Squires Gate v AFC Liverpool

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support.

It is very much appreciated. Enjoy the match!

To view all of our available sponsorship opportunities, flick to page 12 or email our Head of Media James Ashton at jamesashton2000@icloud.com for any additional queries.

Squires Gate FC Entity Status: Unincorporated

CLUB DIRECTORY President: Brian Addison Club Secretary: John Maguire Committee: Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy, Ian Moore, Micky Farrer, John Maguire Head of Media: James Ashton Media Officer: Jay Hayden Social Media Manager: Dan Hayden Club Photographer: Ian Moore KIT SPONSORS Shirt Sponsors: Central Insurance, Open Recruitment, Taylors Fish & Chips, Global Football Network, Short Sponsor: Marsden Plastering

CLUB MANAGEMENT Manager: Luke Evans Assistant Manager: Andy Baker First Team Coach : Liam Robinson Club Physio: Rhys Daly

WELCOME

FIND US HERE...

Here we are! Another season is among us, and a brand new rebrand of our matchday magazine. A highly anticipated one for us as programme editors.

Last season saw us pick up Non League Bible’s Programme of the Year award, our first award in our five years of programme editing, so it has motivated us to make this season’s even better.

@squiresgatefc

Our visitors today are AFC Liverpool, who were one of the teams we picked up maximum points off last season, a 4-1 win here and then a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture.

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squiresgatefc.co.uk

We’re raring to get going for the new season.

We’ve got a young and vibrant squad with bags of quality who will be doing all they can to deliver a successful season to The Brian Addison Stadium.

TALK OF THE GATE Editors; James Ashton Dan Hayden Jay Hayden Front Cover: Chris Stewart @kitforbrains Printing: Moulton Printing

Squires Gate FC

Enjoy the game!

WHAT’S INSIDE

CLUB CONTACT Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk Twitter: @squiresgatefc Instagram: @squiresgatefc Email: squiresgatefc@hotmail.com

#WeAreGate

WANT MORE?

4

THE GAFFER

23

FOOTY BOOK REVIEW

7

COVER STAR

26

MEDIA DIARIES

13

60 SECONDS

30

KIT FOR BRAINS

14-15

ACTION REPLAY

32

HERE WE GO AGAIN

16-17

AFC LIVERPOOL

35

GARY LANGLEY

22

MATCH-UP

36-37

QUIZ CORNER

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03

Squires Gate FC

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Good afternoon and welcome to The Brian Addison Stadium for today’s NWCFL Premier Division opener between Squires Gate and AFC Liverpool.

squad together, with the likes of Josh Westwood, Chris Webster and Ryan Riley all re-signing for the upcoming season amongst a few other vital players. James Boyd has Well, it’s been a while hasn’t it. also returned to the club, and I It’s great to finally be back don’t have to tell our fans how playing competitive football huge that is for us. after over four months away. We’ve got many new signings, We’ve kept ourselves fit and too many to name in my notes ready over pre-season but here, but they’ve all got bags of we’re raring to get going now. quality. Give them all a massive Pre-season was a bit of a welcome and they’ll be sure to put in everything for the team as mixed bag for us. We put in some excellent performances we look for success in the against higher league 2022/23 season. opposition in Colne and Radcliffe FC, and were clinical in last week’s 3-0 win over Steeton. On the other hand, there were games in which we were not good enough. That’s pre-season for you though, and it lets you iron out mistakes, problems and any other issues.

AFC Liverpool will be a tough opening day opponent for us.

They had a really solid year after their promotion in 20/21 and will be looking to build on that this time around. We’re ready for the challenge though!

Thank you all continued support.

for

your

Squad wise there’s been a few Gaffer changes from last season. #WeAreGate We’ve kept the spine of our

THE

LUKE EVANS #WeAreGate

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04

Squires Gate FC

@squiresgatefc

Words by James Ashton First up, a warm welcome to all attending today’s game.

After four months away, it’s great to be finally back in league action.

Dan, Jay and myself were over the moon to receive the Non League Bible Programme of the Year Award for last season’s Matchday Magazine, but we wanted to evolve into something even better, and with this first issue of the season I believe we’ve done that.

Ever since I joined the media team back in 2020, we’ve been trying to push the club forward off the pitch as much as possible. We’ve made some great strides so far but I believe we’ve still got a way to go to reach where I want us to be.

WE ARE GATE

More recently, back in January we had the devastating passing of our beloved chairman Tony Jo. It was a really tough period for everyone around the club, but thanks to the manager Luke Evans, the committee and all of our volunteers, we’re pulling together and we live to fight for another season as the longest serving NWCFL Premier Division club.

We’re a club with community at the heart of We’ve all been hard at work everything we do, and we’re over pre-season. We’ve hoping to expand that in the been painting and maintaincoming years. ing the ground, the players have built their fitness back The work Liam Robinson up and returned to action on and his coaches have done the pitch, and we have of with Talented Player course been preparing our Development is a great brand new Matchday example of this and is quickMagazine! ly putting us on the path of being the Home of Local Nothing beats getting back Junior Football. I believe to the real thing though. To they’ve had over 1000 be back playing competitive children booked in over the football is something we can next six weeks which is a never take for granted and fantastic achievement. we’re all so excited for the upcoming season. We’ve It’s a great example of how got a squad with bags of we’re growing as a club talent, with an experienced despite the tough challengspine surrounded by young, es we’ve faced over recent future stars who are sure to years. The Covid pandemic have a huge impact at the put us, like every other nonclub over the next few league club across the seasons. country in danger, but we pulled through.

#WeAreGate

COVER STAR // ISSUE ONE // BRIAN ADDISON

C VER STAR Words by Dan Hayden

BRIAN ADDISON

Creating new memories.

Respecting our past. That was the theme we chose for this season’s programme.

As a media team, we have been trying to bring Squires Gate FC into the new era of social media and making a few changes at the club off the field but we think it is massively important to show that we do recognise those who are at the very heart of the club over the past few decades.

Up first, we have Brian Addison himself; our club president, and when we were putting our list together of those who are the heart of the club, we knew someone had to go first, and felt that Brian symbolises Squires Gate Football Club.

Brian, commonly known as “Taddy” around the club has played for the club, managed the club, been chairman of the club and has won awards for his amazing groundskeeping with his fellow volunteers.

When I first joined the club with Jay nearly a decade ago, Taddy was so welcoming towards us and it was so clear that he was one of the key volunteers at the heart of the club.

Pictured above: Brian helps put our new sign up on the main road. The sign features the “We Are Gate” brand, as well as the club logo and partners MKM Building Supplies.

Over the course of the season, we will continue to recognise those who have been a massive part of Squires Gate FC, and we will continue to respect the clubs past, while creating new memories.

