potters Bar Town this term and plays right-back or central midfield. But, lo and behold, he comes into the team on the right wing!

Will Mr Oliver be starring today?

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Take last Saturday for example. I get the St Albans City teamsheet for their FA Trophy second round tie with Cambridge United at Clarence Park, and find that Danny Green is on the bench - but then he’s not, as striker Mark Nwokeji feels an injury in the warm-up and the two swap places. Now, is this the Danny Green who John Still plucked from Bishop’s Stortford’s right-wing when he was Dagenham & Redbridge manager, and turned him into a League One player?

@SamElliott_NLP @Stuhammonds_NLP

37

RYAN FRATER

Non-League Club News

We take a look at what other non-league clubs are doing that’s making the news Weymouth TERRAS MAY WAIT TO APPOINT NEW BOSS Calor League Southern Premier Division club Weymouth will not be rushed into appointing a new manager despite ...having received a flurry of applications over the weekend. Chairman Nigel Biddlecombe said: “The applications we have received are into double figures and we certainly aren’t in any hurry to make an appointment. Jason Matthews is happy to take it on for a few weeks and we will see how it goes.”

FROME SWOOP FOR GROVES Calor League Southern Premier Division club Frome Town have signed striker Matty Groves from league rivals Weymouth. Groves, a former Dorchester Town player, was formerly player/assistant-manager with the Terras, but after a change of management at the Dorset outfit late last week, Robins boss Brian O`Donnell was quick off the mark to secure the experienced front man`s signature.

Royston Town CROWS APPOINT CASTLE AS NEW BOSS Calor League Southern Division One Central club Royston Town have announced the appointment of Steve Castle as their new first-team manager. Castle spent nineteen years playing at League clubs such as Leyton Orient, Birmingham City and Peterborough United before stepping into management at the end of his playing career. After spending a few years coaching with Peterborough and West Ham he was appointed as assistantmanager at Cambridge United in 2006 before taking up the position of first-team manager at St Albans City in 2008.

NEILSON ADDED TO U`S STAFF Skrill Premier club Cambridge United are delighted to announce that Alan Neilson has joined the first-team coaching staff as an assistant coach with immediate effect. Neilson’s playing career spanned over fifteen years, playing in the Premier League for Newcastle United and Southampton, then having spells with Fulham, Grimsby Town, Luton Town, Tamworth and Salisbury City. In 2008, Neilson joined Luton as youth development coach and in the same year became the Hatters’ first-team coach.

Bishop’s Stortford TWO NEW BLUES Skrill South club Bishop`s Stortford have added two new players to their squad to help over the festive period.

Midfielder Andre Costa and Jack Edwards have been brought into the ProKit UK Stadium.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Cambridge United

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Frome Town

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Read all about it!

39

SEASON STATISTICS 2013/14

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

Opposition in CAPS denotes home fixture. Player name in bold CAPS denotes goal scorer.

40

ATT

COMP

R

Pos

1

2

3

4

Sat 17 Aug

H Weymouth

354

CLPD

0-2

22

Heath

Rodgers

Adjei

Sear

Tue 20 Aug

A Stourbridge

447

CLPD

1-2

22

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

Sear

N

Sat 24 Aug

A Bashley

209

CLPD

3-1

15

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

Sear

Sh

Mon 26 Aug

H Cambridge City

451

CLPD

1-2

18

Heath

Rodgers

Adjei

SEAR

Sat 31 Aug

H Redditch United

231

CLPD

2-3

21

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

SEAR

H

Wed 04 Sep

A Corby Town

317

CLPD

0-1

22

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

Davies

C

Sat 07 Sep

A Hemel Hempstead

669

CLPD

0-2

22

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

Sear

C

Sat 14 Sep

H (Wroxham)

