The Vertu Champions Trophy 2019 | Matchday Programme

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S AT U R D AY 19 T H O C TO B E R

THE VERTU MOTORS C H A M P I O N S

T R O P H Y

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VERTU HOUSE XI

ROTTERDAM HOUSE XI

N E W F E R E N S P A R K - D U R H A M C I T Y - D H1 1G G K I CK O FF: 3:0 0 PM In association with:

2018 CHARITY MATCH

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You can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vertushield

A WORD FROM THE ORGANISERS MANAGER TEAM TORQUE SPONSOR SPEAKS: AUTOTRADER LAST MATCH RECAP SPONSOR SPEAKS: CALLTRACKS THE DON: 2018 MATCH WINNER GIVES HIS VIEW ABOUT CHILDREN IN NEED SPONSOR SPEAKS: HEYCAR UK SQUAD LINE UP

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PROGRAMME CONTENTS

A WORD FROM THE ORGANISERS

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What inspired you organise the game?

The game was the brain-child of exRotterdam United captain Richie Lewins, before he was transferred to another team. We are following on from the success of last year to bring the two buildings together for some healthy competition, and to raise some money for Children in Need. Last year the office was buzzing with excitement - this year we are making it bigger and better!

ORGANISER NOTES

Do you think football is a force for good in the world?

Football can bring people together of all ages and backgrounds, it’s a massive part of North East culture and it brings people together across the globe.

Initiatives from Soccer Aid to the Bradley Lowery Foundation show what football fans can do when they pull together for a great cause.

Tell us about why Children in Need was chosen as the charity?

Children in Need is out there making a difference to young people’s lives in towns and cities right across the UK. The amazing projects they support help change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people all over the country. Vertu Motors is a proud partner of Children in Need, and the football match is our way of raising money and having some fun in the process.

Give us a sense of what’s involved?

There is a lot to organise! You have the obvious things like the venue, kits and teams…. but it’s all the little fiddly jobs that take up the most time! Tickets, posters, promotion, setting up the JustGiving account, appearances by Pudsey, the trophy… the list goes on.

Most of it is done in our spare time, but we really enjoy it.

What should we expect today?

Last year we had hat-tricks and lastminute winners. This year we expect some big scores and some tough tackles.

Pudsey is making an appearance this year too. Hopefully, it’ll be a great afternoon out for everyone – the venue is perfect, with easy access for all, a sheltered stand for those who’d prefer to sit and a café bar for food and refreshments.

We would like to say thank you to everyone who makes the charity football match possible. Thank you to the sponsors for their generous donations, the central marketing teams for their hard work and the players for giving up their Saturday afternoon. Finally, a special thank you to the supporters for cheering on their friends, family and colleagues.

WORDS BY

ORGANISER NOTES

We’re all here today to raise funds for an amazing charity (and hopefully have some fun!)… but these things don’t just happen. A lot of work and organisation goes on behind the scenes, so we caught up with the men behind the occasion to get some insight.

Jak Bardsley & Ross Longhorn

You can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vertushield

ROTTERDAM HOUSE

Alan McTeer talks to us about how his Vertu House team is ready to bounce back from the disappointment of defeat last time out.

Tom Cummings came out on top the last time these sides met, but he’s taking nothing for granted.

Read on to hear his thoughts ahead of today’s game.

Vertu House lost the game right at the death the last time these two sides met - can your boys bounce back from the disappointment?

Last year was very close. Unfortunately, we lost a bit of concentration towards the end, and they managed to nick it. I know it’s for charity, but I have to admit, the defeat still hurts. It’ll spur us on though and we’ll be ready this time.

A late quickfire double sealed the victory last year – can the Rotters carry that momentum into this game?

It was a little bit too close for comfort last time, to be honest! It’s a game of fine margins though, and I’m sure it was entertaining for the spectators. It’s all about the charity, but we’re competitive people at heart so it was great to get the win and we’ll be doing everything we can to keep the run going.

What does this game mean to your team?

Everybody is up for it. No-one wants to be on the losing side two games in a row.

The team are 100% ready for this one and are aware of the importance of playing their part.

What’s it like to manage a team that has the CEO playing in it?

Having Robert in our team was a bit scary a first to be honest! But he is a really nice guy and we all worked hard together.

