prammynewsv STOCKPORT COUNTY13-12-14
p
johnno
Good afternoon and welcome to the
Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. I
hope everyone who has travelled from
Stockport has had a pleasant 23 mile
trip.
I've got to start by saying that this is
the tie I personally wanted,
STOCKPORT COUNTY at home. What
I brilliant draw for our small football
town to be mixing it with such an
illustrious club. Anyone outside of
Rammy might think we're just playing
another non-league club that's only
one division above us BUT the history
of each club is what makes it so exciting
for us.
When Ramsbottom United decided
to become a semi-professional club in
the mid 1990's Stockport County were
enjoying the most successful part of
their history. A second place finish (to
my team Bury) in the old second
division to get them promoted to what
is now the Championship,. ey also
reached the semi-final of the league
cup in the same year. County then
spent five years in the Championship
until relegation in 2001-2002, at which
time Rammy were still playing games
against Abbey Hey and Haslingden.
Although Stockport have suffered
fairly recently with relegation they are
also still one of the best supported
clubs outside of the Premier League in
the North West.
What also makes this such a special
tie is that the current manager at
Stockport is the first manager I played
under in semi-pro football and a man
who had a very big influence on my
career, Alan Lord. Not only has he
turned their fortunes around but in a
day where managers are all too quickly
forced out of jobs due to expectation
he is a legend there. A top man and I
can't wait to see him today!
Also Grant Spencer and his brother
Scott are both in the opposing squads.
Richie Baker who plays in the middle of
the park could come up against one of
his best pals Gary Stopforth and also
Tunji Moses is at Stockport who played
a game for us during our NWC
championship winning season.
Today is about pitting our wits
against a massive non-league club and
about thoroughly enjoying the day.
Please get behind the boys in what is
sure to be a fabulous occasion.
Come On You Rams!
p
p
Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside
Stadium. I’d like to extend a special
welcome to today’s match officials and, of
course, everyone connected with
Stockport County for what we hope will
be an entertaining and enjoyable contest.
Let’s be honest….not too long ago, the
prospect of little ol’ Rammy playing the
might of County would have had us all
being carted off! Such has been our rise
over the last six years that such a fixture
has become reality.
OK, so it’s not just about ourselves. It is
well documented the troubles and trauma
that County have suffered over the same
period of time. e Brendan Elwood/Dave
Jones era must seem years away to the
County fans, but I remember watching
County gain promotion at Gigg Lane with
a couple of thousand of their fans
celebrating wildly. en came that
magnificent league victory over
Manchester City. Crazy, isn’t it, that not
too long ago our opponents were facing
Manchester City, yet today they face the
Rams. How frustrating the last few years
must have been for these fans.
e one redeeming aspect is that at least
Stockport County are
still in existence. It did
seem that their very
future was in doubt
at one time, so I’m glad that the club is still
with us.
Of course, we know manager Alan Lord
well, as he’s brought teams to the Harry
Williams Riverside Stadium on many
occasions over the years. He certainly
knows the non-league scene, and I have no
doubt that under his guidance, County will
soon claw their way back up the Divisions
and regain their rightful place in the
Football League.
I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for our
visitors. When I was a youngster (I know, I
know!) I used to work in Manchester. At
the time Vic Barnard was Chairman at
Edgeley Park, and he used to have them
playing home games on a Friday night
under the banner of “Go-Go-County”. I
used to finish work around 5 o’clock and
meet up with a couple of pals. We’d have
something to eat at a café near where the
Printworks now is, before heading over to
Piccadilly Railway station to catch the train
to Stockport. ere we’d follow County in
what was a rather ramshackle stadium at
the time, before heading back into
Manchester and a club or two into the
early hours of Saturday morning.
Happy days!
...and so on to today.
Our supporters will obviously have
noticed quite a few changes today.
tony cunninghamand the wonderful world of
non-league football
p
Naturally, we apologise to any who has had to
change their usual matchday routine, but we’ve
had no choice as the Police have been involved
in our staging of the match.
e original fear was that we would have to
make it all-ticket, but the time constraints
resulted in an acceptance that it would not be
very practical. So it’s pay-on-the-gate, even
though other changes have had to be
implemented.
Segregation is not something we are used to
here, but so be it. Again, those who enjoy the
usual freedom of moving ends – a great
tradition in non-league – will have to forego
that pleasure, as will those who normally use
the car park. Once again, we can only apologise
for the frustration that parking in the town will
have caused. Yet, if we are to embrace the
progress made by the team on the pitch, we
have to accept that off it a certain amount of
disruption will follow.
I suppose we must ask ourselves, would we
rather be facing the likes of Stockport County
and FC United of Manchester or (with respect
to them) Abbey Hey and Cheadle Town?
Despite the inconvenience, I think I know the
answer to that one!
Enjoy your non-league football!
Not Stockport’s first visit to
the Riverside - a pre-season
friendly in 2013 saw Rammy
take on County
p
the Stockport side ofthe pairing - strikerScott Spencer
“Scott is class - fast,strong, and can score -and he really likes alaugh” - Grant on Scott
p
the spencer brothersmidfielder grant vs striker scott
in the tale of two brothers
Despite all their years in football
today will be the first time that
brothers Grant and Scott Spencer
have ever played competitively
against one another. According to
mum Lyn the banter started from
the moment the FA Trophy draw
was made, though she’s a little torn
as to which team she’ll be
supporting.
“I know that it’s going to be a little
strange, “ she told us. “I really can’t
imagine how it’s going to feel
watching my two lads go head to
head. roughout the years we’ve
had very exciting times with both of
them. We are very proud of them on
and off the pitch and are really
looking forward to today’s game.”
“We usually speak to each other
before and after every game,” Grant
told us, “and Scott’s results are the
first I check at the final whistley. We
will travel to the game together
today as we still live close, but
whether we will speak or not I don't
know!”
Both brothers were turned toward
football at a very early age as their
dad Paul played for Cheadle Heath
Nomads, taking the lads along to
training almost as soon as they could
walk. Older brother Scott (25) then
headed off to Oldham Athletic from
age 10 through to about 17 before
signing for Everton for the huge fee
of £220,000. He remained at Everton
for three years and then turned to
non-league with a variety of clubs,
most notably Hyde with whom he
scored 50 goals in just over 100
games, taking the club to promotion.
Grant’s progression was similar to
his brother’s, joining childhood idols
Manchester City aged 5 before
heading to Stockport County where
he remained for six years up to age
12. He then joined his brother at
Oldham for a couple of years before
transferring to Bolton Wanderers for
£100,000 aged just 14.
“We knew from an early age that
they were both talented footballers,”
said mum Lyn. “Just like me and
Paul, they have always been proud of
each other's achievements and have
always supported each other.”
