Football Focus Issue 54

I SSUE 54
SOUTHAMPTON SAINTS
The latest with Chairman
Michael Castle
BLYTH SPARTANS
Enjoyed a fantastic run in

the FA Cup
PRESTON NORTH END

Pushing for promotion
as their campaign
draws to a close
ALBION ROVERS
Progress In the Making
WILLAND ROVERS - Having a superb season this time around
www.sportip.biz
6.95
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BUILDING THE
FOUNDATION OF FOOTBALL
Since 2000 the Football Foundation
and its funders have invested in 1 billion
worth of grassroots projects. This is
providing quality playing surfaces and
changing rooms for communities
across the country helping to
increase participation and supporting
player development.
@FootballFoundtn
Youtube.com/Footballfdn
flickr.com/footballfoundation
linkedIn.com/football-foundation
www.footballfoundation.org.uk
2 Issue 54
Charity No 1079309
Company No 3876305
FOOTBALLfocus
FEATURES
04 Muta
CLUBS IN PROFILE
06 Blyth Spartans
14 AFC Wulfrunians
15 Albion Rovers
20 Preston North End
er
il l
a n d R ov
23 Corinthian Casuals
28 Hollands & Blair
31 Whitley Bay
34 Chertsey Town
36 Sudbury
38 Tipton Town
40 Farnborough
42 Hoddesdon Town
44 Annan Athletic
46 Bamber Bridge
48 West End
50 Willand Rovers
55 Vinters
58 AE PHOENIX JUNIORS
62 Welton Rovers
64 Southampton Saints
Girls and Ladies
Issue 54
Ch
ert
sey To
w
66 Dagenham United
68 Andover New Street
70 Felling Magpies
72 Newark Town
73 hastings United
76 Newport County
79 worthing
We give all girls of all ages the opportunity to play for

Southampton Saints with a very high standard of coaching
Southampton Saints Chairman,
Michael Castle, p.64
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MUTA
Temporary Structures Another Marquee Signing
Rugby grounds and other sporting

venues often benefit from extra event
space provided by marquees and other
temporary structures. Some clubs even
use these types of structures for more
permanent installations, a good example
being Fanzones.
Fanzone areas are typically located near
to the entry of the ground to encourage
the free-flow of fans in the run up to the
match. They are an ideal way of the
club engaging with supporters, sponsors
and the wider community outside while
offering weather protection and controlling
access to the space.
Such structures, which typically do not
require planning permission, can be used
as meeting points complete with lighting,
temperature control, signage, big screens,
refreshments, family activities and media
& promotion areas.
There are a wide range of temporary
structure options available covering small
spaces right up to single structures that
can cover a whole pitch.
Traditional Marquees are popular for
private functions and are widely available
and easy to erect in widths from 20ft to
100ft.
Frame Marquees, as the name suggests,
consist of a rigid steel or aluminium frame
over which covers are positioned. These
marquees can be any size from 3m to
50m wide and can be up to 300m long.
The uninterrupted internal space of frame
structures makes them very popular
for a wide variety of events from private
functions to corporate hospitality and large
exhibitions. In addition the engineered
frame used for this type of marquee can
accept higher levels of loading by way
of accessories, such as doors, glass
windows, side panels, lighting, sound and
sophisticated flooring systems.
Nordic Tipis take the familiar tipi-shaped
tent, scale it up, and introduce the
capability to link multiple Nordic Tipis
together. Different linking techniques can
be used to create all manner of interesting
shapes to meet the requirements of
4 Issue 54
individual events. The main poles are

the trunks of late-maturing spruce trees
harvested sustainably in the far north of
Sweden, and the covers are a canvas
fabric. The overall effect is natural and
unusual.
All MUTA members abide by the Best

Practice Guide for the Safe Use and
Operation of
Stretch Tents are characterised by

funky shapes in a wide variety of
colours. They use a special
technical fabric that is
stretchy but also provides
structural stability. The
fabric is anchored at
its corners and along
it sides, and poles
of different lengths
are pushed up to
create the iconic
shapes.
Inflatable
Tents use air
to support the
structure. They
typically use air
beams, tubular
construction or
cellular
walls
and are highly
customisable and
capable of being
branded.
Once you have chosen
the style of temporary
structure for your event, it
is important to take time to
choose a reputable hirer too.
There are some brilliant marquee
and tent hirers out there, and some
very poor ones too. The best will build
you a first-class structure, keep your
stress levels low, manage your on-site risk
and be a delight to work with. The worst
ones will make your event a nightmare.
To help in your choice, MUTA, the UK's
only trade association dedicated to
marquees,
tents and structures, has prepared a Guide
to Choosing a Hirer which is available to
download for free from www.muta.org.uk
Permanent Fanzone
Shelter (Aquila Shelters)
Te m p o r a r y
Demountable
Structures
which
is
supported by the Health & Safety
Executive. In addition all members
are subject to regular Health & Safety
inspections and are fully insured.
www.sportip.biz
Blyth Spartans
Blyth Spartans
FOOTBALL CLUB
The recent FA cup run has left both the fans and players of Blyth
Spartans absolutely ecstatic, but having left the competition in
January, the club are now looking to push forward for the
remainder of the season. We spoke to General Manager,
Ivan Evans, to find out more about the club and how they
are getting along.
Evans was originally appointed on a temporary
basis, merely to help out as he says. However,
he later became not only the Director and General
Manager, but Treasurer and Secretary of the biggest
name in football in the North East. Succumbing to
the popularity of this club, he jumped at the chance
to be a part of it.
This degree of devotion, dedication and passion is
absolutely fundamental for a position of this caliber,
especially when tackling some of the problems and
issues a club Director can face. According to Evans;
finance will always be a major challenge for the
football club. When the club is having a difficult
season and there is a particularly noticeable decline in
attendance the difficulty lies in, what Evans describes as,
the cash flow and the controlling of the cash flow.
Financial issues arent the only challenges that await a
Director of a football club, Evans notes that some of the problems
that are present in the top flights of English football are prevalent
even in the lower leagues as well. He goes on to say that the club
is always faced with a number of local clubs offering silly wages
in order to lure certain players away from the club.
While these clubs usually subside in their attempts, Evans
notes that there will always be another that will come along to
try again. However, although there are various struggles, Evans
admits the end result of being able to watch his favourite team
(Blyth Spartans) play is a reward that makes it all worth it.
K.LITTLE
Transport &
Courier Services
Same day light haulage specialists

24-7 Nationwide
Wishing Blyth Spartans AFC the best for the
Rest of the Season
Tel: 07771 854666

Blyth, NorthumberlanD
RONNIE CAMPBELL
WORKING FOR BLYTH VALLY
Ronnie Campbell Labour candidate for Blyth Valley

wishes Blyth Spartans all the best for the future
42 Renwick Road, Blyth
Northumberland NE24 2LQ
Tel:
Fax:
01670 363050
01670 356192
Blyth Spartans Club Info - www.blythspartansafc.co.uk - Twitter : @Blyth_Spartans - Founded 1899
6 Issue 54
Blyth Spartans
The joy of watching his team perform

must have been amplified considerably
when they converted four goals against
Altrincham F.C in a 4-1 win in the FA Cup
first round proper, and even more so in
the following round. The second round
proper of the FA Cup saw a true David
and Goliath story as the underdogs Blyth
Spartans managed to overcome SkyBet
League Two side Hartlepool United F.C
in a massive 2-1 win away from home at
Victoria Park.
Unfortunately the team were unable to
make it past the third round proper, as the
hotly contested game with Birmingham
City F.C saw Blyth Spartans on the wrong

end of a 3-2 result. Despite the third round
proper exit, the FA Cup run has ensured
the club has enjoyed a successful season
and has resulted in the players mood at
Croft Park being exceptional.
While the club were unable to secure
the FA Cup, what they have managed
to do is book their place in the final of
the Northumberland Senior Cup, which
means that their players final game this
season will most likely be the final played
at the famous St James Park: home of
Premier League club Newcastle United
F.C.
That said, the final is still some time

away, and now that the team is not
competing in the FA Cup, they can focus
their attention on the league. When asked
what the club is hoping to achieve for
the rest of the season Evans replied that,
although it will be difficult task, the club
are still aiming for a play-off spot. The
ultimate goal will be for promotion back
to the Conference North, where they were
last playing during the 2011/12 season
before they were relegated.
However, since then they have been
improving every season. They finished
2013/14 just three positions short of the
THE SPARTAN
Facilities
Large Screen Showing Sports Events

Pool Tables & Dart Board
Function Room Available
Holds up to 110 people
Twelfth Avenue, Blyth,

Northumberland NE24 2QA
www.sportip.biz
Tynetec, supporting club,

country and next, the world!
Northumberland based, electronic design
and manufacturing company Tynetec are
proud supporters of their local football team,
Blyth Spartans but thats not where their
community support ends.
More than 90% of people in the UK say
they want to live independently in their own
homes for as long as they possibly can.
That means that should they become ill,
vulnerable or frail they often have to rely
on nursing or residential care, however
with a personal telecare alarm designed by
Tynetec, this could become a thing of the
past.
All Tynetec products are designed and
manufactured in the North East of England
and are currently being supplied to
hundreds of local authorities and housing
associations across the UK and beyond.
The personal alarm unit simply plugs into
a telephone line and is linked through to a
local monitoring or response service. With
cutting edge design and ergonomics to
match, the product blends seamlessly into
the background, preventing it from standing
out as a badge of need. The black and
silver, personal pendant design delivers
a more favourable and wearable solution
unlike the big red buttons of years gone by.
8 Issue 54
Educating the masses Independent For Longer

For those who are new to the world of
technology enabled care solutions, Tynetec
have developed an online microsite that
showcases real life examples of people
who have benefitted from such services.
The new website has already been adopted
by many organisations across the UK
and it can be accessed by visiting www.
independentforlonger.com
Building on its success

As a successful business with over 35
years experience in the world of assisted
living, the company was recently acquired
by the French company Legrand, a global
specialist in digital building infrastructures
with operations in over 80 countries around
the world. With the backing and support of
such a huge organisation, Tynetec believe
they can not only make a difference to those
in their own community but can enhance
peoples lives all over the world
Supporting Your Community

With over 30 years experience in the design
and manufacture of Warden Call Systems,
Telecare & Telehealth Solutions, Access
Control Systems and Wireless Nurse Call
Products, its no wonder that more and more
customers are turning to Tynetec as their no.1
choice.
Official Sponsor
www.tynetec.co.uk
Showcasing real examples of
Technology Enabled Care Services

Find out how Telecare
can help you remain
Independent For Longer
in your own home
www.independentforlonger.com
www.sportip.biz
Lissa Delf is the entrepreneurial business woman

who decided to go for it in the crux of a recession.
Back in 2008 Lissa took the jump with the support
of her husband Brian and resigned from her role as
Cost Manager with North East firm Winns to start
their business Quantum Elite, here Lissa explains the
drive behind her decision.
At Northumbria University I studied law with a view
to being a Barrister, never got my honours though,
my dissertation was based on the Hillsborough
tragedy, and I was deemed to be too scathing of
the police, maybe I should ask Northumbria to reevaluate their scoring? Shortly after commencing
her costing career Lissa realised there was a market
opening for a legal costs software and developed her
own. LAWCalc is my baby, its grown over 20 years.
I decided when I was asked to draft bills there must
be an easier way and hence LAWCalc was born, Ive
spent many hours huddled over the computer coding,
Im now looking for someone to take it to the legal
marketplace to benefit more than just Solicitors who
instruct us.
Ive worked for various large legal firms in their
Cost Department, with Eversheds at the time being
the largest but wanted to create something. I was
interviewed by a small firm in Byker, by their MD Jeff
Winn, a really lovely guy who explained there were 22
members of staff and no cost department, all of their
work was outsourced, my canvas would be blank.
That really appealed and Jeff said Id never make
him serious profit, Ill not say how much and provided
me with what became the norm of unrealistic targets.
It took me three months to reach that first magic
number, I got so excited I jumped up, fell over on my
high heels and broke my foot! After that in the six
years I was with Winns I failed to meet my target only
twice but exceeded it so many times that I think I can
be forgiven.
As Winns grew Lissa took over the role of IT
Manager as well as Cost Manager and assisted in
their relocation to the Law Supermarket. After that
10 Issue 54
I really needed another challenge Lissa reminisces,