232

FAC

3-1

–

Conroy

Wood

Steer

Davies

N

Tue 17 Sep

H Hinckley United

208

CLPD

3-0

19

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

DAVIES

C

Sat 21 Sep

H Truro City

307

CLPD

2-0

16

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

Davies

C

Sat 28 Sep

A Canvey Island

256

FAC

2-2

–

Conroy

Crowie

Steer

Sharman

H

Tue 01 Oct

H Canvey Island

289

FAC R

1-2

–

Conroy

Hurst

STEER

Sear

C

Sat 05 Oct

A Hungerford Town

105

CLPD

0-1

19

Conroy

Hurst

Steer

Davies

Mon 07 Oct

A Hitchin Town

309

CLPD

0-4

21

Conroy

Goss

Steer

Hurst

C

Tue 15 Oct

H Hitchin Town

96

RIC

5-0

–

Conroy

DEENEY

Dhillon

Ford

C

Sat 19 Oct

A Halesowen Town

273

FAT

3-0

–

Conroy

DEENEY

Dhillon

Ann

H

Tue 22 Oct

H Chesham United

223

CLPD

0-5

21

Conroy

Deeney

Dhillon

Hibbert

Sat 26 Oct

A Bideford

238

CLPD

2-3

22

Conroy

Deeney

Duckett

Hibbert

Tue 29 Oct

H Corby Town

261

CLPD

0-3

22

Conroy

Deeney

Dhillon

Hibbert

C

Sat 02 Nov

A Matlock Town

244

FAT

0-2

–

Conroy

Ann

Ford

Crowie

H

Sat 09 Nov

H Hemel Hempstead

436

CLPD

4-1

21

Conroy

Ann

Ford

Crowie

H

Tue 12 Nov

H Biggleswade Town

306

CLPD

3-4

21

Conroy

Ann

Ford

Crowie

H

Sat 16 Nov

A Poole Town

402

CLPD

0-2

21

Conroy

Crowie

Lee

Frater

H

Tue 19 Nov

H Corby Town

93

RIC

3-0

–

Conroy

Longden

Lee

Ford

F

Sat 23 Nov

H St Albans City

364

CLPD

2-3

21

Abbey

Longden

Lee

Deeney

F

Tue 26 Nov

H Bedford Town

281

CLPD

2-2

21

Abbey

Longden

Lee

Deeney

FR

Sat 30 Nov

A Banbury United

271

CLPD

1-0

21

Abbey

Deeney

Lee

Ford

F

Sat 07 Dec

H Frome Town

252

CLPD

3-1

20

Abbey

Deeney

Lee

Ford

F

Sat 14 Dec

A Burnham

124

CLPD

0-1

20

Abbey

Deeney

Lee

Ford

F

Sat 21 Dec

H AFC Totton

CLPD

Thu 26 Dec

A Cambridge City

CLPD

Sat 28 Dec

H Stourbridge

CLPD

Wed 01 Jan

H Arlesey Town

CLPD

Sat 04 Jan

A Chippenham Town

CLPD

Sat 11 Jan

H Poole Town

CLPD

Sat 18 Jan

A St Albans City

CLPD

Sat 25 Jan

A Bedford Town

CLPD

Sat 01 Feb

H Banbury United

CLPD

Sat 08 Feb

A Frome Town

CLPD

Sat 15 Feb

H Burnham

CLPD

Sat 22 Feb

A AFC Totton

CLPD

Sat 01 Mar

H Hungerford Town

CLPD

Sat 08 Mar

A Truro City

CLPD

Sat 15 Mar

H Hitchin Town

CLPD

Sat 22 Mar

A Biggleswade Town

CLPD

Sat 29 Mar

H Bideford

CLPD

Sat 05 Apr

A Chesham United

CLPD

Sat 12 Apr

A Weymouth

CLPD

Sat 19 Apr

H Bashley

CLPD

Mon 21 Apr

A Arlesey Town

CLPD

Sat 26 Apr

H Chippenham Town

CLPD

Date

Opposition

C

SEASON STATISTICS 2013/14 Player name in these colours denotes substitute.

