Wythenshawe vs Bury by wythenshawefc

CLUB PARTNERS OFFICIAL CLUB PARTNERS

WE ARE WYTHENSHAWE

CONTENTS

CLUB DIRECTORY

SEASON 2023/24 ISSUE 06 vs BURY FC

4 MANAGERS NOTES

Shane Goldrick gives his thoughts ahead of today’s game.

14 WOMENS The latest news from the Womens team, and an interview with Chelsea Patient.

16 60 SECONDS Chris Howard is in the hot seat for this weeks 60 seconds.

wythenshaweafc@gmail.com

Club Discipline Officer: Claire Barratt

19 BURY FC An in-depth look at tonight’s visitors, Bury FC.

admin@wythenshawe.com

Physio:

22 Aqaliea Banson, Mike

30-31 AWAY DAYS Aiden Beswick reviews the trip to Barlick Town.

THE AMMIES PROGRAMME EDITOR Dan Hayden CONTRIBUTORS Dan Hayden, Aiden Beswick, Chelsea Patient, Luke Worth, Sam Jones, Chris Howard, Jonny Bass, Tom Feighan, Nicola Jayne Parker Carr, Liam Alexander James, Chris Thorpe, Adam Willis, Paddy Gladman, Stephen Brandt PHOTOGRAPHY Glenn Smith Please note, the articles in this programme are not the views of Wythenshawe Football Club. Club Entity: Wythenshawe AFC Limited, a Community Benefit Society, No. 7250. Registered office: Hollyhedge, Community Stadium, Altrincham Road, Sharston, Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, M23 4US.

President: John Walker Chair: Sacha Lord Vice Chair: Carl Barratt Chair of Senior Committee: Ray Mallalieu Committee/Directors: Peter Andrews, John Cotton, Stephen Hall, Martin Howe, Neil Owen, Wayne Pybus Secretary: John Cotton Club Head Welfare Officer: Rebecca Allison

Turner Director of Football: Wayne Pybus First Team Manager: Shane Goldrick Assistant Manager: Jake Davies First Team Coach: Mike Turner Kit Man: Declan Sutton Women’s Manager: James Mulvihill Head of Media/Media Officer: Aiden Beswick

MANAGER’S NOTES

SHANE GOLDRICK Good Afternoon and welcome to the Hollyhedge Park Community Stadium for our NWCFL Premier Division fixture against Bury.

Barnoldswick were a very well organised, but some of the goals we conceded were not good enough. We had a decent amount of possession but were unable to finish our I would like to extend a warm chances. welcome to Andy Welsh, his management team, club After a brilliant start to the officials, players and support- season, I am confident that ers who have made the the lads have it in them to journey for Saturday’s game. turn things around and with two home games on the We exited the FA Vase against bounce, in front of our home Rossington Main here last support, this is the chance to weekend, on the lottery that get that run together. is penalty shootout. To take the lead twice, and then go Our next game is going to be out on penalties is a tough very tough. We travel to one to take. Charnock Richard on Saturday, who are in good form. We followed that up with a We need to ensure that we trip to Barnoldswick Town on finish our chances and don’t Bank Holiday Monday which lose focus otherwise they will was a frustrating afternoon punish us. for ourselves.

I would like to thank today’s match sponsor Cardinal Global Logistics for sponsoring our game against Bury. Finally I would like to thank our supporters for their fantastic support.

I can assure you none of us take it for granted and it really makes the difference in the tight games to have you behind us.

Shane

CHAIR COLUMN

SACHA LORD Hello, and welcome to the Hollyhedge Community Stadium for today’s match. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all players, officials and supporters who have attended the game. Last weekend, Wythenshawe Park hosted it’s first gig, and it was a huge success. It was a phenomenal event, and something which was great for the local bars and pubs in the area.

For those that went, you would have also seen the advert for Wythenshawe on the big screens before Noel Gallagher entered the stage, as well as the photo of Noel holding the Ammies shirt. Just as with the media coverage last week before the women’s cup final, these types of events give us great exposure to a much wider audience as we continue to grow the club on and off the pitch.

In our games against Glossop and Bury, I am sure we can expect big crowds here at Hollyhedge Park and I expect that our record attendance will be shattered in the Bury match. Again I would like to thank all of the club staff and volunteers for their hard work both in the build up and on match day ensure that everything runs smoothly. Finally I would like to thank today’s Ray Mallalieu for sponsoring our game against Glossop North End. Ray has been a part of the club for many many years, as a manager, ultra and most recently chairman of the seniors. Ray’s dedication to the club and his efforts do not got unnoticed and I thank him for his unwavering support of all things Ammies. Up the Ammies!

Sacha

T H E B IG I N T E RV I E W

LUKE WORTH

Worthy! Thank you for taking your time to speak to us ahead of the game against Bury. You are our cover star for today's game! Well, 10 years at Wythenshawe! What has been the main component in keeping you at the club? Why have you stayed here year on year? Firstly, it’s a 5 minute drive from my house, so that helps! But from my first game all those years ago with Duxy, the core of players have almost remained the same, who are good friends. Only recently we’ve all got a bit older and some have retired. But myself, Chris, Joel, Azza, Paul and the manger Shane who played for a bit are still here. But the club as a whole and all the staff and volunteers, the ultras, are what makes the club so welcoming and

chatting to new lads who Could you talk us through arrive, there’s just nothing your matchday routine? How like it! do you get yourself psyched up for games? Do you have What has been your top 3 any matchday superstitions? moments, and games at the I try not to think of the match club? too early in the day. I have Moments - Gilchrist cup final two young children so they win at Hyde against Rochdale keep me occupied during the AFC, winning the league at morning. Foley Meir last year, captaining the side against Pilkington My superstitions don’t start in the Champions Cup. until around midday where I’ll have the same pre match Games - The Stockport town meal of scrambled egg and win coming from behind toast, en route to the keeping that pressure on. I clubhouse I go and buy a think that ultimately won us Lucozade in the same shop. the league. Once I’m at the club I’ll make Sandbach away a few years a cup of tea with Chris and back for the post match have the chat with all the action rather than the draw lads, that’s pretty much it. I that night. don’t put my left boot on first or skip on to the pitch like The first game at the new others. ground after all the hard work from everyone to get us I do sit in the same seat in the there. changing room each match though, doesn’t feel right anywhere else.

