28.07.15
04.0815
jon robinson
Hello everyone, and welcome back after what seems like a very short summer break, not least for me and Edgy who have been very busy building a squad which is worthy of the Evostik Premier. A special welcome to our friends from Burnley and Bolton Wanderers as well as tonight’s officials. It feels great to be able to assemble a new squad and watch it take shape after the upset and rush of last season. The lads who got us through the latter part of last season did a fantastic job given the circumstances, but we knew that would never be a squad to make any great shakes. It has been a pleasure to watch some of the training sessions and performances that these new players have put in over the last few weeks, and I’m sure they’ll do us proud tonight. In the signings we have been looking for quality, commitment, and players that believe in our brand of football - we’re looking to get the ball down and shift it around the pitch rather than the long ball crap that you end up resorting to if you’re not quite up to competing fully at this level. We have looked at a good few young players as well as a mixture of experience. To me it's all about finding the right balance:- in a young player you get a hunger and desire to prove they can cut it and you end up with players who grow to your beliefs. In older players you get a wiser head as well as some assurance and leadership (we all know what Alan Hansen said). We have brought in players to suit every position, as well as still having the quality lads we were
lucky enought to attract last season, such as Jamie Rother and Matty Burke. Bringing back ‘the Mercurial’ Grant Spencer and Lee Pugh, and retaining Lee Gaskell, David KubaKuba and in particular inspirational keeper Grant Shenton has been a big bonus. All of these are top notch players who very much figure in our plans. New coach Wayne Goodison is someone I have known for going on ten years - he coached me at Salford and he has been around the non league scene a lot of years. He brings experience that is invaluable to me and Phil - the work the three of us have done together is something I hope will speak for itself on the pitch and give are loyal rammy fans what they deserve, and that's a quality brand of football. Pre-season has been very good so far and I have really enjoyed having the time and space to work on some things and get a good idea of our strengths. We have welcomed new players and said goodbye to old ones - this is the start of a new era at Rammy; one that I hope will be fruitful for all. The first games of the season will be the total opposite of pre-season. It's when business starts; its when people actually start to watch; its when our job becomes tough and it's the moment we all look forward to throughout the summer. To all the fans I hope we deliver the kind of performances and results that you deserve across the next few months, and I hope everyone enjoys the two home friendlies we face against real top-quality opposition.
tony cunningham
Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. OK, so it’s only for pre-season friendlies, but we all know that when these come around, the real thing is just round the corner! It’s been an enjoyable break after the traumas of last season, and the three months have given everyone at the club time to breathe and regroup. Not that it has been quiet down here at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium! As you enter the gates, you will again see a stadium in pristine condition. This is not by accident! The amount of work carried on since the Matlock Town game has been quite phenomenal. 60 tons of soil has been spread on the pitch, along with re-seeding, and drainage work has been carried out at various points. The paintwork on the stands has been scraped away and reapplied. New fencing panels (almost 30 of them) have been replaced, as has the floor of the Teabar. The perimeter walls have been given a new coat of paint, along with the turnstiles and main gates, as well as general trimming of the grassed areas and weeding on the terraces and walkways. And, incredibly, all this has been carried out on a voluntary basis by a group of supporters who have given their time willingly for the good of the club. On many occasions, Harry and the two Jacks have been accompanied by up to ten volunteers a day. A massive “Thank you” goes out to everyone who has helped out during the closed season. Your efforts really are appreciated! WELCOME For our two pre-season games, we welcome two big local Lancashire
clubs, both of whom have been kind enough to come down and support their small local non-league side. We thank both Burnley and Bolton Wanderers for supporting the nonleague game, and we hope that their visits encourage them to create a bond with the Rams for the future. BURNLEY The Clarets have had a terrific last few seasons, bouncing up and down between the Premier League and the Championship. Burnley are the classic case of a football club rooted very much within it’s town and residents. The smallest town ever to win the top tier, with the largest average gate compared to the population of the town, it’s pull is evident with the huge numbers of former players, from around the country, who make their home there after their careers are over. Yet 30 years ago, things were rather different. Just over 20 years after that championship and an appearance at Wembley in the FA Cup final, the very prospect of the club being kicked-out of the Football League was a genuine threat. Many will proclaim to have been present, but I can honestly say “I was there” as they took on Leyton Orient at Turf Moor in a desperate bid to preserve their league status. The atmosphere was quite surreal. Top referee George Courtney was brought in as a replacement, considering the importance of the match. The tenseness was thick in the air, but ultimately the crowd dispersed safely in the knowledge that the team had done enough to prevent what would have been the ultimate footballing disaster as far as league positions are concerned.