Taddy also once managed Club Secretary, John Maguire when Thank you, Taddy! they were part of the playing staff, and management team.

EVOLUTION OF THE GATE

EVOLUTION OF

Words by Dan Hayden A new season, and a brand new front cover for our ever-evolving matchday magazine. This is one that we were so excited to reveal, as it represents everything that we have building towards since we took over the media team roles.

The #WeAreGate was introduced shortly after we took over the media duties in 2020 as we felt it was more inclusive, and gave more of a community feel. We now have a banner, rebranded socials, and a hashtag that stands out.

Social media channels that we are proud of.

When me and Jay joined the club, 10 years ago this season, we felt welcome by everyone around the club, and we have slowly integrated into the Squires Gate community.

James joined us on the media team, and has played a vital part in progressing our content and helping boost interactions. As a media team, we love representing the club and feel that we have finally got Squires Gate noticed.

#WeAreGate

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08

When we sat down and started planning for this season’s programme, we wanted a theme, something different to what had ever been done before.

Our two previous front covers had been designed by The Graphic Bomb; however, we liked the idea of a different cover every game as opposed to a standard cover. Our good friend Chris Stewart (@kitforbrains) had been posting a few of his designs on Twitter, and as he had helped us out previously, we thought we would ask if he fancied being a part of 2022/23.

Squires Gate FC

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THE GATE Creating New Memories.

Respecting Our Past…

You may have seen this over our social media channels in the past couple of weeks, and we decided this would be the theme for the upcoming campaign. As much as we are always trying to take the club into a new era, we fully recognise the people who are the heart of the club.

Over the course of the season, you will see some familiar faces on our front covers; the volunteers at the very heart of the club, and the players will also #WeAreGate

be featuring on some of the front covers too. Whether we can fit everyone on is a different matter but the idea is there.

Pictured above is the progress of our programmes over the past four seasons. Each season we have come away from the previous programme thinking “How do we improve on last season?” and we start throwing ideas together and looking back, it’s worked so far.

The main aim since last season was to create a unique matchday programme, one that neutrals can pick up and read an article

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09

and that it isn’t filled with stuff that you can read off the internet.

Exclusive interviews, getting young journalists involved to showcase their work, and overall just trying to evolve each season.

Winning the Non League Bible Programme of the Year award was a proud achievement for us, as we all work full time jobs, keep our other halves happy, and try and produce a programme that hopefully you all enjoy reading and, going off the feedback we got last season, you do so.. Thank you!

Squires Gate FC

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FIRST-TEAM SQUAD & MANAGEMENT // SQUIRES GATE FC 2022/23

LUKE EVANS

ANDY BAKER

LIAM ROBINSON

NATHAN PENNINGTON

JOSH WESTWOOD (c)

ISAAC ABANKWAH

NATHAN BARTRAM

LUKE HOLDEN

DAN SMITH

ALEX WELSH

DAN GRAY

CHRIS WEBSTER

OLLIE BURGESS

ROWAN CHAMBERS

WILL EASTHAM

RYAN RILEY

JAMES HUGHES

NATHAN CLIFFE

JAMES BOYD

THEO BALL

#WeAreGate OLLY HESFORD

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10

Squires Gate FC

@squiresgatefc

An exclusive look behind the scenes of your favourite non-league club, starting off with some snaps from across pre-season.

Captured by Ian Moore.

SPONSORSHIP DEALS // GET INVOLVED // @SQUIRESGATEFC For more information, or any questions regarding commercial deals, email our Head of Media James Ashton at jamesashton2000@icloud.com

SOCIAL MEDIA SPONSOR (£1000 for 2 seasons)

DIRECTORS & SPONSORS STAND SPONSORSHIP (2500 for 2 seasons)

PITCH-SIDE ADVERTISING BOARD (£300 first season, £200 p/season thereafter)

MATCH SPONSORSHIP (£150 per game)

MATCHBALL

SPONSORSHIP (£75 per game)

> Your business logo will be on every single graphic we put on our social media pages > Your business will be mentioned, tagged or displayed in every single post the club puts on social media. > Regular social media posts directing our followers to your website. > A free advertising board worth £300. > 2 Free 2022/23 season tickets (includes matchday hospitality). > A Matchday Sponsorship Package for a game of your choice.

> Your business name & logo proudly displayed across our Directors & Sponsors Stand. > Five Free 2022/23 Season Tickets (worth £400). > Unlimited Social Media inclusion across all of our platforms. > Free room hire of our function room. > Free Match Sponsorship Package (worth £150). > Your business logo, company name and any message or contact details displayed on a 8ft x 2ft Alu Panel Board (All costs included) > Exposure for your business in the local newspaper, media highlights and nationally through visiting fans and the non-league community including FA Cup games. > A Matchball Sponsorship Package > 2 Free 2022/23 Season Tickets (inc. hospitality) > Inclusion on our Sponsors section in our match programme and club website. > Social Media post directing over 10k followers to your website / company > Your business logo will be on every single graphic we put on our social media pages leading up to and during your match. > Your business will be mentioned or tagged in every single post the club puts on social media leading up to and your match. > A social media post directing our followers to your website. > Double Page spread on your business in our Matchday Programme. > 6 Free Tickets including free food, drinks, programmes and hospitality. > Choose the Man Of The Match, with a picture taken and shared with your business tagged on social media.

> Your business logo will be on every graphic we put on our social media pages on your matchday > Your business will be mentioned or tagged in every post the club puts on social media on your matchday. > A social media post directing our followers to your website. > A Page on your business in our Matchday Programme. > 4 Free Tickets including free drinks, programmes and hospitality.

60 SECONDS // PART ONE // LUKE HOLDEN

Your perfect meal deal? (Butty, crisps, chocolate & drink) BLT, McCoys Cheddar & Onion, Wispa and then a Fanta Orange.

You can listen to one album on repeat. Which do you pick?

I would say Definitely Maybe by Oasis but to be honest you could give me any of their albums and I’d be happy.

Your go to Maccies order?

Bic Mac, large fries, large fanta, sweet chilli sauce and a student Is a Jaffa Cake, a cake or a cheeseburger with my student biscuit? card that is definitely still in date. Is this an actual thing? It’s a cake surely.

Although I have just been introduced to a vanilla milkshake mixed with a shot of espresso.

Swear down, it’s off the chart. Who would be in your all-time Elite level drink. So I would Gate 5-a-side? probably get one of them as well. From my time at the club I would have to say Mike Hale. Strong keeper and can play a bit. Westy © as my ball playing centre-half Which movie can you quote by at the back. Sam Stauntonheart?

Turner and Ry Riley as my two Quite a few to be honest. I have midfielders with Boydy banging a weird memory with stuff like them in. Solid team. this. All the Harry Potter films easily. Gladiator is one I could recite in my sleep. Honestly the list could go on and on.