What is the first 3 songs on your matchday playlist? I don’t have time to listen to 3 songs en route to Hollyhedge it’s that close, it’s usually just talksport on. DJ at the minute in the dressing room is Bry, he throws out some 90s bangers now and again for the old lads. Saul played that much Drake he had to be taken off! What is the last thing you do before stepping out onto the pitch? Last thing I do, as we are walking out of the tunnel, I have a look for my Dad, his friend Tommy and my mate Dill in the crowd who come to each game (if they’ve left the bar in time) just in case I score my one and only goal and I know where to celebrate because they give me the most stick about it! Wythenshawe have had a solid start to the season. What has been key in the dressing room to maintain a positive atmosphere? We started so eager and determined to show everyone we are not here to make the numbers up this year as some predicted, we got off to a

great start in the league, if you look at the 11 that started the first 4 league games, there’s maybe 2 changes from the 11 last year, Shents and Darrhyl, so there hasn’t been a huge upheaval so we know each other as a team, and all the lads get on, there’s no egos or players who won’t put in the hard work. We have strong characters all over to deal with whatever comes our way.

Your all time Wythenshawe XI from your time at the club? There’s so many! We’ve had some really good players and even better lads that have been here, I’ll have to have a bench as well. But off the top of my head; Kyle Haslam Chris Howard Myself Paul Riley Alan Dolan Will Ahern Dom Lillie Joel Aikenhead Pat O Brien Joe Bev Adam Walker Subs; Azza, Matty Dodwell, Sam A, Kie & Charlie Duke

Obviously Gibbo and Glenn Whelan first names on the team sheet but I didn’t think that would be fair. Bury have been favourites for the league this season, but haven't got off to the start they would have hoped for. What are you expecting from them today? It’s probably not what they or their fans were expecting but it’s a tough league not to be underestimated. But they have quality all over the pitch and I’m sure they will be there or there abouts come the end of the season, I think if you finish above Bury, you will have had a very good season. The toughest opposition and player you have faced? To be honest, I read Chris’ programme questions the other week and he got asked this question, and his answer is similar to mine. I don’t really pay attention to who I’m playing against and I don’t know their names, I just know at this level 90% of the time it’s a battle and you have to be switched on. I’ve not moved around over the years I don’t pay much attention.

KYLE HASLAM

MALLALIEU

CHRIS HOWARD

RAY

LUKE WORTH

J;NAI BUTTERFIELD-STEEDE

EDDIE BROWN

PAUL RILEY

JOEL AIKENHEAD

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

ADAM DAVIES

LEAD IT CONSULTING LTD

ADAM OWEN

SPONSORS

DECLAN LAMB

2023/24 PLAYER

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

CRAIG COATES

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

ARRON HEVINGHAM

GP DRIVING SCHOOL

SAUL HENDERSON

RYAN SHENTON

CES WINDOWS

JOE BEVAN

AMMIES BAR STAFF

DEC SUTTON

BRYAN LY SAM DICKOV

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

JOHN COTTON

AMMIIES FAN ZONE

SAM JONES

Firstly, why Wythenshawe? What encouraged you to get down to the club, and what makes the club unique to you? Well my family are Wythenshawe born and bred so that’s what makes the area special to us but with the club it started with my dad playing for the club in the 80s and 90s, then I eventually played for the club at youth level then the 3rds and I had a stint of coaching as well but

stopped after a couple of years as I wanted to get back playing again, then both my brothers played at the club at youth level so the club has been a big part of our lives. After promotion last season, the Ammies have had a fairly decent start. What are your expectations for the campaign? Start of the season I would have took top half of the table but after a few decent results even though we’ve

had a blip over the past couple of weeks I want us to get play offs and we are good enough to push that. Could you give us your all time Wythenshawe 5 a side team? Gonna put Kyle in net, then can’t have an all time Wythenshawe side without Chris Howard and Worthy, then up top I’ll probs have Bas with my dad, Dave Jones just behind.

AMMIES FANS! Do you want to feature in our “Ammies Fanzone”? Do you have a birthday or special occasion that you want mentioning in our matchday magazine? Send programme editor Dan Hayden a message on Twitter @dhwfc_ or email haydendan@live.co.uk If you could sign 3 Championship players on a free transfer, who would you sign and why? Not going to give individual names but will probably take the 3 most expensive players and then sell them on so we can invest the money in the club in other ways other than just the team, so yeah thinking financially mainly.

Gotta say Trafford a couple of years back in the FA Cup they played us off the park but they were a couple of leagues above us so shows the level we want to get to.

Your first, and most memorable Wythenshawe game? Can’t remember my first game but would have been watching my dad at the old cricket club but the memorable games have always got to be the Wythenshawe Derby or maybe the first ever FA Cup game in the clubs history a couple of years back.

You may have seen a few of my "Footy Scran" pictures on Twitter. What is your go to matchday food? What do you recommend most here at Wythenshawe? Prediction for today's game? Who has been the toughest I’ve had some chips now and Tough opposition but going opposition you have seen then but not really a big eater for a 3-2 win. come to Hollyhedge? at the games I’m more partial to a drink or two.

WOMENS ELEVEN-HEAVEN FOR AMMIES AGAINST ALTY Words by Gareth Townsend James Mulvihill’s side continued their campaign last Wednesday night as they travelled to face Altrincham. With a couple of new additions to the squad as forward Chelsea Flanagan, and goalkeeper Izzy Coulson made their debuts for The Ammies.

Chambers and Flanagan linked up twice more early in the first half as Flanagan had wrapped up a hat-trick on her debut inside 17 minutes. We were unable to add to our lead in the first half despite creating chances as we went into half time with a 4 goal lead.

It didn’t take Flanagan long to make an impact as within the first few minutes of the game she was alert in the box to take advantage of the Altrincham goalkeeper failing to hold onto a shot to make it 1-0. Shortly after Flanagan turned provider as she played a lovely ball through for Wakefield to run onto and double our advantage.

Ten minutes into the second half Flanagan was on hand again who saw her low cross into the box finished well by Kirsty Chambers. A sixth and seventh goal came shortly after as Becks Foster’s corner was headed home by Allisha Marsh, before Jasmin Limb’s fantastic solo run concluded with an excellent finish.

