Today's Match Sponsor

£2 The Official Match Day Programme of Chasetown Football Club

Chasetown v Stamford

Saturday 24th October 2020

SCHOLARS The

Match Day Sponsor – Squire Automotive Services

Chasetown Members Club

Northern Premier League Division 1 South East

Swanny’s Scribbles Good afternoon and welcome to The Scholars Ground for today's visit of Stamford. We extend a warm welcome to the management, players and directors from Stamford and hope they enjoy our hospitality.

It has been a somewhat unique preparation for this game following two weeks of enforced isolation for the squad. We trust in the players fitness levels and where possible, the lads have been trying to get workouts done in gardens and living rooms during their isolation.

It is frustrating to have been given the enforced break after a very good win and performance at Spalding. As I have talked about previously, we are pleased with our performance levels on the whole and now must address the issue of turning good performances into wins; especially at home!

As always, we are a very positive management team and we have tried to use the two weeks as best we can. After a hectic start to the season, it does give us the chance to freshen the legs a little and be hungry to go again this weekend. It has also given us the opportunity to bring a couple of players into the squad. We are delighted that Lee Smith and Zach Foster have joined the football club. Central midfielder Lee signs from neighbours Hednesford. After almost joining us in the summer, he will add undoubted quality, aggression and physical presence to our squad and we are pleased to get him on board.

Zach is a left sided player who joins from Alvechurch. Another player with undoubted quality and experience that we have managed to get over the line. I am sure you will join me in welcoming both players to Chasetown FC.

Now the focus is back on the football. Today's game is yet another opportunity for us to start to put a run of results together. Despite the lay off we always aim to back up results. Following our win at Spalding it is important to follow this up with another positive result today and get back into our stride.

Enjoy the game!

Swanny

Stamford - History There is evidence to support the existence of a football club in Stamford as far back as 1870 and various clubs came and went in the next twenty years until 1894 when the town’s two most prominent clubs Stamford Town and Rutland Ironworks agreed to amalgamate. Initially the club adopted the name of the Rutland Ironworks who were viewed as the stronger of the two, but the current club’s existence is generally accepted to date back to 1896 when the Stamford Town name was adopted to give the club a higher profile. It was to be some years before the club became known as “The Daniels” after Daniel Lambert, the heaviest British man ever, who died in 1809 in Stamford weighing 52 stone or thereabouts and is buried in St Martin’s churchyard in the town.

The club’s first ever match was played on Hanson’s Field, at the location of Wothorpe Road and the club has enjoyed continuous use of the ground ever since. Evidence has come to light that the site staged football in the early 1870s making it a candidate for the world’s oldest football ground. Stamford Town enjoyed success from the off and won the Younger Cup in their first season. Several other trophies followed in the next decade and a half as Stamford established themselves as one of the area’s most successful clubs. Most notable were back to back successes in the prestigious Hinchingbrooke Cup in 1907 and 1908, the trophy being won in front of four figure crowds in the finals at Huntingdon.

Encouraged by these successes Stamford turned professional in 1909. Stamford was quick to progress and in only their third season of Northants League football they won the championship. In 1913/14 Stamford enjoyed their best ever FA Cup run reaching the 5th Qualifying Round before losing 2-0 at Chatham.

Financial troubles plagued the club towards the end of the thirties and in 1939 they decided to take a season’s break to put the finances right. Within a few weeks war was declared, and it was 1945 before league football resumed.

After a season regrouping in the Peterborough League Stamford returned to the United Counties League, successor to the Northants League, in 1946. They soon earned a reputation as cup specialists winning the Lincolnshire Junior Cup in 1949, UCL Knockout Cup in 1952 and Lincolnshire Senior Cup ‘B’ in 1952 and 1954. Football in the early post war years captured the public’s imagination with a record crowd of 4,200 watching a 3-3 FA Cup draw with Kettering in 1953. In 1955 Stamford joined the Central Alliance before stepping up in class to join the Midland League in 1961. The sixties were years of struggle although 1961 saw Arsenal come to Wothorpe Road to beat the Daniels 9-0 in a match arranged to mark the town's quincentenary.

