THE DABBER

NANTWICH TOWN vs CELTIC SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST 2021 KICK OFF 3.00PM CLUB DETAILS & HONOURS

Nantwich Town Football Club CLUB HONOURS Company by Guarantee Company No: 0732 8670 The Optimum Pay Stadium, LEAGUE COMPETITION: Waterlode, Nantwich, CW5 5BS County League Telephone: 01270 621771 Champions – 1980/81 County Affiliation: Cheshire FA Year Formed: 1884 Mid-Cheshire League Champions – 1963/64 At the Top Runners-Up – 1950/51, 1961/62, 1964/65 President: Frank Blunstone Chairman: Jon Gold Crewe Amateur Combination League Vice-Chairman: John Dunning Champions – 1946/47 Directors: Mark Hawkins, John Dunning, Clive Jackson, Dave Clapp, Dan Cheshire League Dunning-Cole, Tim Crighton Division One Runners Up – 1900/01 Company Secretary: John Dunning & District League Football Officials Runners-Up – 1891/92 Manager: Dave Cooke Assistant Manager: Jay Bateman Manchester League First Team Coach Mentor: Nigel Deeley Runners-Up – 1966/67 Goalkeeper Coach: Keiron Clarke Head Physio: Callum Carey Northern Physio: Pete Williams Div 1 South – Play-Off Winners – 2007/08 Kit Manager: Jason Clarke Premier Division Play-Off Final – 2008/09

Behind the Scenes CUP COMPETITION: Club Secretary: Carl Thorpe Winners – 1932/33, Match Day Secretary: Gary Richardson 1975/76, 2007/08, 2011/12, 2017/18, Business Manager: Emma Crossan 2018/19 Press Officers: Jack Beresford, Liam Price, Adam Bateman FA Vase Winners – 2005/06 Club Photographer: Jonathan White Groundsman: TBC FA Trophy Semi Finalist – 2015/16 Stadium & Safety Officer: Bob Melling FA Cup First Round – 2011/12, 2017/18, Social Networks: 2019/20 Twitter: @TheDabbers Facebook: /nantwichtownfc North West Counties YouTube: Nantwich Town FC Winners – 1994/95 Instagram: officialnantwichtownfc Mid Cheshire League Cup Winners – 1961/62, 1963/64 WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN

A very warm welcome to everyone coming back to The Optimum Pay Stadium today, including the supporters, players, management and Directors of our visitors, Stalybridge.

The past 20 months have been extremely difficult and challenging for everyone, both personally and in business and it’s been a situation, unprecedented in our lifetime and we would like to thank everyone for the goodwill, generosity and support that they have provided the club with, as it’s support that has enabled us to overcome the challenges remaining viable, so we can reopen our doors again today to stage “live” football and an exciting first game of what we hope, will be an uninterrupted and ultimately successful season for our beloved Dabbers!

Your support has never been more crucial than at this current time and whilst we rolled over last year’s season’s tickets free of charge, following the season being declared “Null & Void” after just six home games, we are sincerely grateful and thankful to each and every one of you that have made voluntary donations in lieu of this, as these contributions are vital to our existence and future development, so sincerely thank you.

We would also like to welcome our many new commercial partners today, including The Optimum Pay Group and our stadium now carries their name, along with “Everything Genetic”, our new Shirt Sponsors, whose overall support this past 18 months, has been simply amazing and The Swansway Motor Group, who are now the main Stand Sponsors. We also welcome Atherton & Associates and Charterhouse Accountants, whose names now adorn the Function Suite and sponsors lounge respectively.

We also have an official media Partner in “The Cat 107.9FM, who will be providing regular matchday commentary, live roadshows and bringing along their mascot “Twitchy” the Cat, to help liven things up before each match. WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Whilst the past two seasons for the first team have been frustrating due to the cancellations with the ongoing pandemic, our newly formed Ladies Team were able to complete their first season since forming and in spectacular style, by winning promotion at the first attempt and we are all very proud of what they have achieved so far and it’s wonderful to see everyone getting behind the ladies and they also have an exciting time ahead this season, including a history making FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round at Didsbury on the 12th September.

As we look forward to an exciting Season at the Optimum Pay Stadium, we today celebrate the unique and wonderful achievements of a true Dabbers legend and someone who played a massive part in our previous success’s, including winning the FA Vase and successive promotions to help us to our current league position. Danny Griggs has served the club as a player, coach and assistant manager for four decades, making over 400 appearances scoring 116 goals, making him the club’s second highest post war goal scorer of all time, behind John Scarlett, who scored 166 Goals and I am sure that you will all join us in applauding Danny this afternoon, as he receives a well-deserved tribute from the Club.

