JULY NEWS
 

Tuesday 21 July 2008
NEW KIT DEAL FOR NEW MILLS
New Mills AFC are very pleased to announce that local company Rad Sheep have become the Club's Official Kit Manufacturer and will be supplying the Club's playing kits for the forthcoming season.
The deal will include new home and away strips for the first team, reserves and also the youth team, and the new amber and black home kit was unveiled at last Saturday's home friendly against Salford City. 
Rad Sheep, who are based on Buxton Road, supply custom made team wear for a number of sports organisations such as Manchester's ice hockey team, The Phoenix, Wilmslow Lacrosse Club and Swinton Lions RLFC.
Supporters will be able to purchase replica shirts and Rad Sheep will also be making a range of official Club merchandise.  All items will be available through the online shop which will be launched on the Club website shortly.
AFC LIVERPOOL LIFT THE JOE FAGAN TROPHY
AFC Liverpool lifted their first piece of silverware when they won a penalty shoot out against Nelson on Saturday at Victoria Park to lift the newly inaugurated Joe Fagan Commemorative Trophy.
It was only the Merseysiders’ second ever game and the prize at stake was in memory of its namesake who managed both clubs.  The idea for the trophy came about through this season being the 50th anniversary of Joe Fagan’s arrival as a coach at Anfield, after starting his managerial career at Nelson.
A crowd of just over 200 watched a highly competitive game on a pitch softened by recent heavy rain but nevertheless playable.  Both teams were largely unknown quantities with the influx of new players but quickly settled in and produced an afternoon of exciting football.
Martin Smeaton put AFC Liverpool ahead when he finished a good run through the middle with a confident shot into the bottom corner past the outstretched fingers of Billy Carrington after 24 minutes.
Nelson grabbed an equaliser after 72 minutes when Morrison forced his way through on the by-line to the right of goal and his low cross was blasted home through a crowd of defenders by Sam Heap. 
Paul Morley brought down David Eaton with a late tackle after 80 minutes which gave AFC Liverpool a penalty, but Billy Carrington became Nelson’s hero when he made a great save to beat away the spot kick from Martin Crowder and Morley was in quickly to prevent Crowder from scoring from the rebound.
Both sides had chances in the closing stages but, when the 90 minutes was up, the 1-1 scoreline meant that penalties were needed to decide who would take the cup home.  In a tense shoot-out, James Dever, Jay Chandler, Ian Johnson and Martin Crowder  put away Liverpool’s first four penalties whilst Sam Heap, Chris Howarth and Alex Mugan scored for Nelson before Lee Kershaw lifted his shot over the bar. 
That gave Ian Sheridan the chance to clinch the win for Liverpool with their final penalty kick which he duly did to give the Merseysiders the trophy after an excellent game befitting the occasion.
ANY OLD NETS?
Atherton Collieries are appealing to clubs who have any old and unwanted goal nets to get in touch.
The club is looking to use netting as part of plan to site additional screens behind the bottom end goal at Alder House, and will be happy to collect any nets that other clubs may have available.
Chairman Ian Williams said:  “We have a scaffolding company lined up to fit the screens when ready we are ready, and we would be grateful if any of our fellow clubs can assist.
“On average we lose around thirty balls a season over the fence at the bottom end of the ground, and the majority of those land in the garden of one particular house owner behind the goal, who refuses to return them to us.  We are therefore hoping that by taking the corrective action we have planned, both parties will be much happier once the season starts”.   
NEWCASTLE TOWN BOSS MISSES PREMIERSHIP CHALLENGE
Newcastle Town Manager Greg Clowes missed Castle's second pre-season friendly against teams from the professional ranks – but for a very good reason.  
Greg had missed his team’s first game pre-season friendly against Port Vale as he was getting married to partner Gaynor that day, and followed that up by missing the clash against new Premiership side Stoke City, which was played in front of a gate of 3011, due to being on honeymoon.
However under the charge of Assistant Manager Dorian Garner and Coach John Brown, the 24 Newcastle players (yes 24) involved gave a fine performance in front of the big crowd only going down by 3-0.
Stoke's goals were scored by Richard Cresswell, John Parkin and Adam Rooney, but City keeper Steve Simonsen was forced into fine saves from Town Man Of The Match Simon Eldershaw and newcomer Paul Macari (Lou's son).
Danny Read gave another fine display and new Striker Chris Budrys gave England’s U21 centre-back a real physical battle as Town completed a successful two games against League opposition.
"Now the hard work starts" said Dorian.  “Starting with Witton on Tuesday, we begin the serious work of getting into the Unibond League. So far things have gone well but there is still more to come."