One of our sponsors, CallTracks, has pledged to donate an extra £100 if he scores in today’s game, so I hope he brings his shooting boots with him!

Thanks to everyone for joining in today – I hope you all enjoy it, and that we raise lots of money for Children in Need. It’d be a bonus if Vertu House can come away with the trophy this time too!

What does this game mean to your team?

They want to win. They always want to win.

That’s not just the players though - the whole building has been buzzing in the build-up to today, and it’s really brought everyone together.

What’s it like to play against the CEO – any special instructions for the players on how to handle him?

The lads were saying he was a bit of a handful! And I believe Calltracks have offered him a £100 bonus donation if he scores – so we may well have to give him some special attention in our tactical briefing!

I just want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone taking part today. The teams, volunteers, spectators and sponsors… none of this would have been possible without you all, and I know that Children in Need will put all monies raised to very good use. Enjoy the game. Up the Rotters!

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MANAGERS NOTES

Any new faces in the side?

What will they add?

We’re without Martin Welch, who scored a hat-trick for us in the last game, but we’ve drafted in some fantastic players. New tactics too, but I won’t say too much about those – they’re top secret!

A few forced changes to the team, and the new signings have big boots to fill – are they up for the challenge?

Absolutely – they’re chomping at the bit!

They’re young, fit lads – just recently, one of them completed the Great North Run faster than I could drive it. I certainly wouldn’t want to be playing against them, put it that way.

MANAGERS NOTES

VERTU HOUSE

THE SPONSORS SPEAK!

SPONSORS NOTE

AUTO TRADER

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We all know why we’re here today – and it isn’t just to have a fun afternoon out! There’s the serious business of raising funds for an amazing charity to attend to… and sponsorship gives us a massive boost. Read on to find out who our sponsors are, and what they make of today’s game…

Who are Auto Trader?

Starting out as a car mag, they’ve moved online and are now one of the biggest and most trusted auto websites out there.

Not only do we list some of our vehicles on their site, but AutoTrader also provides us with useful data and customer insights about the car buying experience.

What did they say?

AUTOTRADER

“As part of our Auto Trader Goals social media campaign we gave away a free car every time England scored during Russia 2018. Whilst a friendly charity match might not be the World Cup, we love supporting the beautiful game and we’re proud to help our friends at Vertu raise money for such a worthwhile cause. Good luck to everyone involved.”

Darren Moon Group Sales Director

You can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vertushield

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Good luck!

It might not be the World Cup, but we love supporting the beautiful game. Good luck to both teams from the UK’s largest automotive marketplace for new and used cars.

THE LAST MATCH RECAP

THE LAST MATCH

A Martin Welch hattrick wasn’t enough to stop the Rotters, as Joe Donnison’s second goal settled a pulsating game that marked the beginning of a new Children in Need tradition at Vertu Motors.

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A tight game was predicted before kickoff, and the nine-goal thriller certainly didn’t disappoint.

dropped at this point - but the comeback charge began to bear fruit just 7 minutes later.

With a score-line that threatened to hit double-digits, you’d be forgiven for thinking the defensive play wasn’t up to scratch. But the frenetic tempo of the game meant that even the likes of Virgil van Dyke would have struggled to keep the opposition out.

It was Rotterdam House’s turn to be stunned when Welch bagged his first with a clinical strike. By this time, Vertu House were applying serious pressure on the Rotters, and manager Tom Cummings will have been relieved to go into the break with their lead intact.

It made for an enjoyable spectacle that raised £729.68 for Children in Need – a fantastic cause that Vertu Motors regularly raises funds for, with today being no exception.

THE RECAP

Damian Wood netted the first goal of the game after 19 minutes with a hopeful effort that went straight through the Vertu keeper. He’ll be disappointed not to have kept that out. The response from Vertu House manager Alan McTeer was to bring out the big guns, and on came Robert Forrester to shore up the defence. But the Rotterdam attack was ruthless, and the lead was doubled by Sanderson shortly afterwards. Just like that, Vertu House looked to be in trouble, despite showing promise with a series of pacey counterattacks.

After the initial shock of finding themselves two goals down, they rallied and stepped things up a gear.

Credit to them, as their heads could have

HALF-TIME Vertu House 1 – 2 Rotterdam House Both teams came out raring to go, with it all to play for. The tackles were coming in thick and fast as the competitive nature of both teams ramped up a notch. Try telling these guys it was ‘just a charity match’!

