Wythenshawe T

Table of
Contents
The Gaffers Notes 3
Coming up at the Nori Stadium 4
Glossop Match Reports 5-7
Bury Back at Gigg Lane 8-10
Have your say on YOUR Club 11
Bury FC Pen Pics 12-14
From the Editor 15
Player Sponsors 16
Club Update 18
Colne F.C. History 19
A Red in the Sun 22
Play Offs Introduced 23
Match Centre 24-26
1996-1997 BEP Cup Winners
2003-04 NWFCL 2 nd Division Champions
2003-04 NWCFL League Cup Runners Up
2015-16 NWCFL Premier League Champions
2015-16 NWCFL League Cup Runners Up
Record Attendance – 1742 v AFC Sudbury (2004)
Full Members of the Football Association
Members of the Lancashire County Football Association
FA Charter Standard Community Club
Colne Football Club are a private members club
Colne Football Club – Founded 1996
Holt House, Harrison Drive, Colne, BB8 9SL
Tel – 01282 862 545
Life President
David Blacklock
Chairman
Darren Harrison & Glenn Stock
Vice Chairman
Jason Govindji-Bruce & Amrita Govindji-Bruce
Secretary
Joe Cooney
secretary@colnefootballclub.com
Life Members
Edward Lambert
Janette Harries
Matchday Secretary
Ben Metcalfe & Joe Cooney
Media Manager
Karen Clark
Press Officer
Programme Editor
Ben Metcalfe

FROM THE
GAFFER
THE LIONS DEN
Good Afternoon and
Welcome back to the Nori
Stadium following a couple
of nice trips to Glossop.
I’d like to extend the
welcome to the visiting
officials, management and
players of Wythenshawe
Town.
Today's test is something a
little different as we come
up against a very good
Wythenshawe side, one
that almost swapped
places with us last season.
Despite a few changes in
personnel, today's
opponents lost just three
times in last season's
campaign and with a new
manager, he will be
looking to go one better
than last season.
Looking back on our last
two games, I was incredibly
pleased with both
performances for different
reasons.
In both games I feel we
looked comfortable
defensively and I thought
the first half in both games
we were excellent, Tuesday
even more so.
How the game was 0-0 at
HT on Tuesday evening
was a little bit perplexing,
on another day we could
have been 3,4, maybe
even 5 up, but in these
moments, we need to
make sure that we punish
the opponent, otherwise
we could end up finding
ourselves on the wrong
end of these kinds of
results, ala West Didsbury.
Both goals we conceded in
the last two games came
from little mistakes in the
centre of the park, but we
have a young side,
mistakes will happen, but
it’s my job, alongside Gerry
and Vince to try and knock
the mistakes out of the
lads.
But, following Saturday's
goal we conceded, we
bounced back and fought
until the end and thankfully
Ryan was ready to get his
first goal of the season with
a wonder-strike to get us
through to the next round.
The same can be said for
Tuesday's game, to go a
goal down despite the
dominance, it was great to
see just how they could
react. It helps when you
have quality players within
the squad who can come
on and make an impact to
change the game, and I
think Blessing, James and
Malick showed that when
they came on.
As I mentioned previously,
today will be a different
test for the lads as they
come up against a side
with just a handful of
defeats last season, but we
welcome Alex Doyle back
from suspension, and
hopefully Owen should
make a return following his
injury.
Enjoy the game.
Paul Weller