The Ammies continued knocking on the door before Abbie Wright’s cut back to Flanagan resulted in her fourth goal of the evening. Shortly after Bradley made it nine and Foster was alert to the short corner and curled an effort into the top corner. After Altrincham were awarded a late penalty Coulson dived well to her right to keep her clean sheet intact. The evening was complete shortly after as O’Gara’s ball set Tattersall through before she rounded the goalkeeper and finished well. The final whistle went shortly after and a professional performance saw us run out 11-0 winners.

FIXTURES

TEAM

PTS

Runcorn Linnets

FC St Helens

Wythenshawe

Chester

2nd

West Didsbury & Chorlton

2-0

Poulton Vics

9th

Salford United

6-2

Mossley Hill

13th AFC Crewe

6-2

Altrincham

23rd Poulton Vics

3-1

Ellesmere Port

30th Altrincham

0-11

Litherland REMYCA

SEPTEMBER

Warrington Wolves

Hindley Juniors

OCTOBER

Northwich Vixens

Fleetwood Town Wrens

JULY 30th Wrexham

5-2

AUGUST

3rd

Chester

14:00

G E T T I N G TO K N O W. . .

CHELSEA PATIENT Chelsea, thank you so much for taking your time out to speak to us for today's programme!

That’s been the majority of my playing career, I think the highlight was last year getting the double.

First of all, welcome to Wythenshawe! You joined the club this summer from FC United. How have you settled into the club so far? I’ve settled into the club really well, since joining it really feels like a community club there’s a nice feel around the place. The players, staff and supporters are really nice too so that always helps!

But I’m excited to be winning trophies this year at Wythenshawe that’s the goal and I know we will achieve it

What are the expectations around the dressing room for this season? This year we have one main goal and that’s to get promoted! Naturally we are aiming for cup wins and to have a good run at the FA cup. But the main focus is promotion.

What is your usual matchday routine? What do you do to get yourself in the right mindset ahead of a game? Honestly I’d love my match day routine to be better than it is but I have 3 little girls so it’s not what it used to be. But I’ll always wake up early so i can get two meals in before the game, the main thing for me is the atmosphere and vibe in the changing room!

A solid start to the season picking up the Player of the Match award. How good did it feel to get the season up and running with 3 points against the league favourites? I think last Wednesday was a great start to the season like we did we always knew Poulton would be one of our toughest tests so to get a result like we did was a good start, and I was chuffed to receive POM.

Before the game I’ll always make sure I’m the first in and I’ll get the music on nice and loud to set the tone for the day, this helps me and the girls to get out mind right.

Could you give us a brief rundown of your career so far? What has been your career highlight up until now? So I was at FC United previously for 10 years.

Rachel Dunlop is a very good striker who plays for Cheadle she always sticks in my mind. Toughest team probably Newcastle,.

Who is the best player and team that you have come up against? There has been so many good players I have played against over the years so it’s hard to name just one!

The Women's game is constantly on the rise, especially after the Lionesses' World Cup final appearance. What would be your advice to any girls who want to get into football at a young age? My advice to any young girls that want to get into football is to grab it with both hands and work as hard as they can it’s growing massively and I see no reason why it can’t just be as successful as the men’s in the next few years! But more importantly enjoy it football has always been a big part of me and as they grow older they will realise how much football can help them in so many ways in everyday life, the friends the community the support and the success it can mean so much more than just kicking a ball around for 90 minutes it’s a way of life.

SECONDS CHRIS HOWARD

Your go to meal deal? Ham and Cheese sandwich, McCoys, Water

Song you listen to the most? Anything Oasis, although I’ve been listening to Fred a lot again.

Favourite Celebrity? Liam Gallagher

Your go to Maccies order? Plain double cheeseburger, 12 nuggets, chips, strawberry milkshake

Last Gig? Creamfields Your go to karaoke song? Robbie Williams - Angels

Footballing Hero? Lionel Messi

Favourite holiday destination? New York City break, Ibiza Summer Holiday

Who is the joker? Eddie just makes me laugh looking at him. He can’t sit still Who has the worst banter? Saul Who is the worst dancer? The gaffer Who has the worst fashion sense? Dec from park life. Paul wears a milk man’s Gillet to games or reckon Sam Goodwin could be up there but not seen it yet If the lads were all on Love Island, who would win? Adam Owen, Issac or Bev 100m race, who wins? Bev or dickov

RESULT

ATT.

DATE

Sat 29 July

DATE

Ramsbottom United

4-0

472

Sat 02 Mar

Barnoldswick Town

Tues 01 Aug

Cheadle Town

0-4

221

Sat 09 Mar

Lower Breck

Tues 08 Aug

Campion AFC (FA Cup)

2-1

428

Sat 16 Mar

Colne

Sat 12 Aug

Irlam

3-1

345

Sat 23 Mar

Cheadle Town

Tues 15 Aug

Prestwich Heys

2-5

193

Mon 01 Apr

Wythenshawe Town

Sat 19 Aug

Ossett United

2-0

327

Sat 06 Apr

Pilkington

Wed 23 Aug

Pilkington

1-0

135

Sat 13 Apr

Burscough

Sat 26 Aug

Rossington Main (FAV)

2-2p

230

Sat 20 Apr

Squires Gate

Mon 28 Aug

Barnoldswick Town

3-0

228

Sat 02 Sept

Glossop North End

TBC

Litherland REMYCA

Tues 05 Sept

Bury

TBC

Burscough

Sat 09 Sept

Charnock Richard

Sat 16 Sept

Colne

Tues 19 Sept

Padiham

Tues 26 Sept

Chadderton

Sat 30 Sept

FC Isle of Man

Tues 03 Oct

West Didsbury & Chorlton

Sat 07 Oct

RESULT

ATT.

