Red Rose Football Blog Edition 46

September 4th 2017

Red Rose Player of the Week

Sean Longstaff; Blackpool FC

Loans are now common place in English football, but are not always necessarily successful. The theory is that the big clubs lend them out to ensure game time at lower league clubs, bringing them back when they are ready to be thrown into the fray in the Premier League. It has worked, David Beckham at Preston North End being the classic example, but as we have seen with Chelsea, some youngsters become serial loanees whilst others simply do not settle at their temporary club. There has been no such problem at Blackpool with Sean Longstaff (pictured in their away strip). The attacking 19 year old midfield player, born in Geordie land, is well thought of at Newcastle United and he has certainly illuminated Bloomfield Road, scoring 4 times in 4 appearances against MK Dons, Doncaster Rovers, Oldham Athletic and AFC Wimbledon as the “Seasiders” have made a pleasantly surprising start to life in League 1. He is a well-deserved recipient of the Red Rose Player of the Week award.

.

Red Rose County Local Football Heroes

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer; Manchester United

Following several discussions about the definition of “unsung hero”, I have changed the title of the series because all players deserving of the loyalty of the supporters would almost always have a song dedicated to them. In other words they cannot be “unsung heroes”. So I am looking at a player who has served his club to the best of his ability over a long period of time, who has achieved something noteworthy but most of all is loved so much and long remembered by those on the terraces. He will be considered an outstanding player locally but to football fans nationally, one who is perhaps overshadowed by the achievements of his fellow team mates. No nearer? Never mind, just read on. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (pictured) arrived at Old Trafford from Molde FK in Norway in 1996. Alex Ferguson paid £1.5 million for him and with his baby features; he must have looked out of place in the dressing room. Opposition clubs however soon began to realise that within the confines of the penalty area, this was one baby faced assassin. He played in 235 Premier League encounters for the Red Devils, but such was their success in cup competitions, he actually totalled 366 competitive games. With 159 goals (122 in the league), his scoring ratio was close to a successful strike every 2.1 games. What also needs to be remembered is that he was an immediate impact player, so the “boss” often used him in a substitute role and there was no shortage of contenders waiting to score in an era of English football dominated by United. The competition included Cantona, Cole, Yorke, Sheringham and van Nistelrooy and there were occasions also when Ferguson preferred to play Scholes in the number 10 role behind a lone striker, making it difficult for Solskjaer to cement a starting position. In one of his later seasons, he played regularly on the right wing, keeping Beckham on the bench. It was in his role of substitute that he is best remembered. In 1998-99, he came on v Nottingham Forest with 12 minutes remaining and scored 4 goals. The last game of that season produced the moment for which he will always be remembered. In the Champions’ League Final v Bayern Munich in Barcelona, he replaced Cole in the 81^st minute. With the scores level deep into added time, a Beckham corner was flicked on by Sheringham and with lightning reactions from 3 yards out, Ole Gunnar stuck out a right leg and deflected the ball into the net. He wore the Number 20 shirt throughout his United career and a banner stating 20 OLEGEND adorns the Stretford End. Sadly his later years were dogged by an injury to his knee but he was always given a rousing reception whenever his name was announced over the tannoy prior to games. On retiring he served his club as Reserve Team manager for 3 years; a loyal Red Rose Football legend.

 

Performances of the last week

The highlights of the International weekend were centred on Anfield. Jordan Henderson (pictured) regained the England captaincy and led his country to an expected victory over the part timers of Malta in the World Cup qualifier.  The performance was generally poor, but there was little likelihood of the Mediterranean islanders scoring and England finally ran out 4-0 winners. Henderson is club captain of Liverpool but it was a youngster from the same club who caught all of the headlines. The 17 year old Ben Woodman came on as a second half substitute and within 4 minutes scored an opportunistic goal which gave Wales the 3 points in a 1-0 win over Austria. It will still be tricky, but Woodman has resurrected the “Red Dragon’s” hopes of qualifying for Russia in 2018.

Blackpool edged closer to the Play-Off spots in League 1 with a hard fought 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon at Bloomfield Road. It was the “Seasiders” 3^rd win of the campaign, but unfortunately viewed yet again by a crowd of less than 3,500. Young Sean Longstaff, on loan from Newcastle United, dribbled past 3 defenders before firing home; the 4^th consecutive game in which the loan player has netted for the Tangerines. Close home defeats against promotion candidates for Bury (1-0 v Scunthorpe United) and Oldham Athletic (4-3 to Charlton Athletic) have done nothing to lift the gloom hanging over North East Manchester, lightened only by a valiant rear guard action by Rochdale to produce a 0-0 draw at Southend United. Skipper Ian Henderson was sent off after 50 minutes making the “Dale’s” performance even more heroic.