Photo shows Greg and Gaynor on the happy day.

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP AT DARWEN
The Lancashire Telegraph has reported that Ted Ward, the owner of Darwen FC, has been banned from the ground after former owner Kevin Henry won a court injunction against him.  Mr Ward has been told he risks prison if he does not comply with the order banning him and his companies from The Anchor Ground.
In the edition of the newspaper dated 18th July, the report by Tom Moseley read as follows:
“The court move was prompted after Kevin Henry claimed Mr Ward had paid him just £20,000 of the £95,000 price for the sale of the club.
Another court hearing will be held at a date to be fixed to try and resolve the dispute between Mr Ward and Mr Henry, who said he now intended to take over the running of the club.
Counsel for Mr Henry told the hearing, at Birmingham Civil Justice Centre, that the £95,000 sale had been agreed in January 2007.
Mohammed Zaman, for Mr Henry, accused Mr Ward of a ‘breach of duty’ towards the club.
He said Mr Ward had set up another company with a similar name to Darwen FC in to which he “diverted funds.”
Mr Zaman said Mr Ward had “passed off” this company - Darwen Football and Rugby Club - as Darwen Football and Social Club, which was first set up in 1973.
In a three-pronged court claim for an injunction he also accused Mr Ward and his business partner, Elena Batiste, of trespassing on The Anchor Ground.
Mr Ward and Ms Batiste represented themselves at the hearing.
Mr Ward claimed the deal to buy the club was dependent on another contract to buy 10 properties, which had not gone through.
He said documents proving this were in storage and his solicitor had been on holiday and had been unable to help.
Mr Ward said he had made improvements worth £127,000 to the club since taking over and said Darwen Football and Social Club had been unable to trade because of its reputation, adding “it’s a terrible statement to say we were diverting funds.”
He showed the court a copy of his personal bank statement, insisting “I am a man of substance.”
The court was shown evidence that no money had been banked into the account of Darwen Football and Social Club between December 2006 and January 2008.
Delivering her verdict, Judge Kirkham said the second company had been set up “to present a muddled picture to the outside world.”
She granted the injunction which will mean Mr Ward and Ms Batiste are banned from the Anchor Ground, as are Mr Ward’s businesses including The Darrener newspaper, which was being run from the ground.
Speaking after the case Mr Ward said: “It’s unfortunate but this is only the end of round one.”
Mr Henry said he was looking forward to returning to run Darwen FC and added: “I just think it’s very sad that it’s had to come this far.”

