Sheffield Giants Gameday Program | vs Chester Romans | 23rd July 2023

Game day VS

produced by

17 team captains

PRODUCED BY: Unit Digital

EDITED BY: Unit Digital, Matt Flynn & Kyle Tranter

DESIGN BY: Unit Digital & Kyle Tranter

CONTRIBUTORS: Coaches, Players & Committee Members of the Sheffield Giants

PHOTOGRAPHY: Dave Tidswell & Scott Thomson

Words from the head coach Matt Flynn

Welcome back to Norton Sports Park, the home of the Sheffield Giants. Despite it only being three weeks since Homecoming, it feels like an absolute age to me because of how much happened within a short space of time before then with the four games in a row.

To reflect on Homecoming briefly though –wow, what a day. From the U19s putting on a show with Wigan, who kindly filled in at the last moment after the scheduled opposition forfeited, to the kids playing Flag as betweengame entertainment, to the absolute cacophony of noise generated in the adult game, to the totally unexpected ice cream van arriving at half time! It was a joy to see the day come together as planned and I think it’s safe to say that it will become an annual fixture. Bring on Homecoming 2!

The adult team game itself though has to be noted as the icing on the cake, of course. Roared on by you noisy bunch we really lifted our game and gained revenge for the horrible reverse fixture. It was great to put those ghosts away, enjoy football, and put some points on the board. To win the rematch with Touchdowns scored on the ground, in the air, and with the defence holding to zero points, it really couldn’t have gone any better.

It’s been an odd couple of weeks since as we have said goodbye to many of our university players, as expected, and have finally had some time to breathe at training to work on fundamentals and bettering ourselves. We’ve also done some great work in the community again (more on that later) which has been great to see. Now though, of course, our attention turns to Chester.

For everything we did against Birmingham, we hope to do again today. Our Saturday night away game remains a blemish on our season and it was not reflective of who we are as a football team, or who we are as people. Today we intend to exercise those demons and prove that that night was the exception that proves the rule, and The Romans will see what we’re really made of. Please make some noise, cheer us on, and we’ll pay you back with a fight you can be proud of.

Giants Invited To Tottenham

Earlier this season Josh Jennings, a player for the Northants Knights, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the field during our season opening game. This was extremely traumatic at the time for Josh’ family and teammates, and the Giants who were in attendance.

The events themselves are well publicised and thankfully Josh has made a full recovery health wise, and that has allowed for everyone involved to move forward positively and to focus on how to best use the events that happened to raise awareness and increase education around the subject matter.

As you will know, the Sheffield Giants have been supporting St. John Ambulance since that day to help raise awareness of basic First Aid and CPR. A number of our club members have also since become First Aid qualified and we are continuing to work with partners to raise awareness, with an aim of significantly increasing the number of people in the club who have both basic First Aid, and the next levels beyond as well.

Recently, the Sheffield Giants were invited to Tottenham Hotspur stadium to join up with Josh and the Northants Knights to help the NFL produce some of their own media to raise awareness of the events that happened and how the actions of individuals on that day saved a life. This also ties in with NFL star Damar Hamlin, who suffered his own similar cardiac event, and has also recovered to the point where he expects to play for the Buffalo Bills this year in London.

It was our pleasure to attend and support this great cause, and whilst there we also had the privilege of touring the permanent NFL facilities at the stadium, as well as spending time on the NFL field.

It was a fantastic opportunity for all involved, and something that we hope to be able to repeat in the future as we continue to shout loudly and proudly about the benefits of First Aid training and how early action is always key when it comes to life saving matters. Whether it’s in the streets or on the football field, having people who are qualified, confident, and willing to help is literally the difference between life and death.

sheffield giants - 21 birmingham bulls - 0

homecoming Game Report

With all of their away games already played this season, the Giants welcomed the Birmingham Bulls to Sheffield for their second meeting of the season. Their meeting earlier this season ended in a 7-3 heart-breaking loss for the Giants. With Birmingham still in the playoff hunt, Sheffield had the opportunity to knock them out of contention.