In the all Lancashire League 2 derby, Accrington Stanley proved to be stronger than Morecambe, running out 2-1 winners following goals in either half; a Billy Kee 30 yard rocket and a Jordan Clark tap in. The Shrimps had Vadaine Oliver sent off with 30 minutes remaining, but they continued to battle even after conceding late in the second half and were rewarded when veteran Kevin Ellison headed home a consolation goal. While “Stanley” march ever upwards, Morecambe have to think carefully about their 18^th place.

AFC Fylde’s promising run came to an end as they lost 2-1 at FC Halifax Town in the National League. Barrow however returned to winning ways, even after the advantage from first half goals from Bedsente Gomis and Jack Barthram was nullified on the stroke of half time by the dismissal of Alex Rae-Harvey. Boreham Wood reduced the arrears but the “Bluebirds courageously hung on to the 3 points. There was relief all around Victory Park as Chorley moved out of the bottom three of the National League 1 North by beating York City 2-0. Josh Wilson scored twice in the first period, the opener following a dreadful York defensive mix-up but the second was a well struck half volley. The Magpies defended well in the second half but had goalkeeper Matt Urwin to thank for several smart saves.

The FA Cup 1^st Qualifying Round dominated the rest of the Non-League programme with the Red Rose County performance of the day coming from Ashton United who triumphed by a 3-1 margin at fellow Northern Premier League rivals Marine. It was all very comfortable for the Tameside outfit who cruised to a 3-0 lead through goals from Jack Dyche, Liam Tomsett and a Matthew Chadwick (pictured) penalty. The sole reply from Marine came from Kenny Strickland in the final moments.

Red Rose County clubs from the Northern Premier League 1 North  tumbled out, with only three making the draw for the next round. There was an outstanding performance however at Cleethorpes Town. Last year the Lincolnshire side knocked Atherton Collieries out of the FA Vase at the quarter final stage. Both sides went on to gain promotion to the Northern Prem but on this occasion the Colls gained their revenge, gaining a narrow but decisive 2-1 victory with goals from Jordan Cover and Iain Howard. Ashton Athletic are the toast of the North West Counties Premier League for defeating Bamber Bridge 2-1 at their Brocstedes Stadium. Goals from Joel Brownhill and Josh Nicholson were sufficient to complete a giant killing act over a “Brigg” side which could only fashion a late reply from Brad Parsley. Abbey Hey deserve a mention for drawing 3-3 at home to the once mighty Altrincham and 1024 spectators watched a gallant performance from City of Liverpool, narrow 2-1 losers at home to Nantwich Town from two leagues above. There was a virtually full North West Counties League programme where Charnock Richard won the game of the day in the Premier League, Nathan Hirst scoring twice in a 3-1 win at Hanley Town to stay hot on the heels of leaders Runcorn Town. In NWC Division 1, Litherland REMYCA had a comfortable 2-0 victory at Daisy Hill to keep in touch with early leaders Silsden.

Red Rose Non-League clubs still in the FA Cup

Team	League	Team	League
AFC Fylde	National League	Barrow	National League
Chorley	National League North	Salford City	National League North
Southport	National League North	FC United of Manchester	National League North
Curzon Ashton	National League North	Warrington Town	Northern Premier League
Ashton United	Northern Premier League	Lancaster City	Northern Premier League
Droylsden	Northern Premier League 1 North	Atherton Collieries	Northern Premier League 1 North
Mossley	Northern Premier League 1 North	Ashton Athletic	North West Counties Premier League
Abbey Hey	North West Counties Premier League

Games to look forward to this week

The Premier League is serving up a tasty Saturday lunch time treat, pitting Manchester City against Liverpool at the Etihad. Both squads have been considerably strengthened over the summer and are desperate for the one trophy that really counts at the end of the season.  The respective owners have forked out the cash, each club has started well and now it is up to the coaches to decide on their best elevens and gel them together. “The Sky Blues” appear to have 2 international players vying for each shirt, but the ace in the pack could well be Kevin de Bruyne (pictured). He was no instant hit, which is why Chelsea off-loaded him to Wolfsburg, but since re-appearing in Manchester, he has matured into arguably the best play maker in the country. Some say that his football intelligence is on an even higher plain to that of his most gifted team mates, but he could be the main man in City’s title chase. Liverpool will press and press and press to deny City time on the ball, but the home side know how to counter. It is a game not to be missed.