Id built a successful Cost Department from nothing
and I was so proud.
Leaving was hard but I knew what I wanted. Brian
was totally behind me but that first month when we
still had a mortgage to pay and no one else to rely on
for an income was scary.
Starting with nothing and an unknown entity didnt
charm lending banks. They require assurances about
dates of payment which, in litigation, cant always be
given. So it was always a risk, but belief overcomes
all Lissa affirms. As a team we have created over
15 jobs, we work for Solicitors in a changing market,
with recent reforms their maximum recoverable costs
for low-value claims are being slashed from 1,200
to 500. Our role is to streamline their recovery, we
stick with our remit Our business is to maximise the
profit in your business After all successful recovery
for them is a fee for ourselves.
Recently relocating to purpose designed premises,
Quantum Elite are now venturing into the non-fault
accident market. Not everyone wants to speak
directly to a Solicitor when they have had an accident,
many want to talk to someone like them and that is
very important to us, this is alongside endeavouring
to become the leading company in the North East for
Legal Cost Support. Im determined to ensure that
Solicitors can navigate the changes, our Specialist
Budgeting Team and Advocates unit is paramount
to that, and LAWCalc is a wonderful bonus to our
team.
When asked what the future held Lissa confirmed
that the creation of more jobs was the drive, that
alongside the expansion of the business, so she
states, if youre a Solicitor reading this article and
think yes I could do with some cost guidance, please
get in touch. We dont litigate, we specialise in costs.
Could this niche North East Company benefit you, I
dare to say they could.
Cost Lawyers & Advocates
24seven
claims.com
Incorporating
quantumeliteltd
As Legal Professionals we
offer a tailored Legal
Costs and Advocacy
Service in all cost
aspects to include
Budgeting, Trial,
Specialist and
General Cost issues
Powered by LAWCalc
Proud Sponsors of
Blyth Spartans
4 Silver Fox Way

Cobalt Business Park
Newcastle, NE27 0QJ
0191 633 1234
www.quantumelite.co.uk
assist@quantumelite.co.uk
In addition to our support of Grass Roots Football
#teamquantum are committed to supporting local charities
please see our website for full details
Were
11 in
your corner
www.sportip.biz
Blyth Spartans
play-offs in 8th place, a huge improvement

on their first season in the Northern
Premier League Premier Division when
they finished in the bottom half of the
table at 16th place.
At the time of writing, there is currently

a hefty 17 point gap between themselves
and league leaders FC United of
Manchester. However, there is only 7
points between them and the 5th place
play-off spot with a game in hand. If the
players focus and channel the energy and

momentum gathered from the FA Cup
and Northumberland Senior Cup run,
they will give themselves a great chance of
playing Conference football next season.
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Brock Lane, West Sleekburn, Bedlington, Northumberland NE22 7BY
12 Issue 54
Blyth Spartans
SPACE
thatS out OF this world!

FERGY
ER
SPACE

www.sportip.biz
13
Wulfrunians
AFC Wulfrunians
irst established in 2005,

AFC Wulfrunians is based
on Castle Croft Road in
Wolverhampton and their
first team currently competes in the
Midland Football Alliance League. They
are led by Chairman David Pointon who
is supported by Secretary Ian Davies and
the club has made a considerable amount
of progress under their guidance.
Since being formed they have wasted
no time putting together a history to be
proud of. They have managed to win
the West Midlands (Regional) League
Premier Division on two occasions in the
2008/09 and 2012/13 seasons.
In addition to this they have made it
to the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA
Cup twice in 2009/10 and 2013/14. Their
best performance in the FA Vase came in
2012/13 when they made it to the Third

Round. The current group of players will
be keen to build on these successes over
the coming years.
This season they have put together a
solid league campaign, having compiled a
record of 17 wins, 6 draws and 12 defeats
from their 35 matches played to date. This
has left them sitting in the top half of the
table with 57 points on the board.
They will now be keen to finish off the
campaign with a good run of results in
order to finish the season on a high. Their
work this year should provide them with a
solid platform from which to build during
the summer months in order to come back
even stronger next time around.
AFC Wulfrunians is not a club to focus
solely upon their senior section however
as they also have a youth section in place.
These teams look to provide youngsters

from the local area with an opportunity
to play the game in a safe and enjoyable
environment whilst helping them to reach
their full potential.
It is important for any team to be able
to produce their own talent, particularly
in the current financial climate and this is
an area that they appear to have covered.
It will certainly be exciting to see how
their youngsters can progress over the
coming years.
There is much to admire about the
set up that AFC Wulfrunians currently
has in place as they continue to play an
important role in their local community. It
is this that should enable the club to look
forwards to a bright and successful future
in the coming years.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING
AFC WULFRUNIANS
14 Issue 54
Albion Rovers
Albion Rovers
FOOTBALL CLUB
lbion Rovers underwent

a significant amount of
change at boardroom level
at the start of the season
and the changes have had a significant
impact on the club as they now sit
proudly atop Scottish League Two as
the campaign reaches its climax. We
caught up with Chairman Pat Gillooly
to find out what has been behind their
success.
Involvement
He told us, I joined the club in October
2013 as a Director and soon became
Vice-Chairman. Its a local club for me
and my family; my two sons, my brother
and his two kids follow the club and
so when the opportunity came to join
them I was delighted to take it. It can
be a difficult job but it is all worthwhile
when theyre winning and what were

doing is working. When everyone at the
club is smiling and enjoying what were
doing its a great place to be.
This Season
The mood at the club is good at the
moment; the players are pretty upbeat
and a few key members of the squad
coming back from injury recently
has given us a real boost. I think the
key for us this season has been hard
work. Theres a really good team spirit
amongst the players and they are looked
after by a very competent management
team with experience of competing
at a higher level. We try to make it as
professional as we possibly can and the
mix of quality coaching, discipline and
hard work have led to us gaining some
good results.
Ambitions
To win the league would be fantastic
and were certainly in with a chance.
The problem we have in our league is
that any team can beat anyone else at
any time as has been proved. I would
be delighted to take the title and that
is what were hoping to achieve in the
remainder of the season.
Youth
Weve employed Tony McMinn who
has a lot of experience working on the
development of young players with the
remit of trying to adapt a youth system
for Albion Rovers by working with
some of the clubs in the area to try and
bring them into our set-up.
www.sportip.biz
15
03.15
5/3/15
17:51
Page 1
Reigart and Albion Rovers...

Reigart have signed
a new sponsorship
deal with
demolishing
the opposition
24/7!
Albion Rovers for the forthcoming season. Reigarts
Operations Director, Tom Reilly, took the time to tell
us more about their long association with the club,
stating, Reigart is managed by the Reilly family and
my maternal grandfather, Wullie McKenna actually
played for the side in the 1930s.
My father Patrick was also a Director so theres
been a close connection with the club for over 40
years. I think thats our vice in life, I go to as many
of the home games as possible with my sons and
there is a lovely atmosphere there.
The Club in recent years has put a lot of emphasis on
the family element of the club and are continually
trying to reignite local supporters interest .We are
Reigart...official
shirt sponsors
proud to be associated
with them and it helps to
build relationships in the local community with
Reigart Contracts Ltd
many
our
employees
the match days.
16
Hornock of
Road,
Coatbridge,
Scotland ML5attending
2QJ
Tel: 01236 431290 Fax: 01236 428663
E-mail: enquiries@reigart.com Web: www.reigart.com
Reigart has supported the club financially and there
Demolition
Recycling
Asbestos pulling
removal...since
1988!
are a lotof
otherpeople
in the
right direction
at the club and thats a major reason theyre doing

so well. They all want the club to move forward and
make it an attractive place for people to enjoy.
Were not in the consumer sector we are in a
specialised industry, I dont think anyone sees
Reigart on the shirts and decides, I think Ill get my
16 Issue 54
house demolished tonight! Its great to get some

exposure in the press from time to time but the
main benefit for me is seeing the local side doing
well.
Were delighted to have agreed a new sponsorship
deal with the club and look forward to continuing
to support them. Obviously over the long term we
want the club to succeed and we want to give them
any help we can within our capabilities to achieve
their ambition.
I believe that the team can gain promotion and from
there it will be a work in progress. I dont think that
theyll be tackling Europe for now but stepping up a
league will help the club to continue to prosper .
The town has about 65,00 people and I think the
club merits a little more support so Id like to see
some extra faces at the games. Once you attend the
matches and see how hard people are working
trying to create a facility for local people you have
to admire their commitment.
It is a roller coaster journey supporting a club like
Albion Rovers but the diehard fans who attend on
a weekly basis certainly get a feel good factor when
the wee Rovers win.
Reigart and Albion Rovers...

demolishing the opposition 24/7!
Reigart...official shirt sponsors

Reigart Contracts Ltd
16 Hornock Road, Coatbridge, Scotland ML5 2QJ
Tel: 01236 431290 Fax: 01236 428663
E-mail: enquiries@reigart.com Web: www.reigart.com
Demolition Recycling Asbestos removal...since 1988!

17
www.sportip.biz
Albion Rovers
Were looking to install an artificial pitch

to give us somewhere to train young
players. We do youth camps during
school holidays to give the youngsters of
the local area experience of what we are
doing. Its really important to us that we
have a really strong youth system in place
to help players from the local area to reach
their full potential.
Community
Albion Rovers has always been a major
part of the community. Were very well
supported by local businesses and we
work hard to return their support, taking
part in a lot of community projects.
We work in conjunction with North
Lanarkshire Council and Cowbridge
College to teach people that maybe
havent received the opportunities
others have, the social skills to help them
develop. We fund that project and have a
number of others aimed at involving the
community in the club in as many ways
as we possibly can.
Challenges
At our level of football the hardest thing
is always trying to attract new fans. We
brought out an initiative last year where
we allowed fans to pay what they want

for one match. That managed to up the
gate by around 400 and we also had an
initiative at the start of the season where
we allowed supporters to pay what they
wanted on their season ticket with the
minimum being 10. We sold 700 season
tickets where normally we would sell
120 and are always looking to bring as
many people as possible through the
gate. Its also important to keep a balance
financially as it is an expensive thing
running a football club.
Reigart Demolition
Were lucky that we have a good
community with some kind business that
help us. Reigart Demolition in particular
have been very kind to the club and have
just given us a brand new sponsorship
deal for 150,000 over 5 years which is a
phenomenal gesture and makes a huge
difference to the club. Theyve never
really asked for any press but I think its
time that people realise what they have
done for our club because the kindness
theyve shown us has been incredible.
at a good level on the field. We want to

achieve as much as we can both on and
off the field and establishing ourselves
in the league above would be great for
us. We feel weve got the players and the
mentality in place to do that; it wont be
easy but were going to do everything we
can to achieve that.
Pay Us a Visit
For any football fan that has nowhere to
go on a Saturday afternoon I invite you
to come down to our place and watch us
play because its certainly entertaining
here. I think this is a team that will give
you honest hard work and graft that will
give you a sense of pride when we win.
Weve invested a lot of money to improve
our stadium to ensure that fans can enjoy
the best match day experience possible.
This is a community club, with a family
feel and were confident that if you come
along to Albion Rovers you will not be
disappointed.
Ambitions
We want to keep our fans happy over the
coming years and can do this by playing
HAPPY TO BE ASSOCIATED
WITH ALBION ROVERS
FOOTBALL CLUB
18 Issue 54
Albion Rovers Club Info - www.albionroversfc.co.uk - Twitter : @albionrovers- Founded 1882
Michael Savage, Vice Chairman

The proactive nature of Albion Rovers
is very apparent and Vice Chairman
Michael Savage took the time to tell
us more about their progressive
approach, saying, When I joined
the club the Chairman and the board
outlined their vision for Albion
Rovers. They wanted to increase the
professionalism of the club, making
it a bit more viable to the community
and it was a perfect opportunity for
me to help to build something special.
We work with a lot of local
businesses regardless of their size and
want to give them an opportunity to
enhance their image and reputation as
we grow. Its important to build a good
relationship that is mutually beneficial to
both sides; we dont believe in going out and
simply asking for money.
Its been fantastic being a part of the club,
everyone here is pulling in the same direction; its
very close knit and its a pleasure to be a part of what
were doing. Were working hard to put Albion Rovers
on the map. Weve got a great management team in place
and the challenge is attracting quality players to the club so
that we can progress.
Were working to build the reputation and lay the
foundations for a really successful football club. The club
is committed to engaging with the fans and the people in
the community. We want to give them a voice in how the
club is run so that they enjoy being a part of Albion Rovers.
Id like to take this opportunity to thank the fans for
their patience as weve been through something of a
transition this year. Their continued support has been a
major part of the progress that weve been making and
the Board are very grateful for the role they are playing.
Hopefully theyll have plenty to cheer about at the end of
the season.
Albion Rovers has always been

a major part of the community.
Were very well supported by local
businesses and we work hard to
return their support, taking part in a
lot of community projects.
www.sportip.biz
19
Preston North End