Kendal Town

Chadderton

Bury FC

Wythenshawe Town

Lower Breck

FC Isle Of Man

Sat 14 Oct

Skelmersdale United

Pilkington

Sat 21 Oct

Chadderton

FC Isle of Man

Litherland REMYCA

Sat 28 Oct Sat 04 Nov

Irlam

West Didsbury

Tues 14 Nov

AFC Liverpool

Wythenshawe

Sat 18 Nov

Bury

Colne

Sat 25 Nov

Padiham

Ramsbottom United

-1

Sat 02 Dec

Kendal Town

Glossop North End

Barnoldswick Town

Sat 09 Dec Sat 16 Dec

West Didsbury & Chorlton

Charnock Richard

Sat 23 Dec

Skelmersdale United

AFC Liverpool

Tues 26 Dec

Wythenshawe Town

Irlam

Sat 30 Dec

Longridge Town

Prestwich Heys

-2

Sat 06 Jan

Prestwich Heys

Sat 13 Jan

Squires Gate

Padiham

-2

Sat 20 Jan

Ramsbottom United

Cheadle Town

-7

Sat 27 Jan

Kendal Town

Glossop North End

-10

Sat 03 Feb

Charnock Richard

Burscough

-6

Sat 10 Feb

Litherland REMYCA

-4

AFC Liverpool

Lower Breck

Sat 17 Feb Sat 24 Feb

Longridge Town

Skelmersdale United

-7

Longridge Town

-9

Squires Gate

-17

REWIND

THE OPPOSITION

Bury fc

It was in 1892, that the Club’s famous nickname was coined, when before a Lancashire Cup Final against Everton, chairman JT Ingham was reported to have roused the players by saying: "We shall shake 'em. In fact, we are the Shakers!" This history includes, two famous FA Cup wins of 1900 and 1903, with the 1903 victory still in the record books for the joint highest score in a final and the only club to win the cup without conceding a goal. Much of the first 100 years of the club’s history was spent in the top 2 divisions, and as a result in 2005 the Club became the first to have scored 1000 goals in each of the 4 Football League divisions. And then May 2019, we thought it was gone for ever. 134 years of history, after 4852 matches in English League football since their first match in 1894; only five clubs have played more games. We were expelled from The Football League. April 2020, a new club was formed, Bury AFC. A fan run phoenix club, from the ashes that was the wreck left behind by the owners who had destroyed our beloved club. The new Club was quickly accepted into the North West Counties League Division One North and a ground sharing agreement made with neighbours Radcliffe FC.

PADIHAM

CHARNOCK R

KENDAL T

CHEADLE T

CHARNOCK R

WON 2-1

LOST 3-2

WON 2-1

DREW 2-2

Fast-forward to May 2023 and in a landmark agreement, fans of both societies agreed to merge and in some ways recreating how Bury FC came about all those years ago, a unified team will play football at Gigg Lane again. This is our Club. They tried to kill us, we would not die.

A TRIP TO

GIGG LANE WORDS BY MATT HARRISON

I have visited Gigg Lane on three occasions now – I really need to write about the ground, especially considering I really like the place. I have visited the ground twice for two Bury games and this weekend I attended my first ever FC United of Manchester game. I have enjoyed all three of my visits to Gigg Lane (although the less said about the second game I attended there, the better), especially my day in the stands with the FCUM fans.

After recognising this pattern, I was straight on the internet to have a look at Bury’s upcoming fixture list. It turned out that Bury would be playing Sven Goran Eriksson’s Leicester City that very day. £5 a ticket and I was sold.

game or not it was a real rush to make the game and after purchasing our tickets we missed the opening minutes of the game. We found ourselves sitting in the Cemetery End behind the goals and after asking a local fan it turned out we had missed very little in the game’s nascent stages. After the rush to make the game we got to our seats and I began to take in the ground around me. Gigg Lane is a proper football ground.

An August Tuesday fixture at Gigg Lane was scribed into the diary; this would be my second game in Manchester following my move to the area, my first being Manchester City’s Aguero/ In my first week living in Silva-inspired 4-0 demolition Manchester, I noticed every of my beloved Swans. I think I have stated several bus that passed me seemed times on my entries about to be heading to Bury. All Thanks to my housemate other grounds, but for some roads out of Manchester ap- taking ages to decide wheth- reason I love a ground that peared to lead to Bury. er she was coming to the has trees around it

(Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium being a particular favourite of mine because of it’s surrounding forestry – who knows where this tree fascination comes from) and Gigg Lane falls into this delightful category. On the left of the Cemetery End is the Les Hart Stand, which for this cup game was full of Leicester fans; the stand is not usually the base for the away support but the sheer amount of Leicester fans that had made the trip up to Lancashire dictated they accommodate this stand. The away support are usually housed in the Manchester Road End behind the opposite goal. And finally on the right, stands the Main Stand, complete with what look like small conservatories right alongside the pitch – Bury’s answer to VIP executive boxes. As predicted with a Carling Cup game, the crowd were not really up for it, but soon they would have no choice. Put bluntly, the game was superb. If anyone read my “Lost in…Season Review of 2011/12” you will know that I placed this game as the

third best game I saw all season – and I saw a hell of a lot of good games last season. Leicester were passing around Bury for fun, but Bury dug in and battled bravely against a team that was a league above them and much more financially affluent than them. I was particularly impressed with Leicester’s Japanese midfielder Yuki Abe who was holding the ball up superbly in the centre of the pitch and regularly playing defence splitting passes. It only took Leicester 10 minutes to score, but then against the run of play Mike Jones equalised for Bury. A great first half was followed by an even more thrilling second half as the game became a real end-to-end affair. Bury took the lead through Ryan Lowe (playing one of his last games for Bury before moving to Sheffield Wednesday) who scored a brilliant curling free kick that was right in the top corner and unreachable for Chris Weale in the Leicester goal.

The atmosphere at Gigg Lane was now brilliant as the Bury fans went wild with joy and the Leicester fans went wild with anger, so much so that after some winding up from the Shakers’ fans, many of Leicester’s fans acted aggressively and found themselves escorted from the ground by the stewards. Whilst we are talking of the fans, I have to praise Bury for their amazing chant directed at their striker: “His name is a shop!/His name is a shoooooopppppp!/ Lenell John-Lewis!/His name is a shop.” The goal sparked Leicester into life, especially Paul Gallagher who attempted to drag Leicester back into the game singlehandedly. After iconic bandana-wearing Nigerian defender Efe Sodje brought down Lee Peltier on the edge of the box, Gallagher scored the equaliser by driving a free kick under the wall into the bottom corner. Next to score was Lloyd Dyer who beautifully curled his shot in from the corner of the box into the far corner of the goal and Leicester’s victory was all but confirmed after Neil Danns scored following a solo run into the box.