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FA CUP – EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND
GLOSSOP N.E 1
COLNE F.C. 2
Colne will appear in the
preliminary round of the
FA Cup for the 9th
consecutive time as they
defeated Glossop at
Surrey St on Saturday 5 th
August
Colne started the game on
the front foot and almost
got a goal after just two
minutes, but Weaver
rattled the woodwork.
Just 7 minutes later, the
reds were ahead.
Following some neat build
up play, Weaver beat his
man with ease, but the
Glossop full back brought
weaver down.
Weaver smashed the ball
to the keepers right to give
the reds the deserved lead.
Glossop failed to threaten
the reds and Weller's men
were comfortable with the
midfield controlling the
game.
Colne started the second
half slightly nervous and on
54 minutes, Bolton was
dispossessed in the centre
of the park, Glossop drove
forwards and Freedmans
shot squirmed beyond the
grasp of Goodwin.
Both managers made
changes to try and
influence the game, and
the returning Billy Hasler-
Cregg Behan to cause
trouble for the Glossop full
backs.
With the game heading
towards a replay, Colne
pressed forwards and on
89 minutes, Glossop could
only half-clear the ball,
which was hit perfectly by
Bolton, who's shot fired
into the top corner.
Colne will now host
Brighouse Town at Holt
House on Saturday 19th
August.
FA CUP RESULTS
Skelmersdale 3-1 Northwich V
AFC Liverpool 0-5 Lower Breck
Barnoldswick T 3-1 Handsworth
Burscough 1-0 Pilkington
Chadderton 2-2 Albion S*
Charnock R 7-0 Squires Gate
Congleton 1-0 Wythenshawe T
Glossop North End 1-2 Colne
Hallam 3-3 Irlam
Kendal T 1-4 Consett
Padihame 3-0 Silsden
Prestwich Heys 3-1 Bootle
Uttoxeter T 1-4 Bury
WD&C 2-0 Vauxhall Motors
Whitchurch A 2-1 Cheadle T
Widnes 1-1 Longridge
Replays
Irlam 5-2 Hallam
Longridge 1-5 Widnes
*Chadderton v Albion S replay
was postponed due to FA
Investigation.
Colne: Goodwin | Burrows | Lloyd | Wallbank | Winstanley | Devenney | Watkinson |
McCann | Forshaw | Bolton | Weaver
Subs: Pickles | Da Costa | Amarzou | Diakite | Hasler-Cregg
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

THE LIONS DEN
NORTH WEST COUNTIES PREMIER
GLOSSOP N.E 1
COLNE F.C. 2
Colne made the trip to
Surrey street for the
second time in four days as
they faced Glossop once
more after defeating them
at the weekend.
Manager Paul Weller made
a few changes from the
weekends FA Cup win, with
Watkinson missing through
Injury, following a strong
challenge in the previous
game. Last-minute
goalscorer Ryan Bolton
also missed out due to
holiday and Finley
Devenney dropped to the
bench with a niggle.
Full debuts for returning
reds, Brad Knox & Billy
Hasler-Cregg and Sam
Pickles also got his first
start for the reds.
Colne started on the front
foot, playing some lovely
football on the sandy
Surrey Street pitch and on
8 minutes, the GNE keeper
made a smart stop at his
near post to deny the lively
looking Pickles.
7 minutes later, Forshaw
looked to have diverted a
pin point Lloyd cross
home, but once again
Hood, on his second debut
for GNE made a great
reaction save from close
range to deny Forshaw a
first league goal for the
reds.
Midway through the first
half, Jack Burrows released
Pickles who drove at the
Glossop Back line and
unleashed a powerful drive
goalboud, but the
outstretched Hood once
more made a stunning
save to deny the reds a
deserved lead.
Glossop, offering little
going forward were
thankful of Hood again on
40 minutes as Lloyd broke
through the defensive unit
with ease, but couldn't
beat Hood.
Yoak, returning to the
Glossop side following a
stint on the bench, had the
Hillmens best chance of
the first half with a
powerful freekick from 40
yards, which Goodwin was
equal to, diverting for a corner.
As the half eventually drew to a
close following a dominating
first half for the reds, Pickles
looked certain to have given
the reds the lead, his shot from
8 yards was superbly tipped
around the post by Hood,
leaving the entire ground
scratching their head, on just
how he managed to save that.
As the second half progressed,
it was clear to see Michael
Worthington had instructed the
home side to pick up their
intensity as they put some early
pressure on the reds to deny
them the time and space they
had in the first half.
The home side got away with a
series of corners, but Colne
were pressing and on 60
minutes, Hasler-Creggs
looping header was cleared off
the line, onto the bar by
Hartshome, somehow leaving
the sides still level.
Colne: Goodwin | Burrows | Lloyd | Wallbank | Winstanley | Devenney | Watkinson |
McCann | Forshaw | Bolton | Weaver
Subs: Pickles | Da Costa | Amarzou | Diakite | Hasler-Cregg
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