“As the older brother I ended up
involved in the football first,” Scott
told us, “but Grant was an amazing
little lad - as soon as he could walk,
at about nine months or so, he was
flying around with the ball at his foot
and no-one could get it off him.”
p
“As Scott was older than man he was
always a bit ahead - when I was little I
always used to get stuck in nets to let
him practice shooting,” joked Grant,
“that’s why he’s the striker! ough as
the younger brother I think it was
ultimately easier for me as he was
closer to the top which was great and
benefitted me more, especially when I
was at Oldham as I used to train with
his team.
“Dad was a really good player too,
though more of a grafter than being
naturally gifted - he’ll kill me for saying
that!”
We asked both lads what was their
most memorable moment in football
so far, who has had the biggest
influence on their careers, and what
hopes they have for the future...
Scott - “Winning the league with Hyde
United has to be the biggest
achievement in my career so far, and
also the most memorable. ey’re a
great set of lads down there, and
there’s nothing better than lifting that
trophy at the end of the season,
particularly if you’ve played your part
in getting it. I’d really like to be part of
a Stockport County team that achieves
the same and gets our club promoted
back nearer to where it belongs.
“As for thep erson who’s had the
greatest influence on me I have to say
Gary Lowe, who had a lot of faith in me
and my ability. He’s a great fella.
“e future looks really promising at
the moment - I have just started a job
at Currentbody.com, a health and
beauty technology company, so
realistically I want to be part of that
company and the way it’s moving. In
addition to that things are going well
at Stockport and I’d like to hope that
we can be pushing for promotion by
the end of the season.”
Grant - “I’m going to sound corny
and probably get a bit of stick, however
I’m going to say Bamber Bridge last
season just tipped playing at Anfied
infront of the full kop - both
experiences that are really
unforgettable!
“e biggest influences on my career
are these two fantastic managers at
Rammy. When I left Bolton I was in
tatters really and football was the last
thing on my mind. Over the last three
years Johnno and Bernard have helped
get my enthusiasm back for the game.
I love the way that they let me do more
or less what I want if things are going
well, but also respect that they aren’t
afraid to chuck a jug of orange juice at
me if I’m not playing well.
“As to the future,” continued Grant,
“I can’t really answer that because I
have no idea. If I’m being honest then
I’d say that I had expected us to have a
quietish season this time around, I
though that we might just have found
our level, but from what we’ve
achieved already this season I can see
that we are capable of playing at this
level and even higher and higher again!
We have a fantastic set of lads here and
the combination of good cop bad cop
really gets the best out of us all.”
And so on to today’s match, and the
fascinating battle between the
wunder-kind Spencer brothers as they
take the field in the first round of the
FA Trophy. Good luck lads, and may
the best Rams win!
p
the Rammy side of thepairing - midfielderGrant Spencer
“Grant has greattechnique and skill, andhe can put a dead ballexactly where he wantsit” - Scott on Grant
p
the big boys roll into town
Established in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers,
in 1890 the name was changed to Stockport
County to reflect the town gaining County
Borough status. After winning the Lancashire
League in 1900, the County gained
admittance to the Football League, drawing
their first match 2-2 away to Leicester Fosse
(now Leicester City). After finishing in the
bottom three in their first four seasons,
County failed to gain re-election in 1904 and
so spent a season in the Lancashire
Combination; they won the League at the
first time of asking and made an immediate
return to the professional ranks. County
would be proud Football League members for
more than a century.
Joining the League meant the club soon
outgrew their ground behind the Nursery Inn
on Green Lane in Heaton Norris and, in 1902,
they moved south of the River Mersey to
Edgeley Park, then home of Stockport RLFC.
County have played there ever since.
Hatmaking was an established industry in
north Cheshire & south-east Lancashire by
the 16th century. By the late 19th century
Stockport had become a national centre for
the trade, and by 1900 County's nickname of
'e Hatters' had became synonymous with
the club
Having played in a variety of kit colours in
the club's early years, usually a variation on
blue & white, County switched to white shirts
and black shorts from the '30s until the mid
'60s. roughout this period they were often
referred to as the Lilywhites.
In 1965 flamboyant chairman Vic Bernard,
as part of his GO GO GO COUNTY
revolution, reintroduced the Hatters' famous
royal blue strip; colours they still adopt today.
e club stayed in the 4th Division
doldrums until the turn of the 90s, when
Uruguayan manager Danny Bergara turned
the Hatters into regular top-of-the-table
challengers.
Promotion came in 1991, and was followed
by four visits to Wembley in two years - twice
in playoff finals, twice in the Football League
Trophy. Unfortunately County lost on each
occasion.
Following Bergara's departure in 1995, Dave
Jones took charge and gave the club its most
memorable season. In 1996/97, the Hatters
won four games against Premiership
opposition, including a 1-0 win at
Middlesbrough in the League Cup semi-final
- unfortunately, the tie was lost 2-1 on
aggregate. Other runs in the FA Cup and
League Trophy meant County played almost
70 games that season, and finished 2nd in the
Second Division - the large amount of games
almost certainly costing them the title.
After Jones' departure for Southampton,
County consolidated in the First Division
until relegation in 2002. What followed was a
largely downward spiral back to the bottom
division, twice finishing a season on just 26
points, and by Boxing Day 2005 County were
well adrift at the bottom of the Football
League.
stockport county
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Tunji Moses in actionagainst Brackley Towna couple of weeks ago
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26-year-old Burnley ladRichie Baker, a free-scoring midfielder
In came former player Jim Gannon as
manager, who led the team to a remarkable
run of form and, with an incredibly tense 0-0
draw on the final day against Carlisle,
eventual safety.
is was followed by a promotion push in
2006/07, when County memorably set a new
professional record of 9 consecutive wins
without conceding. But promotion was just
out of touch, with a playoff place being
denied by Bristol Rovers in the dying minutes
of the season despite County winning 5-0 at
Darlington.
at success finally came the next season.
After finishing fourth, Gannon's side beat
Wycombe in the semi-finals followed by a
thrilling 3-2 win over neighbours Rochdale,
finally ending the club's hoodoo at Wembley.
Unfortunately, the Hatters couldn't build on
that success and went in to administration
before the final game of the season at
Brighton. In 09/10 administration took its toll,
and County finished on a new record low of
25 points and were relegated back to the
bottom flight.
stockport county
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In the summer of 2010 the club was taken
out of administration by a group of local
business people, ensuring the club’s
survival. However, fortunes took a
downturn on the pitch and the Hatters
finished bottom of League Two, meaning
that they would compete outside the
Football League for the first time since
1905.
During 2011, Liverpool-based
businessman Tony Evans headed up a
consortium of new investors in the club,
who appointed former German
international Dietmar Hamann as manager.
However, following the consortium’s failure
to take charge, Hamann’s squad struggled
in the league and in November he was
replaced by former manager Jim Gannon.
e size of the task ahead of Gannon was
even bigger than the one in 2006, and the
team initially continued to struggle but
found resurgent form in Spring. Safety was
secured with a 1-1 draw at home to
Braintree, allowing the Hatters to enjoy a
peaceful summer for the first time in four
years.