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Benito lowe Firstly could you tell us briefly about your career so far? How long have you been at Bury? Which clubs have you played at? Most recently New Mills, Curzon Ashton, Wythenshawe Town and I joined Bury FC in pre season this year. Could you talk us through your usual matchday routine? Do you prefer home or away games, and any matchday superstitions? Home Games! Black coffee first thing in the morning is a superstition I have.

First season back at Gigg Lane. How does it feel playing in front of big crowds? The crowd are massive for all of us and will win us 15 points a year at home!

What has been the highlight of your career so far? The first goal back at Gigg Lane in front of 5500.

Team mates

Biggest joker? Chris Rowney Worst banter? Jack Atikinson What is the last thing you do 100m race. Who wins? before heading out onto the Jordi Nsaka pitch? Biggest moaner? Myself Say a quick prayer up to my Always late? Jordi Nsaka Most fined? Jack Lenehan Dad. All players are on Love Island. Who wins? Myself and Gilboy Who has been the toughest in the final. Flip a coin who opposition and player you wins. The first 3 songs on your have faced in your career? Worst taste in music? matchday playlist? Bradford City in pre season, Jack Atkinson Worst fashion sense? Dermot Kennedy -Rome and toughest player has to be Connor Comber. But shoutout Coldplay -Everglow Cohen Bramall. to Harry Brazel who has the The Script - Breakeven best. How do you mentally prepare yourself for games? How do you get the team focused? We have a good changing room and coaching staff so we are all on the same page and keep each other focused.

terraces A view from the

With Tom Feighan, Nicola Jayne Parker Carr & Liam Alexander James

Firstly, how long have you supported Bury? What encouraged you to support the Shakers? TF: Been supporting Bury for 34 years, I first went to Gigg Lane at 4 years old as part of the Saturday Morning Community Sessions, where you played in the morning, stadium tour and watch the game in the afternoon. Never got bored having a tour every fortnight. LAJ: I’ve supported Bury for around 15 years; I started at about 10. My dad follows bury and he encouraged me to get down to Gigg…I fell in love instantly. It's the first season back at Gigg Lane. How excited were you to get back? How big of an influence do you think it will have on the home advantage? TF: After waiting 4 years between the last game and returning, it was exciting to sit

back in the South Stand against Glossop. Seeing people you’d only speak to on Saturdays again, everyone being back together was great.

and cheer on the team, especially Jack Atkinson as they are both aspiring goalkeepers! I think playing at Gigg presents the team with a huge stage to perform on and as The larger gates puts a bigger the team settles in, I am excitexpectation on the Bury ed to see what we can do players, and away teams are there this season! seeing it as a once if a career match and raising their game (as seen with Chadderton and Do you have a matchday rouKendal). Moving forward we tine for home and away need to make it difficult for games? Any superstitions? teams and make it harder for TF: At Gigg, me and my dad teams at Gigg. get there early, walking down the Manny Road into the LAJ: Being back at Gigg Lane South Stand. I like to sit and is a huge achievement for the watch the warm ups and wait community. Gigg brings the for team news. fans back together and hopefully pushes us up the Away from home this season, non-league pyramid. it’s getting there early and sampling the food stands. NPC: It's certainly been interesting returning to Gigg LAJ: Historically, it was always Lane!! I enjoyed watching a sausage butty and soccer how excited my kids were to AM before I sett off…that’s pick a seat in the South Stand been spoiled!

NPC: I work in the turnstiles so I post an obligatory pic of me getting ready to greet the fans each game on social media with a good luck cheer for the team!

recognised the rivalry of both Programmes now. What teams from day one!!! makes a good programme to you? Any that have imThe NWCFL has proven to be pressed you at this level? a very tough league. A tough TF: I like reading about the start to the current cam- team we are playing, their paign too, do you think Bury history, record attendance will have enough to come and former players etc. out on top by May? TF: The squad looks like it has LAJ: There have been some the depth to be there at the decent programmes at this end of May. As I mentioned level, I’ve been pleasantly earlier, we need to make Gigg surprised. I like a programme Lane a difficult place to visit, with plenty of fan once injuries are sorted I involvement and player think with a ‘settled’ team we Q&A’s. A programme that will be fine and maintain the doesn’t take itself too position we are currently in. seriously!

Do you remember your first Bury game? Do you have any memorable games or moments? TF: Being 4 years old, I’m struggling to remember a specific game, but one that sticks in my mind was an away match at Darlington, which was my first game away from Gigg. We travelled by mini bus with the Football In The Community team. LAJ: I think we’ve certainly got the team to win the LAJ: My first game was Roch- league, we just need some dale at home. Derby day, and consistently and to figure out we won 1-0! how to stop these defensive issues. Kendal are flying We won promotion at though… Chesterfield and twice at Tranmere..they were memo- NPC: I'm excited to see what rable days! Andy Welsh can do with his team this season. With a lot NPC: As I was 4 when I first of new players, the team is attended, I was reliably in- settling into its rhythm now formed by my dad that my and I think they have what it first game was Bury FC v Bol- takes to top the league. Fan ton Wanderers in August favourites like Harry Brazel 1986. It was a cup game and and Jack Tinning are already Bury won. My dad worked shining through! with some journos from the Bolton Evening News so I

NPC: I think Chris Saville, our programme editor at Bury, does an amazing job with our programmes. The fan engagement is key along with facts about both teams and the advert for #hergametoo which I am very close to as a #hergametoo rep. Obviously, Wythenshawe has impressed me with the desire to get fan representation from the away team too!

"Footy scran" has been a hit on social media, what is your go to matchday food? Any teams that have had some memorable Footy Scran?

TF: Always a pie at football, and been loving the Pie, Peas and Gravy this season, especially Padiham and Colne.