Since then, there has been a massive turn-around in the Clarets fortunes, and I wish them well in their quest for a speedy return to the Premier League. BOLTON WANDERERS I have watched the Trotters on many occasions over the years, and seen some excellent games down at the old Burnden Park. They, too, have had their fair share of problems over the years. At one time, the finances dictated that part of the Railway end be sold off and turned into a Co-op supermarket, creating a weird look to that end, and in effect, signalling that the club’s stay at their traditional venue would not be far from ending. After watching a game at Chorley, I ventured over to Horwich, and looked at what I thought was the site
of the proposed new stadium. I met up with another chap who was also doing the same thing (good to know I’m not on my own!), and we took photos of ourselves stood in the middle of an empty field on the basis that we would look back in years to come at us being in the position of the new ground. As it happens we were both about 300 yards away from the actual site! Not long afterwards, I ventured to watch Burnden being demolished, and took photos dangling rather precariously from the old railway bridge that crosses the A666. What I’ll do for my hobby of photographing football grounds! Good luck to Neil Lennon and his side as they too look for a return to the lofty heights of the Premier League.
Two of the volunteers taking a break from painting to have a go at the football equivalent of playing air guitar
tonight’s opposition
tonight’s opposition
Bolton Wanderers Football Club had humble beginnings in 1874 when it was known as Christchurch FC. However, by 1877, there was a disagreement between the players and members and the then Christchurch president, Reverend Joseph Farell Wright. The committee convened a meeting at The Gladstone Hotel, where they became known as Bolton Wanderers. At this point, home matches took place at the Recreation Ground, which was locally referred to as Dick Cockles Field. Up to the formation of The Football League, all Bolton’s matches were mainly friendlies or Lancashire Cup games. The Wanderers first major competition participation came in the 1881/82 season when they entered the FA Cup. Their first tie was against a local team, Eagley, which ended in a 5-5 draw. In the replay, Bolton won 1-0. It was also in this year that the team moved home and played matches at Pikes Lane. One of the biggest problems during the 1880’s was the thorny subject of professionalism. On more than one occasion Wanderers fell foul of this. In the 1884/85 season they withdrew from the cup, along with opponents, Preston Zingari. In 1888, Bolton became founder members of the Football League and finished 5th out of the twelve teams. In February 1890, Bolton achieved what is still a club record when they defeated Sheffield United 13-0 in an FA Cup 2nd round tie. It was in the FA Cup that Bolton excelled and reached the final in 1894, but was beaten by Notts County 4-1 at Goodison Park. Perhaps the most significant move came in 1895 when the Wanderers once again “moved
house”, this time to the much loved Burnden Park. They even staged an FA Cup Final replay between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United here in 1901, with Tottenham winning. Bolton had varying luck in the league and tended to be a mid-table side until 1899 when they suffered relegation for the first time and the same fate on another 3 occasions during the next 10 years. Although relegation came in 1903, they did manage to reach the 1904 FA Cup Final, but lost against local rivals, Manchester City 1-0 at The Crystal Palace, despite being a 2nd Division side. John Somerville became the club’s first manager in 1908; previously the directors had governed team selection! Wanderers performed well after returning to the top division before league and cup football was suspended in 1915/16 and replaced by more localised league matches due to WW1. On the cessation of war, Bolton took up where they left off, achieving a best ever league placing of 3rd in 1921. However, it was in the cup that Bolton Wanderers gained much success in the 20’s, winning the famous trophy 3 times (1923-1926-
Winners of the 1923 ‘White Horse’ FA Cup Final against Tottenham, the first final at Wembley, which was attended by an estimated 200,000 people
1929). The first win against West Ham United in 1923 was equally famous for being known as “The White Horse” final. This was the first final held at Wembley Stadium, with an official crowd of 126,000 being supplemented by people rushing barriers. An estimated 200,000 plus attended the match, many standing along the touchlines; it’s hard to imagine what it must have been like for the players. Cup success bred confidence in the team and it showed in the league table where Bolton consistently finished well placed in the upper half. The sale of star forward, David Jack, to Arsenal for £10,750 (a record fee) caused ripples of discontent. Slowly, Bolton became less dominant and
was relegated with Blackpool in 1933. They regained 1st Division status in 1935 and came close to another FA Cup Final appearance. In the semifinal, they took West Bromwich Albion to a replay, finally losing 2-0. Despite the opening 3 games taking place in the 1939/40 season, the outbreak of war again saw league and cup football suspended for 6 years. Once more, football became regionally based, with matches doubling for War Cup and Lancashire Cup matches. Wanderers only success during the war years came in the cup. Bolton won the War Cup North in 1945 beating Manchester United 3-2 over the two legged final.