However, that stability didn't last long
and in 2012-13 more financial issues off the
pitch restricted the squad on it. With his
team in the lower half of the table, Gannon
was sacked in January 2013 and replaced
by Bosnian coach Darije Kalezic.
Unfortunately results got worse, and with
County staring at relegation he was
replaced by former Gateshead manager Ian
Bogie, but he too could not stop the slide.
A 4-0 defeat to Kidderminster Harriers saw
Stockport County relegated to the
Conference North, meaning the Hatters
would be playing regional football for the
first time since 1905.
Defender StephenO’Halloran gettingstuck in against Brackley
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In action against Belper Town -Photo Courtesy of Ken Allsebrook
e experienced stopper enjoyed a
successful season at Southport last year,
where he also established himself as number
one. But despite being offered a new deal at
Haig Avenue, the 33 year-old jumped at the
chance to join Stockport County.
A pacy full-back with a wicked delivery and
ability to beat a man, Duxbury attracted the
attention of a number of Football League
clubs after a stellar first season with County.
But the 19 year-old penned a new deal in the
summer with Lord's new-look side and
started this season in a similar vein.
Steve HOWSON
First signed on a free transfer from Rochdale
in 2012 and promptly won County’s Young
Player of the Season. e powerful centre-
half already has well over 50 starts for the
Hatters and provides a solid challenge to the
more experienced players at the heart of
defence.
Cedric KROU
Sandwiched between spells at Curzon
Ashton and Altrincham, Mark spent a
number of years at Stalybridge building a
formidable defence at Bower Fold. is
season has seen Lees form part of a strong
trio at the back, and the PE teacher in
training has proven to be a popular figure.
Danny HURST Mark LEES
Scott DUXBURY Jordan FAGBOLA
stockport countymeet the hatters
stockport county
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e Lytham-born youngster took his chance
when given a run out in the team last season,
scoring a screamer in a 5-1 win at
Gainsborough. Going on to feature regularly
towards the end of last season, Chris is one
who will be up there for most improved this
season.
Having lost Sean Newton in the summer,
manager Ian Bogie moved swiftly to plug the
gap at left-back by signing Stephen from
Nuneaton. e former Irish international can
also play at centre-half if required. 25-year-
old Stephen started his career at Aston Villa.
Steve HOWSON
e 23-year-old is a headline writer’s dream
having earned a reputation as a real menace
for defenders during his time at Curzon
Ashton in 2012. Kristian was the top goal
scorer in English football last year netting no
fewer than 46 goals for the Blues. Previously
on the books of Macclesfield Town.
Cedric KROU
Standing at 6’5”, Gregson is a Myerscough
man and made it to England’s College Squad
in 2011 alongside Alex Kenyon. A spell at
Lancaster City succeeded six years spent at
the Everton Academy.
Chris CHURCHMAN Danny GREGSON
Stephen O’HALLORAN Kristian DENNIS
p
Baker made 200 appearances for Bury and
Barrow in a career that’s varied from League
One to the Conference North. e Burnley-
born attacker seems to have been around for
years, but at 26 years old provides some
much needed experience.
Lightning quick winger, Woolfe arrived at
Stockport in the summer having spent a
number of years on the non-league scene.
He scored 11 goals as Hednesford Town
secured promotion to the Conference North
before opting to join County.
Steve HOWSON
‘Captain Milligan’ signed for County halfway
through last season, linking up with fellow
veteran Phil Jevons, and the two quickly
formed an ‘assist/goal’ partnership. e 34-
year-old committed himself to one more
year at the club.
Cedric KROU
A stint at Hyde, where Scott fired in the goals
for the Tigers on a regular basis, preceded
this striker’s arrival at Edgeley Park - and the
experienced forward is still missed up the
road. After a steady start to his County
career, he impressed with his work-rate.
Brother of Ramsbottom’s Grant Spencer.
Richie BAKER
Nathan WOOLFE Jamie MILLIGAN
stockport countymeet the hatters
stockport county
Scott SPENCER
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28-year-old son of former Everton legend
Graeme Sharp, Chris was at Motherwell with
Alan Lord and Jim Gannon back in 2009. e
former Hereford man is ordinarily deployed
on the wing.
Camden-bord defender Belezika began his
career down the road at Oldham Athletic.
Depite working his way through the youth
setup, Glenn made only four first-team
appearances in the Football League for the
Latics. Seeking first-team opportunities, he
joined County in the summer.
Steve HOWSON
Managerial posts at Cheadle Town,
Warrington, Atherton Collieries and
Atherton LR preceded Alan’s ten years
coaching and scouting behind the scenes at
Stockport. ‘Lordy’ stepped up to the
manager’s job just over a year ago and the
65-year-old looks to be doing a pretty
decent job of it.
Cedric KROU
e teenage stopper from Runcorn kept four
clean sheets last season before losing his
place in the starting eleven at the start of this
year. e 19-year-old England C prospect
made his debut for the club in the FA Cup.
Chris SHARP Ian ORMSON
Glenn BELEZIKA Alan LORD
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Having never rode a cock horse to Banbury
Cross or anywhere else for that matter, I
decided against this mode of transport and
booked myself on the supporters charabanc
for our recent F.A Trophy jaunt down to
Oxfordshire to take on Banbury United. So
at 9.30am a couple of weeks ago I found
myself boarding the coach armed only with
a rucksack containing the Ultras flag, a latex
rams head, vuvuzela, a 4-pack of beers and a
couple of Mrs Darkside’s lovingly prepared
sausage and brown sauce muffins. Poor Mrs
Darkside had promised her friend that she
would help on her stall at Hawkshaw
Christmas Fair that day thinking Rammy
would be at home, and not realising that our
cup progress would alter that fact and mean
she would have to miss the game.
A few minutes later, a full coach was
heading down the lane and off on another
adventure. With the Rammy Rocket being a
sell out for the game I opted to sit with Clive,
and just behind Dave Coote and Young Jake,
which I pretty
soon realised was
a mistake when
Dave started to
tell us about the
trip he planned
to take to
Birmingham the
following day. It
was not that this
was so bad in
itself, but with Clive being a fellow bike
fanatic it meant I would have to endure the
trip listening to them swapping tales about
life on the open road and showing each
other pictures from their mobile phones.
Luckily, there were plenty of others to talk to
about non-motorbike issues. Included on
the coach were Boogie Bus debutants, Tony,
Angie (Mrs Carlsberg) and the drum banging
Ethan (Carlsberg Junior). e further South
we travelled, the sunnier the weather
became, and by the time we arrived in
Banbury at 12.30 the sun was shining and
the Ultras were ready for another adventure.
After a quick picture outside the coach
with supporters, players, manegement and
Harry (see later on in the programme), we
were on our way down a little dirt path away
from the ground and into town. We had
arranged to meet up with Ste, who had
brought a car full from Bacup, in the town
centre’s Weatherspoons, although we did
not stay too long there. Not only did they
have just two members of staff working on
a busy Saturday afternoon, they also served
the worse beer any of us have tasted all
season (and we have tried many, believe me).