The tough games come thick and fast when you are propping up the league, so Bolton Wanderers will not relish the arrival of the pre-season Championship favourites on Saturday at 3.00 pm. Middlesbrough however have so far disappointed, the Teesside club having won twice and drawn once from five starts. I still believe that Garry Monk will eventually sprinkle the stardust and their promotion campaign will kick-start, so it may just be a good a good time for the Wanderers to play host to them. There was some potentially promising financial news coming out of the Macron this week, so if the club can at least keep its head above water until January, it can then add to the solitary signing of Craig Noone (the experienced Cardiff City wide-man) when the transfer window re-opens. Wigan Athletic’s early title aspirations will be put to the test when they travel down the A49 to meet the League 1 surprise package Shrewsbury Town. Having survived relegation by the skin of its teeth, the Shropshire side is level with the early front runners, Peterborough United. Wigan’s Paul Cook is a hardened operator at this level of the game and he has had an instant impact at the DW Stadium. The “Latics” did not play during the international weekend and thus have a game in hand over their immediate rivals. With Peterborough facing the always difficult to beat Bradford City, Wigan, strengthened by the signing of the ultra-combative and massively experienced Alex (son of Steve) Bruce, could conceivably be at the top of the league on Saturday evening. Having sneaked into the top three on Saturday Accrington Stanley now have a less than  straightforward fixture against Carlisle United, the most northerly side in League 2. I really fancy the “Stanley” for automatic promotion this time. There has been a positive recruitment drive and from the off they have been prepared and organised, not seeming to be existing from game to game as in previous years. Exeter City have made an explosive start and Stevenage are carrying over their form from last    season, but neither will be happy to see the resolute John Coleman (pictured) in their rear-view mirror.

 The extremely well-supported Tranmere Rovers, whom many felt would be potential National League champions this season, have made an indifferent start. Barrow travel to Birkenhead to play them on Saturday, still waiting for the permanent appointment of a new manager, but buoyed by a narrow home win against Boreham Wood last weekend. This would have been a home banker as the season kicked off, but the Cumbrian draw specialists will be looking to take at least a point home with them. There is a sizzler of a game in the National League North where Salford City entertain league leaders Brackley. The “Ammies”, joint 3^rd with Southport, are once again pushing hard for an automatic promotion spot.  However no-one in the top 9 has scored fewer goals than Salford. They totally dominated Curzon Ashton on Saturday, but converted just one of a multitude of chances in a 1-1 draw. They will not be allowed to be so generous against Brackley. There is an interesting game in the Northern Premier League at the Giant Axe where two 2016-17promoted Champions meet. Lancaster City (NPL 1 North champions) are at home to Shaw Lane, their NPL 1 South counterparts. The “Dolly Blues” have made a creditable start and are unbeaten in 6 games, but the Barnsley outfit are a couple of points to the good, sitting in 3^rd place. It is of course a “Roses battle” and a Lancaster win would push them close to the top of the table. Droylsden, who have struggled in recent years, have made a splendid start to this season’s campaign, winning 3 out of 4 so far in the Northern Premier League 1 North. They travel to the South Lakes to meet the lowly placed Kendal Town, looking for another 3 points to drag themselves close to the leaders.

It is the FA Vase 1^st Qualifying Round weekend and there are 2 all Red Rose County clashes. AFC Blackpool, at last finding form in the NWC Division 1, have a tough task at home against the high-flying West Didsbury & Chorlton from the league above and in another Division 1 v Premier League clash, Atherton LR, still finding points hard to come by, have an equally difficult tie against visitors Irlam. 

Post Weekend Musings

I have been a critic of the transfer recruitment into Anfield for a while but suddenly, Juergen Klopp has opened the Shankly Gates, shown the colour of the owner’s money and attracted a higher quality of player. Interestingly also is that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has chosen the Liverpool over Chelsea and, as I presume that top professionals talk amongst themselves, particularly on International weekends, his decision may just be an indicator as to which club may be the best bet for honours. I also believe that in this era of telephone number transfer fees, he could turn out to be something of a bargain at £35 million.  

Still with Liverpool FC, an astonishing statistic from the Tartan Army’s win in Lithuania  shows how recruitment trends have changed over the years following the decline of Scotland as a major producer of footballing talent. The Anfield club was once renowned for its smash and grab raids over the border, bringing an array of Scottish talent down to play at the highest level in club football. Andrew Robertson’s stunning goal on Friday night was the first by a Liverpool based Scot in a competitive game since Kenny Dalglish netted against Spain in 1984.

Burnley supporters may or may not be happy that the club was one of just five in the Premier League to make a profit in the summer transfer window. The £44 million banked from the sales of Keane and Gray financed the purchase of Chris Wood, Jack Cork, Nahki Wells, Jonathan Walters and Phil Bardsley, leaving a surplus of £14 million. As ever, sound financial management from the Lancashire club, but does it smack of a lack of ambition? All will be revealed in May. In contrast, the two Manchester clubs contributed 40% of the final total of £1.4 billion spent on players over the last few crazy weeks. No lack of ambition here and can even their bottomless purses be immune from any financial restraints?