tonight’s opposition
As winners, they went on to meet Chelsea (South winners) for the FA War Cup Final; Wanderers won the tie 2-1. In an FA Cup match against Stoke City in 1946, 33 people lost their lives at Burnden when the incoming fans caused a surge. Barriers and fences gave way under the pressure. Bolton signed its most famous player, Nat Lofthouse, in September 1939, although Lofty had to wait for his full debut until March 1941 when he scored 2 goals in a 5-1 mauling of Bury in the Football League North. A meagre crowd of 1,587 attended which shows how the war affected crowd levels. His style of play could be described as robust; he was a typical centre forward of his era. He played hard and, by modern standards, took the game beyond the rules. However, despite his hard style, Nat was also on the receiving end from some pretty fearsome defenders (Bolton had theirs too), yet he accepted this as a hazard of being a centre forward and never complained. After the disappointment of missing out on a cup final medal in 1953, Nat finally gained his in 1958. The final itself was clouded by the Munich Air Disaster in the February where 8 Manchester United players lost their lives. Naturally, the British always like the underdog and, in the circumstances, the groundswell of sympathy and opinion of the country (except Bolton) was with United. Nat opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, with the score remaining until early in the second half. United had very nearly equalised before Lofty scored probably the FA Cup’s most controversial goal. Dennis Stevens’ shot was parried by keeper
Harry Gregg, who was then unceremoniously bundled over the goal line, ball and all, by Nat’s shoulder charge. The goal stood as keepers were there to be challenged in those days. In the modern game, the goal would not have stood. How the game has changed! In the 4 finals Bolton have won, they never conceded a goal. Nat’s goals brought the cup back to Bolton, which is still Bolton Wanderers’ last major success. Injury curtailed Nat’s playing days in 1960. This didn’t end his involvement with the club. He went on to serve as manager, although he never enjoyed the role, and manager of the Social Suite at Burnden. Finally, he was made President of the club he had loyally stayed with throughout. Nat passed away in January 2011 after an illness. Slowly, Bolton found it increasingly difficult to compete with the big city clubs, as did most of the other mill town clubs in the North West. Relegation came again in 1964 and heralded Bolton’s longest absence at the time from the 1st Division until 1978. During that period, there were many memorable cup ties; 3-0 against Manchester City springs to mind, when a Garry Jones hat-trick sank the city slickers in front of 42,000 at Burnden. 1977 saw a long League Cup run that was ended by an Everton 2-1 aggregate win. The home leg (lost 1-0) was the last 50,000 plus crowd seen at Burnden Park. Limitations and segregation by fences vastly reduced ground capacity. The return to the top flight only lasted 2 seasons and this was where the club began to suffer financially as the club slipped down to the 4th
Division in 1987, thankfully for one season only. It really was that bad and the club came close to bankruptcy. Bolton needed someone who could get the severity of the situation over to supporters, and, who better to do this than Nat Lofthouse, someone we had a rapport with. Lifeline was born with pledges of £2 a week with cash draws as incentive. The supporters responded with the pledged funds keeping the club ticking over. Gradually, times improved with another final at Wembley achieved in the lesser known Sherpa Van Trophy, as opponents Torquay United lost 4-1. The team improved as did the crowds, but it was the arrival of Bruce Rioch that moved the club to another level. He demanded his team played proper football, the passing game. The players took to the idea and supporters gave approval in increasing numbers. Bruce laid the foundations for the future success of Bolton Wanderers in subsequent seasons. However, after leading them to the Premier League in 1995, via an never to be forgotten 4-3 win over Reading in the play off, Rioch opted to take up an offer to manage Arsenal. It wasn’t the best way to begin life in the toughest of leagues and relegation came after a season. The new home of Bolton Wanderers, The Reebok Stadium, was ready for football in 1997 and what better way to celebrate 102 years of history at Burnden Park than to leave triumphantly as champions of what was the old 2nd Division in record style with 98 points and 100 league goals. However, pretty football does not guarantee success at a higher level and so it proved once again after one season. Sam Allardyce arrived in October
1999 with a different style of football, not as pleasing to the eye, but sure to get results. Sam had two near misses that season. Wanderers missed out in the FA Cup, losing the semi-final to Aston Villa on penalties and also a controversial play off Semi-Final to Ipswich. What a difference a season makes as Bolton missed out on automatic promotion, but managed to beat Preston North End 3-0 at Cardiff to win promotion to the Premier League. Premier League football lasted for 11 seasons in a period when the names of players who came to the club resembled a who’s who of football. If Sam had a legacy, it would be bringing European games to The Reebok, something the older generation would have never thought possible. Gary Megson, who took over from Allardyce, also led the Wanderers into Europe. Who would have thought that the mighty Bayern Munich would be held 2-2 in Munich and Athletico Madrid defeated over two legs. Heady days! Bolton’s tenure in the Premier League ended in 2012 with a 2-2 draw at Stoke City. Since then they have struggled and only with the recent appointment of Neil Lennon has there been a chink of light of what might lie ahead. Past achievements count for nothing, but Lennon is moulding his own side now and will have high expectations of them. Whichever way the season goes, history shows that football life for Bolton Wanderers’ supporters is like a roller coaster. - words and photos kindly provided by Rammy and Wanderers Supporter Trevor James.
