Widnes v Wythenshaw 25.09.2024

WIDNES FC

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2024-25

v WYTHENSHAWE The Northern Premier League West Division Wednesday, 25th September 2024 Kick Off 7.45pm

£2.00

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.

WHEN IS IT?

ANDYSMANCLUBs meet every Monday at 7pm (excluding Bank Holiday Mondays).

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.

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Widnes Football Club Information

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

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.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 03

Blackpool & District Amateur League: 1958 to 1961 Squires Gate were formed in 1948 as Squires Gate British Legion FC and competed in the Blackpool & District Amateur League. They won the leagues Rawling Shield in their first season. The name of the club was changed to Squires Gate FC in 1953. They won the leagues First Division in 1955–56 and 1956–57; also the Blackwell Cup in 1958–59 and 1959–60. They spent the 1960–61 in the Fylde District League, winning the Fylde Cup and losing finalists in the Bannister Cup.

West Lancashire League: 1961 to 1991 The following season they moved up to the West Lancashire League where they spent the next thirty years. From 1961 until 1980 they were in Division Two and were promoted in 1981 as champions. In the 1986–87 season they won the Richardson Cup.

The following season they moved up to the West Lancashire League where they spent the next thirty years. From 1961 until 1980 they were in Division Two and were promoted in 1981 as champions. In the 1986–87 season they won the Richardson Cup. North West Counties League: 1991 onward They were elected into the North West Counties Football League for the 1991–92 season, joining Division Two for the 1991–92 season. Squires Gate won the leagues Fair Play Award for the 1993– 94 season and were losing finalists in the 1997–98 Division Two Trophy.

They won the 2001–02 season Division Two Trophy and then the following season they missed the runner-up spot on goal difference but were still promoted to Division One following the demise of Stand Athletic who had originally been promoted as Division Two champions. They reached their highest league placing in the 2005–06 season also reaching the quarter finals of the FA Vase then last season, under the Management of Andy Clarkson, Gate improved still further on their best ever placing, finishing sixth in what is now the Premier Division.

On 10 March 2007 Squires Gate played a home match against FC United of Manchester at Curzon Ashton F.C.s ground. The club had approached Blackpool F.C. about playing the game at Bloomfield Road but the ground was not available. And so they played the match in Ashton-under-Lyne, as it was felt that FCUM fans were more likely to attend with the match being staged in the Greater Manchester area. A crowd of 1,650 saw Squires Gate lose 0-1 and Squires Gate earned about £7,000.

From the Manager - Michael Ellison Good evening everyone, we go into tonight’s game on the back of a very important win against a really good Mossley side.

We spoke before the game about fine margins being the difference in winning and loosing games at this level of football and I felt the first half was a really good example of that. After a clear foul in the middle of the park on Ste Irwin which wasn’t given they go clean through on our keeper and the miss a clear cut chance, if that goes in it could be a different game fortunately for us it didn’t and that’s maybe the luck we’ve not had of late, we feel there has not been much wrong in the performances and we’ve been getting punished for every small error we’ve made and been on the end of some poor decisions. Apart from that chance I don’t remember Mossley having anything else in the game. We took the lead with a great goal and then never looked back. In the end their keeper kept the scoreline respectable and I was delighted with the clean sheet. Overall we looked back to our best, defensively sound and looked really dangerous going forward, we have to back that up tonight with the same intensity and desire if we are to take the points.

we will have to play well to get a result tonight, but if we can get close to the performance levels against Mossley, we will have a great chance, as always thanks for your support, Ello

Wythenshawe will be on a high after a great win in the last minute away at Stalybridge, I was at the game and was really impressed with them, we know

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Wythenshawe Club History

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he first team have never been relegated in its 78 year history.

Originally founded in 1946 as Wythenshawe Lads’ Club by Reg Gauntlet, a local window cleaner, gathering together a group of kids kicking a ball about in the street, started playing friendlies, held meetings with parents in a wooden hut in the grounds of Cringlewood House, Yew Tree Lane. They then set up home by hiring a room in an old farmhouse in Daine Avenue, Rackhouse. A couple of years later Noel Timpson, of Timpson Shoes, purchased two ex-WW2 Nissen huts and sited them within the farmhouse grounds.