There is still much to do around the club as we continue our journey back from lockdown and we are very grateful to everyone who has come forward following our recent appeal for volunteers and if you are someone who can give some time to help the club, no matter how little or small, please get in touch.

Thanks once again to each and every one of you for getting us through the past 20 Months and Dave, Jay, Nigel and all of the team are excitedly looking forward to doing all that they can on the pitch, to reward your faith, loyalty and generosity, so let’s get started!!!!!!!!

Thanks Jon Gold Chairman 2021/22 FIRST TEAM FIXTURES

Saturday 14th August 2021 (3pm) Stalybridge Celtic (H) Tuesday 17th August 2021 (7.45pm) Atherton Collieries (A) Saturday 21st August 2021 (3pm) Whitby Town (A) Tuesday 24th August 2021 (7.45pm) Matlock Town (H) Saturday 28th August 2021 (3pm) Bamber Bridge (H) Monday 30th August 2021 (3pm) Witton Albion (A) Saturday 4th September 2021 (3pm) FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round Tuesday 7th September 2021 (7.45pm) Hyde United (H) Saturday 11th September 2021 (3pm) Radcliffe (A) Tuesday 14th September 2021 (7.45pm) Mickleover (A) Saturday 18th September 2021 (3pm) FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Saturday 25th September 2021 (3pm) Basford United (H) Tuesday 28th September 2021 (7.45pm) Grantham Town (A) Saturday 2nd October 2021 (3pm) South Shields (H) Tuesday 5th October 2021 (7.45pm) Gainsborough Trinity (H) Saturday 9th October 2021 (3pm) FC United of Manchester (A) Tuesday 12th October 2021 (7.45pm) Town (H) Saturday 16th October 2021 (3pm) Ashton United (A) Saturday 23rd October 2021 (3pm) Morpeth Town (H) Saturday 30th October 2021 (3pm) FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round Saturday 6th November 2021 (3pm) Buxton (A) Saturday 20th November 2021 (3pm) Scarborough Athletic (A) Saturday 27th November 2021 (3pm) Lancaster City (H) Saturday 4th December 2021 (3pm) Hyde United (A) Saturday 11th December 2021 (3pm) Radcliffe (H) Saturday 18th December 2021 (3pm) Whitby Town (H) Monday 27th December 2021 (3pm) Stafford Rangers (A) Saturday 1st January 2022 (3pm) Witton Albion (H) Saturday 8th January 2022 (3pm) Stalybridge Celtic (A) Saturday 15th January 2022 (3pm) Mickleover (H) Saturday 22nd January 2022 (3pm) Basford United (A) Saturday 29th January 2022 (3pm) Ashton United (H) Saturday 5th February 2022 (3pm) Morpeth Town (A) Tuesday 8th February 2022 (7.45pm) Warrington Town (A) Saturday 12th February 2022 (3pm) Buxton (H) Saturday 19th February 2022 (3pm) Grantham Town (H) Saturday 26th February 2022 (3pm) South Shields (A) Saturday 12th March 2022 (3pm) FC United of Manchester (H) Saturday 19th March 2022 (3pm) Gainsborough Trinity (A) Saturday 26th March 2022 (3pm) Lancaster City (A) Saturday 2nd April 2022 (3pm) Scarborough Athletic (H) Saturday 9th April 2022 (3pm) Atherton Collieries (H) Saturday 16th April 2022 (3pm) Matlock Town (A) Monday 18th April 2022 (3pm) Stafford Rangers (H) Saturday 23rd April 2022 (3pm) Bamber Bridge (A)

NB: Fixtures are always subject to change due to postponements / cup fixtures

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC – MATCH PREVIEW

The waiting is over, as the Pitching In finally gets underway with Nantwich opening up against Stalybridge Celtic.

Summer Summary

It’s been an interesting summer for the Dabbers, as some experienced players have moved on and been replaced by some intriguing signings. Greg Hall, Mike Koral and Scott McGowan head up the outgoings, with the exciting ‘Thommy’ Montefiori, full back Jack Hatton, the young exciting goalkeeper Cameron Terry and former Football League striker coming in.

A solid pre-season was capped off with a fine 3-2 victory over side to set up the league campaign brilliantly.

As for Stalybridge (who were 12th in the league at the time of the 19/20 curtailment, the last real representative campaign), goalkeeper Phil Jackson was amongst the transfers out; Ethan Padden from Buxton and former youth international Ashley Smith-Brown from Farsley Celtic are the eye-catching arrivals.

Stalybridge’s last three pre-season games saw narrow losses to Tranmere Rovers and Curzon Ashton followed by a comfortable 3-0 win over Mossley.