tonight’s
opposition
tonight’s opposition
In 1882 Burnley Football Club was founded after Burnley Rovers decided to change their allegiance from rugby union to football. The club played their first competitive match in October 1882 against Astley Bridge in the Lancashire Challenge Cup, which ended in an eight nil defeat. Burnley moved to Turf Moor in 1883, the ground being their home still to this day, with only near neighbours Preston North End occupying the same ground continuously for longer. Burnley’s first appearance in the FA Cup came in the 1885/86 season, due to eligibility restrictions they had to field a reserve side and the game finished in a resounding eleven nil defeat to Darwen. They became founder members of the Football League when it was formed in 1888, finishing ninth out of a league of twelve in the first year of the competition. The following season saw Burnley collect their first of silverware, defeating close rivals Blackburn
Rovers two nil to win the Lancashire Cup. The 1910/11 season saw Burnley change their colours to the now famous claret and blue, which was in recognition to Aston Villa, who dominated the early years of the Football League. After a number of years in the Second Division, ‘The Clarets’ finally gained promotion back to the top league in 1913; they also reached the semi-final of the FA Cup. The following season saw Burnley go one better in the country’s premier cup competition; with a one nil win over Liverpool sealing victory with the cup presented by a reigning monarch, King George V, for the first time. The Claret’s first League Championship was won in 1921, this despite losing their first three games. A thirty match unbeaten run saw the title sealed, a record that stood until Arsenal went unbeaten throughout the whole of the 2003/04 season. Relegation in 1930 saw the club struggle for
the next fifteen years; this period also included narrowly avoiding a further relegation by two points in 1932. The first season after the Second World War had ended saw Burnley’s fortunes change with promotion back to the First Division and another FA Cup Final appearance, where they were beaten by Charlton Athletic at Wembley. Former player Harry Potts took over as manager during the 1950’s, which saw the Claret’s finally become a force in the Football League. Burnley won the championship for the first time in 1960 after a tense battle with both Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the title clinched at Maine Road against Manchester City. The following year pitched Burnley into European football for the first time and another FA Cup semi-final appearance. The 1970’s started with relegations and promotions, before a disastrous end to the decade saw Burnley relegated to the third division for the first time in their history. Under the lead-
ership of Brian Miller, Burnley did return to the second division for one season in 1982. Despite being relegated again, they did make the semi-finals of the League Cup, beating both Spurs and Liverpool during their run. By the end of the 1984/85 season the Burnley faithful surely could not believe that life could get any worse as the Clarets found themselves dropping into the bottom tier of the Football League for the very first time. Two seasons later the Football League introduced automatic promotion and relegation between the league and the top tier of non-league football. A horrendous season, which included a first round FA Cup defeat to non-league Telford, saw Burnley go into the final game needing a win to stay up. Fortunately a two one victory at Leyton Orient, coupled with a loss by Lincoln City meant Burnley’s Football League status was retained.
tonight’s opposition
Burnley’s recovery started in the early 1990’s when they were the last club to win the old Fourth Division. Promotion to Division One followed two years later, but their stay only lasted a season, before Stan Ternent took the Claret’s back up to the second tire of English football in 2000. Their stay in the newly named Championship would last a further nine years before an Owen Coyle inspired side reached the Premier League via a one nil win against Sheffield United at Wembley in the Play-Offs. The team started well in the top flight and they recorded a one nil home win over Manchester United. With Burnley’s form starting to dip, Owen Coyle left to take over at Bolton Wanderers and was replaced by Brian laws. Unfortunately the new management team could not stop them slipping out the Premier League after one season, although they did go down fighting beating Spurs four two at home on the last day of the season.