Wythenshawe, their first kit being white shirts, black shorts, black socks, first manager Bob Collins, progressed through the Manchester Federation of Lads’ Clubs League 1946-49.

In 1949 as the lads grew into maturity and no longer eligible for Lads Club football Harry Dalton developed them into ‘The Ammies’, changing their name to Wythenshawe Amateurs, managed by Jim Cooper, to provide football for all ages. Dalton was a Sheffield Wednesday supporter hence the Ammies royal blue & white striped kit.

They became members of the South Manchester and Wythenshawe League 194953 racing through the lower divisions, top goalscorer being Bob Halliday with an incredible 72 goals in season 1951-52, before securing the First Division Championship in 1953.

They then entered the Altrincham and District League 1953-54.

In 1956 Wythenshawe played Manchester United, including Bobby Charlton, in the Altrincham District FA – Whitaker Cup Final.

This was a great day for Wythenshawe because

not only did they hold a very talented United team to a draw but according to press reports at the time were quite as good as their opponents. After two lots of extra time the score was 1-1, the cup was shared with each team holding it for six months.

Climbing the football pyramid they were accepted into the Lancashire and Cheshire League 1954-72 winning the double in their first season, the Third Division ‘A’ and Hellawell Shield. Between 1955-57 they achieved the distinction of promotion in three successive seasons, 1955 Third Division ‘A’ champions, 1956 Third Division runner-up, 1957 Second Division champions. Also First Division champions 1962 and three time winners of the Rhodes Cup (1958, 1961, 1972).

They established themselves in the Manchester League in 1972-73 season, winning automatic promotion to the Premier Division by becoming champions of the First Division in their first season, three time champions of the Premier Division (1990, 1993, 2003) runner-up ten times (1980, 1985, 1992, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2018) and record winners (7) of the Gilgryst Cup (1986, 1987, 1990, 1999, 2001, 2009, 2018) twice finalist (1980, 1988).

Three time winners of the Lancashire Amateur Cup (1976, 1990, 1996) finalist six times (1982, 1983, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1994).

The club led a somewhat nomadic existence, playing their games at Cleveland playing fields 1946-49, Wythenshawe Park 1949-58, The Christie playing fields 1958-61, Federation of Lads’ Club Ground Chorlton, later called Harry Dalton playing fields 1961-83, then in 1983 they became tenants at Wythenshawe Cricket Club, Longley Lane, albeit when the football and cricket seasons overlapped the club had to find alternative venues, Flixton FC 2015, St Paul’s High School 2016-17, settling at Hollyhedge Park in 2017.

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From season 1967-68 the first team took part in the FA Amateur Cup, which in 1974 became the FA Vase, in 1985 they reached the 5th round narrowly losing 2-1 away to the eventual winners Halesowen Town. The previous round saw the Ammies win 6-0 at home to Rushall Olympic before its then largest attendance of 255, tenfold their average, and producing their first ever match programme.

The senior section alone have won over 50 trophies. In 1989-90 the first team, managed

by Ray Mallalieu, achieved the treble by winning the Lancashire Amateur Cup, Manchester League Premier and Gilgryst Cup, while the reserves added the Second Division title and the Sunday team winning the Wythenshawe and District Sunday League Challenge Cup. Juniors Chapter: Although youth teams have sporadically existed since the Lad’s Club days, In 1989 Stephen Hall and Jim Roberts formalised a Junior Section at the club, entering one team, Under 9’s, in the Timperley and District Junior League. In 2019 the youth team entered the FA Youth Cup for the first time. In 2022 the youth development squad became the clubs first team to win a regional league division, champions of the North West Youth Alliance Development Division, and were also finalist in their respective cup in their first season. They also reached the FA Youth Cup, First Round Proper, losing 3-0 away at Bolton Wanderers.

In 2023, the Junior section won a club record 13 trophies.