6 Steer

Nkinga

7

8

Hilliard

Taylor

9

10

11

Benjamin

Sogbanmu

Fuller

12 Sharman

Crowie

Hilliard

SHARMAN

Benjamin

Adjei

Taylor

Safee

harman

Crowie

HILLIARD

Fuller

BENJAMIN 2

Adjei

Taylor

Sembie-Ferris

14

15

Safee

Palmer

Crowie

Hilliard

Sharman

Benjamin

Davies

Taylor

Nkinga

Fuller

Crowie

Hilliard

Davies

Benjamin

Palmer

Adjei

SAFEE

Sembie-Ferris

Taylor

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sharman

Sogbanmu

Sear

Taylor

Adjei

Joseph

Safee

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Davies

Sogbanmu

Sharman

Adjei

Nkinga

Hoyte

HILLIARD

HURST

Safee

SEAR

Adjei

Taylor

Joseph

Sharman

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sear

Hurst

ANN

Adjei

TAYLOR

Joseph

Sharman

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sear

HURST

Ann

Adjei

SAFEE

Sembie-Ferris

Sharman

Hibbert

Hoyte

HILLIARD

Davies

Ann

Hurst

Adjei

SAFEE

Taylor

Wood

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Hibbert

Adjei

Davies

Taylor

Safee

Felix

Ann

Ann

Crowie

Goss

Sharman

Hilliard

Safee

Adjei

Felix

Wood

Palmer

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Hibbert

Ann

Ford

Davies

Taylor

Felix

Wood

Crowie

Ann

HILLIARD

Davies

Nolan

WOOLLEY 2

Adjei

N’GUESSAN

Sharman

Duckett

Hoyte

Hibbert

Hilliard

Sear

WOOLLEY

ADJEI

Davies

N’Guessan

Ford

Hurst

Ann

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sear

Woolley

Davies

Adjei

Taylor

Hurst

Ford

Ann

Hoyte

Woolley

Sear

Nolan

Hurst

Taylor

WILSON

DAVIES

Crowie

Crowie

Hoyte

Wilson

Ford

Nolan

Davies

Woolley

Taylor

Hilliard

N’Guessan

Hoyte

Deeney

Hilliard

Hurst

Woolley

Davies

Taylor

Wilson

N’Guessan

Hoyte

Deeney

HILLIARD

DAVIES

Nolan

WOOLLEY

ADJEI

Taylor

Wilson

Hoyte

Deeney

HILLIARD 3

Davies

Nolan

Woolley

Adjei

Hurst

Wilson

Hurst

Hoyte

Deeney

Hilliard

Davies

Nolan

Woolley

Ford

Adjei

Wilson

Frater

Hoyte

HILLIARD

Sharman

WILSON

DAVIES

Adjei

Crowie

Felix

Wood

Frater

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sharman

Woolley

DAVIES

Adjei

NOLAN

Frew

Wilson

RATER

Hoyte

Frew

DAVIES

Nolan

Woolley

Hilliard

Ford

Wilson

Ann

Frater

Hoyte

Frew

Farrell

Nolan

DAVIES

Hilliard

Wilson

Woolley

Hibbert

Frater

Hoyte

Woolley

Farrell

NOLAN 2

Wilson

Frew

THOMAS

Hibbert

Wood

Frater

Hoyte

Woolley

Farrell

Nolan

Thomas

Frew

Hilliard

Felix

Wilson

Sharman

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Steer

Hoyte

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

5

Crowie

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC 41

LEAGUE TABLE

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

First Team - Calor League Premier Division (18.12.13)

42

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

+/-

Pts

Hemel Hempstead Town

21

16

3

2

72

14

58

51

Chesham United

22

15

2

5

52

23

29

47

Cambridge City

22

14

4

4

44

21

23

46

Poole Town

17

11

5

1

34

19

15

38

Bideford

19

10

6

3

43

27

16

36

Stourbridge

19

11

1

7

52

22

30

34

St Albans City

17

10

3

4

38

21

17

33

Biggleswade Town

22

8

9

5

41

30

11

33

Banbury United

21

10

3

8

35

31

4

33

Hitchin Town

20

9

4

7

34

25

9

31

Arlesey Town

20

9

4

7

36

29

7

31

Corby Town

19

8

5

6

30

30

0

29

Hungerford Town

18

9

1

8

32

22

10

28

Redditch United

23

9

1

13

31

52

-21

28

Burnham

21

7

6

8

29

35

-6

27

Weymouth

18

7

3

8

25

32

-7

24

Truro City

22

6

5

11

26

48

-22

23

Chippenham Town

22

6

2

14

29

54

-25

20

Frome Town

20

5

4

11

24

42

-18

19

St Neots Town

21

5

1

15

26

43

-17

16

Bedford Town

21

3

5

13

27

58

-31

14

AFC Totton

20

3

1

16

25

65

-40

10

Bashley

19

1

2

16

15

57

-42

5

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Stunning Online Gallery • Print Your Photos • Bespoke Commissions Creative Services • Gift Cards • Trade Discounts

Intrigued?

Visit www.ilovemywalls.co.uk

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

THE TEAMS

ST. NEOTS TOWN

V

STOURBRIDGE

Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks

Colours

Yellow Shirts, Green Shorts & Yellow socks

Gary King & Zema Abbey

Manager

Gary Hackett

Nathan Abbey

Assistant Manager

Jon Ford

Carol Holland

Club Physio

Richard Drewett

SQUAD NUMBERS

Rating Goals Rating

SQUAD NUMBERS

1. Niall Conroy (GK)

1. Dean Coleman (GK)

2. Dave Deeney

2. Kyle Haynes

3. Edd Adjei

3. Will Richards

4. Adrian Sear

4. Jamie Oliver

5. Ryan Frater

5. Sean Geddes

6. Gavin Hoyte (C)

6 Nathan Bennett

7. Lewis Hilliard

7. Ryan Rowe

8. Jay Davies

8. Leon Broadhurst

9. Matt Nolan 10. Alasan Ann 11. Lewis Wilson

9. Luke Benbow 10. Ben Billingham 11. Drew Canavan

12. Nathan Abbey (GK)

12. Aaron Drake

14. Lorenzo Ferrari

13. Roland Agbor

15. Karl Saffee

14. Andre Francis

16. Kaine Felix

15. George Washbourne

17. Ben Ferrell

16. Kayelden Brown

18. Shane Tolley 21. Arthur Lee 23. Leon Hibbert

Teams will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Officials: Information not supplied at time of going to press Your Man of the Match

Attendance

Match Rating

Opposition Support Rating

Ratings: Albeit just for fun - why not give your rating from 1 to 10 with 10 being perfect!

Next Home Game: We value your continued support, thank you Calor League Premier Division St Neots Town v Arlesey Town Wednesday 1st January - KO 15.00pm As a Club we support Grass Roots Football and stand firm against racism within football, visit www.thefa.com for more information on playing your part.

44

Officials Rating