Brian Laws was dismissed midway through the next campaign and replaced with Eddie Howe, an exciting young manager. Burnley never really threatened the promotion contenders and Howe left to join Bournemouth in October 2012 and was replaced with former Watford manager, Sean Dyche. The 2013/14 season saw Burnley finish as runnersup in the Championship, gaining promotion back to the Premier
League. Again their stay in the country’s top flight was only to be for one season and Burnley were relegated back to Championship with two games to play, this despite an away at relegation rivals Hull City. It will be interesting to see how Burnley adjust to life back in the Championship this season, especially with the loss of prolific striker Danny Ings who has joined Liverpool and Kieran Trippier who has moved to
the capital with Spurs. I am sure come the start of the new season the Claret’s will be amongst the favourites to gain promotion back to the Premier Legaue.
- words kindly provided by Gareth Bird.
fixtures & results 2015-16 This season we want to hear first-hand what our supporters think about everything, from team and player performances right through to what everyone thought of the pies and the parking! To that end, we’ve had printed a load of ‘Have Your Say’ cards, which you can pick up near the tea-bar. Onto these you can write your thoughts and then post them into the boxes near the exits as you leave. These will be available at every game from now on. Alternatively, you can use your phone to text TV444 followed by your comment to 82055. These cost the same as any other text you would send. The comments will be given to Robbo/Harry etc, and will be posted to @RammyReaction on Twitter. The best will be published in the programme. For your chance to win a Chocolate Cafe hamper, worth over £40, all you have to do is write your email address on a card, and post it in the box on your way out - don’t worry, we won’t spam you with junk mail!
Sick of missing out on getting a programme? Get your copy reserved for the season by getting in touch with Rob on 07944 038512, or by emailing: rob@rammyunited.co.uk
Can you spare an hour or so to deliver fixtures leaflets around your neighbours? Please get in touch with Katie on 07836 556177 or by email: supporters@rammyunited.co.uk
jon robinson manager Date of birth: 28/12/81 Hometown: Salford Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Irlam, Flixton, Salford, Bacup, New Mills Height: 5ft 9ins Occupation: Maintenance Worker Married? Kids? Married to Hayley. Son Isaac (2) Favourite music: Indie and American Rock Favourite food: Italian / Spanish Joined Rammy: September 2009 Description: Scrapping striker who scores a huge number of goals by sheer willpower. Surprisingly deadly in the air. A Rammy lad through and through, he took over the managerial reins in January 2015.
who’s who?
meet the brand new rammy squad for 2015/16
grant shenton Since then, there has been a massive turn-around in the Clarets fortunes, and I wish them well in their quest for a speedy return to the Premier League.
goalkeeper BOLTON WANDERERS
I have watched the Trotters on many occasions over the years, and seen some excellent games down at the old Burnden Park. They, too, have had their fair share of problems over the years. At one time, the finances dictated that part
Date of birth: 28/01/91 Hometown: Newton Heath Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Moston Brook, Maine Road Height: 6ft 2ins Occupation: Claims company Case Manager Most memorable moment: Beating Salford late-on, with Kieran Pickup scoring. Married? Kids? Engaged with two children Favourite music: Rolling Stones, Elvis, Oasis, Smiths, Johnny Cash Favourite food: Mediterranean, especially tapas Joined Rammy: 5years ago Words for the fans: Hope everyone enjoys the new chapter in the club’s history. Description: Charismatic and influential goalkeeper whose vision helps score as many goals as his athleticism denies.
ashley shenton goalkeeper Date of birth: 27/02/87 Hometown: Manchester Favourite team: Manchester City Former clubs: Failsworth Dynamos Height: 5ft 11ins Occupation: Warehouse Supervisor Most memorable moment: Winning the Lancashire Amateur League with Failsworth Favourite music: House Favourite food: Chinese Joined Rammy: July 2015 Description: Older brother of ďŹ rst-choice keeper Grant Shenton. Exceptional reserve keeper to have on the books.
lee pugh left back Date of birth: 26/05/92 Hometown: Rossendale Favourite team: Burnley Former clubs: Bury, Hyde, Bacup, Clitheroe, Chester Height: 6ft Occupation: Production Planner for a filtration company Most memorable moment: Getting a Youth Training contract, and last year’s playoff with Rammy. Married? Kids? No Favourite music: Deep House - I’m matchday DJ for the players. Favourite food: Sunday Roast Joined Rammy: Christmas 2013 Description: No nonsense hard-man with a huge long throw and mean free kick.
