ANDYSMANCLUB
WHAT IS ANDYSMANCLUB?
ANDYSMANCLUB is a free peer-to-peer group that provides a place for men to come together in a safe and open environment to talk about the issues or problems that they have faced or are currently facing.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The process is about bringing men together who have been in similar situations, to help each other on a peer to peer basis, sharing how they have dealt with various situations through lived experiences. No matter how big or small your problem feels, we are here to support each other. The 5 questions that are asked each week are designed not only to encourage men to talk, but to start to focus on the positives and on strategies to keep moving forward. There is no pressure to answer any of the questions and it is not uncommon for men to just listen for the first few sessions.
The clubs all run on the same format and adhere to the same guidelines. A key principle of ANDYSMANCLUB is anything that is said in the club, stays within the club.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The club is open to any man 18 or over, who is going through a storm, been through a storm or just wants to meet a good group of people with the aim of improving one another.
WHEN IS IT?
ANDYSMANCLUBs meet every Monday at 7pm (excluding Bank Holiday Mondays).
WHERE IS IT?
ANDYSMANCLUB has over 100 locations across the UK. Check our website below for a full list.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Just turn up on the night. No registration or referral is required, all we ask is that you arrive before 7pm. The full list of our locations available on our website.
Chairman: IAN ROSS
Directors:
DAVID DAY
JOHN McKEOWN
GARETH HARTLEY
ADRIAN BEVAN
VICTORIA ROSS
Club Secretary:
ADRIAN BEVAN
Match Day Secretary:
BILL MORLEY
Treasurer:
VICTORIA ROSS
Media Officer:
CALLUM CHADWICK
Assistant Media Officer:
CHARLIE ROSS
Photographer:
PAUL WATSON of www.fja-photography.co.uk
Club Ambassadors:
PAUL PENNINGTON
Match Day Sales:
JANET MORLEY
Club Development Officer: BILL MORLEY
Manager:
MICHAEL ELLISON
Assistant Manager:
CHRIS LAWTON
Coach:
PAUL BOWES
Goalkeeper Coach:
RYAN BROOKFIELD
Kit Man:
CRAIG PATTERSON
Widnes Football Club Information
Home Ground: HALTON STADIUM, LOWERHOUSE LANE, WIDNES, WA8 7DZ
Year Formed: 2003
Record Attendance: 630 v Macclesfield (NPL West Division) - 02.01.2023
Previous Leagues:
West Cheshire League North West Counties League
Honours:
The Reusch First Division Winners 2016/17
The Hallmark Security League Premier Division Runner Up 2017/18
The Macron Challenge Cup Winners 2017/18 The Hallmark Security League Champions Cup Winners 2017/18
Website: www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk
Twitter: @Widnes_FC
Main Sponsor: www.nplfa.co.uk
Kit Manufacturer: MACRON
Online Club Shop: http:// macronstorecheshire.co.uk/widnesfc
League Rule 2.13 Ownership:
In accordance with the Football Association Rule 2.13 Publication of ownership in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 Clubs within the Football pyramid, we hereby confirm that the Legal Status of WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED identified by Company Number 08960635, takes the ‘Form’ of a Private Company limited by Shares (incorporated 26th March 2014).
Shareholder David Day holds a significant interest in the club as defined by the Football Association with 45.4% of the total company shares.
Afternoon everyone,
we go into today’s game on the Back of a really good result in the FA cup away to Ossett.
The game certainly wasn’t one for the football purist but we’re in the hat for the next round and that’s all that matters.
I thought we deserved to progress and the lads showed real character to progress in what’s a real tough place to go.
Today we host a Kidsgrove side with a new manager and a new style of play and are also on the back of a good FA cup win.
Like is they will go into the game confident and we know we will have to play well to get any sort of result.
Its game we’re really looking forward too and if the lads carry out the game plan one we feel we can win.
As always thanks for your support.
Ello
Kidsgrove Athletic Club History
Athleticwere formed in December 1952 after a meeting in the Blue Bell public house ten minutes walk from the present ground. It was formed as a breakaway club from Kidsgrove United when it was thought the club were bringing in too many ’outsiders’ from the potteries instead of local players.
The main instigator, Ernie Langford, endured a sixty year tenure with the club as chairman then president and served many years on the Staffs FA until his passing a few years ago. The main stand is named after him. Eric Hibbitt and Frank Timmis, who both attended that first meeting, still support the club today.
