LFA recognise Moston Brook club legends

Moston Brook have been one of the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL’s most successful and well-run clubs for over fifty years.

As with most grassroots clubs, they are very heavily reliant on volunteers to step up and help run the club.

Three of their long-serving players and members received Fifty Year (Grassroot Football) Awards’ at a ceremony at the LFA Headquarters in Leyland recently.

Charlie McMillan, David Kinder and Mike Melia with their LFA Awards.

The recipients were David Kinder:

David is a founder member of Moston Brook (1969) joining them upon leaving school. He played in their first season in the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL (1970-71) and he holds the clubs record appearances playing on 893 occasions scoring 92 goals.

During that time, he was the 1st XI Player of the Year on (7) occasions and 2nd XI once. He was on the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL’s League Committee from 1992 to 1999 (seven seasons) serving as their Results and Records Secretary and in the 1998/99 season he was the fixtures secretary for Divisions 2 & B.

He has been Moston Brook’s Open Age records secretary for fifty-three years and has also served on the Club’s Committee as Chairman (2007-8), Club Secretary on two occasions covering a period of six seasons and has played an active part in the club’s social scene over many years.

He has recently played for the Over 70’s in the Greater Manchester Walking Football League and has appeared for the club on 94 occasions scoring seven Goals.

He has also the been the Over 60’s Assistant Manager.

And Mike Melia:

Mike has been with Moston Brook since the start of the 1972-73 season and he made 791 appearances scoring 108 goals for the club in the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL.

He represented the club playing for the L&C League Team and he was the League President for the 2014-15 season.

He has for the past five years been the Chairman of the club.

He previously held the position of Club Secretary a post he held for twenty-seven years and he is currently the club’s assistant secretary looking after the clubs four Open Age Teams.

He combines all this by supporting all the club’s social activities. He is currently a Team Manager within both the club’s Junior & Senior Sections (U7, U12, & 4th XI) and coaches in the MB Academy.

He was awarded with the ‘North West Coach of the Year’ in 2015 and represented this area of the country in the ‘National Final’ at St Georges Park in Burton-on-Trent.

Mike still represents the club playing walking football for both their Over 60 and 65’s teams. He has played on 103 occasions scoring 10 goals.

Mike who is starting his 52nd season (2023-24) is the face of the club.

He’s usually the first person, parents / guardians meet when bringing their son or daughter to the Academy training at the age of four or five years old.

And finally, Charlie MacMillan:

Charlie has now been the Club Treasurer on two occasions and is currently in his 42nd year in the role.

In between he did four years as Club Chairman. He joined the club for the 1972-73 season as a 2nd XI player in the ‘Lancashire & Cheshire AFL’ and became their match-day secretary.

He played over 600 games scoring 78 goals. Charlie with the backing of John Wallis (Club Chairman at the time) and Sammy Parrin (Manchester Youth League Committee Member) started the Junior section of Moston Brook back in 1989 starting with two teams one at Under 10 and the other at Under 14.

The club currently has ten Junior Teams. He has been a Junior Team Manager since its formation in 1989 and a Senior Team Manager since 1998 when he brought his first junior team into Open Age Section of the club and currently, he is a Team Manager within both the Junior and Senior sections of the club (U8, U15 & 4th XI).

In 2019 having played walking football with fellow retirees for 18 months and he set up the club’s walking football section entering three teams in the Greater Manchester Walking Football League with teams at Over 60, 65 and 70. He has played on 176 occasions scoring six goals.

Cup Action Produces Day of Drama

Cup competitions dominated a busy day of action, with round two of the North West Inter League Cup taking top billing.

The competition, involving teams from the L&C and our old friends and rivals of the LAL, also included a postponed first round clash between Hattersley and Wardle. The L&C outfit announced their arrival in style, hammering their opponents 8-1 to move serenely into round two.

One of the top games of the day was at AFC Monton who hosted fellow L&C team Mellor in a real thriller.

The game ended at 2-2 with Mellor surviving a 10-minute spell when they were reduced to nine men through sin bin offences.

The Mellor goals came from Craig Fairfield and Jake Whittaker to take it into the penalty shoot-out.

Mellor’s outstanding keeper Jack Kuehl was their hero with two penalty saves, helping them prevail 4-2.

Cup holders Moston Brook had few problems in accounting for Trafford United 5-0 and Abacus Media enjoyed a 4-2 win over Radcliffe Town.