kyle harrop right back Date of birth: 22/05/87 Hometown: Chadderton Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Curzon Ashton, Bacup, Trafford, Sorrento, Mandurah, Ashton United, Nantwich Height: 6ft Occupation: Builder specialising in loft conversions Married? Kids? No Favourite music: Motown Favourite food: Cheese! Joined Rammy: January 2015 Words for the fans: I’m really looking forward to being part of a team pushing promotion. We can get there! Description: Full back or holding midďŹ elder
ben woods wing-back Date of birth: 1/7/97 Hometown: Manchester Favourite team: Arsenal Former clubs: Hough End Griffins Height: 5ft 10ins Occupation: Student Favourite music: RnB, Afro Beats Favourite food: Nandos Joined Rammy: July 2015 Description: Fast full back back who likes to get forward and cause a bit of trouble on the wing.
andy ďŹ tzgerald centre back / right back Date of birth: 22/12/93 Hometown: Stockport Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Manchester United, Blackburn, Stockport, Curzon Ashton, Hyde Height: 6ft 1in Joined Rammy: July 2015 Occupation: Sports Coach and Herbalife Distributor Most memorable moment: Making my debut in the Conference Premier in front of 3000 fans. Favourite music: Old School RnB Favourite food: Spaghetti Carbonara Joined Rammy: July 2015 Words for the fans: I came to Rammy on loan a couple of seasons ago, and the fans are the main reason I decided to come back. I hope we will give you all something to be proud of this season. Description: Hard working full back or holding midďŹ elder with a great pedigree.
andy dawson centre half Date of birth: 19/9/85 Hometown: Rochdale Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Roach Dynamos, Blackburn, Radcliffe Height: 6ft 3ins Occupation: Warehouse Supervisor Most memorable moment: Winning the Northwest Counties and two promotions with Rammy. Married? Kids? Married to Sarah. Favourite music: RnB Favourite food: Chicken stir-fry Words for the fans: Keep on making the noise home and away, it’s a great boost! Description: A Rammy favourite and one of the club’s longest serving players, Andy has struggled with injury for the past three season, but after a series of knee operations is back in the squad.
kieran nolan centre half Date of birth: 12/1/97 Hometown: Salford Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers Height: 6ft 1in Joined Rammy: July 2015 Most memorable moment: Playing against Ajax in Holland and meeting Dennis Bergkamp. Biggest influence: My family have always ben a huge influence keeping me focused on trying to become a footballer. Favourite food: Nandos and Indian Joined Rammy: July 2015 Words for the fans: I hope that I can bring something new to the team and please the fans by putting in good performances and winning games. Description: Skillful young centre back who’s come through Bolton Wanderers Academy setup. Very brave, creative and has huge potential.
callum jones centre half Date of birth: 10/05/90 Hometown: Salford Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Hindsford, Ashton Athletic, Trafford Height: 6ft 1ins Occupation: Pest Controller Most memorable moment: Married? Kids? Engaged. Son AlďŹ e (2) Favourite music: Funky House & Indie Favourite food: Italian Joined Rammy: January 2015 Description: No-nonsense centre-half
prince haywood midfielder Date of birth: 2/4/92 Hometown: Modena, Italy Former clubs: Modenese, Virtus Pavullese, Stalybridge, Hindsford, Colwyn Bay Height: 5ft 7ins Joined Rammy: July 2015 Favourite team: Inter Milan and Chelsea Most memorable moment: Playing in front of 6000 spectators and reaching the Cheshire Senior Cup Final. Biggest influence: My mother and childhood best friend. Favourite food: Lasagne Words for the fans: I’d like to prove myself, have a good season and hopfully help Rammy reach the playoffs. Description: No nonsense hardworking midfielder with bags of experience despite his young age.
melford knight midďŹ elder Former clubs: New Mills, Glossop, Runcorn Linnets, Mossley, Trafford Joined Rammy: July 2015 Description: Strong and experienced midďŹ elder who likes to get stuck in.
alex meaney attacking midfielder Former clubs: Stockport, Lancaster, Nantwich, Chorley, Skelmersdale, Curzon Ashton Joined Rammy: July 2015 Description: A left-footed attacking midfielder with a great eye for reading the play.
zack hargreaves midfielder Date of birth: 18/10/98 Hometown: Bury Favourite team: Burnley Former clubs: Bury, Burnley Height: 5ft 11ins Joined Rammy: July 2015 Occupation: Student Most memorable moment: Winning the league with Bury. Married? Kids? Girlfriend Ella Favourite music: Catfish and the Bottlemen Favourite food: Pasta Joined Rammy: July 2015 Description: Young and nippy midfielder with great skill and masses of potential.
jake cliffe midďŹ elder Date of birth: 14/9/95 Hometown: Bury Favourite team: Liverpool Former clubs: Preston, Bury Height: 5ft 11ins Joined Rammy: January 2015 Description: Young and very promising midďŹ elder who really impressed last season.