Do you have an embarrassing story?

I don’t get embarrassed that easily to be honest. I would say Your go to karaoke song? though, I played at Squires Gate Either Ronan Keating - When for Ashton Athletic and I tried to You Say Nothing At All or ABBA - head a ball that was 1ft off the Does Your Mother Know, ground and I just face-planted although if the BBC ask it’s Take completely. Pretty embarrassing.

That.

And I’ve been killed a few times over it. There’s a picture somewhere of me eating grass. #WeAreGate

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13

Squires Gate FC

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23.07.2022 // SQUIRES GATE 3-0 STEETON AFC // THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM

#WeAreGate

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Squires Gate FC

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ACTION

PICTURES BY IAN MOORE // @OLDBLUEFOX // @FYLDEFOX

REPLAY

SQUIRES GATE 3-0 STEETON AFC Gate hosted Steeton AFC last Saturday in The visitors almost pulled one back before the their final pre season-friendly of the break, but a goal-line clearance from Isaac summer.

Abankwah kept the score at 2-0.

Performances had been strong in pre- Luke Holden went close for Gate too before season at times, but a win was still elusive half time, heading against the post from a going into this one for pinpoint Riley corner.

Evans’ men.

It was a quieter second half, although Nathan It was a strong start from Gate, who got a Bartram did have to produce an excellent lastdeserved opening goal on 12 minutes. ditch challenge to deny a Steeton player a clear run at goal.

Patient build up play led to Ryan Riley finding Theo Ball in behind, who crossed back The win was sealed on 76 minutes, with stand to Riley, with the winger laying off James -in skipper Chris Webster finishing smartly Boyd to volley into the back of the net in his after a brilliant cross from the right wing. first start after his return to the club.

It secured a good win for Luke Evans’ side, The lead was doubled just six minutes lat- who can take confidence and belief from both er, with Ball involved again. The striker the goals scored and the clean sheet into the initially won the ball back then playing an coming season. excellent pass in behind for Riley who James Ashton showed great composure to round the Steeton goalkeeper and finish calmly.

1. TRIALIST 2. ABANKWAH 3. WELSH 4. GRAY 5. BARTRAM 6. HOLDEN 7. RILEY 8. WEBSTER © 9. BALL 10. CHAMBERS

11. BOYD #WeAreGate

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Squires Gate FC

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AFC LIVERPOOL LAST SEASON Premier Division: 14th FA Cup: Preliminary Round FA Vase: 4th Round

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE REDS...

AFC Liverpool was formed in 2008 by 1,000 Liverpool FC fans who had become increasingly frustrated at the cost and difficulty in obtaining tickets for Premier League matches. The mooted ‘39th game’, in which Premier League fixtures would be played in different parts of the world, proved to be the final straw as it clearly highlighted that those who ran top flight football were more concerned with money than its fans.

a response to the contentious ownership issue at Anfield or as a protest against Liverpool Football Club. On 16th July 2008 the club played its first game at the home of Ashton Town, a 1-1 draw in a friendly with St Helens Town. Mark Crowder scored the Reds first goal with a well taken penalty and a crowd of nearly 600 augured well for the season ahead.

The club began its first league season extremely well, beating At the beginning of March 2008, AFC Darwen 5-0 in their opening AFC Liverpool was officially competitive game which heraldformed and it was made clear ed a run of ten wins in the first that the club was not in any way eleven games. #WeAreGate

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The final weeks of the 2017/18 season saw some encouraging performances from a team the fans were proud to turn out and support. Keir and Williams had ensured that the Reds' fate was in their own hands on the final day of the season; victory over Charnock Richard would ensure Premier Division status. Despite taking the lead in the opening ten seconds, they eventually lost 2-1 confirming relegation to the Hallmark Security League First Division North.

Ready for their second season back in the Premier Division, new manager Matt Potter will take the helm, after Chris Anderson recently left the club.

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HOWELL HAPPY WITH THE REDS’ FIRST SEASON BACK IIN THE PREMIER DIVISION

THE NUMBER CRUNCHER 2021/22 STATS

W

D

L

GF

GA

13 10 17 80 80 Words from “Off The Park” The 24-year-old missed the end of season run-in after suffering a medial ligament injury but was happy with the showing in their first spell in the Counties Premier.

“Overall, good performance, good season because it’s hard making that step up and we kept a lot of the lads (who came up,” he told Off The Park.

“It was a long time due, to be honest, we had COVID impacting us but we obviously want more as well so overall not so bad.

“There’s a few results that I can look back through where we conceded a little bit too early but kept ourselves in the game whereas in times of old, it would’ve been three, four, five against better opposition.

“I think sometimes we were more liable to concede goals at the start of games than just after half-time and we kept ourselves in games than we had done in others. That aside, football-wise we can be one of the best teams in the league, it’s just can we have enough days where we are on our day is the thing in question.

“We had quite (draws) a few two-alls, ideally if we can sharpen up across the pitch and score from more attacks but it’s our first time in the league after a few seasons out. As I say, if we can turn those draws into wins a bit more, a little bit more experience this time around, it’ll be a nice situation and it’ll propel us up a little bit.”

P

YEAR FORMED

YEARS IN PREM DIV

TWITTER FOLLOWS

2008

1

29.7K

130

5-1

2,242

THE NUMBER OF APPEARANCES JAY HOWELL HAS MADE

THE AGGREGATE SCORE BETWEEN THE TWO CLUBS LAST SEASON

INSTA FOLLOWS

W

18 6

D

4

L

F

A

8 34 33

MEDIA MEMOIRS

BIGGEST WOMEN’S EURO WINS // MATT FURNISS

BIGGEST WOMEN’S EURO

WINS

Words by Matt Furniss

Early spoiler alert: it’s the biggest of all-time. England 8-0 Norway set the new record for the biggest margin of victory at a UEFA Women’s European Championship finals tournament, overtaking their own record from the 2017 edition.

It was 6-0 at half-time, with those six goals already enough to equal the biggest margin of victory at a Women’s Euros. That score was the biggest half-time lead in the history of the competition, overtaking France’s effort from the previous night (10 July 2022) against Italy, where they led 5-0 at the break before Here, we look through each of the Italian’s reduced the deficit in the wins in tournament history by the second half in their 5-1 five or more goals. defeat.

ENGLAND 6-0 SCOTLAND ENGLAND 8-0 NORWAY England broke the European Championship record – both men’s and women’s – for the biggest-ever win in the history of the competition in their group stage game against Norway.

The 8-0 victory over the 11th best team in women’s football based on the FIFA rankings saw five of the Lionesses’ grab a goal, including a hat-trick for Beth Mead and two goals for all-time top scoring England women’s star Ellen White.