We then made our way down back towards
the ground, stopping only for a couple more
pints while sitting outside in the sunshine.
On the way back we passed a barbers
called e Shearing Shed which was the cue
for me to put on my rubber rams head for a
few photo opportunities.
from the darksidedarren comer reports on the latest
rammy ultras adventures
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Yours Truly having a
lovely time on the
Town End at Banbury
Once we were inside the ground I was
pleased as it was a typical old-school, non
league one (with seats painted by our very
own, Rob). After a quick pint of Puritans
Smooth, the clubs own brand bitter, and
quite a tasty one at that, it was onto the
terraces to welcome the lads out. With
Young Jack and Ethan banging the drum
and myself and Andy Massey on vuvuzela
duties, like some cut-price Motown tribute
act, it was quite a raucous welcome!
As we were attacking the covered terrace
in the first half the Ultras gathered there
and we had plenty to cheer about. From
the first few minutes Rammy were on the
front foot and it seemed only a matter of
time before we scored. is came on 5
minutes when Robbo pounced in the area
to make it 1-0, and we never really looked
in trouble from then on. No disrespect to
Banbury, but they were one of the poorest
teams we have faced this season.
Somehow, the score remained 1-0 at half
time and we retreated back to the bar to
check the half time scores and give our
hoarse throats some lubrication for the
second half. ere were, quite rightly, some
glum faces wearing the red and yellow of
Banbury, and our half time chat seemed to
focus on missed chances and how the next
goal would be a decisive one. Andy Worsick
had kindly got me a chicken and
mushroom pie along with his own half time
order, and once in my hands we made our
way back out hoping for more of the same
in the second half.
As soon as we got back out it seemed like
a totally different Banbury we were
watching as they started an attack that
ended in a heart stopping, goal mouth
scramble.
is lasted for all of two minutes before
Rammy started to take control again and
pretty soon Monsieur Krou was rising
above the Banbury defence to majestically
put us two goals to the good.
p
“We’re Having a Party When Cedric Scores”
began to ring loudly around the Spencer
Stadium and I doubt very much if we would
be in trouble with Trading Standards for that
description.
We were on the open terrace for the
second half and as the darkness descended
and fog began to gather, it was more like
fiesta time for the Ultras with our drum,
vuvuzelas and our singing and dancing. We
were soon being watched, from an adjoining
field, by a herd of Friesians who I Imagine had
not heard so much noise for a long time
(luckily, we were separated from the herd by
a large wire fence). Fair play to the steward
who was stood with us at this end of the
ground, and who took our “We’ll Stand on
your Wall, We are the Rammy, We’ll Stand on
your Wall” song in as good spirit as it was
intended.
Less than 10 minutes after Cedric had got
the party started we were three up through
a typical Whizz
goal and Banbury
were down to 10
men, and to use
an old cliché, if it
had been a
boxing match
the ref would
have stopped it.
Pughie would
probably have
wished the game had been stopped there to
avoid his late red card, but nothing at this
point was going to dampen the mood. e
Rams were through to the First Round and
setting us of dreaming of maybe getting
Stockport County at Home (as if that would
happen, eh).
e celebrations at the end, both on and
off the field, demonstrated the true passion
this club has, and the special relationship
between the players, staff, Uncle Harry and
us, the supporters. is was especially
summed up by Shents who on the final
whistle applauded the Banbury fans behind
his goal (apparently, quite a bit of banter was
going on between them). He then proceeded
to run to the fans, hurdled the perimeter wall
like a modern day Spring Heel Jack, and
proceeded to bang the drum, carrying the
beat for another chorus of Harrys Going to
Wembley, His Knees Have Gone All Trembly
(By the way, Keith Moon is no longer the
craziest drummer I have ever seen).
When we got back to the bar, full of happy
faces of blue and white, the talk turned to
who we could get next and trying to work
out how the days results in the league would
affect our play-off chances. I got talking to an
old bloke in a Liverpool scarf, seemingly from
Banbury, about the glory days at Anfield and,
after a few minutes down Memory Lane, he
took out a little diary and began to show it
me. It was full of Liverpool legends
from the darksidedarren comer reports on the latest
rammy ultras adventures
p
A short tea-break from
the vuvuzela-tooting
autographs and also included the more
than legendary Bill Shankley’s, which really
made my day.
By 6.00 p.m. the Rammy Rocket started
the long journey home with Shents
leading the singing with “Everywhere We
Go”, and Bernard handing out the beers.
Before long our heroics had gone
nationwide and the BBC got in touch with
Jonno to see about doing an interview a
little later. So, little ol’ Rammy United, the
village team, the tiny team (hello Darlo)
were going to be featured on the Non-
League Football Show on BBC Radio 5Live
and Jonno would be heard by a
nationwide audience. It was bit weird
when the interview actually went ahead
as I have heard many of these on various
sports shows, but never actually been
witness to one. Luckily for me, I was only
a couple of seats behind Jonno and,
despite not hearing the questions, I could
get the general idea of what was being
said (You can listen online and I must say
our manager came across really well, as he
always does on these occasions). is
however was just the warm up act as next
on the bill was Burnley’s answer to Kenny
Rogers, Mr Gary Stopforth, who treated
us to his rendition of “e Gambler”. e
only downside to this is that Mrs Darkside
was not there as she makes a great Dolly
Parton and I’m quite partial to a bit of
“Islands in the Stream”.
I’m not sure how anyone can follow this
for on-board entertainment, but rumour
has it that Uncle Dave Morley and Paul
‘Whizz’ Dean have got Sonny and Cher’s,
“I’ve Got You Babe” lined up for Kings
Lynn away next week.
As always, it was a great day out!
p
ANSWERS: 1. Both are nick-named e Hatters 2. Stamford 3. Blue with yellow trim 4. A collapsed perimeter wall behind one
goal. 5. Leek Town 6. Blyth Spartans 7. Worcester City 8. Darlington 9. Curzon Ashton 10. Spennymoor Town
1. What links today’s opponents with last year’s Conference champions
Luton Town?
2. Which Evo-Stik league side moves to a new ground this month?
3. What colours do Spalding United play in?
4. What stopped play in the recent Caernarfon Town v TNS Welsh cup tie?
5. Which Evo-Stik League club plays at Harrison Park?
6. Which club did Hartlepool United play against in last week’s FA Cup tie?
7. Which non-league side knocked Coventry City out of this year’s FA Cup?
8. To which club has nelson Mota moved from Ramsbottom United?
9. From which club have we recently re-signed Tom Brooks?
10. Who plays at e Brewery Field?
tony’s teasers
Live the corporate dream!
From £25 per person you
can watch the match in
the comfort of Rammy’s
corporate suite, nibbling
on prawn sandwiches and
sipping champagne.