Just three minutes later,
Freedman dispossessed
the impressive McCann in
the centre of the park, with
Goodwin off his line,
Freedman took aim from
40+ yards and his perfectly
hit shot beat the
scrambling Goodwin to
send the home fans wild
and give Glossop an
undeserved lead.
Manager Paul Weller made
instant changes, with
debutant Thewlis replacing
Pickles and Diakite
replacing Hasler-Cregg.
Just four minutes later, the
reds were level, Glossop
could only half clear Lloyds
corner and the ball fell to
Wallbank, who's (selfproclaimed)
Gerrard-
Esque volley finally
managed to beat the
Glossop keeper.
The reds were out for the
kill and with just tenminutes
remaining, the
impressive looking Thewlis
drove the ball to the byline
before pulling back
across the box for Weaver
who hit it first time from 15
THE LIONS DEN
yards to smash home beyond
the outstretched keeper and to
give the reds a thoroughly
deserved lead.
Ten minutes of 'injury' time
ensued from nowhere, but the
reds held on for a 2-1 win for
the second time in four days at
the Home of Glossop, giving
the home side their fourth
consecutive defeat and
consigning them to the bottom
of the table.
Colne: Goodwin | Burrows | Lloyd | Wallbank | Winstanley | Knox | Hassler-Cregg |
McCann | Forshaw | Pickles | Weaver
Subs: Igharo | Da Costa | Devenney | Diakite | Thewlis
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

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WYTHENSHAWE TOWN
The club was founded in
1946 as the North
Withington Amateur
Football Club and was the
idea of some young men
who attended St. Crispin’s
Church on Hart Road in
Fallowfield. The club first
played in the South
Manchester
&
Wythenshawe League
(1946 - 1958) and were
subsequently transferred
to the Lancashire &
Cheshire Amateur league
(1958 - 1972).
Manchester League &
Timpson Road
It was in 1972 the club
applied and were
accepted into the
Manchester League, when
up until 1974 all games of
football were played at
Hough End Field, Princess
Road, Withington.
In June 1974, under the
helm of Chairman Billy
Moore, the club’s
headquarters were moved
from the Princess Hotel in
Withington to the newly
acquired ground at
Timpson Road, Baguley,
M23 9LL where three prefabricated
houses were
purchased and turned into
a clubhouse with a bar,
kitchen and changing
facilities.
After
numerous
discussions, it was decided
to name the ground after
the residing Chairman
(Stan Hahn) and the Club
Secretary (Eric Renard) out
of respect, honouring them
as founding members,
hence the name Ericstan
Park. And it was at this
point, the club decided to
design a new badge
incorporating a cockerel
and a fox; the cockerel
related to founding
member Stanley Hahn (the
German for cockerel is
Hähnchen) and the fox to
founding member Eric
Renard (the French for fox
is Renard), to forever
recognise the club’s
founding members.
Cheshire League & The
Invincibles
In 2014 and under new
Chairman Kenny Hope, the
club transferred to the
Cheshire League Division 2
and went on to become
history-makers, making
national headlines as they
won every single league
and Cup game, 39 games
in total, earning the side
the title, ‘The Invincibles.’
Back to back promotions
on their debut in the
Cheshire League, and with
a working partnership in
place with professional
football club Fleetwood
Town, the club set their
sights firmly on bringing
semi-professional football
to the club for the first time
in history.
The North-West Counties
Football League & Semi-
Pro Football
That ambition came to
realisation at the end of the
2017/18 season after two
seasons in the Cheshire
Premier League when the
club secured promotion to
Step 6 and the Hallmark
Security North West
Counties League South
Division, heralding a new
era at the club. There were
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

further changes at the
beginning of 2019 when
Chris Eaton took over as
Chairman with a promise
to put the club on a sound
business
footing.
Promotion was narrowly
missed at the end of the
season but with Manager
James Kinsey and his
coaching team in charge,
the club looked forward to
the new campaign with
optimism. The optimism
proved well-founded as
the club showed its
confidence in the players
and management team
was justified with some
remarkable highlights and
a run in the league that left
them in third place and
looking forward to a future
in the next level. Their
greatest run of success was
in the FA Vase where a
series of victories against
Goole Town, Nostell
Miners
Welfare,
Skelmersdale United, and
Northwich Victoria saw
them matched against
competition favourites bigspending
Consett Town. A
draw at home saw
Wythenshawe visit the
North-East for the replay
but the FA’s experimental
rule-change for the
competition saw the team
short of six players while
their opponents had a full
squad to choose from.
Even so it was a narrow
one-nil defeat that saw
their visions of Wembley
come to an end. The
highlight of the season was
a remarkable two-one
away victory over high
flying National League
North stars Curzon Ashton
in the Frank Hannah
Manchester Senior Cup
and their last game before
the season was ended by
COVID-19 was in the semifinal
of the Division One
Cup against Sandbach
United. The decision to
declare the season null and
void robbed the club of
what looked to be a certain
promotion.
Seven out of Seven and
then COVID Season
2020/2021 saw a
remarkable start to the
campaign with seven
straight wins and 29 goals
scored against just 3 in
return. Once again, the
season was ended by
COVID, and it looked as if
once again frustration was
the order of the day.
However, the club got the
news it so richly deserved
when the FA made the
decision to base
promotion on the records
of the two curtailed
seasons and Wythenshawe
Town found themselves
starting the new campaign
in the Premier Division.
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There was progress off the
field as well at the
beginning of 2021, when
Chairman Chris Eaton, with
the unanimous backing of
the members, turned the
club into a limited
company with a promise of
great things to come.
Success and Reward
The 2021-2022 season
proved to be an
outstanding campaign with
a run in the FA Vase and a
close finish in the League.
Victories against Litherland
REMYCA, Bacup Borough,
Seaham Red Star, Holker
OB, Billingham Synthonia,
red-hot favourites Consett
AFC and Anstey Nomads
saw them reach the dizzy
heights of an FA Vase
Quarter Final at
Loughborough Students.
However, it proved one
hurdle too far and the
visions of Wembley were
dashed. After the first few
weeks Town were never
out of the top three places
in the league and it went
right up to the final day
when they were pipped by
just a single point.
Wythenshawe Town’s
achievements didn’t go
unrecognised, and they
received two great
honours at the League
Presentation Evening.
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