1972 saw the Daniels return to the United Counties League where they became a power under the guidance of former Peterborough manager Norman Rigby. Another FA Cup run to the Fourth Qualifying Round in 1973/74 was followed by an excellent FA Vase campaign a year later, Stamford reaching the Semi-Finals of the new tournament. After several near misses Stamford won the UCL league and cup double in 1976, also going one better in the Vase, losing 1-0 to Billericay in extra-time at Wembley. Malcolm Hird – later voted Stamford’s Player of the Century by supporters and goal ace Dick Smith, the club’s highest postwar marksman, were stars of this side. Stamford continued to dominate the UCL under Rigby winning a further title in 1978, their first Lincs Senior Cup ‘A’ success the following season was the highlight of a disappointing campaign under Ray Medwell, but the appointment of ex-skipper Hird as boss in the summer of 1979 proved a masterstroke.

Three seasons under the management of the Casterton schoolmaster saw the Daniels complete a hat-trick of UCL championships, Knockout Cup successes in 1980 and 1982 and best of all a Wembley return in 1980, goals from Keith Alexander and Andy McGowan giving Stamford a 2-0 win over Guisborough.

Under Chris Corby’s management Stamford enjoyed Lincs Senior Cup ‘A’ success in 1982/83 and a third Wembley visit in 1984, losing 3-2 to Stansted in the Vase final, while Paul Brackwell steered the Daniels to Knockout Cup success in 1986. By now the club’s golden age was at an end although the club continued to produce good players with Keith Alexander and Andy Tillson (both Grimsby), Darren Edey (Peterborough) and Brett McNamara (Northampton) all graduating to the pro ranks.

The appointment of Steve Evans as manager in 1994 started Stamford’s revival. His policy of signing high profile players brought ex-Posh favourites Trevor Quow, Steve Collins, Milton Graham and Micky Gynn to the club, along with Scottish international David Speedie and ex-Olympic decathlon champion Daley Thompson. The club’s centenary season saw Stamford win the UCL for a seventh time after a spectacular late burst through the pack, while 1997/98 was even better as Stamford retained the title, also carrying off the Lincs Senior Cup ’A’ and Hinchingbrooke Cup.

Promotion to the Southern League was the outcome and the club’s debut campaign in the Midland Division proved hugely eventful. After steering Stamford to Benevolent Cup success and a place in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup final manager Evans moved to Boston United with Billy Jeffrey arriving from Rushden & Diamonds to take the reins. The new manager rebuilt with younger players and a final placing of eighteenth in the Midland Division. League reshuffling saw Stamford placed in the Eastern Division for 1999/2000 and an 11-match unbeaten start – the club’s best ever – proved invaluable as Stamford accumulated a record 18 draws over the season, eventually finishing seventeenth in the table.

Seventh place in the 2003/04 season was enough to earn the Daniels a Premier Division place for the first time in their history. Unfortunately, too many draws proved costly as Stamford were relegated. In July 2005, new manager Graham Drury arrived from Harrowby and his new look side regained the club’s Premier Division place at the first attempt. After finishing fourth in Division One East the Daniels defeated Wivenhoe to progress through the Play-offs. Stamford fared much better on their return to the Premier Division and briefly topped the table in January.

In 2006/07 the season ended with silverware on display as the Daniels claimed their fifth different county cup, beating Brigg to win the Senior Shield at Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank Stadium.

In the summer of 2007, the club was transferred to the Northern League Premier (NPL) Division after nine years playing in the Southern League but suffered instant relegation to Division One South after losing manager Graham Drury.

Graham Drury returned to take over as manager within a couple of weeks of the 2011/12 season ending. Graham departed for Boston United in December 2012. He was replaced by Wayne Hatswell in January 2013, which culminated in the club gaining promotion via the Play-offs defeating Chasetown in the final. We then had another managerial change with Hatswell leaving for a coaching role at League Two Newport County. His deputy David Staff was promoted for his first managerial position for the 2013/14 campaign. The season culminated in winning the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy in the final against Brigg Town.

The 2014/15 season was started at our Wothorpe Road ground and we played out last game there on the 22nd November before moving to our new home at the Zeeco stadium.

On 13 December 2014 we started a new chapter of the club’s life with our first game at the Zeeco Stadium. Unfortunately, it took us longer than expected to get that first home league win - it came down to the last game of the season against Witton Albion when the win was the only way to stay in the Premier Division.

The 2015/16 season was the first full season at the Borderville Sports Complex.