Phone Scott to book your
company into the plush
corporate lounge:
07576 390762
p
p
Matlock v RammyComemmorating the1914 Christmas Truce
p
p
If your face is featured then congratulations, you’ve just won yourself a cup of
tea and a Mars Bar courtesy of Rammy United Supporters Club. Visit the tea
bar now to claim your magnificent prize!
p
p
Just three league defeats since August,
and and just one defeat in the last fifteen
- if ever we were best placed to take on the
might of Stockport County, this is it.
Would you agree?
Most definitely. We are playing well and
even in the games where we might not be
playing the best we're not getting beaten,
which is the sign of a good team. I think at
home we are strong so it's going to be a
great game..
Although Stockport have suffered a
rough few years, this still feels to all of us
like an enormous game, though still a
winnable game. How do the lads feel?
It's as much a big game for us as it is for
you the fans and one all the lads are really
looking forward to. I remember when I
was in my second year at college and Paul
Gerrard, who was involved with Stockport
at the time, spoke to me about having a
trial there and that was a huge deal for me.
Now, six years on and I'm playing the same
team in the FA trophy for the same team I
joined not long after college. All the
lads are looking forward to it
and you will see that today.
Can you talk us through
the goals at Matlock on
Saturday, and had it felt like
we had the game won?
Our goal was the type
that we don't score much of - a long
throw and a brave lunge from Tom. We
could have had a few more if not for some
questionable decisions from officials and
a good save from my opposite number.
eir goal was a well taken finish after a
little bit of luck - Ste had won the first
header and it hit Ceders on the back of the
head before falling perfectly for their lad
to smash in from 12 yards or so.
We heard this week that Lee Gaskell has
gone to Warrington Town, citing it as a
"great opportunity". Now that they're no
longer in the FA Cup, after losing to
Gateshead on Sunday, we feel that he's
made a monumental mistake. What did
he say to you all about leaving, and were
you surprised?
I was very gutted to find out the news
about Lee going because he is a great
player as we all know. It was his decision
to go as he didn't think he was getting the
game time he deserved but that's football.
We move on as team and I wish him all the
best for the future where ever he may end
up.
We gathered from your face that you
enjoyed the win at Banbury, and you do a
better job than Ethan at banging the drum
- was it an enjoyable match for you and are
you likely to be joining us on the terraces
again any time soon?
grant shentonshouting from between the sticks
p
I was over the moon with the result. It was a long coach
journey, not the best pitch, and against new
opposition the 3-0 win was the perfect result.
I'm a football fan so I know how you all feel
as for most parts of the game I'm as
much a spectator as all of you. I sing
along to all the songs apart from
Carlsberg’s give me an R! We need to
knock that on the head. (Sorry pal) but
if we win you can expect me in the
crowd yes!
With our progress in three cup
competitions we are now five games
behind leaders Skelmersdale. Do you think
that the fixture backlog that comes with
this kind of success is a problem, or does it
help to make teams under-estimate us due
to our deceptive league position?
It's good to still be in the cups because
we've never been in this position in terms of
cup runs. I think it can only help us - the more games
we play the better because games are far better for us
than nights of or running up the rake! With the under-
estimating us I think maybe yeah - I remember Cammel Laird
sneaking into the play-offs in our first season in the
north division. All we have to do is beat eleven men
on a football pitch one team at a time. ere will
be difficult games and it’s not going to be easy at
times but we are all confident of doing well.
Are you looking forward to Christmas with
Noah, and do you know what Father
Christmas might be bringing him this year?
I'm very excited for Christmas as is Noah.
He's getting too much if you ask me, but
he is his mummy's little boy. I have talked
Father (Mother) Christmas into get him
(me) a few toys that I used to play with
as a kid, so it’s win win. His first pair of
boots have been ordered also to go
with his golf clubs from last year!
p
rammy in exilesky sports statto richard isaacs
Whatever happened to the days when we
looked forward to playing teams in various
Cup competitions like (and with no malice or
disrespect) Staveley Miners Welfare, Shotton
Comrades or Washington IKEA?! Today, we
welcome, to our humble little town, a
Football League club of 106 years standing up
to and including the 2011 season in the shape
of moderate local 'rivals' Stockport County.
Yes, you don't read that incorrectly - today's
match in the FA Trophy is Ramsbottom
United vs Stockport County!
When Ramsbottom United was formed, in
1966, Stockport County won the Fourth
Division of the 1966/67 Football League to
secure promotion alongside Southport,
Barrow and Tranmere Rovers (a north-west
take-over it seemed that season). e Rams,
in that very same season, were taking their
very first steps in the Bury Amateur League.
And therefore we have yet another of those
'pinch yourself it's happening' moments in
the history of the club. Not only in the first
round of the FA Trophy for the first time, not
only have we had our longest trip south ever,
not only are we in the play-off
positions of the Northern
Premier League but we are now
playing host to a club of
Stockport's standing and
everyone is truly excited. It was
just 1,778 days ago - or just 4
years, 10 months and 13 days ago
- that Stockport County played
at St Mary's Stadium against my
'other team' - Southampton in League One.
e Saints won 2-0 with a goal each from
Rickie Lambert - now an England
international - and Papa Waigo. Wow! Now
that really does make you sit up and think!
I did have to laugh a little bit on Wednesday
last week while I was at the Sky studios
working on England finally winning a cricket
one-day international against Sri Lanka.
When I am working on a game, I try and use
Twitter quite a bit, using my @RVISkyStatto
account, which is reserved normally for
random cricket statistics. On this occasion, I
tweeted that "England's revised target will be
236 to win" following some very heavy rain in
Hambantota.
Along with a few retweets from my trusty
Indian and Pakistani followers (of which I
have quite a few), came a little response from
Jack Byrne, a very sporty chap who lives in
Reading but follows our visitors today as well
as Bath Rugby (it seems from his account).
And for the first time, my relationship with
Rammy came to someone's attention...
Jack Byrne @jackbyrne91:
“@RVISkyStatto more chance of
Ramsbottom beating us in the FA Trophy
first round Richard! #ComeonCounty”
Of course, England did manage to win the
game to which I responded to Jack with a
simple #ahem #youuuuuuRams !
And that, for me, was another sure sign of
just how far we have come as a club - that
even a single Stockport County supporter
knows who we are! Or even cares who we are!
p
Unfortunately, I am not going to be at the
game today as I will be back in the studio for
a 4.30am start this morning for the sixth of
this mammoth series. We will be off air at
about 1pm or so but Rammy is slightly further
up the motorway network that Banbury was
a couple of Saturdays ago and with the same
timings being applied to this game - unless
anyone would like to hire me a helicopter and
get me to the ground in time, then I will be
glued to our Twitter feed when I get back
home to Southampton this afternoon.