Last Time Out

The Dabbers are unbeaten in their last 4 league meetings with Celtic, with the last defeat coming in 2018.

Last time we met, the Dabbers came out on top with a 3-0 win, with goals from Joel Stair, Connor Heath, and Prince Haywood, all of whom will be hoping to be involved again on Saturday.

Player News

Despite an influx of injuries during pre season, only Joe Malkin is our long term absentee as he recovers from his torn hamstring against Stafford Rangers.

Matty Devine, Connor Heath and Thommy Montefiori have all had minor injuries but all 3 have been back in training and pushing to be in the squad for the match. STALYBRIDGE – A BRIEF HISTORY IN TIME

CLUB INFO Club Name: Stalybridge Celtic FC Year Founded: 1909 Club Nickname: The Celts Current Ground: Current Manager: Simon Haworth

CUP HISTORY Cheshire Senior Cup: Winners – 1952/53, 2000/01 Manchester Senior Cup: Winners – 1922/23 NPL Challenge Cup: Winners – 1998/99 NPL President’s Cup: Winners – 2000/01, 2002/03 FA Cup: 2nd Round – 1935/36, 1993/94, 1990/00 FA Trophy: Quarter Final – 2001/02

LEAGUE HISTORY Cheshire Football League: Champions – 1979/80 NW Counties Division 1: Champions – 1983/84, 1986/87 NPL Division One: Runners-Up – 1987/88 NPL Premier Division: Champions – 1991/92, 2000/01 Conference North: Play Off Finalist – 2007/08

LAST 5 LEAGUE SEASONS:

Season League POS PL W D L GF GA Pts

2016-17 NAT N 21/22 42 8 5 29 89 29 29

2017-18 NPL P 22/24 46 14 6 26 57 90 48

2018-19 NPL P 17/21 40 11 9 20 46 62 42

2019-20 NPL P ABAN 33 12 6 15 42 50 42 *

2020-21 NPL P ABAN 9 1 3 5 7 17 6 *

* 2019-20 & 2020-21 Season both curtailed due to COVID-19 STALYBRIDGE CELTIC - HISTORY

Stalybridge Celtic's history has been the subject of many debates for the greater part of the century. Although an outfit calling itself 'Celtic' appears in the archives for 1906, this side seemingly only played friendlies on a ground at North-End. This seed of a club was probably the basis for the club we know today, which was formed in 1909 by Herbert Rhodes, a local business man and philanthropist.

At the end of the 1921 season, Celtic became one of the founder members of the Third Division (North), finishing 7th and 11th in the first two years. Lacking the support of local people, the funds were not available to press for a third campaign, forcing Celtic to voluntarily resign from the football league.

Celtic re-joined the and stayed there for sixty years until the formation of the Bass NW Counties League. Peter Wragg took the helm and steered Celtic to Championship victory in 1980, eventually winning the Bass NW Championship in 1984 and 1987, and runners up in the NPL First division.

Phil Wilson took over the reins in 1989 when relegation threatened, eventually finishing second in the NPL. He followed this escaping act with promotion into the Conference in 1992. Our first season was a success, finishing 12th, but it was followed by disaster and relegation loomed again. Peter Wragg returned and saved the sinking ship by winning 9 of the last 12 games. Peter Wragg resigned at the start of the 1996/97 season, replaced by , but it was not enough, and Celtic were relegated in 1998 and back to the NPL after finishing bottom.

The club won the NPL title away at local side Droylsden thanks to an injury time Stuart Locke penalty. We finished up with over 100 points and scored nearly 100 goals. The foray into the Conference was short lived though. took over the reins and with a series of disastrous runs, Celtic replaced Paul with Dave Miller. He almost, but not quite, kept us in the Conference. Miller won the President's Cup at the first attempt, and we finished 4th in the NPL.

Their first season in the Conference North was almost our last, and with half the season gone, Miller was sacked and replaced by John Reed. John pulled off the great escape, clawing back an 18 point deficit to finish a place above the relegation zone, following it up by missing out on the play offs on the last day of the 2005/06 season. A poor couple of seasons saw John Reed replaced with , who took Celtic to the play off final at his first attempt in the 2007/08 season, losing by one goal to Barrow. Steve Burr's second season saw him come within a whisker of the play offs, and after a storming start to his third season in charge, he left to join Kidderminster in the Conference National, and was replaced first by Benny Phillips and then by Jim Harvey. With the finances at Celtic unable to allow them to compete with the top finances sides in the division, Celtic took the brave option of going full time with a youth set up to allow them to compete in a different way. After a good first season, finishing 6th just outside the play offs, Harvey's second full season was less successful, finishing midtable. A bad start to season 13/14 saw Harvey replaced by former player Keith Briggs.