Manager James Kinsey was
rewarded for three years of
hard work and dedication
when he received the
Manager of The Year
Award for the Premier
Division and the club’s
attitude to discipline on the
field saw them receive the
Fair Play Award.
A New Season and New
Ambition
The 2022-2023 season
promised to be a
continuation of the club’s
success with important
signings and even more
investment from the club’s
Board of Directors. The aim
was to be nothing less than
promotion to the next
level. There was a success
in the Manchester Senior
Cup when the club
reached the final for the
first time, defeating FC
United and Ashton United
on the way before losing to
Radcliffe FC in the final.
However, the season
ended in disappointment
with the chance of
promotion being missed
by just three points. The
Summer of 2023 saw
Manager James Kinsey
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depart for Stalybridge
Celtic and a new regime at
Ericstan Park was
announced with the
appointment of Rory Fallon
and his Management
Team.
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

NIALLE
RODNEY
The experienced forward
brings a new dimension to
the Wythenshawe front
line,
THE LIONS DEN
WYTHENSHAWE TOWN
PLAYERS TO WATCH
He then went on to have
spells with various clubs such
as Telford, Lincoln &
Hartlepool before moving to
Manchester and touring as
many clubs as possible in the
North West.
Rodney started his career
with Nottingham Forrest,
making loan appearances
with Ilkeston Town &
Burton Albion, before
joining Bradford City.
The frontman went on to
make loan appearances
and Darlington and
Mansfield.
On capturing Rodney,
Manager Rory Fallon said:
“Nialle is very simply a winner,
he expects high standards
from those around him, he is
a forward who has skill, pace
and capable of scoring goals,
Nialle is someone I’ve stayed
in touch with over the year
and having come down and
seen what the club is about,
he is hungry to do well for
Wythenshawe”
Years Team
09–11 Nottingham Forest
10 → Ilkeston Town (loan)
11 → Burton Albion (loan)
11–12 Bradford City
11 → Darlington (loan)
11 → Mansfield (loan)
12 Lincoln City
13 AFC Telford United
13–14 Hartlepool United
14 Ilkeston
15 Spalding United
15 Coalville Town
16 Long Eaton United
17–18 Wythenshawe A
18 Ramsbottom United
19 FC United
19–20 Lancaster City
20 Ashton United
20 Ramsbottom United
22–23 Runcorn Linnets
23-24 Wythenshawe Town
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