Sunday Chapter: The Sunday team started in the Wythenshawe & District Sunday League, winning the Challenge Cup in 1990, and winning the League Cup in 2003. They were re-formed in 2012, managed

by Paul O’Keefe, immediately winning the double, Division 1 champions and cup winners, in the Altrincham Sunday League in 2013. In 2014 they joined the Stockport Sunday League, immediately becoming Division Four champions in 2015, Division Three champions in 2016 with a 100% win record, latter two seasons scoring 359 goals. They made a brief foray into the East Cheshire Sunday League, before returning to the Stockport Sunday League. In 2023 they

were champions of Division Two and finalist of the Manchester FA Sunday Amateur Cup. Women’s Chapter: In 2009 a Women’s team was formed, managed

by Paula Mercer, in 2011 became champions of Cheshire & Manchester Women’s League Division Two East and finalist in their respective cup, then transferred to the Cheshire Women’s & Youth League. In 2018 they finished runner-up in the CW&YL and promoted to the North West Women’s Regional League, also entering the Women’s FA Cup for the first time, beating Accrington Stanley at home 5-1 in the Preliminary Round then bowing out in the 1st Qual.Rd v. Accrington Girls & Ladies at home 1-3 before the women’s then record attendance of 142.

Due to a change to the FA’s ground grading requirements in 1996 the club were no longer eligible to enter the FA Vase, on top of that, because they were not allowed to develop the cricket ground, they could not seek promotion in the National League System from the Step 7 Manchester League to the Step 6 North West Counties Football League.

Wythenshawe were not deterred by this setback and planning permission was granted

by Manchester City Council in October 2007 to build a 150 seater floodlit stadium in Hollyhedge Park. Raising sufficient funds to build this facility, even to simply fence in the ground, was an ongoing challenge, being adversely affected by a recession.

In June 2011 the club changed its legal entity from an unincorporated association to that of a private limited company by guarantee, with charitable status. The company dissolved in November 2019.

In July 2013 Committee member John Cotton noticed an article for a Budweiser £50,000 regional grant he felt the club could win, he passed the article to then Vice-Chairman Carl Barratt who took up the mantle. Fortune struck on Halloween that year, which changed the future of the club forever, when Barratt received the news that he was successful in winning the grant, this also enabled the club to compete against seven other clubs nationwide for an

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 07

additional £100,000 in a public Facebook vote during February 2014, they obtained the most votes and secured the additional funds.

The club in 2015 introduced the ‘John Walker Tournament’, an annual nationwide summer festival of football for children and youths aged 7-17, attracting over 100 teams with over 1,000 players.

A further honour bestowed upon ‘Mr Wythenshawe Amateurs’ was the naming of the main stand ‘The John Walker Stand’ in 2020.

The football and cricket clubs workable relationship, in its latter years, became strained and culminated in the Ammies being rendered homeless when evicted by the cricket club in May 2015 after 32 years use.

The Hollyhedge Park Project was now, more than ever, an increasingly important chapter in the clubs future. Whilst the project was coming to fruition games were played at Flixton FC and St. Paul’s High School, with hospitality at the Winston Conservative Club and Northenden Social Club.

improvements brought the ground up to Step 6 standard and was officially opened on 6th May 2018 by former England & Manchester United captain Bryan Robson.

Promotion was gained in May 2018 when the FA allocated the first team to a restructured North West Counties Football League, this meant that the club was competing at semiprofessional level for the first time, they finished a creditable fourth in the First Division South in their first season.

In 2019 the first team returned to the national stage when they re-entered the FA Vase.

The following season 2020-21, they made their debut in the FA Cup, in the Extra Preliminary Round beat Shelley at home 4-2 in a memorable penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in 90 mins, exited in the Preliminary Round v. Trafford at home 1-4.

The first full season, 2021-22, following two coronavirus pandemic hit seasons, they reached the NWCFL Division One South play-offs, losing to FC Isle of Man in the semi-finals.

The penning of this crucial chapter recommenced in July 2016 when the club secured funding of £812,000, which included £382,317 from the Premier League & The FA, the £150,000 from Budweiser, £146,000 from the National Lottery, building work began in earnest in February 2017 for a clubhouse, new pitch, drainage, car park and fencing after a new long term lease was finally agreed with the council.

They improved on that the following season, 2022-23, arguably the clubs most successful, with a first team double, winning automatic promotion to the Premier Division by becoming champions, their first ever semi-professional title, then adding the First Division Champions Cup, reserves won the Altrincham District FA Senior Cup, Sunday team champions of the Stockport Sunday League, Division Two. Junior section a club record 13 trophies.

In March 2017 the club became a Community Benefit Society, its first Board of Directors being Basil Kabbani (Chairman), Carl Barratt (ViceChairman), Peter Andrews, John Cotton, Stuart Furnival, Ray Gibson, Stephen Hall, Neil Owen.