Keith continued the full time experiment, but resigned in December 2015 with Celtic looking doomed to relegation. came in and oversaw a turnaround in Celtic's form that saw them safe on the last day of the season with a thrilling 4-4 draw with Gainsborough Trinity. 2016 was to prove a disastrous season, Liam Watson was replaced by co-managers and Paul Phillips, but Celtic looked certain relegation candidates, so the club replaced them with Steve Burr who was unable to save Celtic from relegation, sending one of the last remaining founders of the Conference North into the Northern Premier League. 2017 was also a poor season, with Celtic finishing in the bottom four, though due to a league restructuring, with only one going down, Celtic remained in the division for the 2018 season. STALYBRIDGE PLAYERS

Grant Shenton Reece Nuttall Luke Barlow Ioan Evans

Shane Killock Connor O’Grady Ashley Smith-Brown Scott Burton

Keenan Quansah Callum Harris Ethan Padden Sam Wedgbury

Charley Doyle Keano Deacon Scott Bakkor Matty Hughes

Sope Awe Jack Ryan Stephen Brogan Steve O’Halloran

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY RESULTS

Nantwich Town 3 Montefiori (9), Mwasile (26), Saunders (75) Gresford Athletic 0 Nantwich Town 1 Hatton (65) Crewe Alexandra 4 Onyeka (20), Griffiths (30), Robbins (75), Lundstram (89) Nantwich Town 3 Malkin (14), Saunders (64, 70) Stafford Rangers 1 Moran (3) Nantwich Town 0 Wolves U23’s 0 Sandbach United 2 R. Hatton (84,89) Nantwich Town 4 Montefiori (5), Lawrie (30, 43), Wood (73) Nantwich Town 2 Harrison (33), Montefiori (70) Whitchurch Alport 1 Ellis (34) Nantwich Town 0 3 Dinanga (32), Colclough (45), Mooney (80) Nantwich Town 0 Leek Town 0 Nantwich Town 3 Miller (26, 68), J Stair (81) Chester 2 Dudley (27), Weeks (74) LAST TIME OUT – CHESTER FC

New signings shine in The Dabbers final Pre-Season fixture

In what was a very eventful match, Nantwich found a way to overcome the visitors, in front of a good crowd at the Optimum Pay Stadium.

With the crowd turning up to see what the new star signing in Shaun Miller could do, as well as the addition of Cameron Terry as goalkeeper, action was hoped for at both ends.

It didn’t start off as planned however, as Chester took control, and passed the ball around very well. And they even had the first shot of the game, thankfully Johnson shot over the bar, but that was indeed a warning for the Dabbers that the needed to heed. From there, the pressure was on the home side, as Chester continued to probe away, just without that final killer last ball.

Declan Weeks for Chester had the next attempt, thankfully it wasn’t on target, before an outrageous attempt by Sean Cooke, who tried to score from a very long way out, unfortunately for the home side, and the fans in attendance, it just went wide of Louis Gray’s goal, otherwise, we would have been talking about that goal, for a very long time to come!

This seemed to spark the Dabbers into life however, as from there the next opportunity fell to Casper Hughes, who was very unlucky to see his first time shot go just agonisingly wide of the goal. From there, the craziness started, as Nantwich took the lead in the 26th minute, via a wonderful bit of play, had the ball down the left hand side, before putting in a wonderful cross for the new signing Shaun Miller to poke home at the back post, what a start to life in the Dabbers shirt!

A brilliant way to mark your debut in front of your new fans, but he wasn’t finished yet, and neither were Chester, as they scored almost instantly, with James Hardy found space down by the right hand side, and he found a way to put a cross in, and Anthony Dudley, was on the spot, to fire home an equaliser.

The tables had been well and truly turned now, with the away side on top, all in the space of about five minutes, as Dudley very nearly doubled Chester’s tally, as he hit base of the post. All of this was before the half time whistle, at which Nantwich were very happy to hear it when it did come, but not before some half chances for the home side from Miller and a Cooke free-kick. LAST TIME OUT – CHESTER FC

Into the second half, and the chances kept on coming for both sides, first of all Chester as new signing Terry pulled off a wonder save from a George Waring header, then in what was a wonderfully worked opportunity Troy Bourne did very well to find Saunders in acres of space, only to have his volley creep just wide of the far post.