Preston North End

FOOTBALL CLUB
League one high flyers,

Preston North End FC, could
be heading for a return to
Championship football as they head
towards the month of April occupying
2nd place in the third tier of English
football. The Lilywhites currently
sit three points above Swindon, who
hold the top play-off spot, and are in
impressive form with just nine games
remaining.
Consistency, mental strength, club spirit
and positive attitudes could be the exact
ingredients required for any club to
claim automatic promotion and Preston
seem to possess every one of them right
now. But what is making Preston so
strong this term and why should we be
confident of their promotion come May
2015?
Mental Strength
Since the club was relegated from the
Championship in 2010/11 Preston
have been continuously improving
over their 4 seasons in League One,
finishing 15th, then 14th, before last
seasons hard fought 5th position saw
them face disappointment in the playoff semi-final against Rotherham United
last May. How a club responds to that
kind of disappointment is not always
positive, but to see where Preston are
now could suggest they had gained
more focus and determination by their

experiences last term.
Grayson said, speaking to the clubs

official website.
Form
With difficult upcoming games against

giant killing Bradford City; league
leaders, Bristol City; and 3rd placed
Swindon Town, there is plenty yet to do
but progress is certainly underway with
their positive, attacking football and
League Ones current joint top scorer,
Joe Garner, will be looking to build on
his tally of 20 league goals in the closing
stages of the season.
It is needless to say the Lilywhites form

has been impressive for the majority of
the season, but they really appear to be
getting a spring in their step just when
it matters most. February saw them
take 18 points from a possible 18, only
losing to Manchester United in the FA
Cup Fourth Round and beating fellow
promotion candidates, Sheffield United
3-1 at Bramall Lane.
The unbeaten run continued, going
another five games without defeat in
March, taking them up to their next
fixture against Fleetwood Town on the
29th, and maximum points from two
other promotion contenders MK Dons
(4th) and Peterborough United (6th).
Club Spirit
Preston Manager, Simon Grayson, hails
the spirit in his squad and admits it is a
crucial element for their promotion bid.
I think its been a real thing about the
club since Ive been here, the group of
players that we inherited to a certain
degree, but also the ones weve brought
in, have always liked to have a good
spirit and a good dressing room,
Grayson continued, You do see them

all celebrating and trying to achieve
the goal that they all set out at the start
of pre-season. Some are disappointed
when theyre not playing, but theyve
all contributed and theyve all played a
part and will play a part over the next
few weeks.
Hopefully that togetherness can really
galvanise us and keep us going.
Fans Perspective
Things are looking positive for the
Lancashire club, who were the first
ever club to win the Football League
Championship in 1888/89, but how
do the fans feel about their clubs
achievements this season, and are they
confident of promotion?
Gary Iddon of Virgin Rail used to play football,

representing Preston and Chorley in the District
League. He is a lifelong Preston NE fan and still
remembers his Great Great Grandfather walking
30 miles to watch them play. Gary is full of praise
for the job the current backroom staff are doing,
in particular Manager Simon Grayson and feels
that the club, deserves promotion this season.
Preston North End Club Info - www.pnefc.net - Twitter : @pnefc - Founded 1863
20 Issue 54
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Preston North End

The Preston North End online fans forum shows there is no

doubting the fans confidence as they even have a vote for the
stadium in which they would win promotion. A minority were
more apprehensive about tempting fate, yet they were still happy
to voice their positive feelings.
As I called it a few months ago, were going up, question is,
which ground will we witness our promotion? Get voting lads.
Here are the results:
Vale Park (17th April)
9.68%
Meadow Lane (21st April) 9.68%
Deepdale (Home Ground)
56.45%
Colchester Community Stadium (3rd May) 19.35%
Wembley (Play-offs)
4.84%
So it seems the Deepdale crowd have total faith in their club to

deliver promotion this season, and why should they doubt it
considering the position and the form of the Lancashire outfit?
Only six years ago Preston were challenging for promotion to
the Premier League, could they be just 9 games away from their
next fight for top flight football? Only the remaining five weeks
will tell, but good luck to all involved with Preston North End
Football Club in their push for promotion.
Article written by Paul Mckellar
Alex Cooper of Dewhurst Homes told Football

Focus Magazine of their proud affiliation with
is into their 4th season now saying, We had
Brian Ashworth, Clayton Pies
34 guests at the Manchester Utd FA Cup tie and

feel it has been a fantastic decision to sponsor
Brian has been providing pies to the
the club as they are now a household name
club for many years and is a lifelong fan.
around Preston.
They also sponsor the club by having 2

advertising boards at the ground. Brian
Myself and all at Dewhurst Homes are willing
wishes the club the best of luck for the rest
the club all the way to the Championship as
of the season and encourages them to,
thats where they belong!
keep going and get the promotion.
truly quality british food ...
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Building 20, Petre Road, Clayton Le Moors, Accrington BB5 5JB
22 Issue 54
Corinthian Casuals
Corinthian Casuals
FOOTBALL CLUB
orinthian-Casuals FC is
a club steeped in history
based around the ideals of
playing the game the right
way. They are revered
heavily in Brazil thanks to their role
in the founding of two time FIFA
World Club Champions Corinthians
Paulista and have just returned from
a weeks tour where they were mobbed
everywhere they went.
Executive Committee Member Stuart

Tree took the time to tell us how the club
has been getting along in the present day,
saying, I first started going to Casuals
matches in the late 90s. I used to work
in a nearby tower block on Saturdays
whilst at University and wed often
finish before 3pm. Id already followed
another local side (Kingstonian) but a
colleague and I decided to check out the
Casuals who played nearby.
I remember Casuals won 3-0 and I was

hooked. I solely remained a supporter
until a few years ago when I started
taking my camera to matches. Before
long, I was regularly photographing
the side. I then became the programme
editor, website editor, set up the social
media channels (our Facebook page
now has 150,000 followers that puts
us in the top 20 supported teams in
the UK) and now sit on the Executive
Committee. I love every moment of it
(well, almost) and being part of such a
spirited voluntary community is very
rewarding.
Our Approach
Youve all heard of the term
Corinthian Spirit well, that
stems from our history. In
the past, Corinthians were
known to deliberately
miss penalties as they
didnt see them
as sporting play.
We dont quite
www.sportip.biz
23
Corinthian Casuals
do that anymore (try asking our players

to step aside) but we do remain strictly
amateur a belief that a game of football
is just that a game.
We try to teach all of our youth sides
(players and parents) about playing to
the Corinthian Spirit. We list a whole
philosophy on our Youth website for
those involved to get to know and
hopefully adhere to. Our kids are taught
that its not about how many goals we
score or concede. Its all about enjoying
the game and, at the same time, learning
and developing football and life skills.
The Modern Day

Of course, its not easy to retain our
historical philosophy in the modern
game. Its a testament to our players
that they manage to compete in a league
where every other club (bar Guernsey) is
semi-professional. How do we compete?
We have a fantastic bunch of players
who play for the right reasons the
love of competition.
The result of this is we dont attract the

football mercenaries; the players chasing
the money who couldnt care about the
club. We have one player who joined us
at the start of the season, who jokingly
admits hes played for every nonleague club but
recently stated
Its not about earning

that extra twenty
quid with them.
One of the legacies of

the Corinthians was that
they took football around
the world, spreading the
Beautiful Game to all four
corners of the globe
hes never known a team unity and spirit like the one
that exists at Corinthian-Casuals.
Visiting Brazil
One of the legacies of the Corinthians was that they took
football around the world, spreading the Beautiful Game to all
four corners of the globe and being instrumental in making it the
global sport it is today. In 1910, we toured Brazil and one match
inspired five local Railway workers to create their own football
team in honour of the way Corinthians played. That club has
since become one of the largest in South America: Corinthians
Paulista the two-time FIFA World Champions.
In 1914, Corinthians were due to play the newly-formed
Corinthians Paulista, but war broke out as Corinthians arrived
in South America and had to return home. Sadly, all but one died
on the battlefields of WW1.
The tour in January 2015 was to commemorate 100 years of the
tour that never was. It was a celebration of the two clubs coming
together once again. As stated before, we have 150,000 facebook
followers and 99% are Brazilian. We regularly have visitors to

our ground and they regard us as their forefathers and brothers
in football.
Highlights
The whole week was absolutely surreal. We were treated like
celebrities wherever we went. TV and Press were with us every
Corinthian Casuals Club Info - www.corinthian-casuals.com - Twitter : @CorinthianCas - Founded 1939
24 Issue 54
Corinthian Casuals
step of the way. We were on TV and front page

of papers every day. We had a six-bike armed
police escort to the main match, stopping traffic
and running red lights. They closed the main
club shop and museum just for us so we werent
mobbed by fans. It was utterly incredible.
something no other non-league footballer will

ever experience. And we held our own. The
score was 0-0 for 78 minutes but we eventually
succumbed by 3 goals to nil. Every one of the
players said they played the game of their lives.
In terms of highlights, the match versus

Corinthians Paulistas first XI is an obvious one.
Played in the Arena Corinthians (where the
World Cup kicked off) in front of nearly 30,000
fans and live on two national TV stations was
This Season
On the field, its been a mixed one. We got off
to a great start, even topping the table back in
September. However, weve been slipping since.
We come highly recommended.....
www.sportip.biz
25
Corinthian Casuals
However, since returning from Brazil, the players have a new

belief in themselves and are seemingly turning the recent poor
form around.
Off the pitch, its been brilliant. Not least for the tour to Brazil,
which amongst other things, will be very beneficial commercially.
Weve created strong links with Corinthians and are now selling
our merchandise officially in Brazil for the first time. Theres a
great buzz around the club and were definitely moving in the
right direction. First and foremost we want to avoid relegation.
Matt Howard (the manager) has stated that the league is his
utmost priority. From there, well be looking to see how high
we can push on. We have games in hand on other sides, so if
we continue our good form, we could end up in a favourable
position.
Community
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Kiosks, Tablets, and Touchscreens, Touchscreen Digital
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We are absolutely a community club. For a start, we have the

FAs Charter Standard Community Club status, but its more
than an accreditation from the governing body: When you realise
that with all the youth sides we have over 350 registered boys
and girls playing football on a regular basis.
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Europe, UK and USA.
Were committed to offering a safe and secure footballing

environment, whilst upholding the Corinthian Spirit of
sportsmanship, endeavour and fair play at all times. Were lucky
that we have multiple pitches around our main ground and on a
Saturday and Sunday morning, you can see a wash of Chocolate
and Pink shirts gracing the fields. You realise how many people
are involved with the club.
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26 Issue 54
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Corinthian Casuals
Youth development is incredibly important. We have 23 youth

teams (boys and girls), from Under 7 right up to Under 18s
and a successful Academy side. Our Academy was founded in
conjunction with Glenthorne Six Form College three years ago
and theyre now producing some very talented youngsters.
the community for a variety of sports. Wed love it to become a

centre of excellence for the local area - something worthy of the
name Corinthians. Its hopeful that we can have something in
place in the next couple of years. Were also looking to strengthen
our ties with Brazil.
Ambitions
Were looking to be quite ambitious; were in the early stages
to develop the ground with modern facilities for use throughout
Youth development is
incredibly important. We
have 23 youth teams (boys
and girls), from Under 7
right up to Under 18s and a
successful Academy side.
www.sportip.biz
27
Hollands & Blair

Hollands
&
Blair
FOOTBALL CLUB
ollands and Blair FC is a

terrific example of a club
that plays an important
role in their local community and have
been performing well on the pitch
this season as well. Club Secretary
Laurence Plummer took the time to tell
us more about the club.
He told us, I first joined Hollands
& Blair in 1973 as a player. At the
time it was a case of joining friends to
play for a local team in the area. The
most challenging aspect of the role is
ensuring the overall Club Infrastructure
is in place.
As the club has grown more aspects

of Club welfare especially in the
Youth areas has meant more time and
information gathering across every
team is required. Probably the other
most important view is the never ending
financial support required.
Maintaining football is financially
demanding and although we have
received grants our main source still
comes from sponsors. Sponsors and
supporters are absolutely key for
this club and I would imagine most
grassroot clubs have the same challenge.
Grants are available but their logistics to
obtain is increasingly a bigger challenge
and wonderment on red tape! Easier to

get a mortgage!
Overall the pleasure and rewards
outweigh the challenges and difficulties.
The reward of seeing the infrastructure
work in providing players from soccer
schools to youth and ultimately to the
senior adult sides. The trophy winning
is obviously a reward but the manner
we perform is very important and
rewarding, the Blair way!
The most rewarding aspect for me
personally is the many friendships that
have matured with my involvement
in this club. Great friendships and
interesting people within the club and
Hollands & Blair Club Info - www.hollandsandblair.co.uk - Twitter : @hollandsblairfc - Founded 1967
28 Issue 54
Hollands & Blair
The most rewarding aspect for me

personally is the many friendships
that have matured with my
involvement in this club.
with other clubs that we compete with are a key part of

the game.
At present we are on a significant high as the provision
of floodlights coupled with the ground improvements
have provided a stage for us to move further up the
Football National League system. The senior side has 2
finals and is placed well in the league. Youth teams are
developing in the Blair way, including a Cup Final for
the Under 14 unit. There is a good atmosphere within the
teams and the club house.
In any season there are ups and downs, but across the
club, all teams are performing to the best of their ability.
Were now in the final stage and with plenty of games left
to decide honours. We wish to win on all fronts as no one
remembers runners up!
Youth football is very important to us. In our view
the focus is the First team, but supported by a Youth
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Hollands & Blair