The club started life in the now defunct Burslem and Tunstall League playing on the Vickers and Goodwin pitch on the A50 just down the road. In 1961 the present ground was acquired from a local farmer and the club took a year out to develop the pitch.
After success in cup and league in the Burslem and Tunstall league the club joined the Staffordshire County league in 1963 where again they had success winning the league and Staffs Challenge cup. In search of more success the club joined the Mid Cheshire league, a move not entirely liked by the Staffs FA but eventually they did allow a Kidsgrove reserve side back into the County league.
The Seventies and Eighties saw the club have huge successes winning the Mid Cheshire league four times and the challenge cup three times, and they also
lifted the Staffs FA Vase and the challenge cup once more. They also lifted the prestigious Sentinel Cup three times.
The Eighties saw the club grow more and more and the clubhouse and ground started developing further and further with the aid of a strong committee, supporters, and local tradesmen. In 1986 the club applied for membership of the North West Counties league but this was rejected twice until facilities were improved. The club were accepted in 1989, the same year they became the first team to win the Staffs FA Vase twice. Three years later Kidsgrove were promoted to the first division after finishing tenth in the second division, the result of the league introducing strict ground criteria. Part of this was the installation of floodlights, (acquired free off the council from run down tennis courts at a local park) and on the 29th October 1991 Lou Macari brought his Stoke City team to officially switch on the floodlights.
Within the next ten years the South and West stands were completed but the club struggled financially on and off the field but after the demise of Eastwood Hanley in 1997 the playing side were strengthened when their manager Jimmy Wallace took over.
The team of 97-98 had unparalleled success winning the league and challenge cup and narrowly missing out in an FA Vase final at Wembley losing 3-2 to Tiverton in the semi-final in front of Kidsgrove’s official record crowd of 1903.
This was surpassed in a friendly last season when 2365 watched a friendly against Port Vale.
Promotion to the NPL was not forthcoming because of facilities but in 2002 after winning the league promotion was gained. The team struggled on and off the field and two years later they faced relegation for the first time in their history after finishing bottom of the league. The restructuring of the league however saved this from happening and to celebrate the club won the Staffs Senior cup for the first time beating Stafford Rangers 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium, a feat they have won four times since. The club have only picked up one piece of silverware in the league winning the Chairman’s Cup 7-6 on aggregate against Woodley Sports and reached the play-offs once, losing 1-0 to Glapwell in 2010.
Struggles have ensued and re-election twice saved relegation and despite reaching the FA Trophy quarter finals losing 2-0 to Ilkeston, and the FA Cup 4th qualifying round losing 2-0 to Bradford PA, Kidsgrove have had to settle for fair play awards.
Mick Fitzjohn’s takeover of the club in 2015 has certainly stabilised the club as has Ian Cooper’s directorship. Ian’s company has transformed the pitch into one of the best in the league receiving compliments from all quarters.
The club reached the FA Cup 4th qualifier again in 2018 under the managership of Ryan Austin and faced the long journey to Conference side Hartlepool United and were unlucky in losing 1-0.
The following season club did well on the pitch at first before going out in the third qualifier of the FA Cup 1-0 to Gateshead. The Grove slipped slightly in the league though were still in with a chance of the play-offs before the season was halted.
The club parted company with manager Ryan Austin and former player Scott Dundas was appointed as the new manager. A decent run in the FA Trophy was halted by Stamford behind closed doors before the season ended with Grove 4th after eight games.
With plans approved for new floodlights, clubhouse, and other facilities, the club and supporters remain very optimistic about the future on and off the field though Covid and the ongoing economic uncertainty have put plans behind. The present aim is to establish ourselves as a force in the NPL and aim for a playoff place.
In the 2022/23 season the team finished in eighth position, the third highest since we have been in the NPL.
Last season the club had an electric start to the season winning the first seven league games but alas the loss of key players through injury and players moving on saw the team plunge down the table. Manager Scott Dundas announced he was leaving in March but the board thought it would be better to leave with immediate effect. Kidsgrove’s all time scorer Anthony Malbon saw the team through the rest of the season and was appointed manager close season with Jay Bateman as his assistant.
Kidsgrove Athletic Player Profiles
Goalkeeper
Kieran Harrison
Experienced keeper who has returned to the club last season after leaving to have spells at Hanley Town and Boldmere St Michaels.