Then we were witness to a wonderful goal to give Nantwich the lead once again, Stair, who had come on for Bourne, had a fantastic 30 yard shot that came off of the inside of the Chester post, and who was in the right place, at the right time, yes indeed, new signing, Shaun Miller, to poke home the rebound, a wonderful way to mark a home debut! He is going to be a supporter’s favourite that is for sure.

Chester soon managed to level the scores once again however, via Weeks who was found by Hardy to very calmly roll it passed Terry to make it 2-2. The chances were not done just yet for both sides though, as the home side thought that they had retaken the lead once again, but Miller playing the assister this time for Stair to just head the ball wide. But then in the 81st minute, it did happen for Nantwich, they did take the lead, and this one did go in, as a Cooke free kick was headed in by Stair to the delight of the home crowd. This seemed to galvanise the visitors to try to get on level terms once again though, as from there, Dan Stevenson cut in from the right hand side and shot, but Terry was there to thankfully tip it round the post for a corner.

Then from one new signing playing his part in the day’s proceedings to another, as Chester were awarded a penalty due to some really good dribbling in the Nantwich box by substitute Jude Oyibo, before he was brought down, giving the referee no option but to point towards the spot two minutes before the 90th minute. Anthony Dudley took it, looking for his second goal of the afternoon, but as the rain came down hard, so did the pressure on him, as Terry produced a wonderful save, low down to his left to stop him from scoring.

From there, Nantwich managed to see out the game, and pick up a really good win on the day, and a really useful run out for Dave Cooke ahead of the new season starting next week. NANTWICH TOWN 3 Miller (26, 68), J Stair (81) CHESTER FC 2 Dudley (27), Weeks (74)

A RESERVED VIEW

Nantwich Town Reserves are now managed by Colin Carruthers and his assistant Chris Dawson, after Lyndon Wain stepped aside after getting the Reserves back up and running in the Cheshire Football League Division 2 last season.

Colin is a Military Veteran with over 20 years’ service. He has severed in Kosovo, Iraq & Afghanistan. Since leaving the Military Colin has undergone his coaching badges and is a UEFA B outfield coach and is currently undertaking his UEFA B goalkeeper qualification. Colin Is a Wigan Athletic football fan.

Chris is an Ex Professional footballer with Bolton Wanderers whom he played for 6 years, before moving on to Kuala Lumpur FC in Malaysia for 2 years. Chris is also an ex England & Scotland school boy International. Chris would go on to represent the Seychelles at Senior International level, playing in the African Nations and World cup Qualifiers. Chris is due to start his coaching badges with the PFA in the coming months.

Chris Dawson (left) with Colin Carruthers (right)

The reserves have played 2 league fixtures already, they opened up with a 7-3 win vs Ashton Town Reserves. Callum Parker bagged 4 goals and supported with a goal from Kyle Woolrich and Rylan Bell, the other being an own goal. A great performance especially with 4 Under 18’s involved.

The following week they had a narrow loss to Newton-Le-Willows, Callum Parker bagged another 2 making his tally to 6, but sadly the woodwork intervened about 4 or 5 chances and it was one of those days.

Today at 2pm they have a huge game against Macclesfield FC Reserves (formed from the ashes of Macclesfield Town) they are one of the favourites to win the league and you can at least watch the first half on the Applewood 3G Arena before the Stalybridge game kicks off at 3pm THE MIGHTY LADIES

It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for our ladies team. Embarking on the first ever campaign for a senior ladies team at Nantwich Town, it’s been nothing but success!

In the last few weeks we were told our Ladies had been promoted at the first attempt to the Premier Division of the Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League. They finished second behind Sale United Ladies and this was deemed enough for promotion with a restructure of the women’s game taking place.

They will be joining the likes of Sandbach United, Chester City, Macclesfield Town and Ellesmere Port Ladies for the 2021/22 season and we keep our fingers crossed for another successful campaign under Chris Broad’s chargers.

With our promotion confirmed it meant that we could potentially be eligible to partake in the Women’s FA Cup for the first time ever, and on Friday 6th August we got the amazing news that we had been accepted into the competition with the draw taking place on Friday 13th August at 1pm.

So yesterday we received our draws for the First and Second Qualifying Rounds, in the first qualifying round we will play Didsbury Ladies, sadly away from home. The tie will likely to take place on Sunday 12th September at 2pm.

The winner will then have a tough tie away at AFC Darwen Ladies, sadly it is away again and this is due to take place on Sunday 3rd October at 2pm.

The ladies have also received a bye in the Cheshire Ladies Cup, so we will have to wait a while for their last 16 tie later in the season.

The ladies are in action on Sunday vs Ashton Town on the 3G and will kick off at 2pm. Unfortunately Kerry Green is out for a while and captain Claire Rathbone has a minor injury keeping her out today.

