A VIEW FROM THE HILL BILLINGE FC PROGRAMME 2013/14 SEASON

£1 (including admission)

SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2014

BILLINGE FC versus PILKINGTON FC

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A VIEW FROM THE TERRACES Well I’ve got to say 2013 has been a really enjoyable year football-wise. Yes Wigan Athletic did get relegated from the Premier League but three days earlier they won the FA Cup and that’s something they can never take away from all their fans. Who’d have

believed it, eh? I’ve been a less-frequent visitor to the DW Stadium in recent years as I have been involved in local Non-League football and this summer joined the committee at Billinge FC. Prior to this I’d been the Wigan Robin Park Media Officer but for a variety of reasons I decided to give it all in. Basically I’d had enough of some of the things going on there. That’s not to say I was giving up on Non-League football nor did I want to give up the media side of things. There were a number of offers from local and non-local clubs but I just fancied getting involved in Billinge. It felt right. I was from the area, I’d seen the team a few times, liked the set-up and felt (and still feel) that it is a club that can go places. So the 2013/14 was to be spent at Barrows Farm in the Billinge countryside. And it has certainly lived up to all expectations, I wished I’d come along earlier. There are a really good set of people involved, both on the pitch and in the committee room and I have to say the club is run incredibly well. From the food provided for the players, the kit provided, meeting on time etc. Everything is spot-on. Having been involved in a club two steps higher I can say categorically that Billinge FC is a far more professional outfit than them and many of the other clubs I have come across at that level. Of course there are day-to-day problems – like there are at all sporting clubs – and we haven’t got it quite right on the pitch yet but that is coming. From a personal point of view it has been good to visit new grounds and watch new teams. I also have to say that the standard has surprised me with all teams having players that are able to play a division (or two) higher. At Billinge that is certainly the case, the team spirit is great throughout the club and it is only matter of time before the results improve. I feel that will happen in 2014. A good second-half of the season will set us up nicely for next season. Add in all the other things that are coming to fruition off the pitch then this really is a great time to be involved with Billinge FC.

VAUGHANIE

Higgy shows the way On a cold Saturday afternoon Billinge reserves made the long trek to Middlewich - minus a recognised keeper and short on numbers - looking to keep their good form going into the New Year. Paul and Keith called on the lads to fill a void in goal and six lads came forward for the Billinge cause but one lad in particular Anthony Higgins showed what great team spirit and togetherness Billinge reserves have in abundance and took the gloves. A two-hour drive, no warm-up and no team-talk didn't phase Billinge in the 80 minutes of the game; cut short due to the traffic delay on the M6. After 30 seconds of the game with some Billinge lads and management still sat in their cars Middlewich took the lead and that was that from the home side. Then it was a case of Billinge playing football off another planet for 79 minutes. Rob Ablewhite leading the line superbly, Sean Lathom marshalling the back-four and young Jordan Farrell running it from midfield. Post, bar, clearance off the line Billinge could not get the rewards their play deserved up to half-time The second-half began and with no words needed from the management Billinge set up camp in the home team's penalty box. Geoff Parr hit the bar, Dan Hague hit the post, Tom Ashall hit the post. The Middlewich keeper was inspired and Ablewhite hit a cracker just over the bar. Then on 70 minutes a corner from Parr was met whith the head of the ever-reliable and impressive Elliot Twigg to clance a header into the impressive Jordan Farrell's path who smashed it home for his third goal in two games to make it one-each. Then Billinge went and played, "The best football that they had seen for years" according to the knowledgeable Middlewich supporters. It was pure football played from back to front resulting in one move from Higgins in goal, to Parr at left-back, to Hague, to Ashall to Ablewhite back inside to Farrell who did everything right only to be denied by a wonder save from the home keeper. Full-time 1-1. After the game Paul and Keith could not praise their lads enough. From one to 12 Squash said that he has never known a better dressing room in 30 years and these young men are a pleasure to manage. Fizzer also backed up his comments by saying: "Me and Keith don't have to do a lot. "The lads deserve the credit, they don't make excuses, they just enjoy their football." Both managers made special mention to Higgins in goal, a winner in Joe Ratcliffe in centre mid and awesome Twigg - good as anyone at the club. Jordan Farrell showed great quality while Hague never stops trying and Jay Parkin whose name is first on the team sheet. But MoM went to Sean Lathom who is a genuine leader of men. He has been through a tough time of late but a big thanks to Sean from Keith, Paul and all your team mates.

Squash

FROM THE BOARDROOM: STEVE DICKSON – CHAIRMAN OF

BILLINGE FC Happy New Year to the Billinge FC family: Staff, players fans and volunteers. I hope everybody has a great year. This week we welcome local rivals Pilkington FC to Carr Mill Road. PIlks travel a few miles across town for the reverse fixture having taken the spoils earlier in the season. I know that the lads will be desperate to get the points today however in local derbies it’s usually the team that works the hardest that takes

the spoils. Pilks have also had a transitional season with many changes in their management so they will be looking to stabilise their season to ensure they maintain their position in the top division. We have a couple of players in Graeme Green and Aaron Cameron who made the move from Pilks to Billinge in the close season, players have frequently moved between the clubs over the years and all this adds to the spice of the occasion. Billinge FC are also in transition as Fletch us looking at his playing staff to find the correct combination to get points. I am sure our fans will agree that we have seen both ends of the spectrum with some scintillating football at times only to see the good work wasted by momentary lapses which have cost us dearly. Last week against Greenalls going into an early 2-0 lead only to concede quick goals and end up on the wrong side of a 4-2 defeat. Today’s game will be an exciting affair and I expect to see possibly the biggest crowd of the season so let’s get a win. Don’t forget to visit the Boot Room Café to sample Jayne’s legendary food and hot drinks that are available.

BEST WISHES STEVE

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBOURS SkyBet Championship side, Bolton Wanderers have announced they are £163.8m in debt

The group made a loss of £50.7m, which saw net debt

rise from £136.5m.

Wanderers were relegated from the Premier League in

May 2012, ending their 11-year stay in the top flight.

"The widening gap between the leagues makes the

transition difficult," said Bolton chairman Phil Gartside.

"This year's results show the difficulties faced in the

football business when a club has enjoyed a sustained

and successful period in the Premier League, in our case 11 years, then suffers

relegation back to the Football League Championship."

Turnover was recorded at £28.5m, in comparison to the previous season's

figure of £58.5m, primarily due to the reduction in broadcasting revenue

following relegation from the Premier League.

Broadcast revenue was more than halved from £42m to £19m - with that

figure thought to include their £16m parachute payment.

Total staff costs for the year were £37.4m, down from £55.3m, as a result of a

number of players leaving the club, as well as the activation of relegation

clauses in a number of players' contracts.

Attendances at home matches decreased by 24% in the period, while ticket

prices for the 2012-13 season were again frozen and the club once again made

use of an interest-free direct debit scheme.

Gate receipts also fell significantly, recorded at £3.8m compared to £5.7m last

year.

In difficult economic conditions, sponsorship and advertising revenue reduced

from £4.3m to £1.4m, a 68% fall, while revenues from corporate activity also

dropped year on year to £1.1m.

General administration costs reduced by 10% to £14.1m from £15.7m.

Bolton's biggest concern will be how future losses impact on the new

Financial Fair Play rules with the propsect of penalties and transfer embargoes

if they lose significantly more than allowed under the rules.

Footballtradedirectory.com

FLIGHT OF THE STORKS RUDHEATH SOCIAL AWAY –SATURDAY 11 JANUARY

2014

KICK-OFF 2PM

Next Saturday Billinge FC will be traveling to Rudheath Social for a Cheshire League

Division One game. This will be our first encounter v Rudheath this season. Many

thanks in advance for your support.

Here are all the details you need to get you there:

Griffiths Park, Middlewich Road, Rudheath, Northwich,

Cheshir CW9 7DR Directions: From A556 - At Morrison’s roundabout take 2nd left over canal bridge,

travel half a mile, just before Co-Op car park turn right into Griffiths Park.

From Northwich - At Northwich roundabout at top of town take exit for Rudheath. Go through traffic lights and travel half a mile past Social Club and turn left immediately after Co-

Op car park into Griffiths Park...

LOYAL SUPPORTERS

May we thank you in advance for your support this season at home and at

away matches. Your support is much appreciated by the team’s management

and players; especially away from home when the team may be up against it

with regards to support. At this level of football every penny is vital and your

financial support at home matches is essential and your moral and (very)

vocal support at home and away is invaluable to the lads on the field. Let’s

hope we can reward your loyalty with a great season.

THE GAFFERS

LOYAL SUPPORTERS

May we thank you in advance for

your support this season at home

and at away matches. Your

support is much appreciated by the

team’s management and players;

especially away from home when

the team may be up against it with

regards to support. At this level of

football every penny is vital and

your financial support at home

matches is essential and your

moral and (very) vocal support at

home and away is invaluable to

the lads on the field. Lets hope we

can reward your loyalty with a

great season. THE

GAFFERS

Storks slip up at Rylands Billinge fell to a 3-1 defeat at Rylands on Saturday and again they only have themselves to blame. After dominating the first-half they were disappointed to go in just one goal up. The chances were there but again they were missed and The Storks were made to pay, in the second-half, when Rylands scored twice within two minutes of the half starting. The game finished 3-1 and it was a disappointed Billinge contingent that left Warrington: Disappointed in that, while there were many positives in the performance, a failure to convert chances and being undone by three simple long-ball goals again lost Billinge the points. It must also be noted that the officiating left a lot to be desired with Billinge players, management and spectators believing that the first and third of the Rylands goals should have been wiped out for a foul and offside respectively. The Storks - with debutants Steve Edwards and Paul Ryan in their starting line-up were quickest out of the blocks as on four minutes Chad Whyte burst down the right, produced an excellent cross that just evaded the onrushing Edwards. Five minutes later Billinge were ahead when a free kick was whipped in by Dave Quigley. With Graeme Green challenging the ball deflected off a Rylands player and into the back of the net. It was now all Billinge as Edwards had a shot saved off the line by a defender after good work by Quigley. On 19 minutes another excellent cross saw Edwards again denied a goal by a fine save from Rylands keeper Andy Moor. The best chance of the first period came when Tim Lees found Ryan with a peach of a ball but the midfielder hesitated and his shot was saved by Moor with the rebound just evading Green. Lees then hit a 25-yard free-kick over the bar before his second free-kick found Edwards whose volley grazed the bar. With the final move of the half, Edwards flicked the ball into Ryan's path but again Moor was up to the task turning the ball around the post. The Storks went in to the break in full control but within two minutes of the restart they were behind. A ball broke in midfield and a simple ball over the top saw Lee Deakin leave Elliot Bradshaw for pace and smash the ball past Aaron Cameron in the Billinge goal. The Billinge players complained bitterly to referee Ben Atkinson - son of Premier League official Martin Atkinson - that captain Quigley was fouled in the build-up to the goal but all they got was a booking for Quigley. With the team's concentration gone another simple long ball caught the defence out and Rylands half-time substitute Ewan Rodger to run on to and finish well. Billinge regained their composure and only a wonder save from Moor prevented Green from equalising. There were further efforts from Green, Edwards and Quigley but with Billinge chasing the game another long ball - late in the day - saw Rodger run in and make it 3-1 to the home side. He appeared to be offside but the officials again waved away the Billinge protestations and it was a disappointed Storks side that left the field with a 3-1 defeat. After the game Billinge chairman was a realistic man when he said; "We are not far off getting it right on the pitch but we have got to learn to finish our chances and keep our concentration for ninety minutes.

"Manager Gareth Fletcher asked the lads to press all over the pitch and we did that for the first 45

minutes bit for whatever reason we went to sleep for two minutes at the start of the second half."

WHAT'S IN a name? Not a lot if you're one of the myriad of Non-League and lower Football League players who share the same christian and surnames, but it can get confusing. Take last Saturday for example. I get the St Albans City teamsheet for their FA Trophy second round tie with Cambridge United at Clarence Park, and find that Danny Green is on the bench - but then he's not, as striker Mark Nwokeji feels an injury in the warm-up and the two swap places. Now, is this the Danny Green who John Still plucked from Bishop's Stortford's right-wing when he was Dagenham & Redbridge manager, and turned him into a League One player? Or is it the 'other' Danny Green who went from Billericay to Dagenham a year later, and who also played on the right flank, and had been at Bishop’s Stortford previously. No, because the first is now at Charlton Athletic, the second is at Maidenhead and a local reporter informs me that this one came from Harpenden Town, has spent time on loan at Potters Bar Town this term and plays right-back or central midfield. But, lo and behold, he comes into the team on the right wing! These lads' stats have all probably merged into one on the internet – and there are others, like the two Mike Greens who both play for Gloucester City, or the father-son, manager-player combinations we’ve seen over the years with the Craig Edwards at Grays, Chelmsford and Billericay, and Chris Kinnears at Dover. There are the two Steve Browns who have both managed or coached at Dover, and it must be something about the name Danny, because boy, just like with the Greens I've had trouble with the two Danny Rowes up north. It doesn't help that these same-namers tend to frequent the same part of the country, and often the same clubs. So one Danny Rowe has played up front for Barrow and Stockport - and so has the other! Oh what fun it was to try and decipher which was which when they were both at County and going by the names of Danny L Rowe and Danny M Rowe. One is now at Lincoln City, and I think it was the one I once interviewed in the middle of a purple patch at Edgeley Park about his formative years at Manchester United. The other, last Sunday's copy of The NLP informed me, came on as sub in Macclesfield's 1-0 win over Salisbury. But who the 'L' is who I have not really got a clue! THE OTHER name game I like are the famous names – or ones very similar – in the Non-League ranks. I was impressed by Stourbridge left-back Jamie Oliver at Stevenage recently. Thankfully he kept his clothes on, but couldn’t come up with a recipe for 15 minutes of FA Cup fame. Another one who starred in this year’s qualifying rounds is Brighouse Town’s Nick Jaggar, while Jason Bourne has reigned supreme during Tunbridge Wells’ recent FA Vase efforts. At Chester we used to have the original Mark Wright and David Cameron, as manager and striker respectively, while the various Non-League versions of Michael Jackson and Robbie Williams have provided plenty of entertaining headlines over the years. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Premier League Clubs Urged To Become Living Wage Employers Premier League football

clubs are being urged to

meet with Citizens UK, local

fan groups and the Living

Wage Foundation to begin

the process of becoming

accredited Living Wage

Employers.

The move comes after the

organisation released a hard

hitting report that reveals the

stark comparison between

the low wages of catering, cleaning and security staff at Britain’s top football

clubs and the huge net worth of club owners, remuneration packages of top

CEOs and the exuberant wages of top players.

Citizens UK is urging senior directors, players and fans to make their clubs

Living Wage Employers as a way of honouring all the cleaners, ticket

collectors and many more who make every match day special.

In the report, Citizens UK estimates it would take a cleaner 13 years to earn

what top footballers earn each week at Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United

or Manchester City. The Premier League has the highest revenue of any

football league in the world and the average salary for a Premier League CEO

last year was £215,879. This is 43% higher than the average salary for a

director of a similar sized company outside the Premier League.

500 organisations are now accredited Living Wage Employers but there is

currently not a single football club.

Throughout 2013, members of Citizens UK have been trying to meet with

senior executives at a range of Premier League clubs to seek firm

commitments to becoming Living Wage Employers.

The Citizens UK report includes a Living Wage Premier League table.

Manchester City is topping the league as the club has already met with local

fans and agreed to bring all its internally employed staff, interns and

apprentices onto the Living Wage. Tottenham Hotspur is in second place

because of their positive statements on the Living Wage and some attempts to

engage with Citizens UK locally.

Citizens UK hopes to continue to raise this issue until at least one club takes

the brave and moral step to becoming the first accredited Living Wage

football club.

Cheshire League Secretary Position Current Cheshire League Secretary Michael Quigley

is moving on after the 2013-14 season and the

Cheshire League is in need of a replacement. This

position needs someone who will have experience in a

secretarial/administration role, if you are interested in

this role please contact Russ Washburn at:

vicechairman@cheshirefl.com

No Applications to Join North West Counties League With the deadline of 31st December gone, the NWC League Management Committee

has so far not been advised of any applications from Step 7 clubs to join their League

next season.

League Secretary John Deal said: "Having received several enquiries from clubs, and

having carried out ground grading inspections at a number of clubs, we are

disappointed that no applications have yet been made. As everyone knows, there are

vacancies in our League and we had been hopeful that there would be interest from

Step 7 clubs. POST SCRIPT: It now appears Barnton from the Cheshire League

and Remyca Litherland from the West Cheshire League have now applied.

Looks like Les has missed out again! Former Manchester United and England captain David

Beckham have been overlooked in the New Year's Honours list.

Beckham who has an OBE, had been tipped to be knighted as

had Wimbledon Champion and Sports Personality of The Year,

Andy Murray.

But two notable football administrators have been honoured.

Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein has

been made a CBE.

Bernstein was appointed to the role of chairman in 2010 but was forced to relinquish

the post under FA rules when he reached the age of 70. He was replaced by Greg

Dyke in July.

"I think this honour relates to all my 20 years in football and I am really delighted,"

said Bernstein.

"I had 10 years at Manchester City and it was a fantastic period to be involved at a key

moment in its history, getting the club back on its feet and organising the deal for the

new stadium.

"It was then enormously satisfying to be involved with Wembley through its

construction phase to see it become the greatest stadium in the world."

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has been made CBE for services to

entrepreneurship and women in business.

THE CONCISE HISTORY OF BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB

Billinge Football Club was founded in 1988 By Phil Middlehurst. They played then in the St Helens Combination at the Eddleston Playing Fields, Billinge. 1988-1989 to 1991-1992 Geoff Maggs was the first manager to take the reins of the newly-formed club. 1992-1993 to 1996-1997 Following Geoff Maggs' departure to pastures new, Les Pilling was installed as the club manager. 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 Billinge FC form a Reserve Team, Brian Collins is appointed First Team Manager and Les Pilling takes on the Manager's Job of the newly-created Reserve Team. 1999-2000 to 2004-2005 Manager Keith Amato, replaces Brian Collins as First Team Manager. Les Pilling continues his sterling work with the Reserve Team. Amato enjoyed success with Billinge FC bringing silverware to the club and being the first manager to take a Billinge team into the prestigious Mid-Cheshire League. 2005-2006 Paul Farrell is appointed as First Team Manager to replace Keith Amato, long time club stalwart Les Pilling is appointed as Farrell’s Assistant Manager and Colin Betts is appointed as Reserve Team Manager. 2007-2008 Ex-Wigan Athletic legend Bryan Griffiths is appointed as First Team Manager, assisted by Andrew Clough. Dave Knowles is appointed as the Reserve Team Manager. Knowles is the first Billinge manager to take a team to a Mid-Cheshire Cup Final, losing narrowly to Poynton on a penalty shootout. Following the highs of the Cup Final, various on-going issues meant that Knowles was to leave the club at the end of the season. 2008-2009 Griffiths and Clough get Billinge promoted to the top division in the Cheshire League. The club move grounds from Eddleston Fields to purpose-built facilities at Barrow Farm. Steve Dickson is appointed as Reserve Team Manager. 2009-2010 Griffiths and Clough consolidate the First Team in the Cheshire League top division and Dickson looks to re-build the Reserves with strong links into the Billinge Youth system. 2010-2011 Ex St Helens Town Manager Jimmy McBride comes out of retirement to take over the job of First Team Manager, Bryan Griffiths steps down to become assistant to McBride and Andrew Clough takes on the position of club Chairman.

High points include Neil McDermot, Gary Jones, Scott Tickle and Andy Ledger being named in the Cheshire League Inter-League Squad. Steve Dickson continues as Reserve Team Manager. At the end of the season McBride resigns after being offered his old job back at St Helens Town, McBride comes back for Andrew Clough as his Assistant Manager at Town. 2011-2012 Steve Dickson is promoted from the Reserves to the First Team, he appoints a Management Team including Adam Lowry as Head Coach, Rob Dainty as Assistant Manager and Les Pilling as Match Day Secretary. Dickson is given the task of re-building the team to have a more youthful look. A new Reserve Team Management Team is appointed with Brian Mather, Chez Tideswell and Campbell Wilson coming in with a host of new players. The First Team had a really good run of results which lead to a mid-table finish considering the disastrous start this was a great achievement, they were the first Billinge Senior Team to get to the Cheshire League's prestigious League Cup Final and the average age has been reduced to 22 years. The Reserves have equalled Dave Knowles feat of getting the Reserves to the Reserve Cup Final, they also went on to a league and cup double, beating Farnworth 3-0 in the Northern Cup Final then to be crowned as Cheshire League Reserve Division Champions. Following the Reserve Team's success at Billinge the management accepted an approach from Daten F.C and left to form Daten's first team. Billinge moved quickly to appoint Paul Oakes as the Reserve team manager, Oakes had enjoyed success with St Helens Combination Premier outfit Greenfields FC. Dave Knowles returned to the club as Assistant Manager to Oakes, with Rob Dainty taking on an advisory/youth development role, this position is temporary as Dainty will return to First Team duties. 2012-2013 Steve Dickson steered the First Team to safety in the top division while the Reserve Team, under Paul Oakes, finished a very respectable 7th. The Reserve Team became the first club to retain the Northern Cup when they beat Quarry Bank 3-1 in the final. 2013-2014 Paul Oakes and Steve Dickson take up the reins of the First Team management whilst Paul Farrell and Keith Amato are appointed Reserve Team managers. New members are added to the committee with Steve Dickson installed as chairman while the club runs a Sunday Team managed by committee member Dave Wood and playing in the South Lancs League at Barrows Farm as the club celebrates it’s silver anniversary.

FIRSTS RESERVES SUNDAY JUNIORS VILLAGE

THE BILLINGE SHOP IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS The ties - in claret and blue with the club crest and Billinge FC embroidered on them are superb quality as well as looking great. Furthermore they are priced at just £7.50. You can look long and hard to find any sporting club tie priced so competitively. We will put some proper photographs up later this week but until

then attached are some taken by phone. The ties are the first in a series of club merchandise for sale. Coming soon: Enamel badges, scarves and mugs. All purchases put much-needed funds into the club and are available at all home matches at Barrows Farm.

SPORTSMAN'S EVENING - RAZOR'S COMING TO

BILLINGE Billinge are pleased to announce that Neil 'Razor' Ruddock will be our special guest speaker at our Sportsman's Evening in May. The event - that will also encompass our presentation evening - will take place on Friday 23 May 2014 at Birchley St Mary's Club in Billinge. We have 'The A Team' on board as in addition to Razor we have the best comic on the circuit - Jimmy Bright - along with the great MC for the evening Jerry Earl. With top catering and excellent raffles and other events this is going to be a tremendous evening that will undoubtedly sell out fast! TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE PRICED AT £35 AND AVAILABLE IN TABLES OF TEN. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE EVENT?

FOR NOT MUCH EXTRA WE CAN OFFER VIP TABLES AND MENTIONS ON ALL OUR ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL ALONG WITH AN ADVERT IN OUR PROGRAMME FOR THE REMAINDER - JUST GET IN TOUCH.

PLEASE CONTACT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING FOR TICKETS OR SPONSORSHIP

OPPORTUNITIES STEVE BROOKES: 07415 376794 STEVE DICKSON: 07539 452688 ANDY VAUGHAN: 07934 887713

STRAIGHT FROM THE MOUTHS OF THE STORKS For those that all computer savvy and “have no time for all that paper stuff” then pleased be advised that you can read all our programmes online. All you have to do is go to the following links and take a gander:

http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/gamesley_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_whaley_bridge_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_fc_v_rylands_fc_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_hale_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_styal_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_page_celtic_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_denton_town_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_knutsford_programme

The e-programmes have now had over 5,000 hits as we go to press so it’s good news for all at Billinge as we continue to expand the club. Personally I’d sooner have the paper version but I’m an old fart nowadays so no surprise there. This programme will be online Monday or Tuesday next week We also have a sponsorship brochure online that you can find at:

http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/sponsorship_brochure

Here however are a few of our sponsorship opportunities: KIT SPONSORSHIP TRACKSUIT SPONSORSHIP MATCH BALL SPONSORSHIP MATCH SPONSORSHIP HOSPITALITY PACKAGE

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME ADVERTISING SPORTSMAN’S EVENING SPONSORSHIP We have packages to suit all pockets. If you are interested then just see one of our committee at the game today. Meanwhile may we give a massive thanks to all our sponsors and spectators that put money behind the bar/admission/programmes etc.

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBOURS Managerial appointments at Town

Following the resignation of manager Ian Granite at the weekend the club have appointed Ian Price (Manager) and Paul Jones (Assistant) as the caretaker management team until further notice. Club Chairman John McKiernan said, ‘I’ve spoken with both Ian (pictured) and Paul over the past few days and we are all happy that this is the right move at this moment in time. While disappointed with Ian Granite’s departure we have had get on with the job at

hand and that is ensuring we build on the start the lads have given the club this season. ‘The club’s committee felt that a degree of continuity will help us through the next few weeks and the duo will receive our full support. Ian and Paul have been part of the first team set-up for the past two seasons and have worked closely with Ian Granite so we are hoping that we continue to move in the right direction.’ The club would also like to announce the appointment of Alan Gillespie and John Whelan as manager and assistant respectively of the club’s Reserve Team who are currently top of the West Cheshire League Division Three. John McKiernan said, ‘We lost the services of Reserve boss Nick Robinson a few weeks ago and while we did initially look to recruit to the position the club have decided that in light of other events this is the best course of action. ‘John and Alan have been around the club for some time and have recently taken over the management of the Youth team who play in the North West Youth Alliance League. Both of them had been involved in helping out Nick earlier in the season, know most of the players and are happy to take charge for the remainder of the campaign. ‘We do have some overlap between players playing across all three ‘senior teams’ so are confident this will work until the club reviews its structure for next season and beyond. ‘I apologise to those who took the time apply for the Reserve team position but the club’s committee unanimously decided against making a permanent appointment at this moment in time.'

CHESHIRE LEAGUE TABLES AS AT 4 JANUARY 2014 CHESHIRE LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION P W D L GD POINTS

Crewe 19 12 2 5 28 38 Barnton 17 11 2 4 37 35 Garswood United 15 11 2 2 29 35 Whaley Bridge 17 10 4 3 25 34 Rudheath Social 16 10 3 3 16 33 Knutsford 19 9 5 5 19 32 Rylands 17 9 2 6 15 29 Greenalls PSO 15 8 2 5 6 26 Eagle Sports 14 7 3 4 8 24 Gamesley 17 7 3 7 3 24 Linotype Cheadle HN 17 7 2 8 9 23 Styal 17 5 3 9 -14 18 Billinge FC 17 4 2 11 -20 14 Pilkington 22 3 2 17 -48 11 Denton Town FC 20 3 2 15 -60 11 Middlewich Town 17 2 1 14 -53 7 RESERVE DIVISION P W D L GD POINTS Greenalls PSO Reserves 20 15 1 4 44 46 Whaley Bridge Reserves 16 12 4 0 36 40 Styal Reserves 17 12 1 4 41 37 Linotype Cheadle HN Res 19 11 3 5 19 36 Barnton Reserves 13 10 1 2 25 31 Billinge Reserves 18 9 4 5 15 31 Garswood United Reserves 19 10 1 8 2 31 Poynton Reserves 21 7 7 7 8 28 Rylands Reserves 15 6 4 5 2 22 Grappenhall Sports Reserves 18 5 6 7 -8 21 Daten Reserves 18 6 3 9 -10 21 Middlewich Town Reserves 16 5 2 9 -25 17 Pilkington Reserves 19 4 5 10 -29 17 Eagle Sports Reserves 18 5 1 12 -13 16 Gamesley Reserves 19 3 4 12 -29 13 Egerton Reserves 15 2 1 12 -33 7 Denton Town Reserves 15 2 0 13 -45 6 4

Don’t forget to @BillingeFC

BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB FIRST TEAM FIXTURES 2013/14 GOING TO PRESS THE ONLY LEAGUE FIXTURES RELEASED ARE FOR

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

OPPONENTS RES/KO AUGUST 2013 Sat 10/08/13 Knutsford (A) L 4-0 Tue 13/08/13 Greenalls PSO (A) L 2-1 Sat 17/08/13 GAMESLEY (H) D 1-1 Tue 20/08/13 Pilkington (A) L 3-1 Sat 24/08/13 WHALEY BRIDGE (H) D 0-0 Tue 27/08/13 Garswood United (A) L 6-1 Sat 31/08/13 Eagle Sports (A) W 1-0 SEPTEMBER 2013 Sat 07/09/13 RYLANDS L 0-4 Sat 14/09/13 Vulcan (WARRINGTON CUP) (A) W 7-3 Sat 21/09/13 HALE (LCFA CHALLENGE CUP) W 3-2 Sat 28/09/13 Linotype Cheadle HN (JB PARKER CUP ) (A) L 3-2

OCTOBER 2013 Sat 05/10/13 STYAL (H) W 2-1 Sat 12/10/13 PAGE CELTIC (H) (LCFA CHALLENGE CUP) L 8-2 Sat 19/10/13 Whaley Bridge (A) L 3-2 Sat 26/10/13 Winwick Athletic (WARRINGTON CUP) (A) W 5-1 NOVEMBER 2013 Sat 02/11/13 Middlewich Town (A) W 4-2 Sat 09/11/13 LINOTYPE CHEADLE (H) W 3-1 Sat 16/11/13 DENTON TOWN (H) L 1-0 Sat 23/11/13 Denton Town (A) L 2-0 Sat 30/11/13 Greenalls PSO (WARRINGTON CUP) (A) L 2-0 DECEMBER 2013 Sat 07/12/13 KNUTSFORD (H) L 1-3 Sat 14/12/13 Rylands (A) L 1-3 Sat 21/12/13 Styal (A) PP Sat 28/12/13 GREENALLS PSO (H) L 2-4 JANUARY 2014 Sat 04/01/14 PILKINGTON (H) 2PM Sat 11/01/14 Rudheath Social (A) 2PM Sat 18/01/14 MIDDLEWICH TOWN (H) 2PM Sat 25/01/14 Gameseley (A) 2PM

BILLINGE FC LEADING GOALSCORERS GRAEME GREEN 14 CHAD WHYTE 8 GARETH FLETCHER 3 ELLIOT BRADSHAW 3 DEREK EVANS 2

TODAY’S TEAMS – SATURDAY 4th JANUARY 2014

CHESHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

BILLINGE SOCCER CENTRE BARROWS FARM KICK-OFF 2PM

BILLINGE FC SQUAD VERSUS PILKINGTON FC SQUAD (ALPHA) Aaron Cameron/Tom Hull 1 Liam Appleton Elliot Bradshaw 2 Philip Bednarczyk Adam Clare 3 Calvin Birchall Mark Jones 4 Owen Davies Chris Godson 5 Paul Duggan Dave Quigley (CAPTAIN) 6 Carl Hales Jonathan Crane 7 James Hartford Steve Edwards 8 Danny Hughes Chad Whyte 9 Craig Leigh Graham Greene 10 Ben McKenna Tim Lees 11 Paul Meadows

Andy Goulding 12 Luke Sephton James Webb 14 George Sutcliffe Paul Ryan 15 John Thompson Adam Dickinson 16 Lee Webber Jamie Anderson 17 Nicholas Zachariades Joe Unsworth 18 MANAGER: GARETH FLETCHER MANAGER: JOHN EVANS ASSISTANT: MARTIN SEDDON ASSISTANT: ASSISTANT: STEVE DICKSON SHIRTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SHIRTS: BLACK/BLUE SHORTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SHORTS: BLACK SOCKS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SOCKS: BLACK

OFFICIALS: DAVID JONES ▪ RON SCHOFIELD ▪ MATTHEW BENNETT

Match ACTION: RYLANDS AWAY

Photos courtesy of Mark Parkinson

www.markparkinson.net

TODAY’S FIXTURES SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2014

First Division Billinge FC v Pilkington Crewe v Linotype Cheadle HN

Gamesley v Styal Garswood United v Middlewich Town Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds v Barnton Rylands v Denton Town

J B Parker Division 1 Challenge Cup Whaley Bridge Eagle Sports

CCFA Amateur Cup - Quarter Final Knutsford v Cammel Laird Res Stockport Georgians v Rudheath Social

Reserve Division Challenge Cup Denton Town Reserves v Eagle Sports Reserves Styal Reserves v Billinge Reserves

Reserve Division Barnton Reserves v Garswood United Reserves Eagle Sports Reserves v Whaley Bridge Reserves Egerton Reserves v Rylands Reserves Grappenhall Sports Reserves v Whaley Bridge Reserves Linotype Cheadle HN Reserves v Daten Reserves Middlewich Town Reserves v Gamesley Reserves Pilkington Reserves v Greenalls Padgate ST O Reserves TOMORROW: 5 JANUARY 2014 KICK-OFF 11AM BILLINGE FC SUNDAY TEAM v WARGRAVE ROVERS BOOT ROOM CAFÉ OPEN BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE GAME YOUR SUPPORT IS MUCH APPRECIATED

Grow the Game Grants Return

Grassroots clubs in Cheshire can apply for grants from a £1.5m fund made available by the Premier League and The FA to aid the development of grassroots football clubs across the country. Providing your club meets basic eligibility criteria, anyone can apply, although this year sees a particular emphasis placed on increasing the number of teams and players in: Under 8-14s Female Under 15-18s Male & Female Under 21s Male Open Age Male Open Age Female Youth & Adult Disability Clubs in Cheshire will be able to access grants through the Grow the Game Scheme, which will be managed by the Football Foundation, the nation’s largest sports charity. The window for Grow the Game applications will open on Monday 6 January 2014 and close on Monday 17 February 2014. Grow the Game funding is designed to increase participation in our national game by helping clubs to meet the essential costs of creating new teams. The grants can help pay for things like league entry, referees fees, first aid kits, FA coaching courses and kits. £1,500 will be available towards creating a new team. The application window opens on Monday 6 January, and any clubs that are interested in applying for a grant should visit the Grow the Game section of the Foundation’s website, or speak to one of our Football Development Officers for more information (See contact details below). Funded by the Premier League, The FA, and the Government, via Sport England, the Football Foundation is the country’s largest sports charity. Since it was launched in 2000, the Foundation has awarded around 9,600 grants worth more than £412m towards improving grassroots sport, which it has used to attract additional partnership funding of over £565m.

Last season 26 Clubs in Cheshire benefited from the previous Grow the Game Grant scheme, to see how we reported it in May please click HERE. For clubs seeking more information on Grow the Game should contact their local County FA or visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk/apply/grow-the-game/

BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB SPORTSMAN’S EVENING

BIRCHLEY ST MARY’S CLUB FRIDAY 23 MAY 2014

PRESENTATION EVENING ▪ AUCTIONS ▪ RAFFLES

TOP COMEDIAN & TOP MC

THREE GREAT SPEAKERS ▪ GREAT FOOD ▪ GREAT NIGHT

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW: £35 EACH

TABLES OF TEN AVAILABLE

FOR ALL YOUR TRANSPORT

NEEDS

PROUD TO SUPPORT BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB

SUPPORTING BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB

Andy McDonald BA (Hons) Independent Financial Adviser

Tel: 01744 895989

Email: andymcdonald@abacusadvisers.co.uk 1 Avon Road, Billinge, Near Wigan, Lancashire WN5 7QU

www.abacusadvisers.co.uk

________________________________________________________________

MARKET ∙ PRODUCT ∙ APPLICATION ∙

CUSTOMISATION ∙ LOGISTICS ∙ INFRASTRUCTURE KNOW-HOW MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

ERIKS UK Integrates Solutions Services Centre

c/o H J Heinz Co Limited Engineering Stores, Goods Receiving,

Spring Road, Kitt Green Wigan WN5 0JL

LEE RULE

Service Centre Manager Tel: 01942 224430

Mob: 07740 452824

Email: lee.rule@eriks.co.uk Web: www.eriks.co.uk

Fernland Engineering

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AFTER HOURS Phil Kelly – 0151 924 0756

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Carpets ∙ Laminates ∙ Vinyls ∙ Beds Free Luxury Underlays ∙ New Carpet

Binding Service

Tel/Fax: 01942 522007

Neil: 07515 252324 Jason: 07956 373610

Email: carpetsandflooring@rocketmail.com

10-11 Tattenham Works Leigh Road

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carpetsandflooringwigan.co.uk

WIGAN TYRES Unit 5 Whinfield Close, Miry Lane, Wigan WN6 7TL

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MARDEC Decorators

Painters & Decorators

Martin McDonald (Advanced Craft, City & Guilds Painting and Decorating 1985)

38 AVON ROAD, BILLINGE, NEAR WIGAN WN5 7QU Email: martinmardec@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.mardecdecorators.co.uk

Tel: 07931 282 896 Tel: 01744 894 431

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Call Carolynne on 07830 181497 or email:

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At CPBooks we aim to take your bookkeeping worries away from you and leave you to concentrate on growing your business.

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BIRCHLEY ST MARY’S CLUB

Trent Road, Billinge WN5 7QT

Tel: 01744 892836 (After 7pm)

01744 603160 (Daytime)

Function room for hire (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)

Seating for up to 200 Weddings ∙ Birthdays ∙ Anniversaries ∙ Christenings etc

All welcome

Comfortable lounge for smaller parties (Up to 60)

Christenings ∙ Funerals ∙ Birthdays etc

Self-catering or catering provided Resident DJ

plus large screen Sky TV

Large games room with two f

EVERYBODY IS WELCOME TO JOIN THE PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT

AND COMMITTEE FOR A PIE AND A PINT AFTER THE GAME