1000 fans cheered on Bury against the Ravens. The result didn't go our way but the goosebumps on my neck when we cheered and sang in support of the team at the LAJ: I looked forward to Avro end of the match, that feeling all season. On my arrival, the is unmatchable. line was a mile long and people weren’t being served Not to mention the amazing their food until 80 mins! weekend had by all due to the fantastic hospitality we NPC: I love following Footy received over there. What a scran although it has given weekend! me sky high hopes at all grounds now!!! Had a lovely Other great away grounds visit to Padiham earlier this include Ramsbottom United season and had a particularly and Prestwich Heys as they yummy cheeseburger which is make for a great Derby day! my food of choice at a game and which didn't break the Your all time Bury 5 a side? bank!! TF: Dean Kiely, Chris Lucketti, Tony Rigby, Lenny Johnrose, Your favourite grounds to Ryan Lowe. visit in the NWCFL? TF: So far this season Colne is LAJ: These are from players my favourite, looking forward I’ve watched. I’ll be getting to many more as the season pelters for this one. progresses. Nick Pope, Nathan Cameron, Peter Sweeney, Danny LAJ: I’ve got a soft spot for Mayor, Ryan Lowe Ramsbottom United. Seeing the train go past whilst the NPC: (Struggling with this match is on is magic. one!!) Best team I ever saw play was the 2011 squad with NPC: I have to pick The Doug- Lowe, Bishop and Sodje. las Bowl on the Isle of Man last season where around

Not least because we gained promotion at Chesterfield after an 87th minute winner by Lowe when I was 6months pregnant, almost went into early labour at the game in excitement! What are you expecting from the Wythenshawe side today? Your prediction for the game? TF: Another tough game, and hopefully a clean sheet (if we didn’t on Saturday). I’m going 2 - 0 Bury goals from Lowe and Briggs. LAJ: Wythy look a very good side with that promotion bounce. Some exciting attacking talent will be in offer in this game…expect goals! NPC: I expect the Ammies to go all out today, especially on the back of a few recent defeats; it will be a big crowd and us Bury fans will not make it easy!!! I'm going for 3-1 to Bury!!

A view from the

PRESS BOX Firstly, could you tell us a bit about your role at Bury? How long have you been a part of the media team at the club? I’ve been in my role as part of the media team for 3 years now, as part of Bury AFC and moving over to FC as part of the merger. Its a bit of a mixed bag, everything from posting on social media, updating the website, editing highlights, setting up live streams and graphic design. I love it but it, as you know is a lot of work. We are blessed to have a host of volunteers who help us out so its not all consuming. Could you talk us through your typical matchday routine? Matchdays usually kick off with some time with the family in the morning, Then I’ll get my bag packed and head to the ground two or three hours before kickoff.

Once at the ground me and the team will set up the camera and I’ll grab my seat in the pressbox.

team? Could you give us an insight into what it's like inside the press box? It’s been a ride! Really fun but at the same time the level of expectation has shot up. A lot of our fans have never watched non league before and are still expecting football league standard output. Luckily we blessed with a team that can. In my opinion deliver.

The secretary usually brings us team news an hour before kick off and I’ll get the team news out, always got to have a nice graphic for this. Once we kick off ill cover the game on twitter as well as giving updates on other social platforms. It’s very fast paced, fun and sometimes The pressbox is massive, seats very frenetic. over 30 people, most games it usually just me and Roch Once the game is over, I head Valley Radio, sometimes we down to the video guys and have BBC or Talksport in. It get a copy of the game so i can be a mixed bag. can cut the highlights. At this point I’ll usually hang around Most people have Bury down whilst we get the post match as favourites to become comments and have a chat Champions by May, however with the gaffer before head- the past few results have ing home. shown that this league still springs its surprises, do you A first year back at Gigg think Bury will come out on Lane! How exciting was that top in the end? to be a part of the media

I think we will be there or thereabouts. But as Andy Welsh has always said since day one, we have to respect the level and we have to respect the league. We have no divine right to win anything and there are no easy games. Bury were awarded Programme of the Year last season, in a league full of some very good programmes. What makes a good programme to you, and any that have impressed you along your journey? I knew this one was coming, haha. Our programme editor Chris does a fantastic job putting together what i would call a very high calibre programme for every game. For me it’s got to be striking, have content that grabs your fans and visiting attention and

not be 32 pages of sponsorship ads. I get why clubs do it but it just bugs me that they think its acceptable to keep pumping it out…. Why bother.

Preston were not happy and my Dad ushered us away from the ground fairly rapidly under a hail of cones, bricks and stones.

Your all time Bury 5 a side? Footy scran now. Which club I’m going to try and cover has the best Footy Scran at from the mid 90’s to present NWCFL level? day, its only fair. You know what, everyone bangs on about Avro’s offer- Dean Kiely ings from last year and it’s Matty Williams alright but the best I’ve had Tony Rigby in the counties has to be the Danny Mayor Bacon Cheese Burger from Mark Carter the van at Holker Old Boys . Score prediction for the Your most first and most game? memorable Bury moment Both teams certainly know and game? where the goal is but Bury are 17 May 1995, Bury beat looking for that elusive clean Preston North End 1 - 0 in sheet so im going to say 2 - 0 front of over 9000 at Gigg to The Shakers. Lane to advance to (old) Wembley and the play off final against Chesterfield.

THE AMMIES

GET THE BADGE IN! Can you name these NWCFL teams who have lost part of their badge?

TRIVIA THE WARM UP Which Premier League season are these kits from?

Answer:

A M - A G R A M Which Ammies player has been scrambled?

HULK TOWER Can you find SEVEN World Cup Winners? Answer:

WORDLE

Can you work out this week’s Wordle?

The Warm Up - 2018/19. Get The Badge In - Squires Gate, Glossop North End, Irlam. Wordle - Keown. AmAgram - Luke Worth - I hope you’re not cheating! This was made quite easy!

ANSWERS

AMMIES

AWAY DAYS

Words by Aiden Beswick You’ve got to love a bank holiday game of football, unfortunately it didn’t turn out to be the Ammies’ day on Monday. We arrived at the Silentnight Stadium around 2pm and parked up in a small car park. The ground was good. It had several stands, a great clubhouse and options to sit or stand to watch the game. However, the biggest let down was the pitch. It was

uneven in places and sloped It was a hard game to have to downward. The length of the watch from a Ammies viewpitch also looked big. point. The hosts played a very direct style and allowed WyAfter grabbing a couple of thenshawe to attack them. soft drinks, me and Alex just left of the away dugout in In the end the Ammies were preparation for kick-off. We poor. A few mistakes allowed were stood with the majority Barnoldwick to create two of the travelling Wy- chances from nothing in the thenshawe fans. second half and punish Wythenshawe. The atmosphere in the A mix of frustration and sadground was good. There was ness filled the car on the joura section of Barnoldswick ney home. fans in full spiri, especially in the second half when their team were leading at the break.

PROGRAMME I glanced through a copy and it was very basic. A few spelling errors and made of paper.