THE LIONS DEN
SHARIF DEANS
The young forward scored
over 20 goals for
Altrincham reserves in the
Cheshire league by the
turn of the new year.
Following his impessive
spell, Alty loaned the
prolific striker to Widnes
where he netted four times
in 19 appearances to guide
the then bottom of the
league club to safety,
netting winners against
Glossop & Mossley, whilst
rescuing points againt
Bootle and Kidsgrove.
In fact, his goal v
Kidsgrove, ultimately kept
Widnes in the NPL.
The 6ft 3 centre forward
offers height, pace and
athleticism to the Wythy
front line, with youth on
his side, Deans will be
keen to further develop
his game with the
promotion chasers.
RODNEY AJAYI
Thee talented Rodney Ajayi
began his career at Stockport
County, progressing through
the youth ranks, before
making his move to Stockport
Sports in 2014.
Ajayi made the move to Avro,
before spending two seasons
at Atherton L.R.
Ajayi moved to West
Didsbury, where he spent two
seasons, before he joined
Macclesfield in their
Promotion Winning season to
the Northern Premier League.
Ajayi started his career as a
centre half, however as he has
matured, the 27 year old now
is a vital cog in Wythenshawes
midfield.
Naturally more defensively
mindeed, however Ajayi has
already netted for Town in
their 3-1 win v his former club,
West Didsbury.
At 6ft 2, the deep lying
midfielder will be an
aerial threat for
Wythenshawe,
especially from setpieces.
GREG HALL
Many will remember the
name Greg Hall, especially
reds fans who witnessed
the reds win the league at
1874 back in 2016.
The veteran goalkeeper has
been around many local
clubs, including Glossop
North End, where he was a
part of the side that Won
the NWCFL back in 2015,
and also made an
appearance at Wembley,
which the Derbyshire side
lost in the Extra Time.
Hall was named Witton’s
Player of the Year in
2018/19 and spent time
with Nantwich Town inbetween
his time at Witton.
Greg has also featured for
1874 Northwich making
143 appearances, Radcliffe,
Ashton United.
Greg is a FOUR TIME
winner of the North West
Counties Football League
Goalkeeper of the Season
award..
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

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LUKE NOCK
Young midfielder Luke
Nock is another key man
for Wythenshawe following
his arrival this summer
from Glossop North End.
The former Stockport
County and Rochdale man
ended the season as
Glossop’s top scorer with
10 goals to his name. The
attacking minded
midfielder loves to get on
the ball to try and create
something for his side.
Nock rejected offers from
NPL sides to team up with
Fallon at Wythenshawe.
Dangerous down the wing
and through the centre of
the park, its looking like an
interesting battle between
Knox and Nock (theres a
joke somewhere) in this
afternoons fixture.
Nock also had a spell at
Rochdale.
Manager Fallon played
with Nock at Wythenshawe
and was naturally keen to
bring in the youngster.
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

PLAYER SPONSORS
THE LIONS DEN
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

CLUB UPDATE
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Colne F.C. Ladies were
drawn against Mersey Rail
in the 2 nd Round of the FA
Cup, where they should
have made their debut,
however after receiving a
bye in the first round,
Mersey Rail pulled out of
the competition leaving a
Home Walkover for the
lionesses and the ladies
now progress into the third
and final qualifying round
of the competition.
Will they become the first
team to reach the first
round of the competition?
Well done to all involved!
Colne F.C. can announce
that Prior to last weekends
FA Cup win at Glossop,
midfielder Ryan Bolton
signed a contract with the
reds to ensure the talented
midfielder remains at the
club until the summer of
24, with the option to
extend for a further year.
A product of Blackburns
youth system, Ryan spent 9
years at Rovers. The
midfielder has made the
short move across to Holt
House having previously
played for Paul at
Clitheroe. The midfielder is
described as a technical &
creative player with an eye
for goal, which was
confirmed yesterday as the
midfielder sealed his new
contract with the reds with
a stunning winner in the
dying minutes.
Once again, we'd like to
thank Ryan's sponsor, SB
Tippers for their support
Colne F.C. U23 5-1
Burnley United.
Colne FC u23 faced
Burnley United away at
Barden Lane midweek, the
with U23 side blowing
away United.
The young lions featured a
couple of trialists as they
made the short journey to
Burnley.
After just 3 minutes Trialist
(a) had the ball in the back
of the net.
Mackenzie Hodgkinson
doubled the reds lead just
5 minutes later following
another great move.
Colne made it three on ten
minutes, with United
wondering what had hit
them, but on 15 minutes
United responded
following a wicked
deflection.
The reds trialist rounded
off his hatrick inside the
half hour mark with a
stunning effort and
Hodgkinson followed up
shortly after to make it 5-1
at half time.
Manager Trevor Abraham
rang the changes at half
time, and the game turned
into a training match for
the reds as they enjoyed
large spells of possession,
however the game ended
with no further goals in the
second 45.
Abraham said “A game of
two-halves which
showcased everything that
is good about a
developing group of
young players.
We challenged the squad
to create 10 goal scoring
opportunities in the first
half and they showed a real
ruthless streak to hit goals
quickly before the
opposition had chance to
settle into the game. “
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