The 8-0 win over Norway in 2022 broke England’s own tournament record at the Women’s European Championships, which originally stood at 6-0 when Mark Sampson’s side defeated rivals Scotland in their opening match of the 2017 tournament.

Scotland were playing in their first major tournament, and this was far from an ideal debut.

Ellen White can boast of being the only player to score in both of the biggest wins in the history of the Women’s Euros with a strike in this game, while Jodie Taylor was the star for England with England’s eight goals came from three goals. Her hat-trick was the an expected goals total of 6.90, first at a Women’s European with their 25 shots having an Championship finals since 2 July exceptional average xG of 0.28.

1997, when France’s Angélique

Roujas scored all three goals in a 3-1 group stage win over Russia.

NORWAY 5-0 DENMARK This 5-0 win for Norway over Denmark is best remembered for the individual performance of Marianne Petterson. Aged just 22 at the time, the Norwegian scored four goals – two in each half – and became the first player to score four times in a single match at a Women’s Euros. That record remains to this day.

GERMANY 5-0 RUSSIA Germany enjoyed a 5-0 win over Russia in the 2001 Women’s Euros on the way to winning the title in their own country.

Amazingly, this game was still 0-0 until the 43rd minute, when Bettina Wiegmann opened the scoring for the host nation. With the scoreline still only 1-0 at halftime, the Russians might have hoped for another shock result, after drawing with England 1-1 in their opening group game, but it wasn’t to be. Germany were rampant in the second period, scoring four more goals through Birgit Prinz, Maren Meinert and a brace from Sandra Smisek in the final 17 minutes.

FIXTURES & RESULTS // 2022-2023 DATE

VS

KO / RESULT

30 July 22 AFC Liverpool

15:00

2 Aug 22

Charnock Richard

15:00

6 Aug 22

Northwich Vics (FA CUP E.P.)

15:00

10 Aug 22 Irlam

15:00

13 Aug 22

15:00

Litherland REMYCA

17 Aug 22 Padiham

15:00

23 Aug 22

15:00

Prestwich Heys

27 Aug 22 Easington Collieries (FA V Q1)

15:00

30 Aug 22

Bury AFC

19.45

03 Sep 22

Wythenshawe Town

15:00

07 Sep 22

Ashton Athletic

19:45

10 Sep 22

Northwich Vics

15:00

14 Sep 22

Barnoldswick Town

19:45

17 Sep 22

Vauxhall Motors

15:00

21 Sep 22

Longridge Town

19:45

01 Oct 22

Winsford United

15:00

08 Oct 22

Wythenshawe Town

15:00

15 Oct 22

Cleator Moor Celtic (MACRON R1)

15:00

22 Oct 22

Charnock Richard

15:00

26 Oct 22

Avro

19:45

29 Oct 22

Irlam

15:00

05 Nov 22

Winsford United

15:00

09 Nov 22

FC Isle Of Man

19:45

19 Nov 22

Bury AFC

15:00

26 Nov 22

West Didsbury & Chorlton

15:00

03 Dec 22

Congleton Town

15:00

10 Dec 22

Kendal Town

15:00

17 Dec 22

Ashton Athletic

15:00

26 Dec 22

Burscough

15:00

07 Jan 23

Barnoldswick Town

15:00

14 Jan 23

Lower Breck

15:00

21 Jan 23

Congleton Town

15:00

28 Jan 23

FC Isle Of Man

15:00

04 Feb 23

Northwich Vics

15:00

11 Feb 23

Avro

15:00

18 Feb 23

Longridge Town

15:00

25 Feb 23

Litherland Remyca

15:00

04 Mar 23

West Didsbury & Chorlton

15:00

11 Mar 23

AFC Liverpool

15:00

18 Mar 23

Kendal Town

15:00

25 Mar 23

Prestwich Heys

15:00

01 Apr 23

Vauxhall Motors

15:00

10 Apr 23

Burscough

15:00

15 Apr 23

Lower Breck

15:00

22 Apr 23

Padiham

15:00

ATT.

1

2

3

4

5

YELLOW CARD

6

7

8

RED CARD

9

SUBSTITUTE 1 SUBSTITUTE 2 SUBSTITUTE 3

10

11

SUB

SUB

HOME FIXTURES IN BOLD

SUB

SUB

SUB

MATCH-UP RREEWWI NI ND D Our previous match at home to AFC Liverpool came in September of last season. A brace from Dean Ing, a first Gate strike for Sope Awe and an own-goal secured a 4-1 win for Evans’ men to stretch our early-season unbeaten run to eight matches.

HEAD-2-HEAD

RECENT FORM SQUIRES GATE THE LAST THREE W - 3-0 vs Steeton (H)

WINS

6

GOALS SCORED

(4 DRAWS)

34

D - 0-0 vs Wren Rovers (H)

33

8

L - 2-4 vs Radcliffe FC (H)

AFC LIVERPOOL THE LAST THREE L - 3-2 vs Marine (A) L - 1-0 vs Nelson (A) D - 2-2 vs Cammell Laird (H)

ONES-2-WATCH JAMES BOYD

KYLE SCORAH

FOOTBALL BOOK REVIEWS // THE GREAT PIE REVOLT // @FOOTYBOOKREVIEW

THE GREAT PIE REVOLT

BY JACK PEAT This is a true story from a few years back. A Premier League club (who shall remain nameless) marketed at one of their food and drink outlets in the ground a ‘Meal Deal’, which consisted of a pint, a Mars bar and a packet of crisps for a fiver.

As the title suggests the guide looks at the clubs in the top four divisions of the English game with 86 clubs featured.

Each club entry has a Fact box (which details, team nickname, colours, ground name, capacity and year it was built) and an InNow you don’t have to be Gordon troduction which looks at a locaRamsey, to understand that this tions food and drink heritage and combination does not constitute a provides readers with some intermeal for the average human be- esting facts. ing, yet somehow football fans are fair game.

Following this are the main focus of the book, with sections on, The fact is that clubs know that What to eat and where to eat it once a spectator is through the and What to drink and where to turnstile the concession stands drink it and covers a range of are the only option for those wanting any food or drink and in- venues, which include cafes, variably it is a pricey bland selec- market stalls, takeaways, microbreweries, pubs and bars. tion from a big brand.

The answer to this malaise? Get yourself fed and watered before and after the game away from the stadium. But where to go I hear you cry? Well, The Great Pie Revolt provides a readymade (excuse the pun) solution.

Within each of the food and drink sections, are three suggested venues which look to provide food and drinks options before and after matches where local produce is served and celebrated.

In the Introduction, author Jack Peat outlines that the book “is as such, my quest to make away days more palatable, to marry football and food to create a more rounded, wholesome day out.”

It is indeed a more than useful guide for fans on away days looking for something different to the standard offering of chain venues and should be an essential read when making matchday plans.