I was really pleased to have finally put the
demons of my 'we never win when I watch'
curse to bed when I saw us play at Banbury
United in the last round. To use a term of one
of our fine commentators when he was a
former England coach "we flippin' murdered
'em". It could have been double figures - much
like Banbury dished out to some
unsuspecting team in their local cup
competition later in the week. If it wasn't for
their keeper, it would have been a true
mauling but, yet another terrific day out and
just an hour and 20 minutes home for me...
more of the same please, I like being home
and, as it happened, in bed by 8pm after being
up all night.
ere was a little bit of disappointment that
the first round of the FA Trophy was not a
nationwide affair as I was rather hoping for
something a little further south (maybe an
away game against Eastleigh, Gosport
Borough or, even better for my journey home,
Basingstoke Town at the Soccer AM Stadium
- yes, it is really called that!). But, here we are
with the game against Stockport and I cannot
tell you the pride that I have for my club, our
Rammy United as we continue to increase our
support and increase our presence. It makes
all those freezing cold, miserable nights at the
likes of Squires Gate, at Colne, at Congleton
Town or at Maine Road all the more poignant.
Proud of the Rams .... another day today in a
history that just keeps growing and growing.
YOUUUUU RAAAAAAMS!
Another great away day -having a sing at Banburyin the FA Trophy
p
Sat 16th Aug H KING’S LYNN TOWN 2-3 322 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer Howson PriestleyTues 19th Aug A Workington 0-1 415 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer * Howson PriestleySat 23rd Aug A Rushall Olympic 4-2 161 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer * Howson PriestleyMon 25th Aug H NANTWICH TOWN 1-4 365 Shenton Smalley Abadaki * Spencer + Howson PriestleySat 30th Aug A FC United of Manchester 1-3 1917 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer Howson WarrenderTues 2nd Sept H MARINE 3-2 250 Shenton Smalley + Pilkington Spencer Howson 1 KrouSat 6th Sept H STAMFORD 3-1 357 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer + Howson 1 WarrenderWed 10th Sept A Whitby Town 0-2 265 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer Howson WarrenderSat 13th Sept A Buxton FAC 1Q 2-3 261 Shenton Smalley Pilkington # Spencer Howson Warrender +Tues 16th Sept H WITTON ALBION 3-2 231 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer * Howson Krou 1Sat 20th Sept A Ilkeston 4-2 422 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer * Howson Krou 1Tues 23rd Sept H CURZON ASHTON 1-1 309 Shenton Grayson * Pugh Spencer 1 Howson KrouSat 27th Sept A Frickley Athletic 2-4 215 Shenton Pilkington Grayson + Stopforth Howson KrouSat 4th Oct A Trafford 1-0 294 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouSat 11th Oct H BELPER TOWN 4-2 371 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Stopforth Howson KrouSat 18th Oct H BUXTON 2-0 470 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Stopforth Howson KrouTues 21st Oct H WHITBY TOWN 4-0 237 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Stopforth Howson KrouSat 25th Oct A Marine 3-1 366 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson 2 RobinsonSat 1st Nov A Whitby Town FAT 1Q 2-1 233 Shenton Smalley * Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouTues 4th Nov H WORKINGTON 1-1 250 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouSat 8th Nov A Halesowen Town 0-2 358 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouTues 11th Nov H WEST DIDS Lancs Cup 3-0 132 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer 1 Robinson + KrouSat 15th Nov A Nantwich FAT 2Q 3-1 238 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouSat 22nd Nov H GRANTHAM TOWN 3-1 351 Shenton Smalley 1 Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouTues 25th Nov H BURSCOUGH Lg Cup 5-1 140 Shenton Williams Piacentile 1 Slaven Howson 1 KrouSat 29th Nov A Banbury United 3-0 235 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth + Howson Krou 1Tues 2nd Dec A Salford City Lg Cup 3-1 189 Shenton Smalley Dean Stopforth Howson KrouSat 6th Dec A Matlock Town 1-1 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouMon 8th Dec A Atherton Collieries LancsSat 13th Dec H STOCKPORT COUNTYSat 20th Dec A King’s Lynn TownFri 26th Dec H ASHTON UNITEDSun 28th Dec H SKELMERSDALEThu 1st Jan A Nantwich TownSat 3rd Jan A Curzon AshtonSat 10th Jan H TRAFFORDSat 17th Jan A Belper TownTues 20th Jan H NORTHWICH VIC LgCupSat 24th Jan H FRICKLEY ATHLETICSat 31st Jan A BuxtonSat 7th Feb H BLYTH SPARTANSSat 14th Feb A StamfordSat 21st Feb A Witton AlbionSat 28th Feb H ILKESTONSat 7th March A Skelmersdale UnitedSat 14th March H STOURBRIDGESat 28th March A Grantham TownSat 4th April H FC UNITED OF MCRMon 6th April A Ashton UnitedSat 11th April H HALESOWEN TOWNSat 18th April A BarwellSat 25th April H MATLOCK TOWN
fixtures & results 2014/15
Christmas at the HRWS
BOXING DAY 3pm, Rammy v AShton United
Sunday 28th 3pm, Rammy v Skelmersdale United
Tell yer mates!
p
15
Hulme 1 Burton Gaskell Robinson 1* Dean + Pilkington Slaven Abadaki + Ahmadi * CookHulme Burton Gaskell Robinson + Dean # Pilkington * Slaven + Abadaki Ahmadi # CookHulme 1+ Burton Robinson 1# Pilkington Dean 2 Abadaki * Slaven + Ahmadi # Cook WilliamsHulme Burton Robinson 1 Pilkington Dean Williams Slaven Cook * Krou + Morley
Warrender Abadaki + Slaven Robinson * Hulme 1# Dean Williams + Krou * Cook # Morley JohnsonAbadaki Burton * Slaven 1 Hulme 1 Dean # Williams # Robinson * Cook + Morley Johnson
Warrender Abadaki Burton Slaven * Hulme 1# Dean 1 Williams + Robinson # Cook Morley Krou *Warrender Abadaki Burton Slaven + Krou Dean Mota + Cook Williams Johnson MorleyWarrender + Abadaki Burton Krou Hulme Dean * Mota * Williams + Pugh # Johnson Morley
Abadaki Burton Mota # Hulme 2 Dean + Pugh Williams # Irwin Slaven * Cook +Abadaki + Burton 1 Pilkington Hulme 1 Williams 1# Dean + Mota # Irwin Slaven * CookAbadaki # Stopforth Pilkington Hulme Williams + Burton + Dean * Mota Robinson # CookMota 1* Burton Spencer Hulme Robinson 1# Williams * Cook + Dean # Morley AbadakiAbadaki * Burton Mota + Hulme Spencer # Robinson 1# Williams + Slaven Pilkington Dean *Abadaki 1 * Burton Hulme # Spencer + Dean 2 Williams * Mota Slaven Robinson 1+ Gaskell #Abadaki 1 * Burton Hulme Spencer # Dean 1 + Williams + Mota * Slaven Robinson # PughAbadaki + Burton Hulme 1# Spencer * Dean 1 Williams * Mota Gaskell + Robinson #1 PughAbadaki 1 Pilkington * Hulme Spencer # Dean + Williams + Mota # Gaskell Slaven * PiacentileAbadaki # Burton Hulme + Spencer 1 Dean Williams Mota Gaskell # Robinson + Pilkington *Abadaki + Burton Hulme 1 Spencer * Dean # Pilkington Williams # Mota Gaskell + Robinson *Robinson # Burton Hulme Gaskell * Pilkington + Dean + Abadaki # Spencer * Mota PiacentileAbadaki * Williams Gaskell 1 Mota # Dean 1 Howson + Piacentile Burton * Hulme #Williams 1* Burton Hulme # Spencer 1+ Dean 1 Abadaki * Gaskell + Robinson # Mota PiacentileWilliams * Burton Hulme 1 Spencer + Dean Abadaki Gaskell + Robinson 1* Kuba-Kuba PiacentileAbadaki Kuba-Kuba Hulme 1 * Robinson Spencer 1 Pugh Burton Stopforth Dean * JohnsonWilliams # Burton * Robinson 1 Dean 1 Abadaki # Grayson Kuba-Kuba * Slaven + PiacentileAbadaki Burton + Hulme 1 Robinson * Spencer 2 Pugh * Slaven Piacentile Kuba-Kuba + BrooksWilliams 1 Burton Hulme Spencer * Dean + Abadaki Kuba-Kuba* Robinson + Grayson Brooks
MATCHBAL
fixtures & results 2014/15
Our Club Needs Our Help
If you can spare as little as half an hour to
help Harry Williams keep Rammy’s pitch and ground
in the impeccable condition that we’ve all
become so proud of then please just come down and
help, any day of the week from 11am onwards.