Infrastructure to provide players in the future. We

encourage involvement with families providing Xmas
and Easter kids parties and we also have a kids play area
within the grounds. We have formal links with schools to
help develop our youth structure, Brompton Academy and
Howard School. The involvement with the linked schools
helps promote football in the community and our club
motto reflects this.
Since the new changing room block and floodlights we do
receive favourable comments. The ground includes catering
and function rooms that are favourably received from many
areas including non-football related organisations.
Our ambition is to obtain National League Step 5 status
and develop the Club and ground towards the next stage. This
includes improving the pitch and ground improvements,
continuing adult sides at County and local level, developing
Youth teams at County level to support our adult team
structure, to continue and improve County Youth structure
for U13-18 age groups, installing infrastructure for Minor
league players for U7-11 age groups, focus on development
of soccer schools with linked academies and to promote
Blair standards with improved Coaching accreditation at
all levels.
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30 Issue 54
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Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay
FOOTBALL CLUB
aving
first
been
established
in
1897,
Whitley Bay FC is a club
that has put together a
history of which they have every right
to be proud. They have a close affinity
with the FA Vase having won the
prestigious competition an incredible
four times, including a hat-trick of
triumphs between 2009 and 2011, an
achievement that will be difficult to
match.
One of the key components in
their triumphs was striker Paul Chow.
Having recently announced his return
to Jarrow Roofing, now seemed like the
perfect time to take a look back at all
that he achieved for the club.
In the eight seasons that Chow played,

his record speaks for itself with an
incredible 270 goals netted in his
404 appearances. There were plenty
more achievements for Chow as he
demonstrated the remarkable ability to
write his own script when he netted in
three consecutive cup finals at Wembley,
also becoming the first player to score in
every round of the vase. Additionally,
his 21 second opener against Wroxham
is the fastest goal scored to date at the
new Wembley Stadium.
Speaking to the clubs official
website, Whitley Chairman Paul
McIlduff was quick to pay tribute to
the fantastic contribution made by
Chow, saying, Paul has been a fantastic
servant to the club during his eight years
with us and we wish him nothing but

the best in his new venture with Jarrow.
He has been a very big part in some
of the greatest moments in the history
of Whitley Bay Football Club and, on
behalf of myself and the other directors,
would like to publically thank him for
everything he has done to help raise the
profile of Whitley Bay.
Competing
in
the
hugely
competitive Northern League Division 1
this time around their first team has put
together a solid campaign up to now.
After 36 matches of the season they
have put together a record of 16 wins,
3 draws and 17 defeats from their first
36 matches which sees them sitting in a
mid-table position with 51 points on the
board.
Whitley Bay Club Info - www.whitleybayfc.com - Twitter : @WhitleyBayFC

www.sportip.biz
31
32 Issue 54
Whitley Bay
They
will
be keen
to
put
together a
good run of
form in their
remaining fixtures
in order to finish the
season on a high. They
demonstrated that they are
not on their summer holidays just
yet with an impressive 2-1 victory over
high fliers West Auckland Town in their
latest fixture.
Whitley Bay is not a club that focuses

and they also have a number of youth
teams running. These teams look to
provide young players from the local area
with an opportunity to play the game in a
safe and enjoyable environment.
It is important for any club to be able
to produce their own players, particularly
in the current financial climate and it will
be a major boost for the first team if they
are able to rely upon a steady stream of
talent coming through their ranks.
In order to help young players make
the sometimes difficult transition into the
senior game they also have a reserve team
in place. This allows them to give players
experience of adult level football even if
they are not yet considered ready for first
team action.
Whitley Bay is clearly a club that play
a vital role in their local community and
this is thanks to the superb work that their
Committee are doing running the club.
Hopefully they will be able to continue in
the same manner for many years to come
and Football Focus Magazine would like
to wish them the best of luck.
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www.sportip.biz
33
Chertsey Town
Chertsey Town
FOOTBALL CLUB
Article provided by Secretary Chris Gray
hertsey Town is on the

brink of celebrating 125
years of existence. Almost
half that time has been
spent in the county junior
and intermediate world. The step
into senior football was made in 1946.
The club from that time has gone
full circle and after making
21
competition
changes
since first joining the
Surrey Senior League, to
effectively return to the
same competition, the
Combined Counties
League.
Like many clubs
of its stature, it
has gone through
many
traumas,
almost going out
of existence in the
mid-sixties when
it tried to break
into
professional
football. The two
year sojourn proved
financially disastrous
and it took over a
decade to recover. Since
then it has been perhaps a
case of three steps forward
and two back.
The club benefited from two
periods of serious investment by
various backers. One in the nineties
saw big improvements in the ground
facilities and progression to the Premier
Division of the Ryman League, then
just one step below the Conference
Leagues national division. The second
such revival occurred over a three
year period earlier this decade which

resulted in more ground improvements
and elevation to Step Four with a place
in the Southern League Division One
Central. The club has since dropped

back into their current competition at
Step Five.
The clubs off pitch executive is marked

by stability with eight members of the 17
man committee having served for ten or
more years. Although Chairman Steve
Powers has been in that position for the
past 15 years, the longest serving is club
secretary Chris Gay who joined in 1974.
Next year will mark his 40th in that
particular role but he continues to
take on other tasks, primarily
the production of the match
day programme and pitch
maintenance. He is only
one cog in the Chertsey
Town
clockwork
however as the club
runs with a multitude
of
juniors
sides
ranging from ages
eight years upwards
to two Under 18
sides. This involves
a broad spectrum of
organisers.
F o l l o w i n g
relegation in 2014,
the current season has
been one of frustration.
A change of management
resulted in just two first
team players staying on
which engendered a poor
start to the campaign. This was
stabilised but after a promising start
to the New Year, the side has again
recorded variable results. However, the
trend is for improvement and thoughts
of vying for promotion next season are
considered as quite feasible.
One of the two players that stayed is
John Pomroy who first joined in 2000.
Chertsey Town Club Info - www.chertseytown-fc.co.uk - Twitter : @Chertsey_TownFC - Founded 1890
34 Issue 54
Chertsey Town
The clubs off pitch

executive is marked
by stability with eight
members of the 17 man
committee having served for
ten or more years.
Although he made intermittent moves

to other clubs, he always returned to
now clock up almost 400 first team
appearances. Additionally, he has just
breeched the 300 goals scored marker,
quite an achievement. Additionally, he
is also the Assistance Manager under the
direction of the well experienced boss
Kim Harris, formally with Kingstonian
and Corinthian Casuals.
Over optimistic ambitions have rarely
been a strong feature of club culture.
Steady growth continues to be the

watchword but the financial constraints
that affect so many clubs are painfully
felt by the Curfews, a nickname derived
from the Curfew Bell that has been rung
(now ceremoniously of course) for over
600 years.
Chertsey Town does not have
businessmen involved in the front
line club operations but benefits from
an excellent club sponsor, Traylens
Enterprises, who has made all the
difference between crucial financial profit

and loss considerations.
The club has many traditions and is
deeply seated within the clearly defined
community despite being deeply situated
within Londons commuter belt. That
embedment will ensure the club can build
on these strengths for the future.
Luis
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35
Sudbury
Sudbury
FOOTBALL CLUB
he year 1999 marks the

year where the two
ambitious and thriving
football clubs, Sudbury
Town and Sudbury Wanderers made
the decision to form an amalgamation
that would eventually go on to be the
record-breaking team known as AFC
Sudbury.
Despite forming less than two
decades ago, the side has already
gone through considerable
changes; changes that
have
clearly
been
beneficial
to
the
clubs
ongoing
success. In its first
season following
the
clubs
formation,
they managed
to secure a
3rd
place
finish
in
the Eastern
Counties
Football
L e a g u e
(otherwise
known
as
the Thurlow
N u n n
League
for
sponsorship
purposes).
However, it was
the
subsequent
seasons where the
team truly started to
demonstrate their ability.
The 2000/01 season saw
Keith Martin, the manager at
the time, lead his men to the clubs
first league title. This was the beginning
of an astonishing streak of 5 league
wins, setting a record for the Thurlow
Nunn League. As well as winning their
first league title in 2000/01, the club also
managed to bring home their first piece
of silverware by beating Felixstowe &

Walton United F.C 3-1 to win the Suffolk
Premier Cup. This was accomplished
again in the following season, when
AFC Sudbury ended the game against
Mildenhall Town F.C 1-0 to achieve
their
second
Suffolk Premier Cup.

Having claimed the title twice in the
2000/01 and 2001/02 seasons, Martin
stepped down and was replaced by the

reserves team manager Gary Harvey,
who went on to secure titles in the
2002/03, 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons.
During Harveys first season in charge,
AFC Sudbury managed to win their
third consecutive Suffolk Premier Cup
by scoring four goals past Bury Town
F.C to end the game 4-0.
In 2006/07, the club finally
accepted promotion from step
5 to step 4 of the National
League
System
and
saw the club play in
the Ryman League
Division One North.
This season saw
the club appoint
Mark Morsley
as
manager,
almost leading
the team to
promotion
in both the
2006/07 and
2007/08
seasons by
reaching
the play-off
finals.
Since the
promotion
to
step
4,
the
clubs
performance
started to become
sporadic
and
inconsistent, finishing
12th and 14th in the
2008/09 and 2009/10
seasons
respectively.
However, the club then
managed to finish just two and
three places outside the play-offs in the
2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons.
During this period, the club made
various changes in managers; with a
complete overhaul happening in 2013.
The club appointed former Wroxham
Sudbury Club Info - www.afcsudbury.com - Twitter : @AFCSudbury - Founded 1999
36 Issue 54
Sudbury
manager David Batch along with head coach Steve Eastaugh

for the 2013/14 seasons, which was when they decided to
rebuild not only the squad but the structure of the club.
It seems all the work behind the scenes on the
infrastructure of the club is having a positive impact on the
team and the results as, at the time of writing, AFC Sudbury
currently sit in third position in the Ryman Football League.
If they continue playing the way they have been they are
certainly in a prime position to land a play-off spot, or
with enough determination and luck, secure that first place
finish.
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37
Tipton Town
Tipton Town
FOOTBALL CLUB
ipton
Town
was
originally formed in 1948
under the name of Ocker
Hill United and played
in the Wolverhampton and District
Amateur League. In 1965, the club
joined the West Midlands (Regional)
League when it added a new Division
One, which commenced play in 1967.
In order to become more closely
linked with the town of Tipton and its
residents, the club marked the occasion
by changing its name to Tipton Town
F.C. The clubs first major success came
in 1984 when both the Division One title
and Divisional League Cup were won,
leading to promotion to the Premier
Division.
The club has been able to enter the FA

Cup since the 200607 season, reaching
the first qualifying round in each of their
first two seasons in the competition.
In the 201011 cup they reached the
first round proper for the first time
after making it through six rounds of
qualifying. They faced Carlisle United, a
team six tiers above them in the English
football league system, but went on to
lose 60.
Tipton are now an established
Midland Alliance side and have finished
in 5th place on two occasions. The
200809 season saw Tipton record their
highest ever points total, with 78 points
from 42 games. Tipton were Walsall
Senior Cup finalists but lost to Rushall
Olympic.
Last Season, former Gornal Athletic

and Dudley Town boss Ian Rowe and
a new chairman Mat Danks guided
the club to a mid table finish of eleventh
and also to the final of the Polymac
Cup which resulted with a runners-up
spot following a one goal defeat against
Quorn. Following the final, both Rowe
and Danks left for pastures new.
However, the club wasted no time
with the appointment of a new manager
former Eastwood Town and Bedworth
boss Nick Hawkins in May 2014. He
quickly put together his backroom
staff, which included Tom Richardson,
Nathan Lamey, and Danny Carey
Bertram.
However, five weeks into the new
season and following the clubs FA Cup
Tipton Town Club Info - tiptontown.com - Twitter : @tiptontownfc - Founded 1948
38 Issue 54
Tipton Town
The mood at the

club at the moment
is buoyant, excited
and looking forward
to the next game.
win over Sporting Khalsa, the football

club parted company with their recently
appointed first team management team
and the aftermath left them with just three
locally registered players.
Director of Football Mike Pitt who was
in charge of the clubs youth development,
quickly put together a side with local
home grown under 18 & U21s players
to represent their Town club in the MFL.
After a few weeks a new management
team of Nicky Pugh and Wes Cox were
put in place. Both have a long established
links with the club and are looking
forward the challenge ahead.
Secretary Ann Wheale took the time
to talk with Football Focus Magazine,
saying, I have been with Tipton Town
since my son, Matthew, started to play in
TTFCs under 7s and hes now playing
for on Saturdays in the JPL league in
under 15s.
The
mood at
the club at
the moment
is
buoyant,
excited
and
looking forward to
the next game. So far
the season hasnt gone
too well with us having to
part company with the manager
we brought in in the close season,
but with the appointment of Nicky Pugh
and Wes Cox we are turning everything
around.
Youth football is extremely important
to the club, as its the life blood and future.
The first team is the pinnacle of the club,
but grassroots is extremely important
with developing the players from all ages
from our under 7s to our 1st team and
we also have a ladies team. The clubs
ambition is first and foremost to survive,

with hopefully investment to sustain the
clubs future.
Tipton, West Midlands:

Mobile: 07747 113340
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39
Farnborough
Farnborough
FOOTBALL CLUB
arnborough FC is a club
that is committed to playing
an important role in their
community and although
they are going through a
difficult period at present but thanks
to the hard work of those involved
they should be able to look forwards
to a bright future. Chairman Simon
Gardener took the time to tell us more.
He said, I first got involved with
Farnborough Football Club during the
2011/2012 season as part of the new
management team to the first team.
When I was told of the opportunity
to join such a great club there was no
thinking time to be taken, it was instant.
The mood here at present is one of both

frustration and uncertainty regarding
the future of the club. The frustration
side is the players and management
team are working hard both on and off
the pitch but when it comes to match
days just seem to be falling short.
Getting beat and being told by the
opposing club how on earth did we beat
you is heard far too much.
Im sure along with myself at this
moment of the season, the odd you were
so lucky to win that would sound a whole
lot better. The uncertainty factor is with
the club up for sale continuing reports
of deals and interested parties looking
to buy the club build supporters hopes
up along with everyone connected with
Farnborough. Together we will support
this great club and work hard until
such time a new owner takes
control.
We at Farnborough feel the youth

is a very important part of the club.
Financial problems that the club finds
itself in are not ideal for giving the youth
section the full support it deserves. The
gap between the main club and its youth
section is in my opinion too big and
needs to be addressed. Its important
to give the youth section and all the
players both boys and girls the chance
to feel part of the main club.
Farnborough Football Club is very
much a community football club and
thanks to Mark McGowan and his team
of volunteers we are going into schools
and have set up a school of the week.
This allows kids to visit on match days
and take part in activities on their visit.
Our football in the community supports
a number of schemes and is looking to
grow and involve as many local clubs,
schools, and teams as possible.
I feel as Chairman of Farnborough
Football Club I speak for everyone
connected with this great club when I
say the clubs ambitions for the next five
years are as followed:
1.
Club stability
2.
Club continue to operate and
build
3.
Work with the community in
every way possible
4.
Make the club one that our great
supporters are proud off
5.
Help bring on the youth section
both boys/girls
What matters most to me is
Farnborough Football Club and
40 Issue 54 courtesy of Don Blandford.