Defensively, Sheffield picked up where they left off by making Birmingham earn every yard gained. Birmingham’s offense were stopped at the half way line on their first attempt and stuffed at the Giants’ goal line on their second outing.

On offense, Sheffield was a different beast at home. Starting the game with a drive lasting the entire first quarter and ending just short of the Bull’s endzone.

Immediately following the defence’s own goal line stand, Sheffield drove the full length of the field and ended with QB Josh Allen scrambling to record the first touchdown of the game. Sheffield

appeared to find another gear in the second half. The kick off to start the third quarter was an onside kick that was recovered by the Giants.

Two more touchdowns were added in the second half. One was a pass caught in the end zone to receiver Alex Todd. The other, a short rush by running back Barron Abraham. The offense finished the game with 320 total yards

gained whilst the defence only allowed Birmingham to gain 181 yards. The score at the final whistle was Giants 21 Bulls 0.

The Giants’ next game is their rematch against the Chester Romans. Looking to right another wrong, Sheffield can still finish the season with a 5-5 record and are very much in control of their own destiny.

Team Captains

Jack Ramsden Defensive Line

Josh Allen Quarterback

Luke spooner Wide receiver

Matthew ‘McFly’ Sherridan Defensive Back

PLAYER spotlight

Matt Sherridan - Cornerback

So, Mr. Sherridan, tells us how it all started for you?

I found myself watching the Bears, Colts Super Bowl one night [editor: the Colts defeated the Bears 29-17 in SuperBowl XXX, in 2007]. Got hooked from the start. Learned the game playing Madden which only fuelled my addiction further. And what brought you to the Giants?

I played at university in Sheffield and wanted to continue playing locally. My university Head Coach was coaching at the Team that would become the Giants and several friends were playing too. It just made sense, despite not living in Sheffield that summer, and I’ve been here ever since.

And how does, or did, the Giants compare to university?

That’s going back a long way, but in terms of levels of playing, it’s night and day. I’ve been fortunate to have been playing a long time, and I’ve seen how positively the university game has impacted the adult game. The Giants are no different.

OK, we get it, it’s been a long time. So what has been your highlight across the years?

3 interceptions against East Kilbride Pirates, final game of the season, at home. Taking me to 10 picks in 10 games (a target I’d always aspired to) and helping secure the first ever club victory against them. 2 PBs and a big moment as a club is a hard one to beat.

Awesome. And what do you like about the Giants this year?

The energy and the passion about the

ball club. The squad feels rejuvenated and it’s a pleasure to practice and play with these guys. Everyone has come out of their shell and is making everyone better. I will give a big shout out to the committee and coaching staff this year. Fantastic work has been and continues to be done to make this club an attractive and enjoyable place to play football.

On a more personal level, how’s this year going for you?

Very hit and miss, I’ve missed several games and so feel like I’m yet to give my best to this team as I haven’t yet found my stride. When I’ve been on the field though I’ve loved being a part of this secondary, there are some absolute ballers in this group and I can’t believe I’m still starting over some of these guys. Long may that continue.

Tell us about what it’s like having Coach Marsden as your Defensive Coordinator?

Eli and I go back right to the start of Giants so I’ve loved having him as my DC. I do however find that I spend a lot of my time trying to speak some sense to him on some of his more crazy ideas (I’m sure he disagrees), but we’ve always had a good relationship on the field as well as being good friends, and that has transitioned into this year too.

Similarly, what’s it like working with Coach Calvert? That’s got to be an odd dynamic.

Calvert is my guy. A weird dynamic to start with as I originally coached him at university and when he first joined us as a player a few years ago. As a coach though I’m so excited to have him on

board, he’s knowledgeable, energetic and has pushed me to keep developing even in my twilight years. The leaps this talented group have taken this year are 100% attributed to his efforts. You’ve supported with coaching a lot over the years, but this year you’re official a Coaching Assistant on the staff. How have you found mixing coaching and playing?