The first thing I did with the book was check out my own club’s listing and Peat’s suggestions and then look at all the various grounds I’ve visited down the years, to see if I’d been in any of the venues listed – a food and drink Groundhopping if you like!

If there is something missing, it would be the venues address or its social media details (i.e. website, Facebook or Twitter etc.) so that they could be looked at in further detail before making a trip.

However, that is not to detract from what could become an indispensable matchday companion and point of reference to make away days memorable, win, lose or draw.

PS. Hey, Jack what about Scottish, Irish and Welsh editions? A non-league version? Let’s get this football food and drink revolution on the move!

THE MAN BEHIND THE COVER // Q&A WITH CHRIS STEWART // @KITFORBRAINS Q&A WITH CHRIS STEWART

THE MAN BEHIND THE COVER

So Chris, where do we start.

It's an absolute pleasure to have you as part of our media team this season. You've been helping out with bits over the past couple of seasons, writing some articles for our programmes and now you're designing the covers! How does it feel to be this involved with a non league club?

It’s fantastic, Squires Gate have a great team (both on and off pitch) and I love the way that Talk of the Gate gives a chance to so many people like myself who want to be creative, a platform for people to talk about their different footballing passions. I’m thrilled that I can give something back by illustrating the team and key club figures for the programme covers this season.

When we saw your graphics last season, we made a very easy decision to approach you to ask whether you'd be interested in helping out in designing front covers for us as we knew you'd bought quite a few programmes last season. Are you a programme collector yourself?

I don’t collect programmes, but only because it's a very deep and expensive rabbit hole to fall down! There’s so many iconic games I’d love a souvenir of, plus the art on some of the covers is superb. I do have a few though, aside from my Gate ones of course! My favourites include the ‘Champions’ programme from

when Liverpool won the league in 2020 and a programme from the first Women's Super League derby at Anfield among others.

They were both challenging in different ways.

The Brian Addison illustration took far longer, but with the Wealth Da Silva picture I was still finding my feet, trying new things out and Looking back, it's quite clear learning what works and what to see that you are getting doesn’t. even better with your designs.

As a media team, we love to help recognise good work, and Today's game is quite fitting in turn it gets them the credit for you too. A game against they deserve. Could you talk AFC Liverpool, and as you are us through some of your first a Liverpool fan yourself, will designs, to your most recent you be sat on the fence or will ones? you be going for a home win?

I started trying to illustrate to sup- I’ll be rooting for Gate today! I plement my writing hobby. I love know AFC Liverpool are from my writing and every article needs a city, but I’ve only got room to good picture, but stock photos support one team called are expensive and I’m tight, plus ‘Liverpool’. I don’t know what I’d it gives you more freedom to do if Squires Gate ever play the create an exact, eye-catching Reds! image. I started first by trying to learn Adobe Illustrator, but honestly I think it’d be easier Now you've not actually been learning how to fly a helicopter. to The Brian Addison Stadium There’s so many buttons and before. Can we expect to welsliders, half of which seem to come you down this season? make your image progressively worse and the other half seem to do nothing at all. I switched to drawing with a generic stylus on a cheap tablet and never looked back. There’s been a lot of trial and error but it’s great fun, I can’t wait to share the programme illustrations with you all over the season.

One design Gate fans will recognise is your Wealth Da Silva print. Compared to the one of Brian Addison, which one was more challenging?

For sure, it’s a mission for me to get there this season and experience the team, ground and atmosphere in person. Would love to watch a game with @theshirtunion who are also regular contributors to the programme.

Thank you for your time Chris.

We look forward to continuing to build a strong partnership with yourself, and I'm sure the Gate supporters will appreciate the work you have done to help create a programme to be proud of.

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL PROGRESS // JANE STUART // @blackpooljane

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL PROGRESS JANE STUART TALKS ABOUT THE RETURN OF HER FANZINE Welcome to the new season!

What have you been up to over the summer?

I’ve been recovering from Blackpool FC’s disappointing end to 21/22 by immersing myself in football culture - and resurrecting the fanzine Now That’s What I Call Progress. I’ve been producing fanzines for 20 years and this is the first issue since COVID put paid to publication in March 2020.

So, what is a fanzine? It is a celebration of football fan culture and an opportunity for fans to have their opinions committed to the page to be read on a matchday (or on the toilet or wherever people read these days).

Like match programmes, fanzines are collectors’ items and are kept as a snapshot in history.

I have copies dating back to the 1980s! They celebrate history with a collection of memories and memorabilia.

They offer commentary on current events, jokes, cartoons, photographs, poetry, quizzes…an eclectic mix of football stuff.

‘Physical media is still the best form, whether it be magazines, books, vinyl/CD or DVDs - it will always, in my opinion, trump digital. I love holding a product in my hand, the smell and feel and it getting a bit

battered or worn over time.’

Finally, there are a few pieces Chris O’Keefe - Now That’s What from the wider world of football I Call Progress - Issue 6 culture, including creative ideas that fans came up with when The current issue of Now That’s cooped up during lockdown.

What I Call Progress begins with the thoughts of a gay Blackpool Whilst the zine is centred around fan, who writes about what Jake Blackpool FC, the content is Daniels’ brave announcement culturally diverse and will appeal means to him. We then move on to the wider football and literary to managers old and new. We community. There’s even a feature plenty of BFC nostalgia feature on Squires Gate FC! and memorabilia as we share stories and celebrate our proud You’ll find me selling the fanzine history. outside Bloomfield Road when Blackpool are at home but you And there’s an insight into the can also subscribe and have a academy, which we hear about fanzine drop on your doorstep almost anecdotally as a vital four times a year for just £15. component of our growth model without really seeing it for We’re starting this season on ourselves.

Issue 6 but a limited number of back issues are available. You We welcome new Seasiders to can pay via PayPal using the the family as well as paying Friends & Family option to tribute to those we have lost. jane@janestuart.co.uk.

If you’d like to find out more, you can find us on Twitter and Facebook @Progress1887 or you can contact me, the editor, @blackpooljane or by email at jane@janestuart.co.uk.

MEDIA DIARIES // DAN GODFREY // SUNDERLAND AFC

MEDIA DIARIES

DAN GODFREY A popular feature from last season’s programme, Media Diaries returns for another series! Kicking us off for the new campaign, our Social Media Manager, Dan Hayden interviewed Sunderland’s Digital Manager, Dan Godfrey to gain an exclusive insight to behind the scenes of the newly promoted Championship outfit.

How do you usually prepare your weekly content? Do you plan ahead? Do you have a specific layout for your week?

We work as a department to plan ahead, often on a weekly basis unless it’s a significant project.