Last weekend they played a Port Vale development side in horrendous weather conditions. Debutant Stacey Trueman was a bright spark in a fairly scrappy first half as she was everywhere, creating chances and slotted in seamlessly.

The second half we settled into our stride and played some excellent football. A hat trick from Marni Williams, 2 goals from Kirsty Fisher-Sherratt and an own goal when the pressure was put on in the air by Stacey Trueman saw us win 6-3. Dani Fisher- Sherratt putting in a player of the match performance in a particularly strong second half performance from her. WAIN’S WORLD

Lyndon Wain, gives us a quick update on the Grassroots and Community side of the club.

The community football continues at the club with now 45 teams affiliated. Growth in female football generally plus the clubs disability football has ensured the club is now an accredited 3 star community club.

Volunteer coaches are passing FA qualifications at an increasing number ensuring our young players are learning fast the clubs own DNA.

We now have strong local partnerships with larger numbers of local schools providing coaching and highlighting the clubs pathway.

The club will continue to encourage diversity and inclusion we like to believe we can deliver the game to whoever wants to play it.

We are excited by the future and see excellent coaches and players everywhere in the club.

Our Saturday morning community session and Soccer schools continues to record exceptional numbers, whilst we continue to elevate our players into a first team involvement.

Our club has also entered it’s record amount of County Cup’s this season and apparently only 2 clubs in the rest of the County have entered more, showing the great strides we are making.

This season the club will enter the Senior Cup (First Team Men), Ladies Cup (First Team Ladies), Amateur Cup (Reserves), Youth Boys U17/U18 Cup (U18’s), Youth Boys U16 Cup (U16’s), Junior Boys U15 Cup (U15’s), Junior Boys U14 Cup (U14’s), Minor Boys U13 Cup (U13’s), Minor Girls Cup (U13 Girls). We hope in the next couple of years as our Junior Girl teams get older we will have more girls teams entering in County Cup’s.

We are also looking for more volunteers as per the next page in the programme so please contact me on [email protected] as per our press release on Thursday.

Thank you

Lyndon VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

As the new season approaches, the Club is looking for additional volunteers to help with the upkeep and maintenance of the club and to help deliver the match day experience.

Dabbers Chairmen Jon Gold says “As most people will be aware, Nantwich Town is a community club and a non-commercial enterprise, for the community and the local area and we are all proud of the part we play within the town. The club’s viability is made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers, whose commitment, skills and time in all areas, ensures that the club continues to thrive and play an active part in our community and as we develop, we are looking for more people in all areas, who have some spare time, no matter how little this maybe, to join our team and help share in our continue development and success”.

Do you have any spare time?

Would you like to give that spare time to your local Football Club?

Do you have specific skills and knowledge that could help us?

If you have answered yes to any of the above, then please contact Lyndon Wain our Community Development and Volunteer Manager [email protected]

You may be retired? or just have some free time? We are looking for people who are interested in the following:

General Maintenance, Plumbers, Administrators, Match Day Stewards, Bar Staff, Grass Pitch Maintenance, 3G Maintenance, Electricians, First Aiders, Football Coaches, Other Sports Coaches, Schools Liaison Officer, Match Day Refreshment Sellers, Painters, General Cleaners, Plant Maintenance Technicians, Welfare Officers, Safeguarding Officers, Security, Marketing, Fund Raising, Media (Social Platforms, Written, Digital, Video, Radio, Broadcast).

In return we offer Induction Training, a friendly and welcoming environment, free tea and coffee whilst you are at the club, the chance to socialise and interact with likeminded people additional training where required and only if desired and Free Admission to all our games.

Please contact [email protected] we will be delighted to welcome you and discuss things further with you.

NANTWICH TOWN – PLAYER PROFILES

CAMERON TERRY (Goalkeeper) Cameron joined the Dabbers this summer after a season with Widnes. Cameron has had a very promising pre-season with Nantwich Town and has been awarded the number 1 shirt for the upcoming season.

TROY BOURNE (Defender) Troy is a graduate from the Dabbers’ youth team, having impressed former manager Phil Parkinson in 2015/16 pre-season training. He spent much of the 16/17 campaign on loan at Alsager Town but did make a couple of first-team appearances for the Dabbers. Troy is currently a regular in the centre back position but can also play at right back when required. He won the Manager’s Player of the Season in 2017-18 and has excelled in Dave Cooke’s first two campaigns in charge.

JOSH LANGLEY (Defender) Josh joined the club in the summer of 2019 with the club looking to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new season. The defender is great with the ball at his feet and has an excellent reading of the game, and as a former captain in a higher division, brings another leader to the Nantwich Town dressing room.