This was a turbulent season which saw David Staff replaced by Andrew Wilson whose tenure only last ten games and saw him being replaced by Graham Drury for his third stint with the club. Despite an upturn in form it was not enough to stop the Daniels being relegated.

In 2016, club history was made when Stamford made the First Round Proper of the FA Cup by beating Wrexham in a replay at the Racecourse ground. They were drawn against Hartlepool United, eventually losing 3-0.

The 2017/18 season saw the Daniels finish sixth in the league and saw them reach the Play-off Final losing 2-1 in extra-time to Bedworth United. 2018/19 season was disappointing for the Daniels, an early exit from the FA cup was offset with getting through three rounds of the FA trophy. In the league, the Play-offs were never really threatened, and Stamford finished mid-table.

2019/20 season was one of the best in recent years with the club only losing three games in the league before the season was abruptly stopped due to COVID-19.

Chasetown Football Club Press Officer Paul Mullins The Scholars Ground, Church Street, Photographer Dave Birt Chasetown, WS7 3QL Kit Manager Dave Harrison 01543 682222 Programme Editor Lauren Lincoln Covid Officer Richard Lamb Chairman Mike Joiner Vice-Chairman Mark Prince First Team Manager MarkSwann Chief Executive Mike Joiner Assistant Jamie Hawkins Club Secretary John Franklin GoalkeepingCoach John Birt Treasurer Janice Brookes Sports Therapist Jake Moore Match Secretary Terry Dando Groundsman Bob Brookes Programme Printers Excel Print Limited Safety Officer Mark Prince Facebook Chasetown FC Child Welfare Office JohnFranklin Twitter Chasetownfc1954 Instagram Chasetownfc1954 Stamford – Pen Pics

Dan Haystead - Experienced shot-stopper who replaced Paul Bastock as Boston’s No:1 in 2012 having previously been at Hinckley United. He has also played for Grantham Town, Sheffield FC, Belper and Ilkeston having come through the youth setup at Sheffield United.

Mike Armstrong - Joined for the 2017/18 from Belper having impressed the management whilst playing against us. He has also played for Long Eaton where he came through the youth system. Was manager Graham Drury’s Player of the Year in his first season with the Daniels.

Sean Wright - Sean is in his second spell with the club having previously been part of the promotion wining side of the 2012/13 campaign. Sean is a versatile defender who likes to get forward as well.

James Blunden - Centre-back joined the Daniels in 2019 having previously played for Lincoln United, Grimsby and CGB Humbertherm. He has also represented Lincolnshire at Under 18 level.

Jordon Cooke - Jordon originally joined the Daniels in June 2018 from North Ferriby. Moved to Matlock Town in the Summer of 2019 before returning to the Daniels in September. The centre back has previously played for Buxton, Worksop, Scunthorpe, Lincoln City and Doncaster Rovers.

Rob Morgan - Former St Andrews player who joined the Daniels in 2017. Has previously won both the Supporters Player of the Year award and the award for most Man of the Matches. Briefly left to play for Barwell before returning in January 2019.

Harry Vince - Midfielder joined the Daniels in summer 2019 having previously played for Wisbech, Grantham, Pinchbeck, Matlock and Boston United, where he came through the youth ranks. He made his first team debut for the Pilgrims aged 17 and has also represented the England ‘C’ side.

Jon Challinor - Capable of playing at the back and in midfield with a giant throw. He originally signed for the Daniels in 2000 having come through the Rushden & Diamonds Academy. He has vast experience having won the FA Trophy in 2012 with York as well as gaining promotion with them through the Play-offs. He has also played for Cambridge City, Aldershot and Exeter as well as a stint in America. He was also named caretaker manager in November 2015.

Dec O’Hare – Joined Stamford in the Summer of 2019. The attacking midfielder started his career at Lincoln City before going to play football in the USA. Tendai Chitza - Tendai joined Stamford in pre-season of the 2019/20 season. He has previously played for Leicester Nirvana, Aylestone Park, Eliistown & Ibstock, Anstey Nomads and Gresley where he scored eight in 28 games.

James Hicks - The striker joined the Daniels in the summer of 2019 from Anstey Nomads where he finished the top scorer. This saw him score 41 in 32 games making him the second highest scorer in the Future Lions United Counties League Division One.