The play was frantic, with the goal being threatened at one side of the pitch and then the other. Cameron Martins had been causing problems for the Rotterdam defence with his pace and trickery – and he was rewarded with a goal from close range 5 minutes after the restart.

2-2 and game on!

The rolling substitutions meant legs were relatively fresh - and tactics were starting to go out the window. It was difficult to keep up with, but thoroughly enjoyable.

Rotterdam House looked vulnerable from set pieces though, and the physical

You can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vertushield

Vertu House 4 – 5 Rotterdam House

presence of Welch was cause for concern.

When Vertu House earned themselves a corner around the hour mark, the inevitable happened and Welch put it away for his second of the game. What nobody would have predicted was the nature of the goal though. Welch took the corner, and curled it straight into the Rotterdam goal like a majestic sidewinder. Nobody saw that coming unbelievable tekkers!

Rotterdam House had a mountain to climb, but the reintroduction of Donnison with 20 minutes left to play proved to be a turning point. A free kick 25 yards out led to a brief discussion between Bardsley and Donnison on who the taker should be. Bardsley left it to The Don, who duly delivered an absolute screamer into the top left of the net. Keeper had no chance whatsoever.

A real sense of urgency from Rotterdam brought about a quality passage of play from the Blues. A throughball from

Sanderson had other ideas though, and netted his second with a tidy finish just as the game entered added time. A draw then, surely? Not on your nelly!

Exactly 60 seconds later, the ball was in the Vertu net again. A scrappy finish from Donnison but he wouldn’t have cared as it ultimately sealed victory for Rotterdam House. Chisnall was tested and had a couple of important stops to make as Vertu fought valiantly for the draw, but he performed his duties diligently.

The final whistle brings proceedings to a close, with Rotterdam House winning 5-4.

What a game! A nine-goal thriller that came down to a quick-fire double right at the death. Both teams gave their all and can be proud of the show they put on for the spectators. It was a great occasion that raised much needed funds for a fantastic charity.

If today’s game can live up to that, we’re all in for a real treat!

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THE LAST MATCH

The game had now swung in favour of Vertu House who were 3-2 to the good.

But they weren’t finished yet, and just 90 seconds later they were awarded another corner. The outcome was painfully familiar as the Rotters’ dam was busted

by Welch again… his third goal of the game made it 4-2.

The next 20 minutes saw both sides cancelling eachother out as every player absolutely gave their all. For all of Rotterdam’s efforts, it was starting to look like Vertu House were going to hang on for the win.

THE RECAP

Try telling these guys it was ‘just a charity match’!

Brownson that was straight out of a game of FIFA had Vertu rattled, but Forrester had the back line organised and the Vertu defence repelled the attack.

THE SPONSORS SPEAK!

SPONSORS NOTE

calltracks

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We all know why we’re here today – and it isn’t just to have a fun afternoon out! There’s the serious business of raising funds for an amazing charity to attend to… and sponsorship gives us a massive boost. Read on to find out who our sponsors are, and what they make of today’s game…

Who are Calltracks?

Calltracks help us to monitor telephone calls and track customer journeys. If we want to know if a press ad or a Facebook post generated lots of phone calls, CallTracks can tell us!

What did they say?

CALLTRACKS

“We are proud to support both teams as it’s a Charity Match, Head Office versus Marketing. Well-done to everyone taking part - I am sure there will be some great skills and goals but raising money for charity is what really matters. Best wishes from The Calltracks team.

(Calltracks will donate an extra £100 if Robert Forrester scores a goal.)”

Stuart Buckley Chairman & Founder

You can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vertushield

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man of the match 2018 the don

MAN OF THE MATCH

Match-winner Joe Donnison gives us a player-eye view of the game.

Find out what was going through his mind as he stood over the ball for ‘that’ free kick…

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The standard of the game was far higher than I had anticipated. I was expecting an easy run at the Vertu House defence, but the hat trick scoring centre back certainly had my measure at times during the game. We edged the first half, and managed to bag an early 2-0 lead. Then, due to squad rotation I was benched and we began to take our foot of the pedal.

Before we knew it the 2-0 lead became a 4-2 deficit and our backs were against the wall.