We’ll have a Head of Media who oversees everything, and I have colleagues who lead on the social media and video plans, whilst I lead editorially. The plan tends to First of all, thank you for your differ a lot, revolving around time, it really is appreciated. matchdays for all of our teams.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your role at the club Building up to a matchday, how and have you worked at any do you try and gain interest and clubs previously? interactions from supporters on No problem at all. So I’m tweets or Instagram posts? currently Digital Media & Despite being a writer, we all know Programme Editor here at that engagement comes from the Sunderland, so I look after all people involved, not the words. the editorial and press relations Player and manager content – side at the club – written usually videos – across our differcontent, interviews, press ent social platforms give a direct releases and the matchday link between the fanbase and programme, alongside liaising essentially their heroes. Different with external press. demographics suit different platforms more than others – for I also manage the media for our instance, our TikTok audience is U23 and Women’s teams, whilst largely very different to our working regular first-team Facebook audience, so it’s always matchdays. I grew up in something to consider.

Portsmouth and started in non-league down there about 10 Could you give us a brief years ago, and secured my rundown of your matchday degree in Sports Journalism routine? How do you prepare for from the Uni of Huddersfield in games, and how do you ensure 2018. I’ve been with Millwall and everything runs smoothly?

Barnsley along with some freelance work prior to here.

Whilst it differs depending on the team we’re covering, for argument’s sake I’ll obviously run through a first-team matchday. Scheduled posts will often be arranged in advance to go out in the mornings, firing up the fans from the minute they wake up. Ensuring we have team news far enough in advance along with anything else supporters need to know is paramount, and at home games we’re obviously sorting the visiting media out to make sure their jobs run as smoothly as possible.

Post-match content and its message varies entirely based on the result of the match. Win, milk the engagement and enjoy it; lose, it’s usually just the basics and keep heads down socials-wise.

One important part of matchdays is the “footy scran”, have you any favourite grounds in terms of hospitality and what is your go-to choice of matchday food?

As a southern boy, believe it or not, I never heard the word ‘scran’ until I moved up to Uni, but what a word it is, and let’s face it – scran is key to the football experience, whether working or as a fan.

MEDIA DIARIES // DAN GODFREY // SUNDERLAND AFC Press food in the top two divisions tends to hit well – Swansea City and Stoke City I have fond memories of – Stoke did us a Christmas dinner at Millwall once. For fan food, there are actually some excellent non-league grounds, FC Halifax Town with a blinding bit of pie, mushy peas and gravy. I’ll give you northerners that!

Another important part of the matchday routine is a programme. What makes a good programme to you, and which clubs do you think have the best programmes?

For sure – I always take pride in editing our programme, and it’s brilliant to see supporters with them on matchdays. Our club historian, Rob, gathers some great content with past players and club legends, and I think that exclusive content with important people is what hooks fans in. The same goes for off-the-wall features with current players, which I always enjoy gathering.

The elite clubs obviously do a great job, and for recent ones I’ve read, Bolton Wanderers create a very good edition.

In terms of social media. What do you think makes a good club social media account?

Regular content which engages supporters, but not to the point where it’s too much. You have to know your audience, and carefully consider how you communicate messages if they’re not so positive.

I know about the club and its community in the North West, as I spent some time as a freelancer in 2020 working for BBC Radio Lancashire. Hopefully you enjoy a solid season in the North West Counties League.

the serious stuff with the sort of off-the-wall, ‘meme’-style interactive content fans enjoy. It’s your typical, solid all-rounder.

Instagram is becoming more like that, too, which is great for us.

Who has been your favourite player to interview at the What would you say is your club? favourite social media platform Our players are always good As this is the Squires Gate to use at the club? value. The likes of Alex Pritchard programme, is there anything For me, Twitter. It’s my favourite and Bailey Wright are a huge hit you know about our club? to use in general, as it combines with fans and excel in front of the

MEDIA DIARIES // DAN GODFREY // SUNDERLAND AFC camera, and then we have lads like Carl Winchester and Jay Matete, who never fail to make you laugh.

The final at Wembley was the best day I’ve had working in football. I finished the day drenched in champagne. It’s a relief more than anything else for all of us, and shows that strong progress after a tricky few years.

We’re optimistic about what we can achieve this season, but we know there’s plenty of work to do.

Which grounds do you enjoy visiting the most in terms of facilities and matchday food?

I’ve been lucky enough to work at Wembley four times, as well as the Emirates and the Etihad – so, of course, they stand out. As mentioned before, Swansea and The pre-season trip to Roma.

Stoke were up there for the grub. How was that? Did you manage to meet Jose Mourinho or Sunderland are back in the any of the Roma squad? Just Championship after a few how does it differentiate to the years away. Just how surreal English league in terms of fawas it being at Wembley as cilities? part of the media team? How This one’s tricky to answer, as it are you preparing for the was actually a pre-season camp second tier? in Portugal and I wasn’t there.

We faced Rangers and Roma during the week. The lads have spoken, though, about how rewarding it is to experience a test against Mourinho’s Roma side – it stands them in good stead as players, and it’s always interesting to hear how clubs in wider Europe and beyond operate!

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SEEING RED // CHRIS STEWART// @KITFORBRAINS

S E E I N G R E D

#

Words by Chris Stewart As todays opponents are AFC Liverpool, it seems fitting to have a quick home shirt history of the *other* Liverpool football club.

COLOURS Like the sun setting at the end of every day, you might think Liverpool have been in red since time immemorial. But, it turns out, not only did Liverpool not wear red originally, they wore gasp- blue and white!

And if that sounds a little bit like Merseyside rivals Everton, you’d be absolutely right because it was the old shirts they left behind when they left to start playing at Goodison.

To make things weirder the Blues even went through a phase of wearing red back then, however in 1896 the world stabilised itself and everyone started to wear their proper colours.

Then in 1964/65 Liverpool switched to all red to give them a supposed psychological advantage, to make the players look bigger, more threateningred is the colour of danger after all.

Since then they have been through many different shades of red, from cherry to crimson to the rich, deep ‘Pepper Red’ that New Balance used in 2017/18.

MANUFACTURERS Like many English teams, Umbro were the Reds first ‘official’ kit suppliers, producing a handful of simple, classy shirts from 1973 until fan favourites Adidas took the reins in 1985.

The 3 stripes would adorn Liverpool’s kits for 10 years, producing some of the team's most iconic looks, like the white-flecked League winning shirt of ‘89, the massive three stripes over the shoulder of ‘91

SEEING RED // CHRIS STEWART// @KITFORBRAINS and the cricket jumper collar of ‘95. However, when the trophies started to dry up, Adidas packed their kitbags and left, leaving Reebok to pick up the pieces.