Tom Siddons - Tom is a striker with a good eye for goal and is a real handful up front. Had good spells with Sleaford and King's Lynn scoring 19 and 12 goals, respectively. Has also played for Grantham.

Cosmos Matwasa – Joined the Daniels in the Summer of 2019. Has previously played for Quorn and Anstey Nomads

Harry Limb – Joined Stamford in January 2020 following his release from Kings Lynn Town. Joined Premier League side Burnley from Wisbech Town in 2017 after scoring 22 goals for the Fenman. Has previously played for Boston United, Boston Town, Wisbech Town and Burnley.

Joe Burgess - Joins the Daniels from Boston United in 2017 before leaving for local rivals Corby Town in 2019. Returned to Stamford in 2020. He is a versatile player that can play in midfield whilst being equally comfortable at the back either on the right or centrally. He joined Boston from Ilkeston in February 2016. He has previously played for Ilkeston, Boston United, Histon, Fleetwood, Corby Town and Peterborough United.

Jack Duffy - Joined the Daniels in the Summer of 2020 from Quorn where he scored 14 goals in 16 games. He has also played for Long Eaton and Nottingham Trent University as well as the English National Universities side.

Connor Bartle - Joined the Daniels in the Summer 2020 from Grantham Town. Connor was part of the Basford United squad that won the league title in 2018. He started his career at Notts County before moving to Basford. He then went onto play for Carlton Town and Grantham.

Max Peverell – Young goalkeeper who joined the Daniels in the Summer of 2020.

Sam Bayly – Young forward who graduated from the youth team. Had a couple of appearances in 2019/20. Also played for Peterborough United Academy.

Jack McGovern - Midfielder McGovern played for the Daniels in 2012/13 before going onto play for various clubs including Lincoln United, Gainsborough Trinity and Spalding United.

MATCH REPORTS Chasetown 1 Kidsgrove Athletic 3

Venue Date Kick Off The Scholars Ground 6/10/2020 7.45pm

This match report comes from 16 year old Work Experience student Ryan Robinson.

The first ten minutes were played at a slow tempo, but Kidsgrove took the lead on the 10th minute thanks to a shot outside the box by Anthony Malbon, who was contracted to Port Vale as a teenager.

Not long after the first goal Kidsgrove could have doubled their lead was it not for the leg of league debutant Elias Rouse in goal for Chasetown.

Ten minutes after the first goal, Kidsgrove and Captain Malbon took advantage of a mix up at the back to slot the visitors into a two goal lead.

Athletic took the two-goal lead into the second half until the 56th minute when super scorer Joey Butlin met a superb cross from Oli Hayward and planted it onto the post and in.

Nine minutes later Kidsgrove restored their two-goal lead when Malbon met a Jake Lovatt cross that he hammered into the back of the net.

Chasetown’s Pen Pics

Curtis Pond – Goalkeeper The shot-stopper came through the youth set up before breaking through into the first team. He became the favoured number one in the October of the 2016/2017 season. Pond has held this position as number one keeper throughout different managerial changes playing an incredible 190 games for the Scholars. Sponsored by Crown Highways

Alex Melbourne – Defender Alex signed for Chasetown in July 2019. He is a good defender and has experience of playing in high divisions for teams such as Stafford Rangers and Hednesford Town. He is a pacey defender and is happy to assist in attacking play and isn’t afraid to get the tackles in. Sponsored by Kevin, Claire and Katie Finn

Ryan Wynter – Striker/Defender Wynter re-signed for the Scholars in August 2020 after a brief spell with local rivals Stafford Rangers. Starting out as a striker Wynter has now been moved to the backline and is a powerful and commanding defender. He picked up Supporter’s Player of the Season for the 2018/2019 season. Sponsored by the CaterFamily

Lewis Riley-Stewart –Defender A product of the Scholars Academy, Lewis made 2 appearances for the first team in 2018-19. The centre back followed this up in the 2019/20 season with a further 21 games. A strong a powerful defender and great in the air he is growing into a great defender year onyear. Sponsored by the Cardew Family

Alex Curtis – Defender/Winger He signed for Chasetown in July 2019. Left back Alex has been at Stafford Rangers and helped Sutton Coldfield tothe play offs. Alex is a pacey player and can play both left back and left wing enabling him to assist with both his defending and attackingduties. To Sponsor, contact Graham Dicken on 07969 884247