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COLNE F.C. HISTORY
Colne F.C. were formed in
January 1996, by a group
of like-minded people
under the wing of now Life
President Dave Blacklock.
The enthusiasts combined
their strengths and
knowledge of non-league
football, and arrangements
were made for a new club
to use the vacant Holt
House Stadium, once used
by the Dynamoes in the
North West Counties
Football League Division
Two.
Colne FC’s first ever
competitive game was on
the 17th August 1996
against Middlewich and
the result ended in a 1 – 0
defeat.
The team was then
managed by Keith Mason,
but after his resignation
soon after, Denzel Hart was
appointed to the hot seat.
His first game was a 6 – 0
defeat away at Ashton
Town, but just two games
later Colne FC recorded
their first ever victory
thumping Bacup Borough
5 – 2. The highlight of the
season, coming when the
reserves won the BEP Cup
at Clitheroe’s Shawbridge
ground.
In the summer of 2002
James Webster took
control of the club, to
become the youngest
chairman in the league at
the age of 24. James was a
player at the club with
plenty of experience and
along with his father who
was vice chairman, had a
strong desire to see the
current side emulate the
success of its
predecessors.
Webster responded
immediately by appointing
Nigel Coates as the new
manager as well as player
Gary Rishton as his number
2. Nigel had played for the
Dynamoes, being in the FA
Vase winning team and
had experience of
management at local rivals
Nelson.
Season 2003/04 brought
back the glory days to
Colne with a string of
successes. In the League
Colne had to play catch up
after a successful cup run,
but ended the season 10
points clear in Division two,
scoring 102 goals in their
38 games. Colne
completed the double by
winning the Division Two
Trophy 1 – 0 over Great
Harwood.
The season was capped by
an amazing run in the FA
Vase for a North West
Counties Football League
Division Two club, they
progressed all the way to
the semi-finals, (via an
incredible 1 – 2 away win at
AFC Wimbledon) before
being defeated over two
legs 4 – 3 on aggregate to
AFC Sudbury.
As the season progressed
attendances started to rise
as the local population
realised we were no longer
the whipping boys of the
league, and the famous
RED ARMY was formed.
In November 2013 Colne’s
manager for the past 10
years Nigel Coates
stepped down from the
hot seat and former Colne
player Steve Cunningham
was appointed manager,
with another former Colne
favourite Ted Cockett as his
No.2 and Coach.
Steve and Ted had
ambitious plans for the
club and wasted no time in
bringing in a few new faces
to boost the playing squad,
consolidating for the rest
of the season but with big
hopes and plans for the
following seasons.
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

Season 2014-15 proved to
be the best ever at that
time in terms of league
placing, with Colne
finishing a creditable
fourth.
Season 2015-16 proved to
be the best ever in Colne
FC twenty year history. The
reds battled for the NWCFL
Premier title with Runcorn
Linnets and Atherton
Collieries with the Reds
winning the title with an 81
minute goal at 1874
Northwich securing 100
points and 100 + goals
upon the way. The reds
also reached the final of
the League Cup before
falling to Atherton.
2016-17 saw the Reds
compete at level 4 for the
first time in their history
and finished a more than
creditable 5th and the final
play-off spot which the
Reds lost in the semi- final
to Farsley Celtic. The Colne
fans earned many
accolades throughout the
season for their fine and
vocal support of the team.
The 2017-18 season see’s
Steve Cunningham lead his
team for another tilt at the
title. A new Chairman Ryan
Haigh was appointed in
June 2017 and with the
backing of Utility Renewals.
The reds again were
competitive missing out on
the final play off place on
goal difference.
2018/19 saw a new era for
the club with the formation
of the NPL West Division.
Again Colne suffered playoff
heartache losing to a
last minute extra-time goal
in the Semi-Final at Leek
Town.
2019/20 saw the season
null and voided due to the
Covid epidemic with Colne
in a mid-table position.
However it was a season to
remember for all involved
with the club as the reds
reached the 4th and final
qualifying round of the FA
Cup. The reds were sadly
well beaten at Gateshead.
At the end of the season
long time manager Steve
Cunningham stepped
down and was replaced by
Nathan Rooney.
2020/21 With a new
manager and back room
staff in place Colne were
looking forward to being a
challenger in a very strong
league. Colne ended the
curtailed season sitting in
first place after nine
games.
2021/2022 This season
was our 25th anniversary
as Colne Football Club and
had the challenge of a new
league to play in with
several new signings and
Lee Pugh taking over as
captain from long time
servant Alex Coleman.
After 13 games and with
the squad blighted by
injuries to key players, the
THE LIONS DEN
record was - Played 13,
won 5 drawn 3, lost 5. In
the FA Cup we played our
old friends Trafford away
and took them back to
Harrison Drive to win the
replay 2-1. Next up were
Stalybridge Celtic away
who we beat 1-0 before
losing at home to Guiseley
AFC 1-0. In the FA Trophy
we drew City of Liverpool
FC away winning 1-0. The
next round took us to
Buxton beating them 2-1 to
progress to the First Round
proper. The draw then
paired us with a Step 3
team from the Southern
League Central Division,
Tamworth FC. In a hard
fought game which ended
1-1 Colne bowed out 4-3
on penalties. The First
Round is our best progress
so far in the completion.
Nathan Rooney resigned in
December stating personal
reasons He was replaced
by Jonathon Macken who
brought in Steve Atkinson
as his assistant for our New
Year’s Day game against
Kendal Town - a scrappy 1-
0 defeat. January 2022 was
a month of comings and
goings with six players in
and an equal number
being moved on and saw
just 1 point from the last 6
games. February was no
better with another four
defeats but signs of
improvement. March saw
three wins and a draw with
no goals conceded which
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