What Reebok lacked in design flair they made up for in durability, those early shirts are so hard wearing I’m pretty sure you could fall off a motorbike wearing one and it’d come out unscathed. After Liverpool lifted their 5th European cup in 2005, Adidas came back saying they loved the Reds all along, only to give them the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ treatment when Liverpool finished outside the top 4. To twist the knife even more they made a white and blue third kit on their way out, but the most unforgivable crime was to leave the door open for Warrior Sports to take over the kit supply.

The American company specialised in lacrosse and hockey so didn’t really seem to understand what Liverpool and soccerball were about, producing some of the Reds worst shirts ever. They made way for their parent company New Balance in 2015, who after a slow start gave the Reds three iconic home shirts (worn in the Champions League win and Premier League win don’t you know) as well as some sought after change strips.

Finally, Nike took the helm in a mega money deal two years ago that’s set to last until 2025 at the very least.

CREST Liverpool adopted the Liverbird as their crest around the mid 1950s and kept it that way until the latter part of the 1980s when they decided to put it inside of a shield.

After this, all hell broke loose as the crest became ever more elaborate- first the shield was put inside of a shield of its own, joined by the Shankly Gates and the Eternal Flames that pay tribute to the 96 (now 97) people who lost their lives at Hillsborough. Then in 1995 the shield within a shield was put inside *another* shield creating some kind of Liverbird Inception scenario. Warrior don’t deserve credit for much, but the one thing to be thankful for is them freeing the Liverbird once again in 2012, a choice that has remained to the present day.

SPONSORS Liverpool were the first top flight English club to have a regular shirt sponsor, Hitachi back in 1979. A slew of iconic sponsors followed, including Crown Paints, Candy and the one that’s probably most synonymous with the team, Carlsberg. However, current sponsor Standard Chartered could become the team's longest serving if they renew at the end of the current deal, set to end in 2026.

HERE WE GO AGAIN // LEWIS BLACKMORE // @LewisRBlackmore

HERE WE GO AGAIN! No, not another Mamma Mia movie, but one of the greatest spectacles of all – the summer transfer window! It’s been a summer filled with plenty of #incomings in the Premier League. Some clubs have busier than others. Players moving around the league to see how they’ll fare elsewhere and others arriving in England to try and strut their stuff. A fair amount of money has been spent, as per usual, with all of the top six (and many outside) putting their hands deep in their pockets to add quality to their rosters ahead of the upcoming campaign. Here’s some acquisitions that have caught the eye:

With 85 goals in 88 Dortmund appearances, since his move from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020, it’s no stretch to say he’s a natural goal scorer and will be looking to continue this vain of form in sky blue.

ERLING HAALAND (Borrusia Dortmund to Man City) Manchester City have fought off the competition to secure his much-coveted signature and one that will no doubt strengthen Pep Guardiola and his side going into the 2022/23 season. City have paid the 21-year-old’s release clause and are expected to pay £85.5m in total when agent fees, signing bonus and other costs are taken into account.

This signing marks the end of the club’s hunt for a successor to Sergio Aguero whom left for pastures new last summer. The Norwegian international is the out and out striker that they have lacked this season.

Not only has Haaland got an impressive goal scoring record in the Bundesliga, but so too in the Champions League – a competition so sorely sought after by Pep – with 23 goals in 19 European appearances it’s clear he’s going to be an asset.

Whether he can replicate this form is yet to be seen, but it is likely he will score when given the opportunity.

The 23-year-old scored 34 times for Benfica in all competitions last season, including goals in both legs of the club's Champions League quarter-final defeat to Liverpool in April. Something I’m sure Klopp considered when in search for his side’s new forward.

Manchester United, Newcastle United and many other clubs on the continent were also reportedly interested in signing Nunez this summer, however, Liverpool moved quickly to complete the big-money transfer for their No 1 target. With an £85 million price tag, he’ll be looking to impress early on, especially if wants to earn a regular spot in that front trio. But one that is a DARWIN NUNEZ real statement of intent from (Benfica to Liverpool) Klopp and his team as they seek to apply pressure to Manchester After Sadio Mane’s departure to City’s aspirations to retain the Germany to join up with Bayern title.

Munich, it was clear Jurgen Klopp needed a replacement to Look, the last time the slot into that front three. Enter Merseyside outfit bought a Darwin Núñez who arrives to Uruguayan striker it worked out team up with Mohamed Salah pretty favourably so who and Luis Diaz in an attack that knows… just got younger and more exciting than ever.

HERE WE GO AGAIN // LEWIS BLACKMORE // @LewisRBlackmore

RAHEEM STERLING (Man City to Chelsea)

RICHARLISON (EVERTON TO TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)

GABRIEL JESUS (Man City to Arsenal)

Now, this was probably a signing many didn’t seem coming. It was clear that Raheem Sterling wanted out of City after a lack of game time, but maybe not to another club in the top six.

Another Brazillian international on the move, albeit to the other side of North London this time, is Richarlison who has signed for Tottenham in a deal worth £60 million. Joining from Everton, the striker joins up with Antonio Conte’s side and will be looking to make an impact on a starstudded front line already packed with bundles of talent.

Richarlison has scored 48 goals in 173 Premier League appearances in stints at Watford and Everton, so he will more than certainly be a welcome addition for Spurs fans.

Another player that has departed Manchester City. Gabriel Jesus is linking up with former coach Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. Arteta has, with the arrival of the Brazillian, bolstered his attacking options as they look to rite a disappointing end to the previous campaign where the Gunners missed out on a top four finish.

The England international has swapped Manchester for London in a deal reported to be in the region of £47.5 million, with the 27-year-old signing a 5-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The deal is a major boost for Chelsea’s new co-owner, Todd Boehly, who has taken temporary charge of the club’s recruitment and this is the type of marquee With Spurs now once again in signing that demonstrates what the Champions League, the he has to offer. acquisition of the former Everton man could be quite significant.

Thomas Tuchel wanted to upgrade his attack and identified Especially if anything were to Sterling as a key target at the happen to Harry Kane or Heungstart of the summer. Tuchel Min Son during the season, but wants more ruthlessness in the even in terms of pure rotation final third and it is clear he has Richarlison is another out and that type of player in Sterling. out number nine that Conte could turn to. It will be intriguing to see how he fairs.

Adopting the number nine shirt, Jesus provides a different option up top – and also arguably the replacement they’ve sought after since the departure of PierreEmerick Aubameyang last season – with pace and a real eye for goal. 58 league goals and 29 assists in 159 games playing in the sky blue of City are promising stats for any Gunners supporters.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2022-23 // GARY LANGLEY // @garylangley

LOOKING AHEAD The sun is shining, A.Trialist is trending, pitches are green and the gentle drone of the football season can be heard in the background! Like everyone, I really don’t mind the summer, it is something that everyone in nonleague football claims to look forward to, but most tend to get bored with after a week or two. It’s great to have a breather but the moment that your head stops spinning with plans for games, travel plans, squad info and so on you end up craving it again, and here we are!

