prammynewsv STOCKPORT COUNTY13-12-14

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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!

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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

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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

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the Stockport side ofthe pairing - strikerScott Spencer

“Scott is class - fast,strong, and can score -and he really likes alaugh” - Grant on Scott

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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.”

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“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!

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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

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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.

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“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!

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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

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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

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he Rams Do Banbury!he Rams Do Banbury!

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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