effectively ensured safety
for the season at this level.
The club finished the
campaign in 14th place
with a record of: Played 38,
won 12, drawn 8, lost 18,
44 points.
The 22/23 season, was one
to forget for the reds,
despite the optimism from
a promising pre-season,
the club ended up in
turmoil at the end of
August as Ryan Haigh
stepped down as chairman
and principal sponsor.
The club approached two
local businessmen, Glenn
Stock and Darren Harrison,
and within a matter of days
they were announced as
the clubs new Co-Chair.
Trouble off the pitch led to
trouble on the pitch and as
the new year started results
were pulling Colne closer
and closer to the drop.
Following a number of
dismal results, the club had
no other option than to
sack manager Phil Brown,
and former Burnley player
THE LIONS DEN
Paul Weller was appointed
interim manager.
Sadly, the job of keeping
the reds at step 4 was too
much for Weller, and the
reds were relegated on the
final game of the season
back to the NWCFL.
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

MATCH
CENTRE
THE THE LIONS LIONS DEN DEN
Premier Division P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Bury 3 3 0 0 11 4 7 9
2 Kendal Town 3 3 0 0 5 0 5 9
3 Wythenshawe 2 2 0 0 8 0 8 6
4 Burscough 2 2 0 0 6 3 3 6
5 Barnoldswick Town 3 1 2 0 5 3 2 5
6 Charnock Richard 3 1 2 0 2 1 1 5
7 Irlam 2 1 1 0 5 4 1 4
8 Prestwich Heys 3 1 1 1 4 3 1 4
9 Litherland REMYCA 3 1 1 1 3 3 0 4
10 Padiham 3 1 1 1 3 4 -1 4
11 Ramsbottom United 3 1 1 1 3 6 -3 4
12 Chadderton 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3
13 West Didsbury & Chorlton 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3
14 AFC Liverpool 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
15 Wythenshawe Town 3 1 0 2 5 6 -1 3
16 Pilkington 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3
17 FC Isle of Man 3 1 0 2 3 5 -2 3
18 Colne 3 1 0 2 3 7 -4 3
19 Lower Breck 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 1
20 Longridge Town 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1
21 Squires Gate 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2 1
22 Skelmersdale United 2 0 0 2 3 6 -3 0
23 Cheadle Town 2 0 0 2 0 5 -5 0
24 Glossop North End 3 0 0 3 4 10 -6 0
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