Images
Farnborough
there are lots of people

and supporters I would
like to say a big thank
you to for all the great
work you do
stability for our great supporters, over the

years they have stuck by the club through
a few highs but too many lows in my
opinion. If it means new owners taking
control and new staff including a new
Chairman being appointed I would gladly
step down from my role, its always about
the football club and the supporters
and most of all the whole community; it
should never be about any one person.
Being Chairman of Farnborough Football

is something that will remain with me
forever and Im a very proud to be a part
of the clubs history.
Kevin Dyer is very much the person
that I feel should be given all the credit for
everything good that has happened over
the last few years, he spends most of his
free time working at the club even being
under doctors orders to rest. Kevin is
proof that Farnborough Football Club is

worth fighting for.
All of the above are the opinions
of me Simon Gardener Chairman of
Farnborough
Football Club and not
the club, there are lots of people and
supporters I would like to say a big thank
you to for all the great work you do, most
unseen to many but seen by me.
Farnborough Club Info - www.farnboroughfc.co.uk - Twitter : @FarnboroughFC - Founded 1967

www.sportip.biz
41
Hoddesdon Town
Hoddesdon Town
FOOTBALL CLUB
oddesdon Town FC was

famously the first club
to win the FA Vase in
1975 and is celebrating
the 40th anniversary of that success
this year. We caught up with their
Chairman, Roger Merton MBE, to find
out how the club is getting along at the
moment.
He told us, Weve been having a
difficult season on the field but we look
forward and April the 19th is the 40th
anniversary of when we became the
first team to win the FA Vase in 1975.
Were inviting all the players that
are still around to come up and
have a lunch to celebrate with
the Mayor of Broxbourne.
The FA is hoping to send
someone down with the
trophy itself and weve
been able to invite
some of our long term
supporters as well.
Were planning on
having an exhibition
game as well so it
promises to be a
great event.
This
season
were looking to
pick up some points
over our remaining
games. We want to
consolidate ourselves
in the Premier Division
with a view to pushing
on over the summer. There
have been some games where
weve been a little unlucky but
thats football at any level.
Weve got 29 youth teams now,
starting at U5s right through to U18s,
and thats a major part of our plans for
the future. Youre never sure how many
players will make the step up to senior
football but from what Ive seen and
heard were hopeful that weve some
exciting prospects coming through to

give a boost to our senior section.
Our policy with the reserves it to
blood youngsters to make sure that our
youth is provided with a clear transition
into the first team. We have also set
up a girls side now as well. They are
just training at the moment and were
pleased with the level of interest that
weve had.
W e
have plans to
put in an
extra stand at the ground with 50 seats in
the medium term. That is what we need
to enable us to go into Step 4. Otherwise

we have everything in place to progress
with just a few cosmetic items to be
done to qualify. Obviously then it will
be a case of qualifying through our
league position.
Id like to think that with what were
building now well have a team in place
to push for promotion to the next level
within the next five years. Weve got a
very successful club programme and are
well supported by the local community
with advertising boards around the
ground which is a major boost for
us.
One of the biggest
challenges that we face as
a club is consolidating
our position in the
Premier Division in
order to allow us
to move forwards
and eventually
upwards.
We
have
some
difficulty with
sharing
our
ground
with
the cricket club
that means we
have to play
our early games
away from home
and were looking
for a solution to
that problem. I
think that the keys
to our progress will
include retaining our
current group of players
and hopefully adding to the
pool that we have by bringing
young players through our youth
system.
Hoddesdon Town Club Info - www.hoddesdontownfc.co.uk - Twitter : @HoddesdonTownFC- Founded 1879
42 Issue 54
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43
Annan Athletic
Annan Athletic
FOOTBALL CLUB
s the season draws to a

close, Annan Athletic sit
just outside of the playoffs and will be confident
of claiming a place in the top 4. We
caught up with their Manager Jim
Chapman who told us, Ive been here
for just over two years now which
is quite a long term for a Manager
in Scotland! Were a relatively new
club and the ambitions are great and
certainly fit in with my philosophy. Its
a terrific club to work with.
The season could have gone better
from my point of view and weve had
some difficulties, partly due to the
raised expectations from last season.
Weve struggled for consistency which
has been disappointing but were still
44 Issue 54
progressing. Thats not just at first team

level, the youth system and the work we
are doing in the community has come a
long way which is important.
Were just getting back to full
strength so were confident of finishing
the season well. Were just focusing on
taking as many points as possible and
we really want to make the play-offs.
As a club the expectations are very
realistic; they want to be at the heart of
the local community and are trying to
develop the facilities that we have. Were
focusing on improving the facilities that
we have.
Personally, I think that you want to
try and help the club progress year in
year out. It would be nice to help them
take the next step on the exciting journey
that theyve had so far. Hopefully

in 3 or 4 year times well have a solid
foundation, with a thriving youth
section and a successful first team.
Having a top quality Striker is crucial
for any side looking to be successful
and Annan Athletic have one in Peter
Weatherson. He took the time to speak
with Football Focus Magazine, saying,
Ive been with Annan for two seasons
and it was firstly the Manager, Jim
Chapman that attracted me there as he
offered me a coaching role with the first
team squad as well as a playing role.
My favourite moment so far was
scoring the winner against my old club
on my debut for Annan. Annan is a great
club with great people in and around
Annan Athletic Club Info - www.annanathleticfc.com - Twitter : @AnnanAthleticFC - Founded 1942
Annan Athletic
the place so I would love to bring success

to the club for those people.
I think if you have any aspirations
to make it as a senior player you need
dedication, belief, and a will to succeed
and those three things have really help
me succeed and have a decent career. The
season so far has been a bit inconsistent but

were now starting to gather momentum
and have a chase at the teams above us.
With good positive recent results we
want to try and chase the teams above us
and have a push for promotion even if
that may be through the play offs which
again would be a great achievement.

As a 34 year old player I may only have
a couple of years left before I start my
coaching career so my goals are to stay fit
and keep scoring as I have this season and
see where it takes me.
Hopefully in 3 or 4 year times

well have a solid foundation,
with a thriving youth section
and a successful first team.
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45
Bamber Bridge
Bamber Bridge
FOOTBALL CLUB
irst established in 1977,

Bamber Bridge United JFC
is a Central Lancashire JFL
Founder Member Club
and is also a Mid Lancashire Colts
JFL Club. They are led by Chairman
Neil Calvert who is supported by Vice
Chairman Andy Thornhill and the
club is progressing well under their
guidance.
They are a club that is committed
to providing young players from the
local area with an opportunity to
play the game in a safe and enjoyable
environment whilst helping them to

reach their full potential.
They do a fantastic job in this regard
which makes them a vital part of their
local community. Clubs such as Bamber
Bridge JFC are a vital part of the English
game and their Committee deserve a
tremendous amount of credit. Hopefully
they will be able to continue in the same
manner for many years to come.
Coaching staff involved with their
teams are confident that they have a
number of players currently involved
with the potential to go on and have
a bright future in the game. It will
certainly be exciting to see how they are

able to progress over the coming years.
This season has been a huge
success for the club with their players
enjoying the game and learning plenty
in terms of football skills and perhaps
more importantly key skills including
teamwork, leadership and fairplay. As
the season draws to a close the team
are making plans to celebrate their
achievements with two presentation
Evenings combined with a race night.
The older teams involved with the
club from Under 11s to U16s event will
be staged on the 12th June whilst the
Bamber Bridge Club Info - www.pitchero.com/clubs/bamberbridge - Twitter : @BamberBridgeFC - Founded 1974
46 Issue 54
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Preston,
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U7s to U10s will be held on the 5th June. A good time is sure
to be had by everyone involved as they celebrate what theyve
accomplished over the course of the season.
Bamber Bridges commitment to playing an important role
in the local community is highlighted further by the Annual
Football Tournament at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium that they
host. The Under 12s competition will be held on the 7th May this
year with 6-a-side games taking place whilst the Under 10s will
compete a day earlier in 7-a-side matches.
Competitions such as these provide a great platform for
young players to demonstrate their skills and are always an
enjoyable experience. There is a lot of work that goes into making
sure that they run smoothly and the volunteers at Bamber Bridge
do a fantastic job of laying on such a great spectacle.
There is much to admire about the superb work that Bamber

Bridge JFC has been doing lately and clubs such as these are
absolutely crucial to the longevity of the English game. Everyone
at Football Focus Magazine would like to take this opportunity
to congratulate the club on their fine work and wish them the
best of luck for the future.
have also made the final 13 times more. Their 3-2 victory over
Saltash United was the clubs first appearance in the final of the
competition since 1972 whilst their last appearance was in 2011
when Bodmin Town emerged victorious 3-2.
Over the years they have had many terrific players represent
the club and one who stood out was Mike Bickle who broke the
South Western League scoring record with 65 in a season. The
following year he bagged himself 89 goals including 9 against
Nanpean. Bickle got his reward with a move to Plymouth Argyle
in 1965.
A club that achieves the longevity of St Austell certainly
doesnt do so without having a superb set up off the field and
their current Committee continue to do everything possible to
help them to progress. In recent times they have put a lot of work
into improving their facilities with the introduction of floodlights
at a home game against Buckland Athletic in front of a crowd of
556.
There is much to admire about AFC St Austell and it is great
to see such a likeable club being rewarded with some superb
results on the field. Football Focus Magazine would like to take
this opportunity to congratulate them on what theyve achieved
in the past 125 years and also wish them the best of luck for the
future.
www.sportip.biz
47
WEST END
West End
FOOTBALL CLUB
West End AFC has been established
since 1970, and has grown significantly
not just in size but in status with the FA
over that period. They are now classed a
Charter Standard Community Club, and
continue to look for ways to grow the
club on and off the field.
Setting up a soccer school in 2007
has enabled the club to begin coaching
children from 4 years through to open
age. West End now has over 14 boys
teams with over 200 members playing in
2 different leagues.
Just this season they have managed to
acquire a further 3 elite girls teams which
really demonstrates the main aim of the
club offering football in the community,
for all levels of ability and to ensure
that the children enjoy their time at
the club.
Club Representative Mark
Crannage took the time to tell us
more about the good work that
they have been doing lately.
He told us, There is a really
good feel about the club at the
minute and a real optimistic
view from our current
crop of coaches. The Clubs
overall philosophy is to be
all inclusive and give every
child a fair amount of football
regardless of ability and
support the FAs RESPECT
campaign.
Youth football is our bread
and butter and we have been
happy to see many of our
players move into academies
48 Issue 54
of the premier league clubs and continue

to supply them season after season.
We have also this season been
fortunate to progress a
relationship with Neil
Gillespie who now
holds his goal
keeping
WEST END
development sessions at West End on a