Defenders;
Kyle Stubbs
Young full back who has worked his way into the team since being at the club. Now into his fourth season. Recently returned after an ACL injury.
Joshua Thorpe
Centre half signed from Hanley Town three seasons ago. Missed a full season with an ACL injury but has come back as strong as ever. Fearless at the back he can also play a No 9 role if need be but currently injured.
Owen Harrison
Has progressed through the junior ranks and reserve team to stake his first team place at full back.
Harry Goode
On the books at Deby County as a youngster has previously been at Chasetown and Leek Town. Signed this season from Romulus.
Roman Allen
Shropshire based student who was signed close season from Ramsbottom United.
Ritchie Sutton
38 year old centreback who made over 200 League appearances for Port Vale, Tranmere Rovers, and Mansfield Town. Another signing for this season from Bootle where he made a dozen appearances last season.
Shaun Rhodes
Returns back to the club where he was frozen out by the previous manager.
Saul Shotton
23 year old Centre half signed from Hanley Town. On the books at Stoke City before going to Bury where he made 4 EFL appearances. Loaned out to Woking FC and AFC Telford after signing for WBA. Cousin of Hanley Town manager Ryan Shotton.
Midfield;
Jack Bromfield
Energic terrier like player also at home in midfield. A ninety minute player who has hardly missed a game in the two seasons he’s been here.
Ernest Ofosu
Talented Ghanaian who was player of the season two years ago. Full of energy, can use both feet and gets up well to a ball. Covers most of the pitch during a match. Suffered a lot through injury last season.
Jimmy Garlick
Left the club midway through last season but couldn’t settle at Witton Albion and has returned to the club looking fitter than ever.
Robbie Hatton
Signed this season from Sandbach United after being watched last season. Previously been at Winsford and Witton Albion.
Kyle Diskin
Brought back to the club where he spent five previous seasons. Has over 200 appearances for the Grove.
Forwards;
Kingsley Adu Gyamfi
The crowd favourite signed for the club some five seasons ago but left early last year for Newcastle Town
Star Mayemba
Signed this season from Bedworth United. Started last season with Hednesford Town.
Aaron Bott
Last season’s top scorer is a proper opportunist in the box and another player who covers a lot of ground. Signed from Congleton Town. Missed the last three months due to injury.
Nathan Morley
Winger signed from Newcastle Town two seasons ago. Missed only one game last season.
Josh Oultram
Spent a short term at Kidsgrove some seasons ago and has had spells at Glossop North End and Stafford Town. Signed from Sandbach United.
Kieran Lazenby
Impressed last season with the reserve team so brought into the first team squad.
Manager; Anthony Malbon
The clubs all time leading scorer had taken over the role until the end of last season after the departure of Scott Dundas. Given the chance of his first foray into management.
Assistant; Jay Bateman
Former Nantwich Town player who took on a coaching role there before becoming assistant manager. Started out last season as coach at the Grove.
Physio; Amy Buckle
Took over two seasons ago when John Cooper moved on. Qualified through a degree course at Keele University.
Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the DCBL for the first home game of the new season.
It’s been a long off season but I think I say for everyone how excited and ready for the new season we are.
It’s always interesting the first few games of the season to see how teams have added and changed there squad over the summer.
It’s always important to hit the ground running and get the new faces intergrated as quickly as possible and hopefully we can do that today and make it a start of a great year.
I hope you all enjoy the game and the season to come.
Stevie
THEEUROS were – mostly – entertaining, Wimbledon was fine, the Olympics have been exciting…but a huge welcome back to the Non-League football season.
The majority of clubs finished their seasons in April. Those lucky few in the play-offs went on for another week or so but, largely, by the second week of May it was all done and dusted.
Clubs had been promoted, cups lifted, Gateshead and Romford had tasted Wembley glory on Non-League finals day and the goalposts were down.
But now we’re back. Properly back (pre-season doesn’t count). Over the last couple of weeks Step 5&6 leagues have kicked off, the FA Cup extra preliminary round has taken place and, this weekend, Steps 1-4 get their 202425 league campaigns up and running.
There’s nothing quite like live, competitive, football. We’ve even already seen goal of the season contenders scored – check out Sam Bantick’s strike from inside his own half for Tilbury against Buckhurst Hill in the FA Cup.
Filling the pages of The Non-League Paper through the barren summer months is rarely a challenge.