It’s been a breeze this year. Having Calvert on board as lead DB coach has allowed me to flex back into playing whilst still able to refine technique in drills on a micro scale whilst Calvert coaches on a broader, more macro approach. It’s one that has benefited me as a player as I’ve been able to get the coaching I’ve craved for a few years, whilst still getting to be the picky perfectionist I always have been.

Looking ahead. The Giants are coming off a victory, but Chester are next up… There’s a point to prove in this one. Chester humbled us at their place and are playing well, they will naturally come to Sheffield confident. We’re a different team to what they faced that evening and anyone walking into our house had better be prepared to play a football game. Especially with the noise levels our fans can generate, a factor that never fails to give me goosebumps. I’m looking forward to it.

And what does Matt Sherridan do before and after football?

I’m a bit of a nerd and enjoy war games. So when not busy with football, I’m usually busy either playing tabletop games with my friends, on the golf course/

driving range or just relaxing playing video games. I don’t do well without a distraction of some kind.

Finally, tell us something about you that fans of the Giants won’t know.

I don’t have anything ground breaking, so I’ll offer up a couple of small ones: I spent many seasons playing with teammates who didn’t know my real name, and didn’t learn it until after they had stopped playing. I also believe in ghosts (and am appropriately terrified of them) .

player info

Name: Matt Sherridan

Position: Cornerback

Number: 29

University/College Team: Sheffield Hallam University Warriors

Years Playing: 14

Giants Playing Debut: 2011 versus Chester Romans

Favourite NFL Team: New Orleans Saints

COACHES & STAFF

Head Coach

FLYNN, Matt Head Coach

Coordinator

LILLEY, Adam

MARSDEN, Anthony

Positional Coach

MONAGHAN, Oli

MAGEE, Dan

HARDY, Jacob

VICKERS, Oscar

CALVERT, Sam

CARVALHO, Fernando

Assistant Coach

SKEATES, Luke

MULLINAR, Tim

TANNER, James

SHERRIDAN, Matthew

GORMLEY, Shannon

ROWLEY, Dave

Staff

LOCKHART, Ric

DYSON, Jack

TIDSWELL, Dave

THOMSON, Scott

Offensive Coordinator

Defensive Coordinator

Offensive Line Coach

Wide Receivers Coach

Quaterbacks Coach

Defensive Line Coach

Defensive Backs Coach

Linebackers Coach

Offensive Line

Running Backs

Quarterbacks

Defensive Backs

Linebackers

Linebackers & Special Teams

Head Physio

Team Statistician

Team Photographer Team Photographer

Adult Team Committee

MOXON, Tom

BERRY, Adam

RUDD, Chloe

TRANTER Kyle

MCCALLUM, Zoe

FLYNN, Verity

RAMSDEN, Emma

GORMLEY, Shannon

TANNER, James

RAMSDEN, Jack

General Manager

Sponsor & Facilities Officer

Digital & Media Officer

Marketing & Comms Officer

Finance Officer

Academy & Community

Engagement Officer

Gameday, Roster & Social Officer

Welfare Officer

Equipment Officer

Player Liaison Officer

Coach spotlight

Coach Lilley - Offensive Coordinator

Let’s start at the beginning – how did you discover football?

As a kid I used to love watching the highlights shows on Channel 4, and we had a Miami Dolphins mug in the house that I have no idea where it came from, so that’s where my support for them started. My older brother told me that there were university teams so that planted the idea in my head, and then I found them at freshers’ fair and off I went. And what attracted you to coaching football?

It’s the human chess aspect of it that really attracts me to coaching the game. The constant bluff and double bluff that goes on between the offence and defence to get an edge is fascinating. It also didn’t hurt that I absolutely loved being part of the team when at uni and wanted to keep going with that.