So, what’s been going on then?

Well, the North West Counties League AGM was held in June, just op the road at the Imperial Hotel and was well attended. Five new clubs have joined us which includes FC St Helens, Foley Meir, Stockport Georgians, Ashville and a side not a million miles away from here in the form of Euxton Villa. Quite a few changes in the two Division One’s which includes relegation for St Helens Town and St Martins.

Now, on the internet, it’s been well debated about the unique shape of the League at the moment as Division One North is running two teams short and The Premier Division, the Division that Squires Gate are in of

course, is running with 22 teams. That said, there is a real issue to look at going forwards as we could see only one team promoted from The Premier Division at the end of the coming season but potentially four teams relegated into it. Suffice to say, that “perfect pyramid” may start to look a bit wonky very quickly and Gate could be playing a 50-game league season at this rate!

Anyway, enough of 2023-24, I’m getting ahead of myself! I don’t know about you, but the pandemic seems to be a long time ago and admittedly people’s perceptions of that will range widely as some may well agree, some will mention that we are likely still in the midst of it and I get that.

However, as far as football goes the 2022-23 season should be the first full normal season for three years. By that I mean we have no restrictions on anything in grounds, fixtures have been planned in a standard way, as in not crammed in to get a minimum number of games played to justify a PPG outcome (remember that?). This season also sees the cups fully re-instated and part of the standard footballing calendar too,

which I personally am rather pleased about.

The 40th NWCFL season started officially with the Champions game on 23rd July which this year sees Macron Cup winners Charnock Richard take on League Champions Mac… oh!

Moving swiftly on, Squires Gate have a manic start to proceedings with a cracking fixture against AFC Liverpool and then the next week sees an away league game at Charnock Richard and a home tie against Northwich Victoria in the FA Cup. Whatever way you look at it, be you a Squires Gate fan, AFC Liverpool Fan, a Fan of FC St Helens or perhaps Maine Road? This 40th Anniversary season promises so much and without a doubt it will deliver drama, controversy, unique stories, debating points and perhaps the odd bash of genderneutral handbags but would we have it any other way? Nah! Bring on the new season and all that comes with it!

Which Premier League season are these shirts from?

Wordsearch EVANS BAKER ROBINSON ADDISON WESTWOOD

Tad-Stad Trivia 1.

Who are in England’s Group for the upcoming World Cup?

2.

Which team won last season’s Europa League?

3.

What country is the World Cup being hosted in this Winter?

4.

Where did Squires Gate finish in last season’s NWCFL Premier Division table?

5.

Who is Blackpool FC’s new Manager?

Match The Nationality

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QUIZ CORNER ANSWERS SHIRT SEASON: 2009/10 SPOT THE BALL: B TRIVIA: 1. Iran, USA, Wales 2. Eintracht Frankfurt 3. Qatar 4. 17th 5. Michael Appleton NATIONS: Koulibaly - Senegal Nunez - Uruguay Perisic - Croatia Haaland - Norway Zinchenko - Ukraine

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LUXEMBOURG FOOTBALL // PART ONE // @Luxemboughfootball Unfortunately, the league season isn’t starting in Luxembourg just yet, but we aren’t having an eventless summer here, either!

The transfer window is open for the entire summer, and many fascinating deals have already gone through, but one stands out among all: Daniel da Mota’s big return to boyhood club Etzella Ettelbrück!

Finally, in 2020, with 6 National Division titles, 5 domestic cup wins, a Luxembourgish League Cup medal, a Top Goalscorer award and a Luxembourgish Player of the Year accolade next to his name, da Mota made his first venture abroad. At the age of 34, he signed for Italian Serie D team Desenzano Calvina, and then stayed in the division later on when ASD Sona Calcio was Daniel da Mota is an iconic name his next stop. in Luxembourgish football history.

His 101 national team Unfortunately the Italian years appearances make him the proved to be the least productive second-most capped player in ones in his career, with 23 the country, only one game games, one goal and a single behind record holder Mario assist being his record for the Mutsch. He made his Red Lions two teams combined. For the debut in 2007, back in his Etzella past season, he returned to Ettelbrück breakthrough period.

Luxembourg at the age of 35, but

playoff places, having the thirdworst goal difference in the league.

Their key striker, Gustavo Hemkemeier, who often carried the club on his own in the most important games towards the end, left for Swift Hesperange after finishing in the top 10 most prolific scorers in Luxembourg for last season. After his departure, relegation worries could become very real for the team in 2022/23.

Etzella are clearly crying out for a new talisman to bring back the better days of old. Could da Mota, arguably past the peak of his powers, be just the man for the task, to restore Etzella’s place as a solid BGL Ligue team?

TRANSFERS In 2008, he started establishing himself as one of the most dangerous and skilful wingers of his country, by signing for national heavyweights F91 Dudelange for a fee of €65,000.

his stint at Differdange was I – and everyone else believing in mostly restricted to impact football romantics – must hope this is going to be the case. substitution cameos.

Etzella Ettelbrück have been fighting in the lower echelons of the top division for some time He continued to be a key player now, and have not been serious for both club and country on the European contenders for more international stage as well over than a decade now. the coming years, but the move Their latest period of relative abroad never came. glory was back in da Mota’s days After almost a decade wearing at the club, but as soon as he F91’s yellow-and-red kits, scoring left, the glimmer of hope 73 times and assisting a further disappeared. 2021/22 was a 53 goals in 246 games, he rough year for the lily-whites who finished just above the relegation moved on to Racing FC Union.

SQUIRES GATE

AFC LIVERPOOL

Manager: Luke Evans

Manager: Matt Potter

Colours: Blue shirt, blue shorts, blue socks

Colours: Red shirt, red shorts, red socks

Nathan PENNINGTON

Lucas ALLAN

Josh WESTWOOD (C)

Ben CARTWRIGHT

Isaac ABANKWAH

Zak EL-BESHRI

Nathan BARTRAM

Finlay HEATH

Luke HOLDEN

Phil HERON

Dan SMITH

James HOWELL

Alex WELSH

Dale KORIE-BUTLER

Dan GRAY

Anthony LYONS

Chris WEBSTER

William MCCARTHY

Ollie BURGESS

Lee MCCONCHIE

Will EASTHAM

Jack MCGOVERN

Rowan CHAMBERS

James MCGRANE

Ryan RILEY

Jordan MONTHE

James HUGHES

Harrison O’DONNELL

Nathan CLIFFE

Bradley OWENS

James BOYD

Sonny PARR

Theo BALL

Aaron ROBERTSON

Olly HESFORD

Oliver S-RIGBY Kyle SCORAH Luke STEPHENS

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