THE GAFFER 18 BURY AFC

THE

Good evening everyone, and welcome to tonight’s league match between Squires Gate and Bury AFC. A warm welcome to the visiting fans, players and committee.

At the time of writing, we’re finaly back at home after about a month away. Last week’s scheduled matches at home to Wythenshawe Town and FC Isle of Man were both postponed due to a frozen pitch, so fingers crossed we’re all good for tonight’s game!

We all know what Bury will bring to us tonight. They’re an excellent side who will push us all the way. We know that if we are at our best and stick to our game plan that we can get all three points tonight though.

We had hit a bit of a sticky patch after such a good run of form, but we’ve had a good rest now and I’m hoping we’re going to be sharp and back to playing how well I know we can.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas too, especially all of our loyal Gate supporters. We massively appreciate your support over the past year. I hope you enjoy the match!

Gaffer

#WeAreGate

LUKE EVANS

LUKE EVANS (Manager) LIAM ROBINSON (First Team Coach) RHYS DALY (Physio)

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SPONSORED BY DENISE GIBSON

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NATHAN PENNINGTON

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR JOSH WESTWOOD (Captain) LUKE HOLDEN

ISAAC ABANKWAH

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HARRISON WEBSTER NATHAN BARTRAM ALEX WELSH

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DAN SMITH LOUIS SHIELDS

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ROWAN CHAMBERS RYAN RILEY WILL EASTHAM

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HARRISON KAY

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JAMES BOYD

OLLY HESFORD

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CALLUM SANDLE

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR RYAN MOORE

THEO BALL

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GARY PETT SEAN ALUEBHOSELE

Q&A WITH DAN GRAY // #WeAreGate Q&A

DAN GRAY

Dan! You’re our ‘Cover Star’ for today’s programme! Are you looking forward to the match?

Yeah I can’t wait, it’s always a good feeling coming into a game especially at this time of year. It’s a busy period with plenty of midweek games knocking about but tonight’s certainly a game we are looking forward to. which for me was the main thing when coming back to Gate. The lads here are great which is what made it so easy to settle in. It’s a fantastic changing room with a great dynamic. We have a few good experienced lads and then we have a few young naive lads (Theo and Webby) who are just as important for the lads to get a few bites out of.

We face a tough test in Bury AFC this evening, what are you expecting from our visitors?

It will be a test for sure, they obviously are a good side with some good players but I’m sure it’s one that we can overcome if we stick to the game plan and play how we can. We know on our day we are as good as anyone and we just have to make sure that happens more often and consistently.

You joined Gate just over a year ago and have been an excellent addition to the club both on and off the pitch - how have you settled in and enjoyed your time at Gate so far?

It has been a fantastic 12 months or so, I’m back loving my football

The squad’s done decent this season, progressing well in cup competitions and sitting around mid table in the league - are you happy with how the season’s gone so far?

Yeah we have been doing well in the cup competitions which is pleasing. I think we had a slow start to the season with being a new squad but we have really picked up of late. I’d probably argue the performances have been as pleasing as anything, we are getting on the ball very well and knocking it about. I’m hopeful that this will continue for the rest and the season and into next which will put us in great stead for the following season.

played in last season?

I’ll be honest, I think it’s totally different. I loved last years changing room with Iley, Ridings, Mike Hale but this season has been just as good with some great new additions. I always felt last year we never quite reached our potential where as this season we are certainly a lot closer to that. I think the balance is there this year with the group we have got and long may it continue.

Squires Gate have a growing fan base, as well as a strong social media presence. Has the support this season both at matches and online given the squad a boost?

Yeah of course, it’s great for the boys to hear a cheer as the ball hits the back of the net or a little bit of appreciation on Twitter after the game and that’s a credit to job you boys do. I think it’s important to know as well that the players do really appreciate everything you boys do for the club and also everything the fans do. Seeing Mozza, Helen, Ian and the others travelling up to West Allotment was fantastic (even if Westy did get sent off).