jamie rother central midfielder Date of birth: 28/01/1991 Hometown: Middleton Favourite team: Manchester City Former clubs: Oldham Athletic, Salford, Bacup, New Mills Height: 5ft 8ins Occupation: Contracts Manager for a construction company Most memorable moment: Playing against the ‘class of 92’ in front of 12,000 people Married? Kids? No Joined Rammy: December 2014 Description: A hard-working midfielder who likes getting stuck in.
matty burke central midfielder Date of birth: 14/12/1985 Hometown: Salford Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Blackpool, Salford, Barrow, Vauxhall Motors, Hyde, Alfreton Town, Ashton United, Stafford Rangers, Droylsden Height: 6ft 1ins Occupation: Maintenance Worker in care homes Most memorable moment: Playing for England Schoolboys U18s Married? Kids? Engaged to Rachel with a son Freddie (8 months) and stepdaughter Olivia (8). Favourite music: House or Old School Favourite food: A good steak! Joined Rammy: January 2015 Words for the fans: Keep the faith as we’ll do the job! Description: No-nonsense hardworking and creative midfielder.
david kuba-kuba winger / midfielder Date of birth: 1/3/95 Hometown: London Favourite team: Arsenal Former clubs: Preston, FC United Height: 5ft 8ins Occupation: Student Description: Handy player who’s strong and confident on the ball. Extremely influential last season for Rammy.
grant spencer creative midfielder Date of birth: 4/10/91 Hometown: Manchester Favourite team: Manchester City Former clubs: Bolton, Salford, Styal, Curzon, Rossendale, Hyde Joined Rammy: July 2015 Height: 5ft 7ins Occupation: Recruitment Consultant, Football Coach Most memorable moment: Playing in the Youth Cup Quarter Final at Anfield Married? Kids? Girlfriend Charlotte Favourite food: Chinese Description: Creative midfielder and winger who has the ability to take on anyone and deliver a great ball. He has an eye for the sensational and is worth almost a goal a game.
tom hartley striker / attacking midďŹ elder Date of birth: 11/11/96 Hometown: Rawtenstall Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Moston, Rammy Youth Height: 5ft 7ins Occupation: Bricklayer Most memorable moment: Winning the FA County Youth Cup with Lancashire twice. Married? Kids? No Favourite music: Anything, even Justin Bieber haha Joined Rammy: August 2012 Description: Tough and skillful young striker / attacking midďŹ elder who is a very exciting prospect for the future.
clevon beadle right wide player Date of birth: 19/12/95 Hometown: Manchester Former clubs: Trafford, Radcliffe Height: 5ft 11ins Joined Rammy: July 2015 Description: Leggy young winger with bags of pace who likes to run at defenders and can deliver a mean cross.
rhys nevins forward Date of birth: 25/5/88 Hometown: Manchester Former clubs: New Mills, Maine Road, Jamaica U17s Height: 6ft 1in Joined Rammy: July 2015 Description: Fast, skillful and strong attacking player with a great touch and an eye for goal.
luke heron winger Date of birth: 24/03/96 Hometown: Bury Favourite team: Manchester City Former clubs: Oldham Athletic, Trafford Height: 6ft Occupation: Student Most memorable moment: Getting promotion with Garry Vaughan’s 2012/13 Trafford team Married? Kids? No Favourite music: House and Rock Favourite food: Chinese Joined Rammy: January 2015 Description: Young wide player who joins Rammy after 2½ seasons with Trafford.
lee gaskell striker Date of birth: 07/02/85 Hometown: Bury Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Bury, Morecambe, Trafford, Warrington Height: 6ft Occupation: Electrician Most memorable moment: Winning the playoffs with Rammy, and playing live on TV in the FA Cup 2nd Round. Married? Kids? Girlfriend Lindsay Favourite music: It’s Not Unusual by Tom Jones is my Karaoke favourite Favourite food: Curry Joined Rammy: August 2010 Description: Tall and classy striker who has an eye for the spectacular but isn’t afraid to work hard for the cause.
harun bhatti club physio Date of birth: 31/12/91 Hometown: Burnley Favourite team: Arsenal Former clubs: Burnley, Blackburn Rovers, Accrington Stanley Height: 6ft 2ins Occupation: Car Salesman Most memorable moment: Representing England at U14s and meeting Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney at Blackburn Rovers Academy. Married? Kids? No Favourite music: RnB and loads of other stuff Favourite food: Anything chicken Joined Rammy: August 2014 Words for the fans: We have some of the best fans in football, particularly given how far we have to travel. Keep up the good work.
wayne goodison coach Hometown: WakďŹ eld Former clubs: Barnsley, Crewe, Rochdale, Hyde, Accrington, Buxton Joined Rammy: May 2015 Description: Vastly experienced coach with some great ideas for getting the best out of his players. Former right-back, playing over 200 matches in professional football.