Jordan Evans – Defender Jordan joined in the Scholars in July 2020 from neighbours Lichfield City after four years at the club. An athletic, attack minded left back will really add competition in that area forus. To Sponsor, contact Graham Dicken on 07969 884247 Chasetown’s Pen Pics

Kieron Cliff – Wing Back A young player who has been with the squad throughout pre season and has impressed with some energetic displays. A left sided player who can play as a wing back or wide man he has electric pace and good delivery. Sponsored by paulmullinsauthor.co.uk

Chris Slater – Defender Chris re-signed for The Scholars in pre-season and has been on the bench in the early competitive fixtures. He made his debut for us in 2003, notching 210 appearances before leaving to join Port Vale after our FA Cup run. He returned the following season and now holds our record appearances with 580 Scholars games. Sponsored by Stuart Drury

Oli Hayward – Midfielder Oli is an attacking midfielder or right back that joined Chase in June 2017. Very skilful with great energy levels, the former Lichfield player also has an eye for goal. Hayward returned last season after suffering a double leg break during the first game of the 2018/2019 season. Sponsored by BHB Architects

Jack Langston – Midfielder Jack re-signed in November 2017 after a short spell at local rivals Stafford Rangers. He originally joined the club in March 2014. Jack has finished the top goal scorer award twice in the last 3 seasons netting an incredible 26 goals in 2016/17. Sponsored by Crown Highways

Connor Haddaway – Midfielder Midfielder Connor joined from Brocton in July 2020 having been a pivotal figure at the heart of their midfield. An energetic, all action player with an eye for a goal too. Sponsored by paulmullinsauthor.co.uk

Kieron Berry – Winger Exciting young wide man Kieron Berry is our latest signing after some impressive recent displays in preseason of the 2020/21 season. Kieron has played for West Bromwich Albion, Rushall Olympic and Walsall Wood before joining the Scholars thissummer. Sponsored by Nigel Miller Chasetown’s Pen Pics

Danny O’Callaghan – Midfielder Having won everything in sight for our reserve side under Mark Swann, Doca has since gone on to forge a fantastic career in non league.Danny lists Romulus, Sutton Coldfield, Telford United and Stourbridge among his former clubs and joins us from Rushall. Sponsored by Crown Highways

Liam Kirton – Midfielder/Striker An attacker who has established himself within our youth set up and has announced himself within the senior squad over the last few seasons. Kirton has grown as a player even inviting interest from Walsall FC. He is a pacey, tall and strong attacking player. Sponsored by the Wrexham Scholars.

Joshua Cooke – Forward Cooke signed for Chasetown in February 2020 and started his first game against league leaders Leek Town in the same month. When football started up again in August 2020 Cooke was on fire netting in many of the preseason friendlies that the Scholars were involvedin. To Sponsor, contact Graham Dicken on 07969 884247

Reggie Smith – Striker Reggie joined from Brocton in July 202 having enjoyed a number of prolific seasons. A natural goalscorer, Reg makes the step up on the back of 36 goals in 38 appearances. Sponsored by Alan Horton.

Ben Lund – Striker Ben joins us from Rushall Olympic following Danny O’Callaghan in making the move to the Scholars Ground. A powerful, pacey wide man or forward, Lund was a key target of manager Mark Swann and we are delighted to have him on board. Sponsored by the Wrexham Scholars.

Joey Butlin – Striker Joey joins from Walsall Wood having played at Oak Park under our management team in seasons past. A combative striker whose ex clubs list Hednesford and Walsall. He is going to be a handful for any defender he comesup against, not afraid to put in a tackle and get stuck in. Sponsored by Andy Atkins Chasetown’s Pen Pics

Manager Mark Coach Swann Stephen Cooke

Sponsored by Brian To Sponsor,contact Simpson Graham Dicken on 07969 884247

Assistant Manager Kit Manager Jamie Hawkins DaveHarrison

Sponsored by John and Sponsored by The Lynn Franklin Cater Family

Player-Coach Sports Therapist Kris Taylor Jake Moore

To Sponsor, contact To Sponsor,contact Graham Dicken on07969 Graham Dicken on 884247 07969 884247

GoalkeepingCoach John Birt