p
0 - 3Spencer Stadium
29th November 2014
Att: 235
Rammy Goals: Robinson (5), Krou (56), Dean (62)
Banbury Goals:
p
ere would be no fine ladies making music in
Banbury on Saturday night after the Rams secured their
berth in the first round proper of the FA Trophy and
closer to Wembley than they have ever been in their 48
year history. ey rode into town, completely outplayed
their hosts, and departed with all the jewellery and
horses, rendering Banbury cross.
It only to took the most cursory of glances at the form
and league tables of two teams playing at the same level
of the pyramid to put the Rams into the most
optimistic state of mind as to their prospects, despite
the management’s understandable efforts to dampen
over-confidence. It was obvious from the first moments
that the gulf was so wide as to offer the Rams the most
comfortable of afternoons.
After just five minutes Scott Burton's crunching tackle
sent Tom Williams clear. His low cross found Leigh
Bedwell hesitant at the near post and Jon Robinson did
not need an invitation to force the ball home.
At some risk of accusation of partisan hyperbole it
has to be said that Banbury had no understanding of
the level of sophistication displayed by the Rams. Jordan
Hulme's hold up play was outstanding. Time again
Banbury were ripped apart by clever short diagonal
balls to his feet at the corner of the box and his return
passes to release Tom Williams and Phil Dean. Banbury's
only response of lumping the ball forward would have
had little impact on a Rams defence even on one of
their more fragile days, but on Saturday Cedric Krou
was all imperious French sophistication and his partner
Steve Howson an indomitable barrier.
Rammy’s travelling hoardsbehind the Town End goalencourage Robbo withshouts and wavings of pint-glasses (plastic)
p
Stopforth and Hulmeforce their way downthe left
0 - 3Spencer Stadium
29th November 2014
Att: 235
Rammy Goals: Robinson (5), Krou (56), Dean (62)
Banbury Goals:
p
Having been at least partly culpable for the first goal
Bedwell in the Banbury goal prevented the Rams from
being out of sight by half time with any number of close
range saves. Such was the time space and options
afforded to them in the box the Rams were able to be
preoccupied with either trying to walk the ball in or set
up a colleague with an even more glaring and inviting
opening than that provided to the man on the ball. At
one-nil there was always the risk of a slip that might offer
an equaliser and for 5 minutes after the break Banbury
were able to press forward, and it took a smart save from
Grant Shenton and scrambled clearance to deny Josh
Shama, apparently on loan from Oxford. After that
though normal service was resumed. Bedwell continued
with his heroics but could do nothing with Cedric Krou's
header from around the penalty spot just short of the
hour to make it 2-0.
Whatever remote prospect their might be that Banbury
could mount a revival disappeared a couple of minutes
later with Tom Ryan's dismissal for a second yellow to be
quickly followed by a Ram's third goal, Phil Dean driving
in from the edge of the area after an effort from Jon
Robinson rebounded to him. After that any sense of
urgency disappeared . e travelling entourage which
now extends to members as far flung as Cheltenham
cavorted and paraded around worried only by a
descending mist which challenged the effectiveness of
floodlights which were about as dim as the home team's
performance, but nowhere near as dim as the
unnecessary and reckless challenge by Lee Pugh with only
a couple of minutes left which earned him a red card.
p
p
Appointed joint manager at the start of the
2009/2010 season and took the club to the
NWCFL title in 2011/12 season, despite
missing much of the season through injury.
He has helped guide the club through
another promotion via the play-offs into the
Evo-Stik Premier League in May 2014.
Re-joined the club in January 2009 and
became joint manager at the start of
2009/2010. A Rammy man to his core, a
combative and hard-working midfelder who
has occasionally taken over with some
prowess in goal. Successful in guiding the
Rams to two promotions in three seasons.
Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY
John is the goalkeeping coach at
Ramsbottom, and was formerly manager at
NWCFL side Maine Road, where he
constantly had them pushing for promotion.
John MORREY
Former manager of Atherton LR, leading
them to 10th place in the NWCL in 2010/11.
Resigned from his post with the Crilly Park
club and joins Ramsbottom United as a
highly rated coach.
Glenn MOSES
rammy unitedmeet the lads
p
Born in January 1991, this 6ft 2” goalkeeper
joined Rammy from FC United at the end of
August 2010. He was number two at FC
United, but a superb season in 2010/11 saw
him win Player of the Year for the Rams. He
Signed full-time with the club at the start of
2011/12.
Signed from local rivals Radcliffe Borough
after a spell playing in Australia, the big man
is equally at home in the heart of the
defence, or up front poaching goals.
Grant SHENTON
Steve HOWSON
Cedric joined the club in January 2014
having impressed the management team
during his time with rivals Trafford FC.
Essentially a defender, Cedric has the ability
to fit in other positions for the team.
Cedric KROU
Signed for the club after impressing the
managers when he played against the Rams
for Atherton LR. Adds a whole new
dimension to the Riversiders’ squad, and
equally at home on the right side as either a
defender or attacking winger.. Brother of
Plymouth Argyle’s Deane Smalley.
Dominic SMALLEY
p
Battling midfield who signed for the club in
2011 following the demise of Rossendale
United, for whom he scored a hat-trick in the
ridiculous 7-5 Rammy win the previous
season. Won the NWCFL title with the club
and was offered terms with Conference
Premier side Hyde but returned to the club
on loan, eventually signing full terms.
It has taken some two years for the
management to finally get Scott to join the
Rams. Bernard and Jonno have followed
Scott’s career with Runcorn Town and he
finally joined the club in late January 2014.