THE OON

I was stunned. I had been benched when the score had gone from 2-0 to 2-3 and I remember telling Tom to get me back on that pitch - we were sitting far too deep and needed to get up the pitch. Straight after I came on, we conceded another corner and suddenly it was 2-4. We were in big trouble.

We needed something to kick start us back into action. Then we won a free kick about 30 yards out. Jak offered to take it but I felt I could work the keeper. I knew if I got it on target we would have a chance.

The free kick went in and it was game on!

We stuck to the task very well in the second half, with lots of attacking runs.

We won several corners and I would have honestly taken a draw. It was a good game and not a bad result even though I thought we had edged possession.

Then it was 4-4 - Alex (Sanderson) popped up and stuck it away, with minutes to go.

I hoped there would be one more chance and was confident that if it fell to me I would bury it. Luckily, that’s exactly what happened. Damian (Woods) broke down the left and cut in with a shot that took a deflection on the way through, the keeper parried it out and I was there. It was a scrappy second goal for me, but more importantly it was the winner for our team and our hard work and 20 minute onslaught had paid off.

Moving onto this year and the rematch, we have had several training games and I really think the standard of the full team has improved. We are a more cohesive unit and know our roles in the team better. I feel I am the fittest I have been in years and playing the best football I ever have. I’m fairly confident of another victory, hopefully more comfortable than last year with no desperate attacks needed. I will also for sure not be relinquishing my set piece duties any time soon.

Roll on the rematch!

P.S I’ll try to keep my top on pre, during and post-match this year.

You can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vertushield

CHILDREN IN NEED

together we can make a difference For over half a century BBC Children in Need have been raising money for young people in the UK that need help, with over £1 billion in much needed funding raised to date.

Children in Need’s vision is that every child in the UK has a childhood which is safe, happy, secure and allows them the chance to reach their potential.

Pudsey and his pals are currently supporting over 3,000 local charities and projects in communities across the UK. The projects they fund help children facing a range of disadvantages such as poverty and deprivation; children who have been the victims of abuse or neglect or disabled young people.

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CHILDREN IN NEED

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone here today, and for all your donations.

For every £1 raised, a minimum of 95p goes directly towards changing the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

CHILDREN IN NEED

When people and passions unite, great things happen. Read on to find out more about Children in Need – who they are and what they do to make a real difference to children in the UK.

THE SPONSORS SPEAK!

SPONSORS NOTE

heycar

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We all know why we’re here today – and it isn’t just to have a fun afternoon out! There’s the serious business of raising funds for an amazing charity to attend to… and sponsorship gives us a massive boost. Read on to find out who our sponsors are, and what they make of today’s game…

Who are Heycar UK? Heycar UK is a used car platform/marketplace for dealerships to showcase their best used cars. We work with them to promote our used cars and show them to a wider audience.

What did they say?

HEYCAR

“When we heard about this game and the fantastic cause that it’ll be raising money for, becoming a sponsor was an easy decision. heycar UK has a great relationship with Vertu Motors - they’re such a good bunch, and if they play as hard as they work, there will be some sore legs in the morning!”

Karen Hilton Chief Commercial Director

You can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vertushield

heycar is proud to support the Vertu Motors Champions Trophy & BBC Children in Need

heycar.co.uk

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VERTU HOUSE

ROTTERDAM HOUSE

MANAGER | ALAN MCTEER

(GK )

MICKY URWIN RYAN GREEN JOHN BARRAS

GAVIN DRAKES

THE TEAMS

ROBERT FORRESTER TOM KIRTON SAM KETTLE JOHNATHAN URWIN 16

CAMERON MARTINS NATHAN KNIGHT

THE TEAMS

MARK IVESON GAVIN WELFORD ROSS HUTCHINSON RORY WHITE JAKE LIDDLE NIALL SYKES ANDREW WILKINSON

MANAGER | TOM CUMMINGS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

MATTHEW ILDERTON BEN BROWNSON SIMON BROWN JAK BARDSLEY CHRIS FAIRLEY NICK CHISNALL NATHAN WARD DAVID HARVEY CARL HOUSTON LEE FERRY JOE DONNISON ROSS LONGHORN ANTHONY COCHRAN JOSH MORAN PAUL LOWDON PHILIP BOULTER PETE SOUTHERN THANOS MARKOU

You can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vertushield