You’ve not been at the Giants your whole career, so what brought you to Sheffield?

I took a break from playing to rest some injuries and to not get hurt before my wedding. After that it was obvious that the Giants were the best option to give me the best level to play at.

How is this season going for you personally?

Realistically it was always going to take time for things to bed in this year. We probably only had 3 starters on offences that played the same position last year, and for the first part of the season it showed. I think it’s starting to click though, in our last game we showed that we were starting to get it which gives us a great foundation going forward.

This is your first year as a coach whilst not actively playing for the Giants. What’s that like?

To be honest, the amount I miss playing is less than the amount I’m happy not to be sore on Monday mornings. Our recruitment has been great, from less than 20 returning players we now consider any midweek practice with less than 35 to be a poor attendance. My fellow coaches have been great too, especially the guys on O who have been a great support to me. It really feels like we work together on both sides of the ball, competing fiercely in the right spirit at practice all year.

You also stepped down from your role at the University of Sheffield at the end of last season. How does adult ball compare to the university game?

In a lot of ways, it’s actually really similar. With the numbers we’ve recruited, especially from the two universities, we’ve been able to practice in much the same way. We’ve had the same classroom

culture and great practice attendance which has been awesome. Obviously one big difference is that many of our players have more experience, which really helps when it comes to install and adjustments. Do you have any standout moments, as a player or a coach?

On the last day of the 2019 we needed at least a draw against the Merseyside Nighthawks to stay in the Premiership. We opened the game with a kick return touchdown, kicked a field goal in the last two minutes to tie the game 22-22 and then blocked a Merseyside field goal as time expired to keep us in the top division. What are your thoughts on the game against Chester today?

It’s going to be a great challenge! Obviously in the reverse fixture we didn’t give a good account of ourselves at all so getting the chance to put some things right is great. Obviously, it would be a monumental ask to turn around a 77 point deficit, but I think we have a chance if we can all trust each other and do our own jobs.

And what does Adam Lilley do when he’s not scheming up how to win a football game?

My two little girls keep me on my toes outside of football! Having people in your life that don’t care if you win or lose really helps to keep things in perspective when football gets stressful. Having said that they’ve been to quite a few games and have loved the atmosphere at Norton this year, they’ll jump at any chance to get noisy!

Finally, tell us something about you that fans of the Giants won’t know.

I once played against Martin Johnson (the England Rugby Captain) and got to cut block him, that was fun!

Name: Adam Lilley

Favourite NFL Team: Miami Dolphins

COACHING:

Role/Unit: Offensive Coordinator

Previous Clubs: University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham, Yorkshire Rams

Years Coaching: 18 (23 seasons)

Giants Coaching Debut: 2017

PLAYING:

Position: Offensive Line / Defensive Line. Mainly Centre.

Number: 59

Clubs: University of Sheffield, Newcastle University, Yorkshire Rams

Years Playing: 19 (22 seasons)

Giants Playing Debut: 2016 versus Merseyside Nighthawks

coach info

Around the club

Academy

The Sheffield Giants American Football Academy has a place for everyone to enjoy the sport; from age 7 to 19, any gender, any size, and any ability.

The Academy offers both contact and non-contact versions of the sport in inclusive, supportive, and most importantly fun teams. All of these are run by experienced and committed coaches every Saturday morning at our Mosborough Training Ground (S20 5AQ).

ADULT FLAG

The Sheffield Giants Adult Flag teams allow adults to play non-contact football in Sheffield. There’s no previous experience or talent required to join the Women’s or Mixed teams, who compete in tournaments / leagues against teams based all across the UK.

The Giants Mixed Flag Team has already begun their preparations for the 2023 season, training every Sunday at Hillsborough College, but it’s not too late to get involved. The Giants Women’s Flag Team begins their training later in the year and practices at the Mosborough Training Ground.