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Vanarama National League column – Wrexham

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Vanarama National League column – by Glenn Moore

Wales reaching the European Championship semi-finals, Swansea City becoming a Premier League regular, Cardiff City briefly joining them – and threatening to do so again, phoenix club Newport County returning to the Football League. It has been a golden era for the Principality.

Correction. It has been a golden era for South Wales football. In the north there has been less to cheer. The national team’s exploits under Chris Coleman were joyously received, but Wales do not play in the north these days. As for the club game… Wrexham, the oldest club in Wales, are now in their 154th season, but also their tenth successive outside the Football League.

Welsh sport is traditionally associated with rugby but the north is predominantly football territory. This has made Wrexham’s exile all the harder to bear given the better fortunes being enjoyed by southern clubs. Now, however, the Red Dragons are breathing fire again. Tuesday night’s victory over Solihull Moors lifted them to the summit of the Vanarama National League with the season’s mid-point fast approaching.

Wrexham have lost just lost just once in their last 16 Vanarama National League games, a run that includes 1-0 victories at rivals Chester and Tranmere. Those scorelines underline a rise that has been based on a tight defence with only 12 goals conceded in 21 Vanarama National League games. Manager Dean Keates puts a premium on graft. A former Wrexham player he talks of “a working-class town with honest people who want to see their team performing and working hard.”

Relegated in 2008 following a financial crisis that sent them tumbling from League One to National League in four seasons, Wrexham at one stage wondered if they would survive at all. Fan ownership in 2011 stabilised the club and, having survived a winding up order, they reached the promotion play-offs in three successive seasons. However, they only once made the final, in 2013, and lost to Newport.

Having never previously been to Wembley Wrexham went there twice that season, winning the FA Trophy before the play-off loss. The board, all-too well aware of the consequences of financial problems, used the proceeds to clear debt. Sensible in the long-term, but the team suffered, coming 17th the following season, Wrexham’s lowest ever position. The Red Dragons subsequently pottered in mid-table, becoming the Vanarama National League’s longest established members.

Until now, that is. Keates, who is in his first management role, brought in 12 players this summer and few expected them to gel so quickly. There is progress behind the scenes too with the club bidding to site the proposed Museum of Welsh Football at the Racecourse as part of a development to include rebuilding the currently closed Kop end. That would help bring back the national team, which last played in Wrexham in 2008, and further swell an average gate that, at more than 4,300, already exceeds 19 Football League clubs. On and off the pitch everyone is aware there is a long way to go, but the Red Dragons are finally moving in the right direction.

For more on the Vanarama National League, visit: http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/

For great leasing deals on cars and vans, visit: http://www.vanarama.co.uk/

FWA Live – Manchester Dec 7

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The Football Writers Association sponsored by William Hill will be running a live Manchester Derby preview night in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Former Manchester City Manager Peter Reid will be on the panel alongside former Manchester United and England defender Viv Anderson. They will be joined by two prestigious journalists Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror and Steve Bates of The People, and hosted by FWA Chair Paul McCarthy.

Venue:
Hotel Football is 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester M16 0SZ
Time:
7pm- late
Cost:
£25(plus booking fee)
Dress code:
Smart/casual

There will be a free bar available during the night.

All profits raised will go towards Prostate Cancer UK.

Tickets from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fwa-live-manchester-derby-preview-tickets-39872430513?aff=es2

Vanarama National League Column Nov 15

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Live on TV – the glamour, the pressure and the barbers

by Luke Coulson, Ebbsfleet United

Arriving at the stadium on Saturday afternoon was like any other match day. The car park was nearly full, the stewards greeted me at the turnstiles and the match day kit was perfectly laid out in the changing room. Yet, as I walked upon the freshly, cut grass, the TV cameras that encompassed the pitch meant that this game was no ordinary National League fixture.

Because of the international weekend, Premier League stars took a break from their club duty which allowed our match against Leyton Orient to be shown live on BT Sport.

I’m no psychic but I knew the international weekend and our live fixture would result in two things. Firstly, that there would be millions of disgruntled Premier League fans around the world and secondly, that every player in our dressing room would have an immaculate, fresh hair cut. I wasn’t wrong; the barbers had been busy.