PRESS RELEASE: KENNY AND RAFA SUPPORT AFC LIVERPOOL
AFC Liverpool have received the thumbs up from managers past and present as Rafa Benitez and Kenny Dalglish have lined up to back the fledgling club.
Kop favourite Dalglish sent a personal email to AFC Liverpool Chairman Alun Parry to support the venture which is aimed at keeping those priced out of Premier League football within the Liverpool family.
The LFC legend said:
"I would just like to congratulate you and everyone involved with AFC Liverpool. It is a brilliant idea and I hope that it is a success for you all. You can't always judge your success with results on the pitch. Your greatest success could be bringing a part of Liverpool FC to many people's lives. All the very best!"
Current Reds boss Rafa Benitez has also given AFC Liverpool his approval in an interview with LFC TV.
Commenting on the new non-league club for Liverpool fans he said:
"I'm pleased with the idea. I think that with more people closer to our club, it's good. My message is just to wish them all the best, to score lots of goals and progress to another level. It will be fantastic for us."
Club founder and Chairman Alun Parry said:
“I am delighted that Kenny and Rafa are so supportive of AFC Liverpool. We really appreciate their backing and hope that their support encourages Liverpool fans to get behind both clubs. We are currently seeking shirt sponsorship so having Kenny and Rafa on board will be a big help.”
WATCH OUT FOR THE MILLERS ON TELLY
New Mills are likely to be appearing on our television screens sometime soon – but we don’t know where or when!
Tiger Aspect, one of the UK's most successful independent television production companies were filming at a training session last Thursday night and again at the pre season game against Salford City on Saturday.
Duncan Hibbert from New Mills said: “The usual story of "contractual and legal issues" prevented them telling us any more I'm afraid.  They did however take our contact details and promised to let us know more as and when they could. 
“We believe the footage may be used for a future BBC documentary, but as soon as we know, we'll let everyone have the details.”  


Wednesday 16 July 2008
FAME AT LAST FOR COTTO
It’s Wednesday 28th May 2008. The venue is Wembley Stadium, which is staging the England v USA friendly international match, and there are plenty of star studded names on view during the game.
But well known names aren’t just in evidence on the field of play. The match programme and electronic scoreboard during the game give wide ranging publicity to a name synonymous with the Vodkat League, and one renowned and feared by businesses throughout Staffordshire, who over the years have fallen victim to the smooth talking sales talk of a man whose quest for recognition for Newcastle Town knows no bounds.
Forget the players on the pitch, forget Gary Lineker and company in the BBC studio. The name on everyone’s lips at the end of the evening was none other than our very own John Cotton.
As part of a marketing campaign by FA sponsors Nationwide, the name John Cotton was randomly selected in adverts to publicise the services Nationwide offer, and anyone who knows Newcastle Town’s most infamous publicity seeker will not be surprised to hear that he has been in no mood to underplay his new found fame.
Cotto said: "Years ago, I said to my Dad that one day I’d get to Wembley. His response was "The only Wembley you’ll ever get to is Wally Wembley", which was a local supermarket in the Potteries near where we lived.
"When I was about 14 years old I went for a trial at Port Vale when Stanley Matthews was manager, and before the trials all the kids taking part were photographed with him as part of an advertising campaign for Mornflake cereals.
"I was right in the front row, and subsequently the advert appeared on the wall of the supermarket, which is what my Dad was referring to. It’s taken a while to get my name recognised at the "other" Wembley, but I got there in the end."
It wasn’t until the day after the game that Cotto found out about his unexpected publicity.
"Mark Barlow, who used to edit our match programme, now lives in London and went to the England game. On the way home he was sitting on the train and began to read the programme, and when he saw the advert he couldn’t believe his eyes.
"He rang me the next day to tell me about it, and he was closely followed by Brian Adshead from the Staffordshire FA, who had also seen it.
"On the night, I'm told the actual wording that appeared on the scoreboard advert said: "If you want to know anything Nationwide - ask John Cotton", but I’ve been telling people that for years anyway!".

The photo shows the double page advert from the England v USA match programme.

Tuesday 15 July 2008
KIT SPONSORSHIP DEAL FOR RUNCORN LINNETS 
Runcorn Linnets FC are pleased to announce a sponsorship deal with Widnes Skip and Reclaim that will see the company’s logo on the back of the Home and Away shirts and shorts for the upcoming season.
Widnes Skip and Reclaim Limited were predominantly a skip hire company in the past, but WSR Recycling, as they are also known, are now very much a recycling company who deal with a wide range of waste streams from construction waste through to trade waste, and they even manage a composting site in Runcorn.
Managing Director, Nick Prescott, said “We operate largely in the local area and so we were delighted that the opportunity arose where we could provide support to a local team who are very much on the rise.
“We are very much in support of Runcorn Linnets’ plans to re-locate back to its natural home in Runcorn, and feel that the local community must get behind the bid to ensure that the town can continue its long association with high standards of non-league football.
“As part of our sponsorship deal with the club, we have agreed to have our company name and logo displayed on the reverse of both the home and away shirts and shorts for the 2008/09 season. We hope that our choice of design and location on the kit can help to attract the club and ourselves a great deal of attention, something that can only be of great benefit to both parties.
“We would like to wish Steve Wilkes and his squad, and also the entire club, every success in the forthcoming season and beyond, and we very much hope that the club can continue to grow and eventually return home to Runcorn in the near future as this is where the club should be!”
The Linnets are looking forward to their next fundraising event; a massive Car Boot sale to be held on Sutton Fields on Sunday, 20th July. Pitching will start at 8:00am, and prices for sellers range from £7 for a car through to £10 for a van. All entrance fees for those looking to peruse the items on offer are donated to the club.
CHADDERTON'S NEWEST SUPPORTER
Everyone will be delighted to hear that Chadderton secretary Louise Robson gave birth to a baby girl last Friday.
Chadderton’s newest member, Ellie Robson, was born a day earlier than scheduled on Friday 11th July at 4.24pm, weighing 8lb 5oz.
Mother and Baby are both home now and doing well, and Louise says that the new arrival is already looking forward to her first match!  

Monday 14 July 2008
FUN AND GAMES AT CONGLETON TOWN
The weekend of 26th and 27th July sees a varied programme of entertainment at Booth Street, home of Congleton Town.
On the Saturday, coinciding with a pre-season friendly against Cammell Laird, (KO 3pm), the Bears are holding a Ladies Day in a marquee at the ground.  The event starts at 2pm with a Strawberries & Champagne reception, followed by the match and light refreshment at half time.  The ladies get to meet the players, enter the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ competition and collect their goodie bag.  There will be several stalls in the marquee and a raffle to keep up the interest. At £10 a ticket, this represents excellent value and can be paid for on the day or contact Michelle Buckle on 07921 075647 for further information.
The entertainment continues on Sunday 27th from 12 noon with a family fun day. Activities include face painting, raffles, competitions (including pool) a wine and water stall and a tombola, and an afternoon’s fun and entertainment is guaranteed.
COMINGS AND GOINGS AT NEW MILLS
New Mills AFC can confirm the signing of Anthony Hargreaves from Runcorn Linnets.  Anthony is a striker but can also play in midfield, and has played for numerous clubs including Trafford, Altrincham, Hyde Utd, Cammell Laird, Flixton and FC United. He becomes the Millers' third summer signing, and at a time when the club has lost two strikers in Kenny Mayers and Adam Morning.
Kenny Mayers has decided that he will not be playing regularly during the forthcoming season, and Adam Morning has left New Mills to join UniBond North side FC Halifax Town (the new name for liquidated Halifax Town AFC).
Adam joined the Club in mid March and made his debut at Kirkham and Wesham in the Millers’ 4-0 win at Kellamergh Park in March.  His signing was a master stroke by manager Tony Hancock, as almost immediately fellow left sided player Adam Mather broke his ankle at Leek, and Adam's subsequent performances and goals were crucial in the Championship run in.

AFC FYLDE STATEMENT
AFC Fylde have suspended Ged Smith until January 1st 2009, after the player failed a drugs test following the club’s FA Vase win over Lowestoft Town at Wembley on 11th May.
After the game, two of the winning Fylde players, Ged Smith and Matt Walwyn, were selected for random drug testing.
The results of these showed that Ged Smith had traces of a banned substance, cannabis, in his system.  Matt Walwyn was found to be completely clear.
As a result of the above, the FA are conducting their own enquiry and the first meeting with Ged Smith and FA Officers has taken place at Lilleshall.  The Executive Committee of AFC Fylde have held their own meeting to discuss the result, and have issued the following statement:
“Following Ged Smith’s recent drug test we have decided to suspend him for five months until January 1st 2009 pending the final results of the FA enquiry at which time we will review the situation.
For the avoidance of doubt the club have adopted a policy of zero tolerance with regard to banned substances and in future any player who is found violating this rule will have their registration with the club terminated”.

Saturday 12 July 2008
STOKE PLAYERS LOOK FORWARD TO PLAYING NEWCASTLE TOWN
One of the big pre season friendlies in the Potteries takes place on Friday 18th July at 6.45pm, when Newcastle Town entertain Premiership side Stoke City.  It's City's first game since they won promotion to the Premiership at the end of last season.

A souvenir programme has already been produced for the game, and Stoke players defied the atrocious conditions during a break in pre season training to grab an early glance at the souvenir programme for their first game as a Premiership club.  Manager Tony Pulis can be seen holding a memento of the occasion presented by Newcastle Town.

Friday 11 July 2008
RAFA BACKS AFC LIVERPOOL 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has sensationally backed AFC Liverpool in an interview with official club TV channel LFC TV.
In his first interview of the pre season, Rafa was asked for his views on AFC Liverpool. 
Rafa said: “I’m pleased with the idea. I think that with more people closer to our club, it’s good. My message is to wish them all the best, to score lots of goals and progress to another level. It will be fantastic for us.” 
AFC Liverpool founder and Chairman Alun Parry said: “It just doesn’t get any better than that. Rafael Benitez is regarded with such respect amongst Liverpool supporters. We’re all mad Liverpool fans ourselves, so to have the manager of the club that we love say that he hopes we do well is fantastic. Everyone at the club will get a massive boost from Rafa’s support.”
Ashton Athletic appoint new Under 18 Youth team Manager
Ashton Athletic is delighted to confirm that 36 year old Lee Purvis has joined the Club as new under 18 Youth team manager.
Working closely with the open age management, Lee takes a crucial role in developing and preparing the players for the rigors of non league football in the Vodkat League Premier Division.
Local man, Lee has recently gained his Level 3 (UEFA B) coaching Badge to set alongside his extensive playing experience at North West Counties and Northern Premier League levels.
In his playing days as a Goalkeeper Lee was a Horwich RMI first team player, having worked his way up from the Club's youth team. This was followed by short stint at Chorley FC and then a move to Ramsbottom United, where he was part of a the North West Counties Championship winning side in 1997.
subsequently Lee spent 6 years at Darwen FC, including 198 consecutive games before at the age of 32 a bad knee injury put an end to his playing career. Thereafter he embarked on his coaching qualifications whilst coaching his son's youth team.
Lee is now looking forward to defending the Club's North West Youth Alliance title won last year, as well as having a crack at the Lancashire County Cup, not to mention the challenge of the early stages of the FA Youth Cup, and a first round tie at home to Burscough FC in mid September.
Lee will be looking to add to the talented existing players and any interested players should contact him on 07966 341283 or contact the Club General Manager David Powell 07770 696747.

Tuesday 8 July 2008
FULL LEAGUE FIXTURES LIST
In response to a number of enquiries, the League can announce that the full fixtures list for the coming season should be finalised by the end of the week, and should be published on the website soon afterwards.  As you can imagine it’s a time consuming job, but please be assured everyone is working towards having the full list published as soon as possible.  
THE CLUB PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS BLACKPOOL MECHANICS….
As previously reported, Blackpool Mechanics have now had their change of name to AFC Blackpool rubber stamped by the Lancashire FA.
It’s the latest in a number of developments taking place over at Jepson Way, and Co-Chairman Phil Days says that everyone at the club felt the time was right for a change of name.
“The Mechanics name has a long standing history behind it, and is the reason why the old badge has spanners incorporated into the design”, he said. “However, that link has long gone and with the club moving forward we felt a change of name was appropriate.  We spent a long time debating what the new name would be, and in the end we felt AFC Blackpool was the most suitable.
“We won’t be losing the old name forever, though, as we have decided that from now on the ground will be known as “The Mechanics”, to keep a link with the past.”
The new name will also mean a new club crest, the design of which has now been agreed.  “Everyone at the club has an input, from youth team players through to management and committee members”, says Phil.  “The new badge will appear on all the new kits purchased form now on.”
On the subject of playing kit, Phil is keen to ensure that there is uniformity throughout the club.  “A local youth football club has now been absorbed into our club, which means we have teams from under 6 up to under 15, as well as the senior sides”, he says.  “We have decided that every team at the club will play in our traditional colours of orange shirts, white shorts and orange socks, and the intention is we will have one design of playing kit for every team at the club.”
In the meantime, the club is pressing ahead with plans to build another pitch next to the existing site at Jepson Way.  “Planning permission has now been granted, and we are now moving on the next stage of the project”, says Phil.  “Our vision is to have facilities that all our teams can use throughout the year, and with the change in the structure of the footballing side at the club, we all believe that there are some very exciting times ahead for AFC Blackpool.”
ASHTON ATHLETIC ON THE LOOK OUT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
Ashton Athletic Football Club is looking for new players for their Youth Section for the 2008/2009 season, and will be holding an open day for interested players and parents at the Brocstedes Park ground in Ashton in Makerfield this Sunday, 13th July 2008, at 1pm.
The Club’s Youth Co-ordinator Jimmy Whyte explains: “We currently have teams competing in the Wigan & District Youth League on Sundays at under 9’s, 10’s, 11’s, 14’s, 15’s & 16’s age groups. The Club also has an Under 17s team in the South Lancs Counties League as well as an Under 18s in the prestigious North West Youth Alliance League, the standard in which is very high with the best facilities.
“We have a number of places available in the various teams and would be delighted if we could strengthen all the squads and give new players as well as the existing players the opportunity to progress through to higher youth leagues and in due course the senior teams.”
Whyte adds: “We would also like to hear from anyone who is willing to try and start up teams at under 8’s, under 12’s & under 13’s level for the forthcoming season, or for that matter any existing team of those age groups not already associated with a larger Club that may wish to come on board.  Our club probably has the best facilities in the Wigan area for children to play their football in a safe environment, with excellent changing facilities, ample car parking and pitches maintained to the highest level.”
Ashton Athletic’s first team has just been promoted to the Vodkat Premier Division, and with youth development high on the Club’s agenda there is a clear opportunity for players to eventually come through from the youth teams to play at this level.
Anyone with queries, or not able to attend the open day but interested in becoming involved at the Club can contact Jimmy Whyte on 07780 955157.
AFC LIVERPOOL TRANSFER SWOOP
AFC Liverpool manager Derek Goulding has signed nine players in an astonishing transfer swoop.
The news will be sure to excite fans just a week before AFC Liverpool's first ever game against St Helens Town on 16th July.
The list of new signings includes two former Liverpool Reserves, and a close relative of bootroom legend Ronnie Moran. 
Goalkeeper Paul Willis will be better known to Reds fans as a recent Liverpool Reserves keeper who won a man of the match award keeping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at bay in a 2-0 away win against Manchester United’s reserve side. 
Pacy winger Ryan Wignall is also a former Liverpool Reserve who spent ten years on Liverpool’s books. He is sure to excite crowds. 
Ian Johnson, a former pro at Wigan Athletic, is another that catches the eye. His grandfather is none other than Anfield bootroom legend Ronnie Moran, so we can expect to see the great man himself at AFC Liverpool matches in the near future.
Paul Lamb, who last season was Formby’s leading goalscorer when playing in the Vodkat League Division One, is also among the new signings. 
Goulding said: “I am happy that we have signed such a large collection of quality players to the club. I expect to be adding to these signings later in the week. I am still working with lads from the initial trials and so I’m hoping to sign some of those before the week is out too.”

A "ROYLE" SIGNING FOR STONE DOMINOES
Stone Dominoes have pulled off a big name close season signing, with actor Ralf Little agreeing to join the ranks at Springbank Park.
The 27 year old actor, who played for Ryman League side Chertsey Town last season, is best remembered for his role as Anthony Royle in the BBC television series The Royle Family. He first established links with the club when he played in a charity match last November, as club Press Officer Colin Heath explains.
"When our Assistant Manager Jamie Cartwright moved down to London to work last year, he became friends with Ralf, who he met at the charity game, and Ralf told him he would like to play for us.
"Ralf has definitely signed for us, but due to work commitments his appearances may be limited. However, we hope he will attract some good crowds when he does play."
Ralf is expected to make his debut for Dominoes on Friday 18th July, when Port Vale visit at Springbank Park for a friendly match.

Monday 7 July 2008
A FIRST FOR AFC FYLDE
AFC Fylde – formerly known as Kirkham and Wesham FC - has taken on its first full time off-the-field employee as the historic Wembley winners kick-off the latest stage of its ambitious plans.
Martin Booker has been appointed as business development manager and is aiming to develop the club’s off-the-pitch commercial and community activities as well as oversee its future ground move.
He will be based at the club’s new offices in Boundary Road in Lytham.
In a consultancy role, the 33-year old, from Blackpool, masterminded the commercial success of Kirkham and Wesham FC’s FA Vase campaign, which saw the team strike a kit deal with Nike for the final.
He previously spent three and a half years as commercial manager at Stockport County FC from 2004 to late 2007, where he helped transform the club’s commercial fortunes.
Martin was also involved in pioneering UFORIA in 1999 – a national five-a-side football concept which was rolled out across the UK. It attracted 250 teams a week, with a mixture of local businesses, established teams and junior clubs at its Blackpool centre alone.
Like club President David Haythornthwaite, Martin is looking to put his love for Blackpool FC to one side, and help establish AFC Fylde as a Football League club by year 2022.
Speaking on the appointment, Martin said:  “I have carefully monitored the progress of what was Kirkham and Wesham FC in recent months and having worked with the club as a consultant I have every confidence we can achieve our plans by 2022, if not sooner.
“When Kirkham and Wesham changed its name to AFC Fylde there was some initial scepticism but it’s the right move for the club to broaden its appeal. It’s an exciting time to get involved. Longer term the proposed new sports complex and stadium will be a fantastic community sports facility for people across the Fylde Coast.
“Under Dai Davis’s and, latterly, David Haythornthwaite’s leadership the club has developed a fairytale yet realistic goal to reach the Football League in 14 years. This journey was given a tremendous boost by the FA Vase win which has already increased the fan base and led to a number of commercial spin offs for the club.
“It’s a great challenge and a role which allows me to relocate back to the Fylde.”
AFC Fylde President David Haythornthwaite said: “It’s testament to the progress of the club that we are making such a senior appointment. The FA Vase was a fantastic bonus to the club and if we can capitalise on the victory, we can fast forward our plans.
“Martin achieved great things locally in five-a-side football and at Stockport County and this is recognised throughout the football industry. At Stockport, he maximised a number of sponsorship and commercial avenues, established strong links with businesses and developed an innovative Fans for the Future campaign in partnership with the Football League. 
“The decision to change our name was a strategic one. Everyone knows my passion for local sport. I want to create and leave a sporting legacy to the people of the Fylde. We have achieved great things in a short space of time.
“The FA Vase victory was special but it is now confined to the history books. We have new challenges ahead and with Martin on board we are looking forward to the next chapter.”


Picture shows Martin with AFC Fylde President David Haythornthwaite.
ANOTHER NEW NAME IN THE LEAGUE THIS SEASON
One of the League’s most recognisable club names will no longer be appearing from the start of the coming season.
Following a meeting last week, Blackpool Mechanics have been granted permission by the Lancashire FA to change their name to AFC Blackpool with immediate effect.  They follow in the footsteps of neighbours AFC Fylde, who changed their name from Kirkham & Wesham at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, Castleton Gabriels' request to change their name to Rochdale Town has been declined by the Lancashire FA.  The LFA has suggested that the club submit a different proposed name, which will then be looked at by the Council at their next meeting.

"NOBBY DAZZLER"

Last Friday night's annual Sportsman's Dinner for North West Counties League club Ashton Town FC proved to be a great success, with many distinguished guests enjoying a fabulous evening of fine dining and top quality entertainment. Compare and fabulous comic Gary Skyner had the audience in raptures all evening whilst the England legend Nobby Stiles captured the full attention of all whilst reminiscing about his stunning career followed by an informative question and answer session, in which Nobby came over very honest and down to earth, which was shown by the audience's response in their respectful and noisy round of applause. The night was finished off with the auction of several items of memorabilia including an England 1966 shirt and Manchester United 1968 European Cup Final Shirt, both signed by Nobby on the night. The Club would like to thank not only Gary and Nobby for making it such a good night but all those who attended helping raise much needed funds for the club, especially as the Club has also just started up a Junior section.
Anyone, Business or individual who would like to Sponsor the Club in any capacity or any one organising a party looking for an ideal venue please contact James or Clare Horner on (01942) 274337, Mobile : 07969369365 or Email :
jameshorner17@btinternet.com 

Picture shows Nobby Stiles along with Club President Billy Pomfrett, Vice President Jimmy Cahill along with Gary Skyner


Wednesday 2 July 2008
ALDO SIGNS UP WITH AFC LIVERPOOL
Liverpool hero and boyhood Kopite John Aldridge is the latest Red legend to sign up as a patron of AFC Liverpool.
The former league champion and FA Cup Winner contacted AFC Liverpool to give his support to the club, and agreed to become an official AFC Liverpool patron.
Aldo said: "As someone who started my own career at South Liverpool I know the importance of grassroots football. I love the idea that Liverpool supporters now have our own non league team. I am proud to be a patron and supporter of AFC Liverpool and hope that many other Reds join me in giving AFC Liverpool your support."
AFC Liverpool founder and Chair Alun Parry said: "John Aldridge is one of the most popular ex players among Liverpool fans, and to have his support is incredible. It was amazing for my phone to ring and for it to be Aldo at the other end of the line wanting to be a patron of the club."

Tuesday 1 July 2008
FA CUP & FA VASE DRAW MADE
Full details are on the relevant links on the Fixture Index

RUNCORN LINNETS ANNOUNCE SHIRT SPONSORS
Runcorn Linnets are happy to announce their Shirt Sponsor line-up for the 2008-2009 season. The home shirts are to be sponsored by The Waterloo Hotel, Runcorn, and the away shirts will continue to be sponsored by ASL Maintenance Ltd.
Bel Oates, from the Waterloo Hotel, perhaps more famous as “The Archers” from the BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, said “Gary and I are really pleased to help the club out with sponsoring the shirts, and look forward to the club returning to the town in the near future.”
ASL’s Steve Rodgers, said “Good Luck again this season to the club, I am pleased along with Alison, to help you out with the sponsorship of the Away shirts”.
Glyn Davies of the Runcorn Linnets Board said “I am really pleased with the continued support from ASL, plus a huge thanks to The Waterloo Hotel for coming on board with us.  It’s encouraging to see a local establishment helping their local club out”.