phil edghill assistant manager Date of birth: 13/09/79 Hometown: Oldham Favourite team: Manchester United Former clubs: Rochdale, Ashton United, Chadderton, Rossendale, Curzon Ashton, Hyde, Salford Height: 6ft Most memorable moment: Winning the Conference North with Hyde Married? Kids? Engaged with three kids Favourite music: RnB Favourite food: Chicken curry Joined Rammy: January 2015 Description: Versatile ball-playing midfielder who’s happy to play anywhere on the pitch. Intelligent, mature and articulate addition to Rammy’s management staff.
mark molyneaux goalkeeping coach Description: Ex Rossendale United manager turned goalkeeping coach. Well known for his slightly bizarre sense of humour.
THLY G N O M THE INGIN ES R B E UR ZIN MAGA NSIVE FEAT OM XTE YOU E RTICLES FR E &A AGU E L N O ALL N TBALL FOO
OR T
E -LEAGU N O N E H
FANS!
YOUR H T I W US TOS: L O I T H A P M R E PLEASE S, ARTICLES O COM , VIEW ONLEAGUE. S E R U T N FEA R@THE AZINE F G A M E H
EDITO
BUY BUY Y YOUR YO OUR MATCH MATCH H DA DAY DAY CO COPY PY SUPPORT SUP PORT YOUR YO YOUR CLUB CL LUB
supporters club
I’ve just finished writing a letter to Bernard Manning Junior, chairman of Radcliffe Borough Football Club to ask him what the heck his board were thinking of when they set the prices for their pre-season friendlies. In desperation over the last few weeks, I’ve been going to watch the (very accomplished) fellas over the other side of the wall hitting a little red ball about the place, and I’ve got used to paying the much more amiable £4 admission fee, and then about the same for a huge Sunday roast as cooked by the magnificent Sandra! To then be whacked about the chops with the £8 each that Radcliffe were charging came to us as doubly surprising... and not only us I understand a good handful of people told the chap on the turnstile to stick his eight quid, and turned on their heels straight back to Rammy. I had a quick word with our committee members during the second half, who were loitering sheepishly outside the Radcliffe Corporate Conservatory, which has been the site of a whole load of unpleasantness over the last few months (say no more!)
and basically I accosted them with my opinion on not only paying eight quid, but also on having to pay £3 more than Huddersfield Town had just a couple of days before! It turned out that their sheepishness had been brought about just a few minutes earlier by what can only be called ‘A Good Masseying’ that they’d witnessed Bernard Manning Jr receiving from our very own RabbleRouser Andy Massey. I must admit that I calmed down a bit at that news, as anyone who’s had the pleasure of meeting Andy Massey will attest that he’s hard to beat when it comes to telling people The Way It Is! When I got home, I got to wondering about the situation. We’ve had long and happy associations with Radcliffe Borough over the years, and this last few months has done quite a bit to sour the relationship. If you look at any of the photos I took at the game, you can see that virtually all the crowd had travelled over from Rammy, and for me the regular preseason friendly is up there with our visits when Rammy’s matches are called off. For those reasons I thought
It didn’t take Stevie Wonder to see that virtually everyone at the game was a Rammy fan!
“a great performance, but why did it cost us eight quid to watch it?” it best to write to Radcliffe, and ask them why they’d chosen to charge us the full league prices for the game. They must have had a good reason in their own minds, and I reckon it’ll do a bit to calm tempers up the hill if we were party to what they were thinking. I got the idea cleared at a Supporters Club Meeting on Thursday and have just sent the letter. We’ll have to see what their reply says, and I’ll be sure to put it in a subsequent programme. I don’t know much about Radcliffe’s fortunes off the pitch of late, but the ground and crowds certainly seem to be suffering. The pitch was always one of the best I’d come across, but it’s not looking a patch on its former self. The programme (a monthly magazine with just a team sheet inserted) seemed just a little bizarre. Someone told me that the clubhouse no longer belongs to the club, and I guess that’s the case for the training
facilities alongside - I hope not. It did feel like a club on the slippery slope. Let’s hope they can pull it around. Tonight’s programme has been a bit of an ordeal to put together, not least because Burnley’s media team have promised me photos and articles, and have delivered precisely nothing! As a result, I’ve made it predominantly a guide to the raft of new players that Robbo has brought into the club, which I hope everyone finds helpful. It only remains to thank Trevor James for putting together the stuff about Bolton Wanderers. His collection of Wanderers memorabilia is absolutely amazing, and I hope it’s of interest.