Irlam Steel Rangers exited after an agonising 7-6 spot kick defeat following a 2-2 draw with Whitworth Valley. Bedians also lost 4-2 on penalties following their 2-2 draw with Winstanley St Aidans.

Old Stretfordians found Roach Dynamos too hot to handle in a 6-2 defeat and it was the same for North Walkden who went down 6-0 at Old Blackburnians.

There was also plenty of domestic cup action with Rushford Park winning an end-to-end thriller 6-4 at Moston Brook reserves in the Wray Cup.

Wray Cup action saw Division Two leaders Bollington keep up hopes of a league and cup double with a big 11-0 win over Abacus Media reserves. Dom Doyle also enjoyed a comfortable win, beating South Manchester 9-0.

Hooley Bridge Celtic enjoyed a 3-1 win over Stoconians and Badger Casuals triumphed 4-2 at FC Babylon, while two close contests saw AFC Boarshaw win 2-1 against Old Strets reserves and AFC Stockport found two first half-goals enough to see off Salford Vics reserves.

JLingz FC are flying high in Division Three but they had to work hard as they hosted Santos in the Wray Cup. The Division Three leaders raced into a two-goal half-time lead and though Sam Ryder pulled a goal back with 15 minutes remaining, they couldn’t force a leveller.

The final cup action was in the group stages of the Hellawell Shield and Sublime Athletic kept up their impressive form that sees them lead Division C with a 4-1 win at Milnrow Firgrovia.

Stafford Argyle were also clinical in a 5-0 win at Didsbury reserves.

Tight games concluded the cup action with Fittonhill All Stars edging a 3-2 win over Richmond Rovers Reserves and Village Manchester Thirds shared the spoils with Stoconians reserves in a 2-2 deadlock.

There was limited league action but Hazel Grove moved four points clear at the top of Division One with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Village Manchester.

North Walkden Reserves moved out of the bottom two with a comfortable 8-0 derby win over Salford Albion.

Just one game played in Division Two and a 6-0 win for Spurley Hey over Richmond Rovers moved them up to third spot in the table eight points behind Bollington H&L and Dukinfield Athletic.

There was plenty of action in Division A and Rochdalians kept up their run of good form with a 9-0 win over Spurley Hey Reserves moving them into third spot behind non-playing leaders Didsbury and Mellor Reserves.

Manchester Rovers kept in the mix with a 4-0 derby win over Trafford United Reserves and Altrincham Hale also kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Bury Ams Reserves.

Timperley Villa hit the top of Division B with a close 2-1 win at Village Manchester Reserves.

There were more close games as Broadheath Central won 2-1 at Barrhill and Manchester Saints shared eight goals in a breathless thriller hosting Moston Brook Fourths.

Just one game in Division C and it produced an efficient 5-1 victory for Irlam Steel Development over Signol Athletic Reserves.

Photo action from AFC Monton v Mellor (Monton in red and white), FC Babylon v Badgers Casuals (Badger in white) and Village Manchester Reserves v Timperley Villa (Villa in Yellow).

Fitting tribute for long service for Nomads soccer legend

Cheadle Heath Nomads FC, who play in the North West Counties League division one South, have been in existence for over 100 years playing in the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL for many years before moving up to the North West Counties FL.

Stuart Holt from Cheshire FA presents Roy with the FA Award.

The Nomads enjoyed a great tribute day for their long-serving legend Roy Welsh with current club members and friends and many of his former playing colleagues in attendance to pay tribute to Roy for the time, effort and skills he has brought to his beloved club for the past 60 years.

Roy joined Nomads as a player in 1963 and in a playing career of 25 years he made over 400 appearances for the club scoring 250 goals.

Roy – Sixty Years a Nomad

During that time he played for the L and C Inter League on four occasions and he proudly held the post of L&C President in the 1985-6 season. After hanging up his boots Roy joined the backroom staff at Nomads undertaking numerous roles including the important offices of Treasurer and Secretary.

Since becoming the club President Roy has been the driving force behind the club’s elevation to the North West Counties League, guiding the club through its complex planning negotiations with Stockport Council as well as dealing with the FA and other bodies regarding funding.

Roy’s diligent work is there for anyone to see visiting the club’s magnificent facilities and is now one of the finest venues in the League.

Although at the age of 80 and celebrating 60 years of service to the club he is certainly not resting on his laurels.