Friday evening and many of our teams
goal keepers are now benefiting from this
quality coaching.
We are quite conservative really as a
club. We have many great things to talk
about and seldom do we broadcast them
very well. We were one of the first grass
root cubs to invest in a defibrillator, and
really only celebrated this life saving unit
with our members.
Jason,
our
other
development
committee member is not only a UEFA
B qualified coach but also a Coach Tutor
for the Manchester FA. Jason had the
pleasure of an invite from the FA to be the
second man drawing the balls out for this

seasons 2nd round draw for the FA Cup
live on the BBC. They did a short VT on
him as part of his coaching role at West
End in his introduction on the program.
Our primary challenge now is to bring
the current facilities into the specification
required for modern day football. We
have a sports hall on the premises the
size of an 18 yard box, and a grass pitch
the size required for 9v9. So we cant
train inside due to space and outside isnt
possible with the number of teams on the
grass, it wouldnt last 10 minutes.
We do know this is going to be an
expensive project and one that will take
time to progress but we feel confident

that our affiliated FA and local council
will support us through our challenge
to collate the funding to assist with an
upgrade/redevelopment to a 3G surface,
preferably indoor.
Simply put, our ambition isnt to be the
most successful in terms of trophies, but to
be the most successful in terms of having
invested in courses to ensure we have the
best coaches that allow us to continue to
offer development of our young players
in both football and as individuals.
There is a really good feel

about the club at the minute
and a real optimistic view
from our current crop of
coaches.
www.sportip.biz
49
Willand Rovers
Willand Rovers
FOOTBALL CLUB
Article provided by Club Representative Dominic Clark
started watching Willand in

1996 when a good friend of my
son in law moved from Tiverton
to Willand. His move coincided
with my move to the village.
I have always been a supporter of
nonleague football rather than going
to watch the football league.
Having started to watch the team
people started to have a chat and say
hello, but Willand have always had a
reputation of being a very welcoming
club.
It was not until I had finished
coaching kids that I was able to free up
enough time to help. I initially started
with the half time hospitality and was
asked to go onto the committee last
year. I became football secretary in

October 2013, which was and still is a
steep learning curve. But I have always
had people who have helped along the
way.
The club have certainly moved at a
great pace in the last two years, there
is always optimism at the beginning of
the season for cup runs and winning the
league. Although we crashed out of the
Vase in the first round we created history
by getting to the 4th round qualifiers of
the FA Cup, playing 7 games.
This certainly put the club on the
map, the BBC website and the TV. When
we lost to Gosport we had nearly 1000
people through the gate and the club
and club members all pulled together to
make it a memorable day and showed

that with community spirit anything is
achievable.
For our President Peter Ward and
our chairman Mike Mitchell, who
between them have been at the club
over 100 years, seeing everyone muck
in and do their bit certainly made their
pulses run quicker.
Of course as great as the cup run
was we now have 4 to 7 games in hand
over our rivalries. With the inclement
weather now starting to hit home we
have 8 fixtures in March alone. We also
have a semi-final against Plymouth
Argyle to negotiate and a quarter final
spot in the league cup.
TIVVY
SKIPS
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Call us now for prompt friendly service
T: 01884 242 379
Swinesbridge, Tiverton, Devon EX16 5NA

Willand Rovers Club Info - www.willandrovers.co.uk - Twitter : @WillandRovers - Founded 1946
50 Issue 54
Willand Rovers
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Will and Garage Silver Street Will and Devon EX15 2RG
The club have started

to look at the youth
sides currently with us;
both the U15s and 16s are
unbeaten in their league
programme.
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51
Willand Rovers
From Tradition And Integrity Comes Peace Of Mind
WALTER H. SQUIRES & SON
3RD GENERATION FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS, EST. 1933

One of Devons most respected independent funeral directors, family
owned by Ryan and Melanie Squires, and trusted for eight decades.
Proud supporters of Willand Rovers Football Club
11 Wellbrook Street, Tiverton,

Devon, EX16 5JW 01884 252556
27 Higher Street, Cullompton,
Devon, EX15 1AJ 01884 839556
Offices also at
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52 Issue 54
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T
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53
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Willand Rovers
So for the club as we approach March

we are still in the mix in three competitions
which is great news. As for where we will
end up we all can dream of winning all
three but realistically a cup win and a top
three place would be a very good season.
The club have started to look at the
youth sides currently with us; both the
U15s and 16s are unbeaten in their league
programme. The U16s won their league
last year and the U15s came second in the
league and won the cup. Our U18s have
just qualified for the Devon under 18s
County Cup Final.
Such is the promise of these youngsters
that we are applying to join the Somerset
Floodlight league giving these lads a feel
for travelling and playing as they would

in the senior side. The next step is to start
getting theses lads into our reserves and
hopefully into the first team.
A lot of these youths are local boys
so getting them playing for the local
team is always good news. It strengthens
already good community links and this
year we arranged a Santa run in aid of
the local school. The preschool often use
our facilities and we have recently made a
donation to a local community project that
had their equipment stolen in a burglary.
We are also a venue for parties for both
children and adults.
As to the future, we desperately want
to apply for promotion to Step 4. That
If you need the services of experienced professional car

mechanics, then you can rely on K and S Auto Services.
means we have much ground work to do.

In the last 2 years we have invested over
100k into the off field projects. We have
created new changing facilities, we have
redeveloped the club house and we have
improved the car parking area.
Now we need to build a new stand and
outside toilet facility as well as needing
turnstiles and other such items to ensure
we have the correct ground grading to
go up. Our biggest challenge is doing all
those things within our means and maybe
one day look to move away from our home
for the last 55 years to a new all-purpose
built facility with multiple pitches.
MARTIN STOCKER
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Weve been providing the people of Willand, Cullompton,

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best for the future.
Phone: 01884 822 857
E-mail: land1507@tiscali.co.uk
Unit 4, Durban Estate, South View Road, Willand, EX15 2RU
54 Issue 54
HOME: 01884 839127

MOBILE: 07845169950
E-MAIL: STOCKSY66@HOTMAIL.CO.UK
Vinters
Vinters
FOOTBALL CLUB
inters FCs origins go back to 1974 when Vinters

Park FC was first established in the Maidstone
area to give youngsters an opportunity to play the
game in a safe and enjoyable environment. The
club has come a long way since then and was able
to celebrate its 40th anniversary last year. They are currently
led by Chairman Mark Tanner who is supported by Secretary
John Cross and has progressed well under their guidance.
Over the years Vinters FC has put together a history of
which they have every right to be proud and formed Vinters
Green in 1989, allowing them to field two sides in each age
group. They have continued to grow since with Vinters
Valley being formed in 2005 and Vinters Rangers in
2011.
The club as a whole formally became known
as Vinters FC in 2011 to ensure that it was fully
integrated and their teams now all wear Green/
White striped shirts and black shorts. They are
based at Valley Park Playing Fields in Kent and
thank Valley Invicta Academies Trust on their
official website for allowing them to use the
facilities which include an FA approved fullsize 3G pitch.
As well as regular training and matches,
Vinters also hold their annual 5-a-side
tournament on the first Saturday in July which
is one of the largest one day soccer tournaments
in Kent. This sees 200 teams competing from
over 60 different clubs.
Football Focus Magazine were keen to find out
more about the good work that the club has been
doing in recent times and Chairman Mark Tanner took
the time to tell us more, saying, I have been involved
with the Club since my son joined the development squad
aged 4 in 2000. Basically it was local and his friend joined.
It is massively rewarding getting to watch some of the 350
plus young players we have signed enjoy playing their sport
of choice. The most challenging part is gaining appropriate
funding. To celebrate our 40th anniversary we provided a new
anniversary kit in partnership with Nike, had a Club photo
with the vast majority of players and there are other plans in
the pipeline.
I would say the mood at the club at the moment is happy
and generally one of excitement. Our focus is on fun first; we
arent results driven and our pleased with how the season has
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55
McDonalds Maidstone
Proud Sponsor Of
Vinters Football Club
56 Issue 54
Vinters
gone. Were looking to continue as we are

over the remainder of the campaign and
would like to start a 3rd girls team to
emerge.
Developing young players is a major
priority for us and it is important to ensure
that they enjoy a smooth transition into
the senior game. Managers rise through
the age groups with their teams so there
is a constant - we support all our teams
totally.
We are a community club with FA

Charter Standard Community status and
plan for more girls teams, a disabled team
and improved facilities at Valley Park.
There is clearly much to admire about
the superb set up that Vinters has in
place and they recognise the contribution
that their players make at their annual
Presentation Evening. Over 400 people
attend with awards given for most
improved player, managers player and
players player for every age group.
All the members in the development

squad receive a training award whilst
there are long service awards given to
players that have been with the club for 5
and 10 years. It is great to see the players
being rewarded for their efforts but credit
and recognition should also go to the
volunteers that give up their time to make
Vinters FC the terrific club that it is.
Byford Roofing Services Limited provides a complete range of Flat roofing services, carrying out projects across Kent, Sussex and
South East London. Founded in 1985, Byford Roofing Services Limited is one of Kents premier roofing contractors.
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Unit 3, Stonestile Business Park, Stonestile Road, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9PG
Vinters Club Info - www.pitchero.com/clubs/vintersfootballclub - Twitter : @vintersfc - Founded 1974
www.sportip.biz
57
AE Phoenix Juniors
AE Phoenix Juniors
FOOTBALL CLUB
E Phoenix FC is a
Chartered Standard Club
that is based in Ashington
that was established in
2005 by a group of pro-active parents
that wanted to start a football club for
children no matter what their ability
was.
The club started the first season with
just 1 boys team which has steadily
grown to the 14 teams which started the
2014-15 campaign, including boys, girls
and mens senior teams. This season has
also seen the club link up with 2 local
schools including a school for children
with disabilities that will see the club
establish the first disability football team
from Ashington for the 2015-16 season.
The club gained the FA Charter
Status only a few months after being
formed and is working alongside the
Northumberland FA to move up to
Development Status by the beginning of
next season and to achieve Community
Status within 2 years.
With the club having its most
successful season in its history the
atmosphere is buoyant with teams

already in 4 cup finals and all doing
well in their respective leagues with the
possibility of a few league titles.
There have been many challenges
over the years, whether it be as a
Secretary, Coach or any other role within
the club. In rising to these challenges the
reward is nothing less than spectacular
when you see young children proudly
wearing the clubs strip, playing football
with a smile on their face makes the
hard work and difficult challenges all
worthwhile.
Now that the club is well
established and has a firm
foundation we can push
the club further and
as part of that the
club will be
changing its
name
to
Ashington Town Football Club for the

start of the 2015-16 season. This will
allow people to know where we are
from and continue the proud heritage
that football has in Ashington.
The outlook for the club has never
looked so good with a large number
of pro-active parents, fantastic and
dedicated coaches and most importantly
over 140 children from ages 6 to 18 years
old that give their all week in week out,
no matter the weather or winning or
losing. The ambition of the club is to
With the club having its

most successful season in its
history the atmosphere is
buoyant with teams already
in 4 cup finals and all doing
well in their respective leagues
with the possibility of a few
league titles.
AE Phoenix Juniors Club Info - www.clubwebsite.co.uk/aephoenixfc - Twitter : @AEPhoenixFC - Founded 2005
58 Issue 54
AE Phoenix Juniors
see all ages represented for children

of all abilities within boys, girls and
disability football, but to still keep
that friendly, family feeling that was
there the first day I joined the club
and that is still there to this day.
I have personally been involved
with the club for nearly ten years as
a coach, parent, player, Chairman
and as Secretary for the last 3 years.
I would like to take this chance to
thank everyone who is involved at AE
Phoenix FC for their dedication and
hard work over the years especially
the last 3 for making my role as
Secretary an enjoyable experience
(most of the time).
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59
AE Phoenix Juniors
The Pin Point Recruitment Junior Football League

(previously known as The NABC League) is a FA Charter
Standard league providing a fantastic environment across
the North East for young players to participate in football.
It is an FA Charter Standard League that provides support
for teams from Under 7s through to and including Under
18s who all play across the North East of England. For the
last 7 years we have been supported by Local Businessman
Alan Findlay and his company pin point recruitment and
without his help would not have been able to grow to the
size we are today.
In the 2014/2015 Season we have the following number
of teams:

239 -Mini soccer teams

427 -Under 11 -under 18 teams.
90 Girls League teams.
Our teams stretch from as far North as Berwick to Consett

in the South and Haltwhistle in the West to Tynemouth in
the East.
Our proud history dates back to 1945, with many of our
ex-players going onto play professionally and many
more playing for fun and finding that there are numerous
benefits for all who participate in the sport.
60 Issue 54
At Wansbeck Plastics we are a friendly, family run business. We care about what our
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61
Unit 6 Merchant Court, North Seaton Industrial Estate, Ashington NE63 0YH
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Welton Rovers
Welton Rovers
FOOTBALL CLUB
ased at West Clewes on North