THIS WEEKS
FIXTURES
THE THE LIONS LIONS DEN DEN
KO Fixtures Ground
15:00 AFC Liverpool v Ramsbottom United The Marine Travel Arena
15:00 Barnoldswick Town v Pilkington Silentnight Stadium
15:00 Bury v Chadderton Gigg Lane
15:00 Charnock Richard v Lower Breck Mossie Park
15:00 Colne v Wythenshawe Town Nori Stadium
15:00 Kendal Town v Litherland REMYCA
J Robs Ground Maintenance
Stadium
15:00 Longridge Town v Glossop North End The Recycling Lives Ground
15:00 Skelmersdale United v Cheadle Town The Community Ground, Burscough
15:00 Squires Gate v Prestwich Heys The Brian Addison Stadium
15:00 West Didsbury v Burscough Step Places Stadium
15:00 Wythenshawe v Irlam Hollyhedge Community Stadium
TODAY – NORTH WEST COUNTIES PREM
KO Fixtures Ground
15:00 AFC Liverpool v Ramsbottom United The Marine Travel Arena
15:00 Barnoldswick Town v Pilkington Silentnight Stadium
15:00 Bury v Chadderton Gigg Lane
15:00 Charnock Richard v Lower Breck Mossie Park
15:00 Colne v Wythenshawe Town Nori Stadium
15:00 Kendal Town v Litherland REMYCA
J Robs Ground Maintenance
Stadium
15:00 Longridge Town v Glossop North End The Recycling Lives Ground
15:00 Skelmersdale United v Cheadle Town The Community Ground, Burscough
15:00 Squires Gate v Prestwich Heys The Brian Addison Stadium
15:00 West Didsbury v Burscough Step Places Stadium
15:00 Wythenshawe v Irlam Hollyhedge Community Stadium
TUESDAY – NORTH WEST COUNTIES PREM
KO Fixtures Ground
19:45 Barnoldswick Town v Kendal Town Silentnight Stadium
19:45 Burscough v Charnock Richard The Community Ground
19:45 Cheadle Town v Chadderton Park Road Stadium
19:45 Colne v Squires Gate Nori Stadium
19:45 Irlam v Lower Breck The RG3 Digital Stadium
19:45 Padiham v Bury Ruby Civil Arena
19:45 Prestwich Heys v Wythenshawe Adie Moran Park
19:45 Ramsbottom United v West Didsbury Harry Williams Riverside Ground
19:45 Wythenshawe Town v AFC Liverpool Ericstan Park
COLNE F.C. V WYTHENSHAWE TOWN /colnefootballclub @colne_fc

Date H/A Opponent Comp KO Att Scorers
29/07 A West Didsbury & Chorlton NWCFL L 3-0 687
01/08 H Bury NWCFL L 1-3 1464 Watkinson
05/08 A Glossop North End FA CUP W 1-2 294 Weaver, Bolton
08/08 A Glossop North End NWCFL W 1-2 211 Wallbank, Weaver
12/08 H Wythenshawe Town NWCFL 3:00 PM
15/08 H Squires Gate NWCFL 7:45 PM
19/08 H Brighouse FA CUP 3:00 PM
22/08 A Burscough NWCFL 7:45 PM
26/08 H Newcastle Benfield FA VASE 3:00 PM
28/08 A Cheadle Town NWCFL 3:00 PM
02/09 A Chadderton NWCFL 3:00 PM
05/09 H Kendal Town NWCFL 7:45 PM
09/09 A Irlam NWCFL 3:00 PM
16/09 H Wythenshawe NWCFL 3:00 PM
19/09 A Skelmersdale United NWCFL 7:45 PM
26/09 H Padiham NWCFL 7:45 PM
30/09 H Chadderton NWCFL 3:00 PM
03/10 A Kendal Town NWCFL 7:45 PM
07/10 A Squires Gate NWCFL 3:00 PM
14/10 H Litherland Remyca NWCFL 3:00 PM
24/10 H Longridge Town NWCFL 7:45 PM
28/10 A Charnock Richard NWCFL 3:00 PM
04/11 H Prestwich Heys NWCFL 3:00 PM
11/11 A Padiham NWCFL 3:00 PM
18/11 H FC Isle of Man NWCFL 6:30 PM
25/11 A AFC Liverpool NWCFL 3:00 PM
02/12 A Ramsbottom United NWCFL 3:00 PM
09/12 H Pilkington NWCFL 3:00 PM
16/12 H Cheadle Town NWCFL 3:00 PM
23/12 A FC Isle of Man NWCFL 6:30 PM
26/12 H Barnoldswick Town NWCFL 7:45 PM
30/12 A Prestwich Heys NWCFL 3:00 PM
06/01 H AFC Liverpool NWCFL 3:00 PM
13/01 A Pilkington NWCFL 3:00 PM
20/01 A Wythenshawe Town NWCFL 3:00 PM
27/01 H Ramsbottom United NWCFL 3:00 PM
03/02 H Irlam NWCFL 3:00 PM
10/02 A Lower Breck NWCFL 3:00 PM
17/02 H Charnock Richard NWCFL 3:00 PM
24/02 A Bury NWCFL 3:00 PM
02/03 H Glossop North End NWCFL 3:00 PM
09/03 H Burscough NWCFL 3:00 PM
16/03 A Wythenshawe NWCFL 3:00 PM
23/03 H West Didsbury & Chorlton NWCFL 3:00 PM
01/04 A Barnoldswick Town NWCFL 3:00 PM
06/04 H Skelmersdale United NWCFL 3:00 PM
13/04 A Longridge Town NWCFL 3:00 PM
20/04 A Litherland Remyca NWCFL 3:00 PM