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

REVIEW SCORE: 3/10

Please note: These are not the views of Wythenshawe Football Club

STADIUM

HOSPITALITY

Parking was just outside the entrance to the didn’t use it, but was to the side of the clubground. The facilities were good, especially house. I glanced in before the game and it the multiple stands. was a decent size. It was unique in the sense of a few benches on one side of the ground for spectators to sit and watch in a different way. However, the pitch was sloped and effected the game.

SCORE: 7/10

SCORE: 8/10

FOOD & DRINK

JOURNEY

I didn’t get any but was tempted by the homemade hash pie, which was the only gluten free option. There were your standard pies available and chocolate and crisp. However, there were no sausage rolls. In terms of soft drinks there was only water and a lucozade sport as a none fizzy drink option, while a selection of beer and fizzy options were on offer.

The majority of journey from Wythenshawe was good until you exited the motorway and it was country lanes for the last 25 minutes some very narrow ones.

SCORE: 8/10

SCORE: 6/10

The repeat home was a pain when it’s darker and started spitting.

MEDIA DIARIES

CHRIS THORPE Firstly, could you talk us through your role at AFC Wimbledon, and how long you have been at the club? Have you worked anywhere previously? I’m content executive for the football club, essentially I am in charge of overseeing all forms of social media channels. I’ve been in this role for a year and a half.

The messaging will include basic details on the venue and kickoff time and also any details on ticket availability. I will then head to the stadium for around about 11am.

Here I will capture some short term video content to build up excitement, such as the players arriving, showing the ground in general etc. At 2pm I will tweet Essentially the aim is to give out the line-up graphic. fans an insight into everything that goes on here, be it first- We’ll then film the warm-up team or charity related. We and the players walking out for then look to grow our followers the pre-match handshakes. and engagements through During the game I’ll live tweet posting regular and entertaining and write up the match report. content. After the game I’ll interview the manager and deal with any Could you talk us through your press requests. typical matchday routine? At around 8am I will post our How do you prepare your Matchday Graphic, which sets weekly content on social methe scene for the day ahead. dia? Which is your favourite platform to use?

We use organisational software called Monday.com to plan our weekly content schedule. My favourite social platform to use is X but I am equally growing to like TikTok.

AFC Wimbledon have had an unbeaten start to their League Two campaign after a difficult season last year. What are the expectations around the club this time round? We don’t really discuss expectations, our focus is on getting a positive result in the next game. We have a lot of experienced players within our squad that know what it takes to be successful at the level. That will be invaluable moving forwards.

At the time of writing, you'll be preparing for a huge game against Chelsea at Plough Lane. How intense has the build up been off the pitch in the run up to the game? Naturally there’s been a lot of media interest from the likes of Sky Sports but this is a situation we embrace and we’re thriving off maximising the Which grounds do you enjoy opportunity to get as many visiting the most in the EFL? eyes on our Club as possible. I enjoyed visiting Hillsborough because of the size of it. I don’t really have a favourite,

probably the ones where we win the most! Your favourite player to have interviewed? Did you get chance to interview Akinfenwa? I enjoyed interviewing Dave Beasant, the goalkeeper who helped us to win the FA Cup in 1988. I didn’t get to interview Bayo, he had left before I joined but I would like to do so one day!

Your all time Dons 5 a side? Aaron Ramsdale, Jason Goodliffe, Barry Fuller, Danny Kedwell, Jon Main

Samuel Adewusi

Joseph Bevan

Edward Brown

Samuel Goodwin

Joel Aikenhead

Craig Coates

Adam Davis

Jnai Butterfield-Steede

Samuel Dickov

Kyle Haslam

Issac Graham

Saul Henderson

Arron Hevingham

Christopher Howard

Bryan Ly

Darrhyl Mason

Adam Owen

Paul Riley

Joshua Tinker

Luke Worth

Ryan Shenton 0

Sub

LEAGUE

App

Alexander Fowell

PLAYER

Gls

CUP

App

Sub

Gls

TOTAL App

*STATS UPTO DATA 30/08/23

BURY FC 0

WYTHENSHAWE 0

CONCEDED IN FIRST 10 MINS

BURY FC 2

WYTHENSHAWE

SCORED IN FIRST 10 MINS

BURY FC 0

WYTHENSHAWE 3

FAILED TO SCORE

BURY FC 9

WYTHENSHAWE 5

WINNING AT HALF TIME

BURY FC

WYTHENSHAWE 0

WON FROM BEHIND

STATS YOUR LOT!

IS LOYALTY THE ONLY THING STOPPING THE RISE OF THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE? Words by Paddy Gladman (@paddyg18_) 2023 has been a mindblowing year for the Saudi Pro League, with over 200 players transferring from European clubs primarily to the league.

Saudi Arabia, so what is going when no one else did” back to to stop more from joining England’s top flight, while Neymar and co? prioritising his family who are settled in Leicester. Loyalty. This week Jamie Vardy could’ve been in Saudi The Saudi Pro League’s ceiling Arabia penning down a lucra- is incredibly high - there is no tive offer from Khaleej FC. doubt about that.

This has seen over £800 million in transfer fees and astronomical wage bills which for some players hasn’t just included money … Neymar Jr’s contract at Al-Hilal not only includes £129.4 million per year, but also according to various sources: three luxury cars, FOUR Mercedes G Wagons, a van and private jet … which all should just about squeeze into his 25 room mansion.

Instead, the 36 year old who has already won: the Premier League, FA Cup and Golden Boot, helped his now Championship side Leicester City to a 2-0 win away at Tranmere It is clear why players are Rovers in round two of The leaving behind their dreams Carabao Cup. of winning the biggest European trophies with such Vardy wants to stay and help luxurious offers coming out of the side “who wanted him

However, it may be hard for the league to continue to attract settled - loyal players like Vardy, as well as younger players with ambition to succeed, unlike: Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karin Benzema, Sadio Mané and N’Golo Kante who have more or less ‘won it all’ in Europe.