Road in Midsomer Norton,
Welton Rovers FC currently
competes in Division 1 of the
Toolstation Western League Division
1. They are led by Chairman Stuart
Minall who is supported by Treasurer
Malcolm Price and the club has made a
considerable amount of progress under
their guidance.
Their first team has been in fantastic
form so far this season, putting together
a record of 25 wins, 6 draws and just 3
defeats from their 34 matches. This has
left them sitting in 2nd place in the table
with 81 points on the board, just a game
behind the league leaders.
62 Issue 54
If they win their game in hand they will

go within 2 points of Barnstable Town
which will set up a tense finish to the
campaign. As long as the team is able to
keep up their recent level of performance
they should be in with a good chance of
claiming the title.
One of the highlights of the teams
performances so far this season has been
the attacking brand of football that they
have produced. This is reflected by the
fact that they have already racked up 75
goals at a rate of more than 2 per match.
This has certainly meant that any
supporters attending their matches
have been well entertained and should
encourage more of the local community
to get behind the side in the future. This
in turn has the potential to provide them

with a valuable source of additional
revenue.
Welton Rovers is a club that is
committed to providing as many people
as possible in their local community with
an opportunity to play the game. This is
reflected by the fact that they also run a
reserve side in place which competes in
Division 1 East of the Somerset County
League.
A major benefit of having a 2nd team
in place is that it allows the first XI to
benefit from far greater strength in depth.
If they are ever left short on numbers
through injury or work commitments
they have the option of calling players up
with a limited amount of disruption.
Welton Rovers
Welton Rovers superb form on the

field this season is a reflection of all the
hard work that has been put into making
them a success behind the scenes. Football
Focus Magazine would like to take this
opportunity to wish them the best of luck
for the rest of the season.
Based at West Clewes on North Road
in Midsomer Norton, Welton Rovers FC
currently competes in Division 1 of the
Toolstation Western League Division 1.
They are led by Chairman Stuart Minall
who is supported by Treasurer Malcolm
Price and the club has made a considerable
amount of progress under their guidance.
Their first team has been in fantastic
form so far this season, putting together
a record of 25 wins, 6 draws and just 3
defeats from their 34 matches. This has
left them sitting in 2nd place in the table
with 81 points on the board, just a game
behind the league leaders.
If they win their game in hand they

will go within 2 points of Barnstable Town
which will set up a tense finish to the
campaign. As long as the team is able to
keep up their recent level of performance
they should be in with a good chance of
claiming the title.
One of the highlights of the teams
performances so far this season has been
the attacking brand of football that they
have produced. This is reflected by the
fact that they have already racked up 75
goals at a rate of more than 2 per match.
This has certainly meant that any
supporters attending their matches
have been well entertained and should
encourage more of the local community
to get behind the side in the future. This
in turn has the potential to provide them
with a valuable source of additional
revenue.
Welton Rovers is a club that is

committed to providing as many people
as possible in their local community with
an opportunity to play the game. This is
reflected by the fact that they also run a
reserve side in place which competes in
Division 1 East of the Somerset County
League.
A major benefit of having a 2nd team
in place is that it allows the first XI to
benefit from far greater strength in depth.
If they are ever left short on numbers
through injury or work commitments
they have the option of calling players up
with a limited amount of disruption.
Welton Rovers superb form on the
field this season is a reflection of all the
hard work that has been put into making
them a success behind the scenes. Football
Focus Magazine would like to take this
opportunity to wish them the best of luck
for the rest of the season.
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63
Southampton Saints
GLFC
Southampton Saints
Girls and Ladies
FOOTBALL CLUB
outhampton Saints GLFC have

been enjoying a successful
season on the field, sitting in
4th place in the league and
also having made it into the final of the
Hampshire County Womens Cup. We
caught up with their Chairman Michael
Castle to find out more about the club.
Involvement
Ive been involved with Southampton
Saints GLFC for around 4 years. I
originally became involved when asked
to become vice chairman which after only
6 months soon became chairman. At the
time it seemed as if I was stitched up but
I wouldnt have changed it for anything!
Enjoyment
Ive had several memorable moments
with the club, too many to mention them
all but probably the most rewarding
was when in 2011 our then Girls Under
14s won the Hampshire County Girls
Cup sponsored by Tescos. By doing so
they then went into the Regional Finals
representing Hampshire against other
County Cup winners.
64 Issue 54
T h e y
won
this
competition
by beating
Q u e e n s
P a r k
Rangers
in the final
2-0 and so
went on to
represent
the
South
of
England
at Pride Park
Derby.
Things
then
got
better
whereby as winners
of the competition
they then represented
England against the overall
winners of Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland. Having
beaten Wales 3-1 in the semi-finals
they narrowly lost 1-0 to the eventual
winners Scotland.
This Season
The general mood is on the whole good,
however as a self-supporting club with
no major sponsors, finances are always
a concern. On the whole the season has
been
another
successfully
one. We run teams from
Under 10s - Under 18s as well as a
Ladies team. We give all girls of all ages
Southampton Saints
GLFC
the opportunity to play for Southampton Saints with a very

high standard of coaching.
Youth
Youth football is very important to us as a club as we aim
to bring in young girls of all abilities at Under 10 and give
them a taste of playing team sports. We then look to develop
them from Under 11 and hopefully progress them through
the various ages and eventually into the Ladies team.
Challenges
I fear that one of if not the major challenge the club faces is
the financial one. Without a major sponsor coming on board
to support the club, then being able to provide the right
facilities as well as coaches puts a burden on the parents of the
girls, and I fear that some may well leave because of the ever
increasing contributions required to keep the club running.
Ambitions
We would very much like to have our own ground and
facilities that we can call our home. Grants are available,
however its a catch 22 situation as to apply you have to
have your own ground and we havent the finances to have
our own ground. Hopefully either a major sponsor or a
link with Southampton FC will come on board and maybe
Southampton Saints may well be playing at the highest level
of the Womens Super League.
www.sportip.biz
65
Dagenham United
Dagenham United
FOOTBALL CLUB
agenham United FC was

first established in 1961
by Joe Appleyard and
Ken Edhouse when they
had just one team playing in a local
park league at Under 11s. They have
certainly come a long way since then and
we caught up with their Club Secretary
Keith Rothon to find out more about how
theyre getting along in the present day.
Involvement
He told us, I started much the same as
most grass roots volunteers; having a son
who began playing for a team in 1996, I,
being a lover of football, always tried to
assist as much as possible helping with
training before taking over the team
managers role when the existing manager
66 Issue 54
left. I started helping on the committee

and then took over as secretary. I have
always wanted to do a job to the best
status I can achieve and we are still a work
in progress.
The Role
The biggest challenges for me are trying
to maintain a happy medium between
children that cannot afford to pay for
training/matches and those who can.
The rewards for me areall down to just
having ex-players stopping for a chat and
realizing they have had a good rewarding
career and settling down with their own
families and informing us they will bring
their own sons to mini kickers when old
enough.
Atmosphere
The mood is very upbeat at the moment.
We are in the process of signing a deal
with a local professional club to be their
feeder club which gives everyone the
opportunity to reach out into the local
community to help those young players
reach the top level their ability allows.
We are also on the brink of having a new
clubhouse starting to be built and an
11aside 3G AstroTurf pitch and a 7aside
3G AstrosTurf pitch. We have grown our
adult section and maintained those teams
this year, whilst also retaining our youth
section so we are particularly buoyant at
the moment.
Dagenham United
This Season
We are happy with how our season has
gone to date; we measure our success on
just retaining all our teams and ensuring
an ethos of football for all which we cater
for. We would like to get a team into a
Cup Final or even to win a league. It gives
everyone the opportunity to attend games
and support the club. It also gives players
in our teams a bit of I want to do that so
a little success breeds a good mentality.
Community
We are an FA charter standard
community club and try to recruit from
the local area with our coaches and
80% of our players come from the local
Borough. Our club is dependent on our
youth, we actively encourage U15 players

to get involved in young leaders courses,
becoming qualified referees and helping
out our mini kickers programme which
brings our young players into teams.
Challenges
We live in a very multi-cultural area
where affluence is not very easily
achieved so money the cost of facilities,
pitches, affiliations, fines kits, training
equipment etc. all have to be met and it
is an on-going saga trying to balance the
equipment/facility/kits as they all need
pots of money that need to be budgeted
for.
Ambitions
My own ambition for my club is that
over the next 5 years we grow our youth
section to 35 teams. We also want to grow
our girls section to facilitate a female only
night of training get a sustained amount
of teams and a development officer for
each section to keep the growth going.
We are increasing our adult section to go
into a Step 7 league, the U21 will be in
the youth section of that league whilst I
want to have teams playing on Saturdays
and Sundays to allow good exit routes for
our players. And within the next 5 years I
want an adult veteran team and an adult
women team. The future is bright.
www.sportip.biz
67
Andover New Street

Andover
New Street
FOOTBALL CLUB
ndover New Street FC plays

their home games at Foxcotte
Park in Hampshire and their
first team currently competes
in the Wessex League Division 1. They
are led by the team of President Graham
Waters and Chairman Martin Tobin
and are looking to progress under their
guidance.
So far this season it would be fair
to say that their first team has not put
together the campaign that they would
have liked, having compiled a record of 4
wins, 3 draws and 15 defeats from their
first 22 matches. This has left them sitting
near the bottom of the league with 15
points on the board.
They will be keen to put together a
good run of form over the course of their
remaining fixtures in order to pull away
from the bottom sides in the league.
68 Issue 54
This would help to provide them with a

platform from which to build as they look
to strengthen during the off-season.
One of the standout features of the
Andover New Street set up is the superb
youth section that they have in place.
This part of the club looks to provide
youngsters from the local area with an
opportunity to play the game in a safe and
enjoyable environment whilst helping
them to reach their full potential.
It is important for any side to be able
to produce their own talent, particularly
during the current financial climate and
this is an area that they appear to have
covered. It will certainly be exciting to see
how their juniors can progress over the
coming years.
Andover New Streets commitment
to playing an important role in their local
community is further demonstrated by
the successful Ladies section that they

have. The team is currently competing in
the Southern Region Womens Football
League First Division Northern.
They have put together a solid
campaign this time around and currently
sit in a safe mid-table position. The ladies
team pride themselves on giving any new
players a warm welcome and encourage
anyone interested to get in touch which is
a theme that runs throughout the clubs
set up.
Andover New Streets disappointing
campaign at first team level should not
take away from the fantastic work that
has been getting done at the club in recent
times. It is this that should ensure that
they are able to look forwards to a bright
and successful future in the years to come.
Andover New Street
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the main club sponsor for the 2014/15 season.
The Aldridge family set up their Andover car sales
operation in April 2001 on purpose built premises
in Station Approach but the Aldridge family name
has been involved in the motor trade since 1955.
Having been well established on the Station
Approach site in Andover for well over a decade
they opened a second site in 2013 only 100
yards apart. This was due to the extra demand
for vehicles in the lower price range of which they
keep mostly part exchanges to clear at great
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69
Felling Magpies
Felling Magpies
FOOTBALL CLUB
elling Magpies have done

a fantastic job of providing
young players from their local
area with an opportunity to
play the game throughout their proud
history. Current Chairman Karl Boyd
took the time to talk to Football Focus
Magazine about the work that they have
been doing at the club lately.
This Season
From the playing side, we are delighted
with the way the club has been going
this year as our players our progressing
really well. The club has been growing
which were very happy with although
trying to secure our base has been a little
frustrating.
We dont have trials here at the club,
were not about picking and choosing our
players we want to give every kid thats
interested an opportunity to develop both
from a footballing and social perspective.
Recognition
Last season we were voted Community
Charter Standard Club of the Year for
the Durham FA region and were also the
70 Issue 54
regional winners for the North-east and

Yorkshire. We won Fairplay Club of the
Year for the North east and Yorkshire
region as well. We have a code of conduct
for all our Managers, players and parents
to make sure that everyone at the club
is progressing as one unit, stamping out
any negative behaviour. Once the kids see
what they are part of I think they then take
a real pride in what they are achieving.
Community
Were committed to playing an important
role in the local community. Last year we
sponsored one of the local schools football
strips which was great for the school
and for us. Weve also got a partnership
with a local comprehensive; its all about
building for us and weve gone from 9
teams to 21 teams in 2 years and its nice
to be able to provide so many players with
a chance to play. The growth has been
quick but were focused on making sure
that what were doing is done in the right
way.
Participation
There are about 225 kids involved and
one of the big successes inside of that has
been our tots programme which is aimed

at the ages of 3 to 6. They can start training
and developing so that there are ready
made U7 teams coming through. That also
brings parents into the club that want to
get involved as managers and weve got a
great set of volunteers here now.
The Future
Weve got a business plan together
and five years from now we are aiming
to have our secure base in place with a
clubhouse and community facility with
3G pitches available. Were looking for
around 35 teams and we want to grow
the girls section as well. Weve started our
first team this year at U11s and hopefully
will be bringing in plenty more sides.
The kids we have here are a success and
the parents, with the support that they
give, are also a success. The amount of
hours that the managers put into the
football club is a massive part of what we
have been able to achieve.
Felling Magpies
Felling Magpies Under 12s Gold

Felling Magpies Under 12s gold are a
group of young lads. Most have been
together since they were 4 years old
from our super totts and have been a
real great pleasure to coach and I look
forward to many more seasons with
the lads.
The team are currently playing in the
Gateshead Youth Apollo Doors league
at 9 v 9. We have a really great squad
of 15 lads all that are a very high
standard and as we only play 9 aside
this gives me a kind of headache that I
dont mind as to who is in the starting
line up as they all play and give 110%
whenever they play.
We are currently sitting 2nd in the
league and are still going strong in the
Felling Magpies Under 7s