England squad – before, aged 35, signing up at the Southern Premier South Stags.
There must be something in the Non-League water at Step 3 with another former Premier League scorer also making a similar switch – former Reading hitman Adam Le Fondre has signed on at FC United of Manchester after turning out for Neil Reynolds’ side in pre-season.
We’ve seen plenty go the other way too. Chris ConnClark won The Young Player of the Year Award at The NLP’s National Game Awards back in May so it was nice to see the Altrincham ace land a move to Peterborough United. Posh have made a habit of finding some real gems in Non-League and Conn-Clark has the potential to be another.
How about the story of Marcus Wyllie? The 25-year-old was playing at Risborough Rangers a few years ago. Last season he hit 34 goals as Enfield Town won promotion to the National League South.
Gillingham’s Peter Taylor saw Wyllie in a friendly against Arsenal earlier in pre-season and just a few days later he was getting his medical at the League Two outfit.
The beauty of football – and particularly Non-League football – is there is always something happening somewhere.
From former Weston-super-Mare loanee Ollie Watkins smashing in a semi-final winner as England reached the Euro 2024 final to the National League’s new broadcast deal with DAZN, it’s rarely quiet.
There have been some eye-catching signings this off-season too. Charlie Austin has returned to his NonLeague roots by joining AFC Totton.
The former Southampton and QPR striker began his career at Kintbury Rangers before playing for hometown club Hungerford Town and, later, Poole Town were he was spotted by Swindon Town back in 2009. Since then he’s gone onto have a goal laden professional career – even earning a call-up to the
His rise is similar to Jack Hazlehurst. Also 25, the attacker only joined Chorley last summer from City of Liverpool, where he’d ripped it up for years.
One season impressing in the National League North has seen Burton Albion swoop.
Two of the bigger stories of the summer have revolved around the future of clubs.
Coalville Town resigned, at first completely, from the National League System before returning under new leadership in the United Counties League.
And the long-running Southend United takeover was finally completed. The Shrimpers fans can start looking forward again.
As can we all with the new season here and nine months of action ahead of us. Good luck!
Matt Badcock Editor at large
The Non-League Paper
SMatch Report | Ossett United 0-1 Widnes
teele heads Widnes into next round of Emirates FA Cup.
Steele’s goal 16 minutes from time ensured Widnes’ safe progression through to the preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The Whites ran out 1-0 winners against Northern Premier League East side Ossett United at Ingfield, with Steele heading home the game’s decisive moment from a perfectly flighted Matty Rain corner.
Michael Ellison’s team are rewarded for their victory with a tie at Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday 17 August.
The Widnes boss named four debutants in his starting 11 including former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Halstead alongside loanees Liam Paton and Adam Bott as well as the returning Kingsley Williams.
It was a keenly contested contest that lacked serious quality in balmy West Yorkshire as both teams got their competitive campaigns underway.
Ossett, managed by former Runcorn Linnets boss Dave Wild, had an early sight of goal but Eddie Church’s free header was comfortably claimed by Halstead.
Halstead was again called into action after 17 minutes, saving with his chest from Oli McFadyen after the Sheepicorns’ winger peeled away from his marker from a corner.
Widnes probed with a handful of set-pieces but it took them 26 minutes to test goalkeeper Ally Hughes, but Matty Rain’s volley lost all
pace when it skipped off the turf and into the arms of the Ossett shot-stopper.
The best chance of the half went the way of the Whites. Brendan O’Brien spilt the defence with a well-weighted through ball, collected by Paton but his effort was denied brilliantly by the oustretched foot of Hughes down to his right.
Ossett went close late in the half but Halstead reacted well to save well from Sam Tingle’s snapshot.
Chances in the second half were few and far between with neither keeper particularly busy until Steele netted with 16 minutes to go.
Rain delivered deliciously and Steele was afforded too much space and little challenge to rise highest and direct a venomous header
Steele is enjoying quite the run of form in the world’s oldest club cup competition, scoring seven goals in his last eight FA Cup ties.
Ossett threw the kitchen sink at Widnes and very nearly snatched a 95th minute leveller but Niall Battersby was alert to clear Church’s seemingly goalbound effort off the line.
Ellison’s team did hold on and will meet Stalybridge Celtic in the next round.
BY CALLUM CHADWICK
Preview | Widnes v Kidsgrove Athletic
Whites entertain Grove in season opener.