Sacha Lord, co-founder of the music festival Parklife and The Warehouse Project, in May 2023 joined the Board and installed as Chair in June 2023. Barratt, appointed as Chair in 2019, remained on the Board as Vice-Chair.

The stadium was completed in September 2017, the first match was played on 30th, drawing 1-1 v. Hindsford in the Manchester League, the 32 year old attendance record was broken with 277, itself subsequently surpassed. Further

In June 2023, the club changed its name, dropping ‘Amateurs’, becoming Wythenshawe Football Club, with the playing name Wythenshawe, there was also an alteration to the club crest to reflect the change.

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Widnes Youth - Under 7’s Whites

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xciting Debut Season for Widnes Football Club Under 7’s Whites

One of the newest additions to the grassroots football scene, Widnes Football Club Under 7’s Whites, has officially kicked off their first-ever season, and the excitement is palpable! Comprising players aged just six years old, this junior football team is already making a name for themselves with their infectious enthusiasm and pure joy for the beautiful game.

For most of the squad, this marks their first venture into competitive football, and every matchday brings a fresh wave of excitement. Whether it’s running onto the pitch for warm-ups, hearing the cheers of proud parents from the sidelines, or the thrilling moment when they score a goal, the smiles on their faces tell the whole story. It’s all about the fun and love of football for these youngsters.

Head coach, Bill Morley, describes the team as “a joy to coach” due to their eagerness to learn and improve. “At this age, it’s about fostering a love for the game, and these kids are soaking it all in. Every training session, they’re so keen to pick up new skills, whether it’s dribbling, passing, or learning how to work as a team,” Bill explained.

While victories and results aren’t the main focus at this stage, the spirit of fair play and teamwork is already shining through.

The Widnes FC Under 7’s Whites have a growing understanding of the importance of playing together as a unit, sharing the ball, and supporting each other, whether they win or lose.

The players’ enthusiasm for learning is palpable during both training sessions and matches. Lennie, a member of the squad, expressed his delight, saying, “I love playing

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football with my friends, and I’ve learned so many new things, like a trick I’m really excited to use in our next game.”

Parents have also commended the club’s dedication to nurturing both the development and enjoyment of the players.

“It’s wonderful to see how much the children are thriving,” said one parent.

As Widnes Football Club Under 7’s White continue through their first season, one thing is clear: the future of football in Widnes is bright, with these young stars already showing a passion and hunger for the sport. Their journey has only just begun, but the memories they are creating will last a lifetime.

For now, it’s all about the fun of the game and the joy that comes with it. Here’s to a fantastic first season for the Widnes Football Club Under 7’s White!

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 11

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From the Skipper - Ste Irwin Good evening everyone.

Hope everyone is looking forward to another home game under the lights.

Last weeks result was a much needed one but the performance was also something we were looking for. So I think we were delighted with most aspects of the game.

Now we need to continue that performance and try and put another result on the board.

Enjoy the game Stevie

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Widnes Football Club Unveil New 2024/25 Kits with Fused Sportswear

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idnes Football Club is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Fused Sportswear as the club’s official kit and leisurewear provider.

Fused Sportswear, a dynamic brand established in 2020, has quickly earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke sportswear to clubs and teams across the UK. This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for the club as they prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 Northern Premier League season.

The new kits were recently unveiled, modelled by members of both the men’s and ladies’ teams.

Widnes FC is also proud to welcome SLL Properties as the new main kit sponsor. Their logo will be prominently featured on both the home and away kits for the next two seasons.

SLL Properties Ltd is a family-owned property company, head office based in Liverpool, that have been in operation since 1995. SLL Pride themselves in working with and alongside other commercial property owners in the North of England, supporting opportunities for regeneration and economic growth within local communities.

Club Shop, allowing fans to gear up and show their support in style, with more Widnes FC leisurewear to be added over the coming weeks.

Bill Morely the clubs’ General Manager said of the new kit deal: “As General Manager of Widnes Football Club, I am delighted to welcome Fused Sportswear as our new kit and leisurewear provider. Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our club’s values, and we are excited to showcase the fantastic new designs they have created for us. We look forward to what promises to be a long and successful partnership, with Fused Sportswear supporting our teams both on and off the pitch for years to come.”