Felling Magpies under 7s Whites are
recently formed and doing very well
at our current level in are first season
in Gateshead Youth League. Football
is fantastic for children in so many
ways as it offers them the chance to
be part of a team, teaches respect,
discipline whilst greatly improving an
individuals confidence.
But most of all, it allows them to have
tons of fun making new friends whilst
getting physically fit (Also keeps them
off the XBOX and play stations saving
us parents stacks of cash on electricity
cup competition as well. I would

also like to say that we also have
a great set of parents that help
and support our team and
have been brilliant from the
start and I would just like
to say a massive thank
you to them all.
Also, we couldnt be
where we are if it was not
for the help and support
from our two fabulous
sponsors who have kindly
bought us our home and
away strips. Sponsors are
very hard to come by so a
massive thank you for your
kindness and generosity thank
you to DANCING FLAMES and
DWELLING ROOFING - long may it
continue!
bills haha!) Its great so see the team

working so hard in training and in
matches and its a great pleasure
to watch. You get more enjoyment
watching grassroots football than
some of our Premiership teams.
I would also like to say a massive
thank you to our sponsor who
has kindly bought us our home
strips NORTHEAST BUILDING &
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE thank
you so much for your support and
long May it continue.
sales@dancingflamesltd.co.uk
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71
Newark Town
Newark Town
FOOTBALL CLUB
First established in 1868,

Newark Town FC is based on
Station Road in Collingham
and their first team currently
competes in the Central Midlands
Football League, North Division. They
are a terrific example of a club that
plays an important role in their local
community.
Their first team has been in fine form
so far this season, having put together a
record of 20 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats
from their 28 matches. This has left them
sitting in 2nd place just behind the leaders
with 62 points on the board as the season
draws to a close.
Whilst it will be difficult for them to
claim the title they will be determined
to finish the season with a good run
in order to finish the campaign on a
high. Regardless what happens in their
remaining games the players can be proud
of the way theyve performed this season.
Newark Town is not a club to focus
and they also have a number of youth
sides running. These teams look to
provide youngsters from the local area
with an opportunity to play the game in
a safe and enjoyable environment whilst
helping them to reach their full potential.
It is important for any side to be able to
produce their own talent, particularly in
the current financial climate and this is an
area that they appear to have covered. It
will certainly be exciting to see how their
youngsters can progress in the coming
years.
In order to help ensure that these
players enjoy a smooth transition into
the senior game they also have a reserve
team. This allows them to give youngsters
experience of the adult game even if they
are not yet considered ready for first team
action which can be an important step in
the development process.
Another benefit of running an extra
side is that it allows the first XI to benefit
from far greater strength in depth. If they
are ever left short on numbers through
injury or work commitments they have
the option of calling players up with a
limited amount of disruption.
72 Issue 54
N e w a r k
Town have been
in fantastic form
this season and this is a
reflection of all the hard work
that has been put into the club in recent
times. Hopefully they will be able to
continue in the same manner for many
years to come.
Proud Supporters of
Newark Town FC
T: 01636 642790
E: info@jlphillips.co.uk W: www.jlphillips.co.uk
Hastings United
Hastings United
FOOTBALL CLUB
astings United supporters

are no strangers to a good
old fashioned relegation
scrap, but it would
appear that the novelty
has well and truly worn off.
After watching their team win
promotion to the Ryman League
Premier Division in May 2007, five of the
next six campaigns were spent fighting
for survival, three of which went down
to the last day of the season, before their
luck finally ran out in 2013, with the
club dropping back down to Division
One South.
The fact that relegation occurred just a

few months after the Us had enjoyed
their greatest ever FA Cup run was
nothing if not inconvenient, with club
finances swelled by an unforgettable
third round visit to Middlesbrough, and
the live televising of their second round
replay against Harrogate Town by
ESPN, when a 4,000 plus capacity crowd
packed into their Pilot Field home. The
cash injection that should have set
up a shot at promotion to Conference
South would first just have to be spent
on getting back to the Ryman Premier
instead.
Bookmakers quickly installed
United as title favourites,
and the club were
in
the
hunt
throughout
the first
half of
t h e
2013/14 season, only to fall away and

ultimately sneak into the play-offs
where they suffered an extra time defeat
at Folkestone in the semi-finals.
Never mind though, they could
afford to go hard once again in 2014/15
and duly invested heavily in an
experienced squad that would surely
be able to conquer all before them.
Or perhaps not. At time of writing,
the Us are on their third permanent
manager of the campaign, have used
forty-seven first team players, and only
goal difference is keeping them out of
the relegation zone. Not without good
reason, supporters are far from amused,
many expressing the view that the club
would simply collapse and die were it to
slide into County League circles.
Nigel Kane was in the managers
chair when United last achieved
promotion, and returned for a second
stint at the helm in January 2015. His
reappointment was generally met with
apathy from fans who can be forgiven
for having grown weary at the number
of bosses who have come and gone since
Dave Walters took over as chairman in
2004. Kane was viewed as too safe a
choice, an honest and true servant of the
club, no doubt, but not someone who
was obviously equipped for the task
at hand. Results on
the pitch have
sadly borne
out these
fears.
Hastings United Club Info - www.hastingsunitedfc.co.uk - Twitter : @hastingsufc- Founded 1894

www.sportip.biz
73
74 Issue 54
Hastings United
The loudest dissenting voices are

aiming their collective ire at Walters
though, with the chairman coming under
increasing pressure to sell his majority
stake to a consortium of supporters that
have long since harboured ambitions to
run things in a more collective fashion. As
noble a principle as this might be, whether
or not boardroom instability would serve
United well right now has become a
matter for increasingly divisive and bitter
debate, not exactly in keeping with the
spirit of the would-be new owners aims.
It is fair to say that Walters has never

sought or found universal popularity
since buying out previous chairman Mick
Maplesden, who had been the second
consecutive National Lottery winner
to control Uniteds affairs. Both soon
realised that money brings no guarantee
of success, a lesson that is now being
repeated once again. Lacking the personal
wealth of his two predecessors, Walters
has worked tirelessly to ensure the club
has operated within its means during
much of his tenure, with a heightened
focus on commercial revenue, but it
would certainly be unfair to accuse him

of failing to back his managers from a
playing budget point of view since those
FA Cup heroics.
Rightly or wrongly, Walters has
become the convenient scapegoat for
the Us current plight, yet whoever, or
whatever, is truly to blame, time is fast
running out for a viable solution to be
identified. Relegation battles may be the
norm in 1066 Country, but it was never
meant to be like this.
As a local company that has been established since 1977 we

believe it is important to support our local team. We have
taken pride in being part of Hastings United Football Club
for many years and understand the importance of giving
back to the community and will continue to be on hand to
support the team for as long as were operating.
Westoaks Builders provide quality and value in building and

repairs services for domestic and commercial properties
of any age. From new builds, to conversion and repair of
Victorian terraces, Georgian houses and listed properties.
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please call us on
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Web: www.westoaksbuilders.co.uk
We believe as a local employer looking to the long term

we have a duty to interact with the wider community and
feel this is an extremely important aspect of who we are as
a firm. We chose to support HUFC because it promotes
a healthy active lifestyle and are firm believers that local
sporting activities are of great benefit to people of all ages.
We have enjoyed supporting the team over the years and
took great pleasure in constructing a shed with a flat roof
for the clubs garden which we were able to provide at no
cost to HUFC back in 2013.
We are very proud of Hastings United Football Club and
enjoy watching them achieve their goals and reading
about their achievements in the local newspapers. We
will continue to pursue our supportive relationship with
Hastings United Football Club and are very excited for the
years to come!
www.sportip.biz
75
Newport County
Newport County
FOOTBALL CLUB
ewport County AFC have

put together a strong
league campaign and
are looking to push on
and claim a play-off position as the
season draws to a close. This is a club
that is about a lot more than just their
first team however and Commercial
Manager James Watts took the time to
tell us more.
Involvement
He started by telling us about his
involvement with the club, saying,
I have been involved with Newport
County AFC for the last three seasons. I
have been a supporter for over 30 years
and you could say it was a bit of a dream
76 Issue 54
come true getting the opportunity to

work for the club I have supported my
whole life.
The Role
The most challenging aspect of my role
is separating work from being a fan.
There are often a number of things going
on that I would love to comment on or
have a public opinion about but due
to the requirement of the job it simply
cannot happen. The most rewarding
part of the job is seeing the team win on
the field after a very hard week off it.
Atmosphere
The general mood at the club is really
good, we are enjoying being back in
the Football League after 25 years in
non-league football and we take every
challenge as it comes. To be in with a
chance of promotion to League One at
the end of February shows how far this
club has come in the last five years.
This Season
It has been a very good season so far
with some very good wins both home
and away. Unfortunately our manager
Justin Edinburgh recently left to join
Gillingham which resulted in 4 straight
defeats but we have picked up again
Newport County Club Info - www.newport-county.co.uk - Twitter : @NewportCounty- Founded 1912
Newport County
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77
outlined versions
www.sportip.biz
Newport County
now and we are looking to move forward

each game that comes along. We ideally
would like to be in the play offs at the
end of the season but any more than that
would be a massive achievement.
Community
We have a big community project going
on at the moment going into a much more
widespread area. We also now do more
soccer schools and soccer tots courses
along with match day visits for local clubs
and schools.
We have grown a good working
relationship with Swansea City this season
and our links with Cardiff City have also
got better over the last 24 months. Ideally
78 Issue 54
we would like to strengthen ties with both

clubs as we progress to the next stage.
Youth
Youth football has become more and
more important with us over the past
few years with the success of Lee Evans
who is now at Wolves along with Regan
Poole who made his first team debut for
Newport County AFC at the age of 16
this season. We are always looking at
developing our academy structure so we
can bring more players into our first team
set up.
Challenges/Ambitions
The development of the stadium will be
a big challenge for us along with trying to
grow our fan base with so many big clubs

in the local area. Newport has always fell
foul of the TV culture of people watching
their premiership clubs on a Saturday
rather than supporting their home town
side but we are working as hard as
possible to change it.
The club would love to be in League One
in the next 5 years with gates of 4,500-5,000
per home game and we will continue to
work as hard as possible in pulling this
off. We would also like to get a few cup
runs under our belt and maybe another
appearance at Wembley.
Worthing
Worthing
FOOTBALL CLUB
orthing FC was first

established in 1886
and has put together a
history of which they
have every right to
be proud. They are based on Woodside
Road in West Sussex and their first team
currently competes in the Ryman League
Division One South.
This season their first team has put
together a solid league campaign, having
compiled a record of 18 wins, 10 draws
and 13 defeats from their 41 matches
played to date. This has left them sitting
just outside of the play-off spots with 64

points on the board.
It looks unlikely that they will be able
to make the play-offs this time around as
games run out but they will be keen to put
together a good run of form in order to
finish on a high. This would provide them
with a solid platform upon which to build
during the off-season.
One of the highlights of their
performances this season has been the
attacking brand of football that they have
been producing. This has been reflected
by the fact that they have found the back
of the net 80 times at a rate of nearly two

per game.
This will certainly have meant that any
of their supporters will have been well
entertained and should encourage more
of the local community to get behind the
side in the future. This in turn has the
potential to provide them with a valuable
source of additional revenue.
Worthing is not a club to focus solely
upon their senior section however as they
also have a youth side in place. This team
look to provide youngsters from the local
area with an opportunity to play the game
Worthing Club Info - www.worthingfootballclub.co.uk - Twitter : @Worthing_FC - Founded 1886

www.sportip.biz
79
Worthing
in a safe and enjoyable environment whilst helping them to

reach their full potential.
It is important for any club to produce their own talent if
they are to be successful, particularly in the current financial
climate and this is an area that they appear to have covered.
It will certainly be exciting to see how their youth players
can progress over the coming years.
There is much to admire about the work that Worthing
FC has been doing in recent times and this is thanks to the
effort that their Committee has put into making them a
success. Hopefully they will continue in the same manner
for many years to come and Football Focus Magazine wishes
them the best of luck.
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82 Issue 54
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I SSUE 54

Enjoyed a fantastic run in

PRESTON NORTH END

WILLAND ROVERS - Having a superb season this time around

FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/FOOTYFOCUSMAG

We give all girls of all ages the opportunity to play for

PUBLISHED BY PROCESS PUBLISHING LTD

With Thanks Derek Cheung, Don Blandford and Paul Mckellar

PROCESS PUBLISHING LTD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Temporary Structures Another Marquee Signing

Rugby grounds and other sporting

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All MUTA members abide by the Best

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Ronnie Campbell Labour candidate for Blyth Valley

Blyth Spartans Club Info - www.blythspartansafc.co.uk - Twitter : @Blyth_Spartans - Founded 1899

The joy of watching his team perform

City F.C saw Blyth Spartans on the wrong

That said, the final is still some time

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irst established in 2005,

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These teams look to provide youngsters

lbion Rovers underwent

when theyre winning and what were

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Reigart and Albion Rovers...

Reigart has supported the club financially and there

at the club and thats a major reason theyre doing

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Were looking to install an artificial pitch

we allowed fans to pay what they want

at a good level on the field. We want to

Albion Rovers Club Info - www.albionroversfc.co.uk - Twitter : @albionrovers- Founded 1882

Michael Savage, Vice Chairman

Albion Rovers has always been

Preston North End

Preston North End

League one high flyers,