THE EVOLUTION OF PEP GUARDIOLA A STUDY IN ADAPTABILITY

Words by Adam Willis At the helm of some of the world's most prestigious football clubs, Pep Guardiola has etched his name into the stratosphere of football management. However, Pep's path to success hasn't been merely a product of a stubborn adherence to one successful methodology. Instead, his journey reflects a man consistently evolving, learning, and unceasingly adapting. Guardiola started his managerial career at FC Barcelona in 2008, where he revolutionized football with a style of play fondly referred to as 'Tiki

-Taka.' short passing, movement, and maintaining possession, allowed Barcelona to dominate Europe, winning two UEFA Champions League titles among multiple other honours. This approach was a reflection of Guardiola's philosophy in its early stage, deeply influenced by Johan Cruyff's ideologies. Transition to Bayern Munich in 2013 saw Guardiola challenged to adapt to a new league with different dynamics. Critics were keen to see if his Tiki-Taka philosophy could achieve similar results beyond Spain's borders.

The adaptation was startling yet effective. While core principles of possession and intense pressing remained, he introduced more verticality to his team's play. Bayern’s physicality and the presence of clinical finishers like Robert Lewandowski forced Guardiola to modify his style, making it more direct while maintaining possession-based football.

The incorporation of 'Gegenpressing' or counterpressing, a strategy intended to win back the ball immediately after losing it, was another significant shift.

Although prevalent during his Barcelona tenure, it was intensified further at Bayern. Guardiola was learning and adapting, shaping his tactical tenets with pragmatism, resulting in Bayern's dominance in the Bundesliga and substantial performance in Europe during his tenure. Guardiola's move in 2016 to Manchester City presented another test of adaptability. The English Premier League's physicality, pace, and competitive nature presented a new set of challenges. Under Guardiola's tutelage, City transitioned into one of the most formidable outfits in Europe. From the outset, detractors questioned Guardiola's ability to transplant his possessionbased football to the rigorities of the English game. It seemed justified when City struggled initially. But the Catalan's unwavering belief in his principles, combined with his willingness to adapt, saw Manchester City emerge triumphant. He fine-tuned the squad by integrating indispensable elements of English play - hard graft, fast transitions,

and a more pragmatic ap- footballing philosophy with proach complementing his the unique demands and possession-oriented football. attributes of each team and league. His adaptability unGuardiola innovatively uti- derpins his success, rendering lized full-backs, often deploy- him more than a dogmatic ing them in central midfield adherent to a particular style, positions off-the-ball. This but a football sage capable of approach enhanced team growth, evolution, and transbalance and maintained pass- formation. ing triangles, a prime feature of Guardiola's fluid football. Hence, Pep Guardiola's story Moreover, implementing the is one of both philosophical concept of 'False 9,' where consistency and adaptability. conventional striker often His is a testament to the powdrifts deep, added a layer of er of understanding the game unpredictability to City's deeply and being willing to attack. evolve with it. As he continues to challenge and change Guardiola's evolution is a the face of modern football, testament to his genius, his one important message prepassion for the game, and his vails - success is an outcome commitment to continuous of adaptability, continuous learning. Each stage of his learning, and evolution. As career demonstrates his abil- football continues to evolve, ity to blend his core so surely, will Pep Guardiola.

SOCHAUX IS

IMPORTANT Words by Stephen Brandt French Club League Football is one of the most maligned leagues in the world. While there are other leagues that have a dominant club at the top, Bundesliga, that get much more exposure.

Courtois, Abegglen, Di Lorto) which was molded into a top football side in the 1930s. It took the club less than ten years to become a major team in French Football. Jean -Pierre Peugeot, the boss of Peugeot Auto, decided that in 1928 the city needed a top Once the narrative switches level club. and people respect the French leagues, they will see A year later he recruited how good France actually can French and foreign stars, be. The history of the game in whom he admitted to paying the country is also fun to look at the time, when there was a at as well. wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more at the time. In the In 1928, FC Sochaux became ranks was Lozes, Mattler, the first professional French Maschinot, Boros, and football club. They became Lehmann. FCSM after the merger with AS Montbeliard in 1930, and By the end of the Peugeot launched the Peugeot in Cup in 1932, the FFF decided 1932. , the predecessor to the to adopt professionalism for French Championships. This the clubs, and league champiclub had a massive group of onships. stars lead by club President Jean-Pierre Peugeot (Mattler,

FCSM entered the new league championships looking to win it all, but in 1932/32 missed the top spot.

Conrad Ross an Uruguayan from Penarol was brought in to right the ship. Roger Courtois, and Andre Abegglen, the attack was impressive scoring 94 goals, only losing four times, on route to win the 1934/1935 French Championship. The following season FCSM only came fourth, but won the Coupe de France, 1936/1937 against Strasbourg. That year they finished second. This dip in form did not last long as FCSM in 1937/1938 won their second championship during a yearlong struggle with OM.

FCSM during this time, did 1967), while participating in not suffer from the large European competitions from wage inflation that was hap- 1972. pening. They opened one of the first The club after World War Two training centers in 1974, had a policy of recruitment which allowed them to have called Lionceaux. This method a great season in 1981. They allowed the young talent to were the vice-champion of come into the side, and keep France, and in the semi-final the club at the highest levels of the UEFA Cup. in France. The next group of talent comThey were in two Coupe de ing through was lead by France Finals (1959, and Stephane Paille that played in

the Coupe de France final in 1988. Once we got into the 2000’s the club was struggling in Division Two, the club renovated it’s infrastructure, and reaffirmed its training policy. It allowed them to play in five European champaigns and winning the Coupe de la Ligue in 2004, and the Coupe de France in 2007.

THE SQUADS Chris HOWARD Ryan SHENTON Bryan LY Joel AIKENHEAD Joe BEVAN Eddie BROWN Sam ADEWUSI Saul HENDERSON Luke WORTH Paul RILEY Arron HEVINGHAM Declan LAMB

MANAGER: Andy Welsh

BURY

Kyle HASLAM

WYTHENSHAWE

MANAGER: Shane Goldrick

Jack ATKINSON Niall BATTERSBY Andy BRIGGS Connor COMBER Carl DICKINSON Sajjad ELHASSAN Lewis GILBOY Sean HIGGINS Andrew HOLLINS Tom KILLIFIN Daniel LAFFERTY Jack LENEHAN Benito LOWE

JNai BUTTERFIELD-STEEDE

Jordi NSAKA

Craig COATES

Darius PALMA

Jardel DEPEIAZA

Chris ROWNEY

Sam GOODWIN

Jack TINNING

Isaac GRAHAM

Gareth PEET

Adam OWEN

Matthew WILLIAMS

Joshua TINKER

Luis DERBYSHIRE