Roy is currently heavily involved in the massive refurbishment of the clubhouse as well as the construction of a brand new hospitality suite adjacent to the changing rooms.

Roy was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for his fantastic loyal service by Cheshire County FA. His remarkable service was recognised by the Cheshire FA with a special presentation. Nomads Chairman, George Gibbons, also presented him with a specially commissioned cap in the club’s claret & blue colours.

Brian Stringer RIP

The League is sad to announce the death of former President and League Treasurer Brian Stringer. Brian first appeared for Bradford Parish (now Denton Town) in 1950 and was a permanent member of their very successful first team throughout the fifties, including the winning of the Lancashire Amateur Cup in 1952-53. He became the club secretary for fourteen years from 1963-77 and continued to serve on the club committee thereafter. He was elected League President for the 1988-89 season and then accepted the invitation to manage the League’s finances for the next few years. He was a mainstay of his club for several decades and our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Club Tributes to Dave King

Received in response to the sad announcement earlier this week

I’m genuinely saddened to hear of Dave King’s passing. Horrible news; I always found him to be such a lovely fella. Please pass on mine and Sandra’s condolences. He was a gentleman, a great servant to the league and very much appreciated by myself and Sandra. His work in organising the league dinners was fantastic and it was always good to see him at Chorltonians. I’ll miss having a pint and a chat with him. Tony McNicholls, Chorltonians FC

Just seen the sad news regarding Dave. Your tributes to him in the email were obviously very heartfelt. I have fond memories of Dave from your visits to Parrswood games, I recall he liked the odd cigar. Steve Taylor, Parrswood Celtic FC.

So sorry to read the obituary for Dave King – I can only endorse all the acknowledgements and compliments for him. Dave was always so warm and friendly whenever I spoke with him at meetings, matches and presentations of course which he organised superbly. Our members will be sad to hear of his passing so on behalf of all who knew him at Rochdalians our condolences to his family and friends. Mark Wilson, Rochdalians A F C.

Nice tribute, Dave Jameson Spurley Hey FC

Just read about Dave King. Sad news. A really nice fella who worked hard for the league and football in general. A random memory I have is from the league dinners some years back (at Edgeley Park). I remember him wondering around chatting with people followed by big puffs of cigar smoke which he kept wafting away when they built up too much. A strange memory – but one that makes me smile nonetheless. Sorry for your loss gents & take care. Jack Norbury Govan Athletic Football Club.

My sadness about the news of Dave King, who always had time for a chat, I thought he was one of the really nice guys. Please pass on the thoughts of our club to Dave’s family. Peter Bird AFC Oldham.

That’s terrible news, I always remember Dave with great affection. I never thought the last time I would see him would be meeting him in Urmston to hand a trophy back, lovely man. Phil Bower Irlam Steel.

Dave King passes away

The Lancashire & Cheshire AFL is saddened to learn that Dave King has passed away at the age of 80.

Dave was one of the most well-known and well-respected members of the L&C community and dedicated more than 60 years of his life to amateur football.

Mike Yates, Chairman of the L&C, paid his own personal tribute: “Dave’s love of football shone throughout his life – as a player, manager, referee and administrator. His knowledge of the game was invaluable in shaping league policy and decision making.

“He will be greatly missed for this, but also for his friendship and popularity within the league committee and the wider L&C league.”

His love affair with the L&C began in 1958 when he joined Aldermere, and he played a remarkable 690 games for the club over a 36-year period. His versatility was obvious given the fact he played in every position for the club. He also held the post as Chairman and ‘held the club together on occasions’. It’s no surprise that he was known as “Mr Aldermere” by many.

Dave’s playing days were curtailed when he broke his leg in a game against Moston Brook, but his versatility and commitment to the league saw him thrive in other roles. Firstly, as a referee for many years. During that time, he gained a notable reputation, as fellow committee member and friend Graham Ellis explained.

He said: “There are various comments from match sheets about Dave King the referee. One said ‘the referee Dave King arrived late after struggling through traffic……and we really wish he hadn’t!’”

It highlights the respect he commanded, but also the high regard he was held in. Graham joined the committee as a result of Dave’s influence in a friendship that lasted for decades.

“Dave will be sadly missed for his football enthusiasm, his warmth, humour, his diligent work, and refereeing experiences.”

He was a vital part of the league committee for many years; during that time, Dave played a key role in all aspects of the league’s business. This included a year as President in 1994-95, and subsequently he was a staple part of the league management committee.