The 2024/25 Northern Premier League West season gets under way on Saturday as Widnes host Kidsgrove Athletic in a 3:00pm kick-off at the DCBL Stadium!
Widnes kick-off with a home curtain-raiser for the first time in four seasons against a Kidsgrove side under new management.
Michael Ellison’s team will be in buoyant mood having come through a characterbuilding victory away at NPL East side Ossett United in the Emirates FA Cup last week.
James Steele scored the only goal 16 minutes from time to give Widnes the perfect start to their competitive season ahead of the league opener this weekend.
Their home record is really strong too, with the Whites having only lost twice at home thus far in 2024.
One thing to note ahead of the opener... clubs can now make five substitutions from five named on the bench.
The Opposition
Opponents Kidsgrove also dispatched their FA Cup extra preliminary round opponents last time out, seeing off Hellenic League side Pershore Town with a 2-0 victory.
That result ensured a winning start for new boss Anthony Malbon who was appointed on a permanent basis in the summer after taking caretaker charge of Grove’s last seven fixtures last season.
Kidsgrove endured a peculiar season last term, winning all of their first seven NPL West fixtures, collecting 22 points from their first eight games.
They would taste victory on just three further occasions, collecting just 17 points from their final 30 fixtures, finishing third from bottom.
Malbon has strengthened his squad during the off-season, recruiting veteran defender Richie Sutton and former Widnes forward Kingsley Adu-Gyamfi amongst others.
Previous Meetings
This will be the ninth competitive meeting between the two clubs, with Widnes completing the double over their Staffordshire-based counterparts last season.
Goals from Louis Isherwood and Steele completed a 2-0 victory at the DCBL Stadium in November while Steele was again on the scoresheet in April’s return fixture as he netted a brace in a 3-0 win.
Social media coverage will as always take place on our official channels – X @ Widnes_FC and Instagram - @widnesfc
BY CALLUM CHADWICK
New Signings
New Signing: Nathan Corness arrives at DCBL Stadium
Forward joins after an 18-month spell with Litherland REMYCA
Widnes Football Club is pleased to confirm the signing of forward Nathan Corness.
The 22-year-old arrives at the DCBL Stadium having spent the last 18 months playing for Litherland REMYCA in the North West Counties Premier Division.
Nathan scored 20 goals for REMYCA after a brief spell at Runcorn Linnets in the NPL West at the start of the 2022-23 season.
Corness has also featured at Step 3 for Warrington Town having spent time as a trainee on the books at Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic.
Welcome to Widnes, Nathan!
New Signing: Versatile midfielder Ben Rydel checks-in
21-year-old spent last season at Step 3 playing for Atherton Collieries
Widnes Football Club is pleased to confirm the signing of versatile midfielder Ben Rydel.
The 21-year-old arrives at the DCBL Stadium following his departure from Atherton Collieries earlier this summer.
Rydel made 42 appearances for Collieries in the Northern Premier League Premier Division last season – the most amongst the entire Atherton squad – scoring three goals.
Ben began his career as youth academy graduate at Salford City, signing his first senior contract with the Ammies in August 2021.
He was then sent on loan to City of Liverpool, then managed by Widnes boss Michael Ellison, making ten appearances and scoring once in a FA Cup upset victory over Farsley Celtic.
Rydel then made his senior debut for Salford in the EFL Trophy before enjoying two further loan spells at Radcliffe, before eventually signing for Borough on a permanent deal.
Welcome to Widnes, Ben!
New Signing: Kingsley Williams returns for a third spell
Former Witton Albion captain has re-signed at the DCBL Stadium
Widnes Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Kingsley Williams.
The former Witton Albion captain has penned terms to return to the DCBL Stadium after making 24 appearances across two previous spells with the Whites.
Kingsley played 62 times for Witton over the last two seasons, scoring three goals.
He skippered Radcliffe to promotion from Step 4 in 2019 and also lists Ashton United, Ilkeston and Prestwich Heys amongst his former clubs.
Welcome back, Kingsley!
New Signing: Liam Paton joins on loan from Marine Youngster pens short-term deal until October
Widnes Football Club is delighted to confirm the loan signing of Marine forward Liam Paton.
The 18-year-old arrives at the DCBL Stadium on a short-term deal initially until 26th October.
Liam has impressed on dual registration at Pilkington and AFC Liverpool over the past two seasons, earning a senior contract with the Mariners off the back of strong showings for the latter.