Fused Sports Sales Director Phil Cooper said ‘Fused Sports are delighted to be partnering with Widnes FC for the next 2 seasons and beyond. Our efforts will be focused around supplying high quality team wear for the players, club staff and supporters of Widnes FC. We are looking forward to building a fantastic relationship with everyone at the club.’

New Club Shop for website: https:// fusedsport.co.uk/collections/widnes-fc

Liam Day of SLL (pictured with Widnes FC General Manager Bill Morley) said ‘We are delighted to sponsor and support Widnes Football Club at this exciting time in the clubs’ short history and we wish them every success in the coming seasons’.

Stamford Legal also joins the team as the shorts sponsor, aligning their brand alongside the club’s push for success.

Furthermore, the club’s official charity, Sams Diamonds, will be honoured with a feature on the back of the shirts, underscoring Widnes FC’s commitment to making a positive impact off the pitch as well as on it.

The new kits will be available for purchase both online and at the club’s newly rebranded 14 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

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The Widnes FC club emblem

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he Widnes FC club emblem is one of the most recently designed but harks back to times long ago.

Great, and the Danish warlord, Guthrum, written following Guthrum’s defeat at the Battle of Edington in 878.

One of the dominant geographical features of our region is the River Mersey. Mention of the Mersey reminds me of one of the most regularly asked questions in football related quizzes prior to May 2011 which is; Which is the closest League football ground to the River Mersey?

Part of the system of Danelaw involved Danegeld which, in part, was a system of taxation whereby money raised in England was sent to Denmark for, essentially, defensive purposes.

Some may think that the answer is Anfield or Goodison Park but, as many will know, the answer is Stockport County or was until County were relegated to the National League at the end of the 2010-11 season.

Stockport and Liverpool define the effective start and finish of the River Mersey, and the flow of the river from east to west takes in many of the towns represented by football teams in our League.

One such town is Widnes and we see a graphical representation of the River Mersey in the bottom third of the emblem.

The River Mersey derives its name from AngloSaxon and means boundary river, the boundary being that between the ancient kingdoms of Northumbria and Mercia.

If anyone sees any parallels between this system, and that originally outlined by the Treaty of Rome (1957) and subsequent treaty amendments may not be too far off the mark although, so far as is recorded, there was no equivalent to Article 50 in Danelaw!

The relevance to all of this for Widnes is that the town lies north of the River Mersey which puts it into the Danelaw area and, hence, under the influence of Viking rule.

This is reflected in the incorporation of a Viking ship in the club emblem which reminds us that the club entered the North West Counties Football League as Widnes Vikings in time for the start of the 2013/14 season, and play at the Widnes Vikings RLFC stadium.

Northumbria covered just about the whole of the North of England in Anglo-Saxon times, and is not to be confused with the somewhat more recently formed county of the same name.

The dragon’s head on the prow of the Viking longboat is not exactly typical of standard representations of longboats. In this case it is entirely relevant, as it is a reference to the origins of Widnes FC in that the club originated as Dragons AFC, later Widnes Dragons, in 2003.

Mercia was made up of most of the Southern half of England, and there is reference to the name to this day as the West Mercia Police Force is responsible for policing in a large part of the West Midlands.

The motto – Et Quantum ad Affectum ut Provocarent (Latin) - can be translated as “To Challenge with Passion and Respect”. A sentiment which is entirely appropriate for a football club today.

After the Viking Invasion in the 9th century, much of the country fell under the influence of Danelaw.

The badge is described by the club as having been designed to be easily recognisable, replicated and communicated and, for me, it does exactly that, whilst respecting the history of both the town and the club.

Danelaw can be described as a set of legal terms and definitions created in the treaties between the West-Saxon king, Alfred the

(Our thanks to Bill Morley of Widnes FC for his contribution to this article).

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Widnes Football Club History

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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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 21

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.

ARVC can be found in one in every 1,000 to 5,000 young adults - IF IT IS LOOKED FOR. Warning signs may include light-headedness, fainting, palpitations, swollen legs, breathlessness.