His ‘true vocation’, as explained by John Howard, was his role in organising the L&C’s annual presentation dinner, which is regularly attended by more than 300 guests.

John said: “The work was concentrated over a short period towards the end of the season and required the patience and charm that Dave was renowned for displaying.”

“Grassroots football has prospered over many years and the fact the L&C is now in its 112^th season bears witness to the selfless work conducted by so many people over this time.

“Dave has been one of those that has ensured the aims of the original group of league founders have been maintained.

“It has been a pleasure to have known and worked with Dave over the years and I know he will be sadly missed by all his many friends in the game.”

These warm words have been echoed by many paying their own personal tributes. A common theme emerges – one of a man who enjoyed what he did, was a pleasure to work alongside, a character whose presence everybody enjoyed, a gentleman, a man of humour who was the first to offer help, a popular presence, a person who was respected by all, and more than anything, someone who was a pleasure to know.

Geoff Garnett and Dave both began playing in the 1950s and joined the league management committee in the 1980s, at which time they got to know each other very well. Geoff describes a man who was “totally respected by clubs and their officials for his knowledge and willingness to help where needed.”

Geoff added: “His hard work, dedication, knowledge and experience was a vital asset to the league committee. There are so many happy memories I can remember sharing with Dave but the abiding ones are that he was a true legend of amateur football, never afraid to share his wisdom to benefit others.

“It was a pleasure to know Dave.”

The willingness to help is apparent in Keith Marsden’s tribute to Dave, who he described as “an unassuming type whose value to his club and the league cannot be overstated.

“At committee meetings, whenever something needed doing, he was always the first to say: ‘I can give you a hand with that’ and he certainly put tremendous efforts into organising the Annual Dinner over many years.”

Current League Secretary, Brian Davies, first met Dave in the 1990s and got to know him well because of the role of organising the Annual Dinner.

He said: “We worked closely over the final months of the season and that was always a pleasure with his friendly approach. As the date neared, Dave would make a couple of hundred phone calls to finalise the numbers and a small team ensured it all came together on the night.

“A character who will be missed by all those who knew him.”

This contribution to amateur football was recognised in 2018 at the Manchester FA Awards dinner, when Dave was presented with the Frank Hannah Lifetime Achievement Award. This was “richly deserved as his voluntary football work was simply outstanding,” Keith Marsden said, whilst Geoff Garnett described it as “fitting recognition” of his services to the amateur game.

Dave’s indelible mark will forever be imprinted within the L&C’s rich history and his legacy will endure in refereeing standards, the way the Annual Dinner is organised, and commitment necessary to make sure grassroots football thrives.

But more than anything, we mourn a “great guy who will be sadly missed,” according to LAL League Secretary Peter Duffy, and somebody who Malcom Kershaw described as “a true gent and a smashing fella.”

Everybody at the L&C is honoured to have known Dave King, and we extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

A Tribute to Jim Edmundson

A Tribute to Jim Edmondson

By Keith Marsden

In the 1980’s we were frequently short of referees and so Jim, who was the League’s Referees Secretary, would often call on me to fill in at my club Bedians. The phone would go on Saturday morning, my daughter would answer it and then shout “It’s for you, Dad. It’s that man with the laugh” and I knew it was Jim. A very appropriate description of a lovely man.

His work as Referees Secretary was nothing short of amazing as there was no software to help him, no Internet, no email. He and his wife Margaret used to spend lots of hours on a Sunday assigning referees to matches and then handwriting postcards to all the referees and clubs informing them of the next Saturday’s appointments. His phone line was extremely busy too but there was never anything other than a cheerful answer, no matter what problem he was confronted with. Jim also kept huge ledgers recording the details of all the appointments and the marks awarded to referees for every game. These are now stored with the League’s historical records in Stockport Heritage Library.

Jim was my predecessor as League Chairman and once told me that he would be glad when I took over as he regarded himself as a “backroom boy”. That is a complete understatement and Stoconians know only too well of his immense contribution over so many years. His pots of tea at Hillcrest Road were legendary and he was a regular attendee at the Annual Dinner well into his nineties.  “The man with the laugh” will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Well known by all the current league committee and many club officials, Jim was an outstanding, dedicated servant to both club and league, and his legacy are the many successors following him to keep this wonderful game thriving.

Stoconians Announcement

We have posted this announcement this evening. The details have been made public in the Stockport Express today.