BEN HARRISON (Defender) Ben re-joined the club in the summer of 2019 after a two-year stint with Altrincham, where he not only won the Northern Premier Division in 2017-18, he helped the Robins reach the National League North play-offs the following season. The defender is a favourite among Nantwich supporters after two excellent previous spells at the Weaver Stadium, and brings experience, a super reading of the game and a hard tackling but disciplined head to the field.

JOEL STAIR (Defender) Joel joined the Dabbers in 2016 after impressing at North-West Counties Football League side Hanley Town. A warrior in defence, Joel is highly regarded at the Weaver Stadium, after winning the club’s Player of the Season in 2017-18 and captaining the club on several occasions. Joel can play across the back four, with his main strength being at centre-half, but can also adequately fill in at right-back and can even offer a threat in the box from set- pieces, having netted several times from corners during his time at the Weaver Stadium.

MATTY DEVINE (Defender) Matty switched Cheshire allegiances in the summer of 2019 as he joined the Dabbers from Witton Albion. An attacking full-back, Matty offers a huge threat going forward but is equally as effective at the back. The defender is highly regarded not only at the Weaver Stadium but around the league as he has frequently been mentioned around the Team of the Season squad over the last few seasons.

Jack HATTON (Defender) Jack joined the Dabbers from Widnes in the summer. The young full back has good pedigree spending his youth at Bury FC and is able to play both left and right back. Jack had hoped to play for Ytterhogdal in Sweden, however due to the pandemic despite moving and training there didn’t play. He returned to England and signed for Widnes in August 2020. NANTWICH TOWN – PLAYER PROFILES

CASPAR HUGHES (Midfielder) CLUB CAPTAIN Caspar re-joined the Dabbers from AFC Fylde at the start of the 2017-18 season, before being named captain in January 2018 after the departure of Sam Hall. While Caspar is an excellent ball-winner in midfield, the skipper can also play at full-back. The midfielder was a highly rated prospect in the famed Crewe Alexandra youth academy before joining Nantwich, where he spent two solid seasons before moving on to Fylde. The midfielder helped Fylde gain promotion from both the Northern Premier League and the National League North and is regarded one of the better midfielders in the league.

SEAN COOKE (Midfielder) A productive attacking midfielder, Sean is the son of manager Dave and is a dynamic threat from his number ten role. A danger from set-pieces – especially free-kicks – Sean has a keen eye for goal and has proved that not only with Nantwich but at other clubs higher up the non-league pyramid. Sean, along with captain Caspar Hughes, was part of the AFC Fylde side that won promotion from the Northern Premier Division and has also played for FC United of Manchester. He has also won the Northern Premier League’s Young Player of the Season as well as making three Team of the Season appearances.

DAVID WEBB (Midfielder) David joined the club after impressing in 2019-20’s pre-season series, with the midfielder capable of filling in across the pitch. Webb has displayed a good range of passing and an indefatigable attitude to his trial spell with the club. David has Northern Premier League experience having featured for Marine, and along with playing on , Webb has also played for the Royal Air Force’s side.

JAMES LAWRIE (Midfielder) A former Northern Ireland youth international, James joined the club from Hednesford Town prior to the 2018-19 season. An experienced head in the dressing room, the attacking midfielder has played not only at a higher league level but internationally as well. The midfielder has an eye for goal, a great passing range and is also a threat from set-pieces.

CARLOS “THOMMY” MONTEFIORI (Midfielder) The young Argentinian winger signed for Nantwich in February 2021 after turning 18. Thommy has been residing with his family in Chester for the last couple of years and was spotted and invited to Nantwich and subsequently signed. Thommy is a technically gifted winger having come through at All Boys FC in Buenos Aires. Having shone during pre-season we hope he carries this into the upcoming season.

PRINCE HAYWOOD (Midfielder) Prince signed from fellow Premier Division club Radcliffe in January 2020. Ghanaian born, Prince previously played in Italy and has had spells with several different clubs in the North West at the non-league level, having played for Stalybridge Celtic, Colwyn Bay and Witton Albion. NANTWICH TOWN – PLAYER PROFILES

JOE MWASILE (Midfielder) A powerful winger with pace to match anyone in the league, Joe joined the club in 2016-17 originally after starting the campaign with Marine. He left at the end of the season to join fellow Cheshire outfit Warrington Town but re-joined the Dabbers in October 2017 after featuring in limited minutes for the Wire. Joe can not only beat his man for pace and strength but can put in a decent cross and has an eye for goal, having scored a few lovely efforts during his time with the club. A product of the Morecambe academy.