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 @dannywilks5 thedanielwilkinsonfoundation dwfoundation5 contact@thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org

To donate: mydonate.bt.com/charities/thedanielwilkinsonfoundation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 23

Home Ground: HALTON STADIUM, LOWERHOUSE LANE, WIDNES, WA8 7DZ Year Formed : 2003 Record Attendance: 462 v Charnock Richard (NWCFL Division 1) - 22nd April 2016 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.

24 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

League Table Season 2024/25 Northern Premier League - West Table

Pd W L D HW HL AD AW AL AD GF GA GD Pts 1 Bootle 9 5 3 1 3 1 0 2 2 1 15 14 1 16 2 Trafford 7 5 2 0 2 1 0 3 1 0 11 6 5 15 3 Vauxhall Motors 8 5 3 0 2 2 0 3 1 0 16 12 4 15 4 Stalybridge Celtic 8 4 3 1 2 2 0 2 1 1 15 10 5 13 5 Avro 8 4 3 1 3 0 1 1 3 0 12 10 2 13 6 Widnes 7 3 2 2 3 0 0 0 2 2 12 7 5 11 7 Clitheroe 7 3 2 2 3 0 2 0 2 0 14 11 3 11 8 Kidsgrove Athletic 8 new 3 stimulus 3 2 to the 2 club.

0 David 2 1 remained 3 0 on11 8 3es- 11 bring some much needed Day the newly 9 Chasetown 6 3headed 1 by 2 incoming 3 0 Chairman 1 0Ian 1 12 10the 2nec11 tablished Board of Directors, Ross 1that brought 10 Wythenshawe 9 to3enable 4 the 2 Club 1 to progress 1 2 over 2 the 3 coming 0 12 19 -7 11 essary expertise and drive seasons.

11 Hednesford Town 6 3 2 Linnets 1 1Manager 1 1Joey 2Dunn1was0appointed 13 the 8 new 5 10 In September 2016, former Runcorn 12 Wythenshawe Town 5 3 1 1 2 1 0 1 0 1 9 4 5 10 First Team Manager.

13 Congleton Town 7 with 3 an 3unbelievable 1 2 141 game 0 winning 1 2streak 1 which 14 ended 12 with 2 10 Joey’s first season ended 14 Witton Albion 1 title.

7 3 4 0 2 2 0 1 2 0 11 10 1 9 the Division 15 Mossley 7 to2the 2 3 2campaign, 1 1 Dunn 0 resigned 1 2 his post, 7 and 8 players -1 9 After an inconsistent start 2017-2018 16 Stafford Rangers 8 jointly 2 4took2the reigns.

1 2 1 1 2 1 8 14 -6 8 Steve Akrigg & Kev Towey 17 Runcorn Linnets 4 the 2 club 1 to back 2 1to back 1 promotions, 2 1 7 so 17up to -10the8 During their first season8 they2guided and 18 Nantwich 6 with 2 a 3tremendous 1 0 run 2 of 70 1 points 2 from 1 the 0 remaining 8 10 75 -2 NorthernTown Premier League, avail-7 able to claim on a0 5 19 Newcastle Townthe runner 4 up spot 1 behind 1 2 Runcorn 0 1Linnets.

1 They 1 then 0 went 1 6 to claim 6 remarkable 20 Hanley Town double, lifting 7 the 1 Macron 4 2Challenge 0 3Cup 0with a12-1 1win over 2 Burscough 6 11 FC -5at 5 Fleetwood Towns ‘Highbury an even 21 City of Liverpool 5 1Stadium 3 to 1 end0the season 1 1 on 1 2 greater 0 6high.7 -1 4 Further Collieries success soon followed Linnets 22 Atherton 5 0 with 4 a convincing 1 0 23-0 win 0 away 0 at2 Runcorn 1 1 12in the -11 1

NWCFL season curtain raiser, The Reusch Champions Cup.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 25

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Ever thought of volunteering to help your local football club?

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

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

Match Officials

Referee: Matthew Moss Assistant 1: Bob Richards Assistant 2: Ciaran Gallagher

Wythenshawe Kyle Haslam (C) Paul Riley Adam Owen Fraser Goodwin Abiola Obasoto Ryan Shenton Abdullahi Ahmed James Simms Callum Laird Andrew Keogh Ryan Tioffo Cameron Annis-Wade Samuel Dickov Henry Brown Nnamdi Ibeto Luke Worth

Played Scored

Widnes FC

Played Scored

The Squads