A hard-working midfielder, similar in style to
Gary Stopforth, and an integral part of the
promotion winning team.
Grant SPENCER
Scott BURTON
e talented left full-back rejoined the club
from Chester during the 2013/14 season
having had a short spell here a couple of
years earlier. His long throw-in is always a
dangerous piece of his armory.
Lee PUGH
A skilful battling midfielder who signed full
time with the Rams during the summer of
2012 after coming on loan from AFC Fylde
the previous season and dominating the
midfield. In his third season with the club he
was a vital member of the promotion set-up
last term.
Gary STOPFORTH
p
A constant threat in attack, a solid
performer in defence. Awarded Clubman of
the Year award in 2011. Continues to cause
plentiful problems to defences around the
leagues.
Joined the club in December 2011 from
Clitheroe via Padiham. Son of a former
1990s Rammy favourite Martin, midfielder
Jordan is highly rated and scored 8 goals for
the Storks before going to Clitheroe. A
versatile player – he can play anywhere from
defence to striker.
e speedy wingman joined the Rams at the
beginning of the 2014/15 season, having
spent the previous campaign at fellow Evo-
Stik Premier club Nantwich Town.
Osebi ABADAKI
Phil DEAN
Jordan HULME
Wing man Tom came on as a sub in the play-
off game for our opponents Bamber Bridge.
e Rams management team acted swiftly
in the summer to bring him down to
Ramsbottom
Tom WILLIAMS
p
Experienced striker Jon was signed from New
Mills and despite plentiful interest from
other clubs has remained loyal to the Rams
for a number of seasons now, and always
finishes near the top of the goal-scoring
charts. Regarded as a “Rammy legend” in
east Lancashire..
Jon ROBINSON
A 20 year old player who joined from
Conference side Tamworth early in the
2014/15 season. George is a highly rated full-
back capable of playing on either flank,
giving the Rams additional defensive
flexibility.
George GRAYSON
A left-back who signed for the Rams in the
middle of September. Previously with
C.E.Principado De Andorra, a second
division Andorran team with whom he
experienced Champions League football.
Alex PIACENTILE
Club Physio
Haroon ABATTI
p
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p
he Rams Do Banbury!he Rams Do Banbury!
p
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We desperately need your help!
We have a fantastic squad of players,
romping their way towards that prized
promotion spot in the Evostik Premier and
still looking at some serious cup silverware,
as you can see by the amount of green on the
previous page. Rammy United is a club that
is really starting to surprise and shock the
non-league football world, and with any luck
today’s result might just add to that
burgeoning reputation that the lads are
striving to achieve.
With Johnno and Bernard in charge of such
an accomplished team of young players, why
am I asking for your help, and what is it I’m
trying to persuade you to do?
e first thing is pretty easy as you’ve
already come along to watch today’s game:
what we need to do is help turn the Harry
Williams Riverside Stadium into a really loud,
enthusiastic and partisan venue for today’s
match. Let’s give it 100% on the terraces, and
make sure that the lads know that Rammy
has the kind of vociferous support that the
team deserves.
Whenever we’ve played
these big games before,
such as those against
Southport and FC
United, the ground
has predominantly
been their fans, and
the noise has come
from them. Today is the
long overdue opportunity
for us to vocally take back these terraces and
show that we have enough Rammy fans to
hold our own. is is our ground, and for the
first time we have a supporter-base capable
of making some serious noise. Let’s make sure
that they can hear us right to the top of Peel
Brow, and let the whole of Rammy know that
there’s a big game going on down here!
e second thing I’d like to ask is for
everyone to tell their mates about the great
things going on down here. I keep repeating
to myself the previously unthinkable fact
that today we are facing Stockport County!
Not Bacup or Cammell Laird, but the mighty
Stockport County. It wasn’t too long ago that
I remember standing on the terraces at
Atherton Colls, watching Lordy and
Stockport come in for their star man
Anthony Pilkington, thinking, “Oh well,
they’re a huge club. Good luck to the lad!”
How far things have come when we’re
turning out against them in the FA Trophy.
No-one in Rammy should be unaware of
the progress this club has made over the last
few years, and our job is to make sure that
our friends, relatives and colleagues are sick
to the i-teeth of hearing about Rammy. So
please, please, please do your part and let
them know, particularly about the two huge
games that we have down here over the
Christmas period. When folks find
themselves pacing the streets, bored-silly,
after a day of mercilessley troughing their
way through all manner of Christmas junk,
what better than to shake off the cobwebs
supporters clubon the terraces of rammy
p
and come down to watch Rammy v Ashton
United, or just two days later Rammy versus
table-topping Skelmersdale United.
Another thing I must mention is the
fantastic experience that Rammy away days
have become. When I first looked down our
fixture list for the season a mighty groan
could be heard all around Stubbins - King’s
Lynn, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Workington
on a Tuesday! Argh! But I tell you what - the
Rammy away days are turning into really
really memorable beery romps up and down
the country. e visit to Banbury United was
brilliant, not least for the sight of grown men
literally dancing like your drunk uncle at a
wedding when Cedric Krou scored his
header. I always thought that the “We’re
having a party when Cedric scores” was just
a bit of a shallow promise, but as you can see
from the photo above, the Rammy fans leapt
into action straight away.
Now I don’t doubt that next week’s epic
trip to King’s Lynn is probably only for the
hardened supporter (though the coach is
probably only about £12-£15 so it’s better
than a smack in the chops or a trip to the
Trafford Centre), but if you don’t fancy that
then why not have a look at the two away
ties in early January - Nantwich on New
Year’s Day and Curzon Ashton on the 3rd.
Both virtually up the road, and I promise that
you’ll have a belting time!
Enough ramblings from me - let’s get on
with the game, get some serious noise
ringing out around the ground, and cheer
the Rams on to a memorable FA Trophy win!
Having a party when
Cedric scored - some of
the hundreds of Ultras
down at Banbury
p
Grant SHENTON
Dominic SMALLEY
Lee PUGH
Gary STOPFORTH
Steve HOWSON
Cedric KROU
Osebi ABADAKI
Scott BURTON
Jordan HULME
Grant SPENCER
Phil DEAN
Jon ROBINSON
Tom WILLIAMS
Malachi Slaven
David Kuba-Kuba
George GRAYSON
Danny HURST
Mark LEES
Scott DUXBURY
Chris CHURCHMAN
Danny GREGSON
Stephen O’HALLORAN
Kristian DENNIS
Richie BAKER
Scott SPENCER
Jamie MILLIGAN
Chris SHARP
Ian ORMSON
Glenn BELEZIKA
Charlie RUSSELL
Nathan WOOLFE
Jordan FAGBOLA
Managers: Anthony Johnson,
Bernard Morley
Manager: Alan Lord
Referee: Tom Nield
Referee’s Assistants: Aaron Bannister, Nicholas Hawksby
Next home games: Boxing Day 3pm, Rammy v Ashton United
Sunday 28th December 3pm, Rammy v Skelmersdale United