Jim Edmondson – R.I.P.

Stoconians FC are sad to announce the death of our Life President Jim Edmondson who passed away peacefully on 27^th September 2020 aged 97.

Jim, affectionally known as “Mr Stoconian” has been involved with the club as a player, Secretary, Chairman, President and our first ever Life President. Jim is renowned for his famous after match cup of tea until his “retirement” at 90 years young.

Jim was involved with the L&C Committee as League President 1975-76, Vice Chairman 1990-95, Chairman 1995-97 and served around 20 seasons as Referee’s Secretary.

Jim’s funeral will be held at St Paul’s Church, Heaton Moor at 2.00pm on 12^th October 2020 and is by invitation only. The family have asked for donations in Jim’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Society via https://www.memorygiving.com/jamesedmondson

The club wish to express our condolences to the family.

Rest In Peace Jim

Mark Cavanagh, Chairman, Stoconians FC

A fond look back at a great football venue

THE L&C is now in its 111^th season – sadly interrupted – but it gives a chance to look back at some of the highlights etc in its glorious history.

One of the league’s top playing venues for well over 50 years was The Christie Playing Fields in Chorlton on the edge of Princess Road and Barlow Moor Road.

It had, due to superb underlying natural drainage, magnificent pitches probably the best pitches in the league.

Among the clubs from our league who enjoyed playing there for many years from the 1930s to the 1980s were South Manchester, West Didsbury, Rusholme, Mantact and Wythenshawe Amateurs, who all had their own club changing rooms.

West Didsbury stayed there until the 1990s before the fields were taken over to build a business park and residential homes on the beloved soccer site.

West Didsbury moved to their current occupation of Brookburn Road, Chorltonville in 1997 taking over from another historic L&C club East Chorlton who had played there since 1966 and they eventually changed their name to West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC.

At Brookburn Road the ground was part of the development of Chorltonville in the early 1900s.

The estate, now subject to a conservation order, was to be built for the poor of Hulme with sporting facilities but the finished article did not end up the way the developers intended.

The housing was built in the Arts and Crafts style of William Morris and all properties have distinctive ‘motifs’ on the front gables.

It is the setting of the houses, with grass verges and tree-lined roads which gives Chorltonville its special garden village character.

Isolated from traffic noise it is a quiet area as the roads do not provide an easy through route and it has a resident’s association that was formed to maintain the roads, paths, verges and trees.

However the sports side was provided with tennis courts and the rest of the area occupied by the football pitch which was originally the home of Old Bedians Rugby Club before they moved to Underbank Farm in East Didsbury.

It is great to see that the sporting intention of the original developers has been carried on to this day by the provision of football utilised by the younger generations of the current occupiers of the housing and other people in the area.

After leaving the league in the new millennium, to join the North West Counties FL under the guidance of West legend Rob Turley, who was the L&C President in 2003-4, the club have developed a superb football complex involving the adjoining playing fields on Chorlton Meadows catering for all levels of football, for men, juniors and ladies.

Many of the original committee from the L&C days are still involved in running a very successful and friendly club and have kept up their connections by hosting several cup finals in recent seasons and will continue to do so.

Inter League team set for action

Tonight sees the Inter League team take the field to do battle with Liverpool FA. Other updates for the week are posted below.

1. The fixture schedule is released until the end of the season. Cup fixtures that can be, have been scheduled, a reminder that after 90 minutes it is straight to penalties and referee fees are shared. Further changes will be necessary, so please check regularly. For all fixture matters contact Malcolm Kershaw fixtures@landc.org.uk.
2. 3/4G bookings – for the best prices please book pitches direct with the facility, ie the pitch provider, not via a third party such as ‘Total Football’. More information about 3G pitches, discussed at the EGM will be issued in the next day or two.
3. The Respect Handshake has been suspended in this league until further notice, see messages issued 29^th Feb.
4. The L&C Inter League team are playing away at at Liverpool FA, Walton Hall Park, Walton Hall Avenue, Liverpool, L4 9XP on the 3G pitch, Tuesday 10^th March 2020, 8.00m kick off
5. South Manchester’s secretary Tony Brogan is away 9th – 22nd March, please contact Frank Forster (0161 432 4532) or Jim Donohue 07768180780 in his absence.
6. Trophy winners from last season, who did not return trophies to the meeting please contact Mike Yates 07968162588 to return.