The last time I played live on BT Sport was against Barrow when I was playing for Eastleigh. We travelled a long way, embarrassingly lost 4-0 and I didn’t particularly play that well. Therefore, I was determined to be on the winning team this time round.

Before the match, the only noticeable difference in the changing room was everyone was exceptionally early. Usually, one or two lads may cut it fine but every player was early, raring to go. The changing room was as lively as ever and if anyone was nervous, it was hidden well. Everyone seemed to be confident and focused on their job as we went out to warm up.

The cameras that are usually dotted around the Premier League stadiums brought an obvious excitement to our changing room. It is rare occasion that we get to play live on the big screen and everybody wanted to give a good account of themselves with friends, family and football fans around the country watching. However, with that excitement comes pressure.

Days before the game, I heard the same message and advice from everyone. ‘Treat the match like any other’ and ‘just concentrate on your own game’, but of course it’s not always that simple. It’s difficult to maintain that mindset and ignore the fact that a camera is following your every move. However, that is what the best players learn to do. For players in the National League like myself who want to move up the football ladder, it’s pressure that needs to be welcomed and thrived upon.

Despite our previous result against Doncaster in the FA Cup, our first half performance was very positive. Through the week, we held team meetings to discuss how to improve, and aimed to take those changes into the game against Leyton Orient, which we did. Our defensive shape was strong and our counter-attacking play was quick and powerful as we put ourselves 2-0 up with goals from Andy Drury and Danny Kedwell.

Having been winning 2-0 against Doncaster, we learnt from our mistakes as we maintained our lead and kept a clean sheet up to the half-time whistle. In the second half, we had opportunities to score a third but couldn’t quite make the most of them and despite a late Orient goal, we took all three points in our first televised match of the season.

After drawing to Sutton United and losing to Torquay in our last two National League fixtures, securing three points was our main priority. However, as a football club, we also wanted to make a statement by showcasing our ability and performing under the pressure of the BT cameras. Having watched the game back, we definitely did everything we set out to do and can’t for the cameras to return on New Year’s Day.

For more on the Vanarama National League visit: http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/

Find out about Vanarama’s leasing deals for cars and vans here: http://www.vanarama.co.uk/

Northern Managers awards dinner Nov 26th

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FWA NORTHERN MANAGERS AWARDS DINNER – a few tickets left

At the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel Manchester on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26th 2017, 6.45 reception for 7.30 start

This year’s award winning managers are:

JOSE MOURINHO (Manchester United)

RAFA BENITEZ (Newcastle United)

DAVID WAGNER (Huddersfield Town)

CHRIS WILDER (Sheffield United)

PHIL PARKINSON (Bolton Wanderers)

DARREN FERGUSON (Doncaster Rovers)

GARY BOWYER (Blackpool)

Special Award winners: GARY MILLS (York City), GRAHAM FENTON & LEE PICTON (South Shields) and NICK CUSHING (Manchester City Women).

Tickets can be ordered from any of the below-named committee members at the same price as last year: £65 FWA Members, £70 Non Members and guests. Book now: Tables 10/11, smaller groups or individuals.

Chairman: PAUL HETHERINGTON E.mail: paul.hetherington@express.co.uk

Treasurer: STEVE BATES E.mail: sdb99@hotmail.com

Secretary: RICHARD BOTT E.mail: rbottmanc@aol.com

4 Brentwood Close, Smithy Bridge, Littleborough, Lancs. OL150ND Tel: 01706 379999

This year’s designated Children’s Charity is THE SEASHELL TRUST
Dress code: Lounge Suit

Vanarama National League Column

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Glenn Moore looks at Kent’s place in the Vanarama National League 

Kent, the home of hops, apples, and the Channel Tunnel, has never been regarded as a hotbed of football. The Royal Engineers, the first FA Cup runners-up, came from the Chatham Dockyard; Chris Smalling, Tony Cascarino and Jon Harley grew up in the Garden of England; but in sporting terms the white horse county is best known for cricket. Excluding Charlton Athletic, never officially part of Kent since the club’s formation, Gillingham are the county’s only representatives in the Football League. They always have been, aside from three seasons a quarter-century ago when Maidstone United joined them before going bankrupt.