A tricky wide forward, Liam started and scored wearing the No.11 shirt in the victory at Prescot Cables in July.
Welcome to Widnes, Liam!
The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity.
We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.
Search Football Foundation to find out more.
SPORTS
UK
Are you feeling lucky?
Play the Sports Lottery UK today for just £1 per week and you could win up to £10,000 cash every single week whilst supporting Widnes Football Club and players like Isaac. Enter now by scanning this QR code with your camera phone or play
WWidnes Football Club History
idnes FC’s origins can be traced back to 2003 when the club was originally formed as a youth football club.
In 2012, the groundwork was laid for the club to make the set up into senior football as in March of that year, a consultation process began with Widnes Vikings RLFC to become part of the Vikings Sports brand, a partnership that would enhance the clubs community status.
A First Team was formed with the initial shortterm goal of gaining admission into the North West Counties Football League under the guise of ‘Widnes Vikings FC.’
Steve Hill was appointed First Team manager in September 2012 and steered the Club to a 4th placed finish in its inaugural and so far, only season in the West Cheshire League Third Division. During this season, the Club also submitted its application to join the North West Counties Football League for the 2013/14 campaign.
Prior to the new season, Widnes’ application was successful, and the Club began life in the North West Counties Football League Third Division with a 3-1 home defeat to Cheadle Town before winning their first game in the NWCFL with an emphatic 5-1 away win over Northwich Flixton Villa.
Hill eventually guided his side to a 14th placed finish in their inaugural season in the First Division with 36 points from 36 games.
Off the pitch, the Club would be re-named as Widnes Football Club after ending their partnership with Widnes Vikings.
The 2014/15 season saw the Club make significant progress in cup competitions. Widnes reached the last 16 of the League Cup before falling to eventual League Champions Glossop North End and reached the quarter-
final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, beating Prescot Cables before being knocked out in the last eight by eventual winners Skelmersdale United.
The season also oversaw the Club’s first foray in the FA Vase. Widnes were knocked out in the Second Qualifying Round following a 2-0 defeat at AFC Emley.
Following the season’s conclusion, winger Ben Tollitt became the first former Widnes player to play for a Football League club as he signed a one-year deal with 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth, after impressing on trial with Paul Cook’s side during pre-season. Tollitt’s performances earned the former Widnes man a one-year extension after scoring once in 16 games in all competitions for the EFL League Two club.
Tollitt has since gone on to achieve two promotions with Tranmere Rovers, and is now on the books at Blackpool in League One.
The following season saw the Club again reach the quarter-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, coming up against an Everton XI managed by David Unsworth. The young Toffees excelled in the game and beat Widnes 8-0 despite an admirable performance from the home side.
After a 13th placed finish, Chairman David Day and Manager Steve Hill stepped down from their roles, allowing a new Board of Directors and management team to be appointed to bring some much-needed new stimulus to the club.
Mr Day remained on the newly established Board of Directors, headed by incoming Chairman Ian Ross that bring the necessary expertise and drive to enable the Club to progress over the coming seasons.
Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard where appointed as joint managers heading into the 2016/17 season but later left the Club by mutual
consent following an indifferent start to the season in September. Danny Salt was appointed interim manager, leading the side to a win and a draw in his two games in charge.
Former Burscough, Warrington Town and Runcorn Linnets manager Joey Dunn was appointed as new First Team Manager later that month.
Dunn’s appointment led to a massive turnaround in results, with Widnes putting together a run of just two league defeats in their final 32 league games as the Whites surged to the North West Counties First Division title.
The title and promotion was secured with a game to spare after a 5-1 win at AFC Blackpool, with Widnes winning 14 straight games to finish at the top of the pile. The Whites also performed admirably in cup competitions that season, reaching the last eight of both the League Cup and Liverpool Senior Cup, and the semi-final of the First Division Cup before losing out to eventual winners City of Liverpool.
During the season, Kevin Towey became the Club’s new record goalscorer following a brace at Skelmersdale United in November – a record that still stands to this day at 72 goals.
The summer of 2017 oversaw the Club’s attempts to re-establish a junior setup with two youth teams at Under-7s and Under-9s, and the section has thrived ever-since become a pillar of the local community.
The 2017-18 season started with Widnes’ firstever FA Cup game which ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat at home to Handsworth Parramore at the Halton Stadium.