LUKE WALSH (Midfielder) Luke joined the club in the winter of 2018-19 after impressing for Eccleshall in the North-West Counties Football League and made a solid step up to the Dabbers’ level, holding his own against EFL League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra in his debut. A wide player who can also play through the middle, Walsh is another product of the Crewe Alex academy.

SEAN MILLER (Striker) Miller started his career with Crewe Alexandra's youth system, and he signed a professional contract with the club in July 2006. He made his first-team debut in November 2006 in a 4–0 FA Cup loss to Bradford City at .

Shaun has recently been with Bolton Wanderers recently scoring his 100th career goal and achieved promotion with the Trotters last season. He signs for Nantwich Town with a vast amount of league experience and a scoring threat.

JOE MALKIN (Forward) Son of former Tranmere Rovers striker Chris, Joe joined the club at the beginning of the 2018- 19 season from North-West Counties Football League side Cammell Laird 1907 and enjoyed an exciting first season with the club, where he won the Northern Premier League Young Player of the Season. Malkin scored some excellent goals during his first season with the club, and offers a natural goalscoring threat, both from his feet and in the air.

CALLUM SAUNDERS (Forward) Callum re-signed for the club from Curzon Ashton in November 2019 after previously being with Nantwich Town during the 2018-19 season having been released by League Two side Notts County at the end off the 2017-18 season.

Saunders began his career in the Crewe Alexandra Academy and signed a professional contract with the club in June 2014. He made his Football League debut on 9 August 2014 in a 2–1 defeat away at Town and scored his first Crewe goal at Doncaster on 12 December 2015.

CONNOR HEATH (Forward) Connor is a new signing in the summer of 2000 after being released from Crewe Alexandra, after impressing during his 2-year scholarship period with a number of goals he signed a professional contract in the summer of 2019.

Connor has impressed during the pre-season period with a few goals and will be looking to stamp his mark with Nantwich this season.

PITCHING IN NPL FIXTURES & STANDINGS

PITCHING IN NPL PREMIER DIVISION FIXTURES:

Saturday 14th August 2021 (3.00pm KO)

Ashton United vs Matlock Town Basford United vs Scarborough Athletic Buxton vs Bamber Bridge Gainsborough Trinity vs Witton Albion Hyde United vs Atherton Collieries Lancaster City vs Whitby Town Nantwich Town vs Stalybridge Celtic Radcliffe vs Grantham Town South Shields vs Mickleover Stafford Rangers vs Morpeth Town Warrington Town vs FC United of Manchester

Tuesday 17th August 2021 (7.45pm KO)

Atherton Collieries vs Nantwich Town Bamber Bridge vs Hyde United FC United of Manchester vs Morpeth Town Grantham Town vs Buxton Matlock Town vs Basford United Mickleover vs Gainsborough Trinity Scarborough Athletic vs Ashton United Stafford Rangers vs Warrington Town Stalybridge Celtic vs South Shields Whitby Town vs Radcliffe Witton Albion vs Lancaster City

Saturday 21st August 2021 (3.00pm KO)

Atherton Collieries vs Basford United Bamber Bridge vs Gainsborough Trinity FC United of Manchester vs Buxton Grantham Town vs Lancaster City Matlock Town vs Hyde United Mickleover vs Ashton United Scarborough Athletic vs Warrington Town Stafford Rangers vs Radcliffe Stalybridge Celtic vs Morpeth Town Whitby Town vs Nantwich Town Witton Albion vs South Shields NANTWICH TOWN STALYBRIDGE CELTIC MANAGER MANAGER DAVE COOKE SIMON HAWORTH

1 Cameron TERRY 1 Grant SHENTON

2 Joel STAIR 2 Luke BARLOW 3 Troy BOURNE 3 Stephen BROGAN 4 Josh LANGLEY 4 Ioan EVANS 5 Ben HARRISON 5 Keenan QUANSAH 6 Caspar HUGHES (C) 6 Stephen O’HALLORAN 7 David WEBB 7 Charley DOYLE

8 Jimmy LAWRIE 8 Sam WEDGBURY 9 Shaun MILLER 9 Jack RYAN 10 Sean COOKE 10 Scott BAKKOR © 11 Thommy MONTEFIORI 11 Callum HARRIS

12 Prince HAYWOOD 12 Ethan PADDEN

14 Callum SAUNDERS 14 Ashley SMITH-BROWN 15 Theo STAIR 15 Matty HUGHES 16 Matty DEVINE 16 Keano DEACON 17 Jack HATTON 17 Douglas NYAUPEMBE

REFEREE: Oliver Noonan ASSISTANT REFEREES: Ali Rahjoo & Thomas De Prez