In non-League football, however, it is a different story. Kent has long had a busy non-League scene, perhaps because of the lack of Football League clubs. In 1979 the original Alliance Premier League, the forerunner of today’s Vanamara National League, included Maidstone United and Gravesend & Northfleet, and within two seasons they were joined by Dartford. 

These days the Vanarama National League has a strong Kentish flavour. Dover Athletic, thriving since the return of Chris Kinnear despite a huge turnover of players, are the surprise leaders. A trio of local rivals are in close pursuit. Re-formed Maidstone United are fifth, two places ahead of Bromley (now a London borough, but part of Kent until 1965). Ebbsfleet, as Gravesend & Northfleet are now known, are three points further back. Hoping to join them are Dartford and Welling United, respectively first and third in Vanarama National League South.

What is notable about these clubs is the sense of progress and ambition with most playing at new, or refurbished stadia in front of rising crowds. Dover last year opened a new £1.3m stand at their historic Crabble home. Ebbsfleet’s own £5m stand at Stonebridge Road is nearing conclusion. Bromley, prospering in only their third season at this level, put down a 3G pitch in the summer and a new stand is to be erected next year. 

Dartford, meanwhile, have one of the most ecologically-advanced grounds in the country at 12-year-old Princes’ Park, with features including a sedum roof, floodlights powered by solar panels and water recycling. Welling are the smallest of the sextet, but with Mark Goldberg, once Crystal Palace owner, more recently Bromley manager, chairman, do not lack for ambition.

The most extraordinary tale is that of Maidstone. The Stones had to start again in the Kent County League’s fourth division, step 12 of the pyramid, after going bust in 1992. Playing on their former reserve team pitch they climbed into the Kent League (step 5) by 2001, but then had to ground-share in Sittingbourne and Ashford before returning to the county town, at a new ground, in 2012. At this stage they were in the Isthmian League (South) but inspired by having their own home, one which has become a community hub built around the 3G pitch, they won three further promotions in four seasons. Their 4-2 FA Cup win at League Two Cheltenham on Saturday confirmed the Stones are rolling again, as are their rivals in Kent’s fertile non-League garden. The Gills’ proud boast of being ‘Kent’s only Football League club’ is at risk again.

For more on the Vanarama National League visit: http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/

Find out about Vanarama’s leasing deals for cars and vans here: http://www.vanarama.co.uk/

FWA Northern Managers awards dinner – final reminder

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FINAL REMINDER –  37th NORTHERN MANAGERS AWARDS DINNER Nov 26th

in conjunction with WILLIAM HILL, at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel,  Peter Street, Manchester M2 5GP . on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26th 2017, 6.45 reception for 7.30 start

This year’s award winning managers are:

JOSE MOURINHO (Manchester United)

RAFA BENITEZ (Newcastle United)

DAVID WAGNER (Huddersfield Town)

CHRIS WILDER (Sheffield United)

PHIL PARKINSON (Bolton Wanderers)

DARREN FERGUSON (Doncaster Rovers)

GARY BOWYER (Blackpool)

Special Award winners: GARY MILLS (York City), GRAHAM FENTON & LEE PICTON (South Shields) and NICK CUSHING (Manchester City Women).

Tickets can be ordered from any of the below-named committee members at the same price as last year: £65 FWA Members, £70 Non Members and guests. Book now: Tables 10/11, smaller groups or individuals.