Widnes would endure an inconsistent start to life in the North West Counties Premier Division (level 9 of the National League system) – the highest level in the Club’s short history.
Ultimately, manager Dunn would depart in early October, resigning from his position as manager. Senior players Kevin Towey and Steve Akrigg were installed as player/joint-managers and would go on to enjoy a massively successful first foray into management.
The duo began their stint with three successive 2-2 draws, with Widnes scoring late equalisers in each of those games to rescue a point. Their first win would come with an emphatic 5-1 win over Maine Road at the Halton Stadium as Sam Sheen netted twice.
Inconsistency would continue to plague the Whites in the following weeks, emphasised by a 3-3 draw at Padiham late in October that went viral after Widnes conceded twice in the last two minutes in a bizarre stoppage time period that was reported by various National Media outlets including the Guardian, the BBC and a feature on Soccer AM, while Champions League and World Cup winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas would tweet about the game on his Twitter account.
This would eventually have a positive effect on the side as Widnes never really looked back. A 3-0 home defeat to Charnock Richard in November would be the last time Widnes would taste defeat in the league until March as the Whites won 23 of their 25 remaining games to seal a second successive promotion to the Northern Premier League, beating out local rivals Runcorn Town on the final day.
In truth, Widnes’ form from November onwards was remarkable, only tasting defeat twice against Marine (Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final) and Barnoldswick Town – a run that included a 5-1 home win over Southport in the Liverpool Senior Cup, and league double over neighbours Runcorn Linnets.
The form would continue in the League Cup, as Widnes would end the season with a trophy after beating Burscough in the final at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium, with the Whites coming from behind to win with goals from Ben Hodkinson and a late Sheen winner.
The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation is a charity set up in memory of Daniel Wilkinson who died in 2016 aged 24, while playing the game he loved, from an underlying heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
Dan played football from an early age and joined Hull City AFC when he was 10, earning a professional contract aged 18. Loughborough University followed where he completed a degree in Accounting and Financial Management while playing non-league football. He was an athlete who enjoyed the gym and took his health and nutrition very seriously. He lived life to the full and had so much ahead of him.
Other than feeling light-headed on a few occasions in the month before he died, he had no symptoms!
SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH IN THE YOUNG (SCD)
SCD is the leading cause of death in young athletes during sport and the majority of deaths occur with NO SYMPTOMS or family history.
Warning signs may include light-headedness, fainting, palpitations, swollen legs, breathlessness. ARVC can be found in one in every 1,000 to 5,000 young adults - IF IT IS LOOKED FOR.
Every week in the UK, 12 apparently fit and healthy young people (aged 35 and under) die from previously undiagnosed heart conditions.
In Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, they have reduced the incidence of young sudden cardiac death by 89%.
OUR MISSION
The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation has been set up to raise awareness of SCD and to provide funding towards heart screening, defibrillators and CPR/defibrillator training primarily for grass-roots sporting teams.
Tragedies can be prevented through cardiac screening. It is vital that young people are identified and treated.
Find out more dwfoundation5
thedanielwilkinsonfoundation thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org contact@thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org @dannywilks5
Widnes Football Club History (Continued)
The summer of 2018 saw Widnes’ preparation for a first-ever season in the Northern Premier League Division One West (level 8 of the National League system) disrupted by pitch problems at the Halton Stadium, which had failed its FIFA artificial pitch test. With the surface due to be relaid after the conclusion of the Rugby League season, Widnes were forced to begin the season at Barnton’s Townfield Lane.
Once again, the Club continued to make significant strides as one of Halton’s best junior football clubs. The 2018-19 season saw the junior section expand to 14 teams across eight age groups, including two girls’ teams at Under 12s and Under 14s.
Promotion to the Northern Premier League also allowed the Cub to enter a team into the NPL Football Academy, forming the Widnes FC ‘Education and Football Academy’ – an alternative to college, ideal for any 16/17 yearold who wants to gain a great education and develop as a footballer at the same time.
The Club’s first season at Step 4 proved to be an inconsistent one, with co-bosses Akrigg and Towey ultimately guiding the side to a consolidatory 12th placed finish. Widnes would again advance to the Liverpool Senior Cup semifinal, losing to Prescot Cables on penalties.
Widnes did add another trophy to the cabinet though with a 3-0 win at Runcorn Linnets to lift the North West Counties Champions Cup.
It was a significant season for a number of players, with Kev Pollard, Mike Burke and Chris and George Lomax reaching a century of Widnes appearances, while Accrington Stanley loanee Niall Watson would become the Whites’ youngest ever player and goalscorer in a 2-2 draw against Colwyn Bay in January aged 18 years and 211 days.
Widnes would once again consolidate their position in the NPL Division One North/West in 2019-20, sitting comfortably in mid-table when the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed the campaign early.
The Club did however reach the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time following an extraordinary replay win at Mossley in the preliminary round, in which Conor Ready netted a 93rd minute winner after the nine-man hosts had come from behind to equalise in the 90th minute.
Despite the pandemic, the club have continued to grow with its burgeoning junior section now overseeing 26 teams including a new Under-17s side and the popular Wildcats initiative.
After the pandemic brought an early halt to the 2020-21 season, the Whites began the 2021-22 campaign with fresh optimism, but a poor start led to the departure of co-bosses Akrigg and Towey after a hugely successful three-and-a-halfyear spell in charge.
Dave Dempsey was appointed new manager in September 2021 and would steer the club away from relegation danger to a comfortable midtable position – a run which included a highly impressive set of results and to date, the club’s best ever run in the FA Trophy.
The Club’s junior section continued to expand, with the total number of teams now standing at over 30 ahead of the 2022-23 season.
After a poor start to the campaign, Dempsey was relieved of his position as manager and was replaced by Michael Ellison.
Despite being seven points from safety at the foot of the table with 14 games to play, Ellison led a remarkable turnaround and Widnes secured their Step 4 status on the final day of the season with Laurence Smith scoring the only goal in a win over 1874 Northwich.
Northern Premier League - West Table
League Table Season 2023/24
bring some much needed new stimulus to the club. David Day remained on the newly established Board of Directors, headed by incoming Chairman Ian Ross that brought the necessary expertise and drive to enable the Club to progress over the coming seasons.
In September 2016, former Runcorn Linnets Manager Joey Dunn was appointed the new First Team Manager.
Joey’s first season ended with an unbelievable 14 game winning streak which ended with the Division 1 title.
After an inconsistent start to the 2017 -2018 campaign, Dunn resigned his post, and players
Steve Akrigg & Kev Towey jointly took the reigns.
During their first season they guided the club to back to back promotions, and so up to the Northern Premier League, with a tremendous run of 70 points from the remaining 75 available to claim the runner up spot behind Runcorn Linnets. They then went on to claim a remarkable double, lifting the Macron Challenge Cup with a 2 -1 win over Burscough FC at Fleetwood Towns ‘Highbury Stadium to end the season on an even greater high.
Further success soon followed with a convincing 3 -0 win away at Runcorn Linnets in the NWCFL season curtain raiser, The Reusch Champions Cup.
Introducing the Spectral Intent Elite Exclusive Northern Premier League Match Ball :
Ÿ Microcoated PU casing equalizes airow
Ÿ Engineered PU for increased response & enhanced control
Ÿ Optimal sphericity for straight ight
Ÿ Modied latex bladder for improved balance & accuracy Ofcial Partner to the Pitching In NPL
There are many different volunteer roles in non-league football and Northern Premier League football clubs need your help with them. The Trident Leagues and Pitching In’s online Volunteer Hub is the place where you can find opportunities and contact your local football club.
Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to find out more
The Squads
Widnes FC
Mark Halstead
Josh McGreavy
Niall Battersby
Owen Beamon
Sam Bhatti
Lewis Coulton
Louis Isherwood
Matty Rain
Jack Walls
Adam Bott
George Hassall
Steven Irwin
Sean Miller
Brendan O’Brien
Ben Rydel
Kingsley Williams
Nathan Corness
Ethan Danku
Sharif Deans
Josh High
Jack McGowan
Liam Paton
James Steele
Played Played Scored Scored
Match Officials
Referee: Taylor Metcalf
Assistant 1: Ben Cotton
Assistant 2: Allen Dunbar
Kidsgrove Athletic
Kieran Harrison
Harry Goode
Kyle Stubbs
Jack Bromfield
Ritchie Sutton
Saul Shotton
Kyle Diskin
Kingsley Adu Gyamfi
Aaron Bott
Jimmy Garlick
Nathan Morley
Josh Oultram
Star Mayemba
Kieran Lazenby
Roman Allen
Owen Harrison