The aforementioned Chris Wood scored a World Cup hat-trick over the weekend for New Zealand versus the Solomon Islands, the first “Claret” to score an international three-timer since one Jack Yates did so for England against Northern Ireland at Anfield in 1889. Yates, an outside left, won an FA Cup medal with Blackburn Olympic in 1883 before transferring to Burnley. On retirement, like many ex-players of the day, he became landlord of a public house. Wayne Rooney may contemplate the same move when he hangs up his boots. Then at least then he will not have to drive home.

South Liverpool is a great non-league name from the past; for many years Liverpool’s 3^rd club. They were giants of the Lancashire Combination and then founder members of the Northern Premier League, playing at this level for 23 years. They applied to join the Football League on 10 occasions but in 1991, vandalism to the ground and financial hardship caused the club to fold. Reformed as a “Phoenix” club, there was success at a lower level and on Saturday, “the South” recorded an 11-0 away win against Richmond Raith Rovers to move into top spot in the West Cheshire 1^st Division. Is a return to Tier 10 an impossible dream?

Quiz of the Week (Answers at the foot of the Blog)

1                    John Bond, Billy McNeill and Mel Machin managed which club in the 1980s?

2                    Steve McMahon played 204 games for Liverpool and nearly 100 for Manchester City but with which club did he start his career, playing 100 league games?

3                    Nottingham Forest bought which emerging Bolton Wanderers starlet for £3 million in January? 

4                    Of the 16 Red Rose County (North West) clubs in the top 4 leagues in England, which is the only one whose shirt can be described as striped?

5                    Manchester United paid a world record £89.3 million for Paul Pogba in 2016, but in 2009 they received a then record £80 million when they sold which player?

6                    After a long career at a host of lower league sides including Rochdale and Stockport County, the 35 year old Michael Rose (pictured playing for Rochdale) is now captain of which Red Rose Football League club?

7                    Burnley were unbeaten in 30 league games in their title winning season of 1920-21, a record which stood until which club went unbeaten for the whole season in 2003-04?

8                    Two of the seven current Red Rose clubs in League 1 were founder members of the Premier League in 1992; Blackburn Rovers and which other club?

9                    Which National League North side plays at the modern Tameside Stadium, a purpose built football venue constructed in 2007?

10                Juergen Klopp is the 3^rd non-British manager of Liverpool FC, following Rafa Benitez and which other man?

Red Rose County Non-league Club of the Week

Maine Road FC

It may seem strange to find a football club with the same name as a now defunct Soccer stadium, but as usual, there is a credible reason for it. The supporters of Manchester City formed a Sunday League side in the Rusholme area of Manchester back in the 50s and 15 years later moved their headquarters to Maine Road Social Club, extremely close to England’s then largest ground outside of Wembley Stadium. They felt obliged to change the name of the club and so Maine Road FC arrived on the scene. They were successful locally, moving into the Manchester Football League which of course meant playing on the traditional Saturday afternoon. After years of playing on park pitches, they settled at Brantingham Road in Chorlton, a pleasant suburb on the south side of the city and within a few years, the Manchester County FA moved their headquarters on to the complex. This gave Maine Road the green light to pursue semi-professional football. In 1987 they were welcomed into the North West Counties League and after a ground re-development, were promoted as Champions of Division 1 to Tier 9 in 1990. In 1994-95 they reached Round 4 of the FA Vase, losing disappointingly at St Andrews in Leicestershire. Their best FA Cup performances have been in 1998 and 2002, beating Chorley en route to the 2^nd Qualifying Round on the latter occasion. Surprisingly there was a blip in their league form in the same season and they were relegated to the second level of the North West Counties League, but two years later they roared back into what is now the Premier Division. Since then they have taken up a long term residence, their most successful season being in 2013 when they finished second to Padiham, thus just missing out on promotion to the Northern Premier League 1 North. To no-one’s surprise, the club plays in a sky blue strip (pictured), continuing their links with the Premier League professionals across the city.

Last season they finished 15^th in the league, a healthy 16 points clear of the relegation places and attracted an average gate of 114 spectators to their home games. There is a thread of continuity running through the club with two of its most successful managers, Ron Meredith and Derek Barber currently holding down the positions of Chairman and Secretary respectively, both in a position to use their experience to assist the current boss Chris Hirst who has been in post for the last couple of years. The club prides itself on bringing through youngsters and although they have only won one out of three so far this campaign, there is an infrastructure at the club which is solid and steadfast, just what is required for an organisation aware of its social responsibilities when based in the suburbs of a mighty conurbation such as Manchester; a city with all of its diverse problems.

Quiz Answers:  1 Manchester City, 2 Everton, 3 Zach Clough, 4 Wigan Athletic,  5 Cristiano Ronaldo, 6 Morecambe, 7 Arsenal, 8 Oldham Athletic, 9 Curzon Ashton, 10 Gerard Houllier.