Chairman: PAUL HETHERINGTON E.mail: paul.hetherington@express.co.uk

Treasurer: STEVE BATES E.mail: sdb99@hotmail.com

Secretary: RICHARD BOTT E.mail: rbottmanc@aol.com

4 Brentwood Close, Smithy Bridge, Littleborough, Lancs. OL150ND Tel: 01706 379999

This year’s designated Children’s Charity is THE SEASHELL TRUST

Dress code: Lounge Suit

FWA review – our new show

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FWA Chairman Patrick Barclay and Carrie Brown review the big stories of the week. You can see the video on Facebook or our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/bR6hBHciAlA

The FWA review highlights and signposts you to a selection of articles here:

Jeremy Wilson,  Daily Telegraph: FA told of dementia links 22 years ago:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/10/07/exclusive-fa-told-dementia-links-22-years-ago/

David Hytner  The Guardian: Former Liverpool, Wigan and England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland speaks honestly on depression bringing an end to his career: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/oct/11/chris-kirkland-depression-interview

Guillem Balague / Mauricio Pochettino reveals how he turned Kane into a warrior and his desire to manage England: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4981082/Tottenham-boss-Pochettino-Kane-warrior.html?ito=email_share_article-top

Andy Dunn  The Mirror: Manchester City should forget Messi: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-should-forget-lionel-11345212

Martin Lipton   The Sun: Sir Alex Ferguson agreed to managerTottenham: https://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=martin+lipton+alex+ferguson+tottenham&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=NsHkWaDlK9Tc8AeGnarwDg

Gerry Cox   Daily Telegraph: Troy Deeney says Arsenal lack ‘cojones’:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2…

Vanarama National League column – Awaydays

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The Long Away Trip – by Luke Coulson of Ebbsfleet United 

In July, when the fixtures are announced for the upcoming season, players in every team immediately scan the matches. The dates of the heated, local derby, the league favourites and when a player will return to their former club are all quickly noted down. However, everyone in the squad keeps an eye out for the dates of the long, dreaded away trips.

Fortunately for us, the 400 mile round trip for our game against Macclesfield fell on a Saturday, not a Tuesday night.

After a short, sharp training session on the Friday morning, the bus was loaded up and the journey north started as usual. Staff sat at the front with the players behind in their usual, season long seats, which were simply pre-empted on the very first away trip. Coffee from the local Costa wafted down the aisle, the slow RnB music began, newspapers rustled, sweets emerged and laptops were switched on.

During a long, mundane journey, some aspects will never change. Some players will fall asleep; a few will intently watch the latest TV shows such as Power and Game of Thrones and the youngest player will have to make the hot drinks. An added constant occurrence is when I win the UNO tournament at the back of the bus, which is when I have the time between watching films and writing blogs.

The journey to Macclesfield took five hours and upon arrival at the hotel, room keys were handed out and every player arrived early for dinner due to hunger and the fear of a fine for being late. Towards the end of the meal, the sound of a glass being hit brought laughter to the room as it signalled an initiation song. Due to the tradition of every football club, our new signing, Antonio German, had to stand on a chair and sing to us. Antonio sang ‘Burn’ by Usher and it wasn’t a bad attempt. However, after my rendition of ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ by Rick Astley, he was never going to sound amazing.

Similar to our previous away trips, the rest of the evening and the following morning is then free time that our manager entrusts us to use wisely, to make sure that we are prepared for the game. On the day of the match, a team meeting is always held prior to our pre match meal before we depart for the stadium and the three o’clock kick off creeps ever closer.

Each football club is different to their approach of a long distance away game. It is not uncommon for teams to set off early on a Saturday morning or travel down via train. However, our gaffer, Daryl McMahon and his backroom staff want to give us every advantage of winning, which is why no expense is spared and every need is catered for.

Although our preparation was faultless, we suffered our second loss of the season and our first away defeat. The result kept Macclesfield top of the table as we now sit in 14th, only three points off a playoff spot. 

The journey home after a defeat is always miserable initially. Yet, as with a pre-match routine, every player deals with a defeat in their own way. Personally, I separate myself for a while, listen to music and self reflect on my own performance. However, it is important to make sure the journey home doesn’t remain a sombre affair as another game could be just days away.

The tedious journeys away from home make you appreciate playing in front of the home crowd that much more. Which is why, we might only be in October but I simply can’t wait for March 17th, Gateshead away.

See more on the Vanarama National League here: http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/

For great leasing deals visit Vanarama: http://www.vanarama.co.uk/

Women in Football celebrate 10th anniversary

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Women

 

FWA vice chair Vikki Orvice was among 150 guests who celebrated the tenth anniversary of Women in Football during a gala evening at the House of Lords earlier this month.

Vikki was a founder member of the networking and campaigning group, which also includes prominent FWA members such as Jacqui Oatley and Lucy Pepper.

Lord Faulkner hosted the event on the riverside terrace bar at the House of Lords on October 2, and special guests included Dame Heather Rabbatts, the FA’s first female director.

After WiF chair Anna Kessel’s introductory speech, Jacqui Oatley introduced a special panel of former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro, referee Lucy Oliver and Galatasaray executive Ebru Köksal. The trio shared their experiences in football with great honesty, integrity and warmth, and also paid tribute to WiF as an organisation.

Eva said:”Women in Football is refreshingly disinterested in politically correct statements or self-serving agendas. It is uncompromisingly committed to learning about, supporting and transforming the experience of women that work in the sport we all love.”

Elizabeth Nyamayaro, UN Director of the HeForShe campaign, flew in from New York and spoke with passionately about the “magic of sport” and also the importance of empowering women.

For more details about Women in Football, visit: https://www.womeninfootball.co.uk/

Vanarama National League column – Oct 11

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A weekly column covering the National League in association with FWA partners Vanarama .  This week Glenn Moore on 3G pitches and Sutton United’s rise.

Bruce Elliott, the chairman of Sutton United, stood in the south London club’s decent-sized car park, and said: “You used to be able to come here in the week and – except for matchdays, could always park. Now any evening, and lots of times in the day, there’s nowhere to park.” And he smiled.

There is a reason for the shortage of parking, and it lies on the other side of the main stand. Two acres of state-of-the-art, FIFA Quality Pro standard 3G artificial turf has transformed Sutton’s relationship with the community and contributed significantly to the well-being of a club pushing for promotion to the Football League for the first time in its 119-year history.

“The pitch has had a huge impact,” said Elliott. “I keep telling people this is the best thing this football club has ever done. The two seasons prior to putting the pitch in we went six weeks, and seven weeks, without anything happening on the pitch at all. From a cash-flow and supporter-interest point-of-view, that doesn’t work. No one rings up now to find out if the game is on.”

This is not the case elsewhere. Winter is yet to bite but there has already been one postponement in Sutton’s Vanarama National League, travelling Chester fans left infuriated by the late call-off of their match at Eastleigh last month because of a waterlogged pitch. Fixture security is not, though, the main argument for 3G.

“We can use 3G 40-50 hours a week instead of two hours every two weeks,” added Elliott. “The first team now train on it – we were paying to go somewhere else. We used to pay another club to host our youth team games, we host and train them here. We have two ground shares, Sutton Common Rovers and Wimbledon Ladies. We have ladies sides of our own we have started this season, there is the junior section, three disability sides and now an academy with 80-90 boys based here at the club. They all use the pitch.”

There is, however, a cloud on the horizon. If Sutton go up – and they lie fourth in the Vanarama National League, two points behind leaders Macclesfield – they will have to tear up the pitch to be allowed promotion. However, the Football League almost accepted plastic a couple of seasons ago and it is back on the agenda in next month’s league meeting.

Some opponents feel the pitch confers an unfair advantage but the three Vanarama National League teams with 3G pitches last season – Sutton, Maidstone and Bromley – all finished mid-table having lost, between them, a third of their home games.

While better than many grass pitches at this level the ball does tend to run off quickly on 3G and on Saturday the combination of surface and strong wind troubled both Sutton and visitors Fylde in the first half. However, when the wind dropped there was some decent football played on a surface that – as Arsenal showed in the FA Cup last season last season – rewards technical sides. Sutton’s second goal, inspired by Josh Taylor’s slalom down the left wing, highlighted this.

Despite Lewis Montrose’s subsequent dismissal a late rally from Fylde, still finding their feet in the Vanarama National League after rapid promotions, made for a tense finish. Sutton held on to win 2-1, stay in the promotion frame, and keep the 3G debate simmering.

For more from the Vanarama National League visit: http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/

For great deals on vehicle leasing from Vanarama